TechLinked – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Ryzen renames CPUs, Some Discord accounts hacked, Australia sues Microsoft + more!
Date: October 28, 2025
Host: Linus Media Group

Overview

This episode of TechLinked delivers a fast-paced roundup of trending tech and gaming stories, from questionable CPU renaming schemes to cybersecurity scares and major legal action against Microsoft in Australia. With the usual blend of wit, skepticism, and pop-culture nods, the hosts dissect recent developments affecting both industry insiders and everyday users.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. AMD’s Confusing CPU Renaming

• [00:29] AMD announced it will rebrand existing chips rather than launch wholly new laptop CPUs.
  • Older Zen 2 (Mendocino) chips become the Ryzen 10 series.
  • Zen 3 Plus (Rembrandt) gets relabeled as the Ryzen 100 series.
• Key Insight:
  The hardware under these new names is identical to previous versions, but the name change may mislead consumers seeking the latest tech, essentially giving old hardware a fresh coat of paint.
• Contextual Comparison:
  The hosts draw parallels to Intel’s recent rebranding, likening these tactics to automotive industry badge-engineering.
• Memorable Quote:

  “Rebadging is a scourge, but I won’t get got for a second time. Ordering a Volkswagen Rutan only to discover a Dodge Grand Caravan sitting in your driveway changes a man – never again.” – Host [01:08]

2. Discord Accounts Targeted by Redtiger Malware

• [01:27] Hackers are using a Redtiger fork disguised as game mods or cheats to steal Discord user data.
  • Discovered by cybersecurity firm Netskope.
  • Attackers harvest browser data, tokens, and crypto wallet info, uploading them via webhooks.
  • Victims face stolen accounts and lost Nitro subscriptions.
  • Phishing links sharing the malware are prevalent in Discord gaming communities.
• Takeaway:
  The campaign highlights the risks of downloading unofficial mods and the sophistication of Discord-specific attacks.
• Memorable Quote:

  “Those advertisements you see for free FPS boosts are almost never actually free.” – Host [02:04]

3. Australia Sues Microsoft Over Copilot Subscriptions

• [02:19] The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is suing Microsoft, alleging deceptive selling tactics.
  • 2.7 million customers believed Copilot was a mandatory paid upgrade for Microsoft 365.
  • In reality, a cheaper, non-AI version was available, hidden deep within cancellation menus.
  • Potential penalties could reach $33 million USD.
• Takeaway:
  The hosts point out the difficulty for everyday users to navigate such obscured “upgrade” options, and question the adequacy of potential fines for a company of Microsoft’s size.
• Memorable Quote:

  “A secret level customers were never meant to find… We need a hyper-focused YouTuber to get in here and take apart the code.” – Host [03:03]
  “A slap on the wrist to Microsoft.” – Host [03:26]

4. Quick Bits

[04:01] Rapid-fire updates on developing stories:

a. Fujitsu Supports Physical Media

• Fujitsu continues offering laptops with Blu-ray drives (FMV Note A line, Ryzen 7 7735U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD).
• Demand for Blu-ray players is strong in Japan’s Akihabara region.
• Quote:

  “Does old specs really matter when you can ask if the boys want to come over and pop in Hannah Montana the movie?” – Host [04:35]

b. Cooler Master’s Power Connector Fiasco

• Cooler Master apologizes for instructing users to modify risky 16-pin GPU power connectors.
• Discontinues problematic parts and pledges improved, safer designs.
• Quote:

  “More like wrong-angled connector design… This bug could burn down your damn house anyway.” – Host [05:15]

c. Tesla’s ‘Mad Max’ Mode Faces Regulator Scrutiny

• U.S. NHTSA investigates Tesla’s new automated driving mode for potentially promoting unsafe driving (speeding, excessive lane changes).
• Pop culture reference and skepticism abound.
• Quote:

  “I just don’t think you’ll ride eternal shiny and chrome if you’re letting your Tesla drive for you.” – Host [06:02]

d. Microsoft’s $4.7 Billion ‘Other’ Losses Tied to OpenAI

• Microsoft reveals $4.7 billion in losses related to OpenAI, buried under “other” in filings.
• Raises concerns about transparency and reporting ethics.
• Quote:

  “Sweeping losses under the rug as ‘other expenses’ honestly seems like the kind of quick and dirty financial solutions you’d expect.” – Host [06:40]
  “ChatGPT, what do you think?” – Host, in mock dialogue [07:04]

e. Fungi-Based Memory Chips

• Researchers at Ohio State University engineer mushroom tissue (shiitake, button mushrooms) into “memristors” (living memory chips).
• These chips are sustainable and biodegradable, but far from replacing conventional RAM.
• Quote:

  “It’s incredible what we’ll be doing with the tech news on Wednesday.” – Host [07:39]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On AMD+Intel renaming:
  “Rebadging is a scourge, but I won’t get got for a second time…” – Host [01:08]
• On Discord malware:
  “Those advertisements you see for free FPS boosts are almost never actually free.” – Host [02:04]
• On Microsoft’s legal troubles:
  “A secret level customers were never meant to find…” – Host [03:03] “A slap on the wrist to Microsoft.” – Host [03:26]
• On Cooler Master:
  “More like wrong-angled connector design.” – Host [05:10]
• On Tesla’s “Mad Max” mode:
  “You’ll ride eternal shiny and chrome… if you’re letting your Tesla drive for you. That’s kind of… there’s no honor.” – Host [06:02]

Segment Timestamps

| Topic | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|---------------| | AMD’s CPU renaming | 00:29 – 01:27 | | Discord/Redtiger malware | 01:27 – 02:19 | | Australia sues Microsoft | 02:19 – 04:01 | | Quick Bits (Fujitsu, Cooler Master, etc.) | 04:01 – 07:39 | | Fungi-based memory chips | 07:10 – 07:39 |

Tone & Style

• Casual, witty, and laced with pop-culture, geek references (“Freddy Krueger”, “Mad Max”, “Hannah Montana”).
• Sceptical, especially toward corporate tactics (“rebadging”, “hidden subscriptions”).
• Fast-paced, with a clear focus on critical user impact and consumer awareness.

This summary covers the major stories and tone of the episode, highlighting the most crucial info, memorable lines, and timestamps for easy reference.