Windows Weekly 909: Shaved, Toasted, and Charred — A Comprehensive Summary

Released on November 27, 2024 | Hosted by Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell | TWiT

Introduction

In the 909th episode of Windows Weekly, hosts Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell, joined by Leo Laporte, delve into critical discussions surrounding Microsoft's AI initiatives, the ongoing challenges with Windows Update 24H2, and the evolving landscape of Flight Simulator 2024. Recorded during the holiday season, the episode balances technical insights with candid conversations, providing listeners with a thorough examination of current tech issues.

Microsoft AI and Data Privacy Concerns

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the widespread concerns regarding Microsoft's use of customer data to train its AI models. The conversation was sparked by a recent rant from Steve Gibson, which Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell address head-on.

Key Points:

• Clarifying Misconceptions: Paul emphasizes that Microsoft's Connected Experiences in Microsoft 365 are often misunderstood. Contrary to assertions, Microsoft does not use customer data from Word and Excel to train their large language models (LLMs). Instead, these experiences are designed to enhance user functionality by providing design recommendations, editing suggestions, and data insights without retaining user content indefinitely.

  Paul Thurrott (04:00): "They're not using your data to train their LLMs. They're enabling connected experiences that help you accomplish tasks without ingesting your content for AI training."

• Business vs. Consumer Data Use: While businesses using Microsoft 365 are largely insulated from data being used for AI training, consumer interactions—such as those with Bing, MSN, the Copilot app, and advertising features—can contribute to AI training. However, consumers have the option to opt out.

  Leo Laporte (12:33): "We do not collect customer data to train our LLMs. Period."

• Responding to Public Outcry: The hosts critique the tendency of the public to jump to unfounded conclusions, urging a more informed and critical approach to understanding Microsoft's data policies.

  Paul Thurrott (05:42): "The complaints that pile on top of that are meaningless. They're not doing it. So look, we can't make stuff up. There's so much real badness in the world, we should focus on the real."

Windows Update 24H2: Reliability Issues and User Experience

Key Points:

• Gaming Compatibility Blockers: Microsoft’s Windows Update 24H2 introduced compatibility blockers for certain Ubisoft games, including Assassin's Creed: Valhalla Origins Odyssey and Star Wars Outlaws. This move prevents users with these games installed from upgrading, aiming to resolve potential conflicts.

  Paul Thurrott (52:28): "So this week Microsoft added a new set of blockers to the Windows 11 24H2 upgrade, which are certain Ubisoft games."

• Driver and Anti-Cheat Problems: Beyond gaming compatibility, users are experiencing issues with Intel drivers and anti-cheat systems like Easy Anti-Cheat, leading to disrupted gaming experiences and system performance.

  Richard Campbell (53:24): "They're still battling the Easy Anti-Cheat too."

• Enhanced Security Features – Windows Hello ESS: The update emphasizes stringent security measures, notably Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-In Security (ESS). While ESS adds robust protection by requiring frequent authentication, it poses challenges for users who prefer less intrusive security protocols.

  Paul Thurrott (14:07): "When you sign into Windows and OneDrive automatically starts backing up folders you don’t want to back up, it feels like malicious anti-consumer behavior."

• User Frustrations: The hosts share personal anecdotes about the inconveniences caused by these updates, highlighting a disconnect between Microsoft's security enhancements and user preferences for customization and control.

  Paul Thurrott (10:24): "I care when I sign into Windows and all of a sudden OneDrive is automatically backing up these folders... that's the bad behavior."

Flight Simulator 2024: Hybrid Design and Performance Hiccups

Key Points:

• Cloud Streaming Integration: Flight Simulator 2024 introduces a hybrid design that leverages cloud streaming for high-resolution models, reducing the need for massive local downloads. This innovative approach aims to enhance visual fidelity and performance.

  Paul Thurrott (109:31): "Flight Simulator 2024 is interesting to me because of this kind of hybrid design where a bunch of it is streaming from the cloud."

• Performance Issues: Early reports indicate significant performance problems on certain hardware configurations. Paul recounts his experience installing the simulator on a laptop with an AMD Zen 5 chip, where the game performed poorly despite tuning settings.

  Paul Thurrott (109:32): "I decided to install it on that computer that's a laptop that runs the AMD Zen 5 chip that runs like Call of Duty wonderfully... it ran like crap."

• Ongoing Fixes: Microsoft acknowledges these performance issues and has released updates to address them, although challenges remain. The integration of a mini version of the Edge browser into the game bar is another layer of functionality that Paul examines skeptically.

  Paul Thurrott (111:17): "Microsoft integrating a miniature version of the Edge web browser into something with Xbox to me doesn't sound like I'm going to like this, but honestly I think this is a good idea..."

Addressing Misinformation and Promoting Critical Thinking

Towards the episode’s conclusion, the hosts emphasize the importance of critical thinking in an era rife with misinformation. Paul Thurrott highlights the tendency of the public to fixate on incorrect issues while neglecting genuine concerns, such as the automatic enabling of OneDrive’s folder backup feature.

Paul Thurrott (135:06): "We all succumb a little too easily to the 'it sounds right' kind of argument... People don't get riled up about the right things and then they get crazy about the wrong things."

Leo Laporte echoes this sentiment, pledging the show’s commitment to "spreading light, not heat," focusing on delivering accurate information without sensationalism.

Leo Laporte (135:14): "We want to spread light, not heat. We give you the information you need without drumming up drama."

Conclusion

Windows Weekly 909 offers an in-depth exploration of pressing tech issues, particularly debunking myths around Microsoft's AI data practices and navigating the complexities introduced by Windows Update 24H2. The episode underscores the necessity for informed discourse and critical analysis in evaluating tech advancements and corporate policies. By fostering a balanced conversation, Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell provide listeners with valuable insights to navigate the ever-evolving technological landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott (04:00): "They're not using your data to train their LLMs. They're enabling connected experiences that help you accomplish tasks without ingesting your content for AI training."
• Leo Laporte (12:33): "We do not collect customer data to train our LLMs. Period."
• Paul Thurrott (05:42): "The complaints that pile on top of that are meaningless. They're not doing it. So look, we can't make stuff up..."
• Paul Thurrott (135:06): "We all succumb a little too easily to the 'it sounds right' kind of argument..."
• Leo Laporte (135:14): "We want to spread light, not heat. We give you the information you need without drumming up drama."

Accessing Windows Weekly: Listeners can watch the show live every Wednesday at 11 AM Pacific or access it on-demand through TWiT's various platforms, including podcast clients and the TWiT.tv website.