Microsoft has recently introduced AI-powered enhancements to its classic applications, Notepad and Paint. While these new features significantly improve text editing and image creation capabilities, they come with a catch—access to them requires a Microsoft 365 subscription. This move marks a shift in Microsoft's approach to offering its software tools, raising questions about the future of AI integration in everyday applications.
Notepad has long been a simple text editor, but Microsoft has now infused it with AI-powered text assistance, making it more functional for users who need quick text modifications. The AI-powered "Rewrite" feature in Notepad enables users to:
To use this feature, users simply highlight text, right-click, and select the "Rewrite" option. The AI then presents multiple alternative versions for selection.
This update transforms Notepad from a basic note-taking tool into an AI-assisted writing application, making it useful for quick content polishing. However, since the AI requires an internet connection to function, users must sign in with their Microsoft account.
Microsoft Paint, a long-time staple for basic image editing, is also receiving AI-powered updates. These include:
With these features, Paint becomes a more powerful tool for casual and even semi-professional graphic design. While not as robust as Adobe Photoshop, these enhancements provide users with AI-assisted editing that makes tasks quicker and more accessible.
Microsoft has placed these AI capabilities behind a Microsoft 365 subscription paywall. The available plans include:
Users receive monthly AI credits, which can be used across various Microsoft applications, including Notepad, Paint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Designer. Once a user runs out of AI credits, they must either wait until the next month’s credits are issued or upgrade to a higher-tier plan.
Some users see this as a step forward, making AI-powered tools more accessible within familiar applications. The integration of AI into Notepad and Paint allows for quick, smart edits without needing third-party software.
However, others have expressed frustration over AI-powered features being locked behind a paywall in what were traditionally free applications. This move follows Microsoft’s broader trend of transitioning towards subscription-based software services.
Some users worry that future AI enhancements in Windows applications may also become subscription-based, potentially limiting accessibility to advanced tools unless users are willing to pay.
Microsoft’s decision to integrate AI into Notepad and Paint represents a shift in how basic applications are evolving with artificial intelligence. While the AI-powered features enhance text editing and image creation, the fact that they require a Microsoft 365 subscription has sparked debate about accessibility and pricing.
For now, the core functionalities of Notepad and Paint remain free, but these AI additions signal a growing trend where premium AI-powered capabilities might increasingly come at a cost.
Would you pay for AI features in Notepad and Paint? Let us know your thoughts!
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