Windows Weekly 902: Patch Tuesday Insights and Antitrust Developments

In the latest episode of Windows Weekly, episode 902 titled "Nothing to Declare," the trio of tech aficionados—Leo Laporte, Richard Campbell, and Paul Thurrott—dive into an intriguing mix of topics that every Windows user should be aware of. Notably, their discussion revolves around the eagerly anticipated Patch Tuesday, various updates to Microsoft's field guides, ongoing antitrust matters, the evolving status of Large Language Models (LLMs), the release of .NET 9 Release Candidate 2, and, of course, exciting developments in the gaming world including Xbox.

Patch Tuesday and Windows 11 Updates​

Patch Tuesday has become a monthly tradition for Windows users, a day when Microsoft rolls out its updates, fixes, and security patches. This month, the spotlight was on Windows 11, with significant updates for the versions 22H2 and 24H2.

• First Glance at 24H2: For the first time, the 24H2 update is being acknowledged by Microsoft, showing up on their support site. This update promises a range of enhancements designed to streamline user experience, such as:
  • Sharing local files directly from search results – a handy feature for those who often send files to others directly from their desktop experience.
  • Media controls on the lock screen – allowing users to easily pause or skip tracks without unlocking the device.
  • Improvements in Copilot management – integrated tools within the account settings make it simpler to manage AI assistants.

As the updates came rolling out, users noted the final cumulative updates for 22H2, which were the same as those for 23H2, indicating a transition phase for users moving to the newer version.

The Current Antitrust Climate​

Moving beyond updates, the discussion also ventures into the realm of antitrust. A pivotal moment came when a U.S. court ordered Google to open its Android apps and Google Play Store, which could significantly reshape the competitive landscape for app distribution. The implications of this decision ripple through the tech community, especially with reports suggesting that the Department of Justice is open to breaking up Google altogether.
Interestingly, lesser-known web browser makers are pushing the European Union to include Microsoft Edge on its Digital Markets Act (DMA) list, a move that could prompt further scrutiny and potential changes in Microsoft's business practices.

The Age of LLMs as Commodities​

The trio scrutinizes comments from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who recently referred to the underlying technologies of AI—particularly LLMs—as commodities. This insight raises the question of what this means for developers and businesses leveraging AI technologies. As tools become standardized and widely available, will they lose their unique essence, or will they lead to more innovative and diverse applications?

.NET 9 and Gaming Talk​

On the developmental front, the discussion covers .NET 9's Release Candidate 2, which was released on schedule. It’s a signal from Microsoft about the company’s ongoing commitment to making its development frameworks robust, if not groundbreaking. While no new features were introduced in this release candidate, its prompt arrival keeps developers engaged with the latest in software design.
The gaming segment highlights the transition of Microsoft franchises, shedding light on the move of Halo to the Unreal Engine, a significant step aimed at revitalizing the beloved franchise. Plus, gamers can expect Flight Simulator 2024 to begin a technical alpha phase on PC soon, and notable new titles like Red Dead Redemption are gearing up for a PC release on October 29.

Tip of the Week and Recommendations​

As always, the podcast wraps up with a Tip of the Week, including recommendations for video game fans—a documentary that fans of the game series STALKER won’t want to miss. Alongside this, the hosts share some software picks, including Multiplicity 4 (currently in beta) and their brown liquor pick of the week—a sophisticated choice of Talisker 45 Year Old Glacial Edge.

Conclusion​

As episode 902 of Windows Weekly indicates, staying updated with the latest developments in Windows and technology in general is crucial for all users. Whether it’s understanding the implications of monthly updates, delving into antitrust discussions, or exploring the future of AI and software development, this podcast serves as an essential resource for navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape.
For more insights, tips, and the full discussion, check out the full episode of Windows Weekly 902.
Source: Thurrott.com Windows Weekly 902: Nothing to Declare