According to Neowin, Windows chief Pavan Davuluri got absolutely ratioed on X after claiming Windows is evolving into an “agentic OS,” forcing him to limit replies to his tweets before attempting damage control days later. Microsoft released Patch Tuesday security updates for Windows 11 and the first Extended Security Update for unsupported Windows 10 systems via KB5071959, while expanding Windows 11 version 23H2 availability to more devices. The company also faced criticism for a botched Copilot ad that highlighted the feature’s limitations, improved third-party password manager integration, and saw the Browser Choice Alliance accuse Microsoft of bribing customers with Reward points to use Edge. Valve announced new hardware including a console, VR headset, and controller, while Xbox Cloud Gaming finally launched in India starting at ~$5.63 monthly, and Todd Howard revealed The Elder Scrolls VI is “still a long way off” seven years after announcement.
When corporate speak meets reality
Here’s the thing about calling your operating system “agentic” – regular people just want their computers to work without the marketing fluff. Pavan Davuluri learned this the hard way when his vague corporate jargon about “intelligent productivity” got absolutely demolished in the replies. And honestly, can you blame users? When Microsoft keeps pushing features like Copilot that often feel half-baked, then doubles down with ads that basically demonstrate how useless they are, what did they expect?
The timing couldn’t be worse either. While executives are getting roasted online, Microsoft is quietly dealing with the messy reality of Windows 10’s end-of-life. That first Extended Security Update for Windows 10? It’s basically admitting they’ve got millions of users who can’t or won’t upgrade to Windows 11. And let’s be real – when you see tools like Flyoobe and tiny11 gaining popularity specifically to skip Windows 11’s hardware requirements, maybe the problem isn’t user education but Microsoft’s own product decisions.
The never-ending browser drama
Microsoft’s browser situation keeps getting more interesting. The Browser Choice Alliance calling out Microsoft for “bribing” users with Reward points? That’s some strong language, but honestly, it’s hard to argue when you’re essentially paying people to use your browser. Meanwhile, Firefox killing 32-bit Linux support shows how the browser landscape keeps shifting, while Opera’s partnership with Spotify feels like another desperate attempt to stand out in a crowded market.
But here’s what really matters: Microsoft’s approach to browsers feels increasingly defensive. When you’ve got to incentivize people to stick with your default browser rather than winning them over with superior features, that says something about your product’s actual value proposition. And with Vivaldi adding better privacy features and cross-device syncing, the competition isn’t standing still.
Valve can’t count to three
Valve announcing new hardware when everyone’s been begging for Half-Life 3? Classic Valve move. The company that “doesn’t know how to count to three” suddenly drops a console, VR headset, and controller all at once. No prices yet, but given Valve’s track record with hardware, this could either be brilliant or another Steam Machine situation.
Meanwhile, Xbox Cloud Gaming finally reaching India is huge – that market’s been underserved for years. But at ~$5.63 monthly for the entry tier, Microsoft’s clearly going after the budget-conscious gamer. The real question is whether the infrastructure can handle it. And Todd Howard’s admission about The Elder Scrolls VI being “still a long way off” seven years after announcement? That’s just brutal for fans who’ve been waiting.
The constant update cycle
Between Patch Tuesday, Windows Insider builds, driver updates, and now haptic feedback features in testing, it feels like Windows is in perpetual beta. The File Explorer slowdown fixes are welcome, but when you’re discovering hidden haptic feedback toggles in Dev builds, it makes you wonder – is Microsoft focusing on the right things?
And that former Microsoft engineer explaining why Windows sucks? That story probably resonated with a lot of people this week. When your own former employees are publicly critiquing the product while current executives get ratioed for tone-deaf marketing, maybe it’s time for some serious introspection in Redmond. The company that once dominated computing now seems stuck between corporate buzzwords and user reality.
