Microsoft Edge is getting a new feature that will enable users to transform their handwritten notes into digital text. This addition aligns with Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to enhance handwriting support across its platforms.
The forthcoming handwriting-to-text functionality was first discovered by X (formerly Twitter) user Leopeva64. According to the shared details, it will utilize Microsoft’s handwriting-to-text mechanism to transmute handwritten content into digital sentences.
There are several new flags in Edge Canary:https://t.co/2bUp7MtCZN
. pic.twitter.com/Bj52qxjnQq— Leopeva64 (@Leopeva64) August 18, 2023
The Edge Handwriting-to-Text Feature is an extension of Microsoft’s recent endeavors to integrate inking as a universal feature within Windows 11. A few months ago, Microsoft revealed that the impending Windows 11 update would permit users to input handwritten text into any text box throughout the OS. This capability was initially absent in Microsoft Edge, but it appears the tech giant is now preparing to pilot it within the browser.
Edge Canary for Early Testers
Currently, the feature is concealed behind a flag called “”Handwriting to Text” in Microsoft Edge Canary, the browser’s experimental channel. After activating it, you can commence writing in any text input field in Edge, and the handwritten input will be automatically converted into text. The handwriting feature is only accessible on devices that support handwriting generally. To verify if Handwriting to Text is active on a particular device, users can search for the “Use your handwriting to enter text” option in Windows Settings.
The exact public release date for the handwriting feature in Edge is unknown. However, if you want to get it early can download the latest Canary Build directly from Microsoft’s official website and start using it.
Additional Security Features on the Horizon
In addition to the handwriting-to-text feature, Microsoft seems to be considering the adoption of the Federated Credential Management (FedCM) for Edge. FedCM offers enhanced security and privacy for users while they surf the web. It provides a browser-mediated dialog that allows users to select accounts from Identity Providers (IdPs) to log into websites. The primary objective of FedCM is to improve web identity and mitigate the effects of third-party cookie phase-outs on federated identity. The timeline for the public announcement and release of this feature is still under wraps.
