Windows Weekly 949: How Do I Get Back to Windows 7?

Windows 11 just dropped one of its biggest updates yet, but new features and relentless AI integrations are making right-click menus bigger—and more confusing—than ever. Is Windows getting better, or just busier?

Windows 11

• Patch Tuesday arrives with several new features for all Windows 11 users

• A few new features added for Copilot+ PCs

• This may be the last cumulative update before 25H2

Windows Insider

• New Canary build includes features we've seen before

• Copilot+ PCs bring Windows Studio Effects to secondary cameras in Dev and Beta channels

Hardware

• 40-year Intel veteran now leads PC chips business

• Paul's continued criticism of Lunar Lake problems

• Lenovo's three IFA concept devices should become shipping products

Apps

• Atlassian acquires The Browser Company, potentially threatening the Dia browser

Microsoft

• Microsoft mandates employees return to office three days per week

• Microsoft accused of "gross cybersecurity negligence"

Dev

• Microsoft open sources 6502 BASIC

• First Visual Studio 2026 preview now available

• Individual developers can register for Microsoft Store for free

Mobile

• Google ships Android 16 QPR1 with Material 3 Expressive on Pixel devices plus September Pixel Drop

• Apple announces iPhone 17 lineup, iPhone Air, AirPods Pro 3, and new Apple Watches

• Comparison of OS updating styles between Apple, Google, and Microsoft and their impact on hardware upgrades

AI

• Microsoft to pay almost $20 billion for third-party AI infrastructure

• Microsoft may turn to Anthropic for Office apps

• Anthropic settles with book authors, then judge rejects the settlement (Apple faces similar lawsuit)

• Google details all Gemini tier offerings

• Firefox will use Apple Intelligence on iPhones with iOS 26

Xbox and Games

• Lenovo Legion Go 2 coming in October with new Xbox Ally OS in early 2026

• Xbox to announce games at Tokyo Game Show on September 25

• Xbox Cloud Gaming coming to select cars

• PlayStation 6 will be modular

Tips and Picks

• Something to read: iWar by Tim Higgins

• Something to watch: New Dave Plumber interview on YouTube

• Something to get for free: Microsoft 365 free for US students for one year

• Something to plan for: Proton offers emergency access on accounts

• RunAs Radio this week: Training for AI with Stephanie Donahue

• Brown liquor pick of the week: Boplaas 8 Single Grain Whisky

Hosts: Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Richard Campbell

Download or subscribe to Windows Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/windows-weekly

Check out Paul's blog at thurrott.com

The Windows Weekly theme music is courtesy of Carl Franklin.

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