Image source: Future by John Loffler
Microsoft just recently announced they’ll cease the Windows Recall development because of big controversy regarding privacy issue. Microsoft not only pulled this feature from laptops with CoPilot+ PCs, but also in any Windows 11 test builds. Although Windows already slowly pulled out this feature from public PCs since June 14, 2024 and only available for testing purpose in Windows Insider Program (WIP), their results couldn’t bring any fruition and since Windows Recall keep getting negative critics, Microsoft chose to abandon this feature.
Windows Recall was Disrespectful on Personal Privacy
Windows Recall uses AI (Artificial Intelligence) to capture any moments (and of course, your private chats through email and WhatsApp also saved) through screenshots. Because of this, many people were angry and they hoped this feature will come as optional feature and only available locally (without requiring internet). However, Windows Recall was automatically turned on even since the first time the PC is turned on and even when the user still have choice to pause this feature until tomorrow, nobody wants to do this as daily routine. Furthermore, not everyone is computer geek, and even some of them are, they probably forgot or don’t have much time to turn off Windows Recall.
Windows Recall also Caused Threat on Digital Rights Management (DRM)
Because Windows Recall has the ability to take screenshots silently, there’s a higher chance Microsoft has a chance to use these screenshots for promotional purposes. Your passwords, friends, and anything else that was supposed to be private become publicity known with only Windows Recall. If someone has a big project involving massive audiences such as car projects, secret documents, or even a new book that was supposed to come the next year, then became exposed in a few days thanks to the Windows Recall, nobody wants that, definitely.
Snapdragon X Series May Lose the Uniqueness
Snapdragon X Series, recently debuted processors by Qualcomm to compete with big competitors like Intel and AMD, may lose its uniqueness because of Windows Recall termination. However, it might be also good news because Microsoft just saved Qualcomm from massive disaster. Nevertheless, Snapdragon X processor is still capable to run AI features even if those features may come from different company.
Closing Words
Sometimes the project may come with failure and loss. Microsoft probably tested Windows Recall as an experimental project and sadly the experiment was failed, or maybe they need more time to implement Windows Recall. But at least, we don’t need to worry anymore about privacy when using PC, especially the latest ones.
