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

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

Windows Weekly (Audio)

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