WW 995: The Greatest Depression - Microsoft Reports $90 Billion in Revenue for FY26 Q4

WW 995: The Greatest Depression - Microsoft Reports $90 Billion in Revenue for FY26 Q4

Author: TWiT August 5, 2026 Duration: 2:43:45

Behind the headlines about skyrocketing revenues and AI investments, the actual costs and future risks for Microsoft, Google, and Amazon are shrouded in strategic accounting moves. Plus, Paul finished rewriting and adding new chapters to the Windows 11 Field Guide - mostly just clean-up now, and then whatever new monthly features. Lastly, The Document Foundation issues a friendly reminder about the Office 2021 EOL and how that never happens with their software

Microsoft earnings

  • Microsoft earnings up 18 percent to $90 billion
  • Analysis: Microsoft finds a new way to not account for AI costs

Windows

  • Pavan Davuluri says he's "energized" about what's happening to Windows in 2026.
  • OK. But what's really happened so far? When will the biggest changes land? And when, if ever, will you address the real enshittification in Windows 11?
  • Windows Insider Program: Five new builds - New Taskbar comes to Beta channel
  • This leads to questions of timing, and here, WIP is not all that transparent still
  • Another antitrust win: Apple to allow Copy and Paste between Windows and iPhone
  • AMD revenues up 50 percent to $11.5 billion, but it's all AI datacenter
  • Amazon: up 20 percent to $200 billion
  • Apple: up 16 percent to $109 billion

AI

  • Satya Nadella mentions AI super app again, not clear why anyone cares about this
  • Proton Lumo can do data visualization now

Xbox and gaming

  • Asha Sharma details the priorities for XBOX in the next year and number 5 will shock you
  • XBOX console prices going up in the EU and UK
  • Thanks, Caption Obvious: Yes, Backward Compatibility on PC will support Xbox 360 games too
  • XBOX plans new FanFest tour dates - there's SO much to celebrate!
  • Gears of War: E-Day leads the charge for new Game Pass titles in August
  • XBOX Insiders is testing new console features
  • XBOX app comes to Hisense and VIDDA TVs
  • EA goes private for $55 billion in cash, but also some debt
  • Sony has sold 95.3 million PS5s
  • Sony responds to concerns about no more discs (with "pffffftttt")

Tips and picks

  • Tip of the week: It's done!
  • App pick of the week: LibreOffice
  • RunAs Radio this week: Ransomware Readiness with Heather Renze
  • Brown liquor pick of the week: Frey Ranch Straight 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: 33

Windows Weekly (Video)
Podcast Episodes
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…