Windows Weekly (Audio) WW 978: Pre-Peated - "Copilot Is for Entertainment Purposes Only"
They talk about major Microsoft leadership changes and a longtime exec leaving. Windows 11 rollouts, Insider builds, and secure boot certificate notices get scrutiny. AI topics include Copilot’s surprising legal language and new Microsoft models. Hardware news covers AMD’s new Ryzen and Raspberry Pi price changes. Gaming angles include Steam tips for Linux and Xbox UI and Game Pass updates.
02:19:19
Copilot Terms Reveal Marketing vs Legal Disconnect
- Microsoft's Copilot TOS still calls it "for entertainment purposes only," revealing a mismatch between marketing and legal caution.
- Paul highlights extensive liability disclaimers that absolve Microsoft of warranty for Copilot outputs.
Watch For Microsoft AI Models To Be Orchestrated Into Products
- Expect Microsoft to develop MAI family models and incrementally fold them into products before selling them as standalone developer offerings.
- Paul advises watching for orchestration and efficiency as Microsoft reduces OpenAI dependence.
AI Will Be An Orchestrator Across Specialized Models
- AI will likely become an orchestrator that dispatches many specialized models rather than a single AGI, delivering the right model per task.
- Richard says this multi-model orchestration is how practical 'smart' systems will emerge.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app 1 chevron_right 2 chevron_right 3 chevron_right 4 chevron_right 5 chevron_right 6 chevron_right 7 chevron_right 8 chevron_right 9 chevron_right 10 chevron_right 11 chevron_right 12 chevron_right 13 chevron_right 14 chevron_right 15 chevron_right 16 chevron_right 17 chevron_right 18 chevron_right 19 chevron_right 20 chevron_right 21 chevron_right 22 chevron_right 23 chevron_right 24 chevron_right 25 chevron_right 26 chevron_right 27 chevron_right 28 chevron_right 29 chevron_right 30 chevron_right 31 chevron_right
Intro
00:00 • 41sec
Hosts, Movie Chat, and Sci‑Fi Picks
00:41 • 4min
Windows Passion, Horror Channel Analogy
05:10 • 5min
Native Apps Debate and Windows UX Woes
09:41 • 5min
Responsiveness, Notifications, and File Explorer
14:21 • 4min
Notepad, Outlook, and User Pet Peeves
18:50 • 5min
25H2 Forced Upgrades Explained
23:20 • 4min
Ad break
27:45 • 2min
Secure Boot Certificate Notices Rollout
30:09 • 4min
Admins, Emergency Patches, and Rollouts
34:34 • 4min
Insider Builds, Xbox Mode, and Roadshows
38:57 • 5min
Leadership, Supply Shortages, and Raspberry Pi
43:38 • 5min
Hardware Reliability and RAM Market
48:36 • 5min
Ad break
53:17 • 4min
AMD Ryzen 9 and Copilot Terms Surprise
57:41 • 7min
Microsoft AI Models and Monetization Concerns
01:04:30 • 5min
AI Orchestration vs Single Models
01:09:01 • 7min
Microsoft Org Changes and Julia Liuson's Exit
01:16:10 • 5min
Software vs Infrastructure and Visual Studio Future
01:21:01 • 4min
Anthropic Moves and Cloud 'Computer Use'
01:25:31 • 5min
Agents, Voice Input, and Gmail/Gemini Updates
01:30:50 • 7min
Ad break
01:38:03 • 4min
Xbox UI Refresh, Achievements, and Game Pass
01:42:30 • 4min
Game Releases, FanFests, and Touring Events
01:46:53 • 4min
Back Of The Book: Club Twit and Picks
01:51:16 • 2min
Gaming On Linux: Steam Deck Filters
01:53:30 • 3min
Chrome Adds Vertical Tabs and Immersive Reader
01:56:31 • 3min
RunAs/Runners Radio: Securing AI Agents
01:59:50 • 3min
Brown Liquor Pick: Corowa Distillery Story
02:02:31 • 4min
Corowa Peated Single Barrel Tasting Notes
02:06:54 • 5min
Outro
02:11:34 • 8min
#75499
System of the World
The Baroque Cycle #3
Neal Stephenson
Part of Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle, 'The System of the World' culminates the trilogy that blends historical figures and events with fictionalized narratives centered on the Scientific Revolution, early finance, and political intrigue.
The book focuses on developments in science, engineering, and commerce during the 17th and 18th centuries, examining how ideas about measurement, money, and power reshaped society.
Stephenson weaves richly detailed storytelling with explorations of natural philosophy, cryptography, and emergent financial systems, creating an expansive portrait of a transformative historical period.
The novel balances intellectual depth with character-driven plots and adventurous episodes.
Its scope and complexity make it appealing to readers who enjoy immersive historical fiction with intellectual rigor.
#12865
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
In the Beginning...Was the Command Line
Neal Stephenson
In this essay, Neal Stephenson explores the world of operating systems, comparing the corporate cultures of Microsoft, Apple, and the free software community.
He uses metaphors, such as comparing operating systems to cars, to illustrate the differences in user experience and philosophy behind these systems.
The essay also delves into the implications of GUIs versus command-line interfaces and the future of software development.
#168
• Mentioned in 137 episodes
The Martian
Andy Weir
R.C. Bray
The Martian tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is presumed dead and left stranded on Mars after a fierce storm.
With limited supplies, Watney must draw upon his ingenuity, wit, and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive.
Meanwhile, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to bring 'the Martian' home, while Watney faces numerous challenges in his quest for survival.
The novel is praised for its blend of science, humor, and suspense.
#194
• Mentioned in 121 episodes
Snow Crash
Neal Stephenson
Published in 1992, 'Snow Crash' is a science fiction novel by Neal Stephenson that delves into a future where the United States has fragmented into corporate city-states and the internet has evolved into a virtual reality called the Metaverse.
The story follows Hiro Protagonist, a pizza delivery driver and part-time hacker, and Y.T.
, a teenage skateboard courier, as they navigate a complex world threatened by a mysterious computer virus and a powerful drug known as Snow Crash.
The novel explores themes of history, linguistics, anthropology, and computer science, and is noted for its prescient vision of the metaverse and its influence on Silicon Valley innovators.
#1872
• Mentioned in 25 episodes
Cryptonomicon
Neal Stephenson
Cryptonomicon, a historical fiction novel by Neal Stephenson, follows the intertwined stories of two groups of people separated by time: one during World War II and the other in the present day.
The novel explores themes of cryptography, technology, and the nature of war.
Stephenson's intricate world-building creates a unique and immersive experience for the reader.
The novel's complex plot unfolds through a series of interconnected events, weaving together personal stories with grand historical events.
Cryptonomicon is a challenging but rewarding read for those interested in intellectual exploration and intricate storytelling.
#33
• Mentioned in 310 episodes
Project Hail Mary
Andy Weir
In 'Project Hail Mary', Ryland Grace, a high school science teacher, awakens on a spaceship with no memory of how he got there or his mission.
He soon discovers that he is the sole survivor of a desperate mission to save Earth from a microorganism called the Astrophage, which is threatening to cause a new ice age.
As Ryland regains his memories, he encounters an alien named Rocky, and together they work to solve the scientific mystery and save their respective home planets.
The story blends science, humor, and heart, exploring themes of survival, discovery, and unlikely friendships.
#2824
• Mentioned in 17 episodes
Artemis
Andy Weir
In 'Artemis', Andy Weir crafts a story set in the late 2080s in the lunar city of Artemis.
The protagonist, Jasmine 'Jazz' Bashara, is a young woman who works as a porter and part-time smuggler.
When Jazz is offered a lucrative opportunity to sabotage a rival business, she finds herself entangled in a complex conspiracy involving corporate and criminal interests.
The novel explores themes of science, technology, and the socio-economic dynamics of a lunar society, characteristic of Weir's meticulous research and engaging storytelling style.
Julia Liuson is leaving Microsoft. Liuson joined Microsoft in 1992, the same year as CEO Satya Nadella (she worked on Access at first). She helped build the first version of Visual Studio and was the first female corporate vice president at Microsoft. Liuson has been president of Microsoft's Developer Division since 2021. Also, curious about life on the other side of the fence? Paul has a tip for finding games that are optimized for Linux. Plus, Chrome joins the 21st century with vertical tabs and a real reading view. Just be sure to install those anti-tracking extensions.
Windows
- Microsoft promises more native apps for Windows 11, but... which apps? New apps? Replacements for existing apps?
- Thanks for making us revisit the web app vs. native app thing yet again, Microsoft
- Windows 11 version 25H2 is now being pushed to all compatible PCs
- Compatibility milestone, not a big deal because 24H2/25H2 features are identical, same underlying codebase - but some will complain that Microsoft is "forcing" 25H2 on them
- Secure Boot certificate notifications are now available so you can see where your PC is at
- Another month, another emergency Windows Update patch
- New Dev/Beta builds add Xbox Mode, new haptic effects, etc., plus a new Canary build with features we've seen before
- Microsoft is taking the Insider Program on the road
- Component shortages trigger another Raspberry Pi price hike, but also a promise for the future
- The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition processor will be available from leading retailers starting Apr. 22 with a retail price of $899
AI
- Microsoft's terms of service for Copilot say it's for entertainment purposes only. Yes, really.
- Microsoft AI releases new foundational models for transcription, voice, and images
- Word on iPhone gets Copilot co-create capabilities - used to be AI Mode, you need a Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription
- Anthropic has hired away a key AI executive from Microsoft, and what he has to say about the opportunity is interesting
- Anthropic brings Computer Use to Windows
- Google: Seriously, we are not training AI with your Gmail
- Google AI Pro plans now offer 5 TB of cloud storage, yikes
Xbox & gaming
- Xbox is refreshing the look of achievements on the console
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, more coming to Game Pass this month
- Was this the best COD ever? In search of greatness
- Also: Forza Horizon 6 launches May 19 and will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC and Xbox Cloud as an Xbox Play Anywhere title, and playable day one with Xbox Game Pass
- Xbox will hold FanFest events around the world
Tips & picks
- Tip of the week: So you want to try gaming on Linux
- App pick of the week: Google Chrome
- RunAs Radio this week: Securing AI Agents with Niall Merrigan
- Brown liquor pick of the week: Corowa Peated Single Barrel 521
Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell
Download or subscribe to Windows Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/windows-weekly
Check out Paul's blog at thurrott.com
The Windows Weekly theme music is courtesy of Carl Franklin.
Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts!
Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit
Sponsors: