Windows Weekly (Episode 928: The Rice is Done - Edge 134's Speed, Reboot Chime, Altera)
Release Date: April 16, 2025
Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, Richard Campbell

Introduction

In Episode 928 of Windows Weekly, hosts Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell explore a variety of topics centered around Microsoft's latest developments, Windows 11 features, AI integrations, and more. The episode is rich with insights, discussions, and notable quotes, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of Microsoft's evolving ecosystem.

Windows 11 Feature Tracker

Overview:
Paul Thurrott discusses the progress of his Windows 11 feature tracker, a tool designed to monitor and report on the latest updates and features being rolled out to users.

Key Points:

• The feature tracker is currently housed in Notion but faces layout challenges.
• Upcoming updates, including Recall and Click-to-Do features, will transition to stable releases on Copilot PCs with the May Patch Tuesday update.
• Semantic search and other AI-powered features are being integrated to enhance user experience.

Notable Quote:
Paul Thurrott [02:47]: "Preview versions of Recall and Click-to-Do are coming to stable on Copilot PCs."

AI Integrations in Windows 11

Overview:
The trio delves into the integration of AI within Windows 11, focusing on features like Copilot and semantic search that aim to streamline user interactions and enhance productivity.

Key Points:

• Semantic Search: Utilizes natural language processing to provide more intuitive search results, allowing users to find settings and features using conversational queries.
• Copilot Integration: Positioned as an AI assistant that can control PC functions, offering hands-free operations and enhanced automation.
• AI in Accessibility: Introduction of natural language descriptions in Narrator's image descriptions, enhancing accessibility for users with visual impairments.

Notable Quotes:
Paul Thurrott [07:31]: "Semantic search is local AI-powered, which is interesting. It’s Copilot plus PC specific, limiting its rollout nicely."
Richard Campbell [10:15]: "You don't need to find things you wanted to snip and extract for you."
Paul Thurrott [11:01]: "AI integrations need to happen at the platform level for seamless control across applications."

Microsoft Edge Performance Enhancements

Overview:
Discussion on the latest performance improvements in Microsoft Edge, emphasizing the shift to the Chromium engine and subsequent optimizations.

Key Points:

• Transition to Chromium has allowed Microsoft to focus on specific performance tweaks within Edge.
• The latest Edge update (Edge 134) boasts a 9% increase in web rendering speed, a notable improvement for 2025 standards.
• Microsoft's contributions to the Chromium project have enhanced text rendering across all Chromium-based browsers.

Notable Quotes:
Paul Thurrott [17:05]: "The latest version of Edge should have about a 9% faster web rendering speed, which is notable in 2025 terms."
Richard Campbell [17:47]: "Are you willing to wait for the edge updates as they roll out automatically?"

End of Surface Hub Era

Overview:
Microsoft announces the end of life for the Surface Hub, a device designed for enterprise collaboration and meetings.

Key Points:

• The Surface Hub, initially launched pre-pandemic for office collaboration, is reaching its end of life after a decade.
• No future upgrades or new versions are planned, marking a strategic shift in Microsoft's hardware offerings.
• The discontinuation reflects broader changes in work environments and the move towards more versatile software solutions.

Notable Quotes:
Paul Thurrott [34:35]: "The Surface Hub is being discontinued after ten years, reflecting changes in work environments post-pandemic."
Richard Campbell [35:12]: "The pandemic got everyone a camera rig and experience with sharing software, reducing the need for devices like the Surface Hub."

National Recording Registry Selections

Overview:
A segment highlighting Microsoft's inclusion in the National Recording Registry with iconic sounds and soundtracks.

Key Points:

• Windows Reboot Chime: The classic reboot sound from Windows 95 has been inducted, symbolizing its cultural impact.
• Minecraft Soundtrack: Selected for its widespread influence and recognition, showcasing the game's significant footprint in digital culture.

Notable Quotes:
Paul Thurrott [20:38]: "The Windows reboot chime from Windows 95 and the Minecraft soundtrack have both been inducted into the National Recording Registry."

HoloLens and Mixed Reality Demos

Overview:
Paul Thurrott reminisces about early HoloLens demonstrations, particularly those integrating Minecraft to showcase mixed reality capabilities.

Key Points:

• The initial HoloLens demos were groundbreaking, merging real-world environments with virtual elements like Minecraft structures.
• Despite impressive demonstrations, widespread consumer adoption of such integrations remains limited.
• HoloLens continues to evolve, but its niche application in enterprise and specialized fields remains its primary use case.

Notable Quotes:
Paul Thurrott [24:06]: "The best HoloLens demo I ever saw was Minecraft integrated into the room, creating an immersive experience."

AI and Microsoft's Future Vision

Overview:
The discussion shifts to the broader implications of AI within Microsoft's ecosystem, emphasizing the need for cohesive integration across platforms and services.

Key Points:

• Orchestration of AI: Paul emphasizes the necessity for platform-level AI integration to allow tools like Copilot to effectively manage and automate tasks across various applications.
• Future Capabilities: Envisions AI assistants controlling more aspects of user interactions, moving beyond recommendation to actual execution of tasks.
• Cross-Platform Integration: Highlights potential integrations with other AI platforms like Anthropic to enhance functionality and interoperability.

Notable Quotes:
Paul Thurrott [11:07]: "AI orchestrations need to happen at the platform level for seamless control across applications."
Richard Campbell [12:31]: "We need programmability and automation to make AI integrations truly effective."

Adobe's AI Initiatives

Overview:
Paul Thurrott praises Adobe's proactive approach to integrating AI within its suite of products, ensuring legality and originality in AI-generated content.

Key Points:

• Licensed Content Training: Adobe uses its vast library of licensed content to train AI models, preventing copyright infringements.
• Generative AI Tools: Integration of AI into tools like Photoshop and Premiere Pro to enhance creative workflows and accessibility.
• Customer Assurance: Adobe indemnifies customers against potential copyright issues arising from AI-generated content, offering a secure environment for creative professionals.

Notable Quotes:
Paul Thurrott [79:12]: "Adobe has integrated AI into tools like Photoshop and Premiere Pro smartly, ensuring their models are trained on licensed content, which protects users from potential copyright issues."

Xbox App on Mobile and Cloud Gaming Enhancements

Overview:
The hosts discuss Microsoft's advancements in the Xbox ecosystem, particularly the introduction of the Xbox app on mobile platforms and enhancements in cloud gaming.

Key Points:

• Xbox Mobile App: Launch of the Xbox app on iOS and Android, allowing users to purchase games without incurring app store commission fees.
• Cloud Gaming Expansion: Over 100 games, including titles like Modern Warfare 2, are now available for streaming across various devices such as Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TVs, and Meta Quest headsets.
• Cost Optimization: Removal of fees related to in-app purchases streamlines the gaming experience and makes games more accessible to a broader audience.

Notable Quotes:
Paul Thurrott [96:35]: "The Xbox app on mobile now allows users to purchase and stream games without the typical app store fees, which is a major victory for gamers."
Leo Laporte [99:39]: "The seamless streaming across devices like Smart TVs and VR headsets enhances the flexibility and reach of Xbox's gaming ecosystem."

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with personal anecdotes and discussions unrelated to the main topics, such as experiences with rice cookers and travel stories. The hosts reiterate the upcoming features and updates to watch for, ensuring listeners stay informed about future developments in the Microsoft ecosystem.

Notable Quote:
Leo Laporte [141:37]: "You are watching the fabulous Windows Weekly... Join the club for ad-free versions and access to exclusive content."

Summary:

Episode 928 of Windows Weekly offers an in-depth exploration of Microsoft's latest endeavors, from enhancing Windows 11 with AI-powered features to advancing the Xbox ecosystem through mobile integrations and cloud gaming. The hosts effectively balance technical insights with engaging discussions, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the evolving landscape of Windows and Microsoft's broader technological innovations.