Microsoft has officially launched its AI-powered ‘Microsoft Designer’ app for iOS and Android users, marking a significant step in the company’s push into the realm of AI-assisted design. This move comes after nearly a year of preview testing, primarily available on the web and through Microsoft Edge.
The ‘Designer’ app, now freely accessible to anyone with a personal Microsoft account, aims to revolutionize the way users create and edit images on their mobile devices. It offers a range of features reminiscent of popular design tools like Canva, but with the added power of AI.
Key Features of Microsoft’s ‘Designer’ App:
- Text-to-Image Generation: Users can create various designs, including stickers, greeting cards, invitations, and collages, using simple text prompts.
- Advanced Editing Tools: The app includes features like object erasure, background removal, and auto-cropping.
- AI-Powered Restyling: Users can transform their images using AI, with a variety of style options available.
- Template Sharing: The app allows users to share templates with friends and groups, fostering collaborative creativity.
- Emoji and Avatar Creation: Beyond traditional designs, users can generate custom emojis, clip art, wallpapers, and avatars.
Sumit Chauhan, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft’s Office Product Group, highlighted the company’s plans to integrate Designer’s capabilities into other Microsoft apps, starting with Microsoft Photos for Windows Insiders.
How to Use the AI Restyling Feature:
- Select a selfie or image to redesign.
- Choose from a range of style options provided by the app.
- Add extra details via text prompts if desired.
- Use the ‘replace background’ option for a complete transformation.
It’s worth noting that the enhanced editing experience in Microsoft Photos is currently limited to Windows Insiders with specific language settings and is available in most countries. Users need to update their Photos app to version 2024.11070.12001.0 or higher to access these new features.
Microsoft’s entry into this space with the ‘Designer’ app signifies a growing trend in AI-assisted creative tools, potentially changing the landscape of digital design and image editing. As the app becomes more widely available, it will be interesting to see how it competes with established players in the market and how users leverage its AI capabilities to enhance their creative projects.
