Microsoft to release Windows AI feature ‘Recall’ to testers in October

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) on Wednesday said it will provide its Recall feature to members of the Windows Insider Program with Copilot+ PCs starting in October.

“Security continues to be our top priority and when Recall is available for Windows Insiders in October we will publish a blog with more details,” Microsoft said in Wednesday’s update to a June blog post.

In June, Microsoft (MSFT) delayed the roll-out of a new artificial intelligence feature called Recall as part of its Windows software for new personal computers amid privacy concerns. The tech giant had said Recall would be turned off by default.

The AI tool periodically takes a snapshot of what appears on the screen and these images are encrypted, stored, and analyzed locally. Using Recall, one can find things from apps, websites, images, and documents that they have seen.

Microsoft (MSFT) did not specify the timing for a broader release for Windows computers that meet the system requirements for the Recall feature, which the company calls Copilot+ PCs.

The company has faced backlash from security experts as it tries to incorporate new generative AI tools into its products amid increased competition. The company has also promised to revamp security processes after a Department of Homeland Security report in April on China’s breach of U.S. government officials’ Microsoft-based email accounts raised several concerns.