Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel are experiencing a significant upgrade today, as Microsoft rolls out the first preview of its innovative Recall AI feature for Copilot Plus PCs. This release comes after a series of delays, but it promises to enhance user interaction with the operating system by introducing two key functionalities: Recall and Click to Do, reminiscent of Google’s Circle to Search.
Exploring Recall’s Capabilities
Recall is designed to capture a comprehensive snapshot of your activities on a Copilot Plus PC, enabling users to easily search and retrieve past actions. By opting in to this feature, users can allow Recall to take screenshots of their work, which can then be accessed through natural language queries. A scrollable timeline further enriches the experience, allowing users to navigate back to specific dates to find applications or websites they were using. The AI-driven search results intelligently match both text and visual elements from the captured snapshots.
Privacy and Control
Importantly, Recall is an optional feature that requires user consent to activate. Once users install the latest build, the necessary models for Recall and Click to Do will begin downloading in the background. Initially, this preview is exclusive to Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs, with plans to extend support to Intel and AMD systems in the near future. Users maintain control over their snapshots, with the ability to delete them or exclude specific apps and websites from being recorded. Moreover, Recall is designed to automatically identify and protect sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and personal identification details, ensuring that these snapshots are never saved.
Security Measures in Place
Microsoft emphasizes that user privacy is paramount. The Windows Insider team reassures users that no snapshots are sent to the cloud or used for AI training. “We do not send your snapshots off your PC to Microsoft or third parties,” they clarify. “Microsoft can’t access the keys to view your encrypted data, so we can’t restore your snapshots if you remove Windows Hello or reset your PC.” This level of security aims to build trust as users explore the capabilities of Recall.
Click to Do: Enhancing User Interaction
Alongside Recall, the Click to Do feature enhances the user experience by recognizing text and images within the captured snapshots. This AI-powered tool allows users to perform actions such as copying text or saving images directly from their previous work. Eventually, Click to Do will extend its functionality beyond Recall, enabling users to interact with content on their screens—such as performing visual searches on items in a YouTube video—simply by using the Windows key and mouse clicks.
A Step Forward for Microsoft’s AI Aspirations
The introduction of Recall marks a pivotal moment in Microsoft’s journey towards integrating AI into Windows. Initially slated for release alongside Copilot Plus PCs in June, the feature faced delays due to security concerns. Microsoft has since taken steps to enhance its security framework, making Recall an opt-in experience and allowing users to uninstall it if desired. As security researchers begin to scrutinize Recall in its preview phase, the anticipation builds for a broader rollout to Copilot Plus PC owners.
