Summary of Windows Weekly Episode 907: "It's Interesting Being Me - Edge's Data Trick, Outlook's AI Themes, .NET 9"

Recorded on Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 907 of Windows Weekly, host Paul Thurrott and co-host Leo Laporte delve into the latest developments surrounding Microsoft's ecosystem. With regular co-host Richard Campbell taking a week off due to illness, Paul and Leo steer the conversation solo, covering critical updates from Windows 24H2, Microsoft Edge's new data handling tactics, the integration of AI in Outlook, and advancements in .NET 9.

Windows 24H2 Update: Ongoing Quality Concerns

The discussion opens with a focus on the Windows 24H2 update, highlighting persistent quality issues that continue to frustrate users.

• Paul Thurrott describes the update as "a parade with no end" (00:00), emphasizing the never-ending stream of problems.

• Leo Laporte concurs, stating, "24H2 is possibly the most unreliable, most poorly engineered version of Windows ever made" (02:54). He shares personal anecdotes, including users experiencing unsupported Windows versions post-update and observing similar complaints on Reddit.

• The hosts express skepticism about Microsoft's rapid update cycle, suggesting that releasing updates twice a month may compromise reliability (03:43).

Microsoft Edge's Data Handling Tactics

Transitioning to Microsoft Edge, Paul and Leo examine the browser's recent maneuvers concerning user data.

• Paul Thurrott introduces the topic by mentioning "Edge's data trick" (5:50), referring to Edge's strategy to sync Chrome data, which has raised privacy concerns.

• Leo Laporte explains how Edge prompts users to sync data with Google even if Chrome isn't installed, leading to increased tracking: "It's reaching out to Google via back channels" (41:17).

• The conversation highlights the intrusive nature of Edge's data synchronization prompts and the challenges users face when attempting to disable or reassign the Copilot key to prevent accidental activations (06:16).

Outlook's AI-Powered Themes

The episode shifts focus to Outlook's new AI-driven themes, a feature introduced in the Windows 24H2 update.

• Leo Laporte discusses the integration of AI in Outlook, allowing users to create custom themes based on prompts, similar to generative AI image tools: "It's like a generative AI thing that creates an image" (69:17).

• Paul Thurrott touches on user reactions, noting the mixed sentiments toward the new Outlook app replacing traditional Mail, Calendar, and People apps: "There is a lot of negativity around this kind of thing" (52:36).

• The hosts explore how these AI themes cater primarily to Microsoft 365 subscribers, with free account users encountering ads, thereby segmenting the user experience based on subscription status (55:08).

Advancements in .NET 9 and .NET Conf Insights

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to .NET 9 and insights from recent .NET Conf events.

• Paul Thurrott and Leo Laporte discuss the release of .NET 9, emphasizing its open-source and cross-platform enhancements: "It's open source and cross-platform and all the good things" (29:12).

• Leo Laporte highlights improvements to WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation), including better integration with Windows 11 theming and automatic switching between light and dark modes: "Now you can have it match the Windows 11 theme" (54:21).

• They also touch upon third-party frameworks like Uno, which enable WPF-like applications to run seamlessly on macOS and Linux, broadening the scope for developers: "Uno is going to make a big announcement tomorrow" (95:22).

Enhancements in Windows Security Features

Security remains a central theme, with the hosts exploring new features aimed at bolstering Windows' defenses.

• Paul Thurrott introduces the concept of “admin protection,” a new security feature in Windows 24H2 designed to safeguard administrator accounts by isolating permissions: “Administrator protection... aims to protect” (29:01).

• Leo Laporte discusses the balance between enhanced security and user convenience, debating whether these updates have made users more security-conscious or overly paranoid: "Have we done our audience a disservice by making them so paranoid?" (58:57).

• They also explore updates to User Account Control (UAC), including new keyboard shortcuts that streamline running applications with administrative privileges without bypassing security prompts: “They added a keyboard shortcut that will run apps in admin mode” (25:06).

Microsoft Edge and User Experience Challenges

The hosts return to discussing Microsoft Edge, focusing on its user experience and background processes.

• Leo Laporte criticizes Edge’s persistent background processes and intrusive default settings, making it difficult for users to fully transition to alternative browsers without encountering Edge-related interruptions: “It's one of the big things they're trying to do” (45:05).

• They explore methods to disable Edge’s startup applications through Task Manager, highlighting the challenges users face in managing Edge’s resources: “You can disable startup apps in Task Manager” (46:24).

• The conversation underscores the frustration among users who prefer alternative browsers but are hindered by Edge’s aggressive integration into the Windows ecosystem.

Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

As the episode concludes, Paul and Leo reflect on the current state of Microsoft’s platforms and speculate on future directions.

• Paul Thurrott mentions upcoming discussions on Activision releases on Game Pass and the evolving landscape of cloud gaming and cross-platform integrations: “We talked about this last time” (112:58).

• Leo Laporte speculates on Microsoft's potential moves in the gaming sector, including next-gen console innovations and deeper integrations with mobile and cloud gaming services: “They're trying to make a go of the game streaming stuff over the cloud” (116:59).

• They encourage listeners to stay engaged through Club Twit and other streaming platforms, promoting their ongoing commitment to providing in-depth analysis and updates on Microsoft’s technologies.

• The absence of Richard Campbell is noted, with expressions of well-wishes and anticipation for his return: “We miss you, Richard. Come back soon” (127:25).

Notable Quotes

• Paul Thurrott: “This is possibly the most unreliable, most poorly engineered version of Windows ever made” (02:54).

• Leo Laporte: “24H2 has been dogged by problems ever since the October stable release” (02:54).

• Leo Laporte: “It's reaching out to Google via back channels” (41:17).

• Paul Thurrott: “They added a keyboard shortcut that will run apps in admin mode” (25:06).

• Leo Laporte: “Have we done our audience a disservice by making them so paranoid?” (58:57).

Conclusion

Episode 907 of Windows Weekly provides a comprehensive look into the challenges and advancements within Microsoft's ecosystem. From the troubled Windows 24H2 update and Edge's controversial data handling to Outlook's AI enhancements and .NET 9's promising features, Paul Thurrott and Leo Laporte offer insightful commentary. Despite technical hurdles and user frustrations, the hosts remain optimistic about Microsoft's trajectory, particularly in security and developer tools. Listeners are encouraged to engage through various platforms and stay tuned for future discussions, especially with Richard Campbell's anticipated return.

For those interested in the detailed technical discussions and further insights, tuning into this episode of Windows Weekly is highly recommended.