Microsoft is already backing down on its most controversial AI feature

Even before Copilot+ PCs have made it to store shelves, Microsoft is already making changes to its Recall feature. Recall is at the center of Copilot+, taking snapshots of everything you do on your PC and using a local AI model to sift through that information. In response to backlash, Microsoft is making changes to how Recall works, as announced through a Windows blog post. For starters, Recall is now opt-in instead of opt-out. Previously, Recall would be the default setting on Copilot+ laptops, but Microsoft will now show a screen during the setup process that tells users what Recall does. If you skip past the screen, Recall will remain turned off. Microsoft is also requiring Windows Hello to use Recall now. You’ll need to authenticate with either your face or fingerprint to use Recall, and Microsoft says that “proof of presence” through Windows Hello is required to see the snapshots that Recall has saved. That’s a pretty massive change, as leaving your Copilot+ PC open while you step away could open the door to a variety of privacy and security issues previously. Finally, Microsoft says it’s using “just in time” decryption for your Recall database, as well as an encrypted the search index. That means that your snapshots will be decrypted immediately after you authenticate with Windows Hello, but they’ll be encrypted up to that point. Recall caused a frenzy in the PC community due to its photographic memory, tracing back everything you do on your PC from web searches to private messages. The AI processing for this data happens on the device — it never gets sent to a data center — but there are still clear privacy and security issues with that setup. The changes here should help make Recall a bit more secure. The most powerful change by far, however, is leaving Recall off by default. It seems that Microsoft eventually wants this feature as part of the wider Windows ecosystem, which could mean unsuspecting users are feeding Recall with data that they’re not using. It’s a shocking change for Microsoft, which traditionally enables its services by default in Windows. That speaks to how intense the backlash for Recall really was. OpenAI has made GPT-4.1 more widely available, as ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team users can now access the AI model.  On Wednesday, the brand announced that it brought the model to its direct chatbot service following its original launch, where it was unveiled as an API in April. Its popularity among developers urged OpenAI to make the model available for paid users. It also plans to roll out GPT-4.1 for ChatGPT Enterprise and Edu users in the coming weeks.  Microsoft’s new Surface laptops have arrived, and they’re more than just routine refreshes. According to Microsoft, powered by Snapdragon X processors and built for the Copilot+ AI experience, they promise significant battery life, performance, and usability improvements. After reviewing the key updates, here are four standout features that make Microsoft’s latest Surface laptop worth the upgrade. Better battery life Microsoft has just introduced a new Surface Pro tablet. Touted to be the thinnest and lightest Copilot+ PC on the market. The tablet is merely 7.8 mm across, compared to the 9.3mm thickness of its larger sibling. It is also noticeably lighter and tips the scales at just 1.5 pounds, roughly 27% lighter than the 13-inch trim.  This one shrinks the screen size to 12 inches, down from the 13-inch panel on the current-gen Surface Pro that is already on the shelves. The new Windows 2-in-1 tablet starts at $799 and will go on sale starting May 20.