Windows Weekly 991: Strategically Repositioned Productivity Surface

Leo, Richard, and Paul discuss the Microsoft layoffs, Windows 11, hardware, AI, Xbox and games, and more.

Stream this episode and subscribe

Enjoy Windows Weekly on YouTube

Layoffs

Microsoft announces 4800 layoffs, 3200 at Xbox

Analysis: What Sharm said and didn’t say

Windows

Windows Insider Program

Apps

Hardware

  • Google and Samsung have announced new hardware launches, both with new foldables on the way – Apple’s first foldable expected in January

AI

Microsoft reportedly transitioning to its in-house MAI models where possible

Latest Corey Doctorow book takes on the future of AI and is surprisingly middle-of-the-road. Unlike his last book, he explains how he handles this and has some ideas for doing so yourself

Xbox and gaming

Gears of War Reloaded, more head to Game Pass

The oldest rumor in Xbox history is back, with Microsoft working (again, or as always) on a disc-to-digital program in the wake of the Sony PS5+ physical media announcement

Nintendo to end OG Switch sales, make Switch 2 changes in the EU

You can play Half-Life 2 in a web browser now

Tips and picks

Tip: All Mint Mobile Plans Are Now Just $15 Per Month

If you live in the U.S. and international usage isn’t a big concern, this is a great prepaid carrier that is owned by T-Mobile.

Also: Major progress on the Windows 11 Field Guide updates

  • At its biggest, 300 MB+ on disk and 1150+ pages long (PDF)
  • June 23: 103 MB on disk and 990 pages long
  • Two days ago: 73.9 MB on disk and 839 pages long
  • Today: 67 MB on disk and 847 pages long

App pick of the week: DuckDuckGo browser

This desktop and mobile web browser now blocks YouTube ads by default.

RunAs Radio this week: Implementing Azure Policies with Barbara Forbes

https://runasradio.com/Shows/Show/1044

Brown liquor pick of the week: Shenk’s Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey

https://michters.com/shenks-homestead/

Share post

Thurrott