Microsoft Copilot+ Daily news digest, 11-01-2024

Executive summary:

The news surrounding Microsoft Copilot+ primarily focuses on the delays of its Recall feature, which has raised significant concerns regarding Privacy and Security. The Recall feature is designed to enhance productivity by providing a visual timeline of user activities, but its implementation has been met with skepticism due to the extensive logging of user activities. This has led to it being labeled a potential "privacy nightmare" by some experts and users, raising questions about how user data will be handled and whether it can be trusted.

In terms of Security, Microsoft has stated its commitment to delivering a secure experience, implementing measures such as full encryption of the Recall database and utilizing local AI models. However, the feature has been disabled by default due to initial security concerns, which indicates that there are still unresolved issues that need to be addressed before it can be fully rolled out. The repeated delays in the feature's release have further fueled doubts about its reliability and readiness for public use.

The Software aspect of Copilot+ is also under scrutiny, as the opt-in nature of the Recall feature may limit its adoption among users who are wary of privacy implications. While Microsoft is actively working to refine the user experience, the ongoing confusion and misinformation regarding its implementation on non-Copilot+ PCs could hinder user acceptance.

From a Compatibility standpoint, Copilot+ is designed to work with various processors, including Qualcomm, AMD, and Intel, which suggests a broad potential user base. However, the perception of the Recall feature as a "baked-in spying device" could deter users from embracing the technology, regardless of its compatibility.

Overall, while Microsoft aims to enhance productivity and security through the Copilot+ platform, the current focus on the Recall feature highlights significant challenges related to privacy and security that need to be resolved to gain user trust and ensure widespread adoption.

Details

Microsoft Delays Windows Copilot+ Recall Release Over Privacy Concerns

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Recall feature aims to provide a "visual timeline" of user activities, enhancing productivity. Privacy concerns regarding the logging of all computing activities.
Microsoft is committed to delivering a secure and trusted experience with Recall. Recall feature has been disabled by default due to security issues.
Enhanced security measures, including "just in time" decryption and Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS). The delay in the release of Recall raises questions about its readiness and reliability.
The development is guided by the Secure Future Initiative (SFI), focusing on user security. The feature's opt-in nature may limit its adoption among users wary of privacy implications.

Source: https://thehackernews.com/2024/11/microsoft-delays-windows-copilot-recall.html

Microsoft's Recall AI tool for Copilot+ PCs faces a third delay

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.engadget.com/ai/microsofts-recall-ai-tool-for-copilot-pcs-faces-a-third-delay-191301031.html

Microsoft's controversial 'Recall' feature for Copilot+ PCs delayed again

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Recall is designed to be an opt-in feature, allowing users to choose whether to use it or not. The Recall feature has faced multiple delays, raising questions about its reliability and readiness.
Microsoft is committed to enhancing the security of Recall, including full encryption of its database. Initial security concerns have led to skepticism about the safety of the Recall feature.
Users will have the ability to fully uninstall Recall if they choose to do so. The feature has been labeled a "privacy nightmare" by some users and security experts.
Recall utilizes local AI models to enhance user experience by allowing retrieval of screenshots via an explorable timeline. There is ongoing confusion and misinformation regarding the implementation of Recall on non-Copilot+ PCs.
Microsoft is actively working to refine the user experience before the feature is previewed. The repeated delays may indicate underlying issues with the feature's development and security.

Source: https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/microsoft-delays-recall-feature-for-copilot-pcs-to-december/story

Microsoft is again recalling its prior-recalled Recall feature

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.xda-developers.com/microsoft-recalling-prior-recalled-recall/

AI adoption drives ‘unmanageable’ spike in cloud costs

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://www.supplychaindive.com/news/generative-ai-drives-unmanageable-cloud-cost-finops/729246/

Microsoft continues to fumble AI PCs: delays Recall feature AGAIN, now drops in December

Key positive aspects of Copilot+ Key concerns related to Copilot+
Utilizes local AI models for enhanced functionality Delay of the Recall feature raises concerns about reliability
Offers a unique "photographic memory" experience for users Security concerns due to extensive logging capabilities
Provides an opt-in experience for the Recall feature Perception of being a "baked-in spying device"
Compatible with various processors, including Qualcomm, AMD, and Intel Trust issues with Microsoft regarding data privacy and security

Source: https://www.tweaktown.com/news/101444/microsoft-continues-to-fumble-ai-pcs-delays-recall-feature-again-now-drops-in-december/index.html

Microsoft Pushes Back Windows 11 Recall AI Feature Amid Privacy Concerns

This is not a Copilot+ review.

Source: https://pune.news/technology/microsoft-pushes-back-windows-11-recall-ai-feature-amid-privacy-concerns-260485/