Windows Weekly (Audio) - Episode 937 Summary: "Vexed by Perturbations - What just happened to Windows Hello!?"
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Hosted by Leo Laporte, veteran Microsoft insiders Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell delve into the latest developments surrounding Microsoft’s most valuable products and services. This episode primarily focuses on the recent controversies and updates related to Windows Hello, alongside discussions on Xbox gaming, AI integrations, and comparisons with Mac OS features.
1. Introduction and Overview [00:00 - 02:29]
The episode kicks off with Leo introducing the primary topics, highlighting the Windows Hello controversy, new Xbox games, and Richard Campbell’s potential laptop purchase.
Leo Laporte [00:33]: "This is Windows Weekly with Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell. Episode 937... Vexed by perturbations, it's time."
2. Windows Hello Controversy [02:29 - 10:51]
Paul Thurrott brings attention to issues with Windows Hello's facial recognition feature, particularly after a recent Windows patch aimed at fixing a spoofing vulnerability termed "perturbations."
Paul Thurrott [04:08]: "I am perturbed. I am vexed by the perturbations."
The discussion revolves around how the latest patch has adversely affected the functionality of Windows Hello, making facial recognition unreliable in low-light conditions. This has led to frustration among users who rely on this feature for seamless authentication.
Richard Campbell [09:06]: "Listen, Midnight. I'm going to give Midnight Blizzard a pass..."
Paul shares his personal experience with the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11, praising their overall performance but criticizing the dependence solely on facial recognition without a fingerprint alternative.
Paul Thurrott [06:16]: "I feel like someone should try, try another face. Do you have another face?"
3. Microsoft’s Recent Updates and Features [10:51 - 20:37]
The conversation shifts to various Microsoft updates, including improvements to Windows Share, Voice Access, and the introduction of an AI agent to assist with settings management.
Paul Thurrott [11:52]: "And if you do have one of these computers, you should probably install that and then maybe your S key will work."
They also discuss the export functionality for Recall data within Windows, emphasizing its initial rollout in the European Economic Area (EEA) in compliance with new DMA regulations.
Paul Thurrott [07:16]: "If anything, actually, the battery life is actually better now than it was a year ago."
4. AI Integrations and Microsoft-OpenAI Relations [30:25 - 85:29]
Leo and Paul delve deep into the strained relationship between Microsoft and OpenAI. They explore Microsoft's significant investments in OpenAI and the tensions arising from OpenAI's expansion efforts, such as the acquisition of Windsurf and potential antitrust complaints.
Paul Thurrott [72:04]: "They could use AI to write the briefs and cite previous cases, etc."
The hosts discuss the implications of these tensions on Microsoft’s AI strategies, including the rollout of Microsoft 365 Copilot and the challenges Microsoft faces in monetizing AI services effectively compared to OpenAI’s widespread consumer adoption.
Richard Campbell [83:01]: "Well, OpenAI is still outgrowing them, out building them and certainly out mind sharing them in every respect."
They also touch upon the Better Business Bureau’s scrutiny of Microsoft 365 Copilot’s advertising claims, highlighting the necessity for clearer communication regarding the tool's capabilities and limitations.
Paul Thurrott [71:23]: "Their recommendation was discontinue this advertising."
5. Xbox and Gaming Developments [86:22 - 122:47]
The episode transitions to discussions about Xbox’s future, including the upcoming handheld gaming devices in partnership with Asus and the integration of Windows as the core platform for next-generation Xbox consoles.
Paul Thurrott [116:25]: "So Microsoft had the big game Xbox game showcase. They revealed these Xbox. Ally. Sorry, handheld gaming."
Leo and Richard speculate on how these developments will enhance cross-platform gaming experiences, leveraging Microsoft's robust backward compatibility and the strategic partnership with AMD for custom silicon.
Paul Thurrott [121:24]: "So addressing that, there's nothing in this to suggest that the ARM is part of this, but I would also say there's nothing in this to suggest that it is not."
They emphasize the potential for these new handhelds to bridge the gap between traditional consoles and PC gaming, bringing more seamless integration and compatibility for gamers.
6. Comparisons with Mac OS Features [30:25 - 47:20]
Paul discusses recent updates to Mac OS, particularly Spotlight enhancements and the introduction of the Windows Command Palette-like feature, drawing parallels between the two operating systems’ approaches to user interface and productivity tools.
Paul Thurrott [33:27]: "Shortcuts is actually really powerful. And this is across all their major platforms."
The hosts compare these features to similar tools available on Windows, like PowerToys Run and Power Automate, highlighting the strengths and limitations of each platform.
Paul Thurrott [35:16]: "I would say WPF when it was introduced to the Windows world... very, you know, a little bit intense."
7. Microsoft 365 Copilot and Advertising Scrutiny [67:53 - 85:29]
Paul updates listeners on the National Advertising Division's review of Microsoft 365 Copilot, revealing that certain advertising claims were deemed misleading, leading Microsoft to adjust their promotional strategies.
Paul Thurrott [83:04]: "They make some claims that aren't necessarily accurate and they're pressured to change them."
The discussion highlights the challenges Microsoft faces in accurately representing AI capabilities without overpromising, similar to issues encountered by other tech giants like Apple.
8. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts [122:47 - End]
As the episode winds down, Paul shares a personal anecdote about frustrations with Microsoft's folder backup feature, emphasizing ongoing challenges with user experience despite robust hardware performance.
Paul Thurrott [132:05]: "I started to like, oh, here I go."
The hosts briefly touch upon upcoming events, including Prime Day promotions and new features in Camtasia and Adobe’s Firefly AI, before wrapping up the episode with a discussion on the importance of community support through Club Twitch.
Leo Laporte [166:19]: "You are on a podcast right now and it's great. You love the host."
Notable Quotes
- Paul Thurrott [04:08]: "I am perturbed. I am vexed by the perturbations."
- Richard Campbell [09:06]: "Listen, Midnight. I'm going to give Midnight Blizzard a pass..."
- Paul Thurrott [06:16]: "I feel like someone should try, try another face. Do you have another face?"
- Paul Thurrott [07:16]: "If anything, actually, the battery life is actually better now than it was a year ago."
- Leo Laporte [00:33]: "This is Windows Weekly with Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell. Episode 937... Vexed by perturbations, it's time."
- Paul Thurrott [33:27]: "Shortcuts is actually really powerful. And this is across all their major platforms."
- Paul Thurrott [132:05]: "I started to like, oh, here I go."
Conclusion
Episode 937 of Windows Weekly provides a comprehensive overview of current challenges and advancements within the Microsoft ecosystem, particularly focusing on Windows Hello's reliability issues, Microsoft's strategic partnerships in AI, and evolving gaming platforms with Xbox. The hosts offer insightful critiques and personal experiences, making complex technical discussions accessible and engaging for all listeners.
For those interested in the intersection of technology, user experience, and corporate strategies, this episode serves as a valuable resource, shedding light on both the triumphs and tribulations faced by Microsoft in maintaining its industry leadership.