TechLinked Podcast Summary Episode: RTX 5090s Borked, Tariffs Paused, Deep Research + More!
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Host/Author: Linus Media Group

Introduction

In this episode of TechLinked, the hosts delve into a slew of pressing topics in the tech and gaming worlds. From the tumultuous release of Nvidia's RTX 5090 graphics cards to the latest developments in international trade tariffs, and from groundbreaking advancements in AI research tools to unexpected glitches in popular consumer devices. Buckle up as we navigate through these tech tales and more.

RTX 5090 Graphics Card Fiasco

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the much-anticipated Nvidia RTX 5090 graphics card. Initially lauded for its powerful performance, the RTX 5090 has hit a significant snag post-launch.

• Driver Update Woes: Shortly after the official launch last week, users began reporting that a recent driver update rendered their RTX 5090s unusable. "The RTX 5090, a graphics card Nvidia claims was in stock and actually launched last week, is reportedly being rendered useless by a driver update," explains Host B at [00:22].

• Potential Fixes and Speculations: Some savvy users discovered that downgrading their motherboard's PCIe slots from version 5 to 4 can alleviate the issue, supporting warnings previously issued by hardware testers like Derbauer. However, this fix isn't universal, leaving the community divided. "Others have said this doesn't fix it, presumably to make the whole plot a little more interesting," Host B adds.

• Supply Chain Delays: Overclockers UK has indicated that new shipments of the RTX 5090 might take between three to sixteen weeks to arrive. Additionally, there's buzz about possible RTX 5060 or 5060 Ti variants emerging as alternatives, as per a supply chain source.

• Public Backlash: The RTX 5090 has not been immune to criticism, with notable dissent from figures like former NSA contractor Edward Snowden, who labeled it "F tier value for S tier prices." Despite his fugitive status, Snowden remains a vocal critic, highlighting the disconnect between the product's pricing and performance.

US-Canada-Mexico Tariff Tensions Ease Temporarily

Shifting gears to international trade, the hosts discuss the temporary pause in tariffs that had previously strained relations between the US and its North American neighbors.

• Trump Administration's Tariffs: On Saturday, the US imposed a 25% tariff on most imports from Canada and Mexico, alongside an additional 10% on imports from China. Host B humorously remarks, "if you think US Canucks were about to take that lion down, you're host for sure, bud."

• Canada's Retaliation and Response: In retaliation, Canada announced a 25% tariff on American electric vehicles, canceled provincial contracts with US companies like Starlink, and removed American liquor from shelves in provinces including Ontario and British Columbia. "Canada could shut off the power," Host B quips, though dismissing it as a "pretty dumb idea."

• Tariff Pause Agreement: Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau secured a temporary delay on tariffs by agreeing to bolster border security measures, including deploying additional helicopters—a move Host B mocks by comparing Trudeau’s terminology to "putting a hat on backwards and trying to do a kickflip with the kids at the skate park."

OpenAI Introduces Deep Research Feature

In the realm of artificial intelligence, OpenAI has launched Deep Research, a direct competitor to Google's Gemini.

• Features and Capabilities: Deep Research leverages OpenAI's advanced O3 reasoning model, enabling it to perform multi-step complex research tasks based on user prompts. "You just have to write a prompt and then apparently answer a bunch of questions ChatGPT will ask you," Host B explains.

• Performance Recognition: Impressively, Deep Research has achieved the highest score ever on an AI benchmark, intriguingly titled "humanity's last examination." Host B muses, "The lines are beginning to blur, as evidenced by Deep Research getting the highest score ever on an AI benchmark."

Pixel 4a's Troubling Battery Update

Google's recent firmware update for the Pixel 4a has sparked controversy and frustration among users.

• Battery Life Issues: Developer Hector Martin uncovered that the new firmware, the sole version available after Google wiped older updates, negatively impacts battery performance, even for those who redeem the free battery upgrade. "The 4A's new firmware, which is the only firmware available now that Google wiped the older versions, kills battery life anyway."

• User Compensation Dilemma: Users seeking financial compensation face hurdles, as opting for cash requires providing personal identification or Social Security numbers. Conversely, the $100 Google store credit is limited in usability, excluding items on sale. Host B sarcastically suggests, "Just buy a new phone," highlighting the futility of the situation.

YouTuber Emily the Engineer's 3D Printed Tattoo

In lighter news, YouTuber Emily the Engineer showcased her innovative (and somewhat controversial) project involving 3D printing technology.

• Tattoo Experimentation: Emily documented the process of using a 3D printer to tattoo her friend Dan's leg. Despite widespread advice against it, Dan insisted on the procedure, prompting Emily to incorporate a panic button to halt the process if necessary. "I really didn't think that tattoo artists would be the profession that AI comes for next, but at least they'll never take my job," she jokes confidently.

Drone Incident Involving Treyarch's Peter Ackerman

The episode wraps up with an unusual incident involving a consumer drone and the co-founder of game studio Treyarch.

• Drone Malfunction: A drone piloted by Peter Ackerman, co-founder of Treyarch (known for the Call of Duty series), unintentionally punched a hole in the side of a plane while attempting to combat California wildfires.

• Legal Consequences: Ackerman has pled guilty to the unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft. He has agreed to cover the damages to the plane and complete 150 hours of community service. Host B wryly notes, "I never wanted to admit this, but turns out video games do cause violence."

Conclusion

Despite the tumultuous events covered—from botched GPU launches to international trade negotiations and unexpected tech mishaps—TechLinked assures listeners that "tech news" remains a stable anchor amidst the chaos. The hosts invite everyone to tune in next Wednesday for more updates. As they humorously suggest, staying informed might just make the robot apocalypse seem a bit less daunting.

Note: All quotes and timestamps are based on the provided transcript and are formatted for clarity and context within this summary.