Windows 11 24H2's exclusive AI feature Recall has already been ported to existing hardware
Recall AI on Old Tech: Innovation or Privacy Risk?
Recall, a new AI feature exclusive to Windows 11 24H2, initially required the latest Copilot+ PCs with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series processors. Enthusiasts, however, have successfully adapted it for older, less powerful devices, including those with Snapdragon 7cx processors and 4GB RAM. Despite hardware limitations, the feature performs well, with a user guide forthcoming for broader application, including potentially on x86 systems. Concerns exist about privacy, as Recall captures frequent screenshots, but users can manage snapshot settings.
Why is the Recall feature initially only available on the new Copilot+ PCs with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series processors?
The Recall feature is initially only available on the new Copilot+ PCs with Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series processors due to the specific hardware requirements of the feature3. Recall leverages advanced AI capabilities, which necessitate powerful processing units to function efficiently. The Qualcomm Snapdragon X Series processors are equipped with the necessary Neural Processing Units (NPUs) that provide the computational power needed to handle the intensive AI tasks that Recall performs. These processors are capable of managing the complex algorithms and data processing required for Recall to capture and index activities on the PC effectively6. This hardware specificity limits the initial availability of Recall to devices that include these advanced processors, ensuring that the feature operates reliably and delivers the intended user experience5.
Who is Albacore, and what did they achieve with the Recall feature on lower-end hardware?
Albacore, known by the handle @thebookisclosed on the social media platform X, is a tech enthusiast who successfully managed to get Microsoft's new Recall feature to work on lower-end hardware1. Specifically, Albacore achieved this on a PC equipped with the Snapdragon 7cx processor and 4GB of RAM, which is significantly below the official requirements for Recall1. Despite the Snapdragon 7cx being an ARM chip without a built-in Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and having only 3.4GB of usable memory, Albacore reported that the feature works "surprisingly good." This achievement is notable because the official specifications for running Recall include a minimum of 16GB RAM and a more powerful processor. Albacore also announced plans to release a detailed guide to help other users with similar low-spec Windows on ARM devices to implement Recall1.