- Microsoft Recall continuously captures your screen to provide a visual history of your PC.
- Its privacy and security features have been questioned by experts.
- ChatGPT focuses on conversational AI without collecting user data.
- Recall requires specialized hardware and still has filtering flaws.
Microsoft has revolutionized interaction with personal computers with the introduction of Recall, an AI-powered feature that allows you to capture what you've seen or done on your device, offering a kind of "photographic memory." However, this technology, integrated into the new Copilot+ PC devices, has sparked great controversy due to its implications for privacy.
At the same time, Tools like ChatGPT continue to be benchmarks in conversational AI and natural language processing., although they have also been the focus of debate due to their limitations and scope. Comparing both solutions helps us better understand where artificial intelligence is evolving. in the user ecosystem.
What is Microsoft Recall and how does it work?
Recall is a tool built into Windows 11 that automatically captures your screen every few seconds., storing images of user activity in a local database, where they can then be searched using natural language. This collection is done using artificial intelligence on the device itself.
The user can do retrospective searches through a timeline or through text, thus accessing your PC's visual history. Recall can recognize content within apps, websites, documents, videos, and more, providing contextual answers about actions the user has taken in the past.
For it to work properly requires specific hardware, such as Snapdragon X Elite or Plus processors, which include powerful NPUs (Neural Processing Units) capable of performing AI operations locally without an Internet connection.
Compatibility and technical requirements
At present, Recall is only available on Copilot+ computers with Qualcomm chips, although Microsoft has reported that it will be compatible with Intel and AMD processors starting with future updates planned for this year.
Interested users should join the Windows Insiders Program in the Dev Channel and download the latest version of Windows 11. The installation takes place in the background once the feature has been enabled from the initial setup.
Screenshot, filtering, and privacy
Recall takes periodic screenshots of your screen and analyzes them using AI to generate context, but Microsoft says those images are stored securely on the device., encrypted and not sent to the cloud or used to train external AI models.
Includes filters that supposedly prevent the capture of sensitive information such as passwords, card numbers, or personal data. However, experts like Kevin Beaumont have shown that this system doesn't always work correctly.
During his tests, Captures critical information such as bank card numbers and form data were stored without being blocked by the filter. The inconsistency raises serious doubts about the reliability of the protection system.
Main security issues
Although the database is now encrypted and runs within a secure environment (VBS), there are worrying vulnerabilities. For example, the biometric authentication requirement only applies during initial setup. After that, You just need to know the system PIN to access all the captured information.This could allow anyone with momentary access to the device to view everything from private conversations to purchase forms, deleted messages, or supposedly ephemeral content.
Additionally, Recall continues recording even during video calls and remote desktop sessions, which compromises privacy in professional or personal environments where there should be greater confidentiality.
Impact on system performance
Although Recall operates in the background, it consumes a significant amount of resources. In real-world testing, the NPU has been observed to can reach 80% usage in prolonged processes, which negatively impacts battery life and overall system performance.
During game sessions, for example, captures continue to be made, which generates noticeable performance drops. It has also been documented that simply viewing the Recall interface can consume over 1 GB of RAM.
Cases where Recall is not recommended
Experts warn that there are certain user profiles that should disable this feature completelyThese include victims of domestic violence, journalists, activists, or citizens traveling to countries with repressive systems.
Recall represents a significant risk in contexts where privacy and personal data protection are a priority., and organizations must also analyze what their use implies in terms of legal compliance.
Comparison with ChatGPT and vision of the future
While Recall aims to be an AI-powered visual memory, ChatGPT represents a more general-purpose conversational AI. ChatGPT does not capture data or monitor the user., but rather answers queries from a knowledge base pre-trained by OpenAI.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, has shared his vision of a future ChatGPT that functions as a proactive assistant, capable of acting on the user's behalf, observing their context, and executing actions. This, interestingly, is quite similar to how Recall works, although differs in approach: ChatGPT targets general-purpose, cloud-connected external AI, while Recall operates locally and intimately with the user's desktop.
Security measures implemented by Microsoft
Following criticism, Microsoft has introduced some improvements to Recall:
- Optional function: : The system prompts the user to activate it during the initial installation.
- Encrypted databases: It is protected by secure enclaves in the operating system.
- Sensitive content filtering: Attempt to delete data such as cards or passwords.
- Authentication Requirements: Using Windows Hello to set up initially.
However, These measures have not been sufficient to guarantee complete privacy.The system continues to fail basic filter and access control tests, posing a significant challenge to mass adoption.
Microsoft seems to be betting on Recall as an accessibility or productivity tool., and not so much as an essential feature for everyone. The company is trying to position its Copilot+ devices as the new standard for interacting with Windows, but many users still have reasonable doubts.
An important aspect is that implementing Recall requires active user acceptance and a careful analysis of the risks involved, especially in privacy-sensitive environments. Data protection and security remain key considerations before enabling this feature on any device.
I am a technology enthusiast who has turned his "geek" interests into a profession. I have spent more than 10 years of my life using cutting-edge technology and tinkering with all kinds of programs out of pure curiosity. Now I have specialized in computer technology and video games. This is because for more than 5 years I have been writing for various websites on technology and video games, creating articles that seek to give you the information you need in a language that is understandable to everyone.
If you have any questions, my knowledge ranges from everything related to the Windows operating system as well as Android for mobile phones. And my commitment is to you, I am always willing to spend a few minutes and help you resolve any questions you may have in this internet world.