The news surrounding Microsoft Copilot+ and its new Recall feature highlights several important aspects across various categories.
Battery Life is noted to be generally good, with reports indicating energy efficiency in Copilot+ PCs. This is particularly relevant for users who prioritize long usage times without frequent recharging, especially in mobile scenarios.
System Performance appears to be solid across various models, with the Recall feature enhancing the overall user experience by allowing quick searches for apps, websites, and documents. However, the requirement for advanced security features like Windows Hello may introduce some performance overhead, which could affect users with lower-end devices.
Hardware compatibility is a significant concern, as the Recall feature is currently exclusive to Copilot+ PCs equipped with Snapdragon X processors. This limitation excludes users with Intel and AMD hardware, which may lead to frustration among those who have recently invested in non-Snapdragon devices.
In terms of Software, the Recall feature is designed to improve search functionality through AI, allowing users to retrieve relevant information using natural language. However, the initial rollout has faced criticism regarding potential bugs and the need for users to enroll in the Windows Insider program to access these features.
Security measures have been emphasized, with Microsoft ensuring that data collected by Recall is encrypted and stored securely. The feature includes malware protection and allows users to specify which apps and websites should not be included in snapshots. Despite these measures, concerns about potential misuse and the initial backlash regarding unencrypted storage have been raised.
Privacy is a critical aspect of the Recall feature, as users have control over what snapshots are saved and can delete unwanted data. Microsoft has assured users that snapshots are not sent to third parties and that data is only viewable by the user. However, the requirement for Windows Hello and the potential for data loss if users reset their PCs or remove Windows Hello have been highlighted as concerns.
Compatibility issues are evident, particularly with the exclusive availability of Recall on Snapdragon-powered devices. This has led to a divide among users, as those with other hardware types are left out of the new features, which could impact the overall adoption of Copilot+.
Reliability of the Recall feature is still under scrutiny, as users may encounter known issues during the preview phase. The potential for data loss during future updates and the learning curve associated with new AI-powered functions could affect user satisfaction.
Overall, while the introduction of the Recall feature in Microsoft Copilot+ presents exciting advancements in AI capabilities and user control, it also raises significant concerns regarding privacy, security, and compatibility that Microsoft will need to address as the platform evolves.
| Key positive aspects of Copilot+ | Key concerns related to Copilot+ |
|---|---|
| AI capabilities enhance search functionality with Recall, allowing users to find apps, websites, images, or documents by describing their content. | Users may encounter known issues during the preview phase, which could affect the overall experience. |
| Users have control over what snapshots are saved and can delete unwanted snapshots, ensuring privacy and data management. | The requirement to enable BitLocker and Secure Boot may complicate setup for some users. |
| Recall provides visual cues and a system tray icon for easy access and management of saved snapshots. | If users remove Windows Hello or reset their PC, they may lose access to their saved snapshots without a backup option available yet. |
| The platform prioritizes user privacy by not sending snapshots to Microsoft or third parties and encrypting user data. | AI search results may not always be accurate, leading to potential frustration if users cannot find what they are looking for. |
| Recall includes features to detect and filter out sensitive information, enhancing user security. | Future updates may require a reset of saved snapshots, which could lead to data loss for users. |
This is not a Copilot+ review.
| Key positive aspects of Copilot+ | Key concerns related to Copilot+ |
|---|---|
| Recall feature allows users to retrieve relevant screenshots using natural language. | Privacy and security concerns regarding potential misuse of the Recall feature by attackers. |
| Users can opt-in to save snapshots, providing control over data collection. | Requirement to enable Windows Hello for using Recall may be seen as an inconvenience. |
| Recall includes malware protection features such as anti-hammering and rate-limiting measures. | Initial negative feedback led to concerns about the feature being a "privacy and security nightmare." |
| Users can exclude specific apps, websites, or in-private browsing sessions from being saved. | Data is stored locally, but concerns remain about the potential for data breaches. |
| Recall can be removed, giving users the option to disable the feature entirely. | Enterprise devices will have Recall removed by default, which may limit its utility for some users. |
| Microsoft ensures that snapshots are not sent to third parties and cannot be accessed by Microsoft. | Users may face challenges in restoring snapshots if they remove Windows Hello or reset their PC. |
This is not a Copilot+ review.
| Key positive aspects of Copilot+ | Key concerns related to Copilot+ |
|---|---|
| Availability of Windows 11's AI feature, Recall, for public testing | Recall feature requires significant storage space for optimal use |
| Energy efficiency and good battery life | Limited options for non-laptop devices (only one tablet available) |
| Solid performance across various models | Higher price point for models with advanced features |
| Affordable entry-level options like Samsung Galaxy AI Book4 Edge | Smaller SSD options in some models may be limiting |
| Enhanced display options in higher-end models (e.g., 120Hz OLED) | Only available on Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X processors |
| Variety of models catering to different budgets and needs | Requirement to purchase new hardware to access AI features |
Source: https://www.neowin.net/deals/here-are-the-best-deals-on-copilot-pcs-to-try-windows-11-recall/
| Key positive aspects of Copilot+ | Key concerns related to Copilot+ |
|---|---|
| Recall feature acts as a "photographic memory" for user activity. | Privacy concerns regarding the storage of user activity snapshots. |
| Improved search functionality using AI to find apps, websites, etc. | Users must enable multiple security features (Windows Hello, etc.). |
| Users have control over snapshots, including the ability to pause. | Initial availability limited to Snapdragon-powered devices. |
| Ability to delete snapshots and exclude certain websites/apps. | Potential bugs in the Insider preview version. |
| Detects and avoids storing sensitive information like PINs. | Requires enrollment in the Windows Insider program for access. |
| Click To Do feature enhances interaction with text and images. | Users may face a learning curve with new AI-powered functions. |
| AI-powered functions for images, such as background removal. | Limited initial rollout may frustrate users with other hardware. |
This is not a Copilot+ review.
Source: https://petri.com/windows-recall-preview-now-available/
| Key positive aspects of Copilot+ | Key concerns related to Copilot+ |
|---|---|
| Windows Recall feature is designed with enhanced security, ensuring data is encrypted and inaccessible to third-party apps. | Windows Recall and Click To Do are currently exclusive to Copilot+ PCs with a Snapdragon X processor, leaving Intel and AMD users out. |
| Microsoft has involved the security community in shaping the Recall feature, inviting feedback on security and privacy enhancements. | There is no estimated time of arrival (ETA) for when Intel and AMD-powered Copilot+ PCs will gain access to the new features. |
| Data collected by Recall is only viewable by the user, with Microsoft ensuring it does not access, upload, or sell this data. | The feature is off by default, requiring users to manually enable it after upgrading, which may confuse some users. |
| The rollout of these features marks significant progress in the Copilot+ ecosystem after multiple delays. | The initial preview may frustrate customers who recently purchased non-Snapdragon powered devices, as they cannot participate. |
| Key positive aspects of Copilot+ | Key concerns related to Copilot+ |
|---|---|
| Recall AI feature allows quick searches for apps, websites, images, and documents. | Initial rollout faced backlash due to unencrypted storage of the Recall database. |
| Improved security with the Recall database now stored in a secure VBS Enclave with always-on encryption. | Privacy concerns remain, as the feature was labeled a "privacy nightmare" by security researchers. |
| Users can now uninstall Recall entirely if they choose. | Potential for misuse if security measures are not adequately maintained. |
| Users can specify apps and websites where Recall should not take snapshots. | Dependence on Windows Hello for decryption may limit accessibility for some users. |
Source: https://beebom.com/microsoft-releases-recall-ai-copilot-pcs-insider-channel/
This is not a Copilot+ review.
Source: https://www.techopedia.com/news/windows-11-recall-preview