Legion Go S powered by SteamOS, other CES handhelds + more! - TechLinked

Summary

TechLinked Podcast Summary Episode: Legion Go S powered by SteamOS, other CES Handhelds + More! Release Date: January 8, 2025 Host/Author: Linus Media Group

CES 2025 Highlights

Lenovo's Groundbreaking Innovations

During CES 2025, Lenovo unveiled several pioneering products that push the boundaries of current technology:

Yoga Slim 9i: Introducing the world's first laptop featuring a camera embedded beneath the display, enhancing privacy and design aesthetics.
ThinkBook Plus Gen 6: Lenovo showcased the first rollable laptop display, offering unprecedented flexibility and portability for users on the go.
Snapdragon X-Powered Mini PCs: These compact devices run Windows on ARM, providing powerful computing in a smaller form factor.

However, the standout announcement was the Lenovo Legion Go S8-inch, the world's first SteamOS handheld not manufactured by Valve. As host B highlighted, “get your own show is the world's first SteamOS handheld not made by Valve” (00:45).

Legion Go S Specifications and Availability

Launch Timeline:
- May 2025 for the SteamOS version starting at $500 with the Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor.
- January 2025 for the Windows version equipped with the newly announced Ryzen Z2GO, priced at $730 and including three months of PC Game Pass.
Future Tiers: A $600 variant with the Ryzen Z2 is also set to release later in the year.
Upcoming Models: Lenovo plans a second-generation Legion Go non-S model, which will not support SteamOS, indicating a strategic diversification in their handheld offerings.

Valve's SteamOS Expansion

Valve seized the opportunity to announce a SteamOS beta release this month, allowing installation on other handheld devices. Host B mused, “Valve took this opportunity to announce that a SteamOS beta will be released this month that anyone can install on other handhelds” (04:15). Potential compatible devices include the GPD Win 4 and Acer's Nitro Blaze, although official support remains uncertain.

Meta's Policy Shift: Embracing Community Notes

Meta announced a significant shift in its content moderation strategy, moving away from third-party fact-checking services toward a community-driven "notes" model across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Mark Zuckerberg and Meta’s new PR chief, Joel Kaplan, emphasized their commitment to "restoring free expression" without tying it to specific current events (07:30).

Key Points of the Announcement:

Lifted Restrictions: Meta is reducing moderation on sensitive topics, aligning with their new free expression focus.
Competitive Angle: The announcement subtly references rival platform X (formerly Twitter), owned by Elon Musk, suggesting a strategic positioning without direct confrontation.
AI-Generated Content Issues: An Instagram user experienced unsettling AI-generated images after using a Meta AI tool, leading Meta to advise that users can opt out. Host B humorously criticized the situation: “you may just have to get used to AIs poking you like a toddler” (10:00).

Nvidia's CES 2025 Announcements

Nvidia showcased several innovative products aimed at enhancing gaming and AI experiences:

GeForce Now Expansion: A native app for the Steam Deck is slated for later this year, alongside expanded browser-based support for various mixed reality headsets. Host B quipped, “I guess Microsoft is right and all of those are an Xbox” (13:00), highlighting the playful competition in the gaming ecosystem.
Project Digits: Nvidia introduced a $3,000 desktop computer powered by their Blackwell GPU and 20-core Grace CPU. This ARM-based APU system, resembling a Mac Mini, is designed for researchers and enthusiasts running complex AI applications locally.
AI-Powered NPCs: In collaboration with games like PUBG and Naraka Bladepoint, Nvidia announced generative AI NPCs. These characters assist players by locating loot and defending against enemies, enhancing gameplay dynamics.
Project R2X: Nvidia unveiled a desktop assistant inspired by the classic Clippy, reimagined as a "hot AI girl" trapped in the monitor. Host B humorously noted the quirky nature of the project: “I found a hot AI girl and trapped her in my monitor now” (15:45).

New Laptops and Innovation Highlights at CES

CES 2025 featured a plethora of new laptop models from major manufacturers:

ASUS and HP: Continued their tradition of releasing updated gaming and lifestyle laptops, alongside HP’s new Snapdragon X-powered Omni Studio all-in-one.
MSI: Delivered striking 18-inch gaming laptops adorned with dragon-themed designs, catering to the demands of gaming enthusiasts.
Acer Aspire Vero 16: Notably, Acer introduced a notebook with a chassis partially crafted from crushed oyster shells, blending sustainability with cutting-edge design. Host B remarked, “I don't make the rules” (18:30), highlighting the creative approach to materials.

Sony's Ambitious CES Announcements

Sony made headlines with several high-profile announcements:

Partnership with Honda: Afila Car
- Release Timeline: Set to ship in 2026.
- Pricing: Starting at $89,900, including a three-year subscription to AI services.
- Features: The Afila integrates AI personal agents, marking Sony’s foray into smart automotive technology.
Next-Gen XR Headset: Zinn with an X
- Naming and Features: The Zinn with an X represents Sony’s latest in extended reality technology, though host B humorously speculated on the name’s inspiration: “I guess the nicotine pouches aren't big in Japan” (21:15).
Future Immersive Entertainment Concept
- Sensory Doohickeys: Sony unveiled a box covered in displays and sensory devices designed to immerse users in environments like "The Last of Us," complete with olfactory elements.
- Host Commentary: Host B jested about the realism, stating, “the clickers are just ripping it all the time. It's mold and gas” (22:50), adding a humorous take on the immersive features.

Additional Highlights and Quick Bits

GPD Win 4 and Acer Nitro Blaze: Speculations about potential SteamOS support highlight the dynamic nature of handheld gaming devices.
Acer Aspire Vero 16’s Unique Design: The use of crushed oyster shells underscores a trend towards sustainable materials in tech manufacturing.
Meta's AI Content Challenges: The balance between AI-generated content and user experience remains a focal point for Meta’s evolving platform policies.

Conclusion

This episode of TechLinked provided a comprehensive overview of the latest developments showcased at CES 2025, highlighting Lenovo's innovative hardware, Meta's strategic policy shifts, Nvidia's advancements in gaming and AI, and Sony's ambitious ventures into automotive and extended reality. With engaging discussions and insightful commentary, the hosts ensured listeners stayed informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Notable Quotes:

“Get your own show is the world's first SteamOS handheld not made by Valve” – Host B (00:45)
“you may just have to get used to AIs poking you like a toddler” – Host B (10:00)
“I found a hot AI girl and trapped her in my monitor now” – Host B (15:45)
“I guess Microsoft is right and all of those are an Xbox” – Host B (13:00)
“the clickers are just ripping it all the time. It's mold and gas” – Host B (22:50)

For more detailed discussions and updates, tune into the TechLinked podcast by Linus Media Group.

Transcript

A (0:00)

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B (0:22)

It'S day two of our CES 2025 coverage and the tech news continues to pour in. It feels neither pity nor shame over only a cold compulsion to make AI like its whole thing. Lenovo showed off the world's first laptop with a camera under the display the Yoga Slim 9i, along with the world's first rollable laptop display in the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 and some of the world's first Snapdragon x powered mini PCs running windows on ARM. But the biggest world's first to me, which is what really matters get your own show is the world's first SteamOS handheld not made by Valve. All of those leaks were surprisingly accurate, but they couldn't have predicted its full name would be the Lenovo Legion Go S8 inch one powered by SteamOS because it would be hard to predict someone choosing that. It'll launch in May, starting at 500 bucks for the version with a last gen Ryzen Z1 Extreme. But there will actually be a Windows version too, which which will launch in January with the newly announced Ryzen Z2GO for 730 bucks, but it'll come with three months of PC Game Pass and what I can only imagine is a desperate bribe from Microsoft. No, all of the gamers please don't switch to SteamOS. It can't give you full screen ads like I can. Yeah, that's. We don't want Those, huh? Both SteamOS and Windows versions of the Legion Go S will have a $600 tier as well with a Ryzen Z2 go later this year. But but if you want the beefiest option, Lenovo did say a proper second gen Lenovo Legion Go non S is in the works. But that won't run steamos. Ah, not so fast. Valve took this opportunity to announce that a SteamOS beta will be released this month that anyone can install on other handhelds. Handhelds like the GPD Win 4 maybe, whose website made it sound like another official SteamOS handheld until Valve told the Verge they did not work with GPD on official SteamOS support. I feel like that was given away by the stretched out picture of Cat Mario on the website but I've been wrong before. Maybe you can install SteamOS on Acer's Nitro Blaze, an 11 inch handheld that's so massive I think the guy in this marketing image is just chuckling at it. Is this a joke? We'll get back to CES News, but first, Meta has announced it's shifting away from using third party fact checking services in favor of a community notes style model on Facebook, Instagram and threads. In a video and blog post, Mark Zuckerberg and Meta's new PR chief Joel Kaplan said their focus is now on restoring free expression for no particular current events related reason. So they're also lifting restrictions on discussion of some sensitive topics that would have previously led to moderation. Interestingly, multiple times Meta's blog post specifically references rival social media site X, run by Elon Musk, the guy who was never actually going to fight Zuck in the ring, but pretending was fun for a while, I guess. Meta's new lax moderation policy also applies to Meta themselves because they took the liberty of serving An Instagram user with unsettling AI generated images of himself in his feed after he used a Meta AI tool to edit a selfie. Meta apparently took that to mean he wants to be surprised by a fake image of himself reflecting on life in an endless maze of mirrors where he's the main focus and he looks thrilled now. Back in September, Meta said they're testing serving content in Facebook and Instagram feeds created by their AI just for you, not of you. Which is the issue here. Meta told 404 Media that you can opt out of seeing otherworldly versions of yourself in your feed, but other platforms are experimenting with similar features, so you may just have to get used to AIs poking you like a toddler and saying, hey, look, I drew a picture of you. I don't care. Where are your parents? And look, it's our sponsor, Saily, the global ESIM service that keeps you connected while traveling through one country, two countries, a million countries? That's too many. However many countries you want to visit, download just one Esim for your whole trip. With Saily, they've got affordable prices for regional and global plans. So while you'll be disappointing the scammers waiting outside airports to sell you sketchy local SIM cards, you'll wait. That's a positive. Anyway. Saily ESIM plans are compatible with most iOS and Android devices, and if yours isn't compatible, you'll get a full refund with chat support available 24. 7 Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily ESIM data plans. Just download the Saily app and use code techlinked at checkout. Okay, we're coming back to CES News for the quick bits. These ones are a little different, but hey, that's okay. Yesterday I told you I'd cover some more Nvidia stuff. So here GeForce now is officially getting a native app for the Steam deck later this year and expanded browser based support on various mixed reality headsets too. So I guess Microsoft is right and all of those are an Xbox. What? No. What? What? One thing from the keynote I didn't cover yesterday was Project digits. A tiny $3,000 desktop computer powered by the company's Blackwell GPU and their 20 core grace CPU on a pretty standard looking mobile chip. This is an ARM based APU in a Mac mini looking form factor. Could Nvidia just leap Qualcomm and start their own ARM PC revolution? Probably not with this. These are meant for researchers and people comfortable plopping another $3,000 PC on top of the first one to run their AI waifu locally. Long distance is hard. Speaking of AI companions, Nvidia announced that generative AI powered NPCs called CO playable characters will drop soon in PUBG and Naraka Bladepoint where they'll help you find loot and swear to loyally hold off bad guys so you can run away and heal. If AIs can't love, then what is that? Oh, you're not a gamer. Don't worry. Nvidia's Project R2X desktop assistant is here to answer the question what if Clippy was hot? I found a hot AI girl and trapped her in my monitor now because I feel like I'm neglecting them if I don't mention them. There are a butt ton of new laptop models on display at CES. As usual, updated gaming and lifestyle models from ASUS, refreshed EliteBooks, and a new Snapdragon X powered Omni studio all in one from HP. MSI had some pretty wild 18 inch gaming laptops to show off with lots of Dragon related influences. It's what the people want. And Acer had a number of notebooks to show off, but not all of them had a chassis made partially out of crushed oyster shells like the Aspire Vero 16. So that's the one that gets the mention. I don't make the rules. And you know what? Let's cover Sony's CES announcements, which once again involved reminding everyone they're working on a car with Honda. It's called the Afila. Do we remember this? Yes. But since it's 2025, it has to ship with an AI personal agent. Of course, what is new is the shipping estimate of 2026. And the price. It starts at $89,900, but hey. But that comes with a three year subscription to all the AI stuff, which is at least Toyota Corolla's worth. Sony also gave their mysterious next Gen XR headset a name Zinn with an X. I guess the nicotine pouches aren't big in Japan. But good news, you won't need the headset to enjoy Sony's future immersive entertainment concept. A box covered in displays and sensory doohickeys that will drop you into the world of the last of us and even let you smell what Ellie smells. Turns out the clickers are just ripping it all the time. It's mold and gas. It's not. It's not good. And we're gonna let it rip again tomorrow, so come on back for more. No, it'll be. It'll be tech news. That's not. We're not rip. Okay, that's disrespectful.