Microsoft Introduces Recall Feature and AI-Enhanced Windows Search for Copilot Plus PCs
Microsoft Introduces Recall and Enhanced Features for Copilot Plus PCs
Microsoft has officially rolled out its Recall feature alongside enhancements to the Copilot Plus PCs. Recall is designed to capture and screenshot almost every action you perform on your PC, making it easier for users to retrieve previous work or sessions. This feature arrives with significant upgrades to the AI-driven Windows search interface and a new function called "Click to Do," akin to Google’s "Circle to Search."
Background on Recall
Recall was initially set to launch when Copilot Plus PCs debuted in June of the previous year. However, Microsoft decided to postpone its release due to concerns raised by security experts regarding privacy and data protection. While the feature was slated for public testing in October, it was further delayed until November to enhance security measures. Over the past ten months, Microsoft has focused on overhauling Recall to ensure it is a secure, opt-in feature for users wary of privacy risks.
- Recall Launch Timeline:
- Initial Announcement: June of the previous year
- Public Testing Planned: Originally set for October, delayed to November
- Improvements: 10 months focused on security enhancements
A Closer Look at Recall
Navjot Virk, Microsoft’s corporate vice president of Windows Experiences, states that Recall aims to resolve the common challenge of resuming tasks from where users left off. It organizes snapshots in a way that allows users to search for vague memories rather than relying solely on specific file names.
While testing Recall, some users have found it both impressive and concerning. It significantly upgrades the search capabilities on Windows by enabling natural language processes to analyze images and content. However, the vast amount of data collected can create privacy challenges, especially in managing blocked applications or websites.
Security Features and Concerns
Kevin Beaumont, a security researcher who previously expressed concerns about Recall, noted that Microsoft has made substantial progress in securing the feature. Key updates include:
- Encrypted Database: User data is now safeguarded through encryption.
- Sensitive Data Filtering: Recall attempts to filter out sensitive information by default.
- Opt-in Feature: Users can choose whether or not to activate Recall.
Despite these improvements, Beaumont warns that filtering may not always be accurate and could be occasionally buggy. Furthermore, users can access Recall through a simplified four-digit PIN using Windows Hello, although a biometric sign-in method is still recommended.
New Features to Enhance User Experience
In addition to Recall, the Copilot Plus PCs are receiving upgrades to their Windows search functionality through AI enhancements. Users can now execute natural language queries across different platforms, allowing for more intuitive searching. For example, instead of needing to know the exact name or date of a saved file, a user can simply ask for something descriptive, like "image of a brown dog."
Click to Do Feature
- Activation: Use the Windows key combined with a left-click.
- Functionality: Provides actions related to text or images on the screen.
- Examples include summarizing text or removing elements from an image.
Availability and Future Developments
Recall, along with the updated search capabilities and Click to Do feature, is now officially available on all Copilot Plus PCs. However, the text actions in Click to Do are currently only accessible on Qualcomm-powered devices, with plans to extend this functionality to AMD and Intel devices in the coming months. Although Microsoft aims to offer these features in multiple languages and regions, they will not be available in EU countries and select other European nations until later this year.
