Microsoft has introduced paid subscription-only AI features for Notepad and Paint, requiring users to have a Microsoft 365 subscription to access advanced functionalities, which has sparked frustration among users. The video critiques this trend of monetizing basic applications, highlighting concerns about the future of software accessibility as more tech companies adopt similar subscription models.
In a recent update, Microsoft has introduced paid subscription-only AI features for its classic applications, Notepad and Paint. This move follows the addition of AI capabilities to Notepad last November, and now users will need a Microsoft 365 subscription to access the full functionality of these programs. The subscription starts at $10 per month or $100 annually, and while users can still use Notepad and Paint without a subscription, many features will be grayed out, limiting their usability.
The AI features that will be locked behind the subscription include advanced text manipulation tools in Notepad, such as AI rewriting of text selections, generating alternative versions with different formatting and tone, and AI-driven text shortening or lengthening. In Paint, the image creation feature powered by OpenAI’s DALL-E will also be paywalled, allowing users to generate images based on prompts only if they have a subscription. This shift has sparked frustration among users who feel that essential tools are becoming monetized.
The video expresses strong discontent with Microsoft’s decision to implement a subscription model for basic applications that were once freely available with the operating system. The narrator argues that this trend reflects a broader issue in the tech industry, where companies are increasingly locking features behind paywalls, even for fundamental tools like text editors and image editors. The sentiment is that users should not have to pay extra for features that were once included with their operating systems.
The narrator also highlights that this trend is not limited to Microsoft; other major tech companies, including Apple, are moving towards integrating AI features into their systems and tying them to subscription services. This raises concerns about the future of operating systems, as users may soon find that many functionalities require ongoing payments to access. The fear is that this could lead to a situation where basic software tools are no longer fully functional without a subscription.
In conclusion, the video conveys a sense of frustration and resignation regarding the direction of software development and monetization strategies. The narrator emphasizes the need to keep an eye on these developments as more companies adopt similar practices. The overall message is one of disappointment in the erosion of free access to essential software features, urging viewers to be aware of these changes and their implications for the future of technology.