Windows Weekly 932: The Last Australian
Released on May 14, 2025
Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurot, Richard Campbell
Platform: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)

1. Introduction

Leo Laporte kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners to Windows Weekly 932, aptly titled "The Last Australian." Joined by Paul Thurot and Richard Campbell, the trio delves into the latest happenings in the Windows ecosystem, touching upon major updates, user experience tweaks, and significant corporate moves by Microsoft.

2. Patch Tuesday and Copilot Updates

The discussion begins with the anticipation of Patch Tuesday, described as "the biggest patch Tuesday of 2025."

• Paul Thurot highlights the transition of Copilot features from preview to stable releases:

  “[05:03] Paul Thurot: ...Recall in preview and click to do also in preview are actually in stable.”

• Richard Campbell adds insights on Copilot requiring a Copilot Plus PC, emphasizing its current limited accessibility:

  “[05:46] Paul Thurot: Still requires a Copilot plus PC, which means a laptop.”

3. Windows 11 UI Changes and Features

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the evolving user interface of Windows 11.

• Improved Windows Search and Semantic Indexing:

  “[06:20] Paul Thurot: ...Windows search, which we need a better name for, which is that semantic indexing, also very interesting, potentially.”

• Integrated Phone Companion:
  The hosts discuss the integration and enhanced functionality of Phone Link, noting its improvement over previous iterations:

  “[06:35] Paul Thurot: ...it's gotten a lot better, especially if you have an Android phone. And it's actually really handy.”

• Text Scaling in Modern Apps:
  Paul Thurot expresses appreciation for File Explorer's new text scaling feature:

  “[08:02] Paul Thurot: ...File Explorer is now one of them. And actually, I have to say, I really like it. It's very clean looking.”

4. Taskbar Customization and User Experience

The limitations and frustrations with customizing the Windows 11 taskbar are critically examined.

• Discussion on Taskbar Placement:

  “[17:20] Richard Campbell: Was that when 11?”

• Alternative Solutions with Windhawk:
  Leo Laporte introduces Windhawk, a tool allowing users to reposition the taskbar:

  “[10:15] Paul Thurot: Is it Windtoys? No.”
  “[10:28] Paul Thurot: ...you can move the taskbar anywhere you want in Windows 11.”

• Future Prospects:
  The hosts speculate on Microsoft's potential updates to address taskbar customization based on user feedback:

  “[12:03] Paul Thurot: ...but maybe you'll know what it was.”

5. Microsoft Retail Strategies and Costco Partnership

A strategic move by Microsoft to partner with Costco is discussed, aiming to enhance device accessibility and customer support.

• Store-in-a-Store Concept:

  “[25:50] Leo Laporte: ...Copilot Plus PC, by the end of this summer, will have a store in a store inside every Costco in the United States.”

• Advantages of Buying from Costco:
  Leo Laporte emphasizes Costco's generous return policy as a selling point:

  “[25:57] Leo Laporte: ...it's the Best.”

6. Tariffs and PC Pricing Concerns

The impact of ongoing tariffs on PC prices, especially those manufactured in China, is a significant concern raised by the hosts.

• Fluctuating Tariff Rates:

  “[27:27] Leo Laporte: ...the tariff went down in China, but it's still 30%, which is still a pretty hefty chunk.”

• Consumer Impact:
  Discussions revolve around how tariffs are likely to drive up PC prices, affecting both manufacturers and consumers:

  “[27:36] Paul Thurot: ...tariffs are like a roller coaster.”

7. Personal Finance and Retirement Discussion

The hosts take a brief detour into personal finance, sharing experiences and strategies related to retirement savings and investment.

• Market Volatility:

  “[28:08] Leo Laporte: ...you have to time it just right. You can't.”

• Long-Term Investment Benefits:
  Paul Thurot shares a success story highlighting the importance of staying invested:

  “[28:33] Paul Thurot: ...because we did, we now have, like, a million dollars worth.”

8. AI Integration and Copilot Features

The evolving landscape of AI integration within Windows is a recurring theme, with particular focus on Copilot and its functionalities.

• Voice Activation and Triggers:

  “[35:12] Paul Thurot: Yeah, exactly. I'm just going to fight progress there.”

• User Interaction with AI:
  The hosts reflect on the increasingly natural interactions users have with AI assistants:

  “[38:09] Paul Thurot: ...being polite to this thing, like, you know, thanking it, apologizing, you know, does it help.”

9. Active Directory Security

A segment dedicated to Active Directory (AD) security challenges and best practices for modern IT environments.

• Simplifying AD for Security:

  “[131:40] Paul Thurot: ...security with AD is essential to prevent lateral attacks.”

• Tools and Solutions:
  Paul Thurot emphasizes the use of tools like LAPS (Local Administrator Password Solution) to enhance security:

  “[131:58] Paul Thurot: ...use laps, the local admin password solution...”

10. Microsoft Layoffs Amid High Revenue

A poignant discussion about Microsoft's decision to lay off 6,000 employees despite its substantial revenue, probing the rationale and implications.

• Corporate Strategy vs. Profitability:

  “[70:22] Paul Thurot: ...how does a company that makes so much money and is going... justify this?”

• Impact on Employees:
  Richard Campbell shares firsthand experiences of layoffs affecting peers:

  “[74:31] Richard Campbell: ...got calls from people laid off yesterday. I also got calls from managers who had to lay good people off yesterday.”

• Financial Analysis:
  The hosts dissect Microsoft's financial maneuvers, such as stock buybacks, in relation to layoffs:

  “[75:11] Paul Thurot: ...10 billion in stock buybacks. This is not 10 billion worth of wages.”

11. Microsoft Antitrust and Activision Blizzard Acquisition

The episode delves into Microsoft's ambitious move to acquire Activision Blizzard and the ensuing antitrust challenges.

• FTC's Opposition:

  “[81:20] Paul Thurot: ...the FTC has broken with tradition...”

• Regulatory Hurdles:
  The hosts explore the complexities of antitrust laws in the context of large tech mergers:

  “[82:21] Richard Campbell: Does this come down to one angry person inside the FTC who really cares?”

• Potential Outcomes:
  Speculation on Microsoft's strategy to navigate regulatory hurdles and finalize the acquisition:

  “[90:20] Paul Thurot: ...Microsoft might escape an antitrust fine in the EU for its bundling of Office and Teams.”

12. Whiskey Segment: The Last Australian

True to the episode's title, the hosts conclude with an engaging segment on Australian whiskey, highlighting the Great Southern Distilling Company.

• Introduction to Great Southern Distilling:
  Richard Campbell provides a historical overview of the distillery located in Albany, Western Australia:

  “[117:42] Richard Campbell: It's a dip from a different region of Australia...”

• Whiskey Production Process:
  Details on the distillation process, including the unique features of their single malt line "Lime Burners":

  “[118:21] Leo Laporte: This is a single malt whiskey...”

• Exclusive Releases:
  Discussion about limited-edition releases such as the Albany Tawny Cask, emphasizing its exclusivity and pricing:

  “[144:52] Richard Campbell: It means you have to be a member of the club to get an opportunity to buy the bottle.”

• Taste and Quality Assessment:
  The whiskey is sampled and described as "super drinkable," with a notable port finish:

  “[143:58] Paul Thurot: ...it's a port-finish whiskey that you've probably never had.”

Conclusion

Windows Weekly 932: The Last Australian offers a comprehensive dive into the latest Windows updates, user experience enhancements, and significant corporate strategies by Microsoft. From in-depth discussions on UI changes and AI integrations to critical analyses of Microsoft's financial and antitrust maneuvers, the episode provides valuable insights for tech enthusiasts. The concluding whiskey segment adds a unique cultural touch, celebrating Australian craftsmanship.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurot on Copilot Activation:

  “[04:44] Paul Thurot: ...this is the biggest patch Tuesday of 2025.”

• Richard Campbell on Taskbar Customization:

  “[08:12] Paul Thurot: ...In Windows 10 and previous, they had this small icons view.”

• Leo Laporte on Microsoft Layoffs:

  “[70:57] Leo Laporte: You made it up. But your memory was strong last week.”

• Paul Thurot on Active Directory:

  “[131:40] Paul Thurot: ...security with AD is essential to prevent lateral attacks.”

• Richard Campbell on Antitrust Issues:

  “[82:21] Richard Campbell: Does this come down to one angry person inside the FTC who really cares?”

This episode of Windows Weekly blends technical discussions with real-world implications, offering listeners a well-rounded perspective on the current state and future of Windows and Microsoft’s endeavors.