The editor of Downcodes learned that Microsoft may launch a new "intelligent media search" feature in Windows 11, which has attracted widespread attention. This feature allows users to search indexed video or audio files via voice for easy content discovery. Implementation of this feature relies on the download and installation of a background AI model that will transcribe and index media files to support content-based searches. However, privacy issues with this feature have also attracted much attention, causing concerns among users.
According to the latest news, a new feature that Microsoft may launch in Windows 11 is called "intelligent media search."
Recently, a Twitter user @XenoPanther discovered information about this feature in the latest Windows Insider preview. The new feature is said to let users find content through "spoken search on your indexed video or audio files."
Sound cool? However, one thing to note is that after clicking "I agree", the user will agree to scan the media files on the device. In order to realize this function, the system will download and install the required AI model in the background. Once the model is installed, it will begin transcribing and indexing your media files so you can perform content-based searches. As for the time it takes for the entire process to be completed, the system will tell you.
Currently, this feature is still in the planning stage, and the specific implementation method has yet to be clarified. There is speculation that this may be integrated with C o Pilot +, which means that a dedicated neural processing unit may be needed to handle AI operations. However, there is still no clear answer as to whether users will be able to select specific files or folders to search, or whether all media files will be handed over to AI for processing. If the latter is true, then processing a large number of media files for full transcription at one time may put a lot of pressure on the hardware.
Let’s talk about privacy issues again. Although this feature is "opt-in", having AI comprehensively scan, index, and transcribe your local media content sounds like a privacy and security nightmare.
However, it might be of some practical use if users could select specific files or folders to work on. For example, recording a meeting or briefing and then transcribing this recording specifically has been implemented by some third-party cloud services such as Otter.ai.
Highlight:
Microsoft is developing a "smart media search" feature in Windows 11 that can find local video and audio files through spoken searches.
Users need to agree to scan media files, and the system will automatically download and install the AI model for transcription and indexing.
Privacy concerns are a concern, and it's unclear whether users will be able to select specific files for processing.
All in all, the launch of Microsoft's "intelligent media search" function will not only bring convenience to users, but also bring privacy challenges. How to realize the final function still needs to wait for further official news from Microsoft. The editor of Downcodes will continue to pay attention to the follow-up progress of this feature and bring first-hand reports to readers.