In the latest episode of the Windows Weekly podcast, Leo Laporte, Mary Jo Foley, and I discuss Microsoft killing the Windows Live brand, rumors of coming Xbox-based digital media services, Microsoft and Barnes & Noble's settlement and new partnership, a ton of new mobile patents news, Steve Wozniak's misguided love of Windows Phone, and rumors of a new Xbox subscription bundle.

Running time: 1:37:24

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Picks

Tip of the week: Master task switching in Windows 8

Windows 8 has come under fire from  PC enthusiasts because it's too tablet focused. But this new OS adds a ton of features for keyboard and mouse users, including several new features--Start tip, Back tip, Switcher, and Snap--that actually greatly enhance this functionality, especially with mouse and keyboard. Instead of complaining, learn to be more efficient!

Software pick of the week: TechNet Standard

Mine just came up for a renewal: A reminder why every IT pro needs to join TechNet Standard ($199 for first year, $149 for renewals) ... Non-production use (testing, evaluation) versions of virtually all Microsoft software (Windows, Office, etc.), a Microsoft E-Learning course,24/7 online chat, priority support in TechNet Forums. Step up to Professional ($349, $249 for renewal) to add all Microsoft Enterprise and Dynamics software too, plus an additional E-learning courseand two complimentary Professional support calls.

Enterprise pick of the week: OLSB (Office Live Small Business)

One of the predecessors of O365, this week is the deadline for MS turning off OLSB. Quite a few folks are having issues (not surprisingly) when trying to migrate. 

Codename pick of the week: Casablanca

Of all the datacenters in the world, why did you have to walk into mine, you new set of C++ libraries for the cloud?

Audible pick of the week: The Martian Chronicles: A Radio Dramatization by Ray Bradbury

The Martian Chronicles: A Radio Dramatization by Ray Bradbury, narrated by The Colonial Radio Players, is one of the best Audible productions I've found, similar to the recently-released Dracula, with a full cast, audio effects, and a soundtrack. A really nice presentation for an epic  sci-fi short stories series classic. The separate, short story approach makes it semi-ideal as an audiobook as well.