Summary
Overview
This tech news episode covers major developments including Microsoft's leaked initiative to fix Windows 11, OpenAI's rumored smartphone plans, Intel's cancellation of next-gen gaming GPUs, and several other industry stories ranging from Windows update controls to space-based solar power for AI data centers.
Microsoft's Windows 11 Overhaul Initiative
Microsoft has acknowledged Windows 11's problems and created an internal project codenamed K2 to fix the operating system. The initiative follows the Windows president's commitment to address user pain points and includes rebuilding the start menu, overhauling File Explorer, improving update reliability, and de-bloating the OS. Microsoft is even using Valve's SteamOS as a performance benchmark for gaming, likely because the next Xbox console will run Windows 11.
- Microsoft created internal initiative K2 to fix Windows 11, addressing user pain points
- K2 will rebuild start menu from scratch in WinUI 3, removing ads and making it 60% faster
- Includes full File Explorer overhaul, more reliable updates, and de-bloating for handhelds
- Microsoft using Valve's SteamOS as performance benchmark for gaming, as next Xbox will run Windows 11
" So named because ripping out all that bloatware will be as hard as a 28,000-foot vertical set. "
" Sure, Pavan. It was the blue light causing migraines. Not every single patch Tuesday coming with 100 bugs that bricked your machine. "
OpenAI's Smartphone Ambitions
According to supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, OpenAI is planning to release its own smartphone in partnership with Qualcomm and MediaTek for processors and LuxShare for manufacturing. This would be OpenAI's third hardware product after Joni Ive's smart speaker and earbuds. The smartphone would aim to compete with the iPhone by replacing traditional apps with AI agents, though this concept raises concerns about reliability.
- OpenAI working with Qualcomm and MediaTek on processors for smartphone, with LuxShare as manufacturing partner
- Would be third hardware product for OpenAI after smart speaker and earbuds
- Goal is to compete with iPhone by replacing apps with AI agents
- Qualcomm shares jumped 13% in pre-market trading after the report
" I've always wanted to let my phone hallucinate directions to the closest Burger King. I don't care that this is a bank. I want a Whopper, goddammit, it's Wednesday. "
" Further evidence that the market continues to be as irrational as your uncle, 12 beers in at a 4th of July party claiming he can clear the pool if he gets a running start at it. "
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