TechLinked Podcast Summary: RTX 5090 Reviews, Intel's "Modular" Idea, OpenAI Operator + More!
Release Date: January 25, 2025
Host/Author: Linus Media Group
Podcast: TechLinked
1. Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Reviews
Timestamp: [00:22]
In the latest episode of TechLinked, host B dives into the newly released Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card. The RTX 5090 has garnered significant attention, boasting a 30% performance boost over its predecessor, the RTX 4090, even without utilizing DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling). This enhancement is attributed to a 30% increase in both cores and power, although B humorously downplays the technical details:
“...it performs about 30% faster than the 4090 without DLSS, which may have something to do with the 30% more cores and 30% more power, but I'm not a scientist.” [00:22]
Despite the impressive performance gains, Hardware Unboxed points out that the RTX 5090's cost per frame remains low, placing it at the bottom of cost-efficiency charts. Notably, Nvidia has only increased the price by 20% compared to the RTX 4090, keeping the MSRP at around $2,000. However, scalpers have already begun selling the card at double the MSRP, causing frustration among potential buyers.
2. Nvidia's Future Releases and Design Choices
Timestamp: [00:22]
Looking ahead, B mentions that Nvidia plans to release the RTX 5080 next, which is expected to offer a 22% performance boost. Additionally, Tech PowerUp highlights a significant design change in the RTX 5090: Nvidia has removed the hotspot sensor from the GPU. According to a statement cited by B:
“Nvidia removed the hotspot sensor from the gpu, a decision they told Derbauer was made because the hotspot metric is no longer accurate and no longer relevant.” [00:22]
This removal is controversial as it eliminates a tool that monitored GPU temperature, especially since it excludes AI-generated frames, raising concerns about thermal management and performance monitoring.
3. Intel's "Modular" PC Initiative
Timestamp: [00:22]
Shifting focus to Intel, the episode discusses the company's innovative approach to PC design. Intel has proposed making PCs more repairable and less wasteful by adopting a modular architecture. B explains:
“Intel's blog post is actually about encouraging more manufacturers to work on modular designs for laptop and compact PCs, taking inspiration from Framework and MNT...” [00:22]
This initiative seeks to inspire manufacturers to develop modular components, allowing users to easily upgrade or replace parts of their PCs. An example mentioned is Byron Huang, a high school student who successfully built a custom open-source laptop using an ARM SoC module. However, Linus Tech Tips' Winston lamented:
“...Linus doing a video on it reaffirmed his decision, which is not okay. Good luck.” [00:22]
This reflects some skepticism within the community regarding the practicality and adoption of truly modular PC designs.
4. OpenAI's Operator: An AI Agent for ChatGPT Pro
Timestamp: [00:22]
OpenAI has introduced Operator, an AI agent designed to assist users by performing tasks through ChatGPT Pro subscriptions. B elaborates on this new feature:
“OpenAI has unveiled Operator, an AI agent available now for ChatGPT Pro subscribers that will use a computer for you...” [00:22]
This tool is marketed as ideal for users who rely heavily on ChatGPT for tasks such as messaging, exemplified by the humorous exchange:
“You probably already have ChatGPT writing all your DMs. How should I tell them I'll be there? You could say I'll be there. Yeah, that's good.” [00:22]
During a demonstration, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman showcased Operator's capabilities, including the ability to take autonomous actions like purchasing a Cybertruck upon user request:
“...you can click the Take Control button if Operator's about to buy a Cybertruck or something.” [00:22]
5. Deepseek's R1 Model: A Controversial AI Development
Timestamp: [00:22]
The episode also touches upon Deepseek's R1, an open-weight AI model developed by a Chinese startup. B notes that R1 matches the performance of OpenAI's O1 reasoning model, stirring excitement among AI researchers. However, the model has a noteworthy limitation:
“...thanks to its chain of thought being visible, it'll say straight up that it can't reference anything that's critical of the Chinese government.” [00:22]
Furthermore, R1 imposes an unusual requirement for users by forcing them to download TikTok on their phones, leading to frustrations:
“And then it'll force download TikTok on your phone. I didn't ask for this. I asked for...” [00:22]
This combination of performance parity and restrictive, politically influenced behavior makes R1 a subject of intense debate within the AI community.
6. Epic Games Expands to Mobile Platforms
Timestamp: [00:22]
In the quick bits segment, B shares that Epic Games is expanding its reach by bringing third-party mobile games to the Epic Games Store app on Android globally and on iOS in the EU. To celebrate this expansion, Epic is continuing its free games program, offering a new free game each month for participating developers:
“Epic Games says the first wave of third party mobile games are coming to the Epic Games Store app on Android globally and on iOS in the EU...” [00:22]
Additionally, Epic is sponsoring Apple's core technology fee, a move that aligns with their ongoing efforts to promote open markets, despite potential regulatory challenges posed by the European Commission.
7. Ayaneo Introduces a Modular Handheld Gaming Device
Timestamp: [00:22]
Ayaneo has unveiled its latest handheld gaming console, featuring modular controls. B describes the device's flexibility:
“Ayaneo has announced their newest handheld and it packs a cool trick modular controls that let you place hall effect joysticks, six button micro switch pads, and even lettered face buttons wherever you want...” [00:22]
The device offers various screen options and optional button packs, allowing gamers to customize their setup according to personal preferences, enhancing the overall user experience.
8. Xbox Developer Direct Highlights Upcoming Games
Timestamp: [00:22]
During Xbox's recent Developer Direct event, several new titles were announced that require ray tracing-capable GPUs. B highlights the marquee titles:
“Xbox held their promised developer direct yesterday, revealing that the Dark Ages will join Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and a handful of other titles in requiring a GPU that supports ray tracing.” [00:22]
Notably, Dark Ages is designed as a single-player experience to avoid conflicts during narrative-driven missions, encapsulated humorously by B:
“The game is also single player only because during a demon invasion we shouldn't fight amongst ourselves.” [00:22]
Other anticipated releases include South of Midnight, Ninja Gaiden 4, and Clair Obscure Expedition 33, the latter of which features a character humorously described as:
“...a character I can only describe as Dollar Store Robert Pattinson.” [00:22]
9. YouTube's Ad Policy Backlash
Timestamp: [00:22]
The episode concludes with a discussion on user complaints regarding unskippable YouTube ads. Users on the r/YouTube subreddit have reported being stuck watching ads that last for hours, leading to widespread frustration:
“According to a number of posts on the r YouTube subreddit, YouTube truly has gone too far. I mean, look at this person who has served an almost three hour ad.” [00:22]
B speculates on possible reasons, including YouTube detecting ad blockers and retaliating by enforcing longer ads or experiencing glitches where the "Skip ad" button is blocked. Google has clarified its stance by directing Android authorities to their policy limiting unskippable ads to 15 seconds, but skepticism remains:
“Google directed Android authority to their policy limiting unskippable ads to 15 seconds. But we can't prove that this isn't all a prank.” [00:22]
B humorously adds:
“Maybe it'll be a good minute before we'll be back on Monday for more tech news.” [00:22]
Conclusion
The January 25, 2025, episode of TechLinked covers a broad spectrum of technology and gaming news, from the high-performance Nvidia RTX 5090 and Intel's innovative modular PC ideas to OpenAI's latest AI developments and Epic Games' mobile expansion. Additionally, the podcast touches on emerging trends in handheld gaming, upcoming exclusive titles from Xbox, and user frustrations with YouTube's ad policies. With engaging discussions, insightful commentary, and timely updates, this episode serves as a comprehensive roundup for tech enthusiasts seeking to stay informed on the latest industry developments.