Windows Weekly 1007: A Sea of Blues and Greens

Mikah, Richard, and Paul discuss why Windows 11 is being improved, a Microsoft buyout offer, the Anthropic IPO, local AI, and much more.

Stream this episode and subscribe

Enjoy Windows Weekly on YouTube

Windows

Paul has confirmed a theory we’ve discussed about why Microsoft is really improving Windows 11 this year

Windows Insider Program

• Four new builds – Mobile device controls in Quick Settings, native Internet speed test

Corporate

• Microsoft offers buyout offers to almost 25 percent of its global workforce

Hardware

• This week in Paul’s RTX Spark local AI coding fails – plus, the first step is realizing it’s not you, it’s the technology
• Some advice for using AI

Software

• Microsoft fixes major Authenticator flaw on Android
• PowerToys adds two new utilities, so many other updates
• The Browser Company announces the inevitable end of Arc browser

AI

Anthropic files for IPO, warns that its work could end humanity

Canva releases its first AI model, for images

Opera brings local AI to its desktop web browsers with WebAI standard-to-be
Apple is bringing AI assistant to its iWorks apps – Apple copies Microsoft again!

XBOX and gaming

No real news this week, which is rare

But a few thoughts about the new Call of Duty

Tips and picks

Tip of the week: Yes, the Windows Setup workarounds still work in 26H2

Windows 11 version 26H2 arrived recently and I’ve now tested the installer on multiple Arm64 and x64 PCs and the local account workarounds we all know and love still work. My advice: Use Rufus to create install media.

App pick of the week: Mozilla Firefox

With a year or so of major improvements to its web browser, Mozilla has launched a big ad campaign to get Firefox users back

RunAs Radio this week: PostgreSQL with Elizabeth Christensen

https://runasradio.com/Shows/Show/1060

Brown liquor pick of the week: Vardberg Born

https://www.berentsens.no/in-english/