Windows Weekly (Audio) - Episode 909 Summary

Release Date: November 27, 2024

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell

1. Introduction

In Episode 909 titled "Shaved, Toasted and Charred," the hosts Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell delve into significant topics surrounding Microsoft’s latest developments. Recorded live from their respective homes during the holiday season, the trio discusses misconceptions about Microsoft’s AI data practices, unreliability issues with the Windows 24H2 update, and the current state of Flight Simulator 2024. The episode emphasizes fostering accurate information dissemination and combating misinformation within the tech community.

2. Microsoft AI Data Training Misconception

Key Discussion Points:

• Misconceptions Clarified: Paul Thurrott addresses widespread misunderstandings regarding Microsoft’s use of customer data for training AI models. He refutes claims that "Microsoft is training Copilot AI on your data," emphasizing that Microsoft explicitly states they do not use Microsoft 365 consumer or commercial application data for foundational large language models (LLMs).

• Connected Experiences Explained: The hosts delve into Microsoft's "Connected Experiences" within Microsoft 365, clarifying that these features are designed to enhance user experience through design recommendations, editing suggestions, and data insights without retaining user content for AI training.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott [04:19]: "Microsoft says it is not training Copilot AI on your data. That's how I phrased it."
• Leo Laporte [11:06]: "We strive to be helpful, not to get in your way."

3. Recall Feature Preview and Issues

Key Discussion Points:

• Introduction to Recall: The hosts preview Microsoft's "Recall" feature, which aims to synchronize data across multiple devices. They discuss its availability in preview, currently limited to Snapdragon X-based Copilot Plus PCs, and highlight the multiple steps required for its installation, including multiple Windows Update downloads.

• User Experience Challenges: Paul shares personal frustrations with Recall's performance, citing slow downloads and excessive authentication prompts. They express concerns about the feature’s usability and Microsoft's approach to deploying it without thorough private testing.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott [24:26]: "It needs to be on all your PCs so you can sync all your data as well."
• Leo Laporte [24:59]: "It's still better than Windows."

4. Windows 24H2 Update Issues

Key Discussion Points:

• Update Blockers: The episode highlights recent problems with the Windows 24H2 update, particularly its incompatibility with certain Ubisoft games like Assassin's Creed and Star Wars Outlaws. This incompatibility prevents in-place upgrades for users with these games installed.

• Driver and Anti-Cheat Problems: Additional issues stemming from Intel drivers and anti-cheat mechanisms are discussed, suggesting that these are ongoing challenges within the Windows update ecosystem.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott [52:28]: "Every week there's another problem with 24H2."
• Richard Campbell [53:18]: "They're still battling the easy cheat, easy anti cheat too."

5. Flight Simulator 2024 Performance Issues

Key Discussion Points:

• Hybrid Design Challenges: Flight Simulator 2024 employs a hybrid design with significant reliance on cloud streaming for high-resolution models. Paul reports poor performance on an AMD Zen 5 laptop, necessitating adjustments to models which compromised visual quality.

• Ongoing Fixes: Microsoft or Flight Simulator Inc. acknowledges these performance issues and has released updates to address them, though the problems persist for some users.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott [75:35]: "Flight Simulator 2024 is interesting to me because of this kind of hybrid design."
• Richard Campbell [84:18]: "Was one of the things that helped drive it."

6. Enhanced Sign-In Security (ESS) and PC Hardware Standards

Key Discussion Points:

• ESS Overview: The conversation shifts to Enhanced Sign-In Security (ESS) integrated into Microsoft’s Copilot Plus PCs, which mandates stricter authentication protocols. This feature is praised for its robust security but criticized for its inconvenience to users who prefer customizable PC configurations.

• Impact on PC Builds: Richard Campbell expresses concerns about the feasibility of building ESS-compliant PCs from custom parts, highlighting the stringent requirements and lack of upgradable components that meet ESS standards.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott [61:30]: "ESS is going to be tough."
• Leo Laporte [62:21]: "So it's going to be a baseline requirement for Copilot plus PC."

7. Antitrust Investigation of Microsoft by FTC

Key Discussion Points:

• FTC's Inquiry: Paul announces that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission has initiated an antitrust investigation into Microsoft, focusing on cloud computing and associated software services. The hosts speculate on the potential implications of this investigation, though details remain sparse.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott [132:28]: "The U.S. federal Trade Commission has opened an antitrust investigation of Microsoft."

8. Browser Choices, AI Integration, and Search Accuracy

Key Discussion Points:

• Browser Comparisons: The hosts compare various browsers—Edge, Chrome, Brave, Firefox—focusing on their integration with AI features and user experiences. Brave is commended for its built-in ad-blocking and privacy features, while issues with AI accuracy in search functionalities are debated.

• AI Limitations: A segment features a discussion on AI's limitations using the example of Brave Search incorrectly identifying the number of Star Wars movies, underscoring that AI still lacks full accuracy and can perpetuate misinformation.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott [86:34]: "Brave is kind of the only mainstream browser that denies using tracking scripts."
• Leo Laporte [90:53]: "We expect all technology to be 100% accurate, which isn't realistic."

9. Market Insights on PC Sales and Industry Trends

Key Discussion Points:

• PC Sales Overview: The episode touches on recent earnings reports from major PC manufacturers like HP, Dell, and Lenovo, indicating flat or modest growth. Discussions suggest that significant upgrade waves may not occur until Windows 10 reaches end-of-support, anticipated in late 2025.

• Industry Predictions: IDC and Gartner forecasts are cited, projecting that the PC market will stabilize with minor fluctuations unless triggered by substantial software or hardware changes.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott [55:20]: "Windows 11 was like a new UI, but the underpinnings were the same."
• Richard Campbell [70:44]: "How are you going to make it huge?"

10. Combating AI-Driven Misinformation and Influencer Impact

Key Discussion Points:

• Misinformation Challenges: The hosts express concern over AI-driven misinformation and the role of influencers in spreading inaccurate tech information. They emphasize the importance of critical thinking and relying on trusted, expert sources for accurate tech news.

• Commitment to Accuracy: Leo reaffirms the show's dedication to "spreading light, not heat," aiming to provide clear, accurate information without exacerbating unnecessary drama or misinformation.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott [135:03]: "People don't get riled up about the right things and then go crazy about the wrong things."
• Leo Laporte [135:14]: "We pledge our commitment to spreading light, not heat."

11. Conclusion

Episode 909 of Windows Weekly offers an in-depth exploration of current Microsoft-related issues, particularly surrounding AI data practices and update reliability. The discussion underscores the necessity for accurate information dissemination in the tech community and highlights ongoing challenges with Windows updates and emerging AI integrations. The hosts advocate for critical thinking and reliance on verified information sources to navigate the increasingly complex tech landscape.

For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary encapsulates the primary discussions and insights shared by Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell, providing a comprehensive overview of the latest Microsoft developments and broader industry trends.