Windows Weekly (Audio) - Episode WW 901: "75% Corn - Copilot Vision, Office 2024 Release, Bundeskartellamt"

Release Date: October 2, 2024

Hosts:

• Leo Laporte
• Paul Thurrott
• Richard Campbell

1. Introduction and Overview

In the premiere of Episode 901, hosted by Leo Laporte alongside veteran Microsoft insiders Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell, the trio delves into the latest updates from Microsoft. The episode covers the release of Windows 24H2, significant enhancements to Copilot, new offerings for Xbox, and regulatory scrutiny from Germany's Bundeskartellamt.

2. Windows 24H2 Release and Review

Discussion Highlights:

• Release Timing & Reception: Windows 24H2 was released a week earlier than anticipated, deviating from the typical Patch Tuesday schedule. Paul Thurrott remarks, “[...] 2024 will go down in the books as being a unique year unless they somehow manage to duplicate this next year.” ([03:19])

• Update Contents: The update primarily includes behind-the-scenes improvements such as Wi-Fi 7 support, HDR backgrounds, energy saver adjustments, and Bluetooth LE audio enhancements. However, users won't notice significant UI changes like the taskbar behavior adjustments previously teased.

• ARM64 ISO Availability: Initially planned for June alongside Copilot Plus PCs, ARM64 ISOs remain unavailable, causing frustration among ARM device users. Paul notes, “There are ways around it... but that's not right. You don't do that to people in Stably.”

• Known Issue Rollback: Microsoft introduced a “known issue rollback” to address the problematic Preview update for 22H2 and 23H2, which caused reliability issues like repeated reboots. Paul emphasizes the rarity and necessity of this measure: “[...] an update you can install to fix an update that screwed over your computer. It’s hilarious.”

Notable Quote:

“It’s technically a full OS swap, not an enablement package.” – Paul Thurrott ([12:11])

3. Copilot Vision and AI Enhancements

Discussion Highlights:

• Copilot’s Evolution: The hosts discuss the transformation of Copilot from a sidebar pane to a standalone app with enhanced features aimed at becoming an AI companion akin to the original vision for Cortana.

• Copilot Vision: An experimental feature that scans user activities in real-time to offer contextual suggestions without retaining any history. However, its rollout is limited to Copilot Plus PCs initially, restricting broader access.

• Security and Privacy Concerns: Concerns about data privacy and security were prominent, especially following the Recalls controversy. Paul highlights Microsoft’s efforts to bolster trust by ensuring encryption and sandboxing Copilot Vision within secure enclaves.

Notable Quotes:

“Copilot Vision [...] scans everything you do in real time and it will offer you suggestions based on the context of what it sees.” – Paul Thurrott ([29:09])

“Microsoft clearly are afraid of the law. And even if it’s restricted in the U.S., I bet it’s state-based.” – Richard Campbell ([36:17])

4. Copilot Security Enhancements and Recall Discussion

Discussion Highlights:

• Recall Feature: Initially controversial due to perceived privacy invasions, Microsoft responded by making Copilot Vision opt-in and ensuring it can be uninstalled, addressing major user concerns.

• Security Theater vs. Genuine Security: Paul critiques the balance Microsoft strikes between actual security measures and what some perceive as mere security theater, emphasizing the importance of user control.

Notable Quote:

“You can't run this on a non-Copilot Plus PC. So if you want to see if it's unsafe or not, you have to use an actual qualified certified Copilot Plus PC.” – Paul Thurrott ([39:07])

5. Chromebook Plus and New Features

Discussion Highlights:

• New Chromebook Features: Richard Campbell shares updates from a recent Google event, highlighting the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus. Key features include a redesigned keyboard with a context-sensitive "Copilot" key, enhancing user interaction with AI-driven functionalities.

• Design and Functionality: The new key adapts based on user activity, similar to contextual search features seen in other platforms, aiming to streamline the user experience.

Notable Quote:

“It's a context-sensitive key that will depending on what you’re doing at the time you hit the thing and it will do the [Copilot] thing.” – Paul Thurrott ([75:00])

6. Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Elements Updates

Discussion Highlights:

• Latest Releases: Adobe introduced the latest versions of Photoshop and Premiere Elements with generative AI capabilities, such as generative fill and erase, allowing users to manipulate images and videos more intuitively.

• Licensing Models: The hosts discuss the shift from subscription-based models to perpetual licenses, noting the challenges and user frustrations associated with Adobe’s current offerings.

Notable Quote:

“These limited time, whatever they are, one PC versions, perpetual license.” – Paul Thurrott ([127:54])

7. Xbox and Game Pass News

Discussion Highlights:

• Game Pass Additions: Microsoft showcased new games for Game Pass during the Tokyo Game Show, including remastered titles like Starcraft and upcoming releases such as Indiana Jones and Sifu. However, the excitement was tempered by the focus on older titles rather than groundbreaking new games.

• Game Pass Strategy: The hosts analyze Microsoft's strategy to bundle older games with new releases, questioning its effectiveness in maintaining subscriber interest without offering exclusive, high-profile launches.

Notable Quote:

“It’s hard to get excited about both new and old in one.” – Leo Laporte ([116:21])

8. Regulatory News: Bundeskartellamt Investigation into Microsoft

Discussion Highlights:

• German Antitrust Action: Germany’s Bundeskartellamt has launched a comprehensive investigation into Microsoft, assessing the company's dominance and compliance with EU regulations. The investigation spans all Microsoft products and services under the gatekeeper clause of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

• Implications for Microsoft: Paul Thurrott discusses the potential repercussions of this investigation, emphasizing the significance of Microsoft's market position and the stringent regulatory environment in the EU.

Notable Quotes:

“They will regulate Microsoft, all of Microsoft, every product and service that they sell as if it was under the gatekeeper clause of the DMA.” – Paul Thurrott ([86:10])

“Microsoft is yes, they were to make this secure and private.” – Paul Thurrott ([48:42])

9. Tip of the Week: Downloading Windows 11 ISO

Tip Presented by Paul Thurrott:

• Recommendation: Users are advised to download the latest Windows 24H2 ISO to create external recovery media, ensuring they have a backup in case of system issues.

• Technical Insight: Paul suggests using the Windows 11 installation media over traditional recovery disks for faster and more reliable recovery processes.

Notable Quote:

“If you’re on Bing, you’ll probably get there eventually and there’s a bunch of different options. But the advice here is that you should have some kind of external recovery media.” – Paul Thurrott ([127:11])

10. Whiskey Segment: Russell’s Reserve Bourbon

Discussion Highlights:

• Introduction to Russell’s Reserve: Richard Campbell introduces Russell’s Reserve, a bourbon produced by Wild Turkey’s partner distillery Russell’s Reserve. This bourbon is noted for its sweetness, attributed to a 75% corn mash bill, making it exceptionally smooth and candy-like in flavor.

• Distillation Process: The segment delves into the specifics of Russell’s Reserve's distillation process, highlighting its lower alcohol content at 55% ABV and the inclusion of more barley to balance the high corn content.

• Historical Context: The bourbon's history is traced back to Thomas McCarthy of Austin Nichols in the 1940s, emphasizing the longstanding tradition and craftsmanship behind Russell’s Reserve.

Notable Quote:

“The mash bill is 75% corn, 13% rye. That’s your flavor grain. And 12% barley, which is a relatively high amount of barley.” – Paul Thurrott ([136:27])

“This is Wild Turkey is where the barrels come from. So there’s only one... center floor. So the higher floors tend to be hotter. So they lose faster.” – Paul Thurrott ([140:57])

11. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with the hosts sharing personal updates and expressing anticipation for future episodes. Leo Laporte encourages listeners to support the show through various streaming platforms and subscription models, emphasizing community engagement.

Notable Quote:

“We thank you for supporting Windows Weekly by using that special address.” – Leo Laporte ([150:25])

Conclusion:

Episode WW 901 of Windows Weekly offers a comprehensive exploration of Microsoft’s latest endeavors, from the Windows 24H2 release and Copilot enhancements to regulatory challenges and strategic moves within the Xbox ecosystem. The hosts provide insightful commentary on the implications of these updates, blending technical analysis with engaging discussions. Additionally, segments like the Tip of the Week and the Whiskey Segment add variety and depth, making the episode both informative and entertaining for listeners.