New timeline for Microsoft's Recall feature

Plus, Google DeepMind staff demand end to military contracts.

AuthorAuthor

Tak Lo & Daniel Akpobare
August 23, 2024

Hello and welcome to the Automated, your AI tour guide.

Microsoft’s controversial AI-powered Recall feature will soon be in the hands of Windows testers.

Here’s what we have for you today:

  • 📆 New Timeline for Microsoft's Recall Feature!

  • 🗣️ Google DeepMind staff push for the end of military contracts!

  • 🦾 How to add custom GPTs to WhatsApp in minutes.

  • 🛠️ Top 10 Excel AI tools in 2024.

  • 🤖 ChatGPT Prompt Of The Day: Create a how-to-guide for anything.

📆 New Timeline for Microsoft's Recall Feature!

Remember Microsoft’s Recall AI feature that screenshots nearly everything on your PC? If you dont, you can refresh your memory here.

It was initially supposed to launch with Copilot Plus PCs on June 13th but was delayed after being labeled a “security disaster.” 

Researchers found that the database wasn’t encrypted, leaving it vulnerable to malware, among other reasons.

And in response, Microsoft committed to adding extra security measures.

They’re working on encrypting the database, making the feature an opt-in experience instead of on by default, etc, which would be tested on its Windows Insider Program.

But alas, they've announced yet another delay!

During the June 13th delay, Microsoft said the feature would be available for Windows Insiders “in the coming weeks.”

But now, their recent blog post says that “Recall will be available to Windows Insiders starting in October.”

And get this—no explanation was given for this further delay, only that Microsoft will publish a blog with more details when “Recall” becomes available for Windows Insiders in October.

However, if you’ve been waiting to try this feature, don't hold your breath!

The features tested with its Insider Program typically last weeks or months before being released more broadly.

So, it seems unlikely we'll see a full launch of Recall this year.

🗣️ Google DeepMind Staff Demand End to Military Contracts!

Imagine being part of a team making groundbreaking advancements that could reshape the world—only to find out your work is being used in ways that completely go against your values.

That's the situation at Google’s DeepMind!

About 200 employees (roughly 5% of the team) wrote a letter (dated May 16) to the company expressing their deep concerns about Google's contracts with military organizations.

They're worried that their AI technology is being used for warfare, surveillance, and even targeting conflicts like the one in Gaza.

Now, this isn't just a geopolitical issue—it's about the ethics of AI, who controls its power, and what it should and shouldn’t be used for.

And you know what? These employees aren't just speculating.

They're pointing to real examples, like Project Nimbus, a defense contract with the Israeli military shrouded in secrecy.

Interestingly, the company's founders had promised that their AI tech would never be used for military or surveillance purposes.

But now, it seems like that promise is being broken.

The tension is intense, folks. On one hand, Google’s cloud business is actively selling AI services to the military, while DeepMind is trying to adhere to its ethical principles. It's like watching two worlds collide.

People have even taken action, too!

Protests have broken out at Google conferences, with demonstrators chaining themselves together to voice their opposition to using AI in warfare.

And now the employees are calling for a change!

They want Google to investigate these claims, cut off military access to DeepMind's tech, and establish a new governance body to prevent this from happening again.

But so far, Google's response has been radio silence.

It's a complex issue, but the question remains: should AI be used for warfare, or should companies like Google prioritize ethical uses of this powerful technology?

The world is watching, and the outcome could have far-reaching consequences.

For all the details, check out the full story here!

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🤖ChatGPT Prompt Of The Day: Create a how-to-guide for anything.

Creating a how-to guide is important because it provides clear, step-by-step instructions that help others accomplish a task or solve a problem.

It positions you as an expert, adds value to your audience, and can enhance your brand’s credibility.

Here's a prompt that can help you with that. 

You are an expert teacher. Create a 10-step guide to [insert task]. Explain each step in all the detail I will need to be able to do it, in simple terms, avoiding technical language or jargon. Begin with a section listing any items, tools or equipment I will need. If there are any important safety considerations, include a section listing these at the end of the guide. Also include a section on the most common mistakes that beginners will make when attempting this task and how to avoid them.

We've Compiled a List of Over 100 ChatGPT Power Prompts.

This should help streamline your interactions with ChatGPT and get the results you need more efficiently.

Best of all, It's free!

That's all we've got for you today.

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