Microsoft has announced the release of its AI-driven Recall feature through the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview update. The feature made its first appearance at the Microsoft Surface and AI event in May, but the initial version received criticism because of worries about privacy and security. Consequently, the release to Windows Insiders testers was paused. It operates on Microsoft’s latest lineup of Copilot+ PCs powered by Windows 11, capturing user activity through screenshots for convenient searching at a later time.
Microsoft initiates product recall.
The rollout of the Recall feature to Windows Insiders, which was originally planned for October, has been postponed. In a recent update, Brandon LeBlanc, Microsoft’s Senior Product Manager, officially informed The Verge that the feature will exclusively be made available to Windows Insiders program participants by December.
Microsoft has announced in a recent blog post that the Recall feature will be gradually introduced along with the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120. 2415 (KB5046723) for users in the Dev Channel. Individuals who are part of Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program have the opportunity to access this feature on their Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs by simply joining the channel. During the Preview phase, Chinese (simplified), English, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish languages are supported. Microsoft has announced that it plans to introduce support for Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD and Intel in the upcoming rollouts.
In a more refined manner, could you please explain what Recall means?
According to the company, the Recall feature captures snapshots of the user’s screen in order to create a photographic memory. The collection comprises documents, emails, images, and websites that have been accessed on the computer. After completing the task, users have the option to specify their search criteria using text-based queries, and Recall will then present relevant search results. They also have the option to browse through their timeline in order to view snapshots from a particular time frame. Microsoft has shared that this particular feature utilizes AI to offer text and visual matches for the query.
To access this feature, you will need to grant permission for saving snapshots and enrolling in Windows Hello, while utilizing BitLocker and Secure Boot for added security. Microsoft clarified that Recall feature does not retain any records of the activity unless users choose to participate. A new icon will be shown in the system tray as a visual indicator when Recall captures screen snapshots. It provides convenient access to controls like pausing the feature or accessing additional information swiftly.
Users can also determine which data is saved, according to Microsoft. Users have the option to either manually delete snapshots or prevent an app or website from being captured in the snaps. The company wants to assure you that the snapshots stay on your device and are not shared with Microsoft or any other third-party servers, nor are they utilized for training AI models or any other purposes. Moreover, it asserts that the Recall feature is capable of identifying instances where confidential information, like credit card numbers or passwords, is being shown on the screen and ensures that such data is not saved as snapshots.
