In the latest episode of Windows Weekly, our tech-savvy trio—Leo Laporte, Richard Campbell, and Paul Thurrott—delve into the whirlwind of headlines and changes that rocked the world of tech in 2024. The episode, fittingly titled “Unicornification”, paints a colorful picture of the year's standout stories, quirks, and future expectations. Whether you're here for the dirt on Windows 11, the juicy Qualcomm-vs.-Microsoft Arm drama, or the latest from Microsoft's AI pipeline, there's plenty to chew on.
But let’s go beyond the headlines. You don’t just want a recap—you want context, analysis, and insight. That’s where I come in. Here’s the breakdown of everything they discussed and why it matters for Windows users in 2024 and beyond.
So, what went wrong this time? Reports indicate that Windows 11 24H2 introduced a handful of half-baked features, including a refined safety reset tool, improvements to passkeys, and more. While these features sound promising on paper, stability issues overshadowed the excitement. But let’s highlight the silent hero: Microsoft’s long-awaited focus on making Passkeys portable. This move signals a shift toward a passwordless future, aligning with ongoing security trends. For Windows users still stuck fumbling with sticky notes of passwords? Portability over multiple devices is a game-changer.
Here’s the kicker: all of this is part of Microsoft’s “secret master plan” to replace the trusty Microsoft 365 app with a newly designed—and frankly renamed—Microsoft 365 Copilot app. While the two appear nearly identical, the company promises enhanced security features under the hood, particularly useful for enterprises dealing with sensitive data.
But there’s another twist. Since the AI wave began cresting earlier in the year, Microsoft has been burning cash trying to scale AI offerings like Copilot. Shareholders have reportedly grown restless with the gargantuan price tag that artificial intelligence demands, despite Microsoft’s projections that tools like Copilot will reshape how businesses function.
Why does this matter? Because an x86 monopoly leaves consumers with fewer hardware choices. ARM-based processors consume less power and increasingly deliver competitive performance. In 2024, witnessing Qualcomm’s Windows-focused solutions come of age could herald a wave of lighter, battery-efficient laptops powered by ARM. Is this Microsoft hedging bets against Intel’s slump? You bet.
Meanwhile, Microsoft faces tough rivals like Google's Imagen 3. On the consumer side, psychological fatigue with constant AI over-marketing is setting in. People want practical AI solutions, yet they’re mostly greeted with gimmicks or high price tags. AI is no longer novel—it’s the baseline, and consumers are already craving what’s next.
The latest Xbox blockbuster title, “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,” exemplifies another reality for gamers—bloated download sizes (111 GB for PC!). With solid releases on Cloud Gaming and PC Game Pass, some argue it’s as though Microsoft’s breadcrumbs are becoming the full loaf.
Oh, and don’t sleep on Xbox. Even the best IPs (Indiana Jones, anyone?) won’t save Game Pass if Microsoft ignores consumer calls for transparency in pricing.
What did we learn this week? Tech may move fast, but it’s never boring. The unicorns are arriving, just maybe in chaos-form. Let’s see how Microsoft untangles the mess in 2025—assuming they can.
Source: Thurrott.com https://www.thurrott.com/podcasts/windows-weekly/314707/windows-weekly-912-unicornification
But let’s go beyond the headlines. You don’t just want a recap—you want context, analysis, and insight. That’s where I come in. Here’s the breakdown of everything they discussed and why it matters for Windows users in 2024 and beyond.
Windows 11 Updates & Chaos in 24H2
First, it was déjà vu. Microsoft lit up tech circles with the release of Windows 11 24H2, which… to put it nicely… stumbled out of the gate. The update brought its fair share of challenges, with many users reporting buggy experiences. Thurrott’s take—“Windows 11 makes chaos look calm”—captures the widespread sentiment nicely. And yet, isn’t this a recurring chapter in Windows’ history? From the days of Windows 10's launch to that infamous forced upgrade popup, Microsoft is no stranger to controversy when rolling out major OS updates.So, what went wrong this time? Reports indicate that Windows 11 24H2 introduced a handful of half-baked features, including a refined safety reset tool, improvements to passkeys, and more. While these features sound promising on paper, stability issues overshadowed the excitement. But let’s highlight the silent hero: Microsoft’s long-awaited focus on making Passkeys portable. This move signals a shift toward a passwordless future, aligning with ongoing security trends. For Windows users still stuck fumbling with sticky notes of passwords? Portability over multiple devices is a game-changer.
Takeaway for Users:
Getting the 24H2 update? Back up and tread carefully. Utilize Windows Insider Feedback before committing to new builds if you’re prone to dissatisfaction with initial rollouts.Microsoft 365 Copilot Shenanigans: A Corporate Juggernaut in Chaos
AI integration in productivity tools was supposed to revolutionize workflows, right? Instead, Microsoft 365’s Copilot caused what one might call corporate “Copilot Craziness.” Enterprises were blindsided when Microsoft abruptly instructed admins to uninstall the legacy Copilot app and remap the keyboard keys used to launch it.Here’s the kicker: all of this is part of Microsoft’s “secret master plan” to replace the trusty Microsoft 365 app with a newly designed—and frankly renamed—Microsoft 365 Copilot app. While the two appear nearly identical, the company promises enhanced security features under the hood, particularly useful for enterprises dealing with sensitive data.
But there’s another twist. Since the AI wave began cresting earlier in the year, Microsoft has been burning cash trying to scale AI offerings like Copilot. Shareholders have reportedly grown restless with the gargantuan price tag that artificial intelligence demands, despite Microsoft’s projections that tools like Copilot will reshape how businesses function.
Analysis:
Microsoft’s execution here feels rushed—redefining their headline app while making minimal noise about it during events like Ignite reflects poor communication. Enterprise users are understandably hesitant when sudden changes aren't backed by clear roadmaps.Key Question:
With AI costing Microsoft a fortune, how long before these tools become prohibitively expensive for SMBs (Small and Medium Businesses)?Intel’s Downfall, Qualcomm’s Ascent, and Windows on ARM Glory?
Now let’s talk hardware—particularly the fascinating tug-of-war between x86 stalwarts like Intel and Qualcomm’s ARM architecture. For years, Intel dominated the personal computing space, but as the Windows Weekly crew observed, Intel’s decline follows a string of strategic missteps. On the other hand, Qualcomm and Microsoft are finally showing off the slick version of “Windows on ARM” we’ve always wanted.Why does this matter? Because an x86 monopoly leaves consumers with fewer hardware choices. ARM-based processors consume less power and increasingly deliver competitive performance. In 2024, witnessing Qualcomm’s Windows-focused solutions come of age could herald a wave of lighter, battery-efficient laptops powered by ARM. Is this Microsoft hedging bets against Intel’s slump? You bet.
What’s Next?
Before Windows on ARM becomes mainstream, developers need to step up software compatibility for ARM-based systems. Many popular Windows apps still run poorly on ARM environments, hampered mainly by inadequate emulation.Key Thought:
What does a future dominated by ARM mean for gaming PCs, high-power workloads, and longstanding partnerships like Microsoft-Intel?AI’s Real Impact: From OpenAI to Microsoft and Google
The tech world continues its obsession with AI, but the "real" impact of these innovations is coming into question. In the early months of 2024, Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI made headlines with ChatGPT-powered enhancements to Azure, yet now we see tempered enthusiasm. Why? Maintaining and scaling artificial intelligence at a consumerized level is both astronomically expensive and rife with ethical as well as resource challenges.Meanwhile, Microsoft faces tough rivals like Google's Imagen 3. On the consumer side, psychological fatigue with constant AI over-marketing is setting in. People want practical AI solutions, yet they’re mostly greeted with gimmicks or high price tags. AI is no longer novel—it’s the baseline, and consumers are already craving what’s next.
Microsoft’s AI Misstep:
By glossing over true critical applications, Microsoft risks falling into “feature creep” territory, where flashy tools overshadow substantial improvements.Gaming and the Xbox Activision Saga: Spent Billions, Got Dormancy?
One of the juiciest scoops on Windows Weekly was the aftermath of Microsoft’s $89 billion Activision acquisition. After the massive deal concluded, Microsoft did shockingly little with the Activision library. If anything, gamers were left scratching their heads while prices for Game Pass subscriptions quietly crept upward.The latest Xbox blockbuster title, “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle,” exemplifies another reality for gamers—bloated download sizes (111 GB for PC!). With solid releases on Cloud Gaming and PC Game Pass, some argue it’s as though Microsoft’s breadcrumbs are becoming the full loaf.
Cultural Shift in Gaming Subscription:
With “Game Pass fatigue” creeping into public discourse, it begs the question—what’s the retention strategy if costs keep climbing without clear value offsets?Final Thoughts on Key Stories of 2024
As this year closes, we’re left with important reflections. Microsoft’s transition toward AI-first strategies reveals cracks—scalable ambitions often fail to account for consumer realities. Windows 11 remains a polarizing OS, though its continued investment in security and better ported experiences for features like Passkeys is a nod toward futureproofing. Then there’s the hardware drama, complete with Intel’s fall, Qualcomm’s rise, and a chance for Windows on ARM to finally hit its stride.Oh, and don’t sleep on Xbox. Even the best IPs (Indiana Jones, anyone?) won’t save Game Pass if Microsoft ignores consumer calls for transparency in pricing.
What did we learn this week? Tech may move fast, but it’s never boring. The unicorns are arriving, just maybe in chaos-form. Let’s see how Microsoft untangles the mess in 2025—assuming they can.
Source: Thurrott.com https://www.thurrott.com/podcasts/windows-weekly/314707/windows-weekly-912-unicornification
