Microsoft has announced a significant update to its Photos app, now beginning to roll out to Windows Insiders. This update introduces a host of new features and enhancements that promise to enrich the user experience, particularly on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. Highlighted below are the main aspects of this update, which aims to improve functionality, leverage advanced AI technologies, and enhance overall usability.
Super Resolution Feature
The standout feature in this update is the introduction of super resolution, a technology preview now available to Windows Insiders. This sophisticated feature employs AI to enhance and enlarge images, boosting them up to eight times their original size. This capability is particularly useful when working with low-quality photos, preparing images for large-format prints or displays, and executing detailed crops without losing resolution quality.
Leveraging Neural Processing Unit (NPU)
Central to the efficiency of the super resolution feature is its utilization of the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) on Copilot+ PCs. This allows for rapid and efficient image processing, with all enhancements conducted locally on the machine. The integration of the NPU demonstrates Microsoft's commitment to leveraging advanced hardware capabilities for superior Software performance.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Support
In addition to super resolution, the update introduces Optical Character Recognition (OCR) support within the Photos app. This powerful feature allows users to detect and extract text from images, supporting over 160 languages. Once text is identified, users can easily copy it to their clipboard. The OCR feature is conveniently accessible via an icon that appears at the bottom of an image with identified text.
Navigation and User Experience Improvements
Microsoft is also implementing several improvements to enhance navigation and user experience. The Photos app now features single-click support in the Gallery, enabling users to open individual images more efficiently. Double-click functionality remains available for those accustomed to the traditional method. Additionally, the update offers enhanced Zoom capabilities, including the automatic resizing of large images within the Viewer window and improved synchronization between the zoom slider and selection display.
Bug Fixes and Quality Improvements
The update addresses several bugs and improves overall quality, focusing on the Image creator and Restyle image features available on Copilot+ PCs. These fixes aim to provide a more reliable and enjoyable experience for users engaging with advanced image editing features.
Availability
This significant update is currently accessible to Windows Insiders using Windows 11 across all Insider Channels—Canary, Dev, and Release Preview. It specifically targets Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs running Windows 11, version 24H2 and higher. To take advantage of these new features, users must update their Photos app to version 2024.11100.17007.0 or higher through the Microsoft Store.
Feedback
Microsoft encourages users who have received the update to offer their insights and feedback via the Feedback Hub. This can be done by pressing Win + F and navigating to **Apps > Photos** to ensure that the development team receives valuable user input for further refinements.
Overall, this update reflects Microsoft's ongoing dedication to enhancing its Photos app, providing users with cutting-edge tools that combine the power of AI with user-friendly design.
Logics Technology Managed IT Services