Is Microsoft's New Screen Watcher a Helper or a Snoop?

Microsoft has introduced a new feature called Copilot Vision. It is part of their Copilot Labs projects. This tool lets you share your screen with an AI assistant. It is like having a digital buddy watching over your shoulder. You can choose which app or browser window to share. It is not automatic. You have to give it permission first. It is free to use right now. It is available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. However, it is likely that Windows 10 support will end soon. Microsoft has been pushing for users to switch to Windows 11. This new feature is currently rolling out in the US. It will likely come to more countries outside of Europe soon. But do not expect it in the EU anytime soon. Strict regulations like the Digital Markets Act and the EU AI Act are likely holding it back. The idea behind Copilot Vision is to make the AI assistant more helpful. It can give real-time tips while gaming. It can also help you learn new apps or analyze webpages and photos. It is designed to keep things flowing smoothly. Whether you are working, browsing, or deep in a project, it is built to assist you. It is like having a smart buddy who is always there to help. However, there are concerns about security. Even though it only activates when you allow it, there are still risks. This is especially true for those working with sensitive data. Microsoft is a big target for hackers. So, it is important to be careful. Some people might use it for casual stuff like games or photo editing. But for private or confidential tasks, it might not be worth the risk. Copilot Vision is an opt-in feature. This means you have to specifically allow it to see your apps. It is not like Microsoft Recall, which takes snapshots in the background once turned on. This feature is part of Microsoft’s push to make Copilot a go-to assistant for everyday tasks. It is a step towards making the AI more integrated into daily life. But it also raises questions about privacy and security. It is up to users to decide if the benefits outweigh the risks. It is a tough call, but it is important to think critically about what you share and with whom.