TechLinked Podcast Summary

Episode: No New Nvidia GPUs, iPhone Lockdown Mode Success, EU vs TikTok + more!
Date: February 7, 2026
Host: Linus Media Group
Show Description: Thrice-weekly news show about tech + gaming culture

Overview

This episode covers major recent stories in the tech and gaming spaces, including Nvidia's surprising decision to forego new RTX gaming GPUs for several years, Apple’s robust privacy features successfully blocking FBI access to an iPhone, the EU’s crackdown on TikTok’s addictive design, and several rapid-fire “quick bits” involving WordPress, Windows 11, iPhones in space, Substack’s breach, and Google Gemini’s integration with online retail. The hosts maintain their trademark blend of sarcasm, pop culture references, and concise tech explanations.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. No New Nvidia Gaming GPUs Until 2028

[00:30–02:42]

• Delays & Supply Issues:
  Nvidia reportedly won’t release new RTX gaming GPUs in 2026, with possible delays stretching to 2028 due to supply constraints on VRAM. Insiders told “The Information” that VRAM shortage has driven Nvidia to prioritize shipping existing models.

  "Nvidia says demand for GeForce cards is strong, but supply remains tight, forcing the company to focus on shipping existing models instead of launching new ones." [00:56]

• Production Cuts:
  Nvidia is cutting production of some GPUs by about 20% and prioritizing lower-VRAM cards to maximize available memory.

• Possible Revivals:
  As a compromise, Nvidia may "resurrect" older GPUs to stabilize supply.

  "So you don't get new GPUs. You don’t even get current gen GPUs. You’ll get an old crusty GPU we fished out from behind the kitchen cabinet if you behave." [02:32]

• Tone:
  Heavy sarcasm about the focus on data center hardware over gaming, poking fun at Nvidia’s shifting priorities.

2. Apple’s Lockdown Mode: FBI Thwarted

[02:44–04:33]

• Real-World Test:
  Apple’s Lockdown Mode prevented FBI forensic experts from accessing journalist Hannah Natenson’s iPhone during a classified leaks investigation.

• How It Works:
  Lockdown Mode "basically breaks a bunch of features on purpose," including blocking unknown connections, limiting attachments, restricting web connectivity, and blocking device management tools. It is meant for high-risk targets but is available to anyone.

  "Essentially, it turns your smartphone into an incredibly paranoid brick." [03:25]

• Unlocking Rundown:
  The FBI could have compelled Face ID access, but the journalist had it disabled, instead using a PIN the authorities can’t force her to reveal.

  "And until we all have government-mandated Neuralinks, it’ll happen." [04:08]

• Mac Touch ID Vulnerability:
  Authorities accessed her Mac using Touch ID—highlighting that privacy protections are not always universally applied.

• Apple Privacy Commitment:
  The hosts, amid teasing Apple’s elite attitude, clearly acknowledge Apple’s genuine emphasis on privacy:

  "...Apple has leaned harder into privacy features than probably any other big tech company." [04:20]

• Useful Feature Tip:
  Pressing the iPhone’s power button five times disables biometrics and requires only a PIN for unlocking.

3. EU vs TikTok: Addictive Design in Crosshairs

[04:35–05:45]

• Findings:
  The European Commission found TikTok in preliminary breach of the Digital Services Act for promoting compulsive usage and failing to offer adequate safeguards, even for adults.

  "TikTok’s basically in trouble for being too enjoyable. Better call the fun police." [04:44]

• Mandated Changes:
  Demands include disabling infinite scroll, implementing screen time breaks, and overhauling TikTok’s recommendation algorithms.

• Arguments & Fines:
  TikTok claims it will “take whatever steps are necessary to keep the app as it is,” but faces fines of up to 6% of global revenue if non-compliant.

  "The Commission has ruled that TikTok needs to ... basically change everything about the app." [05:18]

• Cultural Commentary:
  The host compares the mounting scrutiny of social media to litigation against tobacco companies for addictiveness, mixing humor and critique.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Nvidia’s strategy:
  "You know, we didn’t want new GPUs anyway. We know those are only for data centers now. Now giving gamers GPUs, that would be funny." [01:35]
• On Lockdown Mode:
  "It turns your smartphone into an incredibly paranoid brick." [03:25]
• On pressing iPhone power button:
  "Isn’t that cool? Just don’t press the power button five times on Android. Most of the time that will directly call 911, which, you know is different." [04:29]
• On TikTok and ‘fun police’:
  "At least Smoking had the benefit of making you look cool. TikTok just lets your uncle share his Big Shrimp conspiracy theory..." [05:31]
• On government regulation vs. big tech addiction:
  "We’re supposed to let tech companies move fast and break things, even society in general, and then talk about how it’s bad. But we can’t do anything about it because everyone’s addicted to the bad thing that’s melting our brains." [10:36]

Quick Bits Roundup

[07:11–11:31]

• WordPress Link Rot Solution:
  The Internet Archive’s new plugin auto-redirects broken URLs to archived (Wayback Machine) versions, addressing the significant problem of ongoing link rot.

  "Which is great because roughly 38% of links from the past decade are already broken." [07:38]

• Windows 11 Gaming Issues:
  Recent security update causing gaming problems (frame drops, artifacts). Nvidia's official advice is to uninstall the update, despite it being mandatory.

  "The workaround is just not just uninstall that." [08:18]

• iPhones in Space:
  NASA to allow astronauts to bring smartphones (especially iPhones) onto Crew 12 and Artemis 2 missions, retiring old cameras and for the first time enabling smartphone photography from lunar orbit.

  "So we’re about to get the first smartphone photos from lunar orbit..." [08:47]

• Substack Data Breach:
  Newly discovered (but old) breach—nearly 700,000 records leaked; credit card details safe but emails and phones compromised.

  "So head on over there if you wanna find out which of your friends has a monthly subscription to the Sonic the Hedgehog vs Minions fiction blog…" [09:29]

• Google Gemini’s Retail Play:
  Senator Warren worries about Google’s new Gemini checkout integrating user data with retail partners (Shopify, Walmart, Target), possibly boosting manipulation and upselling.

  "How much do you make working for the Senate? Probably not even a billion. Shut up, Elizabeth Warren. Just let me give my credit card info to a chatbot..." [10:54]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Nvidia GPU News: [00:30–02:46]
• Apple Lockdown Mode: [02:46–04:36]
• EU vs TikTok: [04:36–05:45]
• Quick Bits:
  • WordPress/Wayback Machine: [07:11–08:09]
  • Windows 11 Issues: [08:09–08:47]
  • iPhones to Space: [08:47–09:18]
  • Substack Breach: [09:18–09:54]
  • Google Gemini & Retail: [09:54–11:24]

Overall Tone and Style

True to TechLinked’s style: fast-paced, irreverent, and densely packed with both pop culture references and useful technical insight. The hosts jump smoothly between segments with humor, underscoring the absurdity and quirks within the tech industry and the broader cultural impact.