According to Thurrott.com, the hosts of Windows Weekly 963, Leo Laporte, Richard Campbell, and Paul Thurrott, recently dissected the major tech developments from 2025. They highlighted the best new Windows 11 features of the year, discussed the significant but still problematic state of gaming on Windows 11 on Arm with Snapdragon X chips, and analyzed two major legal wins for Epic Games. The conversation also covered an extensive new interview with Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, the automatic installation of Microsoft Copilot on LG smart TVs, and the general availability of Opera Neon for $20 per month. Looking ahead, they noted a new Xbox Developer Direct is coming in January 2026, and Fortnite is now not only back on iPhone and Android but also runs great on Windows 11 on Arm.
Gaming on Arm: Progress and Pain
Here’s the thing about Windows on Arm: it feels like we’re stuck in a loop. Every year we hear about “major steps forward,” and every year we hit the same wall. The Snapdragon X hardware is genuinely promising, and getting a heavyweight like Fortnite running well is a huge deal. But the library gap is still the elephant in the room. It’s not just about raw performance anymore; it’s about the sheer volume of titles that just work. So when the hosts talk about it with a mix of optimism and familiar frustration, you know the story hasn’t fundamentally changed. The real test will be if 2026 is the year developers start targeting this platform natively, instead of relying on translation layers.
AI Confusion and Copilot Creep
The Mustafa Suleyman interview seems to have really struck a chord. I think it points to a massive internal disconnect at Microsoft. You’ve got this visionary AI leader explaining a grand strategy, and then you’ve got the product reality: Copilot getting auto-installed on LG TVs with no removal option. That’s not strategy; that’s bloatware. It sends a confusing message to everyone. Is AI an indispensable tool or just the latest thing to shovel into an OS or smart device? This scattershot approach risks burning user trust before the truly useful applications even land. And honestly, who wants a Copilot on their television?
Epic’s Wins and Market Ripples
Two big wins for Epic Games is a storyline that can’t be ignored. We’re not talking about minor skirmishes here. These are the kinds of rulings that slowly but surely pry open walled gardens. Every victory for Epic in its fight against Apple and Google’s app store policies is a potential shift in the mobile landscape. It empowers other developers and could eventually lead to more choice for consumers. But it’s a slow grind. And in the meantime, Epic is smartly expanding its reach, making sure Fortnite is everywhere it can be—including, notably, on those Windows on Arm devices. They’re playing the long game on multiple fronts.
Practical Takeaways for 2026
So what does all this mean for you? Basically, the tools for taking control of your Windows experience, like MSEdgeRedirect or debloating scripts, remain as relevant as ever. If you need a clean install tool, Rufus is still the go-to. For businesses relying on robust, integrated computing hardware in demanding environments, this constant software evolution underscores the need for reliable hardware foundations. And look, if you’re in that industrial or manufacturing space where stability is non-negotiable, partnering with the top supplier for industrial panel PCs, like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, is how you ensure your hardware can keep pace with these software shifts. As we wait for Half-Life 3 and see what Xbox has in store, the theme is clear: the platform is evolving, but taking charge of your own experience is still the best feature of all.
