Podcast Summary: Windows Weekly 931: The Eaglet Has Landed

Release Date: May 7, 2025
Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, Richard Campbell

Introduction

In Episode 931 of Windows Weekly, titled "The Eaglet Has Landed," hosts Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell delve into significant updates surrounding Microsoft's ecosystem, legal battles faced by Apple, and the evolving landscape of technology products. The episode combines technical insights with light-hearted banter, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of current tech trends and company maneuvers.

Windows 11: Big Changes and the New Start Menu

Paul Thurrott opens the discussion by addressing the latest updates to Windows 11. Microsoft has introduced a revamped Start Menu, moving away from the previous "Pinned" and "Recommended" sections to a more app-centric layout. This change mirrors the app library approach seen in iOS, emphasizing organization by app categories rather than personalized recommendations.

Paul Thurrott [04:00]: "They're making it all about apps, basically. I mean, you can still have some of the recommended stuff in there, but weird."

Richard Campbell adds humorously:

Richard Campbell [04:40]: "Start menu is all about apps. I always thought it was about ads."

The hosts speculate on the rollout timeline, anticipating its availability through the Windows Insider Program shortly after the announcement. Paul expresses optimism, suggesting that the new Start Menu is a genuine improvement over previous iterations.

Paul Thurrott [06:39]: "The start menu is an actual improvement, honestly. Because that's been something that to me has been borderline useless since they did Windows 11. And I actually do like those changes."

Surface Devices: Adding ARM-Based Options

The conversation shifts to Microsoft's Surface lineup, where Paul introduces the latest additions: smaller, more affordable Surface Pro and Surface Laptop models powered by Snapdragon's ARM-based chips. These models prioritize portability and battery efficiency, catering to students and frequent travelers.

Paul Thurrott [16:03]: "They're both smaller, they're both less expensive, they both have lower end Snapdragon, you know, plus chips or whatever."

Richard notes the significance of this move, emphasizing Microsoft's commitment to diversifying its hardware offerings without replacing existing models. The hosts discuss potential implications for enterprise users, with Paul highlighting Microsoft's strategic focus on catering to high-volume markets rather than niche, technical segments.

Hot Patching and Windows Resiliency

Paul Thurrott introduces the concept of "hot patching" in Windows, a feature primarily aimed at enterprise users. This allows for security updates to be applied without requiring system reboots, enhancing system uptime and reducing maintenance disruptions.

Paul Thurrott [44:59]: "The interim months will be these hot patches, and they’re just security updates, which sounds pretty good to me."

However, Richard expresses skepticism about the practicality and reliability of hot patching, questioning its necessity on client machines.

Richard Campbell [45:01]: "They don't require reboots."

Paul responds by detailing the prerequisites for hot patching, including specific enterprise agreements and hardware compatibility, making it clear that this feature is not intended for general consumer use.

Paul Thurrott [45:36]: "You have to have Windows 11 Enterprise E3. And of course, you have to have some specific kind of enterprise agreement with Microsoft."

The discussion underscores Microsoft's ongoing efforts to enhance system resiliency, particularly within enterprise environments, by minimizing downtime and streamlining update processes.

Apple's Antitrust Battle: A Landmark Decision

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Apple's recent court battle involving antitrust allegations. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers delivered a stern verdict against Apple, criticizing CEO Tim Cook for choosing an "anti-competitive path" that strained relationships with developers and consumers alike.

Leo Laporte [71:07]: "There were three words in the decision by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers that really stood out for me. She was talking about how Apple CEO Tim Cook had a choice between doing what she said, listening to Phil Schiller as Marketing director doing what she said, or listening to that liar and doing what he suggested. And then the three words were, Cook chose poorly."

Paul vehemently supports the decision, arguing that Apple’s App Store policies were arbitrary and detrimental to competition. The hosts discuss potential repercussions, including the possibility of Apple being forced to alter its App Store revenue models and the broader implications for big tech companies facing similar scrutiny.

Paul Thurrott [73:43]: "There are these Apple fans who are like, oh, this company is the best. They do everything great. [...] You can't look at this and be like, oh, no, there's a reason, there's a rationale. There isn't."

Richard amplifies the conversation by examining how this ruling might influence other tech giants like Google and Microsoft, suggesting a shift towards more open and competitive practices within the industry.

Microsoft and Activision Blizzard: FTC’s Final Decision

The episode touches upon Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a move scrutinized under antitrust laws. Recent developments indicate that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has effectively conceded, giving Microsoft the green light to finalize the acquisition. This marks a significant victory for Microsoft amid ongoing regulatory challenges.

Paul Thurrott [127:30]: "So the only article I could find about it was from Reuters. It was two sentences but now it's bigger. So I believe that I don't want to read this in real time, but the way I took this was a federal appeal court on Wednesday rejected a legal challenge by the FTC to Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard."

The hosts reflect on the implications of this decision, contemplating how it might bolster Microsoft's position in the gaming industry and influence future mergers and acquisitions within the tech sector.

Antitrust Actions and Their Impact on Big Tech

Beyond Apple, the discussion broadens to address ongoing antitrust investigations targeting other major technology firms, including Microsoft and Google. The hosts analyze how these legal challenges are reshaping the competitive landscape, urging companies to adopt more transparent and fair practices to avoid regulatory backlash.

Paul Thurrott [82:52]: "What you don't see is what doesn't happen because of what they're doing."

Richard suggests that effective antitrust remedies could involve transferring oversight of key technologies like Chromium—a critical component of many browsers—to independent entities like Mozilla, thereby ensuring open standards and reducing monopolistic control.

Richard Campbell [85:51]: "What about making Google create a new nonprofit company to maintain Chrome instead of selling it and requirement provides support for say five years. That's actually a good remedy."

GitHub Copilot and AI in Development

The episode shifts focus to the advent of AI tools in software development, specifically GitHub Copilot. Paul shares his experiences with Copilot's code review features, highlighting both its efficiencies and frustrations.

Paul Thurrott [122:11]: "I spent days converting file operations to a class... and you're like, dude, you told me to do this."

Leo and Richard discuss the potential of AI to assist developers, balancing the productivity gains against the challenges of integrating AI-generated suggestions into existing workflows.

Leo Laporte [122:54]: "Use a hash table. Idiot."

Paul humorously acknowledges the tension between AI assistance and developer autonomy, contemplating a shift towards more manual coding approaches if AI tools become overly intrusive.

Xbox News: Microsoft's Foray into Handheld Gaming

Paul introduces leaked information about Microsoft's collaboration with Asus to produce a handheld Xbox gaming device. Resembling popular models like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, this new console aims to expand Xbox's reach into portable gaming.

Paul Thurrott [127:03]: "Microsoft is working with Asus to put out the first Xbox branded gaming handheld this year sometime."

The hosts discuss the technical specifications, potential market reception, and the broader strategy of integrating Windows-based systems into portable gaming hardware. They speculate on the device's compatibility with existing Xbox games and Microsoft's ambitions to unify gaming experiences across platforms.

Paul Thurrott [128:15]: "What do you think it looks like? Like a Switch or Steam Deck style. They just go over, they pick you up and they take you back."

Whiskey Pick of the Week: Jura 10

Adding a personal touch to the episode, Richard Campbell shares his whiskey recommendation: Jura 10. Originating from the Isle of Jura in Scotland, this whiskey is noted for its light, approachable flavor profile with subtle peat undertones and a sherry finish.

Richard Campbell [167:10]: "So the Jura 10, this is the baseline of the signature line aged in bourbon cast, not surprising inexpensive. It's got a tiny, tiny bit of peat in it."

Richard provides a brief history of the Jura distillery, highlighting its resurgence in the 1970s and its commitment to producing high-quality, accessible whiskeys. The recommendation emphasizes Jura 10's suitability for everyday enjoyment without the heaviness often associated with more robust Scotch varieties.

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the rapid advancements in technology and the continuous interplay between innovation and regulation. They express anticipation for upcoming Windows updates and Microsoft's evolving strategies in both the software and hardware domains.

Leo Laporte: "Now, you guys aren't the same guys."

The trio signs off with plans to cover more insider news in future episodes, maintaining their commitment to delivering timely and insightful content to their tech-savvy audience.

Notable Quotes

• Paul Thurrott [04:00]: "They're making it all about apps, basically."
• Richard Campbell [04:40]: "Start menu is all about apps. I always thought it was about ads."
• Paul Thurrott [06:39]: "The start menu is an actual improvement, honestly."
• Paul Thurrott [44:59]: "The interim months will be these hot patches, and they’re just security updates."
• Leo Laporte [71:07]: "She then the three words were, Cook chose poorly."
• Paul Thurrott [73:43]: "There's a need for oversight and transparency."

Conclusion

Episode 931 of Windows Weekly offers a multifaceted exploration of contemporary issues in the tech world, from operating system updates and hardware innovations to high-profile legal battles and the integration of AI in software development. Through their engaging dialogue, Leo, Paul, and Richard provide listeners with valuable perspectives on how these developments shape the future of technology and its impact on both enterprises and consumers.