Windows Weekly 996

Microsoft’s AI investments reveal a bizarre financial loop where billions pour into infrastructure, yet profits remain elusive. The hosts break down why the industry’s most hyped tech might just be a high-stakes game of circular accounting. Plus, a developer has resurrected Microsoft Word for Windows 1.1a to run natively on Windows 11! Lastly, Stardock’s latest utility replaces Alt + Tab for $7.99.

Windows

• 25H2: new touchpad gestures, Windows Hello ESS improvements, Widgets improvements, Windows Search improvements, more
• 26H1: Windows Update calendar-based pausing, Picture Password EOL, Point in time restore, multi-camera support, user folder customization in Setup, etc.
• Over 420 bug fixes, but that’s over 200 less than last month
• Follow-up on Microsoft’s AI spending. It’s much worse than we knew - And also much worse than we know now
• Yes, Microsoft Edge is going all-in on Manifest V3
• Proton Drive - Now with a CLI and business features, and it’s coming soon to Linux
• A developer ported Word for Windows 1.1 to x64

AI

• Gemini now has one billion users. But how many pay? - Plus the new Pixel phones are one step sideways, one step back
• OpenAI brings ChatGPT to Linux (!)

Xbox and gaming

• A new Xbox Elite Series 3 controller leak shows it will have a mini display
• Microsoft tests new console features with Xbox Insiders
• Id Software brings a new episode to Quake to mark 30th anniversary!
• Minecraft is coming to Switch 2
• Here comes GTA VI
• A Valve partner was hacked, Steam Machine customers warned
• Nintendo revenues decline 9.5 percent to ¥518 billion

Tips and picks

• Tip of the week: View Git status directly in File Explorer
• App pick of the week: AltTabby
• RunAs Radio this week: The Content Management System Landscape with Matt Garrepy
• Brown liquor pick of the week: Sideshow Lincoln Straight Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

 

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• Transcripts: Windows Weekly 996 Transcript

Links

• Microsoft Releases August 2026 Patch Tuesday Updates
• Comedy or Tragedy? ⭐
• Microsoft Edge is Transitioning to Manifest Version 3 This Year
• Proton Drive CLI Updated for Businesses
• There’s an x64 Port of Microsoft Word 1.1a for Windows
• Google Gemini Now Has Over 1 Billion Users
• OpenAI Brings ChatGPT and Codex to Linux
• Leaked Images Show New Built-in Screen on Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller
• Xbox Insiders Can Now Record Voice Chat in Game Captures
• Id Software Releases New Quake Episode to Celebrate 30th Anniversary
• Nintendo Switch 2 is Getting Native Minecraft Port on October 27
• Rockstar Games to Offer “Extended Look” at GTA on August 27
• Valve Warns European Customers of Hack
• Nintendo Revenues Decline 9.5 Percent to ¥518 Billion
• Stardock Releases AltTabby, Its Alt + Tab Replacement
• The Content Management System Landscape with Matt Garrepy
• Lincoln Bottled in Bond
• File Explorer version control integration