Microsoft Phone Link is set to receive a significant update that will enable text-copying capabilities on Windows 11. The mobile pairing app, preloaded on Windows 11, allows users to connect their smartphones—both Android and iOS to their PCs, syncing text messages, and images, and facilitating calls. According to recent reports, the Phone Link app will soon include a new optical character recognition (OCR) feature, allowing users to copy text directly from images.
OCR Support Coming to Phone Link App
Several Microsoft apps, such as Lens and Office, already boast OCR capabilities. Last year, the Snipping Tool on Windows 10 and 11 was also upgraded with this feature, simplifying the process of copying text from screenshots. Windows Central has now reported that OCR support is expected to be integrated into the Phone Link app soon.
The feature was identified in the latest Phone Link app version 1.24051.91.0 on the Release Preview Channel, available via the Windows Insider Program. Although it is not yet publicly available, it is anticipated to roll out to all Windows users shortly.
How Text Recognition on Phone Link Works
When an image is accessed through the Photos section of the Phone Link app, a new icon labeled ‘Text’ reportedly appears. By clicking this icon, the app scans the image to detect any text present. Users then have the option to select all text or copy all text. The selected text can be copied to the clipboard and pasted elsewhere.
AI-powered Advanced Paste on Windows
Microsoft is also reportedly testing a more advanced paste option, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI). According to a Microsoft Learn blog, the new Advanced Paste feature is available through PowerToys version 0.81.0 and can be accessed with the shortcut: Windows Key + Shift + V.
This feature allows users to choose between three pasting options from the clipboard: plain text, JSON, and markdown, each with a quick key shortcut. Additionally, a ‘Paste with AI’ option uses OpenAI’s technology to enable users to summarize text, translate, stylize, and even generate code.
With these upcoming updates, Microsoft continues to enhance the functionality and user experience of its software, providing more powerful and versatile tools for Windows 11 users.