Microsoft Introduces AI-Enhanced Notepad for Windows Insiders

Microsoft is set to unveil an AI-enabled Notepad, allowing Windows Insiders exclusive early access to new features that showcase the company's commitment to artificial intelligence. This follows the announcement of updates for Paint, including features like Generative Fill and Erase.

The new functionality in Notepad is called "Rewrite." This feature allows users to select text and have it rewritten based on their preferences regarding tone, format, and length. For instance, if a user finds their text overly casual or lengthy, they can request three alternative versions to choose from, while still having the option to revert to the original text.

To ensure a positive user experience, Microsoft incorporates a filtering system aimed at preventing the generation of inappropriate content. This system is designed with criteria that reflect the company's values, such as human dignity, diversity, and inclusion. However, Microsoft also acknowledges that this filtering system may not catch every issue, and users are encouraged to report any undesirable outputs.

The Rewrite feature runs on Microsoft’s cloud, necessitating a Microsoft account for access. Additionally, users will need AI credits to utilize this function, with the option to purchase more credits if they exhaust their initial allocation.

• Windows Notepad finally gets spell check after 41 years
• Criticism arises from Notepad++ developers over a similar service
• Notepad is evolving from a simple text editor into a significant AI tool
• Microsoft's focus on AI seems to extend to even the most basic applications

Updates to Paint are also on the horizon, with Generative Erase enabling the elimination of unwanted objects from images and Generative Fill allowing users to modify or enhance artwork based on textual descriptions.

While users may question whether typing a phrase like "medieval castle" and seeing the AI create a drawing is a remarkable innovation, each feature contributes to progressing AI applications.

Community Reactions and Performance Improvements

Familiarity with tools like Notepad makes changes to its functionality a little contentious among traditional users who may find the shift from its simple origins concerning. In contrast, developers of Notepad++, a popular alternative, currently avoid AI integrations despite the availability of plugins for generating code. Meanwhile, Microsoft claims that these updates will significantly enhance the performance of Notepad, improving launch times by more than 35%, with some users benefiting from enhancements as high as 55%.

The Rewrite feature will initially be available in preview form to users in several countries, including the USA, France, the UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany. Users in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand will require a Microsoft 365 Family or Personal account or a Copilot Pro subscription to access this functionality once it is rolled out.

Microsoft, Notepad, AI