Because people panicked over reports that Microsoft will retire MS Paint, a simple art program that's also the catalyst for either amazing or truly horrifying art, the company is now trying to tell everyone to calm down.
MS Paint Isn't Going Away: Microsoft
Paint will not go away, Microsoft confirms. After an "incredible outpouring of support and nostalgia" for Paint, the company wanted to clear the tumult surrounding the alleged shutdown of Paint.
"MS Paint is here to stay, it will just have a new home soon, in the Windows Store where it will be available for free," says Microsoft in a blog post. There you go, folks. No need to saturate the web with doom-filled memes and epic freakouts. Paint isn't going anywhere, and that's directly from Microsoft itself.
Microsoft will, however, herald a newer, much sophisticated program called Paint 3D. Those with PCs currently running the Windows 10 Creators Update, or beta testers who are part of Microsoft's Windows Insider program probably already know Paint 3D — it's basically a nerfed version of Paint that can do pretty cool things, specifically with 3D illustrations. Many features on Paint are also available on Paint 3D.
Why People Freaked Out About Microsoft Removing MS Paint
The outcry, though illogical considering Paint 3D is basically the same thing but better, is understandable and not at all surprising. Many professional artists probably got started on MS Paint with crude illustrations or comics, and slowly improved from there. It served as the breeding ground for aspiring artists back in its heyday, so seeing it dead is an image many simply won't welcome.
The reversal comes after Microsoft announced earlier this week that along with other apps, MS Paint will be "deprecated" in the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, out this fall. That category puts MS Paint in a list of software that while functional, would stop receiving updates and could potentially be phased out entirely.
It caused a phenomenal wave of reactions, making "RIPMSPaint" trend throughout the day. Many love MS Paint for its simplicity. Though it's nowhere near Adobe Photoshop in terms of flexibility and versatility, it stands on its own as a beginner's art software. Photoshop can be daunting for many neophytes trying to follow their inner artist, so MS Paint is a decent, perhaps even excellent, entry point. It has been a staple program since 1985. Artists use it today mostly for complex pixel art.
Other than MS Paint, Microsoft also announced that its Outlook Express and Reader app will integrate with the Edge browser, but no one complained about that, it looks like.
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