Windows Notepad is Getting AI Summaries
I was recently knee-deep in a massive Notepad document, trying to find a single important detail buried in a sea of text. It felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.
That’s why I was thrilled to hear Microsoft is now testing AI-powered summaries in Windows Notepad, rolling out the feature to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels. Finally, a smarter way to navigate my notes!
Notepad's new AI-powered 'Summarize' feature allows users to generate concise summaries of their notes instantly. With this new feature, summarizing text becomes effortless. Highlight the desired section, right-click, and select 'Summarize.' Alternatively, use the Ctrl + M shortcut or access the feature through the Copilot menu. To utilize these AI capabilities, a Microsoft account is required. Microsoft 365 subscribers will use their AI credits when employing this feature. But, if you prefer the traditional Notepad experience, you can disable AI features in the settings.
Beyond AI summaries, Microsoft is enhancing Notepad with a 'recently closed files' feature, allowing quick access to previously closed documents. Additionally, the Snipping Tool is gaining a 'draw & hold' feature, enabling users to draw straight lines and shapes more easily, similar to functionalities found in other platforms.
Microsoft isn’t alone in this AI push. Google recently added AI-generated summaries in Google Docs through its Duet AI, helping users condense long documents and extract key insights quickly. Similarly, Notion has integrated AI to summarize notes, answer questions, and organize content more efficiently underscoring how AI-powered tools are becoming essential for improving productivity across different platforms.
By incorporating AI into Notepad, a longstanding Windows application, Microsoft is paving the way for more intelligent and user-friendly software experiences.
Incorporating AI into Notepad signifies a shift towards more intuitive and efficient text editing, aligning with the broader trend of AI integration in software applications.