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Episode: Hands-On Windows 123: New Features in 24H2
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Host: Paul Thurat
Introduction
In the latest episode of Hands-On Windows, host Paul Thurat delves deep into the myriad of new features introduced in the Windows 1124H2 update. As one of Microsoft's most significant releases in recent years, Windows 1124H2 has undergone substantial changes, both foundational and user-facing. Paul navigates through these updates, providing insights, demonstrations, and practical tips to help listeners maximize their Windows experience.
Windows 1124H2 Overview
Paul begins by highlighting the dual release strategy of Windows 1124H2. The update was initially rolled out for Copilot Plus PCs equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips in mid-year, followed by a broad release towards the end of the year in October and November. This staggered release allowed Microsoft to refine features and address early feedback before a wider deployment.
Notable Quote:
"It's one of the biggest releases of Windows in recent memory. Honestly, a lot of the changes under the hood are pretty foundational and fundamental."
— Paul Thurat [00:13]
Paul emphasizes that Windows 1124H2 has been a dominant topic over the past year, with Microsoft continuously adding new features monthly. Depending on various factors like hardware compatibility and geographic location, some features may be available immediately, while others roll out gradually.
Start Menu and Phone Link Updates
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the revamped Start menu and the enhanced Phone Link integration. Paul showcases his own computer to demonstrate these changes in real-time.
Start Menu Enhancements:
-
Jump Lists in Start Menu: Previously available only in the taskbar, jump lists are now accessible within the Start menu, providing quick access to recent applications.
Notable Quote:
"If you use jump lists, that stuff is available. So that's kind of cool."
— Paul Thurat [03:00] -
Notification Area Refinements: Microsoft has shortened the date and time display and removed the notification bell for a cleaner look. Users retain the option to revert these changes through the settings interface.
Phone Link Integration:
-
New Pane in Start Menu: A dedicated pane for the Phone Link app, specifically tailored for Pixel Android phones, allows users to access Phone Link features without launching the app entirely.
Notable Quote:
"There is a new pane that you get, and I'm not enabling this right now, but you can access a lot of the features in Phone Link without having to launch the app."
— Paul Thurat [04:30]
Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot
The Copilot app has seen transformative changes in this update. Paul explains that Copilot is now a native app container, though it fundamentally remains a web app. This shift allows for more seamless integration and performance improvements, especially for business users.
Personalization Options: Users can now customize the Copilot key, choosing between default options like launching Copilot or the Search functionality. Although customization is limited, it offers some flexibility for individual preferences.
Microsoft 365 Copilot: A new addition, the Microsoft 365 Copilot app, mirrors the Copilot app's interface but integrates Microsoft's suite of productivity tools. This app consolidates all Microsoft 365 Online features, providing a unified experience for managing documents, accessing recent files, and utilizing AI-driven functionalities.
Notable Quote:
"This will be the front end for that as well, for the consumers that are paying for Microsoft 365 Copilot Pro or Plus whatever that's called, the paid subscription."
— Paul Thurat [06:00]
Bi-Directional Sharing with Android
One of the standout features discussed is the bi-directional sharing capability between Windows PCs and Android phones. This functionality leverages the Phone Link app to facilitate seamless file transfers and content sharing over Wi-Fi.
Demonstration Highlights:
- From PC to Phone: Using Nearby Sharing, users can send files directly from File Explorer to their Android devices, with the recipient file appearing instantly in the phone's Downloads folder.
- From Phone to PC: Mobile users can share web links or other content directly to their Windows PC, enhancing cross-device productivity.
Notable Quote:
"Bi-directional sharing is pretty cool. There was some things you could sort of do before file system wise, etc., but this works over Wi-Fi, so super convenient."
— Paul Thurat [09:30]
Feature Removals and New Additions
Paul touches upon the removal of lesser-used features and the introduction of new tools aimed at enhancing user experience.
Removed Feature:
-
Multitasking Utility: A feature allowing users to interact with dates, times, or phone numbers directly within certain apps is being phased out due to minimal usage.
Notable Quote:
"Microsoft had added that a couple years ago. Never really did anything with it. I don't think anyone really even knew about it."
— Paul Thurat [11:00]
New Additions:
-
Multiple Camera Support: Windows 1124H2 will allow simultaneous use of multiple cameras, catering to users with multi-camera setups.
-
Microsoft Edge Game Assist: A new pane within the Game Bar that provides a mini web browser, enabling gamers to search for tips or walkthroughs without leaving their game.
Notable Quote:
"This is just basic little web browsers. That's kind of neat."
— Paul Thurat [12:30]
Copilot PC Enhancements
Expanding beyond initial releases, Microsoft has broadened the availability of features like Recall and Click to Do to the latest Intel and AMD processors with robust MPUs.
Recall Feature: Allows users to take snapshots of their current workspace, enabling quick reference and task management.
Click to Do: An AI-driven tool that offers context-aware actions based on selected text or content within applications.
Notable Quote:
"Recall, Click to Do are probably the biggest ones."
— Paul Thurat [14:00]
Paul also hints at upcoming features related to Windows Hello, including a modernized experience and expanded AI functionalities within Microsoft's suite of applications.
PowerToys Tips
Towards the episode's conclusion, Paul shares practical tips on utilizing Microsoft PowerToys to enhance productivity.
Key Utilities Discussed:
-
PowerToys Awake: Prevents the computer from sleeping, ideal for scenarios like gaming sessions where intermittent activity is required.
Notable Quote:
"This is a really handy little utility that does that. So that's pretty cool."
— Paul Thurat [16:00] -
Find My Mouse: Helps locate the mouse cursor with a simple keyboard shortcut, addressing issues where the cursor might disappear, especially in light mode.
Notable Quote:
"I use this every single day. I love this thing. So I use... This is fantastic."
— Paul Thurat [17:00] -
Key Remapper: Allows users to remap keys on their keyboard to suit personal preferences or circumvent unwanted default functionalities, such as disabling the Copilot key.
Notable Quote:
"So that's how I get around that. And I find that to be better than the built-in functionality that Microsoft added."
— Paul Thurat [18:00]
Conclusion
Paul wraps up the episode by acknowledging the continuous evolution of Windows and the anticipation for future features. He encourages listeners to stay engaged with upcoming updates and to explore the new functionalities introduced in Windows 1124H2. Additionally, he previews future episodes of Hands-On Weekly, promising more in-depth explorations of Windows' latest developments.
Notable Quote:
"Hopefully you didn't find this too confusing and hopefully it was a little helpful."
— Paul Thurat [19:00]
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Note: Advertisements for sponsors NerdWallet and T-Mobile were present in the transcript but were excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the episode's content, as per the provided instructions.