Microsoft’s Recall Feature Finally Arrives for Copilot+ PCs: AI-Powered Search and Privacy Enhancements
After months of delays and security adjustments, Microsoft has officially launched its Recall feature for all Copilot Plus PCs. This much-anticipated rollout also includes an improved AI-powered Windows search and a new Click to Do function, aiming to enhance user experience and productivity.
Originally intended as a core feature of Copilot Plus PCs launched last June, Recall faced setbacks due to security concerns raised by researchers. The feature, which periodically screenshots activity on the PC to enable easy content retrieval, was deemed a potential privacy risk, leading to significant revisions.
"When we introduced Recall, we set out to address a common frustration: picking up where you left off," explains Navjot Virk, corporate vice president of Windows Experiences at Microsoft. Recall is designed to improve how you search your PC, but taking snapshots that are categorized so it’s easy to search for vague memories instead of file names.
Kevin Beaumont, a security researcher who initially voiced concerns, acknowledged Microsoft's efforts to secure Recall, noting that the database is now encrypted, sensitive data filtering is implemented, and the feature is opt-in. However, he cautioned that filtering of sensitive apps and websites can be occasionally buggy, and the feature can be accessed via a less secure four-digit PIN unlock option with Windows Hello.
Alongside Recall, the update brings AI enhancements to Windows search. Users can now search using natural language queries, describing images or documents instead of relying on specific filenames. Microsoft is also launching Click to Do, similar to Google’s Circle to Search, activated by pressing the Windows key + left mouse click. This feature offers actions like summarizing text or removing objects from images directly on the screen.
These features are available across all Copilot Plus PCs; however, text actions in Click to Do are initially limited to Qualcomm-powered devices, with AMD- and Intel-powered PCs receiving the feature in the coming months. Recall and Click to Do will not be available in EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway until later this year.
Copilot+ PCs claim up to 13% faster performance than the MacBook Air M4 amongst top performing devices, with unmatched AI experiences in market. Up to 5x faster than a 5-year-old Windows device, with enhanced security features that make them the most secure Windows PCs we’ve ever built. Provide the longest lasting battery amongst Windows PCs, with Up to 22 hours of video playback and up to 15 hours of web browsing.
With the release of Recall, alongside improved Windows search and Click to Do, Microsoft aims to redefine the PC experience by integrating AI more seamlessly into everyday tasks. Will these features genuinely enhance productivity and user satisfaction, or will privacy concerns continue to overshadow the benefits? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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