TechLinked – September 18, 2025
Episode: Adblock update caused low views, Google's Windows Search + more!
Host: Linus Media Group
Format: Thrice-weekly tech & gaming news
Episode Overview
This fast-paced, conversational episode dives into the recent confusion over sudden drops in YouTube view counts—unraveling how an update to popular adblocking lists, not YouTube itself, was to blame. The hosts also cover the mixed blessing of Google’s new Windows Search tool, recap legal and hardware industry drama, and deliver a rapid-fire round of “quick bits” from the tech world with their usual blend of humor and skepticism.
Key Discussion Points
1. YouTube’s “Viewpocalypse” & Adblockers
- Background: Sudden decline in YouTube view counts led to much speculation, with fingers pointed at YouTube itself.
- Discovery:
- YouTube's blog post suggested ad blocker updates may be to blame.
- Rene Richie (YouTube’s liaison) clarifies YouTube didn’t make changes.
- The culprit: On August 11, 2025, a new filter was added to the “EZ Privacy List,” used by adblockers, which inadvertently blocked YouTube’s view-counting method.
- Key commentators:
- Theo Joe (YouTuber and “reformed expert troll”)
- Jeff Geerling (“Extra dad” YouTuber)
- Volunteer Yuki made the filter change, which drew extensive debate and troubleshooting on GitHub.
- Scratchy contributed a guide for users to override the update, balancing view counts for creators and privacy.
- Privacy Tension:
- Hosts point out the central issue: “the main reason many people use ad blockers is to protect their privacy. Because, fun fact, most ads are also trackers.” (10:00)
- Some users may not want to roll back privacy protections just to register YouTube views.
- Resolution:
- A follow-up EasyList update now only blocks third-party hit counters, allowing YouTube to register views again.
- Quote: “At the end of the day, it looks like YouTube wasn't the immediate cause of this change. But that doesn't mean they can't mess up the platform in other ways...” (12:28)
2. YouTube Shorts Adds VO3AI Slop Generator
- Announcement:
- YouTube is integrating their VO3AI video & audio generator directly into Shorts.
- Hosts employ satirical enthusiasm: “Because the Internet doesn't have nearly enough slop yet. More slop immediately, please.” (13:19)
- Suggestion for a “slop block” to counter generated content overload.
3. Google’s New Windows Search App
- Features:
- Windows app for rapid search across local files, Google Drive, installed apps, and the web.
- Uses Alt+Space shortcut (similar to macOS Spotlight).
- User Experience:
- Only released in the U.S., the host tested it via Google Labs.
- Mixed feelings: sometimes effective for local files, but often prioritized web search instead.
- “If you're expecting something better than Windows Search that doesn't have web search involved, I mean, it very much is still involved.” (15:11)
- “Maybe it'll get better over time. Windows Search sure didn't.” (15:34)
4. Quick Bits: Major VR Events
- Meta Connect event:
- Happening during recording; more coverage expected on Friday.
- Host jabs at event timing: “Please ask Mark to run the event earlier next time. Mark Zuckerberg. Not this Mark.” (17:08)
- Seattle VR gathering:
- VR creators rumored to be previewing the upcoming Steam Frame hardware.
- Host's playful gripe: “Gabe didn’t invite me. That’s okay. Maybe next time.” (17:25)
5. Tesla Wrongful Death Lawsuit
- Settlement:
- Tesla settled a suit related to a 2019 crash involving Autopilot.
- Previous Florida case cost Tesla $243 million; this settlement amount is undisclosed.
- Quote: “Can't win em all, but you could try to settle em. What's the—no, you can't.” (18:10)
6. AMD vs. Intel: CPU Socket Longevity
- AMD strategy:
- AMD launches the Ryzen 5 5600F, a lower-clocked 5600, to support the AM4 socket into a 9th year.
- Quote: “Is it the best upgrade? … People just like options, you know?” (18:38)
7. DDR5 “Rowhammer” Vulnerability (SK Hynix)
- Findings:
- ETH Zurich & Google researchers identify new Rowhammer variant, “Phoenix” (CVE20256202), affecting 2021–2024 ECC memory modules.
- “Researchers… used one of two patterns to flip bits on 15 different on die ECC memory modules made between 21 and 2024.” (19:00)
8. Casio’s Mofflin: AI Robot Pet Comes to America
- Product News:
- Japanese fuzzy AI “smart companion” robot now available for U.S. pre-order in gold or silver.
- Designed for support, reassurance, and connection: “Who needs that?” (19:42)
- Details: Operates up to 35°C, includes its own “Mofflin bed,” ships October 1st.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Isn't that endearing? You just read that off the prompt. The YouTube viewpocalypse, as some have called it, may not be YouTube's fault, despite some commentators basing entire jokes on that very assumption.” – Host (00:30)
- “You dropped this king. Can you put a crown there? Yeah. Thank you.” – Host’s meta-joke about community contributors (10:31)
- “Privacy? Yeah, you see, while any AdBlock user could go and manually remove the easy privacy filter from their adblocker settings, they might not want to do that, even if it would mean allowing YouTube to count their views. Because the main reason many people use ad blockers is to protect their privacy. Because, fun fact, most ads are also trackers. Isn't that fun? Why not? Both?” (11:22)
- “Tell you what we need. Slop block is what we need. Okay, somebody get on that. Not me though.” – On AI video slop (13:32)
- “Windows Search couldn't even find today's sponsor, War Thunder.” – Roasting Windows Search (16:04)
- “That was. You're like, what was the news there? There was no news. That's the problem.” – Host’s self-aware comment on VR event speculation (17:32)
- “Can't win em all, but you could try to settle em. What's the—no, you can't.” – On Tesla lawsuits (18:10)
- “Who needs that?” – About buying a fuzzy AI robot for emotional support (19:42)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Adblock update & YouTube views: 00:30–12:28
- YouTube Shorts & AI content: 12:28–13:32
- Google Windows Search app: 13:35–16:04
- VR event teasers: 16:35–17:32
- Tesla Autopilot lawsuit: 17:32–18:10
- AMD socket longevity & new CPU: 18:11–18:38
- DDR5 Rowhammer flaw: 18:39–19:26
- Casio Mofflin AI pet: 19:27–end
Episode Tone & Style
Casual, self-deprecating, and peppered with in-jokes. The host often breaks the fourth wall, jokes about “slop,” refuses to take tech drama too seriously, and directly addresses both the audience and industry figures with mock complaints and playful ribbing.
Conclusion
This episode provides both clarity and entertainment on the recent “YouTube viewpocalypse,” offering practical info for viewers and creators alike, while lampooning the state of modern AI-powered media, hardware vulnerabilities, and the endless march of “smart” consumer devices. TechLinked remains a blend of genuine tech expertise and irreverent commentary, ensuring that even minor news bites land with an engaging punch.