Microsoft is set to release new laptops equipped with Windows next week, but without a key feature called Recall. This feature, which raised concerns about privacy and cybersecurity, was initially touted by CEO Satya Nadella as a significant step towards artificial intelligence.
Recall functioned by capturing periodic snapshots of a user's computer screen to provide Microsoft's AI assistant Copilot with a 'photographic memory' of virtual activities. The goal was to assist users in recalling past actions and intentions.
However, the company announced a delay in the broad availability of Recall, which was expected to be included in new PCs starting next Tuesday. Instead, a limited preview will be rolled out to select users within the Windows Insider software testing program to ensure quality and security standards are met.
Microsoft unveiled a new class of AI-powered personal computers at its recent Build event, aiming to compete with other tech giants in offering generative AI technology for document composition, image creation, and personal assistant capabilities.
The new AI features will be integrated into Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system and will be available on high-end computers from partners such as Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung, and Microsoft's own Surface line of devices.