TechLinked Podcast: PS6 Handheld Leaks, Apple Removes iTorrent, Intel Govt Deal Confirmed + More!

Date: August 29, 2025
Host: Linus Media Group
Episode Theme:
A fast-paced rundown of the latest tech and gaming news, focusing on PS6 handheld hardware leaks, Apple’s new stance on third-party apps, Intel’s government deal, and other highlights in the world of tech and digital culture.

1. PlayStation 6 Handheld Leaks (00:29)

• Main Point:
  The PlayStation 6 may launch with a handheld variant inspired by the Nintendo Switch, featuring a docked mode for TV gaming.
• Details:
  • Leak from YouTuber Moore’s Law is Dead claims the PS6 handheld will use cutting-edge AMD hardware:
    • CPU: AMD’s unreleased Zen 6 architecture (expected 2027 launch)
    • GPU: Next-gen RDNA 5 graphics, also unreleased
  • Historically, consoles launch with older, well-tested hardware, so the claim is notable but should be viewed with skepticism.
• Quote:

  “The PlayStation 6, which sounds weird to say, may come with a handheld variant that takes a page from Nintendo in that it has a Switch style docked mode for TV gaming, and that they'll sue you if you even think about writing God of War fan fiction.” (A, 00:30)

  • Fun comment about the riskiness of trusting leaks:

    “He's right very often, but it is a leak website. You know, it's like Nintendo. You let them in once and then they sue you. I'm keeping my distance this time.” (A, 01:25)

2. Apple Removes iTorrent from Alt Store Pal (01:39)

• Main Point:
  Apple has removed the popular torrenting app iTorrent from Alt Store Pal, the third-party app store now allowed in the EU.
• Details:
  • Dev Danil Vinogradov’s app distribution rights were revoked, cited as due to government sanctions.
  • Another developer mentioned Apple pulled distribution access with no warning or clear reason.
  • Segment underscores that, despite EU’s Markets Act, Apple retains considerable control: all apps still require Apple notarization.
• Quote:

  “This just shows that Apple does still have some control over what apps can and can't be on their device or your device through sideloading… So what's the point of the Market Act? You I thought you got it.” (A, 02:37)

3. Intel’s $5.7 Billion Government Deal (02:50)

• Main Point:
  Intel confirmed it is receiving $5.7 billion from the US government in exchange for the government taking a 10% stake.
• Details:
  • Terms still in flux; White House evaluating fairness.
  • Previous terms: to prevent Intel from selling its Foundry unit, the government could buy up to 5% more at $20/share if Intel’s ownership drops below 51%.
  • Intel flagged the risks in an SEC filing—customers might perceive the deal as “lame and cringe,” potentially hurting sales.
• Tone & Humor:
  • Host jokes about government demands:

    “They may put in a clause about making intel do their laundry...” (A, 03:06)

  • Relatable commentary on investors’ concerns.
• Quote:

  “…in a recent SEC filing, they warned investors about the various ways in which the government owning part of intel could hurt their sales, not help them, citing the possibility that many of Intel's customers may think the deal is lame and cringe Unlike our sponsor get em.” (A, 03:27)

4. Quick Bits (Segment starts at 04:41)

Xbox Game Pass Tiers Expand Cloud Gaming Access (04:46)

• Details:
  • Xbox will allow cloud gaming for core and standard Game Pass tiers (previously exclusive to the Ultimate tier).
  • PC Game Pass games are included for lower tiers.
  • Available now for Xbox Insiders; public rollout coming soon.
• Host Comment:

  “I'm trying to think of the last time a company gave me more value for the money I was already paying and I can Happy Friday.” (A, 05:07)

Microsoft Word’s Cloud Default Changes (05:20)

• Details:
  • New documents will now auto-save to OneDrive by default unless users opt out.
  • For increased security and compliance (per Microsoft), but experts warn of breach risk.
  • Advice: toggle the setting off if concerned, watch for similar updates to Excel and PowerPoint.
• Quote:

  “...if your account is ever compromised you could be exposing any documents you are working on. So if that scares you just like it scares me, be sure to toggle the setting off…” (A, 05:45)

YouTube Hype Feature Expands (06:07)

• Details:
  • The ‘Hype’ button rolls out to 39 more countries for creators under 500,000 subs.
  • Fans can hype videos, influencing a new leaderboard.
  • Adds another analytics metric for creators—host jokes about the abundance of analytics.
• Quote:

  “…they just they live for the analytics. More is better.” (A, 06:24)

Nvidia Sets Revenue Records (06:30)

• Details:
  • Nvidia reports record $46B Q2 revenue, even without sales of H20 chip to China (would add another estimated $8B).
  • Gets export license, but regulatory/configuration issues remain.
  • Nvidia CFO Colette Kress on requirements:

    “If nothing shows up, I've got the licenses. I don't have to do this 15%. You go girl.” (A, 06:51)

Taco Bell AI Drive-Thru Fails (07:11)

• Details:
  • AI-powered drive-thrus deployed in 500+ locations face trolling (e.g., users request thousands of water cups).
  • AI often struggles; humans have to take over.
  • Quote from Taco Bell exec Dane Matthews:

    “I think like everybody sometimes. It lets me down. Yeah, me too, Dane. Me too.” (A, 07:27)

5. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On leaked PlayStation specs:

  “So we're not sure how much the trust Moore's Law is dead here. He's right very often, but it is a leak website.” (A, 01:21)

• On Apple’s control after EU ruling:

  “So what's the point of the Markets Act? You I thought you got it.” (A, 02:37)

• On Intel’s government deal:

  “...government owning part of intel could hurt their sales, not help them, citing the possibility that many of Intel's customers may think the deal is lame and cringe.” (A, 03:27)

• On Taco Bell’s AI:

  “I love people today like this video where someone asked for 18,000 water cups.” (A, 07:11)

  • Clip:
    • [07:11] B: “Can I get 18,000 water cups please.”
    • [07:13] A: “Then the AI pauses for way too long before a human takes over. What can I get for you?”

6. Closing Thought

The episode balances breaking tech news with lively banter and skepticism, weaving together industry developments, leaks, regulatory shifts, and the human impact of tech—from the everyday (document autosaves) to the absurd (AI taking fast food orders). The hosts’ witty commentary and timely quotes keep the tone light, informative, and entertaining for even the most casual listener.