Microsoft has begun rolling out a new photos app, OneDrive Photos, to some Windows 11 PCs. Some users have reported that the app appeared on their systems without being manually installed. The app indexes the local photo library and offers AI search and optional face grouping functionality.

Local photos can be indexed

According to reports, this application is being rolled out gradually to select Windows 11 devices. Its core function is to read and organize local photo content, making it easy for users to search by theme or content.

Microsoft has incorporated AI capabilities into this app, allowing users to find images faster. The app also offers a face grouping option, but whether to enable it is up to the user.

This again touches on sensitive privacy issues.

This update has once again drawn attention to the possibility of AI features being rolled out to end devices via regular software updates. This is because these capabilities not only involve local content organization but also touch upon more sensitive personal image information.

Two years ago, Microsoft faced privacy controversies surrounding its AI feature Recall. This feature originally automatically captured screen content, but after public opposition, Microsoft adjusted its approach, disabling it by default.

The industry is accelerating the deployment of edge AI.

Microsoft's move aligns with its ongoing strategy of integrating AI capabilities into Windows. Recently, tech companies have been accelerating the rollout of edge AI capabilities to user devices through system or software updates.

The report mentions that in May of this year, Google also downloaded approximately 4 GB of the Gemini Nano model to eligible installations via a Chrome update to support local AI functions. Such practices are continuously fueling market discussions about privacy, the right to know, and default settings.

As of the time of publication, Microsoft had not responded to media requests for comment.