TechLinked Podcast Summary: "iPhone 16e, RTX 5070 Ti, Majorana 1 Quantum Chip + more!" Released on February 20, 2025 | Host: Linus Media Group

1. Apple Unveils the iPhone 16e

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into Apple's latest release, the iPhone 16e, which deviates from the anticipated iPhone SE timeline. Host Alex highlights the surprise move by Apple, emphasizing the strategic shift:

"Apple has unveiled the iPhone 16e. Tim Cook knew you were expecting a new iPhone SE, but he switched at the last second as a prank" (00:17).

The iPhone 16e starts at $599 USD, featuring a 6.1-inch display identical to the standard iPhone 16. This marks a significant price increase from the last SE model, which was priced at $429 USD. Despite sharing the same A18 chip with Apple Intelligence support, the 16e introduces a few compromises:

• Display Notch: Retaining the traditional display notch may appeal to some users but could be seen as outdated by others.
• Wireless Charging: While the 16e supports wireless charging, it lacks MagSafe, leading to potential frustrations as users "slide your phone around on the charging pad to find the right spot like an idiot" (00:59).

Additionally, the device boasts a customizable action button and introduces Apple's new C1 cellular modem, marking the company's departure from Qualcomm's modems and the elimination of home buttons and lightning ports. Alex concludes by suggesting alternatives:

"But for 600 bucks, you might as well look at getting Huawei's new tri fold phone, which is available outside China for $3,660" (01:37).

2. Nvidia’s RTX 5070 Ti Graphics Card Review

Transitioning to the GPU market, the conversation shifts to Nvidia's RTX 5070 Ti, the latest in the RTX 50 series. Alex provides a comprehensive overview of the card's performance and market reception:

"The consensus seems to be that this card, which is only coming in third party versions that are mostly all listed for well above the $750 MSRP, makes an excellent case for getting a 4080 Super instead" (01:38).

Key points discussed include:

• Performance: Benchmarks show the RTX 5070 Ti outperforms the RTX 4070 Ti Super by approximately 10% on average, as per LTT reviews.
• Pricing and Availability: With third-party versions exceeding the $750 MSRP and a launch marred by stock shortages similar to the RTX 5090 and 5080, affordability remains a concern.

Hardware Unboxed's analysis is cited, indicating that the RTX 5070 Ti might offer a slightly better cost per frame ratio if priced competitively. However, the high demand and limited stock anticipate ongoing challenges for potential buyers.

Additionally, Nvidia has ceased support for 32-bit PhysX on the RTX 50 series, affecting performance in older games. A user named randomlyrandom67 compiled a list of affected titles, including Assassin's Creed 4, Black Flag, Mirror's Edge, and several Batman Arkham games. The implications of this development suggest that gamers with a penchant for older titles might find greater value in earlier GPU models.

"But hey, chin up when Nvidia breaks or melts something, others might fix it, like these accessory makers who have announced cooling modules for GPU cables" (03:03).

3. Microsoft’s Majorana 1 Quantum Chip Breakthrough

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Microsoft's ambitious announcement in the realm of quantum computing. The introduction of the Majorana 1 quantum chip is presented as a potential game-changer:

"Microsoft has announced what they think is a massive breakthrough in quantum computing with the Majorana one, a quantum chip that will blow your mind with how fast it can load Outlook" (03:12).

Key highlights include:

• Qubit Scalability: The Majorana 1 claims the ability to scale to one million qubits, a critical milestone for practical quantum computing applications beyond mere hype.
• Topological Qubits: Microsoft asserts that the chip detects Majorana fermions and manipulates them into a topological state, pioneering the first quantum processor powered by topological qubits.
• Scientific Scrutiny: Despite the bold claims, the accompanying paper in Nature notes that their measurements "do not by themselves determine whether the low energy states detected by interferometry are topological" (04:07). This has led to skepticism among physicists, with uncertainties surrounding the veracity of Microsoft's breakthrough.

Alex encapsulates the tension between innovation and scientific validation:

"But if this is a quantum breakthrough, you'd expect there to be lots of uncertainty" (04:21).

4. AMD’s Ryzen AI Max 300 Series APUS and Asus Rog Flow Z13 Gaming Tablet

Shifting focus to AMD, Alex discusses the Ryzen AI Max 300 Series APUs, also known as Strix Halo. Currently featured exclusively in the Asus Rog Flow Z13 gaming tablet, the new chips have garnered attention for their potential in gaming handhelds.

"Reviews are also up for AMD's high powered Ryzen AI Max 300 Series APUS aka Strix Halo. The only device sporting the new chips right now is the Asus Rog Flow Z13 gaming tablet" (05:08).

Key insights include:

• Performance Testing: YouTuber the Phawx has tested various chip variants at different TDPs (Thermal Design Power) to evaluate their suitability for gaming handhelds.
• Market Reception: Despite the innovation, there's skepticism about the necessity of gaming tablets beyond their detachable keyboards, raising questions about market viability.

Alex expresses hope for broader adoption:

"Hopefully we get to see some beefier laptops or mini PCs actually have them with these chips on board" (05:08).

5. HP Acquires Asus Humane and the Demise of AI Pins

In a surprising corporate move, Asus Humane has been acquired by HP for $116 million. This strategic acquisition includes the discontinuation of the AI pin accessory:

"Asus Humane, the makers of the AI pin, have been acquired by HP for $116 million" (06:03).

Details surrounding the AI pins:

• Product Failure: The AI pins, expensive at $700 and requiring a subscription, failed to gain traction. Asus announced that the pins would cease functioning on February 28, 2025.
• Customer Impact: Existing users received a support post titled "Important Updates for the Consumer AI PIN Customers," informatively stating, "Your thing won't work anymore" (06:05).

This development underscores the challenges tech companies face in introducing niche accessories to the market.

6. Amazon’s Kindle Book Download Restrictions

Amazon has implemented a significant policy change affecting Kindle users. Starting February 26, the company will remove the ability to download ebook copies to computers:

"Amazon is removing the ability for Kindle users to download copies of their ebooks to a computer on February 26 because some people were out there getting uppity and thinking that they actually own their purchased books" (06:05).

Implications include:

• Digital Ownership Debate: The move addresses misconceptions about digital ownership, clarifying that ebooks are essentially "ones and zeros."
• User Recommendations: Users are advised to download their books before the cutoff via the Kindle web interface or utilize tools like Amazon Kindle Bulk Downloader for extensive readers.

Alex adds a touch of humor regarding the situation:

"Oh, shot over there" (06:59).

7. Lenovo’s Wacky Concept Products for Mobile World Congress

Looking ahead to Mobile World Congress in March, Lenovo is set to unveil a lineup of unconventional concept products, as revealed by leaker Evan Blass:

"Lenovo has a few wacky concept products it's preparing to show at Mobile World Congress in March, according to prodigious leaker Evan Blass" (07:00).

Highlighted concepts include:

• Laptop with Extra Tall Foldable Display: Designed for showmanship, allowing users to "pull out at the cafe to show your dominance."
• Yoga Power Bank: Unfolds into a large solar panel, potentially powering cameras or AI robot assistants that attach to laptop lids.
• AI Stick: Aimed at leveraging artificial intelligence, though its exact functionality remains ambiguous. Alex humorously speculates on its practicality:

"I fully expect it to be a literal inert stick that nevertheless sells you hotcakes" (07:39).

8. Aleph Aeronautics’ Flying Car Demonstration

The episode concludes with an exciting glimpse into Aleph Aeronautics' latest innovation—the flying car. The company showcased dynamic demonstrations:

• Dual-Mode Mobility: One video features the flying car "driving up behind a normie vehicle taking off and flying over it to land in front" (07:43).
• Land Performance: Another video shows the car navigating a dirt road, proving its capability to operate on traditional surfaces despite "bike wheel looking tires."

Alex remarks on the display's practicality and marketing:

"But the bike wheel looking tires don't exactly inspire confidence... You have to admit it's a compelling argument" (07:43).

Aleph Aeronautics aims to capture consumer interest with versatile mobility solutions, though skepticism remains about the vehicle's real-world applicability.

Notable Quotes:

• iPhone 16e Pricing Strategy:

  "At 600 bucks, you might as well look at getting Huawei's new tri fold phone..." (01:37)

• Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti Performance:

  "The RTX 5070 Ti performs about 10% better than the RTX 4070 Ti super" (02:00)

• Microsoft’s Quantum Ambitions:

  "This chip can scale to a million qubits, which is necessary for quantum computing to do anything useful other than drive hype cycles" (03:12)

• Amazon Kindle Policy Change:

  "They’re just ones and zeros. They're not anything" (06:05)

This episode of TechLinked offers a whirlwind tour of the latest in tech and gaming culture, from smartphone innovations and GPU debates to groundbreaking strides in quantum computing and futuristic transportation. Hosts Alex and Riley provide insightful commentary, blending technical analysis with relatable humor, ensuring listeners are well-informed and entertained.