Reacting to privacy issues of Microsoft´s new Recall feature for Windows 11 on Copilot+ PCs, independent developers have created alternative solutions.
Recall functions by capturing user activities through snapshots, which are then organized for efficient searching. Despite Microsoft's assurances, security experts have pinpointed potential vulnerabilities, casting doubt on the feature's security claims.
Since Microsoft's announcement at Build, Recall has been widely criticized. Figures like Elon Musk have highlighted security weaknesses and contributed to a vigorous debate. Despite the controversy, there has been a surge in efforts to clone this feature, with several GitHub projects aiming to replicate it.
OpenRecall stands out among these projects for its cross-platform compatibility and use of Hugging Face for its AI components. Available on GitHub, users need Git and Python 3.11 to install it, with detailed instructions accessible in the repository.
The open-source utility provides similar functionality without requiring specialized hardware. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a broader user base. The developers plan to integrate visual search and
audio transcription for enhanced searchability in the future.
RewindAI, which launched last year an AI-powered wearable that transcribes and archives everything you say, also offers a service similar to Recall for macOS.
Functionality and Availability
Like the original Recall feature, OpenRecall also captures digital activities through regular snapshots, which are analyzed and made searchable. Users can quickly locate specific information by typing relevant keywords or manually scrolling through their history. However, while developers assert that OpenRecall is privacy-focused, it currently lacks features like password protection and encryption, raising similar concerns to those associated with Microsoft's Recall.
| Feature | OpenRecall | Windows Recall | Rewind.ai |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transparency | Open-source | Closed-source | Closed-source |
| Supported Hardware | All | Copilot+ certified Windows hardware | M1/M2 Apple Silicon |
| OS Support | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows | macOS |
| Privacy | On-device, self-hosted | Microsoft's privacy policy applies | Connected to ChatGPT |
| Cost | Free | Part of Windows 11 (requires specialized hardware) | Monthly subscription |
Privacy and Security Implications
Both Recall and OpenRecall store and process data locally, but the absence of encryption and password protection in OpenRecall means users must weigh the risks of using these tools. Even though OpenRecall is open-source, which generally allows for greater transparency and community oversight, the same privacy questions that have troubled Microsoft's Recall apply to OpenRecall.
For those interested in exploring OpenRecall, the tool is available on its GitHub repository. Users are encouraged to review the project and consider the potential privacy implications before integrating it into their workflow.
