The Windows Central Podcast

A Surface hardware event, Microsoft Ignite, and a partnership with Meta make for an absolutely packed week of news. Zac and Dan dissect all the announcements and what they are most (and least) excited about.

Links:

• Microsoft Surface event: Here's everything that was announced | Windows Central
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 preorders and where to find stock - live report | Windows Central
• Microsoft announces new Teams features at Ignite 2022, including Excel Live and expanded reactions | Windows Central
• Meta and Microsoft are teaming up to create the workplace from hell | Windows Central

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Microsoft's Surface event is coming in just a few days! But in the meantime, we've got plenty of other things to talk about, including Android 12L, a new Windows 11 preview build, and our review roundup. We also look at some early design concepts for Windows 8, and more.

Links:

• Microsoft News Roundup: Giant NVIDIA RTX 4090, Surface Duo to get Windows 11 look, Overwatch 2, and more | Windows Central
• Android 12L for Surface Duo to feature Windows 11-inspired UI design updates | Windows Central
• Ex-Windows chief shares early concept ideas for Windows 8 | Windows Central
• HyperX's new ProCast XLR Microphone is so good it has a massive 1-inch gold condenser | Windows Central
• Windows 11 preview build 25217 rolls out with support for third-party widgets | Windows Central
• Acer's new Swift Edge 16" OLED laptop is a half-inch thin, 2.5lbs, and setting records | Windows Central

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We're back with another exciting episode of the Windows Central Podcast. This week, Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden discuss new Windows 11 preview builds, the leaks and rumors around the upcoming Surface hardware event, Intel 13th Gen and Intel Unison, and much more.

Links:

• Microsoft News Roundup: Surface Studio 3, Laptop 5, Pro 9 leaks, Intel Arc and 13th Gen CPUs, and Android apps on Windows 11 | Windows Central
• Finally, Intel is getting your Android and iOS phones to work with Windows like never before | Windows Central

The Windows 11 2022 Update is here, and so is a new cadence for shipping features to the OD moving forward. A Surface hardware event has been announced for October 12 — we've got rumors and speculation on what to expect, plus word from Microsoft on Surface Duo 2 availability, and more.

Links:

• Microsoft News Roundup: Surface event, Windows 11 2022 Update, RTX 4000 GPUs, Logitech G CLOUD, and more | Windows Central

Sponsors:

• Indeed: Choose Indeed and join 3 million companies worldwide who use Indeed to hire great people and help grow their teams faster. Get started right now with a free $75 sponsored job credit at indeed.com/wcp. Offer valid for a limited time. Terms and conditions apply.
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Dan reports on his field trip to an Intel fab in Israel, and the team shoot down a Surface gaming laptop rumor. They also talk about the departure of Halo lead and industry veteran, Bonnie Ross, from 343 Industries and Xbox.

Links:

• Windows 11 Insider Build 25201 adds option to expand widgets board and improves Xbox widget | Windows Central
• Halo lead Bonnie Ross is leaving 343 Industries and Xbox | Windows Central
• Microsoft News Roundup: GoldenEye 007 coming to Xbox Game Pass, EVGA cutting ties with NVIDIA, and more | Windows Central

We bring you up to speed this week on updates from Microsoft for the Windows 11 Dev Channel, Surface Duo 2, Xbox dashboard, and a new controller. Plus, Daniel makes the case for portable folding monitors, an accessory from Brydge for Surface Pro 8, and more.

Links:

• Microsoft News Roundup: Intel Arc GPUs, new Xbox dashboard, Windows 11 on Surface Duo, and more | Windows Central
• Microsoft brings back new tablet-optimized Taskbar for Windows 11 in latest Dev Channel build | Windows Central
• Microsoft's Surface Duo and Duo 2 September update begins rolling out | Windows Central
• Windows 11 on Surface Duo can now play 3D games, including Skyrim and Minecraft | Windows Central
• Hey PC makers, it'd be nice to get a folding mobile monitor before a folding laptop | Windows Central
• Microsoft reveals Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 White model, Elite controllers coming to Xbox Design Lab | Windows Central
• Xbox is revamping the console dashboard home screen, and wants your help | Windows Central
• Brydge debuts new SP Max+ for Surface Pro 8 that basically turns it into Surface Book | Windows Central

This week, we talk about the possibility of the Surface Pro and X lines merging and some new foldable PCs. How likely are they to become mainstream devices? There's also a lawsuit between Arm and Qualcomm, Surface Studio 3 accessory leaks, and more.

Links:

• Microsoft News Roundup: Surface Pro and X lines merging, Surface Duo 2 out of stock, AMD Ryzen 7000, two foldable PCs, and more | Windows Central
• Microsoft to merge Surface Pro X ARM and Surface Pro 9 Intel versions under one product line | Windows Central
• ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold (UX9702) review: Unfolding an incredibly versatile laptop | Windows Central
• Lenovo's new 16-inch ThinkPad X1 Fold is the most flexible, versatile Windows PC — ever | Windows Central
• ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED Review: A 17" Laptop In A 12" Bag - YouTube
• Arm suing Qualcomm over alleged breach of licensing agreements, calls for destruction of Nuvia designs | Windows Central
• Leaked renders reveal refreshed Surface Keyboard and Surface Pen accessories for upcoming Surface Studio 3 | Windows Central
• Lenovo's new Glasses T1 are the coolest PC accessory I've seen that just makes sense | Windows Central

Dan provides his initial impressions go the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and an interesting new HP laptop. Plus, the new Outlook app for Windows 11 is out, and more.

Links:

• Windows 11 Insider Builds 22621.586 and 22622.586 roll out to Beta Channel | Windows Central
• Microsoft's new Windows 11 Outlook app now works with personal Microsoft accounts | Windows Central
• 5 things I love about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 (and 5 things I hate) as a Surface Duo 2 user | Windows Central
• First look review of the new HP Dragonfly Folio G3, the most innovative PC of 2022 (so far) | Windows Central
• Xbox responds to PlayStation's price hike | Windows Central
• Software, Hardware and Tech Reviews | Windows Central

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Zac, Dan, and Jez weigh in on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, especially as it compares to Surface Duo. They also discuss elimination of a consumer-focused team within Microsoft, and more.

Links:

• Does Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 dethrone the Surface Duo’s dual-screen multitasking? | Windows Central
• Microsoft reportedly lays off dedicated team focused on 'winning back consumers' | Windows Central
• Microsoft News Roundup: Xbox Elite Controller leak, Microsoft layoffs, Galaxy Unpacked, and more | Windows Central

Sponsors:

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Jez Corden joins the show for a chat about the Xbox Game Pass 'Family Plan', a widget for Windows 11, and the likelihood of FTC approval of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Dan shares his final review of the Dell XPS 13 Plus, and more.

Links:

• New Game Pass widget preview arrives with latest Windows 11 Dev Channel build | Windows Central
• Sony says Xbox’s Call of Duty acquisition could ‘influence users’ console choice,’ Microsoft responds | Windows Central
• Dell XPS 13 Plus review: Strong performance, so-so battery life, but an incredible experience | Windows Central
• Xbox Game Pass 'Family Plan' FAQ: This is how much money you'll save sharing | Windows Central
• Microsoft News Roundup: Game Pass family plan, Outlook Lite, Microsoft Rewards in Vatican City, and more | Windows Central

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