This week, Microsoft began distributing the next feature update for Windows 11 23H2 and Windows 11 22H2. It will bring with it a lot of interesting innovations, including expanding the capabilities of the Copilot AI assistant in terms of managing the user’s computer, adding Generative Erase to the Photos app, improved Snap layouts, and much more.
Even though Microsoft has already started mass distribution of the said update, the software giant has warned that some features may not be available even after installing it. For example, new features related to the Copilot AI assistant will begin rolling out at the end of March.
We are talking about new skills that will allow, for example, to ask Copilot to turn on battery saving mode, show available Wi-Fi networks, empty the trash, activate Narrator or Magnifier, turn on high contrast mode, etc. In addition, new plugins will allow the AI assistant to interact with different services, such as OpenTable and Shopify.
Another innovation will be the Generative Erase function in the Photos application. It is based on an AI algorithm and allows you to easily remove unnecessary objects from photos. It is enough to simply select the objects that need to be removed and start the image processing process, and the algorithm will do the rest. Removed objects are replaced by generated pixels that blend seamlessly into the overall color scheme, giving the impression that the photo has not been edited.
The developers also updated the “Widgets” panel. Users can now categorize widgets. The Microsoft News feed remains available, but users now have the option to disable it by removing it from the widget panel.
The Snap feature, which lets you resize app windows, is getting smarter. Smart suggestions have appeared in the window layout menu that will help you quickly group multiple application windows based on how often the user interacts with a particular software product.
For Windows 11 devices equipped with a touch screen, it is now possible to make handwritten inserts directly over editable fields using the Windows Ink feature. In addition to this, the developers have expanded the number of applications in which the Windows Ink tool can be used.
The Share feature, which allows you to share files, has also been improved. Now you can send files to WhatsApp, Snapchat and Instagram✴, and later the number of supported services will continue to increase. Nearby Share now provides faster data transfer speeds when users share files with devices within the same network.
The Phone Link tool in Windows 11 will allow you to quickly access photos and screenshots on a synced smartphone. In addition to this, users will be able to use the smartphone as a camera in video conferencing applications.
Microsoft also continues to improve accessibility features in Windows 11 for users with disabilities. The Voice Access feature will allow you to use voice commands to interact with the OS, as well as create your own voice commands to perform various actions, for example, opening folders, inserting text, launching applications, links, etc.
Although the update has already begun rolling out, it may take some time before it is available on all compatible devices. To speed up this process, you can enable the “Get the latest updates as soon as they become available” option in Windows Update, and then check for available updates.
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