In the latest episode of Windows Weekly, Leo and Paul delve into a variety of topics while Richard is away. Their conversation spans the intricacies of Notepad, the latest updates in Windows 11, and the ever-evolving landscape of Microsoft 365 and artificial intelligence. They also touch upon the gaming sector, particularly Xbox, and the broader implications for the industry.
Listeners can stream this episode and subscribe to stay informed. Additionally, a new free newsletter promises to deliver three time-saving tips each Friday, along with complimentary copies of Paul Thurrott’s Field Guides for Windows 11 and Windows 10, typically valued at .99, as a special welcome gift.
Windows
THE GREAT NOTEPAD CONTROVERSY OF 2025
The ongoing discussions around Notepad have sparked considerable debate among users, highlighting the importance of this seemingly simple application in the Windows ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Windows Insider program continues to roll out updates, with Microsoft implementing further Direct Memory Access (DMA) changes to Windows 11 and Edge.
Microsoft 365/AI
Internally, Microsoft has announced its third major reorganization of AI initiatives within a span of just 15 months, raising questions about the pace of progress. In a notable shift, the company is phasing out password management and autofill features in the Microsoft Authenticator app, a change that has been communicated to users through warnings in the app.
The upcoming June 2025 update for Outlook is set to introduce a plethora of new features, while Research and Analyst AI agents have now reached general availability in Microsoft 365 Copilot. Users can also explore the new Bing Video Creator, which allows for the creation of short videos directly from their phones.
In a surprising move, The New York Times has licensed its content to Amazon, prompting discussions about the evolving relationship between media and technology. Meanwhile, Samsung is reportedly reconsidering its partnership with Gemini in favor of Perplexity.
Xbox/gaming
In the gaming realm, Microsoft has delayed the launch of its first-party Xbox and Windows gaming handheld, leaving many to speculate about the future of hardware in this space. The company appears to be in a holding pattern, with theories suggesting a potential shift towards ARM architecture and a renewed focus on profitability under Amy Hood’s leadership.
- Questions arise regarding the viability of handheld gaming PCs: Are they a fleeting trend akin to netbooks and mini-tablets, or do they represent a sustainable market with significant potential?
- The emergence of SteamDeck and Linux may pose challenges for Microsoft’s gaming strategy, particularly in light of recent Nvidia developments.
In a landmark achievement, Microsoft has secured its first agreement with a game studio union, marking a significant step in the industry’s labor relations landscape. Additionally, J Allard, a notable former Microsoft executive, is among approximately 100 ex-Microsoft leaders now at Amazon, providing an intriguing update on the cross-pollination of talent between these tech giants.
Tips and picks
Tip of the week: You can replace OneDrive/Google Drive with a NAS
For those seeking alternatives to cloud storage, my experience with a Synology NAS has proven to be a game-changer, offering a robust solution that surpasses expectations as a replacement for OneDrive and Google Drive.
App pick of the week: Microsoft Edge 137
The release of Edge 137 has quietly emerged as the most significant update to the browser since its inception, promising enhanced performance and user experience.
In an exciting development, Photoshop for Android is now available for free during its beta phase, expanding access to powerful editing tools for mobile users.
