Microsoft seems to be moving forward with AI features despite criticism of its previous innovations. The latest feature, “Intelligent Media Search,” has been spotted in Windows 11 Canary Build 27695 by a user on X/Twitter. This feature scans and retrieves all types of media files on your computer, including text, images, audio, and video.
Whether this is an independent tool or an extension of the controversial Recall feature is still unknown. However, the new feature is likely to face scrutiny similar to Recall, raising questions about security, privacy, and performance.
Why This AI Feature Is Concerning
Intelligent Media Search is designed to enhance ease of access by quickly locating specific content on your device, from personal photos to essential work documents. Recall’s approach of using intermittent screenshots for past activity retrieval faced criticism for privacy concerns, and Intelligent Media Search could face similar issues.
Although data is encrypted and stored locally, there are concerns about potential unauthorized access, whether through physical means or remote hacking. Such vulnerabilities could lead to the rapid exposure of sensitive information, especially concerning in regions with strict data protection regulations like the EU, which delayed Recall’s release.
Performance issues are another consideration. Recall’s storage requirements were criticized, and Intelligent Media Search may similarly impact system performance due to continuous scanning of media files. While future AI-equipped PCs may handle these features better, widespread adoption and affordability are still developing.
Moreover, despite a recent Windows preview build allowing Recall to be uninstalled, Microsoft clarified this was an error. It’s expected that Intelligent Media Search will follow a similar path, with limited options for users to remove or disable such features. This persistent monitoring could lead to growing dissatisfaction among users who prefer more control over their privacy.