Microsoft's new version of Paint may debut at Surface AIO event

[Shawn Knight]

Microsoft Paint, the rudimentary graphics application that made its debut in the first version of Windows more than 30 years ago, may actually be useful in the near future. That’s because Microsoft is currently working on a modern version of the iconic app for Windows 10.

An early test build of the upcoming software, designed as a Universal Windows app that’s pen- and touch-friendly, leaked online over the weekend for anyone to download.

The Verge’s Tom Warren took the early app for a spin and offers a first-hand account of what to expect.

The app, which looks to have been distributed to Microsoft testers in May, is surprisingly speedy, Warren notes. He adds that it’s now much easier to use the app with your fingers but unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to include layering support which will no doubt limit its usefulness. The app also doesn’t have many helpful shortcuts like you’d find in Photoshop nor does it allow for multiple files to be open simultaneously.

Then again, given its early alpha status, it’s entirely plausible that Microsoft may have added in some missing features since May. If not, then it’s safe to assume that Paint will continue to be little more than a basic editing tool.

No word yet on when Microsoft plans to unveil the new Paint app. Considering the Redmond-based company has a big press event planned for October 26, however, this seems like as solid a date as any to showcase an app like Paint to complement new Surface All-in-One hardware.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/66615-microsoft-new-version-paint-may-debut-surface-aio.html

 

[stewi0001]

No layer management? So it is still going to have its limits then.

Also, I am not a fan of her hair style. No idea why it is so popular.

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

That broad looks like she's undergoing chemotherapy, I certainly hope not.
I never found a use for Paint 30 years ago when I first encountered it so I have grave doubts that this new version will change it up for me.

 

[oldikes]

I love the idea of this but without layer support its very limited.

 

[Reehahs]

They could just replace paint by buying paint.net. It is a much superior program.

 

[stewi0001]

That broad looks like she's undergoing chemotherapy, I certainly hope not....

nah, it's some hair style which has become semi-popular.

 

[Nero7]

They could just replace paint by buying paint.net. It is a much superior program.

Especially with the plug ins for even more effects. Lets hope they don't buy it or they turn it into some Office 365 thing with touch and always online and what not.


Fine Artist McZee for Windows 95 was amazingly cool and remarkably capable to this day.

 

[Evernessince]

They could just replace paint by buying paint.net. It is a much superior program.

Especially with the plug ins for even more effects. Lets hope they don't buy it or they turn it into some Office 365 thing with touch and always online and what not.


Fine Artist McZee for Windows 95 was amazingly cool and remarkably capable to this day.

Yeah, I'll second Microsoft not buying it. Just like this new paint they released it's going to have to be made touch friendly. Microsoft still doesn't realize that one operating system for every device doesn't mean desktop users want a tablet interface. I seriously hope for their sake that those toolbars scale.

 

[GeforcerFX]

I actually use paint, a lot, mainly small photo editing or making a thumbnail, simple stuff, but I have done some stuff in it that I prob should have just done in gimp instead.

 

[Uncle Al]

No layer management? So it is still going to have its limits then.

Also, I am not a fan of her hair style. No idea why it is so popular.

Hey, I'm on it! I think I know which one of my Native American relatives did that job and we're going to have to send him back for some serious retraining soon!

 

[Skidmarksdeluxe]

nah, it's some hair style which has become semi-popular.

Why? Don't those I***ts realise how silly they look? Anyway it's none of my concern, each to their own I suppose.

 

[stewi0001]

nah, it's some hair style which has become semi-popular.

Why? Don't those I***ts realise how silly they look? Anyway it's none of my concern, each to their own I suppose.

I want to believe that it was a hair stylist in LA or New York, and they screwed up with the trimmers and said, " you look fabulous!" XD

 

[Kibaruk]

I think that Paint is enough for the common folk, paint.net has too many bells and whistles for the average Joe.

If you want to get a screenshot and add a highlight or cut it out, paint is more than enough.

 

[Reachable]

I've used Paint since Windows 95 and have had lots of fun with it and done many neat and useful things. Techno-snobbery.

 

[gnpfrslo]

"may actually be useful"
What do you mean by this?
Sometimes rudimentary tools have more potential.
But it all depends ont he arttist's skill.

 

[JamesSWD]

Cute girl. Stupid hair. Some porn stars are doing it too.

Be nice that Paint gains these features to be more helpful with basic editing and 3D, but I suspect layers will be part of it. You can't do what she exampled without layer management that's built-in as part of the app. On that note, I wish MS had continued pursuing their Photoshop competitor application suite from many years ago. Would be nice to have another player in the field, rather than just Adobe and a couple B players.

 

[Kibaruk]

Guys... as said before, I don't think Paint was ever meant to replace Photoshop or other more advanced suits of tools. They are for the average Joe who needs to do a couple things here and there, which is enough. I do not think anyone but those who need more advanced feature will ever use layering.

If people see more features, they will get dizzy and don't know how to do the basic stuff they need, like adding a square or highlight or simply crop out an image.

 

[JamesSWD]

Guys... as said before, I don't think Paint was ever meant to replace Photoshop or other more advanced suits of tools. They are for the average Joe who needs to do a couple things here and there, which is enough. I do not think anyone but those who need more advanced feature will ever use layering.

If people see more features, they will get dizzy and don't know how to do the basic stuff they need, like adding a square or highlight or simply crop out an image.

Come on...you can't fool us. All of us Photoshop users know the truth. MS Paint is the Photoshop killer we've been praying for. It's not the tool we deserve. But it's the tool we need.

 

[Kibaruk]

Well it sounds like you want Paint to be Photoshop so... I dunno...