Panos Panay Archives

Winsage

October 1, 2025

Microsoft reunites Windows teams for Agentic OS

Microsoft is reorganizing its Windows engineering teams into a single organization led by Pavan Davuluri, reversing a division made in 2018. This consolidation merges the Windows client and server teams to streamline development and enhance focus on priorities. The move aims to eliminate organizational silos and improve integration between core platform evolution and user experience. The reorganization is linked to Microsoft's push into artificial intelligence, with the goal of developing Windows as an "Agentic OS" that anticipates user needs. This effort follows the establishment of the CoreAI division in January 2025, which unified various AI tools and platforms.

Winsage

September 30, 2025

Microsoft is bringing its Windows engineering teams back together again

Microsoft is restructuring its Windows engineering teams into a single organization to enhance focus on critical initiatives, particularly artificial intelligence. Pavan Davuluri, the new president of Windows and devices, announced this change in an internal memo, stating it unifies Windows engineering work. Leaders from various Windows teams will now report directly to Davuluri, consolidating the majority of Windows engineering under one division leader. This marks the first major shift in Windows' structure since Davuluri took over a year ago. The reorganization follows a history of changes in Windows' organizational structure, including a split into two teams after the departure of former chief Terry Myerson in 2018. While some lower-level components will still be managed by Azure teams, most Windows operations will now be under Davuluri's leadership. He emphasized the collaboration with Azure in areas like Storage, Networking, and Security. The restructuring aims to support the integration of AI features into the operating system, with initiatives like the Windows AI Labs program and new AI functionalities being introduced in Windows 11.

Winsage

August 15, 2025

Microsoft’s Windows future is built on AI, voice, cloud, and context

Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows + Devices at Microsoft, discussed the integration of artificial intelligence, voice interaction, and cloud computing in Windows. He introduced Windows 365 Link, a device for seamless access to Windows 365, emphasizing a streamlined user experience. The hybrid computing model, first mentioned by CEO Satya Nadella, is central to Microsoft's strategy, with features like Copilot enhancing productivity. Davuluri noted a revival of voice interaction in Windows, with advancements in multimodal computing and features like Copilot Vision for conversational user interaction. He acknowledged uncertainty about the future of Microsoft's Surface devices but emphasized a commitment to hardware innovation.

Winsage

July 4, 2025

Microsoft’s enshittification of Xbox, Surface, and even Windows itself, are by design — with greed and corner-cutting replacing innovation

Microsoft announced 9,000 layoffs, bringing the total for the year to over 15,300, including cuts within Xbox. The layoffs are attributed to unrealistic fiscal expectations set by CFO Amy Hood, creating an environment of fear and uncertainty. There is a perception that these layoffs are part of a broader shift towards artificial intelligence, with Microsoft executives and shareholders reportedly resenting the investment in Activision-Blizzard. The company plans to invest billions in new AI training centers globally, raising concerns about the impact on its core gaming and consumer products. Microsoft’s AI products have faced criticism, and the company has been accused of losing sight of the human element in its consumer businesses. The recent layoffs have left employees feeling uncertain about their futures, and there is a growing sentiment that Microsoft lacks a coherent mission or ethos, prioritizing short-term gains over long-term innovation.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: Panos left Microsoft for THIS?

Panos Panay announced the integration of Alexa+ into Microsoft devices. Microsoft is trialing a free version of Office for Windows. There is growing anticipation for Windows 365 Link, which aims to enhance cloud service integration for remote work. The episode discusses Chrome OS Flex and Framework's new 12-inch laptop focused on sustainability and modularity. The hosts of the podcast are Daniel and Zac.

Winsage

February 20, 2025

The Surface you know and love (or hate) is dead — Microsoft’s Windows hardware enters a new era

The Surface division at Microsoft has experienced significant internal changes over the past 18 months, including the departure of Panos Panay and new leadership. This has led to a strategic refocusing of the Surface portfolio, moving away from experimental hardware designs to more conventional offerings aimed at a broader audience. The company has discontinued extravagant devices like the Surface Studio and Surface Duo, favoring products that resonate with business customers and general consumers. Last year, Microsoft introduced AI-powered Windows computers known as Copilot+ PCs, which emphasize continuity and refinement of established designs rather than radical innovations. The Copilot+ PC initiative has allowed Windows on Arm to demonstrate its viability, with Snapdragon chips competing effectively in the Windows ecosystem. Surface continues to play a crucial role in shaping the Windows ecosystem, but with a more cautious approach that prioritizes ecosystem health over creating new markets. Future form factor experimentation will likely be delegated to OEM partners, while Microsoft focuses on transitioning users to Windows 11 and promoting Copilot+ PCs. Stakeholders can expect a steady stream of sensible Surface devices and incremental updates in the near future.

Winsage

October 8, 2024

The Surface Duo is dead — Microsoft pulls plug on $1,500 Surface Duo 2 after just one Android OS upgrade

The Surface Duo 2 will no longer receive updates or support from Microsoft after October 21, marking the end of its lifecycle. Launched in October 2021, it received only one major Android OS update, despite its premium price of ,500. The original Surface Duo received updates to Android 11 and Android 12L before its support ended last year. Microsoft has no plans to revive the Surface Duo brand or introduce new Android hardware. This is the second time Microsoft has exited the smartphone market, following the discontinuation of Windows Phone and Lumia devices in 2017.

Winsage

September 17, 2024

This Windows 12.1 concept video makes us crave for features that don’t exist

Microsoft has put the release of Windows 12 on hold due to the departure of Panos Panay, the former head of Windows and Surface development. YouTuber BrentTech has created a concept video for Windows 12.1, featuring a floating taskbar, repositioned system icons, and a reimagined Start menu that includes a Phone Link sidebar and a dedicated widgets section. The concept integrates widgets directly into the Start menu and introduces an updated "About Windows" interface with a tile-based layout for system information. Additionally, the mockup includes a revamped File Explorer, a visually enhanced Settings app, and an updated Task View for improved desktop management.

Winsage

May 15, 2024

Microsoft’s quest for short-term $$$ is doing long-term damage to Windows, Surface, Xbox, and beyond

- Microsoft under CEO Satya Nadella has experienced a remarkable turnaround, focusing on artificial intelligence tools like Microsoft Copilot. - Despite the success in AI, there have been missed opportunities and strategic missteps, including the demise of Windows Phone and underinvestment in security measures. - Microsoft's hardware ventures like Surface and Windows Phone have faced setbacks, leading to skepticism about the future of these products. - The Xbox division at Microsoft is facing challenges due to corporate strategies focused on short-term financial gains, which could potentially undermine its momentum. - Microsoft's pattern of behavior, including rapid acquisitions and layoffs, has created a legacy of distrust among customers and industry insiders.