Microsoft news enthusiasts, prepare for a whirlwind as Microsoft kicks off 2025 with some tantalizing drama, device refresh promises, hardware updates, and a shadowy Bing controversy. Let’s dissect what happened this week in the Microsoft world and how it impacts you as a Windows power user or casual enthusiast.
This raises broader questions about ethics in tech marketing and user autonomy. Should companies be allowed to manipulate user behavior like this, even if temporarily? Microsoft’s quick rollback of the experiment suggests someone in the room knew this wasn't a good look for an "AI-forward" giant aiming for transparency.
The lesson here for Windows 11 and Microsoft ecosystem users? Keep an eye on the evolution of Bing—it’s a critical part of Microsoft’s strategy around AI-powered web services like Copilot. And yes, the Bing Copilot-backed searches that integrate structured AI help might make you rethink switching services altogether (if implemented without sneaky tricks).
But here's the catch—Microsoft isn't just nudging users toward an in-place software upgrade; they're encouraging hardware upgrades too. According to Dell and AMD's joint statements during related events, buying a new PC with Windows 11 instead of retrofitting an older device will yield substantially better performance.
This coincides nicely with the dramatic growth of devices equipped with AI-powered Copilot+ technology. These premium PCs are designed specifically for Windows 11, featuring enhanced processors (like Intel’s Core Ultra lineup or AMD’s Ryzen 9950X3D chipsets). Funny enough, some of the older certified Windows PCs—namely Lenovo Hub models and similar builds—aren't even eligible to run Windows 11 post-2025, despite still being "functional."
Will we see the introduction of a more AI-driven Surface? A remodel for enterprise Teams Hub devices? A foldable device or keyboard? We don’t know, but the timing aligns with Microsoft's Copilot-first push and the broader focus on hardware refreshes discussed earlier.
What you CAN expect is tighter Windows integration with these business-centric devices. Surface PC updates will likely center around battery efficiency, thin form factors, and capabilities compatible with Intel's and AMD’s newest chips.
This blip highlights an ongoing theme: AI innovation is fast-paced but not always polished. For the rest of us mortals, it means user feedback could shape AI-powered tools more visibly in 2025 compared to prior years.
What are your predictions heading into the year of AI Copilot and Windows 11’s dominance? Will Bing rebound from its PR stumble, and can Microsoft force the next big PC refresh? Let’s discuss!
Source: Neowin Microsoft Weekly: dirty Bing tricks, the year of Windows 11 PC refresh, and Surface event
1. "Dirty Bing Tricks": When Search Engines Play Dress-Up
First, let’s address the elephant in the room—Microsoft’s "dirty tricks" with Bing. It seems the search giant briefly tested out tactics that disguised Bing links to mimic Google results, a move meant to retain users’ attention. Essentially, when users searched for “Google” on Bing (a common practice to switch search engines), the results were designed to look like it was Google's homepage. As you'd expect, users felt deceived, and social media wasn’t kind to Microsoft about the move.This raises broader questions about ethics in tech marketing and user autonomy. Should companies be allowed to manipulate user behavior like this, even if temporarily? Microsoft’s quick rollback of the experiment suggests someone in the room knew this wasn't a good look for an "AI-forward" giant aiming for transparency.
The lesson here for Windows 11 and Microsoft ecosystem users? Keep an eye on the evolution of Bing—it’s a critical part of Microsoft’s strategy around AI-powered web services like Copilot. And yes, the Bing Copilot-backed searches that integrate structured AI help might make you rethink switching services altogether (if implemented without sneaky tricks).
2. Refresh Year: Why Windows 11 is Pushing an Upgrade Cycle
2025 is being dubbed the "Year of Windows 11 PC Refresh." With Windows 10's official end-of-support deadline (October 2025) creeping up, Microsoft is betting big that most users will upgrade their PCs ahead of this timeline.But here's the catch—Microsoft isn't just nudging users toward an in-place software upgrade; they're encouraging hardware upgrades too. According to Dell and AMD's joint statements during related events, buying a new PC with Windows 11 instead of retrofitting an older device will yield substantially better performance.
This coincides nicely with the dramatic growth of devices equipped with AI-powered Copilot+ technology. These premium PCs are designed specifically for Windows 11, featuring enhanced processors (like Intel’s Core Ultra lineup or AMD’s Ryzen 9950X3D chipsets). Funny enough, some of the older certified Windows PCs—namely Lenovo Hub models and similar builds—aren't even eligible to run Windows 11 post-2025, despite still being "functional."
What This Means for You
If you're sticking to Windows 10 for nostalgia or stability reasons, you might want to start planning. Running Windows 11 on legacy hardware past support deadlines could be technical purgatory. Conversely, businesses should consider bulk transitioning to fresh hardware supporting features like AI-optimized workflows and longer battery life.3. Juicy Surface Upgrades: January Event Incoming
Microsoft's Surface brand isn’t just sitting idle either. A LinkedIn teaser from Microsoft hinted at a significant Surface update announcement for January 30th. While the teaser labeled it “Surface for Business,” it’s likely Microsoft will introduce new productivity-oriented hardware aimed at making your meetings and workflows smarter.Will we see the introduction of a more AI-driven Surface? A remodel for enterprise Teams Hub devices? A foldable device or keyboard? We don’t know, but the timing aligns with Microsoft's Copilot-first push and the broader focus on hardware refreshes discussed earlier.
What you CAN expect is tighter Windows integration with these business-centric devices. Surface PC updates will likely center around battery efficiency, thin form factors, and capabilities compatible with Intel's and AMD’s newest chips.
4. AI and Hardware Highlights from CES 2025
CES 2025 unleashed an arsenal of exciting tech announcements. Here are the Microsoft-adjacent juicy highlights:- NVIDIA RTX 5000 Graphics Cards and DLSS 4: From RTX 5070s to flagship RTX 5090s, NVIDIA’s latest lineup includes monstrous performance leaps and extends somewhat limited DLSS 4 benefits even to older-series cards. This alludes to a better gaming and AI-enhanced visual experience on Windows PCs.
- AMD Ryzen 9950X3D: This chip—with 3D-VCache technology—is embarrassing even Intel's flagship processors and older Ryzen models. Add this to a future-proof Windows 11 Pro PC, and you could game and code like a fiend.
- Intel Core Ultra 2 Chips: These processors cater to hybrid laptops, delivering maximum efficiency while supporting AI-focused workloads, particularly with Windows-native Copilot.
For Gamers
It’s worth noting that AMD is doubling down on machine learning-powered FidelityFX (FSR 4), a competitor to NVIDIA’s DLSS technology, but exclusive to upcoming Radeon RX 9000 GPUs. With this, the pipeline for AI-driven game rendering in tandem with Windows GPUs looks incredibly futuristic.5. Microsoft Insider Builds and Piracy Rumors
It wouldn’t be a Microsoft Weekly recap without an eyebrow-raising Insider Build or two. This week:- Canary Channel (Build 27768) released, offering minor tweaks and stability improvements.
- A former Microsoft engineer—reportedly a key figure in past Windows builds—has ventured into piracy promotion by peddling unofficial “hacked” builds of Windows 11 online. While ethically questionable, the insider disclosed an open secret: Microsoft allegedly isn't too aggressive in tracking widespread piracy of Windows 11 activation.
6. Bing Drama (Part 2) – Image Creator Rollback
More Bing chaos didn’t stop at shady marketing tactics. Users also flagged issues with Microsoft’s Bing Image Creator, an AI-driven feature that takes text prompts to generate visuals. After updates were rolled out to enhance the system, users complained of spotty results or a bizarre decline in quality. The backlash prompted Microsoft to revert changes quickly.This blip highlights an ongoing theme: AI innovation is fast-paced but not always polished. For the rest of us mortals, it means user feedback could shape AI-powered tools more visibly in 2025 compared to prior years.
Concluding Thoughts: An Honest Outlook
Between dirty Bing moves, hardware refreshes pushed by necessity, AI merging into nearly every facet of Microsoft products, and a hybrid future emerging—2025 looks chaotic but promising for the Windows ecosystem. For average users running outdated laptops? Gear up, you’re in for potentially higher costs. For ultrabook-and-server admin geeks? You’ll want caffeine because the future workload to adapt will be tech-heavy.What are your predictions heading into the year of AI Copilot and Windows 11’s dominance? Will Bing rebound from its PR stumble, and can Microsoft force the next big PC refresh? Let’s discuss!
Source: Neowin Microsoft Weekly: dirty Bing tricks, the year of Windows 11 PC refresh, and Surface event