Windows Weekly (Episode 902: Nothing to Declare - Passkey Providers, Halo Studios, "Commodity")

Recorded Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Introduction

In the latest episode of Windows Weekly, host Leo Laporte is joined by Microsoft veterans Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell, who are broadcasting remotely from Mexico City and Ibiza, respectively. Despite their locations, nothing hinders their commitment to delivering the latest news and insights about Microsoft’s expansive ecosystem, from Windows updates to Xbox developments.

Microsoft's 24H2 Update and Patch Tuesday

[04:00 - 06:43]
The trio delves into the recent Patch Tuesday, highlighting a significant acknowledgment from Microsoft regarding the 24H2 update. Paul Thurrott notes, “Every month, when Patch Tuesday came... but now this is out for everybody” (04:46). Previously, 24H2 was an insider’s secret, but it has now been officially listed on Microsoft's support site, allowing broader visibility into its updates since June.

Richard Campbell adds, “Did he Bing yet? Maybe it was only on Bing” (05:20), emphasizing the initial obscurity of the update. Leo Laporte criticizes Microsoft’s lack of indexing, questioning, “Why would they not have an index? That's crazy” (05:33). Despite the delayed rollout, the update mirrors previous cumulative updates, offering minor enhancements like the reinstatement of the "Sign Out" option in the Start menu (06:43).

Paul Thurrott mentions, “We all are on this kind of weird, controlled feature release, CFR roulette wheel” (06:29), expressing skepticism about the controlled and unpredictable nature of feature releases under the new update strategy.

Passkey Support in Windows 11

[14:00 - 20:36]
The conversation shifts to Microsoft’s introduction of passkey support in Windows 11, a move aimed at enhancing security by replacing traditional passwords. Paul explains, “It doesn't do anything” initially, referring to the basic implementation (14:00), but highlights recent improvements. Passkeys are now stored securely, tied to Microsoft accounts, and integrated with Windows Hello for authentication.

Leo Laporte probes the functionality, asking, “How does it work?” (14:00), while Paul elaborates on the backend improvements: “They're working with the maintainers of the spec at the FIDO alliance” (16:12), ensuring that passkeys become more versatile and interoperable across devices. However, challenges remain as browsers, operating systems, and password managers vie for control over passkeys, leading Paul to remark, “This is early days. This will be standardized somewhat from a UI perspective” (17:15).

Google's Antitrust Struggles

[40:49 - 53:09]
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Google's mounting antitrust challenges in the United States. Paul Thurrott outlines recent legal setbacks, stating, “They are going to probably get a consent decree in the end” (41:42). The Department of Justice has been pushing to break up Google's dominance in areas like the Google Play Store and Android app ecosystem, reminiscent of Microsoft’s late '90s antitrust battles.

Richard Campbell expresses skepticism about the feasibility of fully breaking up such a colossal entity, suggesting a consent decree focused on behavioral changes might be more realistic. Paul draws parallels to Microsoft's experience, noting, “The Microsoft case has an asterisk because they were going to be broken up” (50:24), and emphasizes the potential for Google to follow a similar path in settling with regulators.

Both agree that setting legal precedents could lead to a more competitive landscape, but caution that the remedies must avoid unintended harms. Paul concludes, “We're going to split up parts of it unless they can settle” (52:50), indicating a cautious optimism about regulatory actions fostering a healthier market.

AI Developments and Microsoft's Copilot

[67:07 - 75:00]
AI remains a hot topic, with the hosts dissecting Satya Nadella’s recent LinkedIn post declaring large language models (LLMs) as a "commodity." Paul interprets Nadella’s statement as a strategic move to position Microsoft at the forefront of AI integration, emphasizing the company’s investment in tailoring AI models with business-specific data: “They steer Grounding and fine tune those models with your business data and workflow” (72:50).

Richard Campbell highlights the rapid commoditization of AI technologies, noting, “We've very quickly reached the point where we have alternatives in an LLM market” (71:03). The trio discusses the competitive landscape, acknowledging that major players like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are racing to dominate the AI space by enhancing their offerings and integrating AI into their products efficiently.

Paul underscores the challenge of monetizing AI swiftly, stating, “They are trying to monetize it so quickly… It’s a declaration of war” (70:54). The conversation reflects on OpenAI's foundational role and the evolving dynamics as AI becomes more accessible and integrated across platforms.

Xbox News: Halo Studios Transition to Unreal Engine 5

[93:00 - 101:57]
Transitioning to Xbox-related news, Paul announces a major shift for the Halo franchise: “Microsoft revealed in a very convoluted way that they are shifting Halo to the Unreal Engine 5” (93:00). This strategic move aims to leverage Unreal Engine 5’s advanced rendering capabilities, resolving previous challenges associated with maintaining a proprietary engine.

Richard Campbell approves, stating, “Don't build your own engine. It's a mistake” (93:43). The discussion includes insights into the development process, with Paul showcasing a video demonstration of Halo environments recreated in Unreal Engine 5. The hosts commend the improved graphics, noting how the game's visual fidelity has significantly enhanced.

Leo Laporte concurs, remarking, “Unreal Engine is, let's face it, really unbelievably gorgeous” (94:55). Paul highlights the technical prerequisites for the upcoming Halo titles, emphasizing the need for powerful hardware to support the new engine’s demands: “They have to submit your DxDag file… It’s a whole new level” (95:03).

The conversation wraps up with anticipation for Halo 2’s release, with the team optimistic about the improved visual and gameplay experience, albeit recognizing the delays and technical challenges involved.

Travel Anecdotes and Device Management

[01:08 - 28:45]
Interspersed with technical discussions, the hosts share personal stories about their travels. Paul recounts his experience flying into Mexico City with multiple devices and facing security checks: “I walked right out of there, and I got grabbed by a security guy” (27:58). Leo and Richard express similar frustrations, highlighting the challenges of traveling with numerous gadgets and the inconsiderate nature of some security protocols.

Leo mentions the use of stylish, locally-made shirts from Mexico, contrasting them with the more casual attire typically seen: “They have some beautiful, like, muslin, very thin cotton with embroidery shirts. I love those” (10:17). The trio humorously discusses the difficulties of managing multiple devices across different time zones and the inconveniences of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies.

Data Management Tools and Recommendations

[23:07 - 84:15]
The hosts recommend various tools for data management and productivity. Leo endorses Raindrop.io as a superior bookmark manager, praising its seamless synchronization across devices: “Raindrop is everywhere. I have it on all my machines, on my phone” (23:28). Paul expresses a preference for reading articles directly, contrasting it with Raindrop’s presentation features: “Maybe I'm old, but I like to actually read the thing” (25:03).

Additionally, the discussion touches on data security solutions like 1Password Extended Access Management, which integrates with platforms like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace to secure user credentials and manage unapproved devices and apps: “It ensures that every user credential is strong and protected, every device is known and healthy, and every app is visible” (101:07).

Whiskey Awards and Recommendations

[106:00 - 126:15]
In a departure from tech topics, the hosts delve into the world of whiskey, discussing the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. They spotlight Talisker’s 45-year-old Glacial Edge, lauded as the "number one spirit in the world." Paul introduces the story behind this rare whiskey, explaining its unique aging process facilitated by adventure partner James Aiken: “They took a bunch of barrel staves… and exposed them to the high Arctic” (115:30).

Leo and Richard engage in lighthearted banter about the impracticality and exorbitant price of such rare whiskies, with Richard humorously expressing skepticism: “No whiskey is that good… It's a lot of money for a drink” (117:38). Despite the skepticism, they acknowledge the craftsmanship and storied history behind such accolades, recommending the documentary on the making of Stalker 2 for its compelling narrative intertwining with AI and gaming.

Book Recommendations

[107:20 - 109:08]
Paul Thurrott recommends several insightful books, including AI Snake Oil, which demystifies artificial intelligence, and Jason Schreier’s Play Nice, a deep dive into Blizzard Entertainment’s tumultuous history. These recommendations aim to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of technology’s intersection with business and culture.

Final Thoughts and Upcoming Segments

As the episode wraps up, Leo encourages listeners to support the show by joining the club, emphasizing benefits like ad-free versions and exclusive content. The hosts maintain their signature blend of technical analysis, personal anecdotes, and light-hearted humor, promising more engaging content in future episodes.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott: “Why would they not have an index? That's crazy” (05:33).
• Leo Laporte: “Sign out is back. So huge change. There's not much” (06:43).
• Richard Campbell: “Don't build your own engine. It's a mistake” (93:43).

Conclusion

Episode 902 of Windows Weekly offers a comprehensive exploration of Microsoft’s latest updates, the evolving landscape of AI, significant antitrust battles involving Google, and exciting developments in the Xbox and gaming world. Interwoven with personal stories and practical recommendations, Paul Thurrott, Richard Campbell, and Leo Laporte deliver a rich and engaging episode that caters to both tech enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

Thank you for tuning into Windows Weekly. Join the club at www.twit.tv/clubtwit for exclusive content and support the show. Stay updated by subscribing to our podcast on your favorite platform.