Angela B. Tech 02.22.2024 22:Feb PM EST

Microsoft is Adding Its Own Selective AI Eraser to Windows

AI tools are being released at a much faster rate thanks to the AI boom, and tech giants have come to the point where they just provide the features for free. For instance, an image editing technique that is offered by Google and Samsung will soon be available for Windows as well.

(Photo : Microsoft)

Windows Magic Eraser

Enhancing or altering images is not always as simple, especially for those who are not familiar with the more complex tools of an image editing app. Thanks to AI tools, the process has become much simpler so that those who have zero to little experience can do it in a minute.

Just as Google and Samsung did, Windows now has an AI tool that lets you erase certain elements from a photo simply by selecting or highlighting it. The tool will immediately fill the space to make it look as if the object was never really there.

In the demonstration shown by Microsoft, the Generative erase removed background objects or "miscellaneous visual clutter." It could also remove unwanted elements on the subject of the photo, like the leash in front of the dog in the photo.

To use the feature, all a user has to do is go to Edit Image and select the Erase option once the option becomes available through the update. The brush size can be adjusted to match the size of the particles or objects that are meant to be removed.

In addition to that, Windows is also adding Blur background, as well as Remove and Replace background, all of which are available in the Photos app for Windows 11, Windows 10, and Arm64 devices. All a user has to do is update their app to the 2024.11020.21001.0 version.

Google, Samsung's Generative AI Eraser

Unlike Windows, the generative AI erasers from both Google and Samsung can be accessed by purchasing certain phone models from the companies. For instance, Galaxy AI-compatible phones for Samsung and Pixel 8 for Google are the only ones that have the feature.

With Samsung's Galaxy AI, the AI capabilities will not only allow you to remove certain objects from the photo, but you'll be able to relocate objects as well. The tool will automatically fill in the missing space to make the photo look flawless.

The same can be done with the Pixel 8's Magic Editor. This can be done by selecting the subject first, and the AI tool will smartly cut out the subject so that you may resize and relocate it. After repositioning the element, the AI will automatically fill the missing space as well.

This serves as an easier way to make adjustments in photos for those who don't know how to use more complex apps or can't be bothered to. It helps that the features are already accessible through the device itself with no need for third-party apps.

It makes sense for Windows to add the AI tool since both Google and Samsung already added these as an included feature in product purchases, given that the user buys the flagship items. It's a welcome addition since all users have to install and update their OS and apps to get it.