Microsoft has started rolling out a new update for Windows Insider testers, adding useful functionality to Windows 11's Snipping Tool.
The Snipping Tool now detects QR codes, making it easier to access screenshot links. Automatic QR code identification and clickable links appear in the text actions part of the canvas.
Windows 11 Snipping Tool Updates: Here's What to Know
According to The Verge, the Windows 11 Snipping Tool update adds emoji and QR code capabilities. Microsoft's 3D emoji may also be added to screenshots using the shapes toolbar. These emojis may be scaled and positioned to improve screenshots.
Microsoft also added shape fill and outline color opacity to the Shapes toolbar. Users can activate or disable the ruler tool by pressing CTRL + R, which helps measure.
Snipping Tool and Paint updates begin rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels. Read the blog post from @dgrochocki for all the details. These are some fun updates! https://t.co/mm6BvrlnwS ^BLB
— Windows Insider Program (@windowsinsider) May 9, 2024
In this Windows 11 Snipping Tool upgrade, Microsoft renamed AI-powered Pain Cocreater to Image Creator. This feature allows users to produce graphics from text prompts easily.
This Snipping Tool update follows Microsoft's recent announcement of adding prompt-writing capabilities to Microsoft 365 Copilot's generative AI technology to improve user experiences, as TechTimes previously reported.
The upgraded Microsoft 365 Copilot, a subscription service with AI assistants in Office products, will have an auto-complete tool to propose quick changes.
The update features a new AI-powered tool allowing users to improve prompt information as they write, possibly improving content or searches. Typing "summarize" may propose summarizing the user's previous ten unopened emails or office chores.
Microsoft also adds an "elaborate your prompt" option to Copilot for Microsoft 365, allowing users to customize file operation prompts.
Read also: Meet MAI-1: Microsoft Is Developing New AI Model to Challenge Google and OpenAI, Report Says
Copilot for Microsoft 365 also offers a "Catch Up" chat interface to provide information and insights for meeting preparation.
Microsoft and LinkedIn introduced these new capabilities as part of their annual Work Trend Index, which evaluates workplace AI use. Business AI utilization was assessed using LinkedIn recruiting trends and Microsoft 365 data from 31,000 respondents in 31 countries.
Microsoft found that 75% of workers use AI, with 78% using their tools rather than corporate ones. LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky emphasized the revolutionary influence of AI on work and the importance of adaptability and skill-building to drive competitiveness and create efficient, engaged, and egalitarian teams.
Biden Lauds Microsoft's AI Investment
In a separate development, US President Joe Biden visited Wisconsin on Wednesday for the launch of Microsoft's $3.3 billion investment in an AI data center, per NBC News.
Former President Donald Trump championed a $10 billion Foxconn factory as a cornerstone of the U.S. tech industry recovery, but the data center project will replace it. Despite lofty ambitions, the Foxconn facility never materialized.
Biden promoted his administration's infrastructure, clean energy, and private-sector investment plans. He described Microsoft's AI data center investment as a transformational infrastructure enhancement providing citizens with high-paying employment and vocational training.
