Learn more about accessibility in gaming and how when everybody plays, we all win in this two-part episode of the Windows Insider Podcast. Jason chats with Tara Voelker , a program manager at Mixer about gaming for everyone, the Game Accessibility Conference, the evolution of Mixer, and the future of streaming. Then we get together with Gabi Michel , the program manager behind the Xbox Adaptive Controller. She takes us through how her team developed the controller, Microsoft’s commitment to acce...
Jul 03, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Take a fascinating dive into Microsoft’s approach to quantum computing. Then, get an inside look at recent improvements to the Windows Update experience. Machine learning and increased transparency are helping the Windows team track user feedback and deliver our best update experience ever. Resources: Windows Insider podcast page Janet Schneider , Principal Software Engineer in the Cryogenic Computing Group at Microsoft. Microsoft Quantum Development Kit Microsoft.com/quantum AI for Africa brill...
Jun 05, 2019•44 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Join us as we dig into all things security in this two-part episode of the Windows Insider Podcast. Jason chats with David Westin, group security manager for operating systems, about big picture security, including red team versus blue team operations, the importance of securing public infrastructure, and the future of AI. Plus, get an inside look at how Insiders make his job easier. Then, Jessica Payne, a senior security researcher for Microsoft Defender, joins us for a conversation about how y...
May 01, 2019•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 19
The Windows Hello team chats about security features that make passwords obsolete and authentication safer and easier than ever. Then Jason meets up with Dona Sarkar for an inside look into the Windows Insider Program’s impact on Windows 10 and exciting new possibilities for the future. Resources: Windows Insider Program Jason Howard Dona Sarkar Nadya Amirchoupani Anastasia Tarnouskaya Other Microsoft podcasts of interest: The Intrazone , a show about the SharePoint intelligent intranet Behind t...
Apr 03, 2019•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Technology and the jobs that go with it are evolving exponentially faster. How can new grads and seasoned pros alike be prepared for the jobs of tomorrow? How does Microsoft hire the brightest minds to work on leading edge tech? We ponder these questions and more with Dave Wecker, Architect at Microsoft’s Quantum Computing team, and Tyler Roush, of Microsoft’s talent sourcing team. Dave gives us a peek into his work on the frontier of quantum computing, and Tyler shares what it’s like to source ...
Jul 25, 2018•42 min•Ep. 17
What’s next for the future of gaming? To find out, Dona Sarkar chats with Joe Neate, Executive Producer of the hit pirate adventure, Sea of Thieves. Joe talks about major gaming trends that are influencing Sea of Thieves and the expansion of the game’s rich storylines. Next, we explore the growing popularity of game streaming by chatting with Microsoft’s Mixer team. Marketing director Jenn McCoy and engineer Chad Gibson discuss how the Mixer platform is sparking new experiences in gameplay and i...
Jun 27, 2018•44 min•Ep. 16
With the release of the Windows April 2018 Update , we chat with Microsoft engineers about three exciting features that Insiders voted as part of their top 10 favorites. Tom Alphin joins Jason Howard in the studio to talk about Timeline, a new, chronological way to keep track of all your stuff, including across multiple devices. Jake Cohen chats about Eye Control, an accessibility feature that Microsoft developed with the help of Steve Gleason, an NFL football player for the New Orleans Saints w...
May 30, 2018•57 min•Ep. 15
Everyone’s favorite new buzzword is ‘machine learning’ (or ‘ML’) but what exactly is ML and how is it already transforming everyday life and business? We chat with Microsoft engineers about machine learning and the significance of Windows ML, a new AI platform for developers available through the upcoming Windows 10 update. We cover how ML is changing the field of app development and how developers can get started with Windows ML. Finally, a Windows Insider gives us a tour under the hood of his ...
Apr 25, 2018•34 min•Ep. 14
In this episode, we delve into lifelong learning – the key to growing your superpowers, whether you’re interested in taking the next step in your career or feeding your side hustle. We gathered expert tips and advice on how to keep learning and how to decide what new skills will most benefit you. We also get the scoop on how to get the most out of learning conferences and what it takes to earn a certification from Microsoft. Listen to this episode for a chance to win a free three-month subscript...
Mar 28, 2018•51 min•Ep. 13
What does the world stand to lose without equal access to technology and the internet? Microsoft’s Dona Sarkar and Leonardo Ortiz discuss the Microsoft Airband Initiative and why the future of jobs and education make closing the digital divide more important than ever. Then, Windows Insider MVP Andre DaCosta from Jamaica, shares his thoughts on the power of connectivity, plus a few tips for optimizing Windows while having limited access to the internet. Episode transcript JASON HOWARD: Welcome t...
Feb 28, 2018•35 min•Ep. 12
How is Mixed Reality (MR) changing the way we experience the world? We explore this question with three creators using MR to entertain, connect, and assist people with different abilities. First, we chat with Mia Tramz, Managing Editor at LIFE VR, about using virtual reality to travel the world. Then we catch up with Zach Clark, a veteran who was injured in combat and is now using HoloLens to help people with visual impairments and brain injuries navigate hospital settings. Finally, Microsoft's ...
Jan 24, 2018•30 min•Ep. 11
Over the next two episodes, the Windows Insider podcast explores all things mixed reality. In part 1, we chat with the Hololens team about design elements in Windows Mixed Reality and how developers can get started creating immersive experiences. We also hear how virtual reality enhances social life and creates community with people from all over the world. Find out more about Windows Mixed Reality here: https://aka.ms/MoreInfo_WindowsMixedReality Episode transcript ALEX KIPMAN (from video): Now...
Dec 13, 2017•39 min•Ep. 10
In honor of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd, the Windows Insider Podcast team explores advancements in inclusive technology. For decades, Microsoft has been creating products and services to serve people of all abilities, and in recent years the company has made a stronger commitment to this goal with the appointment of Chief Accessibility Officer, Jenny Lay-Flurrie. In this episode, we chat with Jenny about the future of inclusive tech, and we learn how feedback f...
Nov 30, 2017•33 min•Ep. 9
According to a 2016 study, only 26% of the tech industry’s workforce is women. This month on the Windows Insider Podcast, we explore the impact of having so few women in software development and other tech careers, and what we can do to empower women in the field. Featuring guest hosts Colleen O’Brien and Sonia Dara from the podcast “Women in Business & Technology”. To learn more about the “Women in Business & Technology” podcast, visit: https://aka.ms/Womenbizandtech...
Oct 25, 2017•46 min•Ep. 8
The Windows Insider Program gives IT Pros credibility and the chance to deliver better products to their customers. On top of that, companies and organizations have a huge impact on the development of Windows. In this episode, we ask Michael Niehaus, Director of Product Marketing at Windows, what businesses can gain from deploying preview builds at work. We also hear from an IT Pro whose close relationship with the Windows Insider team makes him better at his job. To connect with Michael Niehaus...
Sep 27, 2017•21 min•Ep. 7
Have you ever wondered what it's like to intern at Microsoft? In this month's episode of the Windows Insider podcast, we look at the intern experience from two perspectives. First, we sit down with Lauren Rosenberg, a double-major in computer science and astrophysics, to learn what it's like being part of the Cloud and Enterprise team. Lauren was a Windows Insider in the fast ring before starting university, and the program helped propel her interest in working for Microsoft. We also talk to the...
Aug 10, 2017•24 min•Ep. 6
Insiders influence all that we do, so this month they are powering the Windows Insider podcast as we dive into themes of community and engagement. Listen as Dona Sarkar responds directly to questions from the Insider community on Twitter, along with giving us an exclusive first look at what's next for the program (hint: it's about building connections). Two long-time Insiders drive the second half of the episode when they interview Windows Insider MVP, Joel Rushworth, about engaging with friends...
Jul 25, 2017•37 min•Ep. 5
This month on the Windows Insider Podcast, hear Kiki Wolfkill, the Studio Head for Transmedia at 343 Industries, and Dona Sarkar dissect how experiential gaming builds empathy, and learn life lessons from a third grader about how gamifying coding builds not only robots but friendships and newfound skills within immigrant communities.
Jun 28, 2017•39 min
On this week’s show, the Windows Education Marketing team describes what it takes to make technology more accessible for schools and more useful for today’s student – get an insider’s perspective into an event that launched a philosophy, not just a product. Keep listening to hear how Kayas Cultural College built a digital classroom using a fully Microsoft solution for distance learning in remote areas. From K-12 to adult education, join us for an episode In the Classroom.
May 26, 2017•31 min
In this Down Under episode of the Windows Insider podcast, listen in as Chief Ninja Cat, Dona Sarkar, and the Godfather of Windows Insider Program, Bill Karagounis, discuss updates coming out of Ignite Australia and ways our Insiders can become heroes of the digital transformation. Our next Aussie guest shares the origin story of Girl-germs, the name of her blog, and the value she finds as a member of the Insider community.
Apr 24, 2017•24 min
On this inaugural episode, host Thomas “Tomcat” Trombley explores how Insiders for Good helps people transform their passion for tech into their superpower. Dona Sarkar, Head of the Windows Insider Program and overall Renaissance woman, teaches us how to use technology for the betterment of humanity. Then hear from one of the 25 winners of the first Insiders for Good Fellowship about how he puts power into the hands of the people of Nigeria (solar power, that is).
Mar 28, 2017•17 min
