Windows 10: Microsoft silently introduces Windows AI Lab to let users test experimental features

Microsoft has quietly introduced a way to allow users to test experimental features. You can opt in to the Windows AI Lab.

Last week, Windows Latest reported that Microsoft was testing Windows AI Labs. The feature was spotted in Microsoft Paint, which displayed a pop-up that said, "Try experimental AI features in paint". It had an option to sign up for the Windows AI Labs program for paint from the app's settings.



(Image courtesy: Windows Latest)

The settings page had 2 buttons, Sign up, to discover the new AI-powered tools in Paint, and share feedback about the features. It also had a "Not interested" button, to dismiss the message.

So, is this available in the Windows 11 stable version? Or is it exclusive for Insiders? I couldn't find any information about this, so I just checked the Paint app version number seen in the screenshot, Paint 11.2508.361.0. That's the one I wrote about a few days ago, it was released for Windows Insiders and introduced the option to save your work as a project. Based on that, this AI labs feature is likely only for Windows Insiders on a Canary or Dev Channel build of Windows 11, and not for stable users.

Today, Microsoft told The Verge in a statement that "The Windows AI Lab is a pilot acceleration program for validating novel AI feature ideas on Windows. The program focuses on rapid customer feedback on feature usability, customer interest, and market fit."

An official confirmation is good, this is essentially a pre-release update program to provide early access to features that are being tested, and may not make it to the final version. Now, I still can't find any documentation regarding the Windows AI Labs program. That's rather odd. It's unclear why this Windows AI Lab has only been seen in Paint, and not it in Notepad, Snipping Tool, etc., given that those apps were also updated recently.

I think early access to features might have been cool in the pre-AI era, but it's a different story now, not everyone wants to use AI. Do you use Microsoft 365? Well, you should know that Copilot may be installed automatically on your PC, with some exceptions.

What about you? Early access to AI features in Windows apps?

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YouTube testing new experimental generative AI features

Source: https://support.google.com/youtube/thread/242690316[/URL]

 

Introducing a big update to Windows 11 making the everyday easier including bringing the new AI-powered Bing to the taskbar

Introducing a big update to Windows 11 making the everyday easier including bringing the new AI-powered Bing to the taskbar | Windows Experience Blog

The following notes coincide with the Windows 11 22H2 update released on Feb 28th, 2023.

• New AI-powered Bing to the taskbar: A major update to Windows 11 that adds the new Bing in the taskbar and other features that make the PC more relevant and useful in the age of AI.
  

• Additional new Windows 11 features in the update, designed to make your everyday easier: More new features from across the team that aim to simplify and enhance various aspects of using Windows 11, such as connecting with phones, video calling, getting help and accessing widgets.
  

• Introducing Phone Link for iOS in preview: A preview of Phone Link for iOS that allows iPhone users to link their devices to their Windows 11 PCs and receive calls and texts without interruption.
  

• Android phone users get an even richer experience: Some improvements for Android users who use Phone Link, such as activating personal hotspot, transferring browser sessions and accessing recent websites from their phones on their PCs.
  

• Broadcast your best self, right when you need to with advanced AI: Windows Studio Effects, a collection of audio and video effects powered by advanced AI that enable users to customize their video calling experience with features like eye contact, background blur and voice focus. It also mentions some new devices that support these features.
  

• Connect in more ways with a simple click: Chat with Microsoft Teams integration that makes it easier for users to communicate with their contacts from their desktops on the taskbar. It also mentions a revamped signature experience that allows users to preview their video and jump straight into a call or share a call link through any app.
  

• Providing help is easier than ever with the redesigned Quick Assist app: Quick Assist app that helps users provide technical assistance to family and friends remotely. It also mentions some new capabilities like switching between screen sharing and full control and using a laser pointer to highlight things on screen.
  

• More of the news and information you care about is just a swipe away: Some new Widgets that deliver important information at a glance, such as Phone Link, Xbox Game Pass, Meta and Spotify. It also provides information on developer tools to create widgets for Windows customers.
  

• Enhancing your touch experience: Some enhancements for touch experiences on Windows 11 devices, such as touch controls for Snap, haptics feedback for virtual keyboard and voice typing with auto punctuation.
  

 

Introducing Google Gmail Labs

Google is inviting Gmail users in the US and UK to participate in the testing of Gmail Labs. Launched today, the latest Google service brings a list of experimental new features that will eventually become part of Gmail. Gmail Labs is available now through the Settings/Labs page of your Gmail box.

Source: Official Gmail Blog