(Reuters) – Microsoft announced on Thursday that it will delay rolling out “Recall,” an AI-powered feature for tracking computer usage. Instead, the tech giant plans to preview it with a smaller group, citing privacy concerns.
The Recall feature tracks everything from web browsing to voice chats, compiling a searchable history stored on the computer. Users can retrieve past activities, even months later, for easy recollection.
Microsoft announced in a blog post that Recall will undergo a preview phase on its Windows Insider Program (WIP) soon. Originally slated for broad availability on June 18, the feature’s release is now delayed.
The Redmond, Washington-based company emphasized its commitment to a trusted, secure, and robust user experience. They plan to gather more feedback before making Recall available to all Copilot+ PC users.
Copilot+ PCs are a category of personal computers with artificial intelligence (AI) features that were unveiled in May.
The WIP is a public software testing program that allows millions of “Windows biggest fans” to preview upcoming features for the operating system.
The company said it plans to make the Recall preview available for all Copilot+ PCs coming soon after feedback from the WIP community.
Privacy concerns were raised soon after the announcement of this feature, with some social media users expressing fears that it could enable spying, while billionaire technologist Elon Musk called it a “Black Mirror episode”, making comparisons to the Netflix series that explores the harmful effects of advanced technology.
Moreover, stakeholders and industry experts have expressed mixed reactions to Microsoft’s delay of the Recall AI feature.
However, critics argue that Microsoft’s cautious approach could stifle innovation and competitiveness in the AI market
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