Windows Weekly 917: There Is No 10 – Detailed Summary

Release Date: January 29, 2025

In episode 917 of "Windows Weekly," hosted by Leo Laporte with co-hosts Paul Thurat and Richard Campbell, the trio delves into the latest developments surrounding Microsoft, focusing on upcoming earnings, Windows updates, Microsoft's burgeoning role in the gaming industry, and the broader implications of AI advancements. The discussion is enriched with personal anecdotes and expert insights, making it both informative and engaging for listeners.

1. Microsoft’s Windows Updates and Patch Tuesday Previews

The episode begins with Paul Thurat highlighting an unusual occurrence in January—apparently, the month has seven weeks this year. This anomaly facilitated an early preview of Patch Tuesday updates, designated as "Week D Preview Update" (00:39). Thurat explains that these previews allow both enterprises and consumers to assess upcoming patches before their official release.

Paul Thurat [03:23]: "There's always an update. Yeah, don't. And if you thought your career was something else, it isn't. It's updating all your devices."

Leo and Paul discuss the perennial nature of software updates, humorously codifying it as "Thurat's Law," emphasizing that updates are a constant, often leading to user frustration.

2. Deep Seek AI and Microsoft's Investment

A significant portion of the conversation centers on Microsoft's investment in Deep Seek AI (36:11). Paul Thurat elaborates on Microsoft's substantial expenditure—approximately $20 billion each quarter—on AI infrastructure. This investment aims to fortify Microsoft's dominance in the AI sector, particularly through Deep Seek.

Richard Campbell brings attention to industry reactions, noting notable stock movements and Microsoft executives' responses. The hosts debate whether Microsoft's heavy investment signals long-term strategic positioning or poses risks due to the high expenditure.

Leo Laporte [36:56]: "There's something to be said for the fact that this is good news because less expensive AI means more AI in more places."

3. Microsoft Becomes the Biggest Game Publisher

Transitioning to Microsoft's gaming ventures, Paul reveals that Microsoft has surpassed EA to become the largest game publisher globally, with $465 million spent on Microsoft games in December alone (115:36). This milestone is attributed largely to the success of flagship titles like "Call of Duty."

Richard notes that a substantial 64% of this spending was directed towards PlayStation platforms, underscoring Microsoft's expansive reach across different gaming ecosystems.

Paul Thurat [115:28]: "So that's why they spent the almost, you know, the tens of billions of dollars, whatever the figure was, to buy that company."

4. Account Security and Personal Experiences

A poignant segment features Paul sharing his personal struggles with account security, particularly his ordeal with being locked out of his YouTube channel (79:18). This narrative underscores the vulnerabilities inherent in centralized account management systems and the critical importance of robust password practices.

Paul Thurat [82:54]: "I've got to figure this out. This is going to be a thing for me this year."

Leo and Richard empathize with Paul's frustrations, discussing broader implications for users who rely heavily on single-point authentication methods.

5. AI in TWiT’s Future Programming

Looking ahead, Leo announces the rebranding of TWiT's "Intelligent Machines" show to focus more sharply on AI topics (28:21). The hosts express excitement about featuring experts like Ray Kurzweil to dissect the realities and myths surrounding AI advancements, including Deep Seek.

Leo Laporte [29:05]: "We're trying really hard to find somebody who can talk about Deep Seek knowledgeably."

6. Microsoft’s Earnings Preview

As the episode progresses towards its conclusion, anticipation builds around Microsoft's upcoming earnings report. The hosts speculate on the potential outcomes, expecting strong revenues but also increased scrutiny on AI investments.

Leo Laporte [35:32]: "We totally got this. We got this."

Paul anticipates discussions around Microsoft's AI expenditures and their impact on profitability, suggesting that while the short-term might see stock volatility, the long-term prospects remain robust.

7. Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

In the final segments, the hosts encourage listeners to engage with TWiT's community through Club Twit, highlighting benefits such as ad-free listening and exclusive content. They also briefly touch upon additional tech topics, including PowerToys updates and developer tools, before signing off.

Richard Campbell [139:22]: "So this is now all Diageo for better or worse."

Key Takeaways

• Microsoft’s Strategic AI Investments: With billions poured into Deep Seek AI, Microsoft is solidifying its position in the artificial intelligence landscape, potentially reshaping market dynamics.

• Dominance in Gaming: Microsoft's status as the top game publisher marks a significant achievement, driven by high-profile game titles and a broad platform presence.

• Ongoing Software Updates: The inevitability of Windows updates remains a focal point, symbolizing the continuous evolution and maintenance of Microsoft's operating systems.

• Account Security Concerns: Personal accounts highlight the critical need for secure and reliable authentication mechanisms to prevent lockouts and data loss.

• Future of AI Programming: TWiT’s pivot towards more in-depth AI discussions signals the growing importance and interest in understanding artificial intelligence's role in technology and society.

This episode of "Windows Weekly" offers a comprehensive exploration of Microsoft's multifaceted endeavors, balancing technical analysis with relatable personal stories, thus catering to both tech enthusiasts and general listeners seeking informed perspectives on current technological trends.