Podcast Summary: Windows Weekly 928: The Rice is Done

Podcast Information:

• Title: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)
• Host/Authors: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, Richard Campbell
• Episode: Windows Weekly 928: The Rice is Done
• Release Date: April 16, 2025

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

The episode kicks off with Leo Laporte welcoming regular hosts Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell. They outline the main topics for the week, including the latest features of Windows 11, Paul's feature tracker, the discontinuation of the Surface Hub, and the return of the Microsoft Sculpt Keyboard.

Leo Laporte [00:38]: "We're here to talk about Windows 11, the feature tracker, and the end of the Surface Hub."

2. Windows 11 Feature Tracker and New Features

Paul Thurrott discusses the progress of his Windows 11 feature tracker, which he maintains using Notion. He explains the challenges of embedding it into his website due to its wide layout and mentions upcoming updates scheduled around Preview Update Week D.

Paul Thurrott [02:51]: "We're aiming to list features based on when they will be available to everyone, not just the build or channel they're in."

He highlights significant upcoming features, such as the integration of Windows Copilot, semantic search, and various accessibility enhancements like natural language descriptions in Narrator.

Paul Thurrott [04:56]: "Preview versions of Recalls and Click-to-Do are coming to stable on Copilot PCs. Patch Tuesday in May will introduce these features to the preview update."

3. AI Integration in Windows: Copilot and Semantic Search

The discussion delves into AI-driven enhancements in Windows 11. Paul explains how semantic search uses local AI to improve search capabilities, allowing users to find documents, images, and settings using natural language queries.

Paul Thurrott [06:15]: "Semantic search in Windows 11 allows you to type in natural language and get tailored settings recommendations directly from the search results."

He envisions a future where Copilot not only assists in finding features but also takes more direct control over PC operations, akin to voice-activated assistants like Siri.

Richard Campbell [10:01]: "This could pave the way for augmented reality interfaces where AI assists without the need for traditional input devices."

4. National Recording Registry Additions

The hosts highlight two Microsoft-related entries in the National Recording Registry:

• Windows Reboot Chime: The iconic startup sound from Windows 95, created by Brian Eno, recognized for its cultural significance.
• Minecraft Soundtrack: The ambient music from the game "Minecraft," composed by C418, noted for its relaxing and atmospheric qualities.

Paul Thurrott [20:38]: "It's amazing that the Minecraft soundtrack made it into the National Recording Registry. It’s a testament to its impact on gaming culture."

5. Microsoft Edge Performance Improvements

Paul shares updates on Microsoft Edge, noting a 9% improvement in web rendering performance thanks to optimizations in the Chromium engine. He emphasizes Microsoft's contributions to Chromium, particularly in text rendering enhancements.

Paul Thurrott [17:47]: "The latest Edge update boasts a 9% faster web rendering speed, a significant improvement in 2025 terms."

6. Intel's Stake in Altera and Market Movements

Intel has sold its majority stake (51%) in Altera, its Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) business, which it acquired in 2015 for approximately $4.46 billion. The stake is now valued at around $8.75 billion, reflecting Intel's strategic divestment to streamline its focus.

Paul Thurrott [41:03]: "Intel's sale of its Altera stake marks a significant shift in their hardware strategy, focusing more on cloud data center integrations."

7. Apple’s AI Developments and iPadOS Enhancements

The conversation shifts to Apple's advancements in AI, particularly within iPadOS. Paul anticipates improvements that will transform the iPad into a more versatile computing device, rivaling traditional laptops.

Paul Thurrott [45:57]: "Apple's rumored updates to iPadOS aim to bridge the gap between tablets and laptops, potentially making the iPad a full-fledged computer."

He critiques Apple's conservative approach to AI integration, suggesting that the company is lagging behind in offering comprehensive AI capabilities akin to Microsoft's Copilot.

Richard Campbell [13:41]: "Apple needs to evolve its AI features to match the seamless integration we've seen with Windows Copilot."

8. Adobe's Embrace of AI Tools

Adobe has aggressively integrated AI into its suite of products, ensuring that their models are trained on licensed content to protect against intellectual property issues. Upcoming features include AI-driven enhancements in Acrobat Express, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro, aimed at making complex tools more accessible.

Paul Thurrott [81:08]: "Adobe's AI integration promises to democratize their powerful tools, making them more user-friendly without compromising on capability."

9. Xbox’s New Streaming Features and Game Pass Updates

Paul announces significant updates to Xbox, including a new mobile app that allows users to stream games directly to their smartphones. This move is part of Microsoft's strategy to make Xbox games more accessible across various devices without incurring the traditional app store fees.

Paul Thurrott [97:05]: "The new Xbox app on mobile simplifies game streaming, eliminating the 30% fee previously imposed by app stores."

Additionally, Microsoft has expanded Xbox Game Pass with over 100 titles available for streaming, including popular franchises like Modern Warfare 2, enhancing the value proposition for subscribers.

Paul Thurrott [100:08]: "With the addition of Modern Warfare 2 and other major titles to Game Pass, Microsoft continues to solidify its position in the gaming industry."

10. Notion Mail and Self-Hosted Alternatives

The hosts explore Notion's expansion into email with Notion Mail, a front-end for Gmail that leverages AI for enhanced functionality. They discuss the limitations, such as its exclusive integration with Gmail and the requirement of Notion AI for full features. Leo expresses frustration with the lack of support for non-Gmail accounts, highlighting challenges in integrating alternative email services.

Leo Laporte [121:07]: "I signed up for Notion Mail with a non-Gmail account, and it won't let me use that. Frustrating!"

Paul emphasizes the broader trend of centralized platforms and the difficulty of migrating data and functionalities between services, comparing it to historical transitions in personal computing.

Paul Thurrott [123:27]: "Just like switching music services was a hassle, moving email and productivity tools between platforms remains complex."

11. Club Twit Subscriptions and Member Benefits

Leo Laporte promotes Club Twit, a subscription-based community offering ad-free access to all show episodes, exclusive events, and participation in live keynotes. Membership includes access to a dedicated Discord server, special events like crafting sessions, and other member-only perks.

Leo Laporte [141:18]: "Joining Club Twit not only removes ads but also grants you access to exclusive content and community events."

Paul and Richard encourage listeners to support the show by subscribing, emphasizing the value and community benefits that come with membership.

12. Miscellaneous Discussions and Light-hearted Moments

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in lighter conversations about household gadgets like rice cookers with built-in melodies, personal anecdotes about travel and technology frustrations, and the cultural significance of mead in Hawaiian distillation.

Leo Laporte [61:17]: "The rice cooker plays songs like 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,' making the end of cooking a delightful experience."

Richard Campbell [134:34]: "The 12th Hawaii Distillers Reserve produces a unique honey-based spirit, blending traditional mead with local Kona coffee and violet potatoes."

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott [02:51]: "The important thing is not really what exact build something was in or what channel it was in, but rather when do we think this is going to come to everybody."

• Richard Campbell [10:01]: "This could pave the way for augmented reality interfaces where AI assists without the need for traditional input devices."

• Paul Thurrott [17:47]: "A 9% improvement in web rendering is significant in 2025 terms."

• Leo Laporte [121:07]: "I signed up for Notion Mail with a non-Gmail account, and it won't let me use that. Frustrating!"

Conclusion: In this episode of Windows Weekly, the hosts provide an in-depth analysis of the latest developments in Windows 11, Microsoft's strategic hardware and software moves, AI integration across platforms, and the evolving landscape of productivity and gaming. They balance technical discussions with personal anecdotes, creating an engaging and informative session for listeners interested in technology trends and updates.