Windows Weekly - Episode 904 Summary: Snapdragon Dev Kit Canceled, Unity 6, "A-R-M"

Released on October 23, 2024

Hosts Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell delve into several critical topics impacting the Microsoft ecosystem and the broader tech industry. In this episode, they discuss the cancellation of Qualcomm's Snapdragon Developer Kit, the release of Unity 6, ongoing legal disputes involving ARM, and noteworthy updates in Windows 11 and Xbox. The conversation is enriched with insightful commentary, technical analysis, and engaging banter.

1. Snapdragon Developer Kit Cancellation

The episode kicks off with the unexpected cancellation of Qualcomm's Snapdragon Developer Kit. Initially launched to empower developers working with ARM-based systems, the kit faced numerous challenges that led to its discontinuation.

• Paul Thurrott [04:08]:
  "I honestly think it's correct. They went with this company, and I think this company did not show up with the qualms they were expecting."

The hosts analyze possible reasons behind the cancellation, including quality control issues and insufficient market demand. They ponder whether Qualcomm's strategic missteps or the niche appeal of the kit contributed to its downfall.

• Richard Campbell [07:00]:
  "What's wrong with this?"

2. Unity 6 Release

Shifting focus to software development, Unity Technologies announces the release of Unity 6. This update aims to address previous controversies, such as the runtime fee disputes, and introduces enhanced features to bolster Unity's position in the game development market.

• Richard Campbell [105:04]:
  "Unity 6 might be the equivalent of Windows 11. Because Unity 5 came out like 2015, and they've been doing annual updates ever since."

The new version emphasizes improved performance, better integration with modern hardware, and advanced graphical capabilities, making it a significant milestone for developers.

3. ARM Licensing and Legal Disputes

A substantial portion of the discussion revolves around the ongoing legal disputes between Qualcomm and ARM. ARM alleges that Qualcomm is violating licensing agreements, particularly concerning designs acquired through the Nuvia acquisition.

• Paul Thurrott [34:32]:
  "Qualcomm backed off on that. Maybe it's about money, but they should have gone to Dell, Lenovo… They really went up against the top competition."

Qualcomm counters these claims by asserting that their existing licenses and intellectual property safeguards are robust enough to protect them from ARM's allegations. The hosts explore the symbiotic yet contentious relationship between the two companies and its potential ramifications for Microsoft's Windows on ARM devices.

• Richard Campbell [36:02]:
  "You're a shareholder. You have to protect your shareholders."

4. AI Features in Windows 11 and Update Challenges

The integration of AI into Windows 11 continues to be a hot topic. The hosts discuss the rollout of features like Copilot and Super Resolution in the Photos app, evaluating their practicality and user reception.

• Paul Thurrott [51:22]:
  "Super resolution should improve the quality, but I thought it just made it 8x bigger. The quality isn't any better."

Despite the innovative additions, there is notable frustration with the frequency and reliability of Windows updates. The hosts speculate that Microsoft's aggressive push for AI integration may be outpacing the actual value delivered to users.

5. Microsoft and OpenAI Relations

Tensions between Microsoft and OpenAI are briefly touched upon, highlighting leadership changes and strategic shifts within OpenAI that may affect their collaboration.

• Paul Thurrott [60:45]:
  "Microsoft has done everything they can this past year to lessen their reliance on OpenAI."

The disruption caused by these changes raises questions about the future of AI development within Microsoft's ecosystem.

6. Xbox Updates and Age of Empires Mobile

The conversation transitions to gaming, with announcements about Xbox hardware and software updates. Notably, Age of Empires Mobile launches, expanding the beloved franchise into the mobile gaming sphere.

• Leo Laporte [95:36]:
  "I love Age of Empires. Can't wait to see how the mobile extension performs."

Additionally, a new Xbox Wireless Headset is introduced, boasting enhanced battery life and connectivity improvements. However, the hosts suggest alternative headphones for those seeking superior performance.

7. Listener Feedback and Community Engagement

The hosts engage with listener feedback, including a critical email from an Australian fan, Greg Priestley, who labeled the previous episode as the "worst show ever." Paul Thurrott humorously addresses the criticism, emphasizing their commitment to delivering valuable content.

• Greg Priestley [03:06]:
  "This week was the worst, most boring Windows Weekly ever. Who thinks an audio podcast of trying to get Leo to click the right buttons is riveting entertainment?"

8. Recommendations and Tools

Towards the end of the episode, recommendations for useful tools and software are shared. Paul Thurrott highlights the availability of Microsoft 365 Pro licenses at discounted rates, while Unity 6 and Opera's new AI features are discussed as valuable updates for developers and gamers alike.

Conclusion

Episode 904 of Windows Weekly offers a deep dive into significant developments within Microsoft's ecosystem and the broader tech landscape. From Qualcomm's strategic missteps and Unity's latest engine release to ongoing legal battles with ARM and the challenges of integrating AI into Windows, the hosts provide comprehensive insights and thoughtful analysis. The episode balances technical discussions with relatable commentary, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Paul Thurrott [04:08]: "I honestly think it's correct. They went with this company, and I think this company did not show up with the qualms they were expecting."
• Richard Campbell [105:04]: "Unity 6 might be the equivalent of Windows 11. Because Unity 5 came out like 2015, and they've been doing annual updates ever since."
• Paul Thurrott [34:32]: "Qualcomm backed off on that. Maybe it's about money, but they should have gone to Dell, Lenovo… They really went up against the top competition."
• Richard Campbell [36:02]: "You're a shareholder. You have to protect your shareholders."
• Paul Thurrott [51:22]: "Super resolution should improve the quality, but I thought it just made it 8x bigger. The quality isn't any better."
• Paul Thurrott [60:45]: "Microsoft has done everything they can this past year to lessen their reliance on OpenAI."
• Leo Laporte [95:36]: "I love Age of Empires. Can't wait to see how the mobile extension performs."
• Greg Priestley [03:06]: "This week was the worst, most boring Windows Weekly ever. Who thinks an audio podcast of trying to get Leo to click the right buttons is riveting entertainment?"

This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened.