Have you ever opened a document and realised that some of the key information is presented in an image or a graphic which you can’t quite decipher?
Maybe it’s a photo, or a complicated chart with crucial details. But no description was added.
Microsoft is working on something that could help in those situations. Especially for those with accessibility needs.
Describe Image is a new feature being tested on Windows 11 which uses local AI built right into your Copilot+ PC.
These new Windows devices use AI directly on the computer. When viewing an image, chart, or graph you’ll find Describe Image in the Click to Do menu. And your PC will instantly generate a detailed description for you.
When you first try it, your computer has to setup the AI models needed. From then on, it’s all done locally. This means no images or data are sent anywhere else. Keeping the descriptions private and secure on your own machine.
This is being rolled out now to Windows Insiders on the Dev Channel who have Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs. With AMD and Intel Copilot+ PCs getting the feature soon too.
At first this may not seem like a big deal. But for those with a visual impairment it can be quite significant. They’ll be able to understand complex visual data in seconds without having to wait for others to explain it to them.
Or an employee skimming through a report being able to get a detailed breakdown of a set of images, without having to analyse each image or hunt down the right person to get further clarification.
Microsoft is removing barriers, helping people be more productive, and making technology work better for everyone.
Accessibility features aren’t simply about compliance or ticking a box. They can make a real difference in people’s day-to-day work.
When employees can easily access and analyse data, they can do their jobs better, collaborate more smoothly, and feel included. It’s good for them and the business.
Windows 11 is consistently adding these thoughtful improvements. Describe Image is another step toward a world where technology fits around people, and not the other way around.
If you’ve already made the leap to a Copilot+ PC, this is another reason to be excited about what’s to come. And if you need help deciding which devices are best for your business needs, get in touch and we’d be happy to help.
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