Microsoft has announced that it is delaying the release of the recall function with artificial intelligence (AI) for Copilot+ PC indefinitely. The company stated that it plans to initially release the function in test mode for participants in the Windows Insider program in the upcoming weeks. In an update from Microsoft, it was mentioned that the decision was made to leverage the Windows Insider community to ensure high quality and safety.
The recall function was introduced last month and was originally set to be released on June 18, 2024. However, it sparked controversy as it was seen as a potential risk to user confidentiality and data security. Recall is designed to take screen shots of all users on a PC and convert them into a search database using a local AI model.
According to Windows Central, Microsoft faced criticism for the lack of transparency in the development of Windows Recall and for not testing it publicly as part of the Windows Insider program. In response to the negative feedback, the company made recall an opt-in feature and implemented several safety changes, such as requiring authentication through Windows Hello to view the contents.
Microsoft highlighted that the recall function is protected by encryption (just in time), ensuring that access to the screen shots is only granted after user authentication via biometric data or a PIN code. This move underscores the increasing focus on careful integration of AI capabilities as companies strive to balance innovation with responsible technology use.
The news of the recall release delay comes shortly after Apple introduced the new Private Cloud Compute methodology (PCC), which aims to perform AI tasks in the cloud while maintaining user privacy and confidentiality.