Under the Surface

Rob Quickenden

"Under the Surface" unpacks the intricate layers of modern and cool tech. It focusses on the blend of tech and human interaction in business and our personal lives. Each episode aims to explore the hidden details behind different yet interconnected digital and AI innovations—from chip to cloud and through to AI. Each episode is hosted by Rob Quickenden [Microsoft MVP and CTO at Cisilion] with special guests (product leads, vendors, friends, and MVPs) to boldly go beyond the tech, to explore the facts and discover what really powers our rapidly evolving and connected world.

Episodes

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Episode 8 -What is new in Copilot ( 2026 ) with MVP Ami Diamond

    Summary In my first podcast of 2026, I talk to MVP Ami Diamond and discuss the evolving landscape of Microsoft Copilot and its impact on productivity and technology. We explore the role of MVPs in the tech community, the innovations brought by AI, and the future of AI models and integration. The conversation highlights the practical applications of Copilot in business, the importance of voice interaction, and the ongoing evolution of AI technology. Listeners gain insights into how these tools can enhance everyday life and improve business processes. We cover: - The MVP community - gratitude, sharing knowledge - Evolution of Copilot - How AI can be beneficial for various users, including those with disabilities. - Integration of different AI models within Microsoft products - Voice interaction and usecases - New Features in Copilot you may not know (yet) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the MVP Community 02:38 Exploring Microsoft Copilot and AI Integration 05:22 The Role of AI in Everyday Productivity 08:14 Personalszation and User Interaction with AI 11:02 Comparing AI Models and Their Applications 14:00 The Future of AI in Microsoft Products 16:46 Understanding AI's Reasoning and User Experience 19:39 The Impact of AI on Data Analysis and Reporting 22:06 Enhancing Excel and PowerPoint with AI 24:50 Final Thoughts on AI's Evolution and Future 31:16 Harnessing AI Tools Effectively 32:42 Exploring Copilot Features 33:31 The Power of Pages and Notebooks 34:19 Innovations in Audio and Voice Technology 36:42 The Evolution of Voice Interaction 38:04 Understanding Copilot Actions 40:13 Navigating Consumer and Business AI Solutions 41:54 The Future of AI in Shopping 44:16 Enhancing User Experience with AI 45:20 The Rapid Evolution of AI Technology 46:15 Leveraging Custom Features in Copilot 47:40 More Copilot Features you need to know about 53:55 END :-)

    54 min

  2. 09/12/2025

    Copilot Updates - Post Ignite 2025

    Following Ignite 2025, Manesh Mistry and I discuss the rapid evolution of AI, focusing on advances with Microsoft's Copilot and its implications for businesses. In this podcast we explore some of the newest features coming to Microsoft 365 Copilot including GPT-5.2, Voice mode and video with Sora 2 Video. We also discuss the growing develops of Agentic AI, and how frontier firms are embracing the concept. We talk about the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in terms of security, governance, and how Agent 365 and Entra ID promises to help secure and govern such agents.

    50 min
  3. Microsoft Copilot: Looking at how far we have come

    06/10/2025

    Microsoft Copilot: Looking at how far we have come

    In this eposide I am joined by Manesh Minstry, a digitial artist and Microsoft 365 Copilot advisor,menror and prompting guru. We talk about the incredible pace of change, innovation,new features and new model support in Microsoft 365 Copilot. We cover the challenges around adoption, dispell some myths and re enforce Microsoft Enterprise Data Protection, Responsible AI and choice available to consumers and business prodessionals across every role and every industry. Tune in,to see how far it has come so far and how fast the innovation is coming.. 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 02:22 The Evolution of Copilot Technology 05:17 Copilot Chat and Its Importance 07:35 Security and Compliance in AI Tools 10:19 The Role of Context in Copilot Usage 13:09 Voice Interaction with Copilot 15:34 Practical Applications of Copilot in Daily Life 17:40 Enhancing Prompting Techniques 19:53 The Future of AI Memory and Personalization 25:11 Utilizing AI for Personalization 28:51 Exploring Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI Models 34:05 The Evolution of AI Models 37:13 Harnessing Microsoft First Party Agents 40:51 The Future of AI Agents and Orchestration 44:19 Recent Developments in AI and Tools

    52 min

  4. 29/07/2025

    Surface - The Next Fronter - ARM, Intel, 5G and Hybrid AI

    In this episode, Rob Quickenden (Microsoft MVP) and Microsoft's Caleb Johnson discuss the evolution of Surface devices, the impact of technology on productivity, and the integration of AI and 5G in modern computing. They explore the journey of Surface from its inception to the current lineup, highlighting innovations in design, functionality, and user experience. We talk about the huge innovations and importance of battery life, security, always on AI and the future of Windows on ARM and of course the continued importance of Intel in the Surface ecosystem. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:20 - The Evolution of Microsoft Surface 11:25 - Recent Surface Innovations and Announcements 14:41 - Surface Family Lineup 17:23 - Silicon, Battery Life and Windows on ARM 22:45 - The Evolution of ARM in Windows Devices 25:26 - Future of ARM and Intel: A Consumer Perspective 27:53 - AI Integration and Productivity Enhancements 30:06 - The Impact of AI on Device Functionality 34:02 - Data Privacy and Security in Technology 35:16 - The Versatility of Modern Devices 38:59- Innovation in the Surface Ecosystem

    45 min

  5. 14/07/2025

    Windows in the Cloud - Is this the future of End User Compute

    In this episode of "Under the Surface," I am joined by Microsofts' Christian Brinkoff from the Windows Cloud Engineering team. We explore the evolution of Windows from Microsoft original vision for a Windows device on every desk and in every home to the most recent evolution of Windows in the Cloud with Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop. We look at how Microsoft's innovations are transforming the way we work, with insights into the future of Cloud PCs, AI integration, and the seamless experience of Windows 365. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or an IT pro, this episode look at the future innovation and direction of Windows.

    36 min
  6. Maximising Copilot Potential: The Effectiveness of Change Management

    13/05/2025

    Maximising Copilot Potential: The Effectiveness of Change Management

    In this episode, Rob Quickenden engages with adoption and change consultants Mike Blair and James Webb to discuss the critical role of change management in maximising the benefits and potential of AI technologies like Microsoft Copilot. They explore the cultural shifts required for effective AI integration, user reactions to AI tools, and the importance of trust and ethics in AI utilisation. The conversation emphasises the need for organisations to understand user needs, address objections, and implement effective change management strategies to ensure successful technology adoption and show cases the difference between no change management and the right change management.

    51 min

  7. 22/04/2025

    History of Microsoft Surface

    In this episode, we talk to Microsoft's Chauncey Larsen in Redmond. We discuss the origins of Surface, innovation of Surface and Windows and Chip to Cloud Security as we explore the finer details of Microsoft's unique place in the Windows Eco systems of owning and securing the Windows environment, from firmware, DCFI, Secure Boot, TPM, Pluton Processor and Windows Hello for Business.

    28 min

  8. 16/04/2025

    Why Windows 365

    My first Podcast in the Under The Surface, I am live from Microsoft MVP Summit in Redmond, Washington, talking to Microsoft's Megan Gremmell about Windows in the Cloud, Windows 365, AVD and the new Windows 365 Link device. We talk market, why we need it, and the value proposition around

    27 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

"Under the Surface" unpacks the intricate layers of modern and cool tech. It focusses on the blend of tech and human interaction in business and our personal lives. Each episode aims to explore the hidden details behind different yet interconnected digital and AI innovations—from chip to cloud and through to AI. Each episode is hosted by Rob Quickenden [Microsoft MVP and CTO at Cisilion] with special guests (product leads, vendors, friends, and MVPs) to boldly go beyond the tech, to explore the facts and discover what really powers our rapidly evolving and connected world.

Information

  • Creator
    Rob Quickenden
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rob Quickenden
  • Show Website
    Under the Surface