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Microsoft announced today that it is delaying the broad release of its Recall artificial intelligence feature for Copilot+ PCs. Recall, which was originally planned to be widely available to Copilot+ PC users on June 18, will now first be released as a preview to members of the Windows Insider Program in the coming weeks.
The decision to delay Recall’s general availability comes from Microsoft’s desire to gather additional feedback and ensure the feature meets their high security and quality standards before making it accessible to all users. This move highlights the increasing caution companies are exercising when deploying AI features, as they strive to balance innovation with responsible management of the technology.
Balancing Productivity and Privacy: On-Device AI and Security
Recall uses on-device AI to periodically capture snapshots of a user’s screen, building a searchable visual timeline to help users quickly locate previously viewed content across apps, websites, images, and documents. Microsoft promotes the feature as a significant productivity enhancement, likening it to a “photographic memory,” but there have been concerns about the privacy and security risks associated with storing and analyzing such sensitive data.
To address these privacy concerns, Microsoft is adding extra security measures for Recall. This includes employing “just in time” decryption protected by Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, ensuring that Recall snapshots are accessible only when the user confirms their identity. Additionally, the company is encrypting the search index database associated with Recall.
Responsible AI Deployment: Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative
By initially releasing Recall to the Windows Insider community, Microsoft aims to gather real-world feedback and usage data to fine-tune the feature before a broader release. This phased rollout approach has become common among companies developing advanced AI capabilities, as they work to balance potential benefits with responsible deployment practices.
The delay also demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to its Secure Future Initiative, which emphasizes security and privacy in the development of AI and other advanced technologies. As a part of this initiative, Microsoft has implemented several security enhancements for Copilot+ PCs, including making them Secured-core PCs, enabling Microsoft Pluton security processors by default, and equipping them with Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security.
Ensuring Long-Term Success and Trustworthiness of AI Tools
While the postponement of Recall’s broad release may be disappointing for some early adopters eager to try out the feature, industry experts consider it a necessary step to ensure the long-term success and reliability of AI-powered tools like Recall. As businesses continue to look toward AI to boost productivity and gain a competitive edge, the responsible development and deployment of these technologies will be crucial.
Microsoft has not provided a specific timeline for when Recall will be available to all Copilot+ PC users, only stating that it will happen “soon” after gathering feedback from the Windows Insider Program. The company plans to publish a blog post with details on how to access the Recall preview once it becomes available to Windows Insiders.