Windows Weekly (Episode 903: Absolutely Seamless!) – October 16, 2024

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, Richard Campbell
Release Date: October 16, 2024
Podcast Description: Windows Weekly delves deep into Microsoft’s expansive ecosystem, covering everything from consumer products to enterprise solutions, AI advancements, and Xbox developments.

1. Snapdragon Dev Kit Unboxing and Setup

Leo Laporte introduces the episode with excitement about receiving the Snapdragon development kit for Windows. The trio—Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell—joins him to unbox and set up the device.

• Unboxing Experience:

  • Leo reveals the Snapdragon dev kit, noting its resemblance to a Mac Mini with a power brick.
  • Discussion about the absence of a direct HDMI port: "There is no HDMI port on the case. But look at what comes in the power supply. It's a USB-C to HDMI adapter." ([04:17])

• Device Specifications and Initial Impressions:

  • Paul expresses skepticism about the device's hardware: "This thing looks like a utilitarian router." ([07:02])
  • Discussion on the device being powered by "Snapdragon Elite X" and the potential for different cores: "Let me see if it says anything. Yes. Snapdragon X Elite." ([09:21])

• Setup Challenges:

  • Leo struggles with the Windows setup on the Snapdragon device, particularly with the mandatory feature updates: "You'd probably experience the extended out-of-box experience where it installs the latest feature update whether you want it or not before you can touch it." ([08:10])
  • Paul likens the mandatory updates to an "unpleasant experience," comparing it to a "prostate exam." ([08:26])

2. Intel and AMD Form x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group

The hosts shift focus to a significant industry development: Intel and AMD's collaboration to form the x86 Ecosystem Advisory Group.

• Purpose and Participants:

  • The group aims to standardize x86 implementations to counter the growing dominance of ARM architecture in various markets.
  • Paul highlights the group's members: "Dell, Lenovo, HP, Red Hat, Oracle, Microsoft... Tim Sweeney and Linus Torvalds." ([10:16])

• Implications for the Industry:

  • Paul discusses Intel's strategy to simplify the x86 architecture by removing outdated elements, enhancing reliability, and reducing die size: "Their goal is to simplify the resulting die... make these things more reliable as well." ([13:36])
  • Richard speculates on the potential dismantling of Intel to satisfy regulatory concerns: "The simplest solution might be to dismantle Intel." ([14:16])

• Competitive Dynamics:

  • The collaboration indicates a desire to preserve competition within the x86 market, ensuring both Intel and AMD can continue to innovate without overstepping legal boundaries.
  • Paul notes, "This is ensuring that competition survives. We're setting up a structure where both Intel and AMD can continue to compete." ([17:32])

3. Windows 24H2 Update and OneDrive Synchronization Issues

A substantial portion of the discussion centers on the problematic Windows 24H2 update, particularly its impact on OneDrive synchronization.

• Update Installation Problems:

  • Leo experiences repeated delays and errors during the update process: "This has resulted in an unprecedented list of problems even in the short history of Windows 11." ([41:03])
  • Issues include significant space discrepancies, frequent blue screens with certain SSDs, disappearing cursor in text fields, and prolonged update times: "8.63 gigabytes of space missing... blue screens... vanishing mouse cursor." ([41:30])

• OneDrive Sync Challenges:

  • Leo encounters extensive synchronization of OneDrive files, leading to sluggish performance: "I have to let it go, see what happens." ([87:38])
  • Paul provides troubleshooting steps to manage OneDrive, emphasizing pausing syncing and managing backup settings to mitigate issues: "I recommend clicking Learn more and then click Not downloading the previous terrible Windows and ARM computer you used to have." ([54:14])

• Impact on User Experience:

  • The update's forced nature and integration with OneDrive create a frustrating out-of-box experience, overshadowing the device's potential: "This is my life. How are you guys doing?" ([16:39])

4. Passkeys and Passwordless Authentication

The conversation transitions to the evolving landscape of authentication, focusing on passkeys as a step toward a passwordless future.

• Current State and Adoption:

  • Paul explains that passkeys are per-device but cites efforts to standardize portability across ecosystems: "Third-party passkey managers are working on making these things portable." ([93:08])
  • Leo expresses frustration with multiple authentication methods: "This stuff is confusing. This is the world we live in." ([119:54])

• Industry Movements:

  • Companies like Google and Apple are advancing passkey implementations, with Apple enabling cross-platform sync via iCloud and Google integrating passkeys into Chrome: "Google is bringing this capability to Chrome." ([95:23])

• Future Implications:

  • Paul anticipates passkeys becoming the default authentication method, reducing reliance on traditional passwords and enhancing security: "I think the spread of passkeys will result in more online accounts giving you the option and maybe one day mandating that you do not have a password." ([94:20])
  • Richard adds that passkeys streamline the authentication process, making it more user-friendly: "Passkeys are the most convenient form of passwordless." ([94:02])

5. Xbox News and Activision Acquisition Updates

The hosts touch upon recent developments in the Xbox ecosystem, particularly concerning Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

• Activision Blizzard Acquisition:

  • Paul highlights that despite the acquisition being a year old, tangible results are limited: "Microsoft has had a lot of layoffs this year... but we also have this week is the one-year anniversary of the Xbox, the Microsoft acquisition of Activision." ([116:59])
  • Discussions revolve around integration challenges and the slow rollout of new features post-acquisition.

• Game Pass Expansion:

  • Paul announces that several Activision Blizzard titles are being added to Xbox Game Pass, including Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and Modern Warfare 3: "We are finally getting some Activision Blizzard games on Game Pass this month." ([118:57])
  • Leo and Richard express skepticism about the performance of cloud gaming for these titles but acknowledge the expanding library: "It's like an alternative to the Google Play Store." ([118:54])

• Console Refreshes:

  • Paul expresses disappointment with the lack of substantive updates in Microsoft's recent console refreshes, noting minimal design changes and minor power efficiency improvements: "They never really discussed that before... they can make these things even." ([114:29])
  • Richard concurs, pointing out the underwhelming nature of the refreshes compared to industry standards: "It's disappointing on those levels." ([114:29])

6. Whiskey Segment and Tips of the Week

The episode concludes with a lighter segment focusing on whiskey, particularly Jameson Irish Whiskey.

• Historical Overview:

  • Richard provides an in-depth history of Jameson, tracing its origins back to the 18th century and its evolution through regulatory changes and ownership transitions: "By 1821, John Jameson II has taken over... by 1891, they incorporated the company." ([136:18])

• Tasting and Recommendations:

  • Leo and Richard share their appreciation for Jameson, highlighting its versatility and smoothness: "I really like Jameson... It's incredibly versatile, unpretentious, and it is good." ([147:55])
  • Paul discusses the nuances of Jameson's production, including triple distillation and its impact on flavor profiles: "All Irish whiskey is triple distilled... smoother or stripped of any substantial character." ([148:41])

• Whiskey Verse Playlist:

  • The hosts mention a curated "Whiskey Verse" playlist created by their producer, featuring various scotches and whiskey-related content, enhancing the show's community engagement: "We've put together an entire playlist of his scotch because there's quite a few now." ([149:22])

Notable Quotes

• Paul Thurrott: "This thing looks like a utilitarian router." ([07:02])
• Paul Thurrott: "It's like the plain Windows logo. You get kind of a Surface-like experience." ([08:23])
• Paul Thurrott: "Passkeys are the most convenient form of passwordless because you don't need another device." ([94:02])
• Paul Thurrott: "This is ensuring that competition survives. We're setting up a structure where both Intel and AMD can continue to compete." ([17:32])
• Leo Laporte: "I might just turn off OneDrive right out of this system." ([98:35])

Conclusion

Episode 903 of Windows Weekly delivers a comprehensive discussion on critical developments within the Microsoft ecosystem, including hardware innovations, strategic partnerships between Intel and AMD, and the ongoing challenges with Windows updates. The conversation seamlessly transitions into the future of authentication with passkeys and delves into the nuances of Xbox’s recent moves post-Activision Blizzard acquisition. Concluding with a heartfelt appreciation for Jameson Irish Whiskey, the hosts balance technical depth with personal insights, catering to a diverse audience keen on Microsoft’s multifaceted landscape.

For a more interactive experience, listeners are encouraged to engage with the hosts through various platforms, join the club for exclusive content, and explore the curated Whiskey Verse playlist for enthusiasts.