Microsoft Copilot ‘Recall’ Relaunches With Enhanced Security After Privacy Controversy

Microsoft is relaunching Copilot’s “Recall” feature on its upcoming Copilot+ PCs with security enhancements after the company “listened to feedback” about the product’s initial privacy concerns.

Recall initially drew criticism when it was unveiled in May after Microsoft illustrated that the process stores a screenshot of what a user does every few seconds and stores it in a file on the device. Recall could scroll through this user’s activity, encompassing their files, photos, emails and browsing history. Users could visit this repository to retrace their steps, similar to how they can go back through their web browser history, to help them locate previously viewed or worked-on items.

Microsoft says it has taken into account feedback about the tool as a potential “privacy nightmare”. Critics emphasised the potential risks posed by harvesting such significant quantities of sensitive data, including making users’ data a target for hackers or misuse by domestic abusers.

Having removed several contentious features, including Recall as an opt-in capability rather than enabled by default, Microsoft plans to relaunch Recall on Copillot+ PCs in November.

Ex-Microsoft Modern Workplace Exec Takes Zoom CFO Role, Zoom Workplace and Workvivo Land On AWS Marketplace

Zoom has appointed ex-Microsoft executive Michelle Chang to replace outgoing Chief Financial Officer Kelly Steckelberg.

Chang joins Intermedia after more than 24 years at Microsoft, where she most recently served as Chief Financial Officer for the company’s commercial sales and partner organisation, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Chang commented:

I’m excited to join Zoom as the company executes on its mission to deliver customer happiness by providing an innovative platform that enables the future of workplace communications and collaboration. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and working with the entire Zoom team to help support customers, as well as drive long-term growth and shareholder value.”

Chang will report to Zoom CEO and founder Eric Yuan from 7 October, overseeing Zoom’s financial organisation and strategy.

In other Zoom news, it announced its Zoom Workplace and Workvivo solutions are now available on the AWS Marketplace.

Customers can now effortlessly acquire a range of Zoom Workplace products, including Meetings, Team Chat, Phone, Whiteboard, and Spaces, along with Workvivo, Zoom Contact Center, and Revenue Accelerator, directly from the AWS Marketplace. Marketplace is Amazon’s digital catalogue encompassing myriad solutions from independent software vendors that intend to simplify identifying, testing, buying, and deploying software that runs via Amazon AWS.

Zoom outlines that it’s building on its over two years of success as an AWS independent software vendor (ISV) in the public sector. This streamlined purchasing option for Zoom Workplace aims to allow AWS customers to consolidate their technology purchasing and billing for Zoom solutions, discover partners to assist with deployment and maximise their use of AWS committed resources.

Study: Nearly Half of Workers Would Quit Over Full-Time Office Return

A new study found that almost half of workers would quit their roles if their company ended hybrid working and instituted a full-time in-office policy.

Owl Labs’ annual State of Hybrid Work Report illustrated several compelling findings about the current culture around work practices and featured intimations about what direction both workers and leaders envision for the future of work. One such intimation was the eye-catching figure that 47 percent of employees polled would leave a business if it mandated a full-time return to office (RTO).

“It’s clear from our data that employees – regardless of age – are craving more authentic employment experiences that allow them to follow their passions and foster more meaningful connections,” said Frank Weishaupt, CEO of Owl Labs. “Tired of burnout, workers are looking for novel ways to tackle workplace stress. With 55 percent of employees having worked remotely from places besides a home office or coworking space, trends such as workcations or ‘quiet vacationing’ are on the rise.”

The Report polled 2,000 full-time employees across the UK and 8,000 respondents globally. It also found that 17 percent of workers would expect a pay increase if they could no longer work hybrid or remotely. Additionally, a mere 11 percent of employees favour working in the office full time. The most preferred number of in-office days is three, with 35 percent of respondents opting for this arrangement.

Mersive Aims To Elevate Smart TVs Into Collaboration Hubs With New App

Mersive Technologies has launched its new “Smart App”, which aims to transform almost any Android smart TV or streaming product into a collaboration hub.

Mersive Smart App is compatible with over 2,000 smart TVs and streaming devices, intending to make secure and streamlined content sharing accessible to a broader audience. Mersive highlights that as the inaugural product in the Mersive Collaboration Suite, it is part of a brand-new lineup designed to address the evolving needs of all collaboration spaces, from small meeting rooms to large enterprise installations.

Alan Young, Chief Product Officer at Mersive Technologies, said:

Our vision with Mersive Smart was to create an intuitive and powerful solution that breaks down the barriers to collaboration. As part of our growing portfolio, it sets the stage for a series of upcoming innovations that will empower every type of user, from small teams to large enterprises. Mersive Smart is just the beginning of what we believe will transform how teams connect and share ideas, regardless of their workspace configuration.”

Users can download Mersive Smart for free from the Google Play Store. Subscription plans start at $144 per year, with additional options available for three—and five-year plans.



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