Leo, Richard, and Paul discuss 26H1, Windows 11, Microsoft and other earnings, AI, antitrust, .NET 10, Xbox, and much more.
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### 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.
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### 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.
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### 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.
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### 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.
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### 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.
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### RunAs Radio
This week’s episode features a discussion on managing updates using Autopatch with Aria Hanson.
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### Brown Liquor Pick of the Week
**Glencadam Rather Unique 1999** — A standout selection for whisky aficionados.
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Stay tuned for more updates and discussions on Windows Weekly!
https://www.thurrott.com/podcasts/windows-weekly/329318/windows-weekly-957-selectively-transparent