Microsoft has finally unveiled its highly-anticipated Recall AI feature for Copilot Plus PCs, giving Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel their first shot at experiencing this cutting-edge AI-powered memory assistant. It's not just another software update—it’s an ambitious move aimed at making your PC smarter, more intuitive, and surprisingly good at answering, "What was I working on two days ago?"
This sneak peek is only available to Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs initially, but Microsoft promises broader support for Intel and AMD chips in subsequent iterations. So, buckle up—here’s everything you need to know about what might just become the ultimate productivity tool.
Here’s how it works in a nutshell:
So, if you’ve got a compatible Copilot Plus PC and can’t wait to peek into the future of productivity, give Recall a spin through the Windows Insider Program. Just be ready for a journey full of snapshots, timelines, and AI-powered surprises.
Source: The Verge You can now try Microsoft’s Recall AI feature on a Copilot Plus PC
This sneak peek is only available to Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs initially, but Microsoft promises broader support for Intel and AMD chips in subsequent iterations. So, buckle up—here’s everything you need to know about what might just become the ultimate productivity tool.
What Is the Recall AI Feature?
Imagine having a virtual assistant that keeps track of everything you do on your computer—not just the files you save, but the web pages you browse, the apps you use, and even the specific steps you take while working on a project. That's essentially what Recall AI brings to the table.Here’s how it works in a nutshell:
- Snapshots: Recall captures screenshots of almost every activity you perform on your PC, subject to your permission. These snapshots are organized along a scrollable timeline.
- Searchable Memory: You can use natural language queries to search through these snapshots. For example, asking Recall "What were the Excel sheets I worked on last Wednesday?" could retrieve those exact files and timestamps.
- AI-Powered Insights: The feature doesn't just index images—it analyzes text and visual elements from your screenshots for quick retrieval.
Key Features You’ll Love (With a Side of AI Magic)
Here’s what makes Recall AI stand out in the crowded world of productivity tools:1. Interactive Timeline
Ever forget which website you were on while researching or what app you used for the last step of a task? Recall’s timeline lets you rewind to specific dates so you can revisit everything you were working on—down to the apps that were open.2. Natural Language Queries
Forget traditional box searches. You can simply ask, "What PowerPoint presentation was I editing yesterday?" or "What was I Googling an hour ago?"—and Recall will do the magic of finding relevant results for you.3. Control at Your Fingertips
Privacy skeptics, rejoice! Microsoft has made sure Recall AI is entirely opt-in. If you choose to enable it, you'll still maintain strict control:- You can exclude certain apps and websites from being tracked.
- Sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers is automatically filtered out.
- Saved snapshots can be deleted at any time.
But Wait, There's More: Enter "Click to Do"
A sub-feature bundled with Recall is Click to Do, which takes interactive screenshots to the next level. Say you’ve pulled up an old snapshot showing highlighted text—Click to Do allows you to:- Extract text from the snapshot for copying.
- Save individual images or elements parsed from the snapshot.
- Launch a contextual action right from the screenshot.
- See an image in a paused YouTube video? Use Click to Do to perform a visual search via Bing.
A Controversial Comeback: From Scrutiny to Preview
Believe it or not, the journey to launching Recall AI hasn’t been smooth. The feature was originally set to debut alongside Qualcomm’s Copilot Plus PCs back in June but was delayed due to security concerns. Microsoft took the extra time to refine its approach, opting to:- Make the service voluntary (opt-in only).
- Allow easy uninstallation should a user change their mind.
- Bolster data protection via encryption and Windows Hello.
How to Get Started with Recall AI
To try out Recall, you’ll need to be part of the Windows Insider Dev Channel. Here’s a step-by-step guide:- Ensure You Have a Copilot Plus PC: At the moment, only Qualcomm-powered devices are supported.
- Join the Windows Insider Program (if you haven’t already): Navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.
- Install the Latest Dev Channel Build: Once you’re opted in, the Recall feature and its accompanying models for Click to Do will start downloading in the background.
- Enable Recall AI: After installation, open the Recall app and follow the setup instructions. Don’t forget—you’ll need Windows Hello, Secure Boot, and BitLocker enabled.
Big Implications: Is Recall the Future of “Smart PCs”?
Microsoft’s Recall AI isn’t just a technical curiosity; it’s a bold statement about the future of personal computing. If successful, it could fundamentally change how we approach multitasking, productivity, and even cybersecurity on our devices. However, its reliance on behavioral tracking—even with robust privacy safeguards—will likely continue to raise questions about ethics and user control.Pros
- Supercharges multitasking efficiency.
- Intuitive search capabilities via natural language queries.
- Tight integration with AI-powered tools like Click to Do.
Cons
- Initial rollout is limited to Qualcomm-based devices.
- Some users may find the feature intrusive, despite opt-in controls.
- Long-term success hinges on how secure and private user data remains.
Final Thoughts: Is Recall Worth Trying?
If you’re the kind of user who juggles dozens of tabs, apps, and workflows daily, Recall AI might just become your new best friend. Its potential to streamline your digital memory is undeniable. However, the cautious rollout and privacy-first approach show that even Microsoft is treading lightly, aware of the public’s wariness of overreach in AI.So, if you’ve got a compatible Copilot Plus PC and can’t wait to peek into the future of productivity, give Recall a spin through the Windows Insider Program. Just be ready for a journey full of snapshots, timelines, and AI-powered surprises.
Source: The Verge You can now try Microsoft’s Recall AI feature on a Copilot Plus PC
