WW 977: Moonshine University - The Push for Building 100% Native Windows Apps

WW 977: Moonshine University - The Push for Building 100% Native Windows Apps

Author: TWiT April 1, 2026 Duration: 2:15:31

Microsoft's AI ambitions overflowed into GitHub, sparking backlash when ads appeared in pull requests and raising new concerns about where your code is really going. GitHub is going to automatically use your data to train AI, so Paul tells how to opt-out if you don't want that. Plus, there's a new Microsoft 365 alternative in town, and this one is from a little tech company you can trust.

Windows

  • Week D updates go live last Thursday - Smart App Control, many other minor changes
  • And here we go again: Microsoft issues emergency patch for March Week D optional update
  • Microsoft says it will replace web-based in-box apps and experiences with native apps ... somehow
  • Four builds across three channels - Canary with opt-in gets a huge Windows Console upgrade, Dev/Beta get Administrator Protection (again), more
  • AMD has a new flagship gaming processor

AI/Dev

  • Microsoft Research AI has a new Critique feature that uses ChatGPT and Claude together in an unholy Frankenstein's monster of orchestration
  • A week of Siri AI rumors/leaks - This is Apple's version of Microsoft trying to buy TikTok
  • Google makes it easier to switch to Gemini - This is like Mac vs. PC, but for AI
  • Mozilla's approach to AI in Firefox is both right and correct
  • The plan to the save the open web from Big Tech
  • The future of Firefox includes a Smart Window mode that works like Private window but for AI
  • SwiftUI SDK for Android is now available

Xbox and gaming

  • New Xbox chief seeks to reset Xbox brand image - reminder, that's not the same as changing anything
  • Xbox announces 14 Day One Game Pass titles coming soon
  • Xbox Games Showcase 2026 and Gears of War E-Day Direct are coming in June
  • Sony to raise PS5 prices soon
  • Nintendo to raise prices for physical Switch 2 games soon

Tips & picks

  • Tip of the week: Opt-out of training AI on GitHub
  • App pick of the week: Proton Workspace with Meet
  • RunAs Radio this week: My Home Lab
  • Brown liquor pick of the week: Jeptha Creed Six Year Old Wheated Bourbon

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell

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Check out Paul's blog at thurrott.com

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For anyone following the vast and often intricate ecosystem of Microsoft, Windows Weekly (Video) offers a consistently insightful look behind the curtain. Hosted by Leo Laporte of TWiT, the conversation is driven by veteran Microsoft insiders Paul Thurrott and Richard Campbell, whose combined expertise provides context that goes far beyond surface-level news. While the name suggests a focus on the operating system, this podcast truly serves as a comprehensive analysis of the entire company, from its consumer-facing products like Xbox and Surface to its massive enterprise cloud services and ambitious AI initiatives. Each episode feels like a detailed briefing, unpacking the strategies, successes, and stumbles of the tech giant. The video format adds a valuable layer, allowing you to see the hosts' reactions and follow along with screen shares when they delve into technical previews or software updates. You'll hear informed speculation, historical perspective, and critical debate about Microsoft's direction, making it an essential resource for IT professionals, developers, and dedicated enthusiasts who want to understand not just what is happening, but why. This is the kind of deep dive that turns complex topics into engaging discussion, offering the only Microsoft analysis you'll likely need. For those who prefer an uninterrupted experience, ad-free audio and video feeds are available through Club TWiT.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 10

Windows Weekly (Video)
Podcast Episodes
WW 978: Pre-Peated - "Copilot Is for Entertainment Purposes Only" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:19:19
Julia Liuson is leaving Microsoft. Liuson joined Microsoft in 1992, the same year as CEO Satya Nadella (she worked on Access at first). She helped build the first version of Visual Studio and was the first female corpora…
WW 976: Full Thurrottle - Microsoft's Plan To Save Windows in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:16:31
In 2015, Satya Nadella said that he wanted users to love Windows. But Microsoft has only enshittified Windows more aggressively since then. Paul wrote a book. And now Microsoft says it's changed, baby, and it's serious t…
WW 974: DIY Crocs - Project Helix Details From GDC 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:46:57
From bug-busting AI that's transforming Firefox to personal coding breakthroughs, the team breaks down how practical applications are cutting through skepticism and reshaping developer workflows. Plus, hear why lighter P…
WW 972: I'm A Tolkien Scholar - Phil Spencer & Sarah Bond Depart Xbox [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:27:57
Just last week, we asked about Phil Spencer and why he's been so quiet lately. Now we know why! Also, OneDrive for the Mac is finally going to look like it belongs on the Mac. And Google Chrome finally picks up a split v…
WW 971: Texas English - Where Does Xbox Go Next? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:03:32
Microsoft might finally give power users what they've been demanding: the ability to move the Windows 11 taskbar wherever they want. Plus, 3 major new chapters in Paul's next book, and a strange pick that solves his big…