Just when we thought Microsoft Paint had reached its peak with the addition of layers and transparency, a hacker has unveiled hidden capabilities in the app. According to a series of tweets by user @PhantomOfEarth, Microsoft Paint’s latest update in the Dev/Canary channels includes strings for a new AI-based image generation feature, intriguingly named “Cocreator.”
The latest Paint app update in Dev/Canary (11.2308.18.0) includes strings for a new image generation feature:
Cocreator
Describe what you'd like to create
Try "a cat walking in a wood" or "A house made out of leaves"
Choose a style— PhantomOcean3 💙💛 (@PhantomOfEarth) September 18, 2023
Cocreator: AI-Powered Imaginations
The feature is described as being powered by DALL-E, an AI system known for generating realistic images from text descriptions. Users will be able to input text-based descriptions like “a cat walking in a wood” or “A house made out of leaves” and select a style for the image they want to create.
A New Dimension to Digital Creativity
The integration of DALL-E into Microsoft Paint could revolutionize the way we interact with this venerable software. If fully implemented, Cocreator could help users who lack artistic skills to produce high-quality, complex images just by describing what they want.
Layers, Transparency, and Now AI
Microsoft Paint’s ongoing evolution is fascinating to witness. The software recently incorporated layers and transparency, making it more versatile and competitive in the realm of image editing. The addition of AI-driven features like Cocreator could set a precedent for other basic software tools to follow, making AI not just an advanced technology but a standard feature.
Ethical and User Experience Considerations
As with any AI application, ethical considerations will likely come into play. The capacity for generating images based on text prompts opens the door to misuse, and Microsoft will need to tread carefully to ensure the technology is used responsibly.
The Road Ahead: An AI-Infused Palette
Microsoft has yet to confirm the existence of these AI features in Paint, but if @PhantomOfEarth’s findings hold true, we could be on the cusp of a new era in digital creativity. As these features are currently hidden, it may be a while before they become publicly available.
Bridging the Gap Between Imagination and Reality
The recent revelations about Microsoft Paint indicate that it is not just receiving incremental updates; it is undergoing a transformative evolution. From layers to transparency, and now potentially AI-based image generation, Paint is poised to bridge the gap between imagination and reality, reshaping our creative landscape.
