TechLinked Podcast Summary
Episode: Intel-Nvidia partnership, Meta Ray-Ban Display, Win11 'Xbox Mode' + more!
Host: Mark (Linus Media Group)
Date: September 20, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode delivers a brisk, humorous rundown of the latest developments in tech and gaming culture. Major topics include a surprising Intel-Nvidia collaboration, Meta’s new smart glasses with AR capabilities, a potential Windows 11 “Xbox Mode” to boost handheld gaming, and quirky updates like fridges with ads, futuristic storage hubs, and light therapy wands. The show maintains its signature witty, informal style while keeping news accessible.
Key Topics & Insights
1. Intel-Nvidia Partnership: A Game Changer?
[00:29–01:58]
- Headline: Intel and Nvidia have struck a $5 billion partnership.
- Scope: Intel will design/manufacture custom x86 CPUs to pair with Nvidia AI accelerators in data centers. For consumers, they're working on SOCs combining Intel CPU cores with Nvidia RTX GPU chiplets.
- Deal Dynamics:
Mark jokes how it’s a “bigger deal to Intel than to Nvidia,” referencing the contrasting press conference setups:- “Lit Bhutan was set up in a professionally lit studio while Jensen looked like he was popping out of a meeting to take a call in a hallway. Did he have leather on though? No, not even a vest.” (Mark, 00:56)
- Impact on Intel’s GPU Ambitions:
- Intel claims ARC GPUs aren’t dead, stating this partnership “is complementary to Intel’s roadmap.” Mark sarcastically likens these reassurances to vague store-closing platitudes.
- Memorable Moment:
- “Please get them out of it.” (Mark, 01:55)
2. Meta’s New Ray-Ban Display Glasses
[01:59–03:22]
- Meta Connect Announcement: Introduced the first Ray-Ban smart glasses with a full-color display in right eye.
- Features:
- Built-in camera, speakers, live translation/captioning only visible to wearer.
- Neural wristband for finger gesture control—including writing text on any surface.
- “Any surface.” (Co-host, 02:57)
- “Any surface you want.” (Mark, 02:58)
- Design/Availability:
- Not a prototype; launches Sept. 30, US-only, $800—framed as a “social experiment.”
- “...see whether the solution to everyone being addicted to screens is to put the screens on your face 24/7.” (Mark, 03:02)
- Other Updates:
- Existing Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses get battery/camera upgrades; new Oakley “Vanguard” shades for sports.
- Privacy nod: “Are you being recorded? Probably, but now it’s by everyone, not just the government.” (Mark, 03:18)
- Quest 3 / 3S VR Headset: Now with scanning for virtualizing real environments—“retreat into a virtual version of your home and hide under the covers until you feel better.” (Mark, 03:49)
3. Windows 11 ‘Xbox Mode’ for Handheld Gamers
[03:50–05:00]
- Concept: A stripped-down Windows 11 mode (“Xbox Mode”) for better gaming performance on handhelds.
- How To:
- Update to 25H2 from release preview channel, edit registry (not for the faint of heart—potentially requires device reset).
- Reddit user Gogzi123 shared a step-by-step + 5% performance improvement in Red Dead 2, lower RAM use in Celeste.
- The State of Handhelds:
- New devices upcoming: ROG Xbox Allies, GPD Win Five w/ Ryzen Strix Halo—“chunky price tags.”
- Standard Xbox consoles also just got another price hike.
- Memorable Quote:
- “All you gotta DO is update 25H2...Don’t do this unless you're ready to reset your device like I am at any time.” (Mark, 04:08)
4. Quick Bits
[05:47–08:06]
a. Samsung Fridge Ads
- Family Hub smart fridges getting over-the-air ad updates, despite previous denials.
- “Ads are part of the family too.” (Co-host, 06:22)
- “You’ll own nothing and you’ll like it.” (Mark, 06:24)
b. Logitech Pro X2 Mouse
- New “Super Strike” analog gaming mouse: haptic clicks, rapid triggers, $180, 8000khz polling, 44,000 DPI.
- “Is this the first proper analog gaming mouse? I’m not sure... so let me know in the comments.” (Mark, 06:45)
c. Nothing Ear (3) Super Mic
- Earbuds case with “Super Mic” for podcast-style recording—launches Sept. 25, $180.
- “It makes you look like you’re talking into a little handheld mic. Which I guess you are.” (Mark, 07:09)
d. Nanoleaf’s Light Therapy Wand
- $100 6-in-1 skincare “wand”—“not a sex toy” (as hosts clarify with playful banter).
- “Oh, it does vibrate.” (Co-host, 07:44)
- “And while it’s meant for your face, you can point that sucker anywhere you want. Enjoy.” (Mark, 07:45)
- Nanoleaf’s odd shift from LED wall art to skincare gadgets observed with bemusement.
e. Sharge Disc Pro (sponsor spotlight, but factual details amid ad read)
- MagSafe-compatible SSD hub: 4TB, 1000MB/s, multiport, adjustable fan, cyberpunk design.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On Intel-Nvidia Dynamics:
"Lit Bhutan was set up in a professionally lit studio while Jensen looked like he was popping out of a meeting to take a call in a hallway. Did he have leather on though? No, not even a vest." (Mark, 00:56) - On Meta’s Smart Glasses Launch:
"...to see whether the solution to everyone being addicted to screens is to put the screens on your face 24/7." (Mark, 03:02) - On Smart Appliances' Dystopian Turn:
"You’ll own nothing and you’ll like it." (Mark, 06:24) - Light Therapy Wand Humor:
"Oh, it does vibrate." (Co-host, 07:44)
"And while it’s meant for your face, you can point that sucker anywhere you want. Enjoy." (Mark, 07:45) - Show’s Self-Aware Tone:
"I’m just the guy who makes the funny vases and the Gl noises and try to keep everyone up to date and happy...This is my comment section. Leave him alone." (Mark, 08:06)
Important Segment Timestamps
- Intel-Nvidia partnership: 00:29–01:58
- Meta Ray-Ban Display Glasses: 01:59–03:22
- Win11 ‘Xbox Mode’: 03:50–05:00
- Quick Bits (Samsung, Logitech, Nothing Ear, Nanoleaf): 05:47–08:06
Tone & Style
The episode maintains a mix of snappy, irreverent humor, and sardonic observation, making technical news digestible and relatable—even while poking fun at tech’s latest trends and excesses.
For more details, listen to the full episode. This summary highlights the biggest tech and gaming culture stories, the hosts’ playful banter, and the most memorable moments—no big beef, just tech news for dinner.
