WW 974: DIY Crocs - Project Helix Details From GDC 2026

29 snips

Mar 11, 2026

Bug-hunting AI tools reshaping developer workflows get a lot of attention. Android 16 QPR3’s Desktop Mode on Pixel devices hints at future laptop experiences. Intel’s new gaming chips promise strong value for creators and players. Microsoft’s Project Helix and a new Xbox Mode foreshadow a Windows-capable next console. Nostalgia for DIY computing and a handy app pick round out the tech chatter.

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INSIGHT

Android Desktop Mode Is Laptop‑Ready

Android's Desktop Mode (Android 16 QPR3) is turning recent Pixel phones/tablets into laptop-like environments with windowing and taskbars.
Paul tested Pixel tablet + USB‑C dock and found it a credible preview of Android-based laptops coming later this year.

ADVICE

Design AI Features To Be Model‑Agile

When adopting AI features, test them as modular services you can swap (Anthropic, Gemini, Copilot) so you can pick the right model per task.
Paul praises Microsoft for orchestrating models rather than locking to one vendor.

INSIGHT

Copilot Becoming An Orchestrator Of Multiple Models

Microsoft is moving Copilot toward an orchestration role that can call best-of-breed models for different tasks.
Paul notes Copilot Cowork uses Anthropic tech under the hood, showing Microsoft will mix providers rather than rely on a single model.

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From bug-busting AI that's transforming Firefox to personal coding breakthroughs, the team breaks down how practical applications are cutting through skepticism and reshaping developer workflows. Plus, hear why lighter Patch Tuesdays are refreshing from time to time!

Windows 11

Patch Tuesday's familiar list of updates: Network speed test, Camera tilt and pan controls, sysmon, RSAT improvements, Quick Machine Recovery improvements, WEBP support for desktop wallpaper, Emoji 16.0, etc.
It's been a light year so far for Patch Tuesday features - that's a good thing
New builds for Canary, Dev, and Beta late last week. Canary is nothing, Dev/Beta get Administrator Protection, Drag Tray refinements, File Explorer improvements, and fixes
Android 16 QPR3 brings Desktop Mode to Android devices - and a hands-on with Pixel phones and tablets shows the way forward for Android-based laptops later this year
Intel has new gaming processors for creators and gamers and they look excellent and are inexpensive

AI and dev

Copilot Cowork is literally Claude Cowork in Microsoft 365 - "Wave 3" for Microsoft 365 Copilot begins with a lot of agentic features, in private preview at first
Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive get big Gemini updates for consumers and Workspace customers
Mozilla partners with Anthropic to use AI to find bugs, and it's paying off nicely
Visual Studio Code moves to a weekly update schedule
The .NET 11 Preview 2 is here

Xbox and gaming

Microsoft starts talking up next Xbox console! It's called Project Helix and, yes, it will run Windows games
New Xbox Mode is on the way
Project Helix dev kits to game makers in 2027
Satya Nadella explains why he/Microsoft are "long" on gaming
Gaming is a core identity for Microsoft alongside platforms, developers, and knowledge workers

Tips and picks

Tip of the week: Nostalgia with a purpose
App pick of the week: Stardock Clairvoyance
RunAs Radio this week: SQL Server in 2026 with Bob Ward
Brown liquor pick of the week: Canadian Centennial Rye Whisky

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell

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