TechLinked Podcast Summary Episode: RX 9060 XT, Computex, Google AI News + More!
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Linus Media Group

Introduction

In the May 22, 2025 episode of TechLinked, hosted by the Linus Media Group, the hosts dive deep into the latest developments in the tech and gaming worlds. From groundbreaking GPU releases at Computex to significant AI advancements unveiled at Google I/O, this episode covers a broad spectrum of topics that are shaping the future of technology. The discussion is enriched with humor and insightful commentary, making complex topics accessible and engaging for listeners.

Computex 2025 Highlights

AMD's RX 9060 XT Launch

The episode kicks off with the most anticipated announcements from Computex 2025, where AMD officially unveiled its new GPU lineup. The RX9060 XT is set to launch on June 5th, featuring two variants:

• 8 GB version priced at $300
• 16 GB version priced at $350

"I just hope AMD isn't lying about it having 15% more gaming performance per dollar because CEO Lisa Su is a doctor and that would be medical malpractice." (00:30)

This pricing positions the RX9060 XT favorably against Nvidia's RTX 5060 Ti 8 GB, which is priced at $380. The hosts express cautious optimism, highlighting the importance of driver support from AMD to ensure optimal performance and reviews.

AMD's Professional Line Expansion

Beyond GPUs, AMD announced its new Threadripper 9000 series CPUs, boasting up to 96 cores, and the Radeon AI Pro R9700 GPU with 32 GB of VRAM. These products are aimed at professional users requiring high-performance computing for tasks like AI workloads and content creation.

Nvidia’s Limited Previews

Contrasting AMD's open approach, Nvidia reportedly restricted preview access of the RTX 5060 Ti to select outlets under stringent conditions. This move has caused some friction within the tech review community, with the hosts noting:

"Nvidia only allowed some outlets to publish previews ahead of the RTX 5060's launch on Monday under strict conditions, including being limited to testing certain games and capping every email back to Nvidia with Hail Jensen." (02:15)

Despite these restrictions, hardware review channels like Hardware Unboxed have managed to test the RTX 5060 Ti, providing early insights into its performance and value proposition.

Intel's ARC Pro Series and Project Battle Matrix

Shifting focus to Intel, the company released the ARC Pro B50 and B60 GPUs, priced around $300 and $500 respectively. These GPUs are designed for pre-built workstations and come in various third-party designs, including a dual GPU version from Maxsun.

The standout announcement is Intel's Project Battle Matrix, a multi-GPU feature that allows up to eight ARC Pro GPUs to link together, creating a pooled 192 GB of VRAM for AI workloads. This ambitious project is seen as a direct challenge to Nvidia's offerings:

"That's a ballpark because they'll only be available inside pre built workstations in in a variety of fun third party designs like the dual GPU version from maxsun. So cool. What's even cooler though, is Intel's name for their new multi GPU feature project Battle Matrix. Just yeah, it'll allow up to eight ARC Pro GPUs to link together to make up to 192 gigabytes of pooled VRAM available for AI workloads." (02:50)

The hosts acknowledge Intel's competitive edge in AI-capable hardware, suggesting that Nvidia may face significant competition moving forward.

Google I/O 2025: AI Innovations

Introduction of VO3 - AI Video Generator

At Google I/O, the tech giant unveiled VO3, its latest AI-driven video generator capable of creating photorealistic video, sound effects, and lip-synced spoken dialogue from a single text prompt. This innovation represents a significant leap in AI-generated media.

"I am an idiot sandwich." (03:49)
"I'm not sure I can go on." (03:53)

These humorous interjections highlight the hosts' skepticism and amusement regarding the rapid advancements in AI-generated content.

Google's Synth ID and the Take It Down Act

VO3 embeds a "Google Synth id" in the metadata, aiming to identify non-consensual intimate images and deepfakes. This feature aligns with the recently passed Take It Down Act, which criminalizes the creation of deepfakes but has raised concerns among privacy advocates about potential censorship.

Availability and Subscription Model

VO3 is accessible through the Gemini app and the Google Flow AI video editing tool, available exclusively to subscribers of Google AI Ultra, a new $250 all-you-can-use plan that includes YouTube Premium.

Additional Announcements

Google also showcased a mix of existing and upcoming features:

• Gemini Integration in Chrome: Enhances personalized responses in Gmail, aiming to make interactions feel more genuine.

• Gemini Live: Features like camera and screen sharing are now available to all users.

• AI Mode in Search: Expands to more search queries in the US, with upcoming features like Deep Search and Search Live.

• Real-Time Speech Translation: A beta feature now available in Google Meet for seamless multilingual communication.

• Project Starline Evolution: Renamed to Google Beam, this hyper-realistic video call technology promises to make virtual interactions feel more immersive.

Despite the plethora of announcements, the hosts express a mix of excitement and exasperation over the rapid pace and complexity of Google's AI offerings.

Microsoft Build 2025: AI and Web Integration

Windows 11 Enhancements

At the Microsoft Build conference, significant updates were announced for Windows 11:

• MCP Support: Enables AI assistants to control the PC upon user request, integrating more seamlessly with the operating system.

• Windows Subsystem for Linux: Now open source, allowing for greater flexibility and integration with Linux-based systems.

NL Web Initiative and Agentic Web

Microsoft introduced its NL Web initiative, aiming to create the HTML equivalent for the agentic web. This development is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to facilitate smoother communication between AI systems and websites, potentially revolutionizing how users interact with online content.

Fortnite Returns to iOS App Store

In a surprising turn of events, Fortnite is making a comeback to the iOS App Store in the US, now supporting external payment options that bypass Apple’s commission fees. This move comes five years after Epic Games' legal battle with Apple, highlighting the evolving dynamics between app developers and platform providers.

"Five years after intentionally getting kicked off the App Store and suing Apple over it, Epic Games actually won for now, although it seems like this might stick just because everyone's just fed up with Apple at this point." (04:35)

This resurgence is seen as a significant victory for Epic Games and may signal broader changes in App Store policies.

Other Tech News

Huawei's Matebook Fold Ultimate Design

Huawei introduced the Matebook Fold Ultimate Design, a 13-inch foldable tablet that unfolds to a thickness of just 7.3 millimeters, making it thinner than the iPhone 16. Running on HarmonyOS, it's currently available only in China at a premium price of approximately $3,300. This device showcases the advancements in foldable technology, although its high price point limits its accessibility.

Noctua and Pulsar Collaboration: Feynman FO1

In a unique collaboration, Noctua partnered with Pulsar to create a version of the Feynman FO1 mouse featuring a built-in Noctua fan. This innovation aims to keep gamers' hands cool during extended play sessions.

"It's a mouse, by the way. I probably should have said that it's not the first mouse with a fan. The Marsback Zephyr Pro has been around for a few years, cooling the sweaty hands of many a thankful gamer, but it is the first one with a fan that the color of old hospital walls." (05:10)

This product combines functionality with a unique aesthetic, catering to gaming enthusiasts seeking both performance and style.

Conclusion

The episode of TechLinked provides a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the tech industry, from GPU launches and AI innovations to significant moves by major players like Google and Microsoft. The hosts balance detailed analysis with humor, making the content both informative and entertaining. As the tech landscape continues to evolve rapidly, listeners are assured to stay updated with these insightful discussions.

For more detailed insights and updates, tuning into the full episode of TechLinked is highly recommended.