Microsoft’s On-Device AI Can Now Power Your Copy-Paste
▼ Summary
– Microsoft is upgrading its Advanced Paste tool in PowerToys for Windows 11 with the 0.96 update to use on-device AI models.
– The tool can now route requests through Microsoft’s Foundry Local or open-source Ollama, running AI models on the device’s NPU instead of the cloud.
– This eliminates the need for API credits for actions like translating or summarizing clipboard text and keeps data on the device.
– Advanced Paste now supports multiple online models including Azure OpenAI, Gemini, and Mistral, expanding beyond its previous OpenAI-only support.
– A new design tweak shows current clipboard content and includes a model selection drop-down menu for better usability.
Microsoft’s latest update to its PowerToys utility for Windows 11 brings a significant boost to the Advanced Paste tool, now enhanced with on-device artificial intelligence capabilities. This means users can tap into local AI models for tasks like translating or summarizing copied text without ever sending data to the cloud. The 0.96 release allows you to direct requests through either Microsoft’s Foundry Local tool or the open-source Ollama platform, both leveraging your device’s neural processing unit (NPU) to handle AI workloads locally.
By processing AI tasks directly on your hardware, you eliminate the need for purchasing API credits and gain greater control over your personal information. Your data remains securely on your device, offering a more private and cost-effective alternative to cloud-based AI services.
In addition to on-device options, Advanced Paste now supports integration with several popular online AI models. You can configure the tool to work with Azure OpenAI, Gemini, and Mistral, expanding its flexibility beyond the earlier limitation to just OpenAI. This broader compatibility lets you choose the AI service that best fits your specific needs, whether you prioritize performance, features, or accessibility.
The update also introduces a refreshed interface for Advanced Paste. A new design clearly displays your current clipboard contents and adds a convenient drop-down menu for selecting your preferred AI model. These improvements make the tool more intuitive and user-friendly, streamlining how you interact with AI-powered copy-paste functions in your daily workflow.
(Source: The Verge)
