Microsoft’s Snap Assist feature in Windows 11 could get smarter with AI

Yesterday, Microsoft released a Windows 11 Insider build for the Dev Channel bumping it to 25300. The build featured Live Captions as well as a new suggestions feature for Snap layouts.

For those unfamiliar with Snap Assist, it’s a neat tool that allows users to drag a window to the Assist tool and have Windows resize it automatically to fill the space. The cool comes in handy, especially for users that handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Microsoft is reportedly working towards enhancing the snapping experience for users by integrating it with AI, thus making it smarter. This integration will change how users interact with the feature.

Windows Central’s Zac Bowden reports that this integration will introduce “new smart snapping features.” Here’s what you can expect if and when Microsoft makes the release.

First up, Snap Assist will be able to recall snap layouts. This feature will promote efficiency and effectiveness, especially for users who interact with technical applications on a daily basis as they’ll now have one less thing to worry about, ultimately promoting productivity.

Unlike the current setup where the users need to configure their snap layouts each time they close their apps or restart their PCs, with this new approach, users can power their devices and start working immediately since their preferred snap layouts would’ve already been configured. Besides, users will be able to restore their preferred snapping layouts using a single click.

Additionally, Microsoft will be incorporating OCR technology into Snap Assist’s suggestions interface, thus making it easier for users to find a running app that they want to snap side by side. Bowden further highlights that, “you’ll be able to search for a word, phrase, or image you remember seeing in a webpage or app, even if said word, phrase, or image isn’t mentioned in its title.”

What’s more, Microsoft is also said to be testing out a feature that will allow snap layouts to dynamically adjust and have the app in focus take up the bigger part of the screen’s real estate. It s not yet clear when Microsoft intends to start rolling out these features to Snap Assist in Windows 11.

Recently, we’ve seen Microsoft start to incorporate AI technology across its products and services after making a $10 billion dollar investment further enhancing its partnership with OpenAI which is behind the famous ChatGPT bot. Microsoft also recently launched a new Edge browser and Bing search featuring an AI copilot and chat.

We’re likely to see Microsoft making more AI entries across its products? Share your interactions and experiences with us below.

via: Windows Central