Windows Weekly 957: Selectively Transparent

Leo, Richard, and Paul discuss 26H1, Windows 11, Microsoft and other earnings, AI, antitrust, .NET 10, Xbox, and much more.

Stream this episode and subscribe to enjoy Windows Weekly on YouTube.

### Windows 11 26H1 Release

We’ve heard that Microsoft will go off script this year with a 26H1 release of Windows 11, specifically aimed at Snapdragon X2-based PCs. This follows the early release of 24H2 last year, which targeted the first-generation Snapdragon X processors.

The 26H1 update has now been confirmed by the release notes of a recent Windows Update. The Dev Channel will soon switch over to 26H1 testing, with the Beta Channel moving to 25H2.

### Microsoft Edge Password Manager Update

Microsoft Edge’s password manager can now save and sync passkeys. However, it is still recommended to use a third-party password or identity manager for enhanced security.

### Microsoft Store Enhancements

The Microsoft Store has introduced a bulk installer feature, but it is currently available only on the web version of the Store.

### Microsoft Earnings Highlights

Microsoft’s recent earnings report shows strong revenue growth:

– **Total revenues** are up 18% year-over-year, reaching $77.7 billion.
– **Productivity and Business Processes** revenues increased by 17% YOY to $33 billion.
– **Intelligent Cloud** revenues rose 28% YOY, totaling $30.9 billion.
– **More Personal Computing** segment delivered $13.8 billion in revenues, up 4% YOY.

However, the cost of AI investments is escalating rapidly, with capital expenditures and AI infrastructure build-out costs reaching $34.9 billion. This trend is expected to continue growing throughout the fiscal year.

### Tips and Picks

**Tip of the Week:**
*Enshittification* by Cory Doctorow — A must-read. Understand the concept, internalize it, and apply the lessons.

**App Pick of the Week:**
*Affinity v3* — The new all-in-one Affinity app is now 100% free on Windows, Mac, and soon on iPad. Additionally, a Canva paid subscription can be used to access AI features.

### RunAs Radio

This week’s episode features a discussion on managing updates using Autopatch with Aria Hanson.

### Brown Liquor Pick of the Week

**Glencadam Rather Unique 1999** — A standout selection for whisky aficionados.

Stay tuned for more updates and discussions on Windows Weekly!
https://www.thurrott.com/podcasts/windows-weekly/329318/windows-weekly-957-selectively-transparent

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