WW 991: Strategically Repositioned Productivity Surface - Gaming Layoffs Signal a New XBOX Era

Microsoft's latest round of layoffs and game studio shakeups reveal deep cracks in the XBOX business, as years of unprofitability and missed expectations force the company into tough decisions. Are industry icons like Game Pass and big-name studios on borrowed time? Also, Paul's made major progress on the Windows 11 Field Guide updates! Plus, a desktop and mobile web browser that now blocks YouTube ads by default.

Layoffs

• Microsoft announces 4800 layoffs, 3200 at XBOX
• Analysis: What Sharma said and didn't say. Many interesting details revealed here. Many questions unanswered
• Great outcomes for four studios, id Software reportedly laid off half its staff
• Interesting alternative analysis: The Game Pass thesis, XBOX can't do everything

Windows

• Four new builds yesterday, one major new feature: Cloud restore
• Microsoft Edge is adding support for Google account sign-ins
• Opera One adds clipboard attack prevention
• Google and Samsung have announced new hardware launches, both with new foldables on the way - Apple's first foldable expected in January

AI

• Microsoft is reportedly transitioning to its in-house MAI models where possible
• Latest Corey Doctorow book takes on the future of AI and is surprisingly middle-of-the-road. Unlike his last book, he explains how he handles this and has some ideas for doing so yourself

XBOX and gaming

• Gears of War Reloaded, more head to Game Pass
• The oldest rumor in XBOX history is back, with Microsoft working (again, or as always) on a disc-to-digital program in the wake of the Sony PS5+ physical media announcement
• Nintendo to end OG Switch sales, make Switch 2 changes in the EU
• You can play Half-Life 2 in a web browser now

Tips and picks

• Tip of the week: All Mint Mobile Plans Are Now Just $15 Per Month
• App pick of the week: DuckDuckGo browser
• RunAs Radio this week: Implementing Azure Policies with Barbara Forbes
• Brown liquor pick of the week: Shenk's Homestead Sour Mash Whiskey

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell

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Check out Paul's blog at thurrott.com

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