Windows Weekly (Audio) - Episode WW 933: Live from Build - Protestors, AI Agents, Edit, Doom: The Dark Ages

Release Date: May 22, 2025

Recorded Live: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Microsoft Build Conference, Seattle

Introduction

In this special episode of Windows Weekly, recorded live from Microsoft's annual Developers Conference, Build, hosts Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell delve into a spectrum of pressing topics surrounding one of the world's most influential tech companies. The episode navigates through significant announcements from the keynote, the emergence of Agentic AI, recent layoffs at Microsoft, and the evolving landscape of AI integration in Windows and developer tools.

Protests at Microsoft Build

A notable backdrop to this year's Build conference was the persistent protests related to geopolitical tensions, particularly the Israel-Palestine conflict, and growing concerns around AI technologies. Paul Thurrott shares his firsthand experience of navigating through heightened security and multiple disruptions during the event.

Paul Thurrott [02:16]: "I take no stance on the Israel, Palestine thing, but there are a lot of protesters. It has inserted itself into our lives here."

The hosts recount incidents where protestors aggressively attempted to disrupt keynote sessions, highlighting the tense atmosphere at the conference.

Richard Campbell [03:01]: "It’s way more than a little disruption."

Such disruptions have become a recurring challenge, with Build being interrupted multiple times by demonstrators aiming to voice their dissent.

Microsoft’s Layoffs and Company Morale

The episode takes a somber turn as the hosts discuss Microsoft's recent announcement of laying off 6,000 employees—approximately 3% of its workforce. This move, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a robust quarterly performance, has stirred uncertainty and fear among employees.

Paul Thurrott [13:06]: "It almost felt like a countrywide warning this could happen to you."

Richard Campbell reflects on the arbitrary nature of the layoffs, which have seemingly affected every team without clear metrics, fostering a climate of doubt and diminished morale within the company.

The Rise of Agentic AI and AI Agents

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Microsoft's ambitious foray into Agentic AI. This technology represents a leap towards multi-agent orchestration, enabling AI systems to interact seamlessly with users and other applications.

Leo Laporte [24:40]: "What they were trying to demonstrate is how a genic AI can reach out and collect information for you."

The hosts emphasize the collaborative efforts among major AI players like Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI in establishing interoperability standards such as MCP (Microsoft's new protocol) and A2A (AI-to-AI communication protocols). This cooperation is pivotal in preventing technological silos that could hinder AI advancement.

Richard Campbell [25:18]: "They're all vulnerable. Nobody has the confidence to say, oh no, we're going to be able to do this end to end ourselves."

The introduction of NL Web is highlighted as a transformative tool that allows websites to interact with AI agents, potentially revolutionizing user engagement and website functionalities.

Microsoft’s AI Implementations and Features

Microsoft's integration of AI into its core applications marks a significant shift towards smarter, more intuitive user experiences. Demonstrations from the Build keynote showcased AI-driven processes in scientific research and material development, underscoring the practical applications of Agentic AI.

Leo Laporte [23:43]: "They made an Xbox motherboard play Forza submerged in this newly invented chemical."

Additionally, features like text rewriting in Notepad and image generation in Paint illustrate the system-level enhancements brought about by AI integrations, aiming to streamline tasks and enhance productivity.

GitHub Copilot and Visual Studio Code Updates

Expanding on developer tools, the hosts discuss the open-sourcing of GitHub Copilot within Visual Studio Code. This move fosters greater flexibility, allowing developers to integrate various AI tools through extensions.

Paul Thurrott [47:00]: "What this means is that instead of you deciding that you want GitHub Copilot and adding that extension, it will just be integrated into the source for Visual Studio code."

The conversation also touches upon the challenges and opportunities presented by this integration, emphasizing the balance between proprietary AI enhancements and the open-source ecosystem that Visual Studio Code thrives in.

Windows Updates from Build

The Build conference unveiled several updates to the Windows platform, focusing on enhancing developer experiences and system functionalities:

• Windows App SDK & WinUI 3: Transitioning from UWP, the Windows App SDK offers a more flexible and modern framework for building Windows applications without being tethered to specific Windows versions.

• React Native for Windows: A revamped architecture introduces improved performance and type safety between JavaScript and native code, facilitating seamless app development across platforms.

• Windows AI Foundry: Aligning with Azure AI Foundry, this local AI solution supports small language models, expanding Microsoft's AI capabilities directly on user devices.

Paul Thurrott [56:43]: "The Windows AI Foundry is the local version of that. So it's very specifically for the local, you know, small language models."

These updates signify Microsoft's commitment to fostering a robust and versatile development environment, integrating AI deeply into the Windows ecosystem.

New Features: Command Line Editor "Edit"

As part of the Build announcements, Microsoft introduced "Edit," a command-line editor paying homage to the classic MS-DOS editor. Available for free on GitHub, Edit offers a nostalgic yet functional tool for developers and power users.

Paul Thurrott [111:08]: "It's an homage to the classic Ms. DOS editor."

The editor supports keyboard shortcuts and offers a full-screen menu system, blending retro design with modern functionality.

Xbox News and Game Pass Updates

The Xbox segment highlights legal victories for Epic Games, enabling Fortnite to return to iOS and Android platforms after a prolonged legal battle with Apple. This development paves the way for broader game accessibility.

Paul Thurrott [97:12]: "So if you have an iPhone or iPad, you can get Fortnite again. It's just like it's going to party like it's 2020."

Additionally, the hosts celebrate new additions to Xbox Game Pass, including titles like Hellblade 2 and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, enhancing the subscription service's appeal with a diverse game library.

Richard Campbell [106:14]: "And so that's it. That's a good one."

The integration of GeForce Now into the Xbox app on Windows further exemplifies Microsoft's strategy to unify gaming experiences across platforms.

Community and Club TWiT

Leo Laporte emphasizes the benefits of Club TWiT membership, offering exclusive access to live keynotes, a dedicated Discord community, and various perks that enhance the listener experience. This segment underscores the importance of community support in sustaining and growing the podcast.

Leo Laporte [109:31]: "If you're a club member in our club Discord, but also on YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, X.com and Kick."

Conclusion

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reflect on the dense array of announcements and developments discussed, from AI advancements and Windows updates to Xbox news and community engagement. They also share a lighthearted moment experimenting with AI-generated Minecraft-style avatars, showcasing the playful side of technological integration.

Leo Laporte [95:16]: "It's a really cool thing, it looks just like us."

As they sign off, the hosts invite listeners to join Club TWiT for exclusive content and reiterate their commitment to delivering insightful and comprehensive coverage of Microsoft's evolving landscape.

Listener Notes:

• Official Show Notes & Links: Available to Club TWiT members on Discord.
• Further Reading: Detailed articles and insights can be accessed on Paul Thurrott's website and Run His Radio.
• Subscribe: Follow Windows Weekly on your preferred podcast platform for ongoing updates and analyses.