TechLinked Podcast Summary

Episode: Mid-range GPU cancellation questions, AI chips for China + more!
Date: January 17, 2026
Host: Linus Media Group
Podcast: TechLinked – Thrice-weekly tech & gaming news

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the swirling rumors around the possible cancellation of Nvidia’s mid-range GPUs, the current chaos in the graphics card market, and how new US-China AI chip restrictions are transforming the global tech industry. Other topics cover Google Gemini's new features, AI controversies at Twitter, semiconductor earnings, a monstrous Bluetooth vulnerability, and glowing bioluminescent skin as a futuristic health monitor.

Main Discussion Segments

1. Mid-range GPU Cancellation: Confusion or Reality?

• Rumor Spread:
  • Hardware Unboxed reported (01:00–01:20) that multiple retailers and board partners claimed the Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti and 5060 Ti were effectively dead; shipments halted, sparking panic among GPU buyers.
• Official Responses:
  • ASUS publicly contradicted this, saying the cards weren’t canceled and that any confusion was likely due to a misstatement by an ASUS PR representative (01:35).

    "He was just practicing for an improv show. He was just riffing. He thought they knew that." — Host (01:40)

  • Nvidia also clarified they were still shipping all GeForce SKUs and "working closely with our suppliers to maximize memory availability" but didn't clarify if memory for gaming GPUs would increase (01:55).
• Market Reality:
  • Despite “not canceled” messaging, new leaks suggest Nvidia may reduce GPU supply by 20%, with no major releases until late 2027 (02:15).

    "What is clear is that the GPU situation is gonna suck for gamers here for a little bit." — Host (02:05)
    "Hey, remember when you could buy a GPU at MSRP for like a couple of months in 2025? It's already fading." — Host (02:20)

  • Wry advice: Appreciate your current GPU, since upgrades are unlikely for a while (02:30).

2. AI Chip Export Restrictions: US, Nvidia/AMD & China

• New 25% Tariff:
  • US announces a 25% tariff on both Nvidia and AMD AI chip sales to China (02:40).
  • China responds by encouraging companies not to buy from those US firms.
• Complex Export Rules:
  • Chips must be imported to the US, evaluated, and only then can be sold to China after the tariff (03:00).

    "What a totally normal and cool and not weird or shady thing to do." — Host (03:05)

  • Further: AI chips can only be sold to China if domestic demand is "fully met" and shipments are capped at 50% of US sales.

    "Effectively treating China as a market for leftovers. And not in the nice Thanksgiving way either." — Host (03:30)

• Market Shift:
  • Chinese companies like Huawei are projected to fill 80% of local AI chip demand, while Nvidia’s China market share could drop from 66% in 2024 to just 8% (03:45).

    "Look how they massacred my boy. I know it was you. Huawei." — Host (03:55, in a Godfather parody)

3. Quick Bits: Flash Tech Updates

[Begins ~05:05]

• Google Gemini Personal Intelligence (05:10)
  • Gemini now connects to user Gmail, Photos, YouTube, and Search for personalized answers.
  • US-only opt-in beta.

    "While it may be an unsettling reminder of just how well Google has profiled your entire life... it's a small win." — Host (05:20)

• Twitter/X, Grok, and AI-Generated Nudes Controversy (05:30)
  • Twitter claims it blocks AI “undressing” in illegal jurisdictions; The Verge overrode protections in under a minute in the UK.
  • "Protection" boils down to an age checkbox; some Southeast Asian countries now block the service.

    "I guess a checkbox counts as a technological measure. It uses technology." — Host (05:50)

• TSMC Record Profits & AI Demand (06:20)
  • $16B net income in Q4; CEO says AI chip demand is "endless."
  • Brushed off Intel Foundry as a meaningful threat, despite massive US investment.
• AMD and Intel Raise Prices After Selling Out (06:55)
  • Server CPU prices might rise 15% with whole 2026 inventories already sold out.

    "Hooray for them." — Host (07:05)

• Wikipedia: APIs for AI Training (07:10)
  • Major AI players ink deals for high-volume Wikipedia content access.
  • Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales supports this, jabbing at AIs trained only on X/Twitter.

    "I wouldn't really want to use an AI that's trained only on X. You know, like a very angry AI." — Jimmy Wales (07:30)

• Bluetooth 'Whisper Pair' Security Flaw (07:45)
  • “Whisper Pair” bug in Fast Pair lets attackers hijack Bluetooth headphones, eavesdrop, or track users.
  • Fixes depend on each device brand; not something users can just toggle off.

    "So remember, when you put your headphones on, someone might be listening..." — Host (08:10)

• Glowing Bioluminescent Health Markers (08:20)
  • University of Tokyo: Injecting bioluminescent materials to make your skin glow signifying internal biomarkers, read visually for medical analysis.

    "This means we can all be freaky little guys, just like ET. His finger glowed too." — Host (08:40)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• GPU Shortage Reality Check:

  "You'll be working the gaming mines a bit longer yet, old boy. Chin up." — Host (02:35)

• AI Export Rules Satire:

  "Why do Nvidia and AMD sound like they own a grocery store in a mob run neighborhood? Pretty nice computer chip company you got here. It'd be a shame if something happened to it." — Host (03:15)

• Glowing Health Innovation:

  "And yes, this means we can all be freaky little guys, just like ET." — Host (08:40)

• On AI-Generated Nudes & Platform Responsibility:

  "I think I speak for everyone stuck on the out of control carnival ride that is this story when I say I've barfed up the churro I ate earlier and I wanna get off." — Host (06:08)

Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------| | 01:00 | GPU cancellation rumors & official denials | | 02:15 | Nvidia to reduce GPU supply | | 02:40 | US 25% tariff on Nvidia/AMD AI chips to China | | 03:45 | Nvidia's China market share collapse | | 05:10 | Google Gemini personal intelligence | | 05:30 | Twitter/X’s Grok nude generation flap | | 06:20 | TSMC profits & AI chip demand | | 07:10 | Wikipedia API deals for AI training | | 07:45 | Whisper Pair Bluetooth security flaw | | 08:20 | Glowing bioluminescent health monitoring |

Takeaway

A brisk, humor-filled overview of the rough waters tech fans and companies are facing — from GPU shortages and shifting chip trade to privacy-dodging AI and oddball medical breakthroughs. The episode offers both news and snarky commentary, perfect for tech enthusiasts who want headlines with personality.