Windows Weekly (Episode 900): The 8 Poles of Inaccessibility - LinkedIn AI Training, Three Mile Island, Apollo's Offer

Release Date: September 25, 2024

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, Richard Campbell

Celebrating its milestone 900th episode, Windows Weekly delves into the latest developments in Microsoft technologies, AI integrations, and significant tech industry news. Hosts Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell engage in insightful discussions, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of current trends and upcoming changes.

1. Episode Milestone: Celebrating 900 Episodes

Leo Laporte kicks off the episode by celebrating the 900th installment of Windows Weekly, expressing gratitude to longtime listeners and introducing the primary topics for the episode, including Windows 11 updates, new AI-powered PCs from HP, and significant Xbox news.

2. Windows 11 24H2 Update Delays

Paul Thurrott voices frustration over the unexpected delays in the Windows 11 24H2 update:

Paul Thurrott [09:28]: "...classic. It's like when I was in the 11th or 12th grade..."

Despite initial schedules, Microsoft shipped two separate builds to the Release Preview channel, mirroring a pattern of instability in update rollouts this year. The hosts discuss the implications of these delays, emphasizing the need for more reliable update processes.

3. HP's New AI-Enhanced PCs

At HP's annual Imagine event in Palo Alto, the company unveiled a lineup of AI-integrated PCs, including:

• EliteBook 1040: Features AMD Ryzen processors tailored for commercial use.
• Omnibook Ultra Flip: Powered by Intel Core Ultra Series 2 processors, aimed at consumers.

Richard Campbell highlights the shift towards AI capabilities in HP's offerings, while Paul Thurrott notes the potential impact on performance and user experience:

Richard Campbell [35:55]: "Very interesting. Yes, very interesting."

4. Copilot Button Issues in Windows 11

The introduction of the Copilot key on Windows keyboards has sparked mixed reactions. Paul Thurrott shares his irritation with accidental activations:

Paul Thurrott [21:24]: "I hit it erratically and it makes the whole computer twitch when you touch it."

The hosts explore customization options available in the beta channel, allowing users to redefine or disable the Copilot key, aiming to mitigate user frustration.

5. Meta Connect Keynote Highlights

Leo Laporte summarizes key announcements from Meta's latest Connect keynote:

• Meta Quest 3X Headset: A more affordable version of the Meta Quest 3.
• Ray-Ban Meta Glasses: Featuring real-time translation capabilities.
• New AR Headset: Details remain sparse, with a focus on future development.

Notably, the keynote did not mention Facebook, signaling Meta's strategic pivot towards broader technological innovations.

6. Intel and Qualcomm Rumors: Potential Acquisition

Rumors suggest that Qualcomm may pursue acquiring Intel's foundry business. The discussion covers potential ramifications for the semiconductor industry, including:

• Cross-Licensing Challenges: Existing agreements with AMD would need renegotiation.
• Government Involvement: Speculations about US government influence to bolster domestic chip manufacturing.

Richard Campbell and Paul Thurrott analyze the strategic moves, emphasizing the complexity and potential impact on Intel's legacy operations.

7. Three Mile Island Reopening for AI Infrastructure

A significant and unexpected topic revolves around Microsoft's investment to reopen the Three Mile Island nuclear plant:

Paul Thurrott [54:18]: "They're going to spend about $1.6 billion to get this thing restarted."

The move aims to support AI infrastructure by powering data centers, highlighting the convergence of legacy energy sources with modern technological demands. The hosts discuss the environmental and security implications of this decision.

8. LinkedIn's Updated AI Training

LinkedIn has revamped its terms of service to incorporate AI training using user data unless users opt out. This shift raises privacy concerns:

Paul Thurrott [62:54]: "Microsoft is bragging about how much progress they've made on security..."

The hosts debate the balance between leveraging AI for enhanced user experiences and protecting user data from unauthorized usage.

9. Microsoft's Windows as a Service Model

Reflecting on a decade since its announcement, Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell evaluate Microsoft's Windows as a Service approach:

Paul Thurrott [15:16]: "I'm like, that makes these words I understand every word in that sentence and none of them make sense together."

They discuss the benefits of continuous updates, such as improved features and enhanced security, against user frustrations over control and update frequency, particularly with the integration of AI features like Copilot.

10. Xbox Updates and Blizzard Integration

The episode covers significant updates to the Xbox ecosystem:

• Blizzard Acquisition: A new book detailing the merger and internal challenges under Bobby Kotick.
• Game Pass Enhancements: Introduction of new features like compact mode for the Game Bar and integration with upcoming titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

Richard Campbell and Paul Thurrott express both optimism and skepticism about Xbox's strategic direction and its focus on service-based offerings over hardware sales.

11. AI Tools: Copilot and Gemini

The proliferation of AI Copilot tools across platforms is a central discussion point:

Richard Campbell [73:05]: "And Uncle Satch, I think did the right thing back in the day..."

Paul Thurrott criticizes the inconsistent integration and user experience of Copilot, while Richard Campbell highlights the potential for AI to enhance productivity despite current limitations. The comparison with Google’s Gemini underscores the competitive landscape in AI tool development.

12. Security and Firmware Updates

Paul Thurrott shares frustrations with firmware updates on Surface laptops, particularly those with Snapdragon processors:

Paul Thurrott [50:59]: "...continued operating."

The conversation emphasizes the challenges users face with unexpected device behavior post-update and the broader implications for device reliability and user trust.

13. Closing Remarks and Future Prospects

As the episode wraps up, the hosts touch on upcoming books by Paul Thurrott, ongoing hardware acquisition stories, and plans for future episodes focusing on server updates, security summits, and more in-depth industry analyses.

Richard Campbell and Paul Thurrott express enthusiasm for continuing their deep dives into Microsoft technologies and broader tech industry trends, promising more insightful content in the weeks ahead.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott [09:28]: “...classic. It's like when I was in the 11th or 12th grade...”
• Richard Campbell [21:24]: “I hit it erratically and it makes the whole computer twitch when you touch it.”
• Paul Thurrott [25:05]: “That's the place they can attack.”
• Richard Campbell [95:00]: “We have been getting these kind of advances just through...”

Conclusion

Windows Weekly Episode 900 offers a rich and engaging exploration of the current Microsoft ecosystem, AI integrations, and significant industry shifts. From Windows updates and HP's AI PCs to Meta's latest tech announcements and Intel's potential acquisition by Qualcomm, the hosts provide listeners with a thorough understanding of the evolving tech landscape. Notable discussions on AI tools, security challenges, and strategic business moves ensure that both casual listeners and dedicated tech enthusiasts find value in this comprehensive episode.

For those who haven't listened, this summary provides a detailed overview of the episode's key points, ensuring you're up-to-date with the latest in Microsoft and broader tech developments.