Microsoft has recently announced that some features in its longstanding apps, Notepad and Paint, will now require a paid subscription for access. These features, which utilize artificial intelligence (AI), include an image generator in Paint and AI rewriting of text in Notepad. Users without a paid Microsoft 365 account may find these features grayed out in the apps, while non-AI features should continue to work as usual. Microsoft’s investment in AI, particularly through its partnership with OpenAI, has led to the integration of AI features in various apps and services, including Xbox gaming and voice and reasoning features for Windows.
The introduction of AI features in Microsoft apps has resulted in increased prices for Microsoft 365 in some regions, with the subscription service typically costing around $10 per month or $99 per year. While some users may appreciate the added functionalities that AI brings, not all efforts have been well-received. For example, the Copilot feature Recall, which captures snapshots of user activities to improve search, faced criticism over privacy and security concerns. There were reports that Recall could potentially capture sensitive information such as credit card numbers and social security numbers during the process of taking screenshots of user activity.
Despite the paywalling of AI features in Notepad and Paint, Windows users without a Microsoft 365 subscription should still be able to access and utilize these apps for their other functionalities. Microsoft had previously provided some details about the new AI features in a blog post from November. It is unclear how users will react to the move to require a paid subscription for certain features in these apps, especially as AI becomes more prevalent in everyday technology. Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance its products with AI demonstrate the company’s commitment to innovation and staying competitive in the tech industry.
As AI continues to be integrated into various aspects of technology, companies like Microsoft are leveraging these advancements to improve user experiences and drive innovation. While the addition of AI features in apps like Notepad and Paint may offer new capabilities, the decision to lock certain functionalities behind a paywall could potentially alienate some users. The privacy and security concerns raised by features like Recall highlight the need for companies to prioritize user data protection and transparency. It will be interesting to see how Microsoft’s strategy with AI evolves and how users’ perceptions of these technologies may influence the future of software development.
