Local Models, Codex Max, and Agentic Models

Pavan Davuluri only spoke at one Ignite 2025 session, and it did not deserve the hate he got. But what did he really say?

• Copilot is a front-end for apps and cloud AI services, agents are background processes.
• Apps in Windows need to become programmatic so AI and agents can control them.
• You are in control. You being IT and the user. These experiences are off by default, opt-in, and optional. This is the end of whatever BS argument anyone has about this stuff.
• Copilot Voice because AI is better when you babble and is often more natural than typing
  • Key concept: Apps, CLIs, etc. expect exact commands, AI is all about intent, just do what I want, not exactly what I say. This is why, yes, people WILL want to talk to their PCs (and other devices)
• UIs for these new features will look/feel natural in Windows
  • Search box in Taskbar is getting updated to orchestrate between local/web search and Copilot capabilities, including agents
  • Agents will appear as app icons in Taskbar when fired, can be check in on, can post notifications for you to attend to
  • Integration of M365 Copilot capabilities with Windows - Better together story, with things like Writing Assistance for every text box
  • Accessibility updates thanks to AI - Fluid Dictation, which is what makes Copilot Voice make so much sense
• All the security, privacy, and IT management the audience expects

Windows Insider Program

• Dev and Beta builds include Full Screen Experience on all PCs, new Notepad app, more

Hardware - Earnings

• Lenovo PC business up 12 percent to $15.1 billion, 25.6 percent unit share
• HP up 4 percent to $14.6 billion, but job cuts for AI are coming
• Dell PC business up 3 percent to $1.41 billion

AI and Stuff

• Microsoft releases local Fara-7B agentic model for computer use
• ChatGPT's new coding model is optimized for Windows
• Dear God, you must see Nano Banana Pro to understand Google's lead
• Google is bringing AirDrop to Android, starting with Pixel. This is what happens when regulators "force design changes on OS makers."

Xbox and Gaming

• Xbox Cloud Gaming usage is up 45 percent YOY. Sure. What's 45 percent of 3 people?
• Xbox Cloud Gaming is adding per-game resolution settings, to 1440p for Game Pass Ultimate customers
• ROG Xbox Ally is getting default game profiles, in preview for 40 titles now
• Microsoft open sources the source code for Zork, Zork II, and Zork III
• New Chromebook buyers get one year of Nvidia GeForce NOW with Fast Pass

Tips and Picks

• Tip of the week: Finding experts is more important than ever
• We live in the age of stupid. Find the smart and never let go
• Also, Xbox is having a good Black Friday sale
• Also: Perplexity Comet on Android

RunAs Radio this week: Christmas Gifts for SysAdmins with Joey Snow and Rick Claus

• https://runasradio.com/Shows/Show/1012

Brown liquor pick of the week: Sidetrack Stone Whisky

• https://www.huskdistillers.com/shop/sidetrack-stone-whisky

These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/windows-weekly/episodes/960

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell

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