The Windows Central Podcast

This week, Zac and Dan cover the latest beta of Windows 11 and some updated apps designed to leverage new features of the OS. They also talk about the global chip shortage, what we know about upcoming Surface devices, new foldables from Samsung, and the next-generation of haptic feedback trackpads.

Links:

• Windows 11 build 22000.132 is now out for Insiders in Dev and Beta channels | Windows Central
• Microsoft rolls out first updates to its Windows 11 apps | Windows Central
• Chip shortage wait times continue to grow, hampering new Windows 11 PCs | Windows Central
• Surface Book 4: Specs, features, and everything we know so far | Windows Central
• Surface Pro 8: Release date and everything we know so far | Windows Central
• Which unannounced Surface device are you most excited about? | Windows Central
• Microsoft and Samsung expand partnership with Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 | Windows Central
• Will you buy the Samsung Galaxy Fold 3 or wait for the Surface Duo 2? | Windows Central
• Next-gen 'HD' haptic trackpads are coming to Windows in 2022 thanks to Boréas and Cirque | Windows Central

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We've got the latest happenings with Windows 11, a unification of OneNote apps, initial reports on Windows 365, and more.

Links:

• Windows 11 Build 22000.120 is now rolling out to Insiders in the Beta and Dev Channels | Windows Central
• Rounded corners are officially the most popular Windows 11 design feature | Windows Central
• The first look at Windows 11's new Snipping Tool is here | Windows Central
• Microsoft to unify OneNote apps on Windows into single experience | Windows Central
• Windows 365: Pricing, availability, features, and everything you need to know | Windows Central
• Xbox Game Pass for PC is not good enough | Windows Central
• Steam Deck: Specs, cost, and everything you need to know | Windows Central
• Razer Anzu smart glasses review: Niche, but not just a gimmick | Windows Central

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Windows 11 has achieved Beta status! We also have Surface Duo 2 leaks, Surface Book 4 speculation, and Dan's review of the HP Elite Folio.

Links:

• Windows 11 preview bits are now available in the Insider Beta Channel | Windows Central
• Images of Microsoft's upcoming 'Surface Duo 2' leak revealing triple camera setup | Windows Central
• Microsoft's next Surface Book could radically redesign what a 2-in-1 is supposed to be like | Windows Central
• Microsoft Q4 2021 earnings: $46.2 billion in revenue, beating expectations | Windows Central
• HP Elite Folio review: The future of ultra-light convertible PCs should look like this | Windows Central

A new week, and a new build of Windows 11! Zac and Dan check it out along with the included Teams Chat app. They also talk about Edge 92, speculation that Amazon could come gunning for Office 365, and iFixit vs. Microsoft. Dan's got a review of the Panasonic Toughbook G2, and more!

Links:

• Windows 11 build 22000.100 rolls out to Insiders in the Dev Channel | Windows Central
• Windows Central readers split about Windows 11 Chat app | Windows Central
• Will you use Windows 11's Teams Chat app? | Windows Central
• Intel PC unit sales rose 33% compared to last year, as company beats Q2 expectations | Windows Central
• Amazon may be attempting to dethrone Microsoft 365 | Windows Central
• Backbone One review: The best iPhone controller for Xbox Cloud Gaming | Windows Central
• Microsoft Edge 92 is now rolling out with updated password health features | Windows Central
• Panasonic Toughbook G2 review: The most rugged, modular PC in existence today | Windows Central
• Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano review: The lightest business Ultrabook around doesn't disappoint | Windows Central
• Microsoft, Apple, Samsung called out by iFixit CEO over device repairability | Windows Central

This week, we check out the latest news on Windows 11, Windows 10 21H2, the Steam Deck handheld console, and Dan's review of the Dell XPS 13 OLED model. All that, AND Zac sits down for a conversation with the great Mary Jo Foley!

Links:

• All About Microsoft | ZDNet
• Mary Jo Foley (@maryjofoley) / Twitter
• Steam Deck: Specs, cost, and everything you need to know | Windows Central
• Microsoft announces Windows 10 version 21H2 coming this fall | Windows Central
• Windows 11 build 22000.71 rolls out to Insiders in the Dev Channel | Windows Central
• Microsoft is bringing over 1,800 fresh emoji to Teams and Windows | Windows Central
• Microsoft Teams 2.0 is on the way, and we just got a closer look at it | Windows Central
• Dell XPS 13 (9310) with 3.5K OLED review: Beauty is gained, but battery dips in this nearly perfect laptop | Windows Central
• Razer Barracuda X review: Multi-device gamers rejoice at this go-anywhere $99 headset | Windows Central

This week, Dan and Zac talk about the new build of Windows 11 and weigh the pros and cons of moving forward with new UI choices and features vs. maintaining the status quo. They also check out price drops on Surface Duo, the would-be processor for Surface Neo that's already been discontinued by Intel, AMD laptop chip performance shadiness, and more.

Links:

• Windows 11 build 22000.65 rolls out to Insiders in the Dev Channel with more changes | Windows Central
• Do you want the Windows 10 Start menu back on Windows 11? | Windows Central
• Microsoft removes ability to put Windows 10 Start menu on Windows 11 in latest Insider build | Windows Central
• Intel just discontinued the processor that powered the Surface Neo | Windows Central
• Some AMD laptops reduce system performance for better battery life, but is that OK? | Windows Central
• Razer Blade 14 review: Razer's first AMD gaming laptop is insanely powerful with some quirks | Windows Central
• Windows 11 | Windows Central
• Microsoft's Surface Duo down to an insane price of just $410 | Windows Central

Windows 11 is now available as an Insider preview build! Dan and Zac have thoughts, including the still hot topic of systems requirements. They also talk about sideloading Android APKs, the Windows 11 Microsoft Store, ARM performance, and more.

Links:

• Windows 11 | Windows Central
• Microsoft releases first Windows 11 Insider preview build 22000, here's what's new | Windows Central
• Damn straight I'm excited for Windows 11, and no one can convince me I shouldn't be | Windows Central
• Zoom, OBS Studio, and Canva all arrive as full apps in the new Windows 11 Microsoft Store | Windows Central
• Microsoft Office is now 64-bit for Windows 11 on ARM bringing improved performance and better compatibility | Windows Central
• Yes, you'll be able to sideload Android APKs onto Windows 11 | Windows Central

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Microsoft has officially announced Windows 11, which will be a free upgrade when it is released this Fall. Zac and Daniel discuss the details we already knew, kind of knew, and didn't know at all!

Links:

• Microsoft makes Windows 11 official, and it's coming this fall | Windows Central
• Microsoft announces Windows 11 will be able to run Android apps | Windows Central
• Microsoft is returning to one major feature update a year on Windows 11 | Windows Central
• As Windows 11 shakes things up for Microsoft, here's what industry experts are saying | Windows Central
• Windows 11 | Windows Central

Thanks to the leak of an early build, we know even more about Windows 11 in advance of its official unveiling on June 24. But as Dan and Zac discuss, the build is not feature complete — so it isn't fully representative of what to expect when the software is released later this year. They also talk about a couple new laptops and Xbox news from E3 2021. Check it out!

Links:

• Windows 11: Release date, price, and everything you need to know | Windows Central
• The Blade 14 is Razer's first laptop with a powerful AMD Ryzen processor — and it's awesome | Windows Central
• Samsung and Qualcomm announce Galaxy Book Go and Galaxy Book Go 5G, starting at $349 | Windows Central
• Gaming | Windows Central

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• Hello Fresh: With HelloFresh, you get fresh, pre-measured ingredients and mouthwatering seasonal recipes delivered right to your door. Go to HelloFresh.com/wcp12 and use code wcp12 for 12 free meals, including free shipping!

Dan and Zac deliver another round of Windows 11 predictions, Xbox news, some new hardware reviews, and more.

Links:

• Windows 11: Release date, price, and everything you need to know | Windows Central
• Microsoft teases Windows 11 with startup sound slo-fi remix | Windows Central
• Gaming | Windows Central
• HP ENVY x360 15 review: A budget convertible that impresses on battery life, performance, and more | Windows Central
• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 review: Good budget gaming performance, if you can find one | Windows Central
• Samsung and Qualcomm announce Galaxy Book Go and Galaxy Book Go 5G, starting at $349 | Windows Central
• Take a closer look at Microsoft's Pride Skin for Surface | Windows Central