Brave Browser Blocks Microsoft’s Recall Feature To Protect User Privacy - 1

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Brave Browser Blocks Microsoft’s Recall Feature To Protect User Privacy

  • Written by Kiara Fabbri Former Tech News Writer
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

The Brave Browser blocks Microsoft Recall through its screenshot-logging feature on Windows, as the feature poses major privacy risks to user activity.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • Brave blocks Microsoft Recall by default in all browser tabs.
  • Recall takes regular screenshots and stores them in plaintext on PCs.
  • Brave labels every tab as private to prevent Recall screenshots.

The upcoming v1.81 version of Brave will automatically turn off Microsoft Recall on Windows 11 and later. The company says in their announcement that this new feature aims to further protect users’ privacy.

The feature known as Recall was publicly introduced by Microsoft in May 2024. Neowin described it as a “photographic memory” for PC users. Indeed, the system captures frequent snapshots of your activity and stores them in a searchable record.

But experts quickly raised red flags. Critics warned that this “timeline” could be a goldmine for hackers and malware, since the data is stored in a plaintext local database.

“Given Brave’s focus on privacy-maximizing defaults and what is at stake here (your entire browsing history), we have proactively disabled Recall for all Brave tabs,” wrote Brave. “We think it’s vital that your browsing activity on Brave does not accidentally end up in a persistent database.”

While Microsoft says Recall avoids capturing private browser windows, Brave has taken it a step further: it now treats all its tabs as private, effectively making them invisible to Recall.

Signal inspired Brave’s move by using a Digital Rights Management (DRM) flag to block Recall from recording chats. However, Brave’s method avoids the downside of blocking all screenshots, preserving useful functions like screen readers.

Brave acknowledged Microsoft’s efforts to make Recall opt-in after public backlash but remains concerned. “The initial tone-deaf announcement does not inspire confidence,” wrote the team.

Users who want Recall can still toggle the setting off in Brave’s privacy menu.

Pokémon Launches Pokémon Friends, A Puzzle Game For Mobile And Switch - 2

Photo by Thimo Pedersen on Unsplash

Pokémon Launches Pokémon Friends, A Puzzle Game For Mobile And Switch

  • Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
  • Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager

The Pokémon Company group launched on Tuesday a new puzzle game called Pokémon Friends during the Pokémon Presents online event. The game is available on Nintendo Switch and mobile.

In a rush? Here are the quick facts:

  • The Pokémon Company launched a new puzzle game called Pokémon Friends
  • The new game is compatible with Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and iOS and Android devices.
  • Pokémon Friends includes over 1,200 puzzles especially designed for Pokémon fans.

According to the official announcement on Nintendo’s page, the new game is compatible with Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 , as well as iOS and Android devices. The company described the game as a special space for Pokémon fans.

“Pokémon Friends is a puzzle game where Trainers can enjoy untangling their minds by solving brainteasers that draw inspiration from the unique world of Pokémon,” wrote Nintendo, one of the owners of the Pokémon Company. “Players solve puzzles to earn yarn, which can be put into the Plush-O-Matic to create Pokémon plush in the game.”

Players will be able to collect plushes by solving puzzles and use them for decoration or to help out a friend. They can also rearrange their rooms in Think Town and personalize their gaming experience.

The game has been developed by the Pokémon Company in partnership with the Japanese EdTech startup Wonderfy Inc. Pokémon Friends includes over 1,200 puzzles especially designed for Pokémon players.

Among the game’s special features, the company also highlighted the friends quests, daily progress trackers, and the mission to reach 150 plushes.

The Pokémon Company also announced two upcoming video games Pokémon Legends: Z-A , and Pokémon Champions , and a teaser for Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d & Pichu , the upcoming stop-motion animated series.

Pokémon Friends costs $9.99 and more downloadable content (DLC) options for $14.99— and a bundle for $24.99. Prices may vary depending on the device. The Nintendo Switch version includes the Basic Pack required to enjoy the main features of the game.

The game is also available for the new Nintendo Switch 2, launched in June .