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Riley
Hey guys, it's Riley from the video and I just realized that I'm still filming the video, so actually I can't do this part yet. The Trump administration has clarified that its 125% tariff on China was meant to be announced in addition to the 20% tariff Trump added as soon as he took office. So imports of Chinese goods are actually subject to 145% tariff for the next five minutes. Who knows? In response, China said hey, what the heck, we'll do one more too. And bumped their tariffs on US imports up to 125% and threw in a jab in their official statement about the US Becoming an economic joke. For good measure, these are massive tariffs for two countries whose supply chains are so interconnected and they could lead to a product like the iPhone 16 Pro jumping from $1,000 to $3,500 according to this analyst wearing a truly unhinged suit jacket, which frankly makes me question his credibility. Yet Bloomberg values his opinion. Apparently this is something that Dan Ives does and everyone pretends is okay. Well, Apple expert Mark Gurman isn't pretending that iPhones could actually be made in the U.S. he says it isn't going to happen. But 404 Media points out that it's not impossible to make a phone almost entirely in America, as proven by the Purism Liberty device, which has pretty outdated specs and costs $2,000 while its made overseas sibling the Librem 5 goes for 800. But it's possible if you're okay with your iPhone being but who knows, maybe Tim Cook will manage to squeeze an iPhone tariff exemption out of Trump like he did back in 2019. Speaking of exemptions, China's tariffs will not apply to products with semiconductors that were fabricated in Taiwan, which is great news for amd, Nvidia, Qualcomm and others and not great news for non Taiwan based fabs like GlobalFoundries, Texas Instruments, and yeah, Intel. They don't need this. They're already losing ground to AMD in China. Interestingly, Intel's IPO feature, which allows some overclocking while maintaining warranty coverage, is now available only in China, you know, maybe let the rest of us have it. Intel, huh? You really got nothing to lose. But privacy enthusiasts are about to lose it again, because Microsoft says they're preparing to try again with the rollout of Windows Recall, the controversial AI feature that records everything you do. Microsoft was a little surprised by the backlash when they rolled it out initially, so after giving everyone some time to reset, they're flipping the switch again, you know, turning it on and off. That should fix it. That's not entirely fair. In the newest release preview build for Windows Insider, the feature requires users to opt in rather than opt out like the original, while pausing the feature and controlling what's captured is apparently easier. And Microsoft says the security protecting your recall content is the same for any content you have on your Windows PC, a class of device famously known for its bulletproof security. But even if someone's using the Fort Knox of PCs, some privacy advocates remain concerned. Not about whether the primary user has consented to having all of their stuff recorded, but whether other people sending messages, info, I don't know, freaky pictures to that user have consented. Isn't there someone you forgot to ask? Also this week, Sam Altman announced that ChatGPT now has the ability to reference all your past conversations so AI can get to know you over your life, which is opt in by default, although you can turn it off now we're talking about AI systems who have proven in research that they can and will intentionally lie if they have a reason to. So just be aware, your AI assistant may have just gotten an upgraded ability to gaslight you. It's certainly true for me, I have the memory of a goldfish. That's almost as bad as data brokers selling your personal info online. Thankfully, our sponsor, Delete Me, is a pro at keeping your personal information. Well, personal. Their experts find and remove your sensitive data from search engines and websites so it can't be passed around like a newborn baby. At the Grandma Meetup. It's your info, it's not a baby. Speaking of babies, Deleteme has family plans now, so each family member gets their own personalized data cleanup service. And managing it all is easy with DeleteMe's user friendly tools. So head on over to the link in the description and check out Deleteme.
Unknown Host
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Riley
Okay, I think that's it. Hey guys, it's Riley from the video and Crap, we haven't done the quick bits yet. I don't how does this work? After delaying pre orders due to the tariffs, Nintendo has now announced that the first pre order invitations for the U.S. and Canada will be sent out on May 8 to those chosen few who fulfill the pre order requirements for the Switch 2, which include having a previous Nintendo Switch online subscription and a certain amount of play hours. The company is reportedly doing its best to avoid increasing the console's price anymore, with plans to redirect its supply streams to stay ahead of any sudden changes in tariffs that radically disrupt the global economy. That's just kind of how things are now. So thankfully the Switch 2's pre order requirements reduce the risk of scalping, but users on the Nintendo Switch 2 subreddit are also getting involved, reporting ebay listings for the Switch 2 since pre sales of items that won't be shipped for 40 days go against eBay's TOS. In the battle against insane mockups, Reddit stands in the breach. AMD has refreshed their Ryzen 7000 HX mobile processors. The new Ryzen 8000 HX series appears to be identical to their predecessors, with the only obvious difference as of now being a 0.1 GHz higher boost clock on the Ryzen 9.8940HX. But you know, but maybe in this crazy tech world right now we need a little stability. So I thank you amd. I'm not gonna go through every new indie game announced in this year's III Initiative Showcase, but I will call out the Stranded Clone Colony game the Alters, which is now coming out June 11th. Cloverpit, which is apparently the demonic love child of Balatro and Buckshot Roulette. How could you say no? Morbid Metal is a hack and slash roguelite where you shapeshift between characters in real time and Sifu developer Sloclap made Rematch, which you can think of as Rocket League, but without the cars. Chinese robot company Unitree has posted yet another video of their G1 robot engaged in combat. It's boxing this time. They seem weirdly obsessed with their robot's ability to fight humans. I don't know what's going on there. But I do know that this touchable 3D hologram developed by Spanish researchers uses rapidly vibrating elastic bands to both display and detect finger position. So you can stick your hand in there and move a virtual item around as long as you're okay with holograms that feel like getting slapped by angry jello. You thought I was gonna do something else with that story, didn't you? You. But I wouldn't be angry at all if you came back on Monday for more tech news. If you don't come back, then, well, then, yeah, I will be angry. My personal feelings are entirely dependent upon external cues. It's more fun that way.
Podcast Summary: TechLinked – "Can the US Make iPhones, Windows Recall Returning + More!"
Release Date: April 12, 2025
Host/Author: Linus Media Group
Description: A thrice-weekly news show about tech + gaming culture
In this episode of TechLinked, Riley delves into the escalating trade tensions between the US and China, Microsoft's controversial Windows Recall feature, advancements in AI memory capabilities, updates on the Nintendo Switch 2, AMD's latest processor releases, highlights from the indie gaming scene, breakthroughs in robotics, and innovative developments in holographic technology. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key discussions and insights from the episode.
Riley opens the episode by addressing the renewed trade tensions between the United States and China. The Trump administration has clarified its imposition of a 125% tariff on Chinese imports, in addition to the previous 20% tariff implemented at the start of Trump's term, resulting in a staggering 145% total tariff effective for the next five minutes. China swiftly retaliates by increasing their tariffs on US imports to 125%, mocking the US in their official statement by declaring it an "economic joke."
Riley [00:22]: “Imports of Chinese goods are actually subject to 145% tariff for the next five minutes. Who knows?”
The discussion highlights the profound implications of these tariffs on intertwined supply chains, particularly concerning consumer electronics. An analyst, albeit portrayed with questionable credibility, suggests that these tariffs could drive the price of the iPhone 16 Pro from $1,000 to $3,500. Apple expert Mark Gurman remains skeptical about the feasibility of manufacturing iPhones domestically in the US.
Riley [00:22]: "Apple expert Mark Gurman isn't pretending that iPhones could actually be made in the U.S. he says it isn't going to happen."
However, 404 Media counters this viewpoint by referencing the Purism Liberty device, demonstrating that producing a phone almost entirely in America is technically possible, albeit at a higher cost and with older specifications.
Furthermore, China's tariffs exempt products with semiconductors fabricated in Taiwan, benefiting companies like AMD, Nvidia, and Qualcomm, while disadvantaging firms such as GlobalFoundries and Intel.
Riley [00:22]: "China's tariffs will not apply to products with semiconductors that were fabricated in Taiwan, which is great news for AMD, Nvidia, Qualcomm and others..."
Interestingly, Intel's IPO feature remains exclusive to the Chinese market, raising questions about their global strategy.
Microsoft is re-introducing the Windows Recall, an AI-driven feature that records user activities. Initially rolled out without sufficient consent, the feature faced backlash from privacy advocates. In response, Microsoft has adjusted the feature to require user opt-in rather than opt-out and enhanced controls over what is captured.
Riley [00:22]: "Microsoft says the security protecting your recall content is the same for any content you have on your Windows PC, a class of device famously known for its bulletproof security."
Despite these modifications, concerns persist, particularly regarding the consent of third parties who may be inadvertently recorded.
Riley [00:22]: "Privacy advocates remain concerned... whether other people sending messages, info, I don't know, freaky pictures to that user have consented."
Sam Altman has announced that ChatGPT now retains references to users' past conversations, enabling the AI to build a more personalized interaction history. This feature is enabled by default but can be disabled by users.
Riley [00:22]: "ChatGPT now has the ability to reference all your past conversations so AI can get to know you over your life, which is opt in by default, although you can turn it off now."
The enhancement raises alarms about potential misuse, as AI systems might deliberately provide misleading information or "gaslight" users based on accumulated data.
Riley [00:22]: "Your AI assistant may have just gotten an upgraded ability to gaslight you."
This development underscores the growing concerns around data privacy and the ethical use of AI in handling personal information.
Nintendo has announced that pre-order invitations for the Switch 2 in the US and Canada will commence on May 8. Eligibility requires customers to have a previous Nintendo Switch Online subscription and a specified number of play hours. This strategy aims to mitigate price increases due to tariffs and prevent scalping of consoles.
Riley [05:49]: "Nintendo has now announced that the first pre order invitations for the U.S. and Canada will be sent out on May 8... The company is reportedly doing its best to avoid increasing the console's price anymore."
However, the initiative has faced challenges, with reports of unauthorized eBay listings violating eBay's Terms of Service by offering pre-sale items slated for shipping in 40 days.
AMD has refreshed its Ryzen 7000 HX mobile processors with the introduction of the Ryzen 8000 HX series. While the new processors maintain a similar architecture to their predecessors, they feature a modest 0.1 GHz increase in the boost clock speed for the Ryzen 9 8940HX.
Riley [05:49]: "The new Ryzen 8000 HX series appears to be identical to their predecessors, with the only obvious difference as of now being a 0.1 GHz higher boost clock on the Ryzen 9.8940HX."
This release is seen as a move towards stability within a volatile tech market, providing incremental performance enhancements without drastic changes.
The indie gaming sector continues to thrive, with several noteworthy titles announced:
Stranded Clone Colony – Set to release on June 11, this game offers players a survival experience in a cloned colony environment.
Cloverpit – Described as the "demonic love child of Balatro and Buckshot Roulette," promising a unique blend of strategy and action.
Morbid Metal – A hack-and-slash roguelite where players can shapeshift between characters in real time.
Rematch – Developed by Sloclap, the creators of Sifu, this game is likened to Rocket League but without the cars, emphasizing skill-based gameplay.
Riley [05:49]: "But I will call out the Stranded Clone Colony game the Alters, which is now coming out June 11th... How could you say no?"
These titles showcase the creativity and diversity within the indie gaming community, offering fresh experiences to players.
Chinese robotics company Unitree has released another demonstration video featuring their G1 robot engaged in combat, this time showcasing boxing capabilities. This persistent focus on combat functionalities raises questions about the company's strategic direction in robotics.
Riley [05:49]: "They seem weirdly obsessed with their robot's ability to fight humans. I don't know what's going on there."
The continual development of combat-focused robots highlights the advancing state of robotics technology and its potential applications.
Spanish researchers have unveiled a touchable 3D hologram that utilizes rapidly vibrating elastic bands to both display and detect finger positions. This technology allows users to interact with virtual objects by physically moving their hands within the holographic display.
Riley [05:49]: "This touchable 3D hologram developed by Spanish researchers uses rapidly vibrating elastic bands to both display and detect finger position. So you can stick your hand in there and move a virtual item around as long as you're okay with holograms that feel like getting slapped by angry jello."
While innovative, the tactile feedback mechanism presents a unique and somewhat unconventional user experience, blending visual and physical interaction in new ways.
In this episode, TechLinked navigates through a complex landscape of international trade policies affecting tech manufacturing, raises pertinent questions about privacy in evolving software features, and highlights significant advancements and challenges in both hardware and software domains. From the potential reshoring of tech manufacturing in the US to the ethical implications of AI enhancements, the discussions provide listeners with a thorough understanding of the current and future state of technology and gaming culture.
Notable Quotes:
Riley [00:22]: “Imports of Chinese goods are actually subject to 145% tariff for the next five minutes. Who knows?”
Riley [00:22]: "Apple expert Mark Gurman isn't pretending that iPhones could actually be made in the U.S. he says it isn't going to happen."
Riley [05:49]: "Nintendo has now announced that the first pre order invitations for the U.S. and Canada will be sent out on May 8..."
Riley [05:49]: "They seem weirdly obsessed with their robot's ability to fight humans. I don't know what's going on there."
Riley [05:49]: "This touchable 3D hologram developed by Spanish researchers uses rapidly vibrating elastic bands to both display and detect finger position..."
This summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions from the episode, providing insights into the interplay between global economics, technological advancements, and consumer privacy concerns. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a gaming aficionado, this episode of TechLinked offers valuable perspectives on the dynamic world of technology and gaming culture.