Microsoft's Revised AI Feature Recall Set for October Relaunch
Microsoft is gearing up to launch a revised version of its AI feature, Recall, following a tumultuous debut earlier this year. The tech giant aims to address the concerns raised by users and critics alike, ensuring a more secure and user-friendly experience this time around.
A Look Back: When Microsoft Announced Recall
To provide some context, Recall was first introduced in May during the unveiling of the Copilot+ series of PCs. This feature was designed to automatically capture screenshots of the entire screen every five seconds, with only a handful of applications exempt from this function. Users could then query the AI for information, such as recalling the name of a website where they purchased a particular item.
While the concept appeared beneficial to some, it raised significant privacy concerns among others. The situation was exacerbated by reports of inadequate security measures surrounding the data Recall collected, leading to fears of potential malware threats that could compromise user activity.
In light of these issues, many observers, including myself, suggested that Microsoft should adopt an opt-in model for Recall. This approach would allow users to choose whether to enable the feature, thereby protecting the privacy of those who preferred not to participate. Ultimately, Microsoft decided to retract Recall just two weeks after its initial launch, vowing to enhance its security and functionality.
Fast Forward to This Month: Microsoft's New Strategy
Fast forward to this month, Microsoft has announced plans to reintroduce Recall in October. This time, the feature will be rolled out in Insider builds of Windows, rather than being included in the Windows 11 24H2 feature update. This strategic shift aims to refine the feature further before a broader release.
Recall Will Be Opt-In and You Can Uninstall It
In a significant move, Microsoft has confirmed that Recall will launch as an opt-in feature, which is a welcome change. The specifics of its marketing strategy remain to be seen, but this decision reflects a commitment to user choice and privacy.
Additionally, our colleagues at Deskmodder have uncovered that users will also have the option to uninstall Recall from their Windows systems. Previously, administrators could only deactivate or block the feature through settings. With the update KB5041865 for Windows 11 version 24H2, users can now remove Recall via the installed features window, accessible by searching for “features” in the Start menu.
It’s worth noting that while this capability has been confirmed for users in the European Union, it remains uncertain whether it will extend to users in other regions.
What is your take on Recall? Do you plan to use it, or is this something that holds no interest for you? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
