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The Windows 11 Photos app is undergoing exciting developments with the addition of two key AI-powered features. Microsoft announced that the app will now include background blur, which is commonly known as “portrait mode” on smartphones. Furthermore, the OneDrive app has received smarter search capabilities for photos, allowing users to search based on the content of the picture, such as specific scenes or objects.
Enhanced Photo Search
In the past, Microsoft received criticism for the new Photos app, as the legacy version was deemed better. However, the updated Photos app now allows users to connect it to OneDrive, enabling seamless photo searches. By leveraging AI technology, users can search for specific content, like beach scenes, directly from the regular Photos app.
Spot Fix and AI-Powered Search
In May, Microsoft reintroduced Spot Fix to Photos, a feature that enables users to highlight a small area and use AI to filter out any anomalies, such as dust particles on a laptop. Additionally, the latest update to the Photos app includes AI-powered search capabilities connected to OneDrive. This empowers users to search for specific photos based on their content, providing a more efficient and personalized photo browsing experience.
Microsoft
Background Blur and Magic Select
Background blur is a notable addition to the Windows 11 Photos app. This feature resembles Paint3D’s Magic Select, which has now been integrated into Paint. Both features allow users to separate the foreground subject from the background. Magic Select removes the background entirely, while Background Blur applies an AI blur filter. Although the portrait mode/background blur feature demonstrated on the Surface Duo 2 smartphone had some flaws, the Photos app aims to improve upon it, with adjustable options for Background Blur.
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Exciting Updates for Windows 11 Photos App
These new features are currently available in the Canary and Dev Channels of Microsoft Photos. Although their availability to all users is not guaranteed, it is promising to witness the unexpected improvements being made to the Photos app. With background blur and enhanced search capabilities, Microsoft continues to enhance the multimedia experience on Windows 11. One can only hope that Magic Select will be the next addition to this remarkable app.
Can I use the background blur feature on any Windows 11 device?
The background blur feature is available on devices that support the Windows 11 operating system and have the updated Photos app.
How can I connect Photos to OneDrive for seamless photo searches?
To connect Photos to OneDrive, simply access the drop-down menu on the left-hand rail of the Photos app and follow the prompts to link your accounts.
Is Background Blur customizable?
Yes, the Background Blur feature in the Photos app allows users to adjust the level of blur applied to the background of their photos.
Can I still use the Spot Fix feature in the updated Photos app?
Absolutely! The Spot Fix feature, which utilizes AI to remove anomalies from photos, is still available in the updated Photos app.
Will these AI-powered features be available to all users?
While the current update is available in the Canary and Dev Channels, there is a possibility that these features will be rolled out to all users in the future.
