Microsoft has rolled out an update for Notepad on Windows 11, introducing support for Markdown formatting. This update, identified as version 11.2504.50.0 (or later), is currently available to Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels, with a broader rollout to stable channels anticipated.

The new features allow users to apply lightweight text formatting directly within Notepad. This includes support for bold and italic text, strikethrough, hyperlinks, and various heading levels (e.g., H1, H2). Users can apply formatting via a new toolbar located above the text area or by typing standard Markdown syntax, which is then rendered instantly. The functionality extends to both .txt and .md files.

Microsoft states that the integration of these features is designed to provide “additional flexibility in how you structure content across your files” and supports users who prefer working with the lightweight markup language. For files under 1 MB, formatting is expected to render immediately, while larger files will load formatting progressively to prevent lag.

While some users have expressed a preference for Notepad to remain a simple, plain-text editor, Microsoft has included options to manage the new formatting. Users can clear all formatting from a document with a single click via the toolbar or edit menu. Additionally, the feature can be entirely disabled in the app’s settings, restoring the classic plain-text editing experience. Users can also toggle between formatted Markdown and raw Markdown syntax views through the view menu or the status bar.

Microsoft has affirmed that the new features are not expected to consume excessive resources or slow down the application. The updated version of Notepad is available for free download from the Microsoft Store. This update is part of a larger effort by Microsoft to modernize the Notepad application, which has seen additions like multiple tabs, a character counter, spell check, and autocorrect in recent years.

Google today announced the launch of Veo 3, a video generation model, in the Middle East and North Africa region. The model is now available to Google AI Pro subscribers in the region.

Veo 3, which was initially released at Google I/O in May, is integrated into the Gemini app. Users can create custom eight-second videos with sound, dialogue, and music at 720p resolution by providing a text description, known as a “prompt”. The system generates all audio natively. Google states that Veo 3 provides quality in terms of physics, realism, and adherence to prompts.

To aid in identifying AI-generated content, a SynthID watermark is embedded in all content produced by Google’s generative AI models, including Veo 3. Google recently launched the SynthID Detector to early testers and plans to expand its access. Additionally, a visible watermark will be added to all videos generated by Veo 3, with the exception of videos created by Ultra members in Flow, Google’s tool for AI filmmakers.

Google AI Pro subscribers can access Veo 3 starting today.

Google’s Gemini Live is starting to integrate with several of the company’s core applications, including Google Keep, Calendar, Tasks, and Maps. This feature, initially previewed at I/O 2025 in May, enables Gemini Live to perform direct actions within these services.

Users can now create Calendar events, set Tasks reminders, and add notes to Google Keep using Gemini Live. The integration supports both voice and camera input, allowing users to interact by speaking commands or by showing physical items, such as a poster containing a date or a shopping list. The Google Maps integration is designed to provide current location details.

These new capabilities aim to shift Gemini Live from primarily a conversational tool to a more action-oriented assistant. Google has indicated plans for further ecosystem connections in the future. When these integrations are utilized, a visual indicator, such as a chip with the app icon and name (such as Google Calendar, Tasks), will appear at the bottom of the screen. Gemini will also provide feedback like “Note created,” along with an option to undo the action.

While reports suggest a rollout on Android devices, the feature was not universally live on all accounts and devices at the time of reporting. Google had previously stated that the rollout would occur in the “coming weeks” after its May announcement. Gemini Live feature rollouts typically take time to complete. Users can check for availability by querying Gemini Live directly, for example, by asking, “can you add things to my Google Keep shopping list?” Gemini Live also supports plugins and remains a free service.