The Windows Central Podcast discusses backward compatible Xbox games on Windows, LG forcing McAfee adware on PCs, and Samsung’s new folding phones

Welcome back to the Windows Central Podcast! It’s Daniel Rubino and Jez Corden in the driver’s seat this week, tackling a massive news cycle in the Xbox and tech space. We kick things off with a frustrating trend: LG monitors forcing McAfee pop-ups, and we get a little philosophical about the “enshittification” of our hardware.

On the gaming front, we dive deep into the newly discovered OG Xbox emulation coming to Windows PCs and what it means for the future of game preservation. Jez also gives us the behind-the-scenes breakdown of his exclusive interview with Todd Howard, contextualizing the recent, devastating Bethesda layoffs with the push for Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5. We also unpack the latest reports on Xbox studio heads pushing back against Game Pass, break down that surprise 86% spike in Xbox console sales in June, and get a little bit of sticker shock over the newly announced Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8.

• [02:06] – Intro
• [07:09] – Tech News: The LG monitor McAfee controversy and the state of hardware advertising.
• [24:36] – Xbox on PC: Microsoft brings native OG Xbox backwards compatibility and emulation to Windows.
• [45:35] – Bethesda: Jez talks about his exclusive sit-down with Todd Howard amidst the brutal Zenimax layoffs.
• [01:00:26] – Game Pass: Do Xbox studio leads actually detest Game Pass? We debate Jason Schreier’s latest report and pitch our own subscription tiers.
• [01:14:49] – Hardware Sales: Unpacking the surprise 86% upswing in Xbox console sales during June.
• [01:22:09] – Mobile: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 are here, and the prices are through the roof.
• [01:33:39] – Live Q&A: Pouring one out for the Surface Duo, remembering John C. Dvorak, and the classic games we want remade.