Microsoft Copilot+ Daily news digest, 04-12-2025

Executive summary:

The news surrounding Microsoft Copilot+ presents a multifaceted view of the innovative platform, particularly with its new Recall feature and associated advancements in Windows 11.

Battery Life is not directly addressed in the provided news; however, the focus on AI capabilities and the efficient integration of hardware suggests that devices using Copilot+ may optimize their power usage. The presence of neural processing units (NPUs) could contribute to improved efficiency, but explicit commentary on battery longevity is lacking.

System Performance appears promising, given the integration of AI that leverages local hardware for enhanced capabilities, such as speeding up the retrieval of information. Features like the 40+ TOPS NPU indicate a design aimed at supporting high-performance applications. However, concerns about initial performance stability, especially during the rollout phase of Recall, hint at potential growing pains for end users.

Under Hardware, the integration of NPUs within devices is a significant advancement. However, performance compatibility appears limited to select hardware, specifically Snapdragon processors at launch. The pending support for AMD and Intel platforms can create a divide that may frustrate users reliant on these ecosystems.

In terms of Software, the Recall feature stands out as a transformative addition aimed at enhancing productivity through smarter data retrieval methods. Nevertheless, the beta nature of Windows 11 and some initial limitations highlight areas for improvement, such as usability and feature rollout timing.

Security is a double-edged sword in this news. The saving of snapshots on local drives, along with encryption measures, is a positive step toward securing user data. However, inherent concerns arise regarding the potential for unauthorized access, illustrating the challenges Microsoft faces in ensuring user trust while rolling out features that monitor activity.

Equally, Privacy remains a central concern with the Recall feature. Despite assurances of local data storage and the ability to opt-out, the continuous monitoring of user activities can lead to discomfort among users. The backlash from privacy advocates illustrates a need for Microsoft to engage more transparently with its user base about data practices.

Compatibility emerges as a pertinent issue as the new features are initially limited to a subset of hardware. Microsoft’s plan for gradual rollout suggests an ability to scale, but until broader compatibility is achieved, user frustration is a likely outcome.

Reliability comes into question not only due to potential stability concerns during the feature rollout but also because of the historical context surrounding Microsoft’s past mishaps with similar features. The caution shown in the gradual deployment process indicates a thoughtful approach, yet ongoing scrutiny and user apprehension may hinder initial reception.

Overall, while the innovations surrounding Copilot+ are poised to enhance user experience dramatically, the successful rollout will necessitate addressing privacy concerns more robustly and ensuring broader compatibility with existing systems to gain user confidence and compliance.

Details

Microsoft total recalls Recall totally to Copilot+ PCs

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Recall feature enhances productivity by enabling users to review past actions. Continuous logging of user activity raises significant privacy concerns.
AI runs locally, utilizing PC's hardware acceleration for performance. Potential for data breaches or misuse if a device is compromised.
Automatic redaction of sensitive information in browsers, though limited to Edge. Some users may be skeptical about data security despite assurances.
Opt-in feature allows users to choose whether or not to enable Recall. Backlash from privacy advocates and infosec professionals may persist.
Compatible with major browsers including Edge, Firefox, Opera, and Google Chrome. User control may be undermined by the AI's capability to log extensive data.
Accessing screenshots requires Windows Hello authentication, enhancing security. Concerns over whether users fully understand the implications of enabling Recall.
Designed for gradual rollout, suggesting careful deployment process. Microsoft’s past controversies with similar features may affect user trust.

Source: https://www.theregister.com/2025/04/11/microsoftwindowsrecall/

Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3863 (Beta Channel)

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Enhanced Windows Search allowing natural language queries Initial support limited to Snapdragon-powered PCs
Improved digital accessibility features through Narrator Basic description features for non-Copilot+ PCs
Rich image descriptions generated by AI for better accessibility Rollout timing for AMD and Intel support still pending
High-performance capabilities with 40+ TOPS NPU Unknown stability and reliability of new features
Personalized user experience with semantic search Limited availability features for Windows Insiders in specific regions

Source: https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/04/11/announcing-windows-11-insider-preview-build-26120-3863-beta-channel/

Microsoft Recall is gradually rolling out — will new privacy features get you to try Windows AI?

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Integration of innovative AI feature "Recall" that enhances productivity by allowing semantic searches of past activities. Privacy concerns surrounding the collection and use of user data through Recall.
Recall process snapshots on-device without cloud involvement, adding a layer of data security. Users must opt-in to use Recall and need to enroll in Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security, adding complexity to setup.
Ability to manually filter apps or websites from inclusion in Recall snapshots. Reports of Recall potentially capturing sensitive information like credit card and Social Security numbers despite auto-filtering features.
Aimed to simplify the process of finding past documents and activities on the PC. Ongoing concerns over user trust and potential backlash if privacy issues arise during wider rollout.
Positive feedback from early users describing Recall as a game-changer for desktop productivity. Uncertainty around release dates for non-Insider Windows 11 users, causing frustration for some potential users.

Source: https://www.laptopmag.com/laptops/windows-laptops/microsoft-recall-is-back-again

I found an OLED laptop with 15-hour battery life on sale for $559

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Excellent OLED display Limited performance for gaming or intensive tasks
Great efficiency with 15+ hours of battery life Windows on ARM may not appeal to all users
Affordable pricing, especially with discounts Low entry-level performance due to Snapdragon X Plus
Versatile convertible design Potential future price increases due to tariffs
Good performance for daily office tasks and streaming
Includes a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI tasks
User-friendly features like touch screen and pen input

Source: https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/laptops/lenovo-ideapad-5x-bb-deal

Windows 11’s controversial Recall feature could soon arrive for Copilot+ PCs – I just hope Microsoft’s tightening of its privacy is up to scratch

AI REQUEST ERROR: empty prompt value for Microsoft Copilot+, which is a new computer hardware platform developed by Microsoft and its OEMs (...

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/windows-11-s-controversial-recall-feature-could-soon-arrive-for-copilot-pcs-i-just-hope-microsoft-s-tightening-of-its-privacy-is-up-to-scratch/ar-AA1CK1Ih

Microsoft Moves Forward With Controversial Recall Feature

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
AI-powered Recall feature enhances productivity by capturing snapshots of user activity. Privacy concerns due to unencrypted storage of snapshots in earlier versions.
Dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) allows quick access to previously viewed information. Potential risks of unauthorized access to sensitive information from snapshots.
User can search through snapshots via AI using text or images, facilitating easier retrieval of information. Some users are uncomfortable with continuous monitoring of their activities.
Users have control to opt-in, delete snapshots, pause, or turn off the feature at any time. Initial rollout faced criticism and delays, indicating potential management issues.
Snapshots and data are saved and encrypted on the local hard drive, ensuring data isn't shared externally. Requirement for enrollment in Windows Hello may limit access for some users.
Click to Do feature allows immediate action on the captured text or images, enhancing usability. Ongoing security and privacy enhancements raise concerns about what further issues could still exist.

Source: https://securityboulevard.com/2025/04/microsoft-moves-forward-with-controversial-recall-feature/

Windows 11: Disponibile la nuova build per gli Insider | Beta e Dev Channel

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Improves Windows Search by allowing users to type settings in natural language. Currently limited to Snapdragon-powered PCs with support for AMD and Intel coming soon.
Utilizes a powerful 40+ TOPS NPU, enabling offline search improvements. Dependency on user familiarity with the Feedback Hub for reporting issues.
Enhances digital accessibility with richer image descriptions in Narrator for visually impaired users. Initial experience may require downloading models, which could be a barrier for some users.

Source: https://www.plaffo.com/2025/04/windows-11-disponibile-la-nuova-build-per-gli-insider-beta-e-dev-channel-2/

Microsoft Finally Begins Rolling Out Recall Preview to Windows Insiders

AI REQUEST ERROR: empty prompt value for Microsoft Copilot+, which is a new computer hardware platform developed by Microsoft and its OEMs (...

Source: https://www.extremetech.com/computing/microsoft-finally-begins-rolling-out-recall-preview-to-windows-insiders

After Delays, Microsoft Recall Inches Closer to Full Launch

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Recall feature helps users easily find previous files or data Concerns about Recall acting like built-in spyware
Screenshots are disabled for sensitive information Delayed rollout of features raised user apprehension
Additional security measures, like data encryption Initial controversy surrounding user privacy
Opt-in feature for user control over data access Potential over-reliance on automated suggestions
Compatibility with multiple hardware (Snapdragon, AMD, Intel) Needs user authentication for accessing screenshots
Click to Do feature enhances user productivity

Source: https://tech.yahoo.com/articles/delays-microsoft-recall-inches-closer-140652587.html

Windows Recall is now one step away from a true, public release

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Enhanced performance with AI-powered features Privacy risks associated with storing visual history
Rolling out with new features like Recall Performance issues reported (slow and stuttery)
Compatibility with Windows 11 advancement System consistency problems noted in testing
Ability to disable features like Recall Enterprise versions will disable the feature by default
Improved processor capabilities for better AI Concerns about the feature being used as a replacement for manual screenshots

Source: https://www.pcworld.com/article/2684191/windows-recall-is-now-one-step-away-from-a-true-public-release.html