The Engadget Podcast Xbox's leadership shakeup + Samsung's Galaxy S26 is here
Feb 26, 2026
They unpack a major leadership change at Xbox and worry about AI-first corporate moves. They explore Samsung’s new Galaxy S26 lineup and a novel privacy display that blocks nearby snooping. The conversation also touches on AI in defense, a trading controversy tied to a creator’s team, and Discord’s delayed age checks.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Phil Spencer Out And An AI Exec In
- Devendra recounts Phil Spencer's departure and Sarah Bond's exit amid a surprise appointment of Asha Sharma from CoreAI to lead Xbox.
- The hosts describe internal friction and surprise that an AI exec, not a longtime Xbox leader, was chosen.
Game Pass Changed The Economics Of Games
- Game Pass reshaped Microsoft's business model and pressured third-party sales, reducing the margin and perceived value of first-party titles.
- The hosts link heavy acquisitions plus Game Pass pricing strategies to industry-wide economic strain.
Make Xbox A Better PC Experience
- Focus on delivering a polished, Windows-parity console experience rather than an overcomplicated hybrid to win back gamers.
- Devendra suggests optimizing Windows on console hardware and leaning into PC strengths to stop defections to Steam.