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Windows Central Podcast

Your weekly source for the best stories and insights from the world of Windows, Windows Mobile, Surface, HoloLens, and Xbox. Hosted by Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden.
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Now displaying: 2018
Dec 22, 2018

Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden close out the podcast for 2018 with news about Windows 10 build 18305. In addition, Microsoft's virtual assistant (Cortana) will be able to read your emails to you in Outlook on iOS.

They also talk about Panos Panay's recent assertion in an interview that the Surface product line is here to stay, and Daniel raves about Kensington's upcoming Surface Pro Dock.

Finally, they make a few predictions about what 2019 may hold for fans of the Windows eco-system.

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Dec 18, 2018

Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden talk about new Windows 10 builds and multi-user support for Cortana. Then, Peter Bright of Art Technica joins Daniel Rubino for an in-depth technical discussion of Chromium and Edge.

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Dec 7, 2018

There's massive news in the Microsoft Cinematic Universe this week, as Redmond confirms plans to rebuild Edge using the Chromium rendering engine. Daniel Rubino reports from the field from a Qualcomm product summit to speak with Zac Bowden about Qualcomm's plans for 5G networking, along with new Snapdragon processors — including an 8-core processor capable of running Windows 10 and dual 4K displays.

We also hear more rumors about the Surface 'Centaurus' dual-screen device, and some details about Windows Lite.

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Dec 4, 2018

This week, tragedy befalls Daniel Rubino as he announces his upcoming trip to Hawaii for the Qualcomm Snapdragon Tech Summit. Life marches on, however, as he and Zac Bowden talk about build 18290 for Fast ring Insiders, plus lots of Surface hardware and Cortana device rumors. They also discuss updates to Office icons and the steps Microsoft is taking to refresh the UI of Windows and other applications. Finally, what in the world is Windows Lite? They're not sure, but they've invented a new version of Windows — "Aurora".

Nov 25, 2018

Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden wind down a truncated work week due to the American Thanksgiving holiday, but that doesn't mean there isn't a lot to discuss! Daniel has his hands-on impressions of Surface Go with LTE and Surface Studio 2. Plus, the dynamic duo dig deep into Microsoft Launcher 5.1. It features To-Do and Sticky Notes integration, plus Cortana support.

Finally, Windows Hello now supports FIDO2 Security Keys for an added layer of convenience and protection.

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Nov 18, 2018

Windows 10 October 2018 is back! Again! Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden have the details on that along with a look at Light Mode and other features coming in 2019. Also on the software front, developers can now submit native ARM64 apps to Microsoft Store.

Additionally, Daniel provides his review of Surface Headphones, and they chat about rumors surrounding a disc-less Xbox One on the horizon for next year.

Last but certainly not least, Jared DiPane from our sister site Thrifter is here with the best Black Friday deals for Windows and gadget fans.

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Nov 12, 2018

Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden have a ton of hardware and software news to share! As usual, there's a new build for fast ring insiders. But Microsoft had an embarrassing week on the server side of things when a Windows 10 activation server caused some PCs to lose activated status.

Surface Go LTE preorders are available now — the always connected device starts at $675. Zac and Daniel clarify the confusing Core m3-based Surface device Best Buy is advertising for Black Friday. It's not a Surface Pro 6 custom manufactured for the electronics retail giant. It's a Surface Pro 5, but still an impressive bargain!

Next, the discuss the possibilities that exist with Samsung's foldable display technology, and wrap things up with the Lenovo Yoga C630. Tune in!

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Nov 4, 2018

Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden are here with your dose of Windows news! In addition to Insider Preview build 18272 for the fast ring, they discuss new codenames for some future Windows 10 updates.

They also talk about the death of Microsoft Teams for Windows 10 S, and Dan has yet another epic rant — This time, he testifies on the need for HP to begin using Microsoft Precision touchpad.

Plus, they take a look at Apple's new iPad Pro and how their approach differs from Microsoft's Surface line

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Oct 29, 2018

Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden have some unique and interesting hardware to check out in this episode, including the ARM-based Samsung Galaxy Book 2 with LTE connectivity, and the dual-screen Lenovo Yoga Book C930.

They also talk about Microsoft's Q1 FY2019 earnings report and a new 19H1 build for Insiders. Plus, Zac shares some nuggets of information from a Microsoft presentation, stoking the fires of some hot, fresh Andromeda rumors. The common theme across the topics this week — it's all about the haptics!

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Oct 23, 2018

Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden have the most recent news from Microsoft, including Windows 10 preview build 18262 and a major UI facelift for Cortana in a beta that's available to Android and iOS users.

There's plenty more to say about Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2. Additionally, Samsung has released the ARM-powered Galaxy Book 2.

Be sure to check out the latest Dan Rant! This time, he explains why most people don't need Windows 10 Pro — and it's good that Microsoft is no longer charging the "Pro" tax to everyone who buys one of their new devices.

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Oct 14, 2018

Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden are here with a ton of ground to cover in the Microsoft world. First up, there was data loss in the initial release of Windows 10 October 2018 Update, causing the company to pull it shortly after users reported the problem. Microsoft has been testing fixes and is preparing a "rerelease" of the update.

A patent has been discovered that points to a flexible, single-screen folding Surface device. Whether or not you think foldable display technology is a solution in search of a problem, it's coming. Cortana is reportedly moving from the AI + Research group at Microsoft into the Office team. Additionally, Microsoft has unveiled Xbox Project xCloud — a huge step in offering online streaming of Xbox games, and a sign of things to come for Windows in the future?

Rounding things out, Daniel shares his experiences using the Lenovo 15-inch ThinkPad X1 Extreme laptop, and the HP Omen Mindframe gaming headphones.

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Oct 8, 2018

It has been a massive week of news for Microsoft fans! Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden are here to give you the lowdown. Windows 10 October 2018 Update has been released and subsequently pulled due to issues with user files being unintentionally deleted. *Please note that the update was pulled AFTER this episode was recorded.

In addition, the company held its Surface event — unveiling 4 new products during the presentation: Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, Surface Studio 2, and Surface Headphones. Separate from the Surface event, Zac reports on his look at Surface Hub 2.

HP trades aluminum for leather in their Spectre Folio convertible device. Whether or not it reinvents laptops is debatable, but Daniel does feel it moves things forward.

Finally, Daniel and Zac share the most significant announcements from Microsoft Ignite 2018. Check it out!

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Sep 22, 2018

Zac Bowden and Daniel Rubino have the latest news on Windows 10 builds and ridiculous Internet outrage over Microsoft's web browser "warning". They also speculate about Thunderbolt 3 in the next generation of Surface products, and what to look forward to at Microsoft Ignite. All that, and lots more — check it out!

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Sep 10, 2018

Zach Bowden and Daniel Rubino are very excited about Microsoft's upcoming event scheduled for October 2 in New York City. They aren't certain what products and accessories will be announced, but they're confident that "Surface phone" (aka Andromeda) will not be among them.

They also look forward to the October 2018 update for Windows 10, changes to Skype, and their favorite announcements from IFA.

Rounding out the show, they chat about voice control features for Xbox, and the Ecobee smart home devices with Alexa integration. Yo, Cortana! Tell Xbox...

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Aug 27, 2018

Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden talk about the latest Redstone 5 builds as the Screen Sketch App becomes Snip & Sketch. Along those lines, they also chat about the usefulness of Sticky notes and To-do. How about Paint 2018 while we're at it? From there, the conversation moves to Xbox All Access — a monthly subscription service that gets you a new console, Xbox Live Gold, and Game Pass. We have good news and bad news. The good news is Zac received his Surface Go. The bad news? Well, if you haven't guessed fro the show title, you'll have to listen and find out!

Aug 20, 2018

Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden share all the latest information about new builds for Windows 10, and continuing improvements to the ARM architecture.

Daniel also takes a look at microSD card options for Surface Go, and they chat about the integration of Microsoft Cortana and Amazon's Alexa. It opens a whole new world of voice assistant functionality for Windows users. Join us!

 

Aug 13, 2018

Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden cover a ton of news in the Windows universe this week, including performance of the base model Surface Go and Microsoft signing on with Disney's Movies Anywhere service. They also cover Windows 10 19H1 and speculate on the future roadmap of Windows releases, Samsung Galaxy Note 9, Acer's awesomely thin Swift 7 laptop, and a ton more!

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Aug 5, 2018

Dan Rubino and Zac Bowden commemorate the 100th episode of Windows Central Podcast with a thorough discussion of Surface Go. It's a fun, highly portable device with terrific battery life that exceeds expectations. They also include comparisons between the $550 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD version, and the $399 base model with 4GB RAM and 64GB of eMMC storage — Helping you decide which model might be best for you!

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Jul 30, 2018

This week on the Windows Central Podcast, we talk new builds, the definition of an Always-Connected PC, the future of UWP, and more!

Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden talk about the week's news in the Windows universe, including the latest build of Redstone 5, and trying to parse the actual meaning of 'Always Connected PC'. They also speculate on the age old privacy question — Who is 'they'? And, apropos of nothing, Dan seems to know an awful lot about how super-criminals use computers. Finally, Dan and Zac discuss the future for UWP apps on Windows 10 and the Lenovo Thunderbolt 3 Graphics Dock. Join us!

Help us make this show the best Microsoft podcast in the world. Tell your friends, share it on social media using the hashtag #wcpodcast, and give us a five-star rating wherever you download your podcasts! Thank you so much for listening!

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Jul 26, 2018

This week on the Windows Central Podcast: We dive into Microsoft's earnings report, talk more about Andromeda's rumoured delays, and more!

We're back with another exciting episode of the Window Central Podcast. This week, editors Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden talk Microsoft's quarterly earnings report, they made money and are doing well! Also this week, we talk about Andromeda's recent delay, the new Lenovo Miix 630 ARM device, the death of classic Skype, and more sprinkled throughout the show!

Help us make this show the best Microsoft podcast in the world. Tell your friends, share it on social media using the hashtag #wcpodcast, and give us a five-star rating wherever you download your podcasts! Thank you so much for listening!

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Jul 11, 2018

This week on the Windows Central Podcast: We dive into Microsoft's new Surface, the Surface Go!

We're back with another exciting episode of the Window Central Podcast. This week, editors Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden talk everything Surface Go. Microsoft has announced a brand new Surface, and this time it's a 10-inch consumer-focused tablet; a natural successor to the Surface 3 that costs just $399 starting. We talk specs, branding, why it exists, and more!

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast is sponsored by LightStream. LightStream is a national online consumer lending division of SunTrust Bank who believe that consumers who have established good credit have earned the right to a simple loan process and excellent rates. LightStream is offering our listeners an additional interest rate discount on top of LightStream's already low rates. To get started, make sure you head to LightStream.com/WCP

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Jul 4, 2018

This week on the Windows Central Podcast: We talk leaked Andromeda emails, potential delays or cancelations, and more!

We're back with another exciting episode of the Window Central Podcast. This week, editors Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden talk Andromeda, Andromeda, and more Andromeda. The last week has seen a few reports come out about Andromeda, the first of which was a leaked internal email detailing what the product is, and another saying the project may have been canceled. So, what's going on? We try to shed some light.

Help us make this show the best Microsoft podcast in the world. Tell your friends, share it on social media using the hashtag #wcpodcast, and give us a five-star rating wherever you download your podcasts! Thank you so much for listening!

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Jun 24, 2018

This week on the Windows Central Podcast: Surfaces with LTE, new Xbox Avatars, our thoughts on the Windows 10 update cadence, and more!

We're back with another exciting episode of the Window Central Podcast. This week, editors Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden talk about the future of Surface and why LTE will play a vital role in it, brand new Xbox Avatars that are now in testing with Insiders, our thoughts on Microsoft's Windows 10 update cadence and whether or not cutting back to one would be a good idea, MSN News being rebranded, and a whole lot more.

This episode of the Windows Central Podcast is sponsored by LightStream. LightStream is a national online consumer lending division of SunTrust Bank who believe that consumers who have established good credit have earned the right to a simple loan process and excellent rates. LightStream is offering our listeners an additional interest rate discount on top of LightStream's already low rates. To get started, make sure you head to LightStream.com/WCP

Help us make this show the best Microsoft podcast in the world. Tell your friends, share it on social media using the hashtag #wcpodcast, and give us a five-star rating wherever you download your podcasts! Thank you so much for listening!

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Jun 20, 2018

This week on the Windows Central Podcast: New Surface codenames, Xbox at E3, updates coming to Office and more!

We're back with another exciting episode of the Window Central Podcast. This week, editors Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden talk the latest new Redstone 5 build, a couple of new Surface codenames, Xbox at E3 and all the announcement around gaming, updates coming to Microsoft Office 2019, and a whole lot more!

Help us make this show the best Microsoft podcast in the world. Tell your friends, share it on social media using the hashtag #wcpodcast, and give us a five-star rating wherever you download your podcasts! Thank you so much for listening!

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Jun 5, 2018

This week on the Windows Central Podcast: Dell's secret foldable dual-screen device, Microsoft To-Do becomes useful, and what's in store for Cortana?

We're back with another exciting episode of the Window Central Podcast. This week, editors Daniel Rubino and Zac Bowden talk about Dells' secret foldable Windows 10 device with dual-displays that sounds awfully similar to Microsoft's secret Andromeda device. Also this week, we talk about new builds, Microsoft's To-Do app, the death of Groove on iOS and Android, and the future of Cortana. What's next for Cortana? All that, and more, in this weeks episode.

Help us make this show the best Microsoft podcast in the world. Tell your friends, share it on social media using the hashtag #wcpodcast, and give us a five-star rating wherever you download your podcasts! Thank you so much for listening!

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