Episode WW 914: "Something Weird From the Closet - Snapdragon X, Dell kills XPS, Qualcomm beats Arm"
Release Date: January 8, 2025
Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, Richard Campbell
Podcast: Windows Weekly (Audio) by TWiT

1. CES 2025 Highlights: New PCs and Chip Announcements

The episode opens with excitement about CES 2025, where major announcements from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm set the tone for the year. Paul Thurrott remarks, “This is the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh,” highlighting Microsoft’s push for users to transition from Windows 10 due to its impending end of life. Leo adds, “Microsoft and Intel are citing the same factors,” pointing to a coordinated effort to upgrade the PC ecosystem.

2. The Decline of Windows 10 and the Rise of Linux?

A significant discussion revolves around the statistics from Statcounter showing that 63% of PCs are still running Windows 10, nearing its end of service. Paul expresses skepticism, “It’s more likely to be the year of the Linux desktop,” suggesting a potential shift in user preferences. Richard Campbell counters, “Most VM isn’t running Windows XP,” emphasizing the prevalence of legacy systems in various environments.

3. New CPU Developments: Intel’s Arrow Lake and Qualcomm’s Snapdragons

The conversation shifts to the rapid advancements in CPU technology. Paul mentions Intel’s new Arrow Lake chips as successors to Meteor Lake, noting their lack of Copilot Plus PC capabilities. “They don’t have Copilot Plus PC capable CPUs,” he states [06:02]. Richard anticipates possible PE reorganization, “They are ripe for a PE reorganization which really means dismantling,” reflecting concerns over Intel’s market position.

Qualcomm, on the other hand, is portrayed as gaining ground against ARM. Paul explains, “Qualcomm is trying to hit the volume part of the market,” emphasizing their focus on battery life and efficiency. However, there are reservations about Qualcomm’s readiness for enterprise-scale management, citing missing features like SNMP and Intune [07:24].

4. Dell’s Rebranding: The End of XPS and Legacy Lines

Dell’s bold move to rebrand all its PC lines, eliminating beloved series like XPS, Latitude, and Inspiron, is met with mixed reactions. Leo humorously suggests, “We could just say Max or Pro,” critiquing the loss of established branding. Paul concurs, “Inspiron, Precision, Latitude, XPS were unique to Dell. Now, brands like Dell Pro Max and Ultra are confusing.” This rebranding strategy is seen as diluting Dell’s market presence and confusing loyal customers [45:37].

5. Qualcomm vs. ARM Holdings: Legal Battles and Market Dynamics

A pivotal segment covers the legal tussle between Qualcomm and ARM Holdings. Paul summarizes the court verdict, “Qualcomm is not legally responsible for anything that Nuvia did with regards to a license agreement before they acquired the company” [35:23]. This victory positions Qualcomm favorably, but ARM’s attempts to appeal are stifled by the judge’s directive for mediation first. The hosts discuss ARM’s challenges in maintaining its licensing business amidst fierce competition and internal issues [65:04].

6. Microsoft’s AI Investments and OpenAI Partnership

Microsoft’s substantial investment in AI, particularly through its partnership with OpenAI, is dissected. Paul reveals a strategic agreement where OpenAI defines AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) as achieving $100 billion in profits, effectively granting Microsoft exclusive rights until that milestone [105:13]. This move is critiqued as Microsoft securing long-term control over AI advancements, potentially sidelining other tech giants like Google and Amazon.

7. AI Integration in Microsoft 365: Copilot and Future Prospects

The integration of AI into Microsoft 365 via Copilot is another key topic. Paul highlights, “Copilot can assist in writing, PowerShell scripting, and even in app functionalities like Notepad’s new text rewriting tools” [95:34]. This AI-driven enhancement aims to boost productivity, though there are concerns about over-reliance and the fragmented rollout process [96:04]. Richard notes, “GitHub Copilot is free for VS Code now, which is really neat,” underscoring the accessibility of AI tools for developers.

8. Xbox and Gaming: Bridging Console and PC Experiences

The hosts explore the evolving landscape of gaming, focusing on Xbox’s efforts to blend console and PC experiences. Phil Spencer’s vision of leveraging Xbox OS architecture for handheld gaming devices is discussed, along with the introduction of Snapdragon-based gaming PCs by brands like Geekom and Lenovo [116:00]. Paul muses, “We’re in a good place for Xbox to integrate more seamlessly with Windows,” while acknowledging the technical challenges of ARM-based systems in gaming contexts.

9. Whiskey and Kilbeggin Distillery: A Nostalgic Interlude

In a departure from tech talk, the episode features a heartfelt segment on Kilbeggin Distillery, blending history with a love for Irish whiskey. Richard recounts the distillery’s revival and its cultural significance, saying, “This is a classic Irish whiskey that you probably haven't had. It's a little bit off the beaten path” [155:32]. The hosts share personal anecdotes and discuss different whiskey types, adding a warm, communal feel to the episode.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott [04:31]: “This is the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh.”
• Paul Thurrott [06:02]: “They don’t have Copilot Plus PC capable CPUs.”
• Paul Thurrott [35:23]: “Qualcomm is not legally responsible for anything that Nuvia did with regards to a license agreement before they acquired the company.”
• Paul Thurrott [105:13]: “They defined AGI as $100 billion in profits, effectively granting Microsoft exclusive rights until that milestone.”
• Richard Campbell [155:32]: “This is a classic Irish whiskey that you probably haven't had. It's a little bit off the beaten path.”

Conclusion:

Episode 914 of Windows Weekly provides a comprehensive overview of the current tech landscape, from groundbreaking CPU releases and legal battles to significant shifts in PC branding and AI integrations. The blend of technical analysis with lighter segments like whiskey discussions offers listeners both depth and variety, making it a valuable resource for Microsoft enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike.

This summary captures the essence of Episode WW 914, highlighting key discussions and insights while incorporating notable quotes and timestamps for reference. It provides a structured and engaging overview for those who haven't tuned into the podcast.