New feature converts handwriting to text in Microsoft Edge Canary

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by Radu Tyrsina 

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For aficionados of handwriting and old-school penmanship, Microsoft Edge has prepared a delightful surprise in a novel flowering of tradition meeting modernity. The popular browser has introduced a handwriting-to-text feature, transforming scrawls and scribbles into clean, digital text.

Tech enthusiast @Leopeva64 on Twitter led to the discovery of the flag enabling this conversational feature lurking in Microsoft Edge Canary.

Edge Canary acts as a playground for testing and refining experimental aspects of the browser before its public unveiling.

Previously, this functionality allowing writing in any text field was only accessible to a chosen group of Windows insiders. Now, however, thanks to the continuous effort to refine the system, the feature thrives with a larger audience. Following a series of tests, the feature has been given the green light in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23481.

Allows inking via pen to be converted into typed text on most text input fields in Microsoft Edge. This is available on devices where handwriting is supported. To check whether Handwriting to Text is enabled on your device, look for “Use your handwriting to enter text” in Windows Settings. – Windows, the description reads.

The feature flag can be unearthed by navigating to edge://flags embedded within the browser’s address bar. Once activated, the user can freely unwind the creativity stored within their ink pen and watch as their handwriting morphs seamlessly into digital text before their eyes.

As the veil lifts from technological advancements, with surprise awaiting at every corner, the handwriting feature in Edge pays homage to a time-honored art form while bridging it to the contemporary world of digital communication.

 

Via MSPoweruser

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina Shield

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web. Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they're looking for.