Windows Weekly Episode 929: Key Updates on Windows, AI, Ubuntu ARM, and Xbox

Date: April 23, 2025 Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, Richard Campbell

Windows Updates: Week D Preview and Feature Enhancements

In the latest 'Week D' preview update, Microsoft has rolled out several enhancements:

  • Click to Do Enhancements:
    • Reading Coach Integration: Users can now practice reading exercises directly within the Reading Coach.
    • Immersive Reader Support: The 'Read with Immersive Reader' feature offers a distraction-free reading experience.
  • Semantic Search for OneDrive Photos:
    • Availability: Initially for European Economic Area (EEA) users with Snapdragon X devices.
    • Functionality: Allows natural language queries to locate specific photos stored in OneDrive.
  • Voice Access Improvements:
    • Custom Dictionary: Users can add words to enhance dictation accuracy.
  • Green Screen UI Update:
    • Canary Build: The latest build introduces an updated green screen user interface.

Ubuntu 25.04: Native ARM64 Support and BitLocker Integration

Ubuntu's latest release, version 25.04, brings significant advancements:

  • Native ARM64 ISO:
    • Implication: Enables direct installation on ARM-based devices without additional configurations.
  • BitLocker Support:
    • Functionality: Recognizes and works with BitLocker-encrypted drives, facilitating dual-boot setups without the need to decrypt and re-encrypt partitions.

AI Developments: Microsoft 365 Copilot and Google's Gemini

  • Microsoft 365 Copilot Updates:
    • Agent Store Introduction: A new platform for discovering and integrating AI agents.
    • Copilot Vision: Now freely available in Microsoft Edge, providing insights based on on-screen content.
  • Google's AI Initiatives:
    • Gemini Advanced: Offered free to U.S. college students, aiming to expand AI accessibility.
    • User Metrics: As of last month, Gemini reported 35 million daily active users and 350 million monthly active users, compared to ChatGPT's 160 million daily and 600 million monthly active users.

Antitrust Actions: Increased Scrutiny on Big Tech

  • Google's Legal Challenges:
    • Search Monopoly Case: The DOJ seeks to break up Google's search business.
    • Advertising Monopoly Case: Google found to hold an illegal monopoly in the advertising sector.
  • EU Regulatory Actions:
    • Fines Imposed: Apple and Meta fined for non-compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
    • Apple Intelligence Delay: The 'Apple Intelligence' feature's release has been postponed.

Gaming News: Elder Scrolls IV Remastered and Xbox App Expansion

  • Elder Scrolls IV Remastered:
    • Platforms: Available on Xbox, PC, PS5, and included in Game Pass.
  • Xbox App on LG Smart TVs:
    • Functionality: Enables cloud gaming directly on compatible LG smart TVs without additional hardware.
  • Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders:
    • Rescheduling: Pre-orders rescheduled to April 24 with no price change.
    • Demand: Higher than anticipated, according to Nintendo.

Tips and Picks

  • Tip of the Week:
    • Google Fi Revisited: Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Google Fi introduces new features and plans, making it a compelling option for mobile users.
  • Hardware Pick:
    • Microsoft Keyboards and Mice: Microsoft-designed peripherals are back in stock, offering quality input devices for users.
  • RunAs Radio Episode:
    • Topic: 'Agentic AI for IT Pros' featuring Tim Warner, discussing the role of AI agents in IT operations.
  • Brown Liquor Pick:
    • Dark Harmony No. 3 Black IPA Cask: A unique blend offering a rich and complex flavor profile.

For a detailed discussion and more insights, listen to the full episode of Windows Weekly 929.

Note: This article is based on the Windows Weekly 929 episode titled 'The Blue Screen of Soup' aired on April 23, 2025.