Microsoft testing its "Intelligent Media Search" feature amidst privacy, security backlash

Do you remember the buzz back in June about Microsoft's new artificial intelligence-powered automatic screenshotting features, called Windows Recall? Microsoft is now releasing another similar feature, called the "Intelligent Media Search", which through its intelligent Co-pilot AI allows users to transcribe audio and video files into text, enabling easier search and organisation of their media content.

The intelligent Media Search feature works by converting spoken words into audio or video files into text. Microsoft AI then saves this text into its data file, which enables users to search for a specific world or phrase within their media files.

The features and functions of this new Intelligent media search are somewhat similar to the previous recall features that Microsoft launched. Recall feature was said to help users resurface just about anything they've previously done or looked at on their computer.

The software giant was originally planning to launch Recall with its Copilot Plus PCs in June but was forced to hold back the feature after security concerns were raised. Many critics pointed out that this feature might be an infringement of their privacy given that the computer is taking screenshots of everything they are doing.

Similarly, the intelligent media search feature is facing the same privacy concerns as the recall feature. But Microsoft is reassuring users that the feature will be optional and users will have to consent before the feature is activated. Users testing the feature must also agree to let the AI model scan and index their media files and enable the content-based search functionality.

But there are also some users that have come forward to doubt the validity of these claims. Some are claiming that the feature is already preinstalled into the computer and it is a default feature of the laptop and there is nothing the user can do to deactivate this feature.

Given all the controversy surrounding the recall feature, it is still unclear whether it would be a smart choice for Microsoft to release another similar feature that could stirr up all this anger regarding privacy again. Despite all the reassurance the company is giving its users, it seems that users are not buying it.

Such issues are a prime example of how companies are currently performing a balancing act as they rush to integrate artificial intelligence technologies into their products while ensuring the privacy and safety of their users. As Microsoft continues to push forward with AI-driven features, the balance between convenience and privacy remians a key issue for users and analysts alike. The result of these trials will likely shape the public's perception of these features upon their full release.