Microsoft is introducing a new artificial intelligence system that monitors everything a user does on their PC.
The system is intended to be like having a “photographic memory” so that users can recall what they have seen or done on their PC. That will also help it figure out what a user wants to do next.
Microsoft pushed “Windows Recall” as a way of improving its built-in AI tools. According to the description, it enables users to “access virtually what you have seen or done on your PC in a way that feels like having photographic memory.”
However, users who are worried about the data it collects are likely to become concerned about their privacy as a result. According to the company, people will be able to decide what and how much data will be collected.
It was one of several features and new products that Microsoft revealed at its “Build” conference this week. Most of those features were aimed at bringing AI tools to Windows, to make it quicker and easier to make new documents and find information.
The conference comes after significant AI announcements made earlier this week by Microsoft’s close business partner OpenAI, which developed the large language models used in Microsoft’s Copilot, and rival Google.
Google recently unveiled a revamped search engine that will now display AI-generated summaries above website links at the top of the results page. Astra, a still-in-development AI assistant, will also be on display. Astra will be able to “see” and communicate about objects captured by a smartphone’s camera.
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI unveiled a new version of its chatbot last week, demonstrating an AI voice assistant with human characteristics that can banter about what someone’s wearing and even attempt to assess a person’s emotions.
OpenAI removed the voice on Monday because it bore a striking resemblance to Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of an AI character in the science fiction film “Her.”
Additionally, OpenAI released ChatGPT’s latest desktop version, which is optimized for Mac computers.
In June, Apple’s yearly developers conference takes place next. Apple CEO Tim Cook signaled at the company’s annual shareholder meeting in February that it has been making big investments in generative AI.
On June 18, the newly AI-enhanced Windows PCs will be available on Microsoft’s Surface line of devices as well as computers manufactured by Microsoft partners Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung. But they’ll be reserved for premium models starting at $999.
