Windows Weekly 880: B.C. in a Bottle

Leo, Richard, and Paul discuss Microsoft’s latest security push, Windows 11, Apple’s M4 vs. Qualcomm, AI, Xbox, and a lot more.

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Microsoft and security, oh my

Microsoft promises to put security first. Again.

• Haven’t we been here before? We know this story, maybe too well.
• For over 20 years, Paul has complained about Microsoft charging customers to fix vulnerabilities that it created in its own software

Microsoft adds passkey support to Microsoft accounts

• Confusion reigns
• You’ll be delighted to know this was completely half-assed, by design
• The problem(s) with passkeys

Windows 11

We’re between milestones this week: Week D was last week, Patch Tuesday is next week

Windows Insider:

• Canary channel (today): Three features from Beta (generate a QR code in Share, Gmail yourself, Copilot improvements)
• Dev channel: CFRs are a thing because A/B testing isn’t terrible enough. Also Copilot fix across Canary, Dev, and Beta channels

Latest Windows 10/11 update caused problems with VPNs. Microsoft: “Eh”

A quick look at some utilities that may/may not help with Windows 11 (and Office!) enshittification

• OFGB (Oh Frick Go Back)
• WinToys
• More improvements to Tiny11 Builder

Related: Arc for Windows shipped last week. The Browser Company answers your questions.

Armed and ready

Apple announces M4 along with new iPad Pros. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no Apple.”

• Timing is interesting
• TOPS score is still below Qualcomm, but not as bad as with M3
• Are we going to pretend this isn’t about Snapdragon Elite?

Related: Qualcomm earnings flat, but big promises for current quarter

AI

Better prompt writing is coming to Microsoft 365 Copilot (because now we’re “prompt engineers”)

OpenAI is allegedly testing its replacement for Google Search

Microsoft allegedly testing LLM that challenges OpenAI

Xbox

Microsoft shuts down more Xbox studios, triggering a new round of angst

Starfield is getting the 60 FPS support it should have had at launch on Xbox Series X

Nintendo has now sold over 141 million Switch consoles, promises Switch 2

Sony: Just kidding on the PSN account requirement for PC Helldivers 2

Tips and picks

Tip of the week: BUILD BLOGGER BASH

Let’s do this thing. We’re coming to Seattle. It’s been too long.

App pick of the week: DesktopGPT

Stardock brings ChatGPT to Windows with DesktopGPT, part of Object Desktop

Plus: Proton Pass gets much-needed account protection features

RunAs Radio this week: Identity Governance with Jef Kazimer

https://runasradio.com/Shows/Show/931

Brown liquor pick of the week: Shelter Point Cask Strength Single Malt

https://www.shelterpoint.ca/single-malt-whisky/