Windows Weekly (WW 926: You're Ugly When You Cry - Altair BASIC, Switch 2's Pricing, Wintoys)
Hosted by Leo Laporte with Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell
Release Date: April 3, 2025

1. Celebrating Microsoft's 50th Anniversary and the Release of Altair BASIC Source Code

The episode kicks off with a celebration of Microsoft's 50th anniversary. Paul Thurrott shares exciting news about Bill Gates releasing the original source code for Altair BASIC, marking a significant moment for computing history.

• Paul Thurrott [07:54]: "Bill Gates today published the source code for the original version of Altair Basic. Within Intel 8080 assembly language with Paul Allen."

• Richard Campbell [12:20]: "This is the first time the original version of Basic, the source code has ever come out in full."

They delve into the history of Altair BASIC, discussing how Gates and Allen developed the language for the Altair 8800, highlighting the challenges they faced with limited memory and the innovative solutions they implemented.

2. Deep Dive into Windows Features and Updates

The trio explores the latest updates in Windows 11, focusing on AI integration and new search capabilities.

• Richard Campbell [35:11]: "Windows 11 feature roadmap... They list things like the live caption with live translation, co-creator and paint resell image and image creator."

• Leo Laporte [40:05]: "Did Peter Norton invent it?"
  (Referring to the new features in Windows Search)

They discuss the rollout of AI-powered search features, including semantic search that goes beyond simple keyword matching to provide more intuitive and relevant results. Paul expresses excitement over the rapid deployment of these features, while Richard remains cautiously optimistic about their practical utility.

3. Thoughts on Nintendo Switch 2's Pricing and Features

Paul Thurrott provides his insights on the newly announced Nintendo Switch 2, particularly focusing on its pricing strategy and feature set.

• Richard Campbell [95:41]: "It was on every new keyboard of a PC Ever seen."
  (Discussing Microsoft’s Copilot features)

• Paul Thurrott [95:35]: "I didn't watch it... I waiting for Black Friday, you know, or whatever."

The discussion highlights the higher price point of the Switch 2 at $450, making comparisons to the Steam Deck and existing Switch models. The hosts debate whether the enhanced features justify the price increase, considering factors like 4K capability and compatibility with existing games.

4. AI and OpenAI Discussions

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the evolving landscape of AI, including legal battles and the integration of AI tools in development workflows.

• Richard Campbell [82:07]: "A US District court judge has ruled that the New York Times copyright infringement lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft can continue forward."

• Paul Thurrott [88:47]: "Then he says, you're talking about. You're talking about..."

They explore the implications of the lawsuit, discussing concerns about AI's use of copyrighted material and the broader impact on the tech industry. Additionally, they touch upon the concept of "vibe coding," where developers use AI tools like GitHub Copilot to assist in writing code, emphasizing both the benefits and limitations of such integrations.

• Richard Campbell [87:20]: "Vibe coding is not coding, but it's not too bad for a throwaway weekend project. It's amusing."

5. Wintoys and Windows Tweaks

The hosts introduce "Wintoys," a modern tweaking tool for Windows users aiming to customize their system beyond default settings.

• Paul Thurrott [119:24]: "We're going to talk about Highland park. It's another very popular whiskey, without a doubt, and it's one of the island whiskies..."
  (Segueing from technical discussions to whiskey)

• Richard Campbell [123:14]: "If you look this up... you can uninstall Edge, for example. You can uninstall Bing. You can do all kinds of things."

"Wintoys" provides users with a centralized interface to adjust various hidden and advanced settings in Windows, addressing common pain points like slow File Explorer performance and unwanted startup tasks. The trio discusses the necessity of such tools in managing the increasingly complex Windows environment.

6. Whiskey Segment: Highland Park

A delightful detour into the world of whiskey, Richard Campbell shares his appreciation for Highland Park, a renowned distillery in the Orkney Islands.

• Richard Campbell [117:00]: "Highland park is located up there... It's worth the look."

• Leo Laporte [141:29]: "It apparently goes very well with sweet chili crisps."

They delve into the unique aspects of Highland Park's production, such as their use of heather peat and the meticulous crafting of their whiskey. Paul promotes Highland Park's books available at Thorat.com for a nominal price, emphasizing their educational value.

7. Advertisements

Throughout the episode, several advertisements are seamlessly integrated, promoting services like US Cloud and T-Mobile's Switch 2 offer. Leo Laporte takes a moment to highlight these sponsors, ensuring the audience stays informed about valuable services that complement their Microsoft and gaming interests.

Notable Quotes

• Leo Laporte [02:32]: "Holy moly."
  (Reacting to the size of the Fabric Community Conference venue)

• Richard Campbell [56:02]: "That's why we're tiny. Well, we're big, but we're tiny."
  (Discussing the Club Twit Discord community)

• Paul Thurrott [86:19]: "Highland park is best known for getting the first perfect 100 point score in the Ultimate Whiskeys Challenge tonight in 2013 for their Highland Park Park 25."

• Leo Laporte [64:00]: "It's Fair to say most people should have it."
  (On the necessity of Microsoft accounts for Windows users)

Concluding Remarks

The episode wraps up with discussions about upcoming features, the importance of community support through Club Twit, and final thoughts on balancing system customization with usability. The hosts encourage listeners to engage with their content platforms and support the show through various channels, emphasizing the value of community and shared knowledge.

Connect with the Hosts:

• Paul Thurrott: thurat.com | LeanPub
• Richard Campbell: renisradio.com
• Leo Laporte: TWiT.tv

Join the Club Twit Discord: Engage with the community, participate in special events, and gain access to exclusive content. Visit Twit TV Club for more information.

Upcoming Topics:

• Interview with a Wall Street Journal reporter on Sam Altman's biography
• Latest AI developments and their impact on the tech industry
• In-depth look at Wintoys and advanced Windows customization

Stay tuned for next week's episode of Windows Weekly, where Paul Thurrott, Richard Campbell, and Leo Laporte continue to explore the ever-evolving world of Microsoft, AI, and beyond.