It’s only been one week, but it’s really been 14 years in the making: Microsoft and Qualcomm have finally made Windows 11 on Arm both viable and desirable. Nothing is perfect, but this platform is pretty incredible. Here are some notes from the past week:
Surface Laptop 7 and HP UltraBook Ultra
The Surface Laptop 7 has made quite an impression with its sleek design and powerful performance. First impressions were positive, and second impressions only solidified its standing as a top-tier device. Meanwhile, the HP UltraBook Ultra has also entered the scene with strong first impressions, showcasing its potential in the competitive ultrabook market.
Windows 11 Updates
After skipping Week D last Tuesday, Microsoft belatedly delivered a Week D preview update for Windows 11 version 24H2. This update brings a host of new features and improvements, keeping users on their toes with the latest advancements.
Windows Insider Preview
The Windows Insider Preview continues to be a hotbed of innovation, with new updates and features being tested regularly. This program allows users to get a sneak peek at what’s coming next in the Windows ecosystem.
AI and Microsoft 365
The European Commission has shifted its investigation of the Microsoft/OpenAI partnership, raising questions about the future of AI integration in Microsoft products. Meanwhile, Microsoft has highlighted new Copilot features coming to Microsoft 365 in July. Notably, Copilot in OneNote can now recognize handwritten text, bringing back memories of early 2000s technology advancements.
Google AI and Brave Browser
The Pixel 9 family is set to promote unique “Google AI” features, while Brave introduces a BYOM (Bring Your Own Model) plan for its web browser. Thanks to AI, Google Translate now supports 110 new languages, making it more versatile than ever.
Xbox Updates
Xbox Cloud Gaming is taking on Amazon with its Fire Stick integration. However, there are some disappointments as Forza Horizon 4 (from 2018) is set to be delisted on December 15. Xbox Game Pass continues to offer great value, even if it’s another two weeks of waiting for new releases.
Tips and Picks
- Tip of the week: Get $10 off Tony Redmond’s Office 365 for IT Pros 11th Edition. This comprehensive guide is now over 1200 pages long with deep coverage of Entra ID, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Teams, OneDrive for Business, and the rest of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. Windows Weekly listeners can get it for $10 off. There are monthly updates, and you also get a separate book for free, Automating Microsoft 365 with PowerShell, if you subscribe. Otherwise, you can purchase it separately.
- App pick of the week: Docs in Proton Drive. Proton is taking on Google Docs with its new offering.
- RunAs Radio this week: NGINX as a Service with Buu Lam. Listen here
- Brown liquor pick of the week: Jack Daniels Old No. 7. Learn more here
For those looking to stay ahead in the tech world, signing up for our new free newsletter will provide three time-saving tips each Friday. As a special welcome gift, subscribers will receive free copies of Paul Thurrott’s Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides (normally $9.99). Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your Windows intelligence right in your inbox.
