Microsoft might be trying to sneak Bing into one of Windows 11s apps and
some users wont be happy

Date:
Fri, 10 May 2024 09:35:30 +0000

Description:
Need more Bing in your life? Snipping Tool users in Windows 11 might be getting just that, like it, or perhaps not...

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Windows 11s Snipping Tool is getting more useful updates in testing though Microsoft is looking to sneak Bing into the mix here, too, by the looks of things.

The update for Snipping Tool is in the process of rolling out to testers in the Canary and Dev channels, and it comes alongside a minor update for the Paint app too, so lets get that out of the way first (and well come back to that major Bing change later).

The new version of Paint (v11.2404.42.0) comes with a small but notable
tweak. Microsoft has decided its AI feature that knocks up pictures for the user upon request is no long called Cocreator but is now Image Creator.

As for Snipping Tool, with version 11.2404.37.0, Microsoft is introducing the ability to drop emoji into screenshots, which you can move around or resize before planting them in the image.

Also new is functionality that detects QR codes in screenshots, allowing you to instantly follow where the code is linking to.

Finally, Microsoft has added the ability to change the opacity of a shape fill, and the ruler tool has returned.

Remember, this is all just in testing for now, and you can find the full details of the changes in Microsofts blog post . Analysis: Bing search in the mix

Most of these Windows 11 Snipping Tool changes were spotted already, hidden
in test builds, so its no surprise to see them formally arrive in the app.
And speaking of hidden features, theres another one thats just been pointed out by leaker PhantomOfEarth on X (formerly Twitter). Another feature coming soon to Snipping Tool (yes, more!): visual search with Bing. pic.twitter.com/h6HOblr0Rq May 9, 2024 See more

As mentioned at the outset, this appears to be Microsoft cramming Bing into yet another of its products by way of a Visual search with Bing option. This is functionality that will fire up an image search, with the Bing engine, for the current screenshot. Although we dont know how itll work yet, it could present results in-line in the app (in a panel, maybe), or more likely open the search in Edge. (Microsoft will never miss a chance to get Edge open,
lets face it).

Although in fairness, this feature could be useful to some, others may regard it as cluttering up Snipping Tools menu. At any rate, this isnt actually in testing its not rolling out yet, anyway, but the leaker suggests it likely will soon.

Regarding the change of name in Paint, Image Creator is a more direct and to the point name for the feature than Cocreator. As well as bringing it in line with Microsofts use of this name elsewhere, this could be read as an indication that the AI powers of Paint wont be expanded any further than
image generation. (As Cocreator kind of suggests an assistant with more sweeping powers, perhaps). You might also like... Forget Apples M4 MacBooks Lenovos Snapdragon X Elite laptops have been spotted Watch out: soon some older PCs will lose Windows 11 support Dont make these 5 big mistakes when using Windows 11



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-might-be-trying-to-sneak -bing-into-one-of-windows-11s-apps-and-some-users-wont-be-happy


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