WW 960: Snow & Claus - Windows 11 & Agentic AI

Nov 27, 2025

The hosts dive into the intriguing controversy surrounding Pavan Davuluri's Ignite session. They explore how Copilot transforms Windows interactions, emphasizing voice and intent for a more natural user experience. The integration of AI into apps promises better control and accessibility. Insights on Windows Insider builds reveal exciting new features like fluid dictation and a revamped Notepad. Plus, they discuss the evolving landscape of AI and PC maker earnings, making for a tech-savvy and engaging debate on the future of computing.

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INSIGHT

Copilot As Orchestrator For Apps

Microsoft treats Copilot as an orchestrator that connects apps, agents, and cloud AI rather than replacing apps entirely.
Apps must become programmatic so AI and agents can control capabilities more reliably.

ADVICE

Opt-In Control For AI Features

Opt into AI features deliberately since Microsoft says these are optional and off by default.
Let IT and individual users control deployment and enablement to preserve governance.

INSIGHT

AI Focuses On Intent Over Commands

Natural language and voice capture intent better than precise GUI commands for most people.
AI can free users from memorizing complex menus and let them ask for outcomes instead of actions.

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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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