Microsoft’s announcement on November 6, 2024, that its classic Notepad app would soon feature AI-powered text editing has sparked considerable debate in the tech community. Dubbed “Rewrite,” this new feature, now in preview for Windows Insiders, allows users to rephrase sentences, adjust tone, and change content length. Although Microsoft is promoting Rewrite as a convenient tool, some are questioning whether such advanced AI features are necessary for an app as simple as Notepad. Here’s a closer look at what this integration means and the potential implications for Microsoft’s AI-driven future.
A Modern Twist on a Classic App
Notepad, first introduced in 1983, has remained one of Microsoft’s most minimalistic and reliable text editors. Over the decades, its basic functionality, appealing to users for quick, distraction-free text editing, was only slightly enhanced. In recent years, however, Microsoft has added a character counter and spell check, aiming to modernize the app without overcomplicating it. Now, the Rewrite feature signals Microsoft’s ambition to make 2024 “the year of the AI-powered PC,” as seen in its broader integration of AI capabilities across its applications, including Paint and Windows 11.
How Rewrite Works
Rewrite, initially known as “Cowriter,” brings generative AI to Notepad, allowing users to modify content with just a few clicks. According to Microsoft, the process is straightforward: users highlight the text they wish to edit, right-click, and select “Rewrite.” This triggers the AI to generate three different text versions, allowing users to choose one or further tweak it by adjusting length, tone, or format. Specific formatting options include business and academic writing styles as well as lists or paragraph structures, giving users flexibility not typically associated with Notepad.
To access Rewrite, users must sign in with a Microsoft account, as the feature is cloud-based and requires authentication. Furthermore, it operates on a credit system, where users receive a limited monthly allowance of AI usage credits. Once these credits are exhausted, they may either wait for a new credit cycle or pay for additional use.
Microsoft is launching this feature in preview for Windows Insiders in countries such as the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Germany, with the goal of assessing user feedback and refining its functionality.
Differentiating AI in Notepad and Paint
The AI rollout in Notepad mirrors Microsoft’s recent AI upgrades in Paint, which includes two new features: Generative Fill and Generative Erase. Although both apps now have AI capabilities, the differences between them are significant. Here’s a brief comparison:
| Feature | Notepad (Rewrite) | Paint (Generative Fill and Generative Erase) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Text rewriting and content modification | Image editing and enhancement |
| Capabilities | – Rewrites text – Adjusts tone – Modifies length – Changes format (e.g., paragraph, list) | – Adds elements based on text descriptions (Generative Fill) – Removes unwanted objects (Generative Erase) |
| User Interaction | Users select text and choose options via right-click or shortcuts | Users select areas of an image for editing using tools in the Paint interface |
| AI Model | Powered by ChatGPT-4 for text generation | Powered by OpenAI’s DALL-E for image generation |
| Access Requirements | Requires a Microsoft account; available in preview for Windows 11 Insiders in select countries | Available to all Windows 11 users, with some features limited to Copilot+ PCs |
| Usage Model | Operates on a credit system for AI usage | Generative Fill and Erase features are available without a credit limit for most users |
Mixed Reactions from Users and Experts
The Verge, in its coverage of this development, pointed out that the feature’s preview limitation to select countries and its credit-based usage model may hinder its popularity. “The addition of AI features will bring convenience to users, but we need to assess how far the simplicity of Notepad can be preserved,” noted a spokesperson from Microsoft.
