Windows users and tech enthusiasts alike witnessed a whirlwind week marked by pivotal software updates, major developer conferences, and seismic shifts in the gaming and tech ecosystems. In the latest Windows Weekly episode, Leo Laporte, Richard Campbell, and Paul Thurrott dissected the latest highs and lows across Microsoft, Apple, Google, and the ever-expanding Xbox universe—a conversation that illuminated not just new features, but also looming uncertainties and strategic recalibrations across the industry.
June’s Patch Tuesday landed with considerable impact, most notably reshaping Windows 11 across the three currently active versions: 22H2, 23H2, and the newly spotted 24H2. Regular Patch Tuesday updates traditionally patch security vulnerabilities and roll out minor enhancements, but this round signals more than routine maintenance—it’s an inflection point for Windows’ ongoing transformation.
A particularly notable addition in 24H2 is enhanced integration of Copilot across the Windows desktop—a move validated both by Microsoft’s official changelogs and by detailed reports from Windows Insiders on social media. Users can now access Copilot’s artificial intelligence help not just as a sidebar, but more natively within various applications and system settings. This points to a future wherein generative AI is seamlessly interwoven with everyday desktop workflows.
However, the rollout has not been without its hiccups. While Microsoft continues to trumpet AI features, some users and industry analysts have expressed concern that such advances may be coming at the expense of overall system simplicity and clarity. The expanding footprint of Copilot raises questions about user data privacy, the reliability of cloud-driven assistants, and whether power users can meaningfully opt out of these changes.
Technical specifications highlighted at Build focused on the intersection between cloud compute and local hardware acceleration. Several demos showcased tasks—like code completion or image generation—flitting between Azure and local NPUs (Neural Processing Units), pointing to a hybrid future for the Windows ecosystem.
Yet this bold stance has drawn mixed reviews. While developers appreciate the increased flexibility, some industry pundits have flagged concerns that Microsoft risks overwhelming both its user base and its dev community by moving too quickly towards AI-first paradigms. There remains a significant developer cohort invested in classic Win32 and UWP applications—areas that, while still supported, risk being sidelined by the constant AI drumbeat.
But the fate of Android itself stole a slice of the spotlight. Despite splashy AI demos, Android 16 was characterized by a notably “slow boil.” This is partly due to a previously truncated development cycle and the challenge of integrating sweeping generative AI capabilities without destabilizing the platform. Some developers and analysts have voiced concerns over fragmentation, as manufacturer delays in adopting latest versions risk eroding Android’s ability to provide a unified, secure, and predictably updatable experience.
Notably, Apple again found itself embroiled in ongoing legal wrangling—this time losing yet another round in its protracted battle against Epic Games. The fallout saw Apple forced to continue allowing Fortnite and other previously-banned apps back into the App Store, as well as revamping its fee structures and developer agreements.
But the shift comes with hazards. Windows 11’s three-version sprawl and the slow uptake of Android 16 both illustrate how feature fragmentation can stymie both developers and IT pros. End users, meanwhile, face a moving target when it comes to documentation, support, and general system know-how.
Power users and “tinkerers” have raised alarms that platforms increasingly obfuscate or even eliminate classic control panel settings, registry tweaks, and system-level customizations. The move towards “liquid” (i.e., fluid, rapidly updated, and sometimes opaque) software delivery threatens to leave behind a key segment of the community that made Windows and Android platforms so wildly successful in earlier decades.
If the device’s launch is as strong as early reports suggest, it could catalyze a new generation for Xbox hardware and Game Pass. Yet, the asking price for 4TB of official Xbox storage remains eye-wateringly high, threatening to limit appeal for value-conscious gamers. Industry sources report that, while aftermarket alternatives exist, full compatibility and warranty coverage still favor first-party drives—which is a sticking point for enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, Xbox continues to push for broader access to Game Pass on rival platforms—a move designed to cement Xbox as a universal gaming service rather than a hardware-centric play. Some analysts praise this strategy as progressive, while others worry it could diminish the appeal of dedicated Xbox consoles going forward.
PlayStation, meanwhile, unveiled a firmware update enabling PS5 controllers to support multiple simultaneous Bluetooth connections, a feature cheered by competitive and accessibility-focused gamers alike.
And in a recurring saga, Apple once again lost in court to Epic Games regarding App Store policies. The U.S. legal system’s latest rulings enable Fortnite to remain available on Apple's platforms and grant developers a larger slice of revenue from in-app purchases—a development with significant implications for both consumer choice and Apple’s bottom line.
Caveat: Not all third-party “crunching” tools are created equal, especially when handling sensitive or proprietary images. Experts recommend vetting application privacy policies and restricting use of cloud-driven services for confidential content.
While Windows and cross-platform versions are not yet available, the show’s hosts speculated that Dia’s approach—centered around rethinking tab management, UI distractions, and smart integration with connected productivity suites—could chart a path for future browsers on all operating systems.
For Windows users, the message is clear: continuous refinement brings real value, but only if Microsoft remains vigilant against the creeping risks of complexity, fragmentation, and privacy erosion. The surge of AI across the desktop is undeniable—and Microsoft’s Copilot integration may well set new standards for productivity and creativity. Yet these advances must be counterbalanced with genuine choice, transparency, and control over one’s own system.
The rise of a new Xbox handheld, Nintendo’s triumphant console launch, and ongoing battles over developer freedom remind us that ecosystems are as much defined by openness and competition as they are by innovation. As developer season draws to a close, and another Patch Tuesday rolls out, one thing remains constant: the pace of change only accelerates, and staying informed is the surest way to thrive amid the liquid, ever-shifting world of Windows and its many rivals.
Source: Thurrott.com Windows Weekly 936: Liquid Aero
June’s Patch Tuesday landed with considerable impact, most notably reshaping Windows 11 across the three currently active versions: 22H2, 23H2, and the newly spotted 24H2. Regular Patch Tuesday updates traditionally patch security vulnerabilities and roll out minor enhancements, but this round signals more than routine maintenance—it’s an inflection point for Windows’ ongoing transformation.What’s New in Windows 11 Updates?
For users on version 22H2 and 23H2, the June rollouts continue the drive for stability, ongoing security hardening, and incremental feature tweaks. However, the real headline is around the emerging 24H2 build. While still in its Insider preview phases, 24H2 showcases Microsoft’s continued focus on AI-centric features, system-wide performance optimizations, and accessibility boosts. These are framed as evolutionary rather than revolutionary, yet the cumulative changes are seen by many as inching Windows closer to a truly cloud-powered, end-to-end connected platform.A particularly notable addition in 24H2 is enhanced integration of Copilot across the Windows desktop—a move validated both by Microsoft’s official changelogs and by detailed reports from Windows Insiders on social media. Users can now access Copilot’s artificial intelligence help not just as a sidebar, but more natively within various applications and system settings. This points to a future wherein generative AI is seamlessly interwoven with everyday desktop workflows.
However, the rollout has not been without its hiccups. While Microsoft continues to trumpet AI features, some users and industry analysts have expressed concern that such advances may be coming at the expense of overall system simplicity and clarity. The expanding footprint of Copilot raises questions about user data privacy, the reliability of cloud-driven assistants, and whether power users can meaningfully opt out of these changes.
Windows 11: Strengths and Pain Points
Strengths:- Security and Stability: The Patch Tuesday updates reaffirm Microsoft’s commitment to patching zero-days swiftly and reliably, maintaining Windows’ reputation as an enterprise workhorse.
- AI Integration: Features like Copilot, now appearing across more workflows, offer genuine productivity gains for users willing to embrace artificial intelligence.
- Iterative Refinement: By pushing feature enhancements gradually (rather than in one monolithic update), Microsoft seems intent on reducing the disruption and regression bugs that have marred some previous releases.
- Complexity Creep: As new AI and cloud-driven features are integrated, the user experience risks becoming less consistent—especially for less technical users.
- Privacy Tradeoffs: The increasingly deep integration of Copilot and telemetry-driven improvements may not sit well with users who demand privacy.
- Feature Fragmentation: With three Windows 11 versions concurrently in circulation, enterprise IT managers face increased complexity in maintenance and deployment strategies.
Developer Conference Season: Hype, Hardware, and Harbingers
June marked the culmination of the annual developer conference circuit, with Microsoft Build, Google I/O, and Apple WWDC serving as bellwethers for the industry’s forward trajectory. Each event showcased the respective strengths—and exposed notable weaknesses—of the platform heavyweights.Microsoft Build: Copilot’s Ubiquity
Microsoft’s developer event leaned heavily into the “Copilot everywhere” narrative. The star of the show was generative AI, as Microsoft detailed new APIs, integrations, and tools that allow developers to infuse Copilot’s capabilities into both modern and legacy apps. Perhaps more surprising was the open acknowledgment of customer feedback shaping the platform: for every new feature announcement, there was a parallel discussion about user trust, feedback, and customizable controls.Technical specifications highlighted at Build focused on the intersection between cloud compute and local hardware acceleration. Several demos showcased tasks—like code completion or image generation—flitting between Azure and local NPUs (Neural Processing Units), pointing to a hybrid future for the Windows ecosystem.
Yet this bold stance has drawn mixed reviews. While developers appreciate the increased flexibility, some industry pundits have flagged concerns that Microsoft risks overwhelming both its user base and its dev community by moving too quickly towards AI-first paradigms. There remains a significant developer cohort invested in classic Win32 and UWP applications—areas that, while still supported, risk being sidelined by the constant AI drumbeat.
Google I/O: Android 16 and the AI Surge
Google’s I/O conference was equally AI-heavy, with products ranging from Gemini-powered search enhancements to context-aware “multimodal” AI assistants debuting across their suite.But the fate of Android itself stole a slice of the spotlight. Despite splashy AI demos, Android 16 was characterized by a notably “slow boil.” This is partly due to a previously truncated development cycle and the challenge of integrating sweeping generative AI capabilities without destabilizing the platform. Some developers and analysts have voiced concerns over fragmentation, as manufacturer delays in adopting latest versions risk eroding Android’s ability to provide a unified, secure, and predictably updatable experience.
Apple WWDC: Playing to Core Strengths
Apple, in contrast, appeared to embrace a more measured evolution. The company’s keynote stressed refinements to iOS and macOS, a new commitment to cross-platform experiences, and a pledge to improve developer support. While Apple addressed AI in meaningful ways—including new on-device machine learning optimizations—its approach was, by industry consensus, far less aggressive than those of its peers.Notably, Apple again found itself embroiled in ongoing legal wrangling—this time losing yet another round in its protracted battle against Epic Games. The fallout saw Apple forced to continue allowing Fortnite and other previously-banned apps back into the App Store, as well as revamping its fee structures and developer agreements.
Platform Parity or Permacrisis? The State of Software Delivery
A pointed question, repeated often during Windows Weekly 936, was whether the industry’s biggest platform vendors—Microsoft, Apple, Google—any longer know how to “ship” software. With each Patch Tuesday, X.0 release, or developer keynote, modern OS rollouts increasingly look less like completed products and more like ever-updating services.Analysis: Are Cohesive Releases a Thing of the Past?
It’s undeniable that platforms today arrive in iterative, cloud-updatable fragments. This offers tangible advantages, including faster bug fixes and the opportunity to ship features when they are truly ready. For enterprise buyers and security-minded users, the perpetual update cadence mitigates risk with prompt vulnerability patching.But the shift comes with hazards. Windows 11’s three-version sprawl and the slow uptake of Android 16 both illustrate how feature fragmentation can stymie both developers and IT pros. End users, meanwhile, face a moving target when it comes to documentation, support, and general system know-how.
Power users and “tinkerers” have raised alarms that platforms increasingly obfuscate or even eliminate classic control panel settings, registry tweaks, and system-level customizations. The move towards “liquid” (i.e., fluid, rapidly updated, and sometimes opaque) software delivery threatens to leave behind a key segment of the community that made Windows and Android platforms so wildly successful in earlier decades.
Xbox: Hardware Hype, Strategic Shifts, and Handheld Innovations
Microsoft’s gaming ambitions took center stage yet again, as the company used its Xbox Games Showcase 2025 event to unveil the first-ever Xbox-branded third-party gaming handheld. The announcement marks a critical inflection point for Xbox, signaling an embrace of a more open hardware ecosystem and nodding to the success of handheld rivals like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.The New Handheld: What’s on Offer?
While full technical specifics remain under wraps, the device—manufactured in partnership with a leading gaming hardware company—was pitched as offering native Xbox Game Pass support, a robust cloud streaming experience, and up to 4TB of expandable storage. This move validates longstanding rumors that Microsoft would leverage its cloud gaming infrastructure to leap beyond traditional console cycles.If the device’s launch is as strong as early reports suggest, it could catalyze a new generation for Xbox hardware and Game Pass. Yet, the asking price for 4TB of official Xbox storage remains eye-wateringly high, threatening to limit appeal for value-conscious gamers. Industry sources report that, while aftermarket alternatives exist, full compatibility and warranty coverage still favor first-party drives—which is a sticking point for enthusiasts.
Showcase Highlights and Roadmap Turbulence
The Showcase also spotlighted Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and a Gears of War remake. However, fans were dealt a blow with confirmation that the next mainline Gears title has been postponed until at least 2026.Meanwhile, Xbox continues to push for broader access to Game Pass on rival platforms—a move designed to cement Xbox as a universal gaming service rather than a hardware-centric play. Some analysts praise this strategy as progressive, while others worry it could diminish the appeal of dedicated Xbox consoles going forward.
Xbox in Context: Measuring the Risk and Potential
Strengths:- Cloud Gaming Leadership: Leveraging Azure’s scale, Xbox is best-positioned to dictate the future of cloud-centric gaming.
- Ecosystem Openness: By partnering with external hardware makers, Microsoft signals a willingness to embrace multi-device gaming—a welcome contrast to more walled-garden approaches.
- Hardware Fragmentation: The addition of third-party devices, each with bespoke capabilities (input, display, networking), could complicate game optimization and support.
- Pricing Out Casual Gamers: Official storage expansions and hardware bundles remain priced at a premium, potentially slowing mass adoption.
The Broader Gaming Landscape: Lawsuits, Launches, and Lessons
If Xbox’s new moves stole some headlines, the rest of the gaming world was hardly quiet. Nintendo officially launched its long-awaited Switch 2, immediately breaking sales records for best-selling console at launch. Early reviews suggest the Switch 2 builds smartly on its predecessor with improved battery life, graphics, and expanded support for backward-compatible titles—a rare win for console enthusiasts.PlayStation, meanwhile, unveiled a firmware update enabling PS5 controllers to support multiple simultaneous Bluetooth connections, a feature cheered by competitive and accessibility-focused gamers alike.
And in a recurring saga, Apple once again lost in court to Epic Games regarding App Store policies. The U.S. legal system’s latest rulings enable Fortnite to remain available on Apple's platforms and grant developers a larger slice of revenue from in-app purchases—a development with significant implications for both consumer choice and Apple’s bottom line.
Tips, Picks, and Community Highlights
Each Windows Weekly episode shines with practical tips and community-driven recommendations, and 936 was no different.Tip of the Week: Share Feature and Image Crunching
Highlighting the ever-increasing importance of seamless sharing and bandwidth-friendly workflows, the team spotlighted Windows’ built-in sharing features and third-party “image crunching” tools. These apps simplify the often-tedious process of preparing images for sharing—reducing file sizes without a notable loss in quality, and integrating with OneDrive and Outlook for all-in-one workflow improvements.Caveat: Not all third-party “crunching” tools are created equal, especially when handling sensitive or proprietary images. Experts recommend vetting application privacy policies and restricting use of cloud-driven services for confidential content.
App Pick: Dia Browser
The standout software pick was Dia Browser, currently exclusive to Mac. Touted as a bold re-imagination of web browsing, Dia blends traditional pages and “immersive” interface concepts, aiming to bridge local and cloud content seamlessly.While Windows and cross-platform versions are not yet available, the show’s hosts speculated that Dia’s approach—centered around rethinking tab management, UI distractions, and smart integration with connected productivity suites—could chart a path for future browsers on all operating systems.
Podcast Spotlight: RunAs Radio – The Case for Telemetry
For IT professionals, understanding and leveraging telemetry remains a double-edged sword. On “RunAs Radio,” guest expert Liz Fong-Jones dissected the pros and pitfalls of telemetry—urging IT departments to see it not as an imposition, but as an invaluable tool for troubleshooting, capacity planning, and security. However, the podcast underscored the ethical imperative to ensure user consent and transparency.The Bottom Shelf: Glenlossie 26
Rounding out the week’s eclectic picks, the “brown liquor pick” was Glenlossie 26, a Scotch whisky praised for its nuanced complexity and finish—a nod to the value of savoring both technology and tradition.Conclusion: A Liquid, Aero-Future for Windows and Beyond?
The rapidly shifting terrain of software and hardware—marked by “liquid” updates, AI-infused workflows, and demi-permanent beta cycles—presents both exhilarating opportunities and worrisome uncertainties. Microsoft, Google, and Apple each lean into their strengths, but each also faces unique struggles around scale, fragmentation, and user trust.For Windows users, the message is clear: continuous refinement brings real value, but only if Microsoft remains vigilant against the creeping risks of complexity, fragmentation, and privacy erosion. The surge of AI across the desktop is undeniable—and Microsoft’s Copilot integration may well set new standards for productivity and creativity. Yet these advances must be counterbalanced with genuine choice, transparency, and control over one’s own system.
The rise of a new Xbox handheld, Nintendo’s triumphant console launch, and ongoing battles over developer freedom remind us that ecosystems are as much defined by openness and competition as they are by innovation. As developer season draws to a close, and another Patch Tuesday rolls out, one thing remains constant: the pace of change only accelerates, and staying informed is the surest way to thrive amid the liquid, ever-shifting world of Windows and its many rivals.
Source: Thurrott.com Windows Weekly 936: Liquid Aero