Microsoft is set to infuse its classic Paint application with artificial intelligence as part of a Windows 11 update, aiming to augment the creativity of users even if their artistic skills are more stick-figure than Picasso. This move aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy to integrate AI into its consumer products, ranging from virtual chatbots to notetaking and editing tools, and now, surprisingly, MS Paint.

MS Paint, one of the most basic and enduring applications in Microsoft's arsenal since its introduction in 1985, is poised to undergo a transformation. The simplicity of the application makes it an ideal candidate for demonstrating AI's potential to save time and enhance tasks. By leveraging AI, users can create visually appealing artwork using the most rudimentary of tools, which is in line with the core purpose of AI.

The update will introduce features such as generative fill, which allows users to incorporate AI-generated graphics into their artwork by simply typing in their desired imagery. This capability not only allows users to create and edit AI images but also to layer them onto their existing artwork. The feature will initially be available to Windows Insider program members, who get to preview new offerings from Microsoft.

To utilize generative fill, users will need to have Microsoft Copilot+, the company's latest AI software iteration, installed on their computers. Additionally, the update will expand access to Image Creator, an AI-image generator powered by Dall-E, to more users in Europe, thanks to Microsoft's partnership with OpenAI.

This integration of AI into Paint is part of a larger trend in the tech industry, where AI-generated artwork has captivated the public's imagination since the launch of OpenAI’s Dall-E image creation tool in 2021. The text-to-image artwork concept has become a central focus for some Big Tech products, with Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, acknowledging the prevalence of AI content on Facebook and Instagram and expressing his intention to increase the distribution of AI-generated images across platforms.

Microsoft's revamp of Paint is a strategic move to maintain a competitive edge in the AI race. In October, Microsoft introduced significant updates to its Copilot virtual assistant to enhance its utility and user-friendliness. Microsoft users will also experience AI features in Notepad, the company's writing platform, which will assist in rewriting or editing sentences with AI assistance.

Apple also joined the AI fray in October, unveiling its first set of AI features for the iPhone as part of its iOS 18.1 software update, with "Writing Tools" offering similar editing capabilities to Microsoft's AI features in Notepad.

Another new feature in MS Paint is generative erase, an AI tool that enables users to remove unwanted objects from images without distorting the background. This feature is available to all Microsoft PCs with Windows 11, further democratizing AI-powered image editing.

In conclusion, Microsoft's decision to enhance MS Paint with AI reflects the company's commitment to making AI technology accessible and user-friendly, empowering users to express their creativity with ease and efficiency.