Stepping into the first day of March, Microsoft announced their Windows 11 March 2024 update. The update mainly highlights a couple of feature improvements and new built-in features. From the update on the constantly developing Microsoft Copilot with more options to control your PC to the new Generative Erase option in Photos, there’s a number of greatness for Windows 11 users to discover in this Windows 11 March update.
Windows 11 March 2024 Update: 8 Upgraded and New Features
Although this Windows 11 March 2024 update is accessible beginning today, March 1st, Microsoft clarified that not all features will be immediately activated. Lots of updates nowadays have grown to touch on AI that are constantly developing and bringing on AI evolution, namely chatbots, such as the famous ones ChatGPT and Google Bard. Microsoft are always spending effort on their Copilot too, with results on this Windows 11 March 2024 update. Let’s dive into the first Windows 11 March 2024 update with new and upgraded features with the chatbot.
1. More Control on Microsoft Copilot
Starting in late March, Copilot will introduce new functionalities, including the capability to request the AI chatbot to activate the battery-saver mode or initiate accessibility features like Narrator or Magnifier. Additionally, Copilot will display accessible Wi-Fi networks, and storage availability, and even handle tasks such as emptying the recycling bin. This new feature update seems to make the chatbot a more handy chatbot that handles more tasks in a comprehensive way, making it grow and become one of the best AI chatbots nowadays.
2. Generative Erase Feature on Windows Photos
AI-related upgrades do not only happen on Copilot but also on Windows Photos. A fresh feature called Generative Erase will allow users to effortlessly eliminate undesired objects from a photo by selecting and deleting them. This feature bears resemblance to the sophisticated AI-based selective photo erasers available on Google and Samsung devices. This further upgrades the Windows Photos background removal introduced last November to a better level with more control.
@microsoftdesigner Erase unwanted objects from your photos to get the perfect pic. Try the Generative Erase tool for yourself in Microsoft Designer. 📸 #MicrosoftDesigner #photoeditingtips #photoeditinghacks #aiphotoediting #aiphotoedits #aiphotoeditor #aiediting #aieditingtools #aieditingtips ♬ original sound – Microsoft Designer
Furthermore, Clipchamp, Microsoft’s video editor, is set to acquire the capability to eliminate awkward silences from videos.
3. Better Widgets and Snap Feature
Microsoft are enhancing both the Widgets and built-in Snap layouts features within Windows 11. While Widgets have traditionally offered utility, they have been overshadowed by Microsoft’s feed of low-quality news from MSN. Now, users have the option to disable the “Microsoft Start” feed, and the Windows Widgets board is also interoperable as part of Microsoft’s commitment to the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act. This openness implies that companies like Google could develop plugins for the Widgets board to display content from their platforms, such as Google News.
As for the Snaps feature in this Windows 11 March 2024 update, it simplifies the resizing of app windows, and is becoming more intelligent. It will now retain a record of your frequently snapped apps and automatically propose layouts based on your usage patterns.
Also Read: New Snapchat AI Feature: Users Can Now Share AI-Created Snaps
4. Write and Generate Text
This update is for Windows users who own a Windows-powered tablet equipped with a stylus, the latest Windows 11 update introduces the functionality to directly input handwritten text into text boxes throughout the operating system. This encompasses Windows Ink support in various applications such as Photos, Paint, WhatsApp, and others.
5. Enhanced Built-In Casting Feature
The integrated casting feature in Windows 11, enabling users to stream content to a nearby screen, is receiving refinements for an enhanced experience. Users will receive notifications prompting them to utilise the Cast feature while multitasking and enhancements have been made to assist in locating nearby displays and resolving connection issues during casting.
6. Upgraded Nearby Share
For individuals who frequently share Windows content with other devices or own an Android phone, this latest Windows 11 March 2024 update brings enhancements to streamline the sharing process between devices. Windows Nearby Share now boasts faster transfer speeds when sharing with individuals or devices on the same network. Additionally, users can assign a friendly name to their PC, making it easier for others to identify them during sharing activities.
7. Updated Phone Link System
Moving on next to another upgrade on this Windows 11 March 2024 update is on the Phone Link feature. The Phone Link functionality in Windows 11 is expanding to allow access to recent photos and the option to utilise your phone as a webcam during video conferencing applications.
This feature is now being rolled out for testing by Windows Insiders, and it requires devices running Android 9 or later, along with a Link to Windows app version 1.24012* or above. To activate it, navigate to the settings menu for Bluetooth and mobile devices, select “Manage devices” and enable your PC to connect with your Android phone. Speaking of the Android operating system, you might want to discover the latest Android 15 developer preview.
8. New Voice Shortcuts
Finally, in this Windows 11 March 2024 update, Microsoft are implementing several accessibility enhancements. One notable addition is the Voice Shortcuts feature, which enables users to create personalised commands to automate tasks within the voice access feature of Windows 11. Similar to a voice-operated macro, this feature allows users to execute multiple actions with a single voice command, such as opening a URL and performing various tasks.
Additionally, voice access will extend to multiple displays, offering number and grid overlays on secondary screens. Furthermore, Microsoft are enhancing its built-in Narrator feature in Windows 11 by introducing natural voices that utilise on-device text-to-speech capabilities once they have been downloaded to the device, in which you can get a better idea of this capability on Apple’s Personal Voice that was introduced last December.
Details on the Release Date on Windows 11 March 2024 Update
Microsoft will commence the rollout of this new Windows 11 update today, although it may take some time before it becomes available on your device. To access it immediately, you will need to activate the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option in Windows Update and then check for updates.
According to The Verge, Yusuf Mehdi, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Microsoft’s consumer division, elaborates that most of these new Windows 11 features will be automatically enabled in the March 2024 optional non-security preview release for all editions of Windows 11, including versions 23H2 and 22H2. Microsoft will monitor the rollout of these features closely and provide timely updates on their status, as well as any known issues, through the Windows release health dashboard and Windows Update.
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