Show Notes
With major leadership shakeups and rumors of studio closures, the future of XBOX inside Microsoft suddenly looks uncertain. Is this the beginning of a Game Pass overhaul, or could XBOX face an outright split from the company? Plus, PowerToys 0.100 (yes, point one hundred) arrives with so many improvements. And the Windows Insider program is leaving even seasoned users scratching their heads over Microsoft's so-called "simplification."
Windows
Windows Insider Program: Microsoft releases a record 7 builds to the allegedly simpler Insider Program
You can't tell the players without a program
Experimental: Less disruptive Windows Update, Windows Search improvements
Beta 26H1: Screen tint
Beta 25H2: Screen tint, quieter Widgets, Magnifier zoom controls
Release Preview 25H2: Screen tint, quieter Widgets, Magnifier zoom controls, Bluetooth connectivity improvements
All (?) get Voice access and Voice typing improvements, and new right-click Touchpad settings
Good God, Microsoft
Hardware
Microsoft announces Snapdragon X2-based Surface Laptop 8 and Surface Laptop 13 and the prices are eye-watering
Samsung announces Snapdragon X2-based Galaxy Book6 Edge and, yes, the prices are eye-watering
The component crisis is a disaster but limitations are driving innovation, as they always have
Google releases Android 17 alongside a new Pixel Drop, setting the stage for Googlebooks
Software
Microsoft Edge to follow Chrome to a two-week development schedule because we all love updating our web browsers
Mozilla releases Firefox 152 and a new roadmap for the browser
AI
FINALLY AN AI-FREE WEEK
XBOX and gaming
Fear & loathing at XBOX! The Microsoft fiscal year ends in two weeks, and big changes are coming
XBOX leadership set to reveal "hard truths" that will absolutely include layoffs and studio and game closures
Microsoft is looking at all options for XBOX, including a spin-off
XBOX Studios CEO and chief of staff announce their departures ahead of expected layoffs
XBOX reportedly closing Ninja Theory, makers of the Hellblade games
Compulsion Games is likely on the chopping block too
XBOX is coming to Gamescon this year
Xbox June Update arrives with new boot animation, more while Microsoft continues testing minor UX changes in the Insider Program
COD: Vanguard, EA Sports FC 26 and more coming to Game Pass in the second half of June
Rockstar Games is giving free GTA V upgrades to Xbox One and PS4 players
Tips and picks
Tip of the week: Don't doomscroll, learnscroll instead
App pick of the week: PowerToys 0.100
RunAs Radio this week: 47 Day Certificates with Todd Gardner
Brown liquor pick of the week: Thornæs Kagerup
Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell
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