TechLinked Podcast Summary – Episode: RX 9070 Prices, Intel 'Celestial' GPUs, SpaceX Air Control & More!
Release Date: February 18, 2025
Host/Author: Linus Media Group
Podcast: TechLinked
Introduction
In this episode of TechLinked, the Linus Media Group delves deep into the latest happenings in the tech and gaming worlds. From the highly anticipated release of AMD's RX9070 GPUs to SpaceX's groundbreaking contract with the US government, the hosts cover a wide array of topics that are shaping the future of technology and gaming culture.
1. GPU Market Turmoil: AMD vs. NVIDIA
Leaked Information on AMD's RX9070 Series
The episode kicks off with a discussion on the turbulent GPU market. The hosts highlight the numerous leaks surrounding AMD's upcoming RX9070 series graphics cards. Recent Amazon listings have revealed price points and a launch date set for March 6, merely a day before NVIDIA's RTX5070 debuts on March 5.
Host [00:32]: "Leaks concerning AMD's upcoming RX9070 series graphics cards are rampant on the Internet right now, with the latest being Amazon listings for some of the XFX versions with prices and a March 6 launch date."
Pricing Concerns and Competitive Landscape
Despite the excitement, there's apprehension about AMD's pricing strategy. The lowest RX9070 is reportedly listed at $650, which is $100 more than NVIDIA's RTX5070 MSRP. This pricing could hinder AMD's ability to compete effectively against NVIDIA.
Host [00:32]: "Unfortunately, the leaks aren't inspiring confidence that Team Red will put up a fight against Nvidia with the cheapest RX9070 so far listed at $650, a whole $100 more than the RTX5070's MSRP."
AMD's VRAM Rumors Debunked
Amidst the frenzy, rumors about an RX9070 variant with 32GB of VRAM have surfaced. However, AMD's marketing executive Frank Azor has dismissed these claims, clarifying that no such high-VRAM model is in the pipeline.
Host [00:32]: "AMD wants one thing to be clear though, there's no RX9070 with 32 gigabytes of VRAM on the way."
Upcoming Intel 'Celestial' GPUs
Shifting focus to Intel, the podcast discusses the company's next-generation 'Celestial' GPUs, potentially built on the XE3P architecture. Reliable leaker Raichu anticipates that these GPUs will be manufactured in-house, signaling Intel's commitment to carving out a formidable presence in the GPU market.
Host [00:32]: "May base its next gen celestial graphics cards on an architecture called XE3P... Reliable leaker Raichu also expects the GPUs to be made in house at intel instead of farming it out."
Intel's Strategic Challenges
The episode also touches upon Intel's strategic challenges, including competition from TSMC and Broadcom in chip design and foundry services. Additionally, discussions with the US government about the Chips Act program reveal potential delays in payouts and possible joint ventures with TSMC, though analysts remain skeptical.
Host [00:32]: "The US Government has reportedly discussed delaying payouts to intel and others in the Chips act program and even suggested that TSMC run a joint chip making venture with Intel."
2. SpaceX Lands US Government Contract for Air Traffic Control
In a significant development, SpaceX has been awarded a contract by the US government to develop a new air traffic control system. This move comes in the wake of President Trump's Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announcing the termination of hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees to address longstanding staffing shortages.
Host [00:32]: "Jensen oh, careful, it's hot. And who else but SpaceX has been handed another US government contract to create a new air traffic control system..."
Impact of FAA Staff Cuts
The reduction in FAA personnel is seen as a strategic effort to streamline operations, although it's met with mixed reactions given the critical role of air traffic controllers in ensuring aviation safety.
Host [00:32]: "Hundreds of Federal Aviation Administration employees will be fired, which is an efficient and based move given the country has faced air traffic controller staffing shortages for years."
Delta Airlines Crash at Toronto Pearson Airport
The podcast also references a recent Delta Airlines crash at Toronto Pearson Airport, where, fortunately, there were no fatalities despite the plane rolling upside down—a scenario that FAA regulations deem unacceptable. A survivor's video of the rescue adds a personal touch to the tragic event.
Host [00:32]: "The news follows a Delta Airlines crash at Toronto Pearson Airport, where miraculously, nobody died, but the plane did flip upside down..."
3. Microsoft’s Perpetual Update Challenges
Microsoft continues to grapple with issues related to its Patch Tuesday updates. The latest rollout caused other updates to become stuck and led to glitches in File Explorer, particularly when performing advanced operations like opening folders.
Host [00:32]: "Unlike the Quick Bits, Microsoft is continuing its streak of releasing updates to completely break features that were already not great."
Fixes and Future Implications
Despite the setbacks, Microsoft addressed specific glitches, such as the lag experienced with Cloud-hosted OneDrive files. However, the overall sentiment remains cautious as users navigate the instability caused by frequent updates.
Host [00:32]: "Thankfully, Microsoft made sure to fix the glitch that caused lag when dealing with Cloud hosted OneDrive files."
4. Twitter's (X) Restrictive Measures on Signal Links
Twitter, rebranded as X, has come under scrutiny for banning links to the encrypted messaging service Signal. Security research group Misk reported that attempts to share Signal URLs resulted in error messages, with Twitter flagging them as malicious.
Host [00:32]: "Twitter, also known as X the coolest letter, was caught banning links to the web URL of the encrypted messaging service Signal by security research group Misk."
Possible Motives Behind the Ban
While the exact reason for this censorship remains unclear, speculation suggests it could be related to governmental influences or internal policy shifts aimed at restricting certain communications platforms.
Host [00:32]: "It might have something to do with government workers using it to inform journalists about Elon carving up agencies like a Thanksgiving turkey."
5. Innovative Gaming and Research Projects
Ink Console: E Ink Handheld for Text-Based Games
The episode introduces the Ink Console, an E Ink handheld device designed for playing choose-your-own-adventure text-based games. Featuring a 7.5-inch screen, the console supports both classic and modern text adventures and allows users to create their own, catering to enthusiasts who prefer reading over more visually demanding games.
Host [00:32]: "It's called the Ink console, features a 7 1/2 inch E Ink screen and will support a number of older and newer text adventures."
Espargos: Visualizing Wi-Fi Signals in 3D
Highlighting a German research project, the hosts discuss Espargos, a Wi-Fi sensing array developed by a YouTuber named JJ. This innovative tool visualizes how Wi-Fi signals traverse and interact within three-dimensional spaces, providing unprecedented insights into wireless communication dynamics.
Host [00:32]: "a Wi fi sensing array that allows interesting visualization of how WI fi signals move around in 3D space."
Conclusion
The TechLinked episode offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of the tech and gaming industries. From the competitive GPU releases and strategic maneuvers of major players like AMD, NVIDIA, and Intel, to SpaceX's significant government contracts and innovative new gadgets like the Ink Console, the podcast ensures listeners are well-informed about the latest developments. The hosts seamlessly blend technical analysis with engaging commentary, making complex topics accessible and intriguing for both tech enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.
Notable Quotes:
- Host [00:32]: "The wait is now intolerable. We got GP blue balls over here. Come on."
- Host [00:32]: "No raccoons in the cloud so Twitter, also known as X the coolest letter, was caught banning links to the web URL of the encrypted messaging service Signal..."
- Host [00:32]: "We still are shooting it at everything. Well, turns out it looked like a green smudge this whole time."
This episode exemplifies TechLinked's commitment to delivering timely and relevant tech news with a touch of humor and critical insight. Whether you're a gamer eagerly awaiting new GPU releases or a tech aficionado interested in the latest industry shifts, this episode has something for everyone.