Windows Central Podcast

Is the era of Windows dominance finally coming to an end? This week, Zach Bowen and Ben Wilson dive deep into Google's latest project: the Googlebook. Google is officially moving past the "budget" reputation of the Chromebook and bringing native Android to the premium laptop space. With the "Magic Pointer" AI experience, seamless Gemini integration, and a sleek new interface, Google is striking while the iron is hot. On this episode, we're breaking down: Android for PC: Why Google is swapping Linux for an Android-native core and what that means for your favorite apps. The "Magic Pointer": Is shaking your cursor for AI assistance actually innovative, or just another gimmick?. Windows 10's End of Life: How Google and Apple (with the MacBook Neo) are perfectly timing their new hardware to poach Windows users this fall. The "Nickelback" Effect: Why it's become "cool" to hate on Windows and how Microsoft's fragmented AI strategy is driving users away. Windows 12 & Legacy-Free Computing: Our pitch for a "Modern Windows" that strips out the 90s-era code for instant boot times and better battery life. Can Microsoft turn the ship around with "K2" and Windows 12, or has the Google ecosystem finally closed the loop?

This week on the Windows Central Podcast, Dan and Zac are back to break down a massive turning point for Microsoft. It feels like the company is finally "looking in the mirror," and we've got the inside scoop on what that means for your favorite devices and services. In this episode: The Return of Xbox: We discuss the major internal reorg as Microsoft Gaming officially rebrands back to simply "Xbox." From new @xbox.com emails to a leadership overhaul under Asha Sharma, the "rebel" spirit is back. A "Quality" Revolution for Windows: We go deep on Project K2, the code-named initiative dedicated to fixing Windows 11. We're talking about the new WinUI 3 Run box, the ability to pause updates indefinitely, and a "Low Latency Profile" that could boost your app launch speeds by 40%. The Copilot Correction: Microsoft is admitting where they went too far. We talk about why Copilot is being stripped out of the Xbox OS and simplified in apps like Notepad. Game Pass & Call of Duty: Big changes are here for your wallet. We break down the new $22 Ultimate pricing and the strategic shift that moves Call of Duty from Day 1 to a Year 1 arrival on the service. Surface's Identity Crisis: Are Surface devices getting too "safe"? We brainstorm what it would take to reinvigorate the brand—from Surface Pro XLs to the return of those high-energy live launch events.

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss new Surface PCs leaks that tell all about Microsoft's upcoming wave of hardware this spring, as well as recent price hikes and the death of Surface Hub. The crew also discusses the latest progress on Microsoft's big Windows K2 effort, including some internal insight on some upcoming changes to the Start menu and Windows Insider Program improvements. 

On this episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac break down Microsoft's big announcement about Windows 11 and how the company is moving to address its biggest issues this year. It's a huge announcement that includes a detailed roadmap of new features and changes that the company intends to deliver throughout 2026, starting with bringing back the movable Taskbar! 

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss Apple's new MacBook Neo, and how it might impact the Windows PC ecosystem going forward. Is Windows in trouble? Also on this episode, the latest rumors on Windows 12: What's real and what's not? Plus, we also run down what was announced from Microsoft at GDC 2026, including what we know about Project Helix, the codename for the next Xbox coming in 2027.

On this episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Dan and Zac discuss Microsoft's plans to bring back the ability to move the Taskbar on Windows 11, plus other plans around addressing "pain points" across Windows this year. The crew also talks about Windows 12, what AI could do to software design, and more!

On this episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Dan and Zac discuss Microsoft's announcement around plans to address pain points across Windows 11 in 2026. A reaction to recent backlash? Plus, Microsoft plans to pull back on AI in Windows.

The Windows Central Podcast is back for 2026, and this week Zac and Dan discuss the current state of Windows 11. Why do so many people hate it, and is it really Microsoft's fault? Also on the agenda: What's next for Windows and Surface?

The Windows Central Podcast is back, and this week Dan and Zac discuss Windows' 40th anniversary, recent backlash from customers around agentic OS plans and the future of Windows, as well as the latest news from Ignite, the Valve Steam Machine, and Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 gaming performance.

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss Microsoft's big Windows announcement relating to new Copilot and agentic AI experiences coming soon to Windows 11. They also discuss what this means for a possible Windows 12, and where computing as a whole is headed. Also on the agenda: Windows 10 EOL and the Xbox Ally is here!

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss the big Windows reorg news and what it means for the future. Is Windows 12 around the corner? Plus, the team talk about Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X2 chips, Windows 10 reaching EOL, the impact of annual feature updates, and the latest changes to Microsoft's 365 and Game Pass subscriptions.

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Dan and Zac discuss the latest with Windows 11: new updates for Paint and Notepad, plus Windows 10 EOL and Consumer Reports asking Microsoft to extend support. Also on the agenda, Intel & NVIDIA are teaming up to create new chips fused with RTX GPUs, and Meta launches it first Ray Ban Display glasses with AI built-in. Should Microsoft do the same?

We're back after a summer break! On this episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss the latest ongoings with Windows 11, our first impressions with Microsoft's upcoming handheld gaming mode, and the news around Google being ordered to let phone makers preload apps that compete with Google services, such as Bing and Copilot!

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Dan & Zac discuss Microsoft's new "Windows 2030 Vision" series, the first of which hints at a potential future "Agentic OS" from Microsoft. What might that look like? We also discuss Microsoft's new Windows XP crocs, WinUI going open source, Dan's thoughts on the Surface Laptop 7 now that he's used one, Lenovo's rollable laptop, and OpenAI's new GPT-5 announcement!

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Dan and Zac take a look back at Windows 10 as it celebrates its 10th anniversary and discussing how it's evolved over the years. We'll also get into Microsoft's strong financial performance and the recent company layoffs. We've got a lot to say about the new Copilot features in Microsoft Edge and what we've seen with Copilot Vision on smartphones. Plus, we'll talk about the state of the Surface line, a couple of very special limited-edition laptops, and the upcoming GPT-5 integration into Copilot. We'll also be covering the latest on Windows 10 security updates, Adobe's new ARM-native beta apps, and a great deal on the Asus ZenBook A14. And of course, we'll be discussing the future of AI and its potential impact on our lives

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Zac and Ben discuss Satya Nadella's memo on layoffs, Nvidia's ARM chip delays, the business-focused Surface Laptop 7 with 5G, new Windows features, Microsoft closing its Movies & TV storefront, Lenovo Legion Go 2 leaks, and share impressions of the new Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 and Flip 7 phones.

The Windows Central Podcast is back after a short hiatus, and this week Dan and Zac discuss the latest ongoings with Windows 11, how it's finally overtaking Windows 10 in marketshare, and some of the new features that are now in testing. The gang also discusses the new Samsung Galaxy Fold 7, and how it makes them yearn for what could have been with the Surface Duo. On that subject, Zac reveals some interesting details about the Surface Duo roadmap, had it not been scrapped. They also discuss what Google merging ChromeOS and Android together could mean for Windows.

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Zac hosts a solo episode where he discusses his thoughts around Microsoft's recent layoffs, the closure of Xbox studios and game projects, and the general vibe being a Microsoft "fan" in 2025. He also discusses the Microsoft's rounding error that had some of us thinking Windows had lost up to 400 million devices in three years, the Surface Earbuds, and thoughts on what damage a cheap MacBook could do to the Windows ecosystem. 

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss Microsoft's announcement around free security updates for Windows 10, as long as you sync your PC settings to the cloud. The crew also discuss the latest on Windows 11, the new BSOD screen, and Dell's new 14 and 16 Premium laptops, the replacements for the XPS!

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss the latest news with Windows 11, Microsoft's announcement that the next Xbox will be powered by an AMD chip, Windows Hello no longer working in the dark, and the latest with AI. 

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss the big Windows and Xbox news that broke over the weekend: The Xbox Ally is official, and with it comes major changes to Windows for gaming handhelds. The crew also talks about WWDC and Apple's new Liquid Glass, and how we think it's just a worse version of Aero Glass from Windows Vista. We also talk about the new iPadOS updates, and how they could pose a threat to low- and mid-range Windows PCs.

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss the current state of Windows 11 on gaming handhelds, and how failures like Windows Core OS and Windows CorePC have put Microsoft on the back foot in this new mobile category. Also on the agenda: Windows 11 Start menu designs, Bing Video Creator, and AI leading us down a lonely path.

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac are back to discuss what's top of mind from Build 2025 and how it compared to Google I/O. Also on the agenda: Surface Pro 12-inch review and Surface Laptop 13-inch first impressions, the latest from Windows 11, OpenAI buys Jony Ive design company, and Google's XR platform gets closer. 

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Zac is on his own as he discusses the potential death of Surface Laptop Studio, the rumored AMD powered Arm-based Surface coming in 2026, Qualcomm's job listing suggesting the next Xbox will be Arm based, and layoffs.

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss Microsoft's latest wave of Surface PCs, our initial impressions of the new Surface Pro 12-inch, and how they fit into the lineup. They also discuss a whole bunch of new Windows 11 features that are coming later this year, including a new AI agent in Settings, the updated Start menu, and more.

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss the latest on Windows 11, our thoughts on Recall, Click To Do, and AI in Search as Copilot+ PCs gear up to finally receive them, and Phone Link in Start. They also discuss Edge's new Copilot New Tab Page, the latest on PC shipments, and Intel job cuts. The duo also chat about what they want to see in the Surface Pro 12, and what Microsoft could possibly name its upcoming smaller Pro and Laptop devices.

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel is back to give us the low-down at Microsoft's 50th anniversary event, the stuff we didn't see on stream, including protests from Microsoft employees. Zac and Dan also reflect on Copilot's announcements, and what might be next for the AI assistant. Surely, it's a Copilot-powered OS? We also discuss the latest on Windows 11, including Recall finally getting close to GA, and the latest on tariffs and how they're affecting the PC market.

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Zac sits down with Ben to chat Microsoft's big 50th anniversary event, which was more a Copilot event with the 50th stuff being kept for the people in-attendance in Redmond. Microsoft announced new memory, personalization, vision, research, and shopping features for Copilot. All designed to make Copilot more human. Additionally, we discuss Microsoft's new Start menu for Windows 11 that was spotted hidden in recent preview builds, as well as our favorite versions of Windows and Windows apps to celebrate 50 years.

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss the current state of Windows on Arm, the Surface Laptop 7's high return rate, more details on the upcoming smaller Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, and the latest on Windows 11 and our first signs of 25H2.  

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Dan and Zac discuss the removal of the charging brick on Surface Pro 11 and what it could mean for the future of Surface Connect, the latest on Windows 11, new devices from HP, Qualcomm GPU drivers, and more.

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, we discuss Microsoft's upcoming April 4 event and speculate about what it could possibly announce, the latest from Windows 11 and Copilot, Apple Intelligence Siri being delayed, Xbox Project Kennan, and more!

In this week's exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss the official death of Skype, our struggles as a podcast that has exclusively used Skype for almost a decade, and the latest from Copilot on Windows and future AI experiences in the OS. Also this week, we talk about Lenovo's latest weird PCs, the new MacBook Air and how we think it's a bad deal now that devices like the Surface Laptop 7 exist.

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss Panos Panay's big Alexa+ announcement, Microsoft trialling a free version of Office for Windows, Windows 365 Link fast approaching, thoughts on Chrome OS Flex, Framework's new 12-inch Laptop, and more!

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss the latest on Windows 11, new features in the Dev and Beta Channels, and have its system requirements secretly changed? Also on the agenda: A new era for Surface, and why the Surface you know and love is dead. Plus, we try to decipher what Microsoft's Quantum chip announcement is all about, and HP's decision to acquire Humane AI. If you liked this episode, be sure to give us a rating on your podcast platform of choice. It really helps!

On this episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss the official end of HoloLens and IVAS, Copilot being bad at summarizing content, Arm reportedly making its own chip, and the Galaxy Watch and Ring! If you enjoy this episode, please give us a rating on your podcast platform of choice. It really helps!

Daniel and Zac are back for another Windows Central Podcast, and on the agenda this week: What's next for Windows 11? New features and Selenium, as well as Build 2025 expectations, the current Copilot+ PC situation, Qualcomm vs Arm, and more!

On this week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Dan and Zac discuss Microsoft's major Surface for Business announcement and the new Surface devices that came from it, the recent DeepSeek drama, Microsoft buying TikTok, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. 

On this week's episode, Zac Bowden discusses the existence of an 11/12-inch Surface Pro and Surface Laptop that Microsoft is planning to ship this year, the latest from Windows 11, the recent Microsoft 365 rebrand, and the Galaxy Unpacked event. 

Zac Bowden and Daniel Rubino are back to kick off the year with a look at the best of CES 2025, as well as thoughts on Microsoft's upcoming major announcement for Surface for Business. Also on the agenda: Windows and Xbox coming together to compete with SteamOS and the competition.

Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden are back for the last Windows Central Podcast of the year. This episode, we talk about the death of Surface Studio 2+, what's next for Surface in the year 2025, Windows Recall and Click To Do impressions, and Intel's CEO stepping down.  The podcast will return to a weekly schedule in January 2025. Episodes will release every Friday starting January 17!

On this episode of the Windows Central Podcast, Daniel and Zac discuss the new Microsoft Copilot that's designed to be more human, what might be next for operating systems with AI, 24H2 availability, new Copilot+ PC features for Windows 11, the death of HoloLens and why Windows Phone mattered.

On this week's Windows Central Podcast, Zac is joined by Windows Central tech editor Ben Wilson to discuss the week's biggest news. We talk Intel's 13th/14th Gen issues, Intel's layoffs, and Intel being sued. We also discuss AMDs new Ryzen chips and how they compare to Intel/Qualcomm, plus the rumor that Microsoft is working on a new VR headset!

Zac and Dan are back to chat about the latest news in the Microsoft and Windows world. This week's episode tackles the recent Windows BSOD carnage thanks to CrowdStrike, our thoughts on Windows 11 version 24H2 so far, new features coming soon, and our continued experiences with Copilot+ PCs such as the Surface Pro 11!

As we try to get back on schedule, Daniel and Zac recap Microsoft's big May 20 event, including the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop, Windows on Arm, and Copilot+ PCs!

On this week's episode of the Window's Central Podcast, Dan and Zac discuss the leaked renders of the first PC with a Snapdragon X Elite CPU, the latest on Windows 11 & how version 24H2 is almost ready for manufacturers, Microsoft's new 'AI Explorer' feature for Windows 11 potentially being exclusive to Arm, veteran designer Ralf Groene retiring from the Surface department & what this means for Microsoft going forward, and more! Links: Microsoft begins testing potential RTM build for Windows 11 version 24H2 - Windows Central Microsoft's upcoming Windows 11 'AI Explorer' update might be exclusive to Arm devices in major blow to Intel's "AI PCs" - Windows Central Leaked renders of the first PC with Snapdragon X Elite CPU showcase a sexy Lenovo laptop - Windows Central Microsoft veteran designer Ralf Groene retires from the Surface department - Windows Central Follow us on Twitter: @Daniel_Rubino @ZacBowden

On this week's episode of the Window's Central Podcast, Dan and Zac discuss Pavan Davuluri taking charge of both Windows and Surface engineering, the new Surface Pro 10 & Surface Laptop 6, how important the newly announced Google Chrome for ARM could be, the difference between an AI PC and just a PC with AI according to Intel & Microsoft, the leak of an all-white digital Xbox Series X, Phil Spencer's comments on handheld gaming devices, and more! Links: Microsoft once again merges Windows and Surface teams under new boss - Windows Central DON'T buy the new Surface Pro 10 or Surface Laptop 6 - Windows Central Google optimizing Chrome for Windows 11 on ARM - Windows Central Microsoft says this single key is the difference between an AI PC and just a PC with AI - Windows Central A white digital Xbox Series X has leaked - Windows Central Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer wants PC gaming stores on Xbox - Windows Central Follow us on Twitter: @Daniel_Rubino @ZacBowden

On this week's episode of the Window's Central Podcast, Zac discusses Microsoft's new Surface PCs with Intel for business, what to expect, why the company is planning two waves of hardware launches this spring, Microsoft's special Windows & Surface event on May 20th featuring announcements around new Arm Surface PCs and next-gen AI features coming to Windows 11, another internal reorg forming a new "Microsoft AI" organisation better positioning the company for an AI future, and more! Links: Microsoft confirms May event for major Windows 11 AI features and new Arm Surface PCs - Windows Central What to expect from Microsoft's spring 2024 Surface PC announcements - Windows Central DeepMind co-founder joins Microsoft to lead Copilot development under new 'Microsoft AI' org - Windows Central Follow us on Twitter: @ZacBowden

On this week's episode of the Window's Central Podcast, Dan and Zac discuss their thoughts on the new Outlook for Windows, what to expect from the Windows 11 'Moment 5' feature update later this month, Microsoft bringing Wi-Fi 7 support to Windows 11, Microsoft's NEW Windows 11 feature drop (including more AI features for Copilot), Windows 11 getting it's own version of Apple's popular "Continuity Camera" feature, Microsoft almost selling Bing to Apple, Intel making home-grown chips for Microsoft, review the Dell XPS 14, go through all the fallout from Mobile World Congress 2024, and more! We also discuss the upcoming Surface Pro 10 and Surface Laptop 6, which we expect will be unveiled later this month! Links: I actually hate the new Outlook for Windows - Windows Central Windows 11 'Moment 5' feature update is coming this month — here are the new features - Windows Central Microsoft's NEW Windows 11 feature drop arrives - Windows Central You'll soon be able to use your high-resolution smartphone camera as a webcam - Windows Central Microsoft brings Wi-Fi 7 support to Windows 11 with latest preview build - Windows Central Microsoft almost sold Bing to Apple - Windows Central Intel bags a huge fish for its new Foundry Services as Microsoft places an order for home-grown chips - Windows Central Dell XPS 14 (9440) review - Windows Central Microsoft News Roundup: Transparent PCs, Copilot's "evil twin," Mobile World Congress - Windows Central Follow us on Twitter: @Daniel_Rubino @ZacBowden

On this week's episode of the Window's Central Podcast, Dan and Zac discuss the Windows 11 2024 Update brining new AI features & quality of life improvements, Windows using AI to improve your video games, the new features on the Windows 11 'Moment 5' feature update, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirming some Xbox games are heading to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, confirmation that new Xbox hardware will be announced this holiday season, Game Pass reaching 34 million subscribers, OpenAI's video generation breakthrough, and more! Links: Windows 11 version 24H2: New features, next-gen AI PCs, and everything we know so far - Windows Central The next version of Windows will use AI to improve your video games - Windows Central Windows 11 'Moment 5' feature update is coming this month — here are the new features - Windows Central Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirms some Xbox games are headed to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch - Windows Central Xbox Game Pass has hit a new growth milestone - Windows Central Microsoft confirms new Xbox hardware will be announced this holiday season - Windows Central OpenAI's latest model generates lifelike minute-long AI videos - Windows Central Follow us on Twitter: @Daniel_Rubino @ZacBowden

On this week's episode of the Window's Central Podcast, Dan and Zac discuss why we're not getting Windows 12 this year at least,  Microsoft being the world's most valuable company for the next five years, Google finally bringing native Arm64 support to Chrome on Windows, the latest Windows Insider updates, initial Apple Vision Pro reviews, how Apple's malicious compliance with new EU rules is ruffling feathers, and more! Links:  Windows 12 might not arrive in 2024 -Windows Central 13 market analysts unanimously vote that Microsoft will be the world's most valuable company in the next five years - Windows Central Google Chrome for Windows on Arm is FINALLY happening - Windows Central Microsoft's new Windows OS installation UI is actually 10 years old - Windows Central 'Apple's new policy is a step in the wrong direction.' - Windows Central Follow us on Twitter: @Daniel_Rubino @ZacBowden