Microsoft is unveiling a host of new AI features for its Copilot+ ecosystem, designed to run on Windows PCs equipped with robust NPUs for on-device AI processing. Among these features are Live Caption, Cocreator, and a new feature called Recall. So, what does this new AI feature do?
With Recall, Microsoft states that your desktop usage history can be transformed into “searchable snapshots.” This feature regularly takes screenshots in the background, allowing you to view and search what you have done previously.
Recall will record anything on your PC, including apps, movies, documents, emails, browsing history, and more. The data itself is stored locally and processed by the NPU. However, the feature will not record DRM-protected content, passwords, private browsing, or other sensitive information.
Recall leverages this data to “understand” your computer usage and provide precise search results based on context when you need to find something. You can use natural language for these searches, just as you would in a conversation with a human.
For example, if you vaguely remember a presentation you created that included a chart with purple text, simply describe this, and Recall will find it for you along with possible matching files.
Additionally, Recall can display your PC usage history in a timeline interface, allowing you to search based on time. For now, we cannot fully assess the potential of this feature, as it is currently exclusive to laptops with the Snapdragon X-Series, which will be available starting June 18, 2024.
Key Features of Copilot+ PCs:
Quantum Leap in Computing
Copilot+ PCs are powered by the Snapdragon® X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors, delivering unparalleled processing power and response times. These devices outperform even the latest MacBook Air, ensuring smooth operation of your favorite applications.
Powerful Neural Processing Units (NPUs)
Equipped with NPUs capable of over 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS), Copilot+ PCs stand out as the most powerful in their category. These NPUs enable a range of exciting AI-driven features:
- Recall: This innovative feature allows users to find previously viewed content on their PC using natural language search or by scrolling back through a timeline. All data is stored locally, ensuring user privacy and control. Imagine being able to locate a document or image by simply describing it in your own words—Recall makes this possible.
- Cocreator in Paint: Elevating digital creativity, Cocreator in Paint enables users to describe the image they wish to create using ink strokes and words, with AI providing real-time assistance. This feature revolutionizes the way artists and designers work, making the creative process more intuitive and dynamic.
- Live Captions with Live Translation: Breaking language barriers, this feature converts audio into consistent English captions, making content more accessible to a wider audience. Whether you’re attending a meeting or watching a foreign film, Live Captions with Live Translation ensures you won’t miss a thing.
Developer Collaboration
Microsoft is actively working with developers to harness the power of the NPU for their own AI workloads. A prime example is DaVinci Resolve Studio, which now includes NPU-accelerated Magic Mask for effortless visual effects, enhancing productivity for video editors and content creators.
Conslusion
Copilot+ PCs symbolize the fusion of software and hardware innovation. With their robust processors and advanced AI models, these devices empower users to achieve more in both their professional and personal lives.
Whether you’re a creative professional needing powerful tools for design and editing or a casual user seeking enhanced productivity and entertainment, Copilot+ PCs redefine the possibilities of modern computing.
As these devices become available, they promise to revolutionize the way we interact with technology, making complex tasks simpler and more intuitive than ever before. Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs are not just a step forward—they are a quantum leap in the evolution of personal computing.