Microsoft delays controversial AI Recall feature on new Windows computers
How is Microsoft positioning its AI technology in comparison to its Big Tech rivals?
Microsoft is positioning its AI technology as a front-runner in the competitive and emerging landscape of AI, putting it ahead of rivals like Amazon and Google, and even giving it a chance of surpassing Apple3. The company has made significant investments in artificial intelligence, including its decision to back ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. Microsoft's heavy focus on AI has enabled it to inject generative AI into most of its core products, such as a new search experience in Bing and the Copilot-branded worker aids within its 365 suite. Additionally, Microsoft has been working on a new large language model (LLM) called MAI-1, which could rival the largest built models currently available, including Google Gemini and GPT-4. This strategic focus on AI has helped Microsoft retain its position as the world's second most valuable company, trailing closely behind Apple.
How does the Recall feature function to assist users with their virtual activities?
The Recall feature is designed to assist users with their virtual activities by providing a "photographic memory" of their computer usage. It functions by periodically taking snapshots of the computer screen, capturing everything that the user sees and interacts with. These snapshots are then stored locally on the device and analyzed using on-device AI to understand and index the content.
With Recall, users can search for anything they have seen or done on their computer using natural language. This means users can describe what they are looking for in their own words, and Recall will search through the indexed snapshots to find relevant results. The feature can understand both text and visual descriptions, making it easier for users to find specific memories or pieces of information.
Furthermore, Recall allows users to interact with the search results by copying text and images directly from the snapshots, clicking on URLs to visit webpages, or jumping directly into documents or files. This provides a seamless way for users to resume their activities or find previously viewed information without having to remember specific details or file names.
What concerns have been raised about the Recall feature regarding privacy and cybersecurity?
The Recall feature has raised concerns about privacy and cybersecurity due to its ability to periodically take snapshots of a computer screen, which could potentially capture sensitive information such as passwords or financial account numbers. Critics have pointed out that if a hacker gains access to a device with Recall enabled, they could easily access the user's entire history stored by the function. While Microsoft has emphasized that the feature is optional and stores data locally on the device, security researchers have demonstrated that the database can be accessed without administrator privileges, further heightening concerns about the feature's security.