Intel Fires CEO, NZXT 'Flex' scandal, Blizzard vs GOG + more!

Summary

TechLinked Episode Summary: "Intel Fires CEO, NZXT 'Flex' Scandal, Blizzard vs GOG + More!"
Released on December 3, 2024

In this episode of TechLinked, the hosts delve into significant developments in the tech and gaming industries, including the sudden departure of Intel's CEO, controversies surrounding NZXT's Flex subscription program, and the ongoing dispute between Blizzard and GOG over classic Warcraft titles. Additionally, the episode covers various quick tech updates, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the latest happenings.

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1. Intel Announces CEO Pat Gelsinger's Departure

The episode opens with breaking news from Intel, where CEO Pat Gelsinger has unexpectedly announced his retirement after less than four years at the helm. The hosts highlight the abrupt nature of the announcement, describing it as having "some real mafia energy."

Key Points:

• Reason for Departure: Insider sources, cited from Bloomberg and Reuters, suggest that Intel's board was dissatisfied with Gelsinger's pace in revitalizing the company. The consistent underperformance under previous executives likely contributed to the board's impatience.

• Board Pressure: Gelsinger was reportedly given an ultimatum to either step down voluntarily or be ousted, leading to his decision to retire and exit the board to avoid an awkward transition.

• Financial Concerns: There are speculations that Gelsinger's efforts to address Intel's issues involved significant expenditures, which may have irked shareholders. The board appears intent on finding a new leader who can turn the company around swiftly.

• Product Launches Amid Transition: Despite the leadership turmoil, Intel is moving forward with its product pipeline. The company is set to reveal the Arc Gen 2 gaming GPUs on the following day at 9 AM Eastern. Leaks suggest features like the Arc B580 with 10GB of VRAM, hinting at enhanced performance capabilities.

Notable Quotes:

• Host A [00:28]: "It's serious. Stop."
• Host B [00:28]: "Mr. Gelsinger is currently resting, but he sends his regards. No further questions."

The hosts humorously speculate on Gelsinger's post-Intel life, suggesting he might have more time to indulge in gaming with the new GPUs.

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2. NZXT's Flex Program Under Scrutiny

The discussion shifts to NZXT's Flex program, a PC rental subscription service. The program has come under fire following accusations from the YouTube channel GamersNexus, which labels Flex as a scam employing manipulative bait-and-switch tactics.

Key Points:

• Subscription Concerns: GamersNexus released a comprehensive, hour-long critique highlighting discrepancies in NZXT's offerings. For instance, the Player 3 PC advertised with an RTX 4070 Ti Super is only available for purchase, while renting the same build grants an RTX 4070 non-Super variant. Despite this hardware difference, both configurations are marketed with identical performance claims, potentially misleading consumers.

• Pricing Practices: NZXT is also accused of frequently altering subscription prices and implementing sudden rate hikes after only a few months, which can catch customers off guard and erode trust.

• NZXT's Response: In response to these allegations, NZXT has acknowledged the claims and stated that they are actively reviewing the situation. However, the hosts express skepticism, humorously questioning the rationale behind such business practices, especially from a company like NZXT known for its innovation.

Notable Quotes:

• Host A [00:28]: "GN's hour long video highlights things like NZXT offering a named build like the Player 3 PC..."
• Host B [00:28]: "Well, that's news to me. I mean, why are we doing this? That's nzxt."

The hosts emphasize the importance of transparency in subscription models and caution listeners to be wary of potential pitfalls when considering such services.

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3. Blizzard Forces GOG to Delist Original Warcraft Titles

A significant controversy emerges between Blizzard and GOG (Good Old Games) over the availability of classic Warcraft titles. Blizzard has compelled GOG to delist the original versions of Warcraft 1 and 2, citing the launch of remastered versions on their platform, Battle.net.

Key Points:

• Blizzard's Justification: With the release of remastered Warcraft games, Blizzard argues that maintaining the original versions on third-party platforms like GOG is redundant. They encourage users to transition to the updated versions for an enhanced experience.

• GOG's Defense: GOG counters by highlighting the value they add, such as providing offline installers, ensuring that gamers retain access to their purchases regardless of future platform changes. Additionally, GOG has committed to improving the original games by enhancing performance, supporting high resolutions, and implementing upscaling features.

• Preservation Efforts: GOG has incorporated Warcraft 1 and 2 into their GOG Preservation Program, promising continued updates to maintain compatibility with modern and future systems even after their delisting on December 13th. This move underscores GOG's dedication to game preservation and player accessibility.

Notable Quotes:

• Host A [00:28]: "Blizzard is forcing game store GOG to delist the original versions of Warcraft 1 and 2..."
• Host B [00:28]: "GOG's also tweaked the code themselves, improving performance and adding support for high resolutions and upscaling."

The hosts commend GOG's proactive approach in preserving classic games, contrasting it with Blizzard's more restrictive stance, and ponder the implications for game accessibility and preservation.

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4. Quick Bits

In the Quick Bits segment, the hosts rapidly cover a variety of other tech news:

• AMD's Radeon 8800 XT GPU Leaks: Leakers from the Chip Hell forums have revealed details about AMD's upcoming Radeon 8800 XT GPU, expected to launch in early 2025. The GPU promises ray tracing performance comparable to Nvidia's RTX 4080, surpasses the RX 7900X, and is more power-efficient, utilizing 25% less power.

  Notable Quote:

  • Host B [00:28]: "The Radeon 8800 XT is about to enter mass production... better than the RX 7900X while using 25% less power."

• Microsoft's Push for Windows 11 Adoption: Microsoft is intensifying efforts to encourage users to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. This includes updating support documents and adding banners and notices on Surface devices and other hardware, emphasizing the impending end of support for Windows 10 within the year.

  Notable Quote:

  • Host A [00:28]: "No doubt Microsoft is aware that market share for Windows 11 actually dipped this month..."

• OpenWRT's New Router Hardware: Open-source router project OpenWRT is collaborating with the Software Freedom Conservancy to release their own hardware. The router features an "almost unbreakable design" and is available for purchase as a standalone board or with a comprehensive case, touted as a top seller on AliExpress.

  Notable Quote:

  • Host B [00:28]: "The OpenWRT router and its specs were actually announced back in January with an almost unbreakable design..."

• Apple Employee Lawsuit Over Surveillance: An Apple employee, Amar Bhakta, has filed a lawsuit against the company, accusing it of spying on staff through both work-related and personal devices. This isn't an isolated incident, as previous employees have raised similar privacy concerns.

  Notable Quote:

  • Host A [00:28]: "I don't know why Apple is being sued by Amar Bhakta... it's not the first time an employee has expressed concern over Apple's surveillance of its own workers."

• World Labs' AI-Generated 3D Worlds: AI startup World Labs has unveiled demos of 3D environments generated from single images, allowing navigation similar to video games. While currently limited in scope, the company promises more immersive experiences by utilizing generative AI to create depth maps for expansive 3D spaces.

  Notable Quote:

  • Host B [00:28]: "It's just a video game where you can only move about two feet in any direction... but that's just the prototype."

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Conclusion

The episode of TechLinked provides a thorough examination of pivotal events shaping the tech and gaming landscapes. From Intel's leadership shakeup to the integrity issues plaguing NZXT's Flex program, and the preservation battle between Blizzard and GOG, listeners are kept informed of industry shifts and controversies. The Quick Bits section further ensures that even the most transient news is covered, catering to tech enthusiasts eager to stay updated. With engaging discussions, insightful analysis, and a touch of humor, this episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the latest tech trends and issues.

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Notable Quotes Recap:

• Host A [00:28]: "It's serious. Stop."
• Host B [00:28]: "Mr. Gelsinger is currently resting, but he sends his regards. No further questions."
• Host A [00:28]: "Gn's hour long video highlights things like NZXT offering a named build like the Player 3 PC..."
• Host B [00:28]: "Well, that's news to me. I mean, why are we doing this? That's nzxt."
• Host A [00:28]: "Blizzard is forcing game store GOG to delist the original versions of Warcraft 1 and 2..."
• Host B [00:28]: "GOG's also tweaked the code themselves, improving performance and adding support for high resolutions and upscaling."
• Host B [00:28]: "The Radeon 8800 XT is about to enter mass production... better than the RX 7900X while using 25% less power."
• Host A [00:28]: "No doubt Microsoft is aware that market share for Windows 11 actually dipped this month..."
• Host B [00:28]: "The OpenWRT router and its specs were actually announced back in January with an almost unbreakable design..."
• Host A [00:28]: "I don't know why Apple is being sued by Amar Bhakta... it's not the first time an employee has expressed concern over Apple's surveillance of its own workers."
• Host B [00:28]: "It's just a video game where you can only move about two feet in any direction... but that's just the prototype."

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

2?

[A]

I thought so. How about unlocking all the League of Legends champions when you link your Riot Games account? All for one low monthly price? Well, guess what? We got you. Learn [e-mail] PCGame Pass or click the banner STALKER2. Available November 20, 2024. Game catalog varies by region and over time.

[B]

And that's the okay, it's time for serious tech news. It's serious. Stop. An intel press release dropped this morning, suddenly announcing CEO Pat Gelsinger's retirement after less than four years in the position with some real mafia energy. Mr. Gelsinger is currently resting, but he sends his regards. No further questions. Insider sources told Bloomberg and Reuters that Intel's board of directors weren't happy it was taking so long for Gelsinger to turn the ship around after years of previous executives continually breaking off the rudder. So they gave him a choice to step down or be forced out. So it makes sense why Gelsinger is also stepping down from the board. The vibe would be super awkward. According to an insider source I just made up. Some are theorizing Pat was spending too much money to fix the company's issues, which angered shareholders. The board would prefer to hire a new guy to try and fix things in less than four years. Maybe try taking away free coffee again, I don't know. Or maybe Intel's upcoming Arc Gen 2 gaming GPUs will help. The company confirmed a reveal tomorrow at 9am Eastern to officially divulge whether all of those leaks were real, including the one from the weekend where the funky Kit show casually broke embargo to show off an arc B580 and this other one showing the B570 with 10 gigabytes of vram. I hope old Pat took the new GPUs home with him. He's got a lot of time to game now. I was this close to making him my other dad. NZXT's Flex program, which rents out PCs for a monthly subscription, has been called a scam for engaging in manipulative bait and switch tactics by YouTube channel GamersNexus, who I've never heard of. It's more than Flex just being a bad deal though. GN's hour long video highlights things like NZXT offering a named build like the Player 3 PC, which has an RTX 4070 Ti super if you buy it, but an RTX 4070 non super if you rent it. Yet the performance of the two configurations is presented as the same. So many people wouldn't catch this. Our TechLinked analysts have assured me that I probably would, though NZXT is also accused of changing subscription prices sometimes every day, and jacking up prices for customers a few months in. NZXT has responded, saying they are aware of the recent claims made against us and are actively reviewing the situation. Although I hope that the fact that you can build your own PC with less than a year's worth of Flex monthly payments isn't a recent claim. What? Well, that's news to me. I mean, why are we doing this? That's nzxt. By the way, Blizzard is forcing game store GOG to delist the original versions of Warcraft 1 and 2 because Blizzard just launched remastered versions of those on Battle.net so why would you ever need to buy both originals for 15 bucks or 13 bucks with the discount code makewarcraft live forever? Well, GOG says one reason is that you'll get an offline installer so you don't have to wake up one day to find a Blizzard exec took away your game because he doesn't like you. GOG's also tweaked the code themselves, improving performance and adding support for high resolutions and upscaling. And they added Warcraft 1 and 2 to their GOG preservation program, promising to update the game so it stays compatible with modern and future systems even after it's delisted on December 13th. They're fixing other people's games now. If that's not in the spirit of Zugzug, I don't know what is. Oh, another one might be our sponsor the Drop. The Lord of the Rings Black Speech keyboard featuring a Mordor inspired design with Drop's MT3 black speech keycaps so you can act like even more of a cave troll online. In a good way. In a good way. With a tenkeyless layout and holy Panda X switches, you can type foul things in darkness or turn on the white backlight. And if you like the nine kings of men who above all desire power, check out the three Artisan keycaps forged in secret by Dwarf, the eye of Baradur, Morgul, Felbeast, and Sauron himself. Compatible with Cherry MX switches. Get your own Drop plus the Lord of the Rings Black Speech keyboard and Artisan's Keycaps at the links below. It's great. Quick bits, though, are no joke. I tried to make them laugh once. I barely escaped leaks for new Radeon GPUs from AMD are also starting to pop up, in case you thought they were gonna let intel and Nvidia have all the fun for the next few months. The Radeon 8800 XT is about to enter mass production, so it's expected to Launch in early 2025 with ray tracing performance similar to the RTX 4080 and better than the RX 7900X while using 25% less power. That's all according to a couple of reliable leakers on the Chip Hell forums named Zhang zhang Hao and WJM 47196 Titans in the industry Microsoft is getting real serious about making you Windows 10 using Mother upgrade to Windows 11 already tweaking a help page for Surface devices and updating hundreds of other support documents with banners and notices saying essentially, hey, you got less than a year until Windows 10 loses support. Quit screwing around. No doubt Microsoft is aware that market share for Windows 11 actually dipped this month, losing some ground to Windows 10. I don't know. It's like throwing an ad in people's faces when they start up their PC. Makes them not want to listen to it. I know Microsoft. I'm as confused as you are. Open source router project OpenWRT has offered custom firmware for ages, but now they'll be offering their own hardware in collaboration with the Software Freedom Conservancy, an organization that may not actually let deprecated apps like Notepad roam free on a big stretch of grassy land somewhere, but I'm gonna imagine they do anyway. The OpenWRT router and its specs were actually announced back in January with an almost unbreakable design, and you can get it as just a board or with a case and everything. I'm guessing it's the best thing you can buy on AliExpress. That's the only place you can get it. I don't know why Apple is being sued by Amar Bhakta, a current Apple employee of four years, for spying on its staff through work related and personal devices. It's not the first time an employee has expressed concern over Apple's surveillance of its own workers. In 2021, Jacob Preston took issue with Apple requiring him to to sign into certain work related services using his personal Apple id. It comes across a bit hypocritical when Apple touts their commitment to privacy as a differentiator compared to other tech giants, but it makes more sense when you think about it like this. Consumer privacy just depends on employees not having any is that hard to understand? And an AI startup called World Labs has released demos of 3D worlds it says can be generated from a single image and navigated like a video game. It's just a video game where you can only move about two feet in any direction. But that's just the prototype. World Lab says things will get more immersive since instead of using generative AI to predict pixels, they're predicting an actual depth map of a 3D space. Is this just procedural generation? Is this just no man's sky again? Oh man, I can't wait to jump into some AI generated 3D worlds and explore every nook and cranny to find all the fun things the developers left for me. Oh, I'll leave you with a reminder to come on back on Wednesday for more tech news so you can keep your mind sharp. After all, brain rot is apparently the Oxford word of the year for 2024. We can do better.