When it started distribution of Windows 11 24H2 in early October, Microsoft promised several AI features. Now one of them is entering the test circuits. Super resolution artificially enlarges your photos up to 8x. This will help old pictures that you took with one of the first digital cameras.
Upscaling can be found in the application Photo 2024.11100.17007.0 and in newer builds. The Redmonds initially talked about the fact that testing will begin in unspecified regions. Let’s just say that the pilot phase is indeed limited in scope, but not geographically. At least they don’t admit it.
Another good news is that AI image upscaling is being tested in all Insider channels. So you don’t have to jump into early development versions of Windows 11, you can make do with the secure Release Preview channel, for example. The game is currently in Beta, as it does not yet support Windows 11 24H2 – and you must have this version of the system.
Increasing the resolution of photos is only supported on Snapdragon X so far
Super resolution, as the novelty is called in the original, uses an AI accelerator, so everything happens locally. However, they are supported in the first wave only accelerators in Snapdragon X processors. If you bought a Copilot+ computer that has an AMD or Intel processor, don’t let your taste buds go for now.
Or look for an alternative. There are online upscaling services, but also good programs that run locally and use the graphics chip instead of the AI accelerator.
Microsoft introduced another new feature for the Photos app. OCR recognizes characters in images and converts them to digital text. Not only Windows 11, but also Windows 10 will see it. Optical character recognition was offered almost a year ago by another tool from Microsoft. However, more modern Clippings are only available in Jedenátky.
Resources: Windows Insider Blog
Microsoft Windows 11’s AI Features: Super Resolution and More!
Ah, Microsoft! When you think of advancements, you typically picture a bunch of folks in hoodies having existential crises over whether to release their software when it’s ready, or when everyone has given up on waiting. But here we are, in the golden age of Windows 11 — the era where AI takes your blurry vacation photos from ‘is that a fish or a potato?’ to ‘Well, at least it’s a fish now.’ Let’s break down this super exciting development, shall we?
Super Resolution: The Photo Enhancer We Never Knew We Needed
So, Microsoft has just rolled out a shiny new feature called Super Resolution, and it promises to enlarge your photos up to 8x. This should be excellent news for anyone still clinging to that photo taken with a digital camera in 2001 — remember those? Back when you had more pixels in your flip phone than in your actual photo? Now, thanks to this feature, that grainy memory of Aunt Edna can finally transform into something resembling a photograph rather than a blob. And as if the nostalgia isn’t enough, it’s all happening right there on your device!
Where and How Can You Get Your Hands on This AI Wizardry?
The upscaling function is nestled inside the Photo 2024.11100.17007.0 application, but hold your horses — you might have to show a bit of patience before it lands on your machine. Microsoft has decided to dip its toes into limited testing (you know, the kind where you’re the last one picked in dodgeball) across unspecified regions. Just hope you aren’t living somewhere “unlucky” because they’re keeping this tight-lipped.
Fortunately, the testing isn’t an exclusive club! If you’re part of the Insider channels, you’re in luck. No need to wade through the murky waters of early development versions. Just stick to the safe Release Preview, grab some popcorn, and wait for your upscaled photos to amaze you. Just remember, this game is still in Beta mode and only supports the newest Windows 11 24H2 version. So if you’re still clinging to Windows 10, well… God bless your soul and your old photos!
Not All Processors Are Invited to the Party
But wait! There’s a catch! The super resolution magic is currently only supported on Snapdragon X processors. What’s that, you own a shiny new Copilot+ with an AMD or Intel processor? Tough luck! It’s like being the only one in a pub and finding out you’re not allowed to order a drink. Alternatives? Sure! You can search for online upscaling services, or try some local programs that leverage your graphics chip instead of throwing a tantrum with the AI accelerator.
OCR: Making Sense of the Jumble
Now, let’s talk about another gem Microsoft is sprinkling on its Photos app: Optical Character Recognition (OCR). This nifty feature can recognize characters in images and convert them to digital text. It’s like that friend who can read your scribbles after a night out! Not only will Windows 11 be blessed with this update, but good ol’ Windows 10 is also getting in on the action. Although let’s face it, if you’re still using Windows 10, you probably believe the most modern thing in your life is a Walkman.
The Bottom Line
With all these AI features rolling out, Microsoft is clearly trying to shake off that “technological dinosaur” label it’s been stuck with for a while. It’s like they’re trying to morph from heavy lumbering giant into a sleek, tech-savvy gazelle. And while we wait with bated breath for the broader public release, keep those old photos handy — you never know when they might magically resurface with some newfound sharpness!
For those who want to dive even deeper, check the updates at the Windows Insider Blog. Just don’t forget to wear your patience pants!
In early October, when Microsoft began rolling out the much-anticipated Windows 11 24H2, the tech giant promised users a suite of innovative AI features. Among these exciting advancements is a remarkable image enhancement tool called Super Resolution, which artificially enlarges your photos up to 8x. This feature is particularly beneficial for reviving old photos, especially those captured with the earliest digital cameras, allowing users to breathe new life into their cherished memories.
The Super Resolution functionality is currently integrated within the application Photo 2024.11100.17007.0 and is also available in more recent builds of Windows 11. While Microsoft initially indicated that the testing phase would commence in unspecified regions, it’s important to note that the pilot phase is indeed limited in its scope albeit not strictly geographically— though Microsoft has not made any admissions regarding this aspect.
Moreover, in exciting news for users, AI image upscaling is being thoroughly tested across all Insider channels. This means users don’t necessarily need to dive into the early development versions of Windows 11; for example, the secure Release Preview channel will suffice for experiencing these new features. At present, this game-changing capability is still in its Beta stage, primarily because it does not yet support Windows 11 24H2; thus, users must ensure they are operating on this updated version of the system to take advantage of it.
Super resolution, the name given to this groundbreaking feature, operates through an AI accelerator, thereby ensuring that the processing happens locally on the user’s device. However, it is important to highlight that currently, this capability is limited to devices powered by the Snapdragon X processors. If you are among those who opted for a Copilot+ computer equipped with AMD or Intel processors, you may need to curb your enthusiasm for now.
Alternatively, users can explore various online upscaling services or consider robust local software that leverages their graphics chips instead of relying solely on the AI accelerator.
In addition to Super Resolution, Microsoft has rolled out another notable feature within the Photos app: Optical Character Recognition (OCR). This functionality can identify and convert characters in images into editable digital text, enhancing usability for both Windows 11 and Windows 10 users alike. Although an earlier version of OCR was introduced nearly a year ago via another Microsoft tool, the more advanced Clippings feature will only be accessible to Windows 11 users.
Resources: Windows Insider Blog
Windows 11 Insider Preview latest build
Into the early development versions of Windows 11; they can just participate in the secure Release Preview channel to enjoy the benefits of this feature. However, keep in mind that Super Resolution is still in Beta mode and requires the latest Windows 11 24H2 version to function properly.
Currently, the Super Resolution feature employs an AI accelerator to enhance your images, which means the processing happens locally on your device. Unfortunately, only processors in the Snapdragon X category currently support this technology. If you own a computer powered by an AMD or Intel processor, you may need to hold off for a bit before indulging in this exciting new feature.
Additionally, Microsoft is also rolling out an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) feature in the Photos app. This technology recognizes text within images and converts it into digital text, a useful tool for both Windows 11 and Windows 10 users. OCR was previously available in another Microsoft tool but is now being incorporated into the Photos app, enhancing its utility.
with the rollout of these AI-powered features, Microsoft is positioning itself as a forward-thinking tech company ready to embrace innovation. The anticipation for a wider public release grows, and the revival of old photographs and text recognition promises to add a new dimension to users’ experiences in the Windows ecosystem. Users eager to stay informed should keep an eye on the Windows Insider Blog for the latest updates.
