Windows Weekly Episode 923 Summary: "The Bouche is Amused - Remote Desktop Outrage, GroupMe, RIP Woody"

Release Date: March 12, 2025

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, Richard Campbell

Tribute to Woody Leonard

The episode opens with a somber note as the hosts pay homage to Woody Leonard, a legendary Windows columnist who recently passed away at the age of 73. Paul Thurrott reminisces about Woody's influence, stating:

[03:02] Paul Thurrott: "Woody Leonard was one of my primary writing influences. He was the author of the first Windows programming book I ever got, even before owning a PC."

Leonardo Laporte echoes these sentiments, highlighting Woody's unique and engaging writing style that made technical content accessible and enjoyable.

Nostalgia and Influential Tech Pioneers

The conversation shifts to the impact of early tech pioneers on the hosts' careers. Paul Thurrott reflects on the influence of columnists like Jerry Purnell and Charles Petzall, and how their work inspired him to delve deeper into Windows programming and writing.

[06:13] Paul Thurrott: "Every person you just mentioned influenced me to some degree. When I first started doing something I called Win Info Shorts, it was modeled after the back of PC World."

Windows Updates and Microsoft's Direction

Patch Tuesday Highlights

The hosts discuss the latest Patch Tuesday updates for Windows 11, covering new features and improvements:

• Jump Lists Enhancements: Improved access and sharing capabilities for documents.

  [20:37] Paul Thurrott: "Jump lists off of app icons in the taskbar that support documents. You can access those and share, if I'm not mistaken."

• Windows Spotlight Enhancements: More detailed information about lock screen and desktop images.

• OneDrive Backup Notifications: Options to pause backup reminders instead of turning them off entirely.

• Multiple Camera Support: Ability to stream from multiple cameras simultaneously, enhancing app functionality.

Upcoming Windows Features and Speculation on Windows 12

Leo Laporte speculates about the future of Windows, pondering whether Microsoft might release a major new version, such as Windows 12, possibly tying it to substantial AI integrations.

[20:20] Leo Laporte: "We haven't delved into the Windows thing yet, but we're getting back on this faster. Thinking about AI updates on the client side."

Richard Campbell adds context, suggesting that the pace of updates may accelerate further in the coming months, hinting at significant changes on the horizon.

Microsoft's Focus on AI and Cloud Shift

The discussion delves into Microsoft's strategic shift towards AI and cloud services, impacting the traditional Windows development team. Paul Thurrott comments on the challenges of maintaining a stable operating system amid rapid innovation:

[24:06] Paul Thurrott: "They learned. It took a while. It took a while."

Leonardo Laporte and Richard Campbell debate the implications of this shift, noting that while cloud services like Azure are now central to Microsoft's operations, the necessity of a reliable operating system like Windows remains paramount.

Break: Upcoming Interview with Ray Kurzweil

The hosts announce an upcoming feature where Ray Kurzweil, a renowned futurist with an 86% prediction accuracy rate, will join the show. Kurzweil is expected to discuss his prediction of achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) by 2029 and the anticipated singularity.

[40:16] Leo Laporte: "Ray Kurzweil will be our guest. He's like the Nostradamus of our era."

AI Integration in Windows and Apps

Windows Copilot Features

Paul Thurrott elaborates on the latest developments in Microsoft's Copilot for Windows 11, a native app designed to enhance user interaction through AI-driven features:

[45:37] Paul Thurrott: "Microsoft announced the new version of Copilot in Windows 11... This allows for more features within the app, including a 'Press to Talk' function for voice interactions."

Chat-Based vs. Voice-Based AI Interactions

The hosts explore the evolving nature of AI interactions, contrasting traditional text-based chatbots with emerging voice-activated systems. Paul Thurrott shares examples of how users are integrating AI into their daily lives, even during casual activities like walking.

[50:38] Paul Thurrott: "People are using chat interfaces to offload ideas, asking AI to summarize or evaluate their thoughts after a walk."

Leo Laporte adds that while voice-based AI offers a more seamless interaction, it raises questions about social etiquette and user experience.

Microsoft's AI Development and Antitrust Issues

New AI Models from Microsoft

Paul Thurrott discusses Microsoft's advancements in developing proprietary AI models to compete with industry leaders like OpenAI and Anthropic. He highlights recent announcements indicating Microsoft's progress in creating AI models that match or surpass existing capabilities.

Investment Stakes by Google and Microsoft in AI Companies

The conversation touches on Google's undisclosed investments in Anthropic, raising concerns about transparency and antitrust regulations. Paul Thurrott expresses bewilderment over large-scale, secretive investments:

[105:11] Paul Thurrott: "Google secretly owns 14% of Anthropic... How is this happening?"

Leonardo Laporte adds that while these strategic partnerships are significant, they also spotlight the monopolistic tendencies of Big Tech.

SEC and Transparency Issues

The hosts critique the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for not enforcing disclosure requirements rigorously, allowing tech giants to hide substantial investments and partnerships. Paul Thurrott laments the lack of transparency in corporate reporting, especially concerning AI advancements.

[111:00] Paul Thurrott: "It's astonishing. Microsoft's earnings are just a bunch of blunder numbers that don't have anything to do with anything."

Browser Developments and Competition

New Browser Features

The discussion shifts to the evolution of web browsers, with a focus on innovative features like sidebars and agent-based browsing. Paul Thurrott mentions newer browsers like ZeN and Sidekick, emphasizing their open-source nature and enhanced functionality.

[67:15] Paul Thurrott: "Sidebars in browsers could revolutionize how we interact with web services, making multitasking more efficient."

Mozilla's Position and Antitrust

Leonardo Laporte and Paul Thurrott highlight Mozilla's efforts to maintain browser diversity amidst regulatory challenges. They stress the importance of independent browsers in promoting a healthy web ecosystem.

[73:38] Paul Thurrott: "Mozilla is fighting to keep the web open, and it's crucial for preventing monopolies."

Remote Desktop App Changes and User Outrage

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Microsoft's plans to replace the traditional Remote Desktop app with a new Windows app, which lacks support for legacy local connections. This move has sparked considerable outrage among the user community.

[61:28] Richard Campbell: "Admins are anxious, let me tell you."

Paul Thurrott explains the technical shortcomings of the new Windows app, which primarily supports cloud-based remote instances like Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, leaving traditional local Remote Desktop users in the lurch.

[64:31] Paul Thurrott: "The Remote Desktop app in Windows Store was supposed to replace the older one, but it doesn't support local connections, which many users still rely on."

Users express frustration over the inconvenience and the erosion of familiar functionalities, highlighting the tension between innovative changes and user expectations.

Microsoft Build 2025 and AI Announcements

Rumors About Windows and Xbox Integration

The hosts speculate on Microsoft's upcoming Build 2025 conference, anticipating announcements related to deeper integration between Windows and Xbox. Richard Campbell shares insights from a report by Windows Central, mentioning a codename "Keenan" for a new gaming handheld device.

[124:08] Paul Thurrott: "Build 2025 is happening in May in Seattle... There might be boats."

Future of Gaming on Windows and Xbox

The conversation explores the potential for a unified gaming platform that leverages both Windows and Xbox ecosystems, aiming to streamline game development and enhance cross-platform compatibility.

[124:22] Leo Laporte: "It's where Windows and Xbox might converge, providing a seamless gaming experience across devices."

Tip of the Week: Using AI in Programming

Paul Thurrott shares his experiences utilizing AI tools like GitHub Copilot to enhance his programming workflow. He highlights how AI assists in code completion, debugging, and even restructuring projects, making development more efficient.

[127:01] Paul Thurrott: "Using GitHub Copilot has been incredible. It can generate, explain, and even debug code, transforming how I approach programming."

Leonardo Laporte emphasizes the educational value of AI, noting its potential to aid in learning complex coding concepts.

[130:09] Leo Laporte: "It's not just spitting out code; it explains what it's doing, which is invaluable for learning."

Microsoft's 50th Anniversary and Events

The hosts briefly mention Microsoft's 50th-anniversary celebrations, including upcoming events and potential announcements related to consumer AI. They discuss the significance of this milestone and its implications for Microsoft's future endeavors.

[149:58] Leo Laporte: "This is 50 years old. They're having an event on campus in April to celebrate."

Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, the hosts recap key points and encourage listeners to engage with the show's content through various platforms. They tease upcoming topics, including more in-depth discussions on AI and browser innovations.

[154:29] Paul Thurrott: "We've come to the most amused bush of all—Whiskey Bush—the segment where we dive into spirited topics."

Leo Laporte reminds listeners of the next episode's live stream featuring a guest appearance by Ray Kurzweil, promising insightful discussions on the future of AI.

[157:30] Leo Laporte: "Stay tuned if you're watching live. Ray Kurzweil is coming up. Intelligent Machines."

Notable Quotes:

• "[03:02] Paul Thurrott: 'Woody Leonard was one of my primary writing influences. He was the author of the first Windows programming book I ever got, even before owning a PC.'"

• "[24:06] Paul Thurrott: 'They learned. It took a while. It took a while.'"

• "[40:16] Leo Laporte: 'Ray Kurzweil will be our guest. He's like the Nostradamus of our era.'"

• "[45:37] Paul Thurrott: 'Microsoft announced the new version of Copilot in Windows 11... This allows for more features within the app, including a Press to Talk function for voice interactions.'"

• "[105:11] Paul Thurrott: 'Google secretly owns 14% of Anthropic... How is this happening?'"

• "[127:01] Paul Thurrott: 'Using GitHub Copilot has been incredible. It can generate, explain, and even debug code, transforming how I approach programming.'"

This episode of Windows Weekly delves deep into the evolving landscape of Windows and Microsoft’s strategic shifts towards AI and cloud services. It balances technical insights with personal anecdotes, providing both nostalgia and forward-looking perspectives. Listeners are treated to a comprehensive discussion of current updates, emerging technologies, and the broader implications for the tech community.