Set the type tool to Segoe UI and type "Testing" on the canvas. Place the cursor at the end and insert a Glyph using a different typeface. Return to the canvas, select the type tool and begin typing a new string. The font is now set to the Glyph typeface rather then Segoe UI.
Sometimes the glyph typeface selector fails altogether. With the Glyph panel collapsed, type "Testing" on the canvas. Place the cursor at the end of the word. Expand the Glyph tool and note that you cannot change the type dropdown.
What you're describing in the first paragraph is completely expected and typical Photoshop behavior. Unlike other applications, Photoshop always retains the font face of the last font used. Because the last font you used was "alternate typeface" that is the default font next time you start using type. This is no different than when type was first introduced 17+ years ago.
As for the second paragraph, that does sound like a bug, but I cannot reproduce it on either Windows or Mac. What OS are you running? Are you getting these results reliably?
Okay, I figured out what you're seeing. If the Glyph Panel is closed when you begin a new type layer, then if you subsequently open the Glyph Panel before confirming your type layer, most of the controls for the GP appear disabled.
If the Glyph Panel is already open, then there's no problem.
Turns out that this is a platform-specific focus issue. We're working on a fix, now that we know what the problem is. Meanwhile, to workaround the issue, clicking any of the controls on the bottom of the Glyph Panel (the ones that control glyph size) will restore focus correctly and remove the problem.
Thanks for pointing this out and sorry for the inconvenience. We are actively working on it.
David
This is still broken after installing the latest version. The font list dropdown is disabled after selecting the text tool, clicking on the canvas and then opening the Glyphs panel.