Microsoft Pushes Back RecallAI Feature to October, Citing Security Concerns

Microsoft Pushes Back RecallAI Feature to October, Citing Security ConcernsAugust 22nd - Microsoft has announced a delay in the release of its controversial RecallAI feature. Initially slated for a June launch alongside Copilot+PC, the feature is now scheduled to become available to Windows Insiders in October

Microsoft Pushes Back RecallAI Feature to October, Citing Security Concerns

August 22nd - Microsoft has announced a delay in the release of its controversial RecallAI feature. Initially slated for a June launch alongside Copilot+PC, the feature is now scheduled to become available to Windows Insiders in October. The delay stems from security challenges encountered by Microsoft.

RecallAI utilizes a local AI model embedded within Windows 11 to record nearly every action a user performs or sees on their computer, enabling search and retrieval of previously encountered items. Additionally, an explorable timeline allows users to revisit their activities on specific days. Despite Microsoft's repeated assurances regarding RecallAI's security, localization, and privacy, security researchers discovered its database was unencrypted, leaving it potentially vulnerable to malicious software access.

As a result, Microsoft is undertaking significant improvements to RecallAI, including making the AI-powered feature optional instead of default, encrypting its database, and requiring authentication through Windows Hello. These security enhancements represent crucial steps taken by Microsoft to ensure user data safety.

In an updated blog post, Pavan Davuluri, Chief Product Officer for Windows and Surface at Microsoft, stated, "To provide customers with a trustworthy and secure Recall (Preview) experience, we plan to start making it available to Windows Insiders in October." He emphasized that security remains Microsoft's top priority.

While Microsoft has not explicitly clarified the specific reasons for the RecallAI delay, the postponement suggests the company might require additional time for comprehensive testing of its security enhancements. This could imply that a full release of RecallAI might not be seen this year.

Microsoft typically conducts weeks or months of testing for Windows features within its Insider program prior to broader rollout. Consequently, the full release date for RecallAI will hinge on whether Microsoft successfully launches its preview version in October as planned.

This delay reflects Microsoft's commitment to addressing security concerns and safeguarding user data. Moving forward, Microsoft will continue striving to enhance RecallAI's security and ensure the feature serves users reliably and securely.