Microsoft has pushed back the rollout of its AI-backed Recall feature, initially slated for release to Windows Insiders. The new deployment is now expected in October.
The delay is a result of privacy and safety concerns that arose regarding the Recall feature. Designed to capture and help users search through screenshots of everything on their screen, the system's storage database was found to be inadequately protected, lacking encryption.
To mitigate risks and enhance security, the tech giant is now encrypting the database and will require user authentication via Windows Hello. Furthermore, the feature will be disabled by default, requiring users to opt-in to use it.
Enhanced User Experience Through AI
Recall employs on-device AI within Windows 11 to compile a searchable timeline of screenshots. The timeline allows users to review their activities on specific dates, offering a detailed view of past interactions. Initially set for a June release, the lack of encryption within the feature prompted a delay, emphasizing the importance of delivering a secure user experience.
Revised Release and Testing Plans
Originally targeting a June release, Microsoft has extended the timeline following the discovery of security vulnerabilities. As we reported at the time, Microsoft is decided to hold off on releasing the AI-driven Recall feature.
“Recall”, unveiled at Build 2024 is designed to give users a “photographic memory” of their PC activities by letting them revisit any app or file they have opened. The feature has, however, drawn criticism from cybersecurity experts due to its potential security risks. Microsoft has since published a document addressing how privacy is affected when using Recall.
Kevin Beaumont, a cybersecurity expert, criticized the feature in a detailed analysis on Medium. Beaumont contends that Recall suffers from a host of security issues, which could allow hackers to steal anything viewed or typed on a computer.
In the update post, Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows and Surface, reiterated the company's focus on security. Although the feature is set for release to Windows Insiders in October, public availability remains uncertain. Microsoft's Insider program typically entails prolonged testing phases before features are more widely available, suggesting the general release might be delayed further.
Technical Mechanism and Testing Phase
The Recall feature operates by taking periodic screenshots of active windows, processing them on-device using a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and an AI model, and storing the data in an SQLite database. Users can search this data through natural language queries. Despite the enhanced AI capabilities, privacy experts have raised alarms about potential abuse by malicious entities.
