Windows Weekly (WW 931): "The Eaglet Has Landed - New Surface Copilot+ PCs, Xbox Raises Prices"

Released on May 7, 2025

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, Richard Campbell
Recording Time: Wednesday, 2:00 PM Eastern / 11:00 AM Pacific / 18:00 UTC

1. Introduction and Light Banter (00:00 - 03:00)

The episode kicks off with Leo Laporte welcoming Paul Thurrott and mentioning that Richard Campbell is joining from New Zealand. The hosts engage in their typical humorous exchange, setting a friendly and relaxed tone for the show.

2. Major Updates to Windows 11 (03:00 - 07:14)

Paul Thurrott dives into recent announcements from Microsoft regarding significant updates to Windows 11. The key highlight is the new Start Menu, which has undergone substantial changes to enhance user experience.

• Start Menu Redesign:
  The Start Menu remains centered but has become larger and taller. Previously divided into "Pinned" and "Recommended" sections with limited customization, the new design shifts focus to displaying different views of all apps. This change aims to make the Start Menu more app-centric, resembling the app library in iOS.

  “The start menu is an actual improvement, honestly. Because that's been something that to me has been borderline useless since they did Windows 11.”
  — Paul Thurrott [06:39]

• Release Timeline:
  Microsoft has not provided a specific release date, but Paul speculates that the new Start Menu will appear in the Insider program within the week and potentially roll out with the next major Windows update, possibly named Windows 12.11.1.

• Copilot+ PC Enhancements:
  Alongside the Start Menu, Windows 11 is receiving updates for existing features like Notepad, Paint, Photos, and the Snipping Tool. These enhancements are part of the Copilot+ PC initiative, which is expected to be available to Insiders over the next month.

3. New Surface Copilot+ PCs (07:14 - 21:40)

The discussion shifts to Microsoft's latest Surface devices, emphasizing their addition to the Surface lineup rather than replacements of existing models.

• New Models Introduced:
  Microsoft unveiled two new Surface models: a smaller Surface Pro and a more compact Surface Laptop. Both are priced lower, equipped with Snapdragon chips, and feature fanless designs, catering to users prioritizing battery life and portability.

  “These make sense, honestly, I think these are cool computers. I think these will be really nice for students, obviously, but also for people who travel a lot and need the battery life above all else.”
  — Paul Thurrott [16:31]

• Design and Connectivity:
  The new Surface Pro boasts a 12-inch screen, while the Surface Laptop features a 13-inch display. Notably, Microsoft has eliminated the Surface Connect port, opting instead for USB-C to reduce costs and streamline connectivity. This move aligns with broader industry trends towards USB-C standardization.

• Market Strategy:
  Richard Campbell suggests that these devices target both consumers and enterprise markets, with plans to launch business versions in June or July. The affordability and efficiency of Snapdragon-based devices position them well in the current market landscape.

• Implications for DIY Builders:
  The hosts discuss the improbability of Microsoft entering the DIY desktop market with Snapdragon-based solutions, citing security features like Pluton processors and Windows Hello that are challenging to replicate in custom builds.

4. Xbox News: Price Increases and New Devices (21:40 - 134:15)

Paul Thurrott brings exciting news about Xbox, particularly focusing on price hikes and the introduction of new gaming hardware.

• Price Increases:
  Microsoft has raised the prices of certain Xbox models. While the specifics weren't detailed in the transcript, the hosts express concern over the impact on consumers and competitiveness in the gaming console market.

• New Xbox Handheld Device:
  Leaked images suggest that Microsoft is collaborating with ASUS to release the first Xbox-branded handheld gaming device. Resembling a blend between the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, this device is expected to run a version of Windows optimized for gaming. The handheld is anticipated to support cross-play, cross-progression, and be compatible with Xbox Game Pass.

  “So the question here, of course, is whether this thing is literally Windows, which is the most likely. But Phil Spencer has talked about how Xbox, the OS is built on top of Windows...”
  — Paul Thurrott [127:08]

• Compatibility and Performance:
  The handheld will likely leverage AMD-powered integrated graphics, offering robust gaming performance. However, concerns were raised about the device’s battery life due to its 36-watt TDP, suggesting that sustained performance will require constant charging.

• Release Timeline:
  The device is expected to clear FCC regulations by April, aiming for a holiday season release in October. This timing is strategic to capitalize on end-of-year gaming demand.

5. Microsoft-Activision Blizzard Acquisition Update (126:07 - 126:55)

A significant topic is the FTC's legal challenge to Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

• Court Ruling:
  The federal appeals court rejected the FTC’s challenge, effectively allowing Microsoft to finalize its purchase of Activision Blizzard. This decision marks a potential end to one of the most contentious antitrust battles involving the tech giant.

  “I believe this is probably the end of it, I hope. But yeah, this newer, longer version of the article says that the FTC was unlikely to succeed...”
  — Paul Thurrott [124:17]

• Industry Impact:
  With Activision Blizzard now under Microsoft's umbrella, speculation arises about increased anti-competitive behavior, such as prioritizing Microsoft-owned games on platforms like Xbox and potentially integrating them more deeply into Microsoft's gaming ecosystem.

• Future Implications:
  The hosts express concern over Microsoft's growing dominance in the gaming industry, fearing reduced competition and limited choices for consumers.

6. Windows Insider and Security Updates (29:11 - 46:20)

The conversation turns to ongoing developments within the Windows Insider Program and new security features.

• Windows 25H2 Update:
  Paul Thurrott discusses the upcoming 25H2 update, which includes enhancements to the taskbar's "app shortcut status indicators" or "needy state pills." These visual indicators will become more prominent, showing real-time status like download progress within running apps.

  “We're going to be seeing little changes to recall and click to do, I think for the rest of our lives.”
  — Paul Thurrott [39:42]

• Hot Patching for Windows:
  Microsoft is introducing hot patching for Windows 11 Enterprise, allowing security updates to be applied without requiring system reboots. This feature targets enterprise environments, offering improved uptime and efficiency.

  “The hot patches are the interim releases that come out. So those two months between each quarterly release and they're just security updates, which sounds pretty good to me.”
  — Paul Thurrott [45:16]

• User Experience Concerns:
  The hosts critique the current user experience of enabling small language models (SLMs) required for certain Windows features, describing the process as cumbersome and repetitive. They hope for a more seamless integration in future updates.

7. Microsoft Surface and ARM-based Innovations (83:11 - 134:15)

Paul Thurrott elaborates on Microsoft’s shift towards ARM-based computing, highlighting the strategic importance of Snapdragon processors in Surface devices and their broader implications.

• Performance and Efficiency:
  ARM-based Surface devices offer enhanced battery life and efficiency, making them ideal for mobile use cases. However, challenges remain in ensuring compatibility and performance, especially for tasks traditionally handled by x86 processors.

  “These are another good cost-cutting measure. Or no, it's good for efficiency, it's good for battery life. Like it's probably fine... It’s another good cost-cutting.”
  — Paul Thurrott [21:41]

• Enterprise Adoption:
  The new Surface models are poised to appeal to enterprise customers seeking reliable, energy-efficient devices. Microsoft's focus on meeting enterprise security requirements ensures that these devices can be integrated into corporate environments seamlessly.

• Future Prospects:
  The shift towards ARM signifies a broader transition in the PC market, with Microsoft positioning itself at the forefront of this evolution. The hosts speculate on the potential for Windows to become more versatile and efficient, rivaling other mobile-centric operating systems.

8. Closing Remarks and Additional Insights (134:15 - End)

The episode concludes with discussions on various topics, including:

• Whiskey Reviews:
  Richard Campbell shares his latest whiskey pick, Jura 10 Year Old, highlighting its smooth flavor and sherry finish.

• AI and Development Tools:
  The hosts touch upon advancements in AI, such as GitHub Copilot, and their impact on software development, expressing both fascination and frustration with AI-generated code suggestions.

• Future Show Segments:
  Plans for upcoming episodes include deeper dives into crucial security topics and engaging with special guests like Yuri Dud, an expert in cybersecurity.

Notable Quotes:

• Paul Thurrott on the Start Menu:

  “The start menu is an actual improvement, honestly. Because that's been something that to me has been borderline useless since they did Windows 11.”
  — [06:39]

• Paul Thurrott on Hot Patching:

  “The hot patches are the interim releases that come out. So those two months between each quarterly release and they're just security updates, which sounds pretty good to me.”
  — [45:16]

• Richard Campbell on Surface Devices:

  “...if you have Snapdragon, you know that part of the market is well served by Snapdragon right now.”
  — [21:41]

• Paul Thurrott on Microsoft’s Transformation:

  “Trying to understand when Microsoft shifted from being this company that made stuff I really cared about to making stuff I don't care about at all.”
  — [103:24]

Conclusion

In this episode of Windows Weekly, Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell provide an in-depth analysis of Microsoft's latest advancements in Windows 11, Surface devices, and the gaming sector. The overarching theme centers on Microsoft's strategic pivot towards ARM-based computing and the broader implications of their market dominance, especially following the successful acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The hosts balance technical insights with candid discussions on industry trends, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of Microsoft's evolving ecosystem.

For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the essential discussions and provides a snapshot of where Microsoft and the Windows ecosystem are heading in mid-2025.