8th June, 2024
On Friday, Microsoft released a new blog authored by Pavan Davuluri, corporate vice president of Windows and devices, addressing major concerns about Windows 11’s latest generative AI-backed feature Recall, a key feature of the upcoming ARM-powered Copilot+ PCs.
In the company’s blog, Davuluri wrote, “Today, we are sharing an update on the Recall (preview) feature for Copilot+ PCs, including more information on the setup experience, privacy controls, and additional details on our approach to security.”
Microsoft introduced Copilot+ PCs on May 20, powered by Snapdragon X series ARM-based processors. These processors are designed to enhance performance and deliver new AI experiences, featuring on-device generative AI capabilities powered by Qualcomm’s latest NPU (neural processing unit).
The Recall feature, also known as “photographic memory,” takes background screenshots to help users quickly find previously viewed content. This feature leverages on-device AI capabilities and is currently in preview.
Following its announcement, researchers and analysts raised safety and privacy concerns. In response, Microsoft updated the setup process for Copilot+ PCs. By default, Recall will be turned off, and users must manually opt-in to use it. This allows users to decide whether to enable the feature during their laptop setup.
The company has mandated Windows Hello (biometric authentication) to enable Recall, along with proof of presence for accessing it. Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) ensures that screenshots in Recall are decrypted and accessible only with user authentication. All screenshots will be stored, processed, and encrypted on-device.
Microsoft reassured that all Copilot+ PCs will be Secured-core PCs, using advanced firmware safeguards and dynamic root-of-trust measurement for protection. These PCs will also include a Microsoft Pluton security processor, designed with “Zero trust principles,” and enabled by default.
The company has also shared that the Recall snapshots will only be accessible by the user, and even Microsoft will not be able to access them. Users will be notified when Recall is taking snapshots via a pin on the taskbar.
Recall will not capture snapshots from digital rights-managed content or InPrivate browsing and supports browsers like Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Chrome. Users can also pause, filter, or delete content from Recall at any time.
The first Copilot+ branded PCs will start rolling out globally on June 18. Initially, features like Recall will be exclusive to ARM-powered Copilot+ PCs but will soon be available on Intel Lunar Lake and AMD Ryzen AI 300 series laptops.
Source: indianexpress.com
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