We are indeed in the era where AI is becoming a part of everything. Unexpectedly, AI features are now being added to NotePad, a simple app I thought would remain untouched by AI. This is quite surprising. Why couldn't we let this 41-year-old application continue its straightforward existence? The new AI feature, called Rewrite, is powered by Microsoft's GPT AI model. It enhances writing by rephrasing sentences, adjusting tone, and altering text length according to user preferences. To use it, highlight the text you want to change, then right-click and select the Rewrite option, or press Ctrl + I. You can also access it from the toolbar. These actions offer three options: adjust text length, change tone (like casual or professional), and alter format. After making your choice, NotePad provides three variations of the text, allowing you to select one to refine your writing. Currently, Rewrite is available to Windows Insiders on the Canary and Dev channels in Windows 11.

In these channels, Microsoft shares upcoming products with a dedicated community for feedback. The preview is accessible in the U. S. , France, UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany. Users in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan can also use it with a Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription or a Copilot Pro subscription. When the feature becomes widely available, users must sign in with a Microsoft account and have credits to use the GPT model. Microsoft initially provides 50 complimentary credits. Notifications will alert you when credits are low, and you can wait for automatic replenishment next month or purchase more via a Copilot Pro subscription if necessary. More details on AI credits are available online. It's uncertain if the credit system might deter users, particularly since AI-assisted writing is free on other platforms. With Apple Intelligence offering similar features on Macs, this might be Windows’ response.