Leo, Mary Jo, and Paul discuss a new Windows 11 build and some refreshed apps, a new consumer push at Microsoft, Xbox, and much more.

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Tips and picks

Tip of the week: Seriously, at least try Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass is unique in videogames today, but it’s the future, and it’s getting better all the time. If you’ve not jumped in yet, just give it a shot. The first month is only 99 cents.

App pick of the week: elementary OS 6

Not happy about the direction Microsoft is going with in Windows 11? Or perhaps you have a PC that won’t make the cut. If you rely on mostly web apps, maybe it’s time to start looking at Linux. But if you’re not familiar with the platform, you should start with one of the more consumer-friendly options, like elementary OS 6.

Plus: A quick catch-up on web browsers

Enterprise pick of the week:  An updated M365 Roadmap site is coming

This September – unless it’s delayed – the Microsoft 365 Roadmap site is getting a fairly big refresh. In the M365/O365 admin center, MS says: “We will be making updates to the Microsoft 365 roadmap on how you view, filter, search for, and sort the information.”

Buzzword of the week: Ransomware

Microsoft is jumping on the ransomware prevention PR train in a big way over the past couple weeks.

This week: Microsoft makes an investment in cloud data management firm Rubrik in the name of fighting ransomware

Last week: Azure Sentinel Gets Fusion AI Early Ransomware Detection in Preview

Expect more ransomware-prevention stuff in the coming days and weeks

Beer pick of the week: Off Color Brewing Beer for Beaches

Off Color Brewing in Chicago has a fun series of beers they’re making this summer that have simple names designed to help folks immediately figure out what they are. Beer for Beaches is a “beach house style ale” (I’d say sour) with cranberry, peach and lemon juices added. Meant to sort of imitate “Sex on the Beach” cocktail. 6%