Windows K2: MS tries to save their OS

This week Windows K2 launches as an initiative to de-bloat Windows 11 and make it attractive to users again, the EU's USB C mandate for laptop goes live and OnePlus and Realme merge.

Episode 299

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►►► News & product links ◄◄◄

Windows K2: https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/what-is-windows-k2-everything-you-need-to-know-saving-windows-11

USB C mandate: https://commission.europa.eu/news-and-media/news/eu-common-charger-rules-power-all-your-devices-single-charger-2024-12-28_en

USB C updated: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C_202402997

OnePlus Realme merger: https://www.gsmarena.com/oneplus_and_realme_are_merging_reportedly_-news-72616.php

If a line starts with "*" it's an affilate link. I earn a commission if you buy through it.

Valve Steam Controller: https://store.steampowered.com/sale/steamcontroller

*Moto Razr 2026 family (Razr 70 family): https://geni.us/p2XCU

*Moto Razr Ultra 2025 (Razr 60 Ultra): https://geni.us/hxm3O1

*DJI Mic Mini 2: https://geni.us/s2gv

Google Translate pronunciation: https://x.com/thefox/status/2049158937027702876

YouTube picture in picture: https://support.google.com/youtube/thread/425771437?hl=en

Google icon redesign: https://9to5google.com/2026/04/26/gmail-google-gradient-redesign/

Softbank startup: https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/29/softbank-is-creating-a-robotics-company-that-builds-data-centers-and-already-eyeing-a-100b-ipo/

China Manus AI: https://www.wsj.com/world/china/china-bans-metas-acquisition-of-manus-on-national-security-grounds-71e10c3f

Wero AWS: https://www.heise.de/en/news/Sovereign-payment-service-Wero-still-relies-on-AWS-but-vows-to-improve-11277248.html

CATL Sodium ion: https://electrek.co/2026/04/27/catl-sodium-ion-battery-60gwh-energy-storage-deal/

Fairphone 3 updates: https://www.fairphone.com/press/pdf/FP3%20EOL%202.pdf

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►►► TechAltar links ◄◄◄

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Social media:

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https://threads.net/@techaltar

https://bsky.app/profile/techaltar.bsky.social

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►►► Attributions & Time stamps◄◄◄

Music by Edemski: https://soundcloud.com/edemski

Stock assets: Getty Images

0:00 Intro

0:16 Windows K2

2:14 EU USB C laptop mandate

3:54 OnePlus Realme merger

4:23 Stonks

5:14 Release Monitor

6:25 The Brief

9:36 Q&A