In this week’s edition of The Windows Forecast, we find ourselves navigating a rather quiet landscape for Windows Insiders. The most significant development is the announcement of yet another delay for the much-anticipated Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs, a topic that has generated considerable buzz and frustration among users. As we delve deeper, let’s explore the nuances of this situation.
Recall gets re-recalled
Microsoft has a long-standing history of postponing features, and the Recall feature is no exception. Initially set for a rollout just days away, the company has once again pushed back its availability. This latest delay, confirmed on October 31st, has shifted the expected launch to December, leaving many to wonder if it will ever see the light of day.
On October 1st, Microsoft had announced the Super Resolution feature for the Photos app, which was made available to Insiders just last week. In contrast, the Copilot+ initiative, first unveiled on May 20th, has yet to materialize fully, raising questions about the company’s ability to deliver on its promises.
While skepticism about the Recall feature’s future is growing, it’s important to note that such delays are not entirely unexpected. Microsoft’s communication strategy often leaves much to be desired, as evidenced by the lack of clarity surrounding the Recall feature’s status. The announcement of its delay came not from an official blog post but through a report from The Verge, highlighting a recurring theme of last-minute updates.
Windows 10 is almost dead
In other news, Microsoft is actively encouraging users to transition to Windows 11. For those hesitant to make the leap, the company is offering a option for consumers to continue receiving security updates for an additional year. Businesses, however, face a steeper price tag through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which can extend support for up to three years.
This approach seems reasonable, especially considering that businesses often require more time and resources to upgrade multiple systems. While some may argue that extending free updates for consumers could benefit users, it’s clear that Microsoft is keen on promoting Windows 11 as the primary operating system.
Windows Hello gets… better?
This week also saw the introduction of a redesigned Windows Hello experience for Insiders in the Beta channel. The update brings a fresh look with new icons and a more streamlined design that aligns with Windows 11’s aesthetic. While visual improvements are always welcome, many users hope for enhancements in functionality as well.
Despite the appealing design changes, the performance of Windows Hello remains a concern. Users often find that signing in with facial recognition takes longer than entering a PIN, primarily due to the time it takes for the camera to activate. While the update aims to improve the user experience, the focus on aesthetics over efficiency may leave some users wanting more.
On a positive note, managing passkeys has become easier, which is beneficial for those who utilize multiple passkeys across devices. However, the complexity of switching devices and creating different passkeys can still be a hurdle for many users, leading some to prefer traditional two-factor authentication methods.
Overall, this week has been marked by a blend of anticipation and disappointment as Microsoft navigates its feature rollouts and user expectations. As we look ahead, there is hope for more positive developments in the Windows ecosystem, particularly regarding the anticipated updates for Windows Hello and the elusive Recall feature.
