Microsoft appears to be developing a new feature for Windows 11 that could revolutionize how users search their media files. Dubbed intelligent media search, this AI-powered tool aims to transcribe and index audio and video content, making spoken words searchable within local files.
The Promise of Intelligent Media Search
According to references found in Windows 11 Insider Canary Channel build 27695, the new feature would allow users to:
- Search for specific words or phrases spoken in audio files and videos
- Quickly locate information in recorded meetings or lectures
- Find specific passages in audiobooks
The feature description states: Search by spoken words in your indexed video or audio files. By clicking 'I agree,' you consent to scanning the media files on your device.
Privacy Concerns and Technical Requirements
While potentially useful, this feature raises several privacy and security concerns:
- The extent of file scanning is unclear – will it index all media files or allow users to select specific folders?
- The feature may require significant processing power and storage space.
- Users may be uncomfortable with AI analyzing potentially sensitive content.
It's worth noting that this feature seems related to the controversial Recall function, which was postponed due to privacy issues but is set to return to Insider builds in October.
Technical Considerations
- The feature will likely require a local AI model to be downloaded and installed.
- It may need a Windows Copilot+ compatible PC with a powerful NPU (Neural Processing Unit).
- Significant storage space (potentially 25GB to 150GB) might be necessary.
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| This high-performance gaming rig represents the technical requirements needed for features like intelligent media search in Windows 11 |
Outlook
While intelligent media search could be a powerful tool for content creators, researchers, and professionals, Microsoft will need to address privacy concerns and clearly communicate how the feature works to gain user trust.
As of now, the feature is not available in any builds, and Microsoft has not officially announced it. It remains to be seen how the company will implement this technology and balance its benefits with user privacy.