Windows 11 Preview Teases New "Actions" Feature for Enhanced App Functionality

Copilot+ PC Exclusive Settings Teased in Windows 11 Preview

Microsoft is currently testing a new feature within the Windows 11 preview builds that could significantly enhance application functionality. This new feature, dubbed "Actions," was discovered in build 26120.3576 for the Dev Channel and has since been shared on various Windows forums. The "Actions" menu aims to expand the capabilities of applications by enabling useful tasks that deepen their functions.

Key Features and Functionality:

App Integration: Currently, the "Actions" settings are associated with applications like Photos and Paint. When enabled, these settings unlock advanced features within these apps.
Photos App Enhancements: For the Photos app, the "Actions" menu offers features such as Blur background, Erase objects, and Visual Search with Bing. These are advanced editing capabilities not typically found in standard versions of Microsoft's software.
Paint App Enhancements: The Paint app benefits from the "Actions" feature with a Remove background option.

Connection to Copilot+ PCs and AI:

AI Integration: The "Actions" settings appear to be closely linked to Microsoft's Click to Do intelligent text actions feature. Microsoft has mentioned this feature in the release notes for the Windows 11 preview builds.
Copilot+ PC Exclusivity: Reports suggest that "Actions" will be exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, similar to the Click to Do feature. Click to Do allows users to highlight text and right-click to access a drop-down menu of actions on AMD and Intel-powered PCs.
Future AI Features: Microsoft is planning to roll out several Copilot+ features starting in May, including the Recall feature and AI in Windows Search during the summer. More proactive Copilot features are expected later in the year.

Potential and Future Implications:

Enhanced User Experience: If the "Actions" settings become a public-facing feature, they could integrate AI-associated functionalities directly into the operating system, providing a more seamless user experience.
Hardware Requirements: These advanced AI features, including "Actions," will likely require Copilot+ PCs equipped with an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) capable of processing at least 40 TOPS (Trillions of Operations Per Second).
Third-Party App Integration: While the preview currently showcases only two Microsoft applications, there is potential for third-party applications to integrate with "Actions" settings, offering even more dynamic functions and a richer user experience.

Author and Related Content:

Author: Fionna Agomuoh, a Computing Writer at Digital Trends.
Related Articles: The post also links to other relevant articles on Digital Trends, including comparisons of Windows versions, guides on using Windows features, and reviews of various tech products.

This development signifies Microsoft's ongoing commitment to integrating AI capabilities more deeply into Windows, aiming to provide users with more powerful and intuitive tools for their daily tasks.