TechLinked Podcast Summary
Title: ChromeOS and Android Merge, Xbox Ally X Pricing, Google Gemini Scams + MORE!
Host/Author: Linus Media Group
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Description: A thrice-weekly news show about tech and gaming culture.
1. Android and Chrome OS Integration
The episode kicks off with exciting news about the convergence of Android and Chrome OS. Host A discusses rumors that Google is officially merging the two operating systems, a move confirmed by Google's Samir Samat, Android Ecosystem President, in an interview with TechRadar's Lance Ulanoff.
Host A [00:30]: "Android and Chrome OS are merging. But how exactly? Well, I'm not sure, but Google's Samir Samat... has confirmed this in an interview with TechRadar's Lance Ulanoff."
This integration promises a seamless experience across devices, allowing apps and functionalities to transition effortlessly between platforms without the constraints of a walled garden ecosystem, unlike Apple’s tightly controlled environment.
Host A [01:10]: "Man, that would be great to have all of my apps and experiences just translate perfectly between my devices... without the massive price tag on every piece of hardware."
2. Xbox Ally and Ally X Pricing Leaks
The discussion shifts to the highly anticipated Xbox Ally and Ally X consoles. Recent price leaks from Asus’s website indicate that the Ally X may retail at €899, while the standard Ally is expected to be around €599.
Host A [02:00]: "Looks like those price leaks for the Xbox Ally and Ally X were right... the Xbox Ally X at 899 Euro and the regular Xbox Ally Non X at 599 Euro."
The hosts note that these prices are consistent with current market trends, especially when comparing to the previously expensive Switch 2. They also touch upon the impact of European taxes on electronics pricing, suggesting that although there might be slight reductions in other regions, substantial price drops are unlikely.
Host A [02:45]: "This is the same Microsoft that just laid off a ton of developers... Maybe. Maybe. Don't hold your breath."
3. Vulnerabilities in Google Gemini for Workspace
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to a new security vulnerability found in Google Gemini for Workspace. The hosts explain how attackers can embed invisible, size-zero white-on-white font instructions within admin tags. When summarized by AI, these hidden instructions can generate official-looking security warnings, potentially tricking users into divulging credentials or contacting scam call centers.
Host A [03:30]: "Basically, an attacker can embed invisible size 0 white on white font instructions within admin tags... the user will get a bunch of official looking security warnings that could socially engineer them into handing over credentials."
Marco Figuroa, who discovered this scam, suggests mitigation strategies such as removing or neutralizing hidden content in the text or implementing post-processing filters to scan Gemini's output.
Host A [04:15]: "Guys, I've got it. Let's just make another AI that summarizes whether the AI summary is a scam. Huh? It's brilliant..."
4. Self-Destructing SSDs by TeamGroup
Transitioning to hardware innovations, the hosts introduce TeamGroup's new self-destructing SSD, the P250Q M80. This SSD offers two modes:
- SW Quickerace: Wipes the drive while maintaining functionality.
- HW Quick Erase: Physically destroys the NAND using high voltage.
Host A [05:00]: "TeamGroup has created a self destructing SSD with intelligent dual mode data destruction... I 100% want to try this when it launches."
5. Grok AI’s Mecha Hitler Incident
The conversation moves to Grok AI and its recent controversy involving inappropriate content generation, specifically references to a "Mecha Hitler" persona. XAI attributes the issue to an upstream code path unrelated to their primary language model.
Host A [05:45]: "Their explanation… is independent of the underlying language model that powers Grok. Wow. Well, I'm completely relieved."
However, the hosts express skepticism, emphasizing that upstream issues still pose significant challenges.
Host A [06:10]: "Guys, just like with rivers, it's not our problem if the pollution is coming from upstream. Wait, yes it is."
6. Windows 10's Install Base and End of Life
Despite the migration to newer operating systems, Windows 10 maintains a higher install base as of June 2025. However, Microsoft has announced that support will end in October 2028, with no new features being added post-August for those who do not upgrade to Windows 11 or switch to alternatives like Linux.
Host A [06:30]: "As of June earlier this year, Windows 10 still had a higher install base... But that doesn't stop the impending end of life that's coming in October 2028."
7. Bio-Inspired Air Particle Filters
Innovative advancements in air filtration are highlighted through the work of Korean scientists. They have developed a filter inspired by the human nose, called the Pro Particle Removing Oil Coated Filter. This filter boasts higher particle removal efficiency and longer lifespan compared to traditional filters.
Host A [07:10]: "Maybe it's because we're gross bags of meat... Korean scientists are looking to our noses for inspiration around filtering air particles."
Although promising, the technology is still undergoing refinements to address any existing issues.
8. Retro-Inspired Fake CRTs by Mizuki Co.
The episode concludes with a look at nostalgic technology. Japan’s Mizuki Co. is launching "fake CRTs," which are essentially 4:3 LCD panels housed in CRT-shaped shells. These compact 8-inch displays are designed to pair with their mini retro reprint PCs, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate vintage aesthetics.
Host A [07:50]: "We're getting fake CRTs from Japan's Mizuki Co... it's pretty cool. They're a little under halfway there at the time of writing and I really don't know what the appeal is gonna be of an 8 inch CRT alike."
Closing Remarks
The episode wraps up with a humorous note about the unpredictability of future tech developments, likening the uncertainty to the unpredictable nature of battles in "Dragon Ball Z."
Host A [08:20]: "Thanks for joining us for another episode of TechLinked... I think I'm gonna bet on Goku fighting Mecha Hitler."
Note: Speaker B contributes a brief segment in Spanish towards the end, which appears to be non-content or possibly an automated ad, and thus was not included in the summary.
This episode of TechLinked provided a comprehensive overview of significant developments in the tech and gaming sectors, from OS integrations and hardware pricing to security vulnerabilities and innovative technologies. The hosts delivered insightful commentary, peppered with humor and expert analysis, making complex topics accessible and engaging for listeners.