Windows Weekly 936: Liquid Aero – Detailed Summary

Release Date: June 11, 2025
Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, Richard Campbell
Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)

1. Welcome and Introductions

The episode kicks off with Leo Laporte introducing the show and the guests. Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell join from different locations, with Richard broadcasting from Stockholm, Sweden.

Leo Laporte:
"This is Windows Weekly with Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell."
[00:45]

2. Richard Campbell's Safari Experience

Richard shares his recent experience on a game drive at Aquila Safari, highlighting the unique blend between a traditional safari and a controlled environment.

Richard Campbell:
"It's the middle ground between a safari and a zoo... The animals are well-fed and comfortable."
[03:04]

He elaborates on the activities, including game drives and the scenic beauty of the reserve, emphasizing the ethical treatment of the animals.

3. Patch Tuesday Updates

Paul Thurrott delves into the latest Patch Tuesday releases, highlighting significant updates across Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2. The updates include:

• Drag Tray Area Enhancements:
  Improved file sharing and app management features in File Explorer.

• Copilot Integration:
  Paul Thurrott:
  "The Windows key +C keyboard shortcut is back for Copilot."
  [11:22]

• Taskbar Improvements:
  Graphical updates to the pill indicator and notification system.

• Microsoft Store Overhaul:
  A faster, more intuitive store interface with enhanced search capabilities.

• AI Features in Photos App:
  Introduction of "Relight" and semantic natural language search to enhance photo editing and organization.

Paul Thurrott:
"The biggest thing about it was how unfinished it was... Now they have [features]..."
[18:08]

4. Microsoft's Internal Challenges and Leadership Reflections

The conversation shifts to Microsoft's internal dynamics, including employee sentiments and leadership decisions. Paul references an interview with former CEO Steve Ballmer, discussing Ballmer's regrets and contributions.

Paul Thurrott:
"Steve Ballmer said, everything Microsoft is doing now, I started."
[52:XX]

They reflect on Ballmer's vision and the subsequent leadership under Satya Nadella, questioning the direction and future of Microsoft's innovation strategies.

5. Apple's Liquid Glass Introduction

Apple unveils its new "Liquid Glass" UI, aiming for a unified interface across all its platforms. Paul and Leo analyze the implementation and aesthetic changes.

Paul Thurrott:
"...they have new UI widgets and things that contract and get out of the way."
[74:45]

While acknowledging some improvements, Paul expresses skepticism about the necessity and execution of the feature.

Paul Thurrott:
"To me, it's not an improvement over what they had two seconds ago."
[85:00]

6. Xbox Segment: Introduction of a New Handheld Device

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Microsoft's new Xbox-branded handheld gaming device. Paul explores its potential impact on the gaming market, comparing it to existing portable gaming solutions and PC gaming.

Paul Thurrott:
"This Xbox branded third-party gaming handheld runs on the AMD Z2 platform."
[93:52]

The hosts debate the viability of Microsoft entering the handheld market, considering hardware challenges and the competitive landscape.

7. ARC Browser and Its Successor DIA

Richard highlights the transition from the ARC browser to its successor, DIA, discussing the unique features and user reception.

Richard Campbell:
"They announced DIA as the next browser, aiming to integrate AI functionalities."
[124:01]

Paul Thurrott:
"DIA introduces a unified search experience with AI integration, enhancing browsing capabilities."
[125:35]

8. Distillery Discussion with Richard Campbell

In a lighter segment, Richard shares insights about Glen Lossie, a unique distillery with a rich history. He details its operations, ownership by Diageo, and the exclusivity of its whiskey bottlings.

Richard Campbell:
"Glen Lossie was established in 1876 and has never produced retail whiskey, focusing instead on blends for larger brands."
[136:10]

This anecdote adds a personal touch to the episode, showcasing Richard's diverse interests outside of technology.

9. Advertisements

The episode includes promotional segments for:

• US Cloud:
  Offering enterprise Microsoft support solutions with significant cost savings and enhanced services.

• Club Twit:
  A membership program providing ad-free content, exclusive events, and access to premium show features.

Leo Laporte:
"Club Twit is how we stay around... $10 a month, $120 a year."
[118:XX]

10. Tip of the Week: Enhanced Sharing in Windows

Paul Thurrott shares a useful tip about the enhanced sharing features in Windows 11, introducing quality reduction options when sharing images.

Paul Thurrott:
"You can now share images in different quality levels directly from the share pane."
[123:12]

This tip highlights Microsoft's continual refinement of user experience features.

11. Closing Remarks

The hosts wrap up the episode, thanking Richard for joining from Stockholm and encouraging listeners to subscribe to Club Twit for premium content. They tease upcoming segments, including a detailed discussion on the new Xbox handheld device.

Leo Laporte:
"Thank you, Paul. Thank you, Richard. We will see you next Wednesday, Windows Weekly."
[146:33]

Notable Quotes:

1. "The Windows key +C keyboard shortcut is back for Copilot."
   – Paul Thurrott
   [11:22]

2. "Steve Ballmer said, everything Microsoft is doing now, I started."
   – Paul Thurrott
   [52:XX]

3. "To me, it's not an improvement over what they had two seconds ago."
   – Paul Thurrott
   [85:00]

4. "This Xbox branded third-party gaming handheld runs on the AMD Z2 platform."
   – Paul Thurrott
   [93:52]

5. "You can now share images in different quality levels directly from the share pane."
   – Paul Thurrott
   [123:12]

Conclusion

Episode 936 of Windows Weekly offers a comprehensive discussion on the latest Windows updates, Microsoft's internal strategies, Apple's new UI innovations, and significant developments in the gaming industry with Microsoft's new Xbox handheld device. Alongside technical insights, personal anecdotes and community interactions enrich the conversation, providing listeners with both informative and engaging content.