Windows Weekly 935: Don't Spritz Yourself – Detailed Summary
Release Date: June 5, 2025
In this episode of Windows Weekly, co-hosts Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell delve into four major controversies surrounding Microsoft’s software and hardware ecosystem, with a particular focus on the evolution of Notepad, upcoming Windows updates, compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), and developments in the Xbox division. Additionally, they touch upon industry earnings, password management changes, unionization efforts at Microsoft, data management with Synology NAS, and emerging cocktail trends in Mexico City.
1. The Great Notepad Controversy
Notepad’s Evolution and Modernization
Richard Campbell leads the discussion by tracing the history of Notepad, highlighting its origins before Windows as a DOS application named "Multi Tool Write." Over the decades, Notepad has undergone several updates, including modernization for Unicode support in Windows NT and UI refreshes in Windows 10 and 11.
Introduction of AI Features
With the advent of Windows 11, Microsoft introduced substantial changes to Notepad, integrating AI-driven Copilot features aimed at rewriting, drafting, and even converting text into poems. Campbell emphasizes that these additions serve as a showcase for developers to leverage AI capabilities within simple applications.
Notable Quote:
Richard Campbell (07:40): "Notepad has never not been in good shape. They've always done right by Notepad and its users."
Community Reaction and Insertification
The integration of AI features sparked backlash within the user community, with prominent figures like Mary Jo Foley expressing dissatisfaction. Campbell counters this criticism by introducing the term "insertification", which he defines as corporate-driven changes that may harm users despite not being forced upon them. He argues that users have the option to disable unwanted features, thereby maintaining the tool’s simplicity.
Notable Quote:
Richard Campbell (12:56): "This stuff's fine. It's fine. Like I said, I use it every day."
2. Microsoft Build Updates and AI Focus
Insider Preview Builds and Patch Tuesday
Campbell discusses the latest Windows Insider Preview builds, including Canary builds introducing features like Voice Access and semantic search. He anticipates a significant Patch Tuesday update in June, promising enhancements such as Click-to-Do actions, Copilot integration, and improved connectivity features.
Notable Quote:
Richard Campbell (23:10): "The June Patch Tuesday update is going to be big. It's exactly as you would expect."
3. Compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA)
Microsoft and Apple’s Adaptations
The conversation shifts to the EU’s Digital Markets Act and its implications for major tech companies. Both Microsoft and Apple have implemented changes to their operating systems to comply with DMA requirements, such as allowing users to set default browsers and managing application updates independently of centralized stores.
Notable Quote:
Richard Campbell (60:33): "They got rid of that problem. And if you are using Bing or the Start Experience app, it will no longer keep prompting you to use Edge. It will just respect your choice and move on."
4. Industry Earnings and Market Performance
Performance of Major Tech Companies
Thurrott and Campbell review recent earnings reports from key players like Lenovo, HP, Dell, and Nvidia. They note Lenovo's strong performance, Dell's steady growth despite challenges, and Nvidia’s robust stock performance driven by innovations and strategic partnerships.
Notable Quote:
Richard Campbell (68:44): "Nvidia is fascinating for all kinds of reasons. They've been doing not just double-digit growth, but like high-end double-digit growth for a long time."
5. LinkedIn CEO’s New Role at Microsoft
Confusion Over Terminology
A significant controversy arises around the LinkedIn CEO, Ryan Ruslansky, who has taken on a broader role overseeing Microsoft 365 and Office Copilot. Campbell expresses confusion over Microsoft's terminology, noting that Ruslansky refers to the suite as "Office" multiple times despite Microsoft officially branding it as Microsoft 365.
Notable Quote:
Richard Campbell (71:10): "It's like the new head of NOAA who said, what, we have a hurricane season in America?"
6. Password Management Changes
Microsoft Authenticator App Updates
Microsoft is phasing out its built-in password management and autofill features in the Microsoft Authenticator app, urging users to adopt third-party password managers like 1Password and Bitwarden for enhanced security and cross-platform compatibility.
Notable Quote:
Richard Campbell (82:52): "So the first one is third-party password manager, and I listed the good ones."
Emphasis on Passkeys
The hosts discuss the growing adoption of passkeys as a more secure alternative to traditional passwords, highlighting their benefits and integration with password managers.
7. Xbox Handheld Device Delay
Delay of Microsoft’s Gamind Handheld
A report from Windows Central reveals that Microsoft has delayed the release of its first-party Xbox handheld gaming device, originally slated for the holiday season. Campbell speculates that Microsoft’s shift towards ARM-based platforms and potential integration with Nvidia technology might be factors influencing the delay.
Notable Quote:
Richard Campbell (93:22): "A lot of hardware-related rebranding and reorganization seems to be a factor here."
Layoffs and Organizational Changes
Following the delay, there are rumors of impending layoffs within Microsoft’s Xbox division, possibly linked to the unsuccessful hardware initiatives like the Zune and the challenges of maintaining profitable gaming hardware.
8. Unionization Efforts at Microsoft
Support for Unionization in Gaming Divisions
Microsoft-owned game studios, including ZeniMax, have made significant strides towards unionization, reaching agreements that protect employees from arbitrary dismissal and ensure fair grievance procedures. Additionally, Raven, another Microsoft subsidiary, is in legal battles over unionization practices.
Notable Quote:
Richard Campbell (76:36): "The big one to me is actually just pay. So the minimum salary going into this was a little over or almost $21 per hour. That goes up to $25 immediately and it's going to go up again to $28 and some change in just a couple of months."
9. Data Management with Synology NAS
Transition to Synology Drive
Campbell shares his positive experience transitioning from cloud services like OneDrive and Google Drive to Synology Drive, highlighting its seamless file synchronization, on-demand access, and robust security features. He praises Synology’s remote access capabilities and integration across Windows and Mac platforms.
Notable Quote:
Richard Campbell (125:34): "It's unbelievably great. So I have this thing where, you know, like the book folder is all local. My to-do folder, which is most of my site stuff, is all local. So I could be on a plane. It will sync when I connect."
10. Emerging Cocktail Trends: Spritzers
Innovations in Cocktail Presentation
The hosts conclude with a lighter topic, discussing the rising trend of spritzers in Mexico City’s cocktail scene. They highlight the introduction of tower ice cubes—large, clear ice blocks designed for aesthetic appeal and enhanced cooling. Campbell describes innovative spritz recipes and the shift towards visually appealing and refreshing drinks suitable for warmer climates.
Notable Quote:
Richard Campbell (149:32): "These ice cubes are perfectly clear. They're gorgeous."
Conclusion
In this episode, Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell provide an in-depth analysis of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to modernize its software offerings, navigate regulatory landscapes, and adapt to market demands. They also shed light on the internal and external challenges faced by the tech giant, including community pushback, organizational restructuring, and competitive pressures in the gaming hardware sector. Additionally, practical insights into data management and a glimpse into evolving social trends in mixology round out a comprehensive discussion aimed at tech enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.