Microsoft’s New Windows AI Lab Tests Experimental Features
▼ Summary
– Microsoft is testing experimental AI features through a new Windows AI Labs program.
– The program is designed to provide early access to new AI features across Windows for rapid customer feedback.
– The Windows AI Labs program was first spotted in pre-release updates to Microsoft Paint.
– Microsoft has been adding Photoshop-like features to Paint, but the specific AI tools for testing are not yet clear.
– Microsoft has been updating various Windows apps, including Notepad and File Explorer, with AI-powered features.
Microsoft is launching a new initiative called Windows AI Labs, a program designed to give select testers early access to experimental artificial intelligence features within the Windows operating system. The move signals a deeper integration of AI across Microsoft’s ecosystem, allowing the company to gather rapid customer feedback on new tools before a wider release. References to the program recently appeared in pre-release builds of the classic application Microsoft Paint, prompting speculation about its purpose.
A Microsoft spokesperson has confirmed the program’s existence and objectives. Mike Harsh, a partner director of product management, explained that the Windows AI Lab acts as a pilot program for validating novel AI concepts directly within the Windows environment. The primary goal is to assess feature usability, gauge customer interest, and determine overall market fit based on real-world testing. This approach allows Microsoft to refine and iterate on AI-powered ideas quickly.
Although the invitation to join Windows AI Labs has surfaced within Paint, the specific AI features slated for testing remain under wraps. Microsoft has significantly modernized Paint in recent months, introducing advanced capabilities such as support for layers, transparency, and dedicated project files. This evolution suggests that AI tools similar to those found in Adobe’s Photoshop, like generative fill or intelligent object removal, could be on the horizon for the revamped application.
This initiative is part of a broader push by Microsoft to embed AI functionality throughout its suite of Windows applications. Users have already seen the introduction of AI-powered features in several core apps. Notepad now includes free AI-assisted writing tools, Paint has gained image generation capabilities, and File Explorer is experimenting with intelligent “AI actions” to simplify complex tasks. The Windows AI Labs program represents the next logical step in this company-wide strategy, creating a dedicated channel for experimenting with the next generation of intelligent features.
(Source: The Verge)
