The Photos app isn’t new to Windows 11, but Microsoft has overhauled it with new features, view modes, and editing options over the past couple of years. Four other changes are currently being tested, including AI-powered background removal and new display options.
Microsoft has released a new update to the Photos app for Windows Insider testers, with the ability to remove the background from a photo (turning it into a transparent image) or replace the background with a solid color. This is another option alongside the background blur feature that Microsoft began testing in September. The blog post explains: “With a single click, you can remove the background and save the resulting image or copy it to the clipboard. Another option is to replace the selected background with a solid color. Use the color picker to select the correct shade. , either by clicking on the palette, entering a hexadecimal color code, or setting RGB values.”
Just like similar features in Windows Paint, Photoshop, and other editors, the Photos app uses machine learning to separate the background from the subject. The feature also appears to work entirely on your PC, so it doesn’t involve sending your image to a remote server. Some other AI-based image features, such as Cocreator in Paint, use Microsoft’s servers.
The Photos app also adds a filmstrip view mode, which can be activated by pressing the F key while viewing a photo or by clicking the filmstrip icon in the lower left corner of the window. The new mode displays other photos from the album or folder at the bottom of the window, and clicking on one of them will open the desired photo. This is a common option in other photo management tools, such as Adobe Lightroom and Apple Photos.
Microsoft is also testing a new timeline scrollbar, which appears on the right side when viewing a folder or album. Time markers appear in the sidebar, much like the scrollbar in Google Photos, OneDrive Photos, and other apps. The blog post explains that it’s dynamic and “based on the time range of your photo collection,” so it may not appear in folders and galleries where it’s not needed.
Finally, the Photos app adds a faster way to save and share images with OneDrive. You will be able to right-click any image and then select Share > Using OneDrive. The app will give you a link to the downloaded image, which can be copied to the clipboard or sent by email.
The new feature is rolling out to Windows Insiders testers who have Photos app version 2023.11110.8002.0 or higher installed. If there are no annoying bugs or other issues, it should be available on all Windows 11 PCs soon.
Source: Windows Blog
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