According to Cointelegraph, Microsoft is testing a new Windows feature called “Intelligent Media Search” that transcribes media files into text for AI processing. The feature converts spoken words in audio or video files on a Windows computer into text, which is then saved into a data file that can be accessed by an AI model. Users who enable the feature can perform text searches for any words that appear in their videos. For example, content creators with large video libraries can use “Intelligent Media Search” to locate specific lines or organize files containing particular words or phrases.
The feature is currently being tested by select members of the Windows Insiders group, who have opted to test features that are not yet ready for public release. This testing does not guarantee that the feature will be included in current or future versions of Windows.
The introduction of Intelligent Media Search comes amid ongoing privacy concerns surrounding Microsoft’s upcoming “Recall” feature, which will allow the company to track users’ activity on their devices. Initially billed as mandatory, Microsoft has since clarified that Recall will be optional. Likewise, Intelligent Media Search will also be optional for Windows users. According to Tom’s Hardware, users who tested the feature had to consent to both downloading the AI model and allowing it to access their files.