Microsoft delays release of AI-powered Recall feature for Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft is delaying the release of its AI-powered Recall feature , which was originally slated to launch alongside new Copilot+ PCs on June 18. After all the controversy surrounding the privacy implications of Recall, the company has decided to release Recall as a preview through the Windows Insider Program in the coming weeks, allowing for more testing and feedback before a wider rollout.Recall, which captures screenshots of a user’s activity every few seconds and stores them in a searchable timeline, has faced significant criticism from privacy advocates and cybersecurity experts since its announcement in May. Many have expressed concerns about the potential for data theft and misuse, despite Microsoft’s assurances that data would be processed locally and kept secure.In response to these concerns, Microsoft announced earlier this month that it would make Recall an opt-in feature and require Windows Hello authentication to access the encrypted timeline. However, the company has now decided that these measures are insufficient and that more time is needed to ensure the feature meets its “high standards for quality and security.““We are adjusting the release model for Recall to leverage the expertise of the Windows Insider community to ensure the experience meets our high standards for quality and security,” said Pavan Davuluri, Windows and Devices VP, in an updated blog post.The delay comes amid a broader conversation about Microsoft’s commitment to security, with the company’s President, Brad Smith, recently testifying before Congress about a “cascade of security failures.” As part of its Secure Future Initiative, Microsoft has pledged to prioritise security over new AI-powered features and has tied executive pay to meeting security goals.To access the Recall preview, Windows Insiders will need a Copilot+ PC, which requires advanced CPUs with neural processing units (NPUs) for AI tasks. Microsoft has not provided an exact date for the preview’s availability but has stated that it will publish a new blog post with instructions on how to access it when it becomes available.