Microsoft’s hallmark AI feature dubbed a security ‘disaster’ days before WWDC
What is the Recall feature in Microsoft's Copilot Plus PCs and what does it track?
The Recall feature in Microsoft's Copilot Plus PCs is an AI-powered tool that records and stores everything a user does on their computer4. This includes activities in apps, communications in live meetings, and websites visited for research. By performing a Recall action, users can access a snapshot from a specific time period, providing context for the event or moment they are searching for. It also allows users to search through teleconference meetings and videos using an AI-powered feature that transcribes and translates speech.
Why was the Recall feature designed, according to Microsoft's presentation?
According to Microsoft's presentation, the Recall feature was designed to track and record everything a user does on their computer, including clicks, Zoom meetings, files viewed and deleted, and keystrokes typed. This feature was created to provide an AI-powered system that can later present users with any information they need about their past activity, essentially giving them a photographic memory of their PC life.
What specific claims did Microsoft make about the performance of its AI-centric Copilot Plus PCs compared to the latest M3 MacBook Airs?
Microsoft claimed that its AI-centric Copilot Plus PCs outperformed the latest M3 MacBook Airs in several aspects. The company announced that the Copilot+ PCs provide a quantum leap in computing, with power, performance, and breakthrough AI experiences5. These PCs are equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU) that delivers over 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS), powering new AI experiences.
Microsoft specifically claimed that the Copilot+ PCs are faster than the latest MacBook Air. They also stated that the new devices have better battery life than the M3 MacBook Air and offer faster performance6. Furthermore, Microsoft emphasized that Copilot+ PCs have the most powerful Neural Processing Units (NPUs) in the PC category today, making AI-heavy tasks like the new Recall feature possible.
In terms of hardware, the Copilot+ PCs are powered by the new Snapdragon Elite X chips from Qualcomm. These chips are designed to deliver improved performance and battery efficiency. The Surface Pro, for example, is said to be up to 90% faster than the previous-generation Surface Pro (the Surface Pro 9), and it sports a new OLED with HDR display, Wi-Fi 7 (and optional 5G) and an upgraded ultrawide front-facing camera.
Microsoft also highlighted that the Copilot+ PCs are tuned to deliver optimal processing and response times5. For instance, the new Surface Laptop is said to last up to 22 hours on a charge and is up to 86% faster than the Surface Laptop 5.
Overall, Microsoft's message was clear: they believe their new AI-centric Copilot Plus PCs offer superior performance and features compared to the latest M3 MacBook Airs.