Microsoft silently introduces Windows AI Lab to let users test experimental features

[harlan4096]

Microsoft has quietly introduced a way to allow users to test experimental features. You can opt in to the Windows AI Lab.

Last week, Windows Latest reported that Microsoft was testing Windows AI Labs. The feature was spotted in Microsoft Paint, which displayed a pop-up that said, "Try experimental AI features in paint". It had an option to sign up for the Windows AI Labs program for paint from the app's settings.

(Image courtesy: Windows Latest)

The settings page had 2 buttons, Sign up, to discover the new AI-powered tools in Paint, and share feedback about the features. It also had a "Not interested" button, to dismiss the message.

So, is this available in the Windows 11 stable version? Or is it exclusive for Insiders? I couldn't find any information about this, so I just checked the Paint app version number seen in the screenshot, Paint 11.2508.361.0. That's the one I wrote about a few days ago, it was released for Windows Insiders and introduced the option to save your work as a project. Based on that, this AI labs feature is likely only for Windows Insiders on a Canary or Dev Channel build of Windows 11, and not for stable users.

Today, Microsoft told The Verge in a statement that "The Windows AI Lab is a pilot acceleration program for validating novel AI feature ideas on Windows. The program focuses on rapid customer feedback on feature usability, customer interest, and market fit."

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