Microsoft delays adding ‘photographic memory’ screenshot feature to Windows

Microsoft has delayed the rollout of a flagship feature called Recall in new laptops after the technology drew concerns over privacy and cybersecurity.

Recall works by periodically taking snapshots of a computer screen to give Microsoft’s AI assistant Copilot a “photographic memory” of a person’s virtual activity, ostensibly to help someone remember what they did earlier.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella touted the new feature at a showcase event last month, describing it as a step toward artificial intelligence machines that “instantly see us, hear, reason about our intent and our surroundings.”

“We’re entering this new era where computers not only understand us but can actually anticipate what we want and our intent,” Nadella said in May.

But on Thursday, the company said it was delaying a “broadly available” preview of Recall that was supposed to be included with new PCs starting Tuesday.

Instead, it will first go to a smaller set of users who are part of the Windows Insider software testing program. Those early adopters will help “ensure the experience meets our high standards for quality and security,” said Pavan Davaluri, Microsoft’s corporate vice-president of Windows and devices, in a statement.

The software giant revealed a new class of AI-outfitted personal computers at its annual Build event last month as it confronts heightened competition from Big Tech rivals in pitching generative AI technology that can compose documents, make images and serve as a lifelike personal assistant.

The AI features in Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system will appear on new high-end computers made by Microsoft partners Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung, as well as on Microsoft’s Surface line of devices.