TechLinked Podcast Summary

Title: SteamOS update, OpenAI hardware, Veo 3, Claude 4 + more!
Host/Author: Linus Media Group
Release Date: May 24, 2025

SteamOS Update: Valve Opens the Door for Third-Party Handhelds

Valve has made significant strides with the release of an updated stable version of SteamOS, signaling potential support for third-party handheld gaming devices. According to the hosts, Valve has explicitly provided installation instructions for devices like the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally, which was highlighted around the [00:28] timestamp.

Quote:

"Valve's gone from lightly hinting that maybe you could run SteamOS on something other than an officially licensed handheld to saying oh, you wanna take SteamOS for a rip on your own sled." — Speaker B [00:28]

This update allows enthusiasts to install SteamOS on devices equipped with AMD hardware and NVMe drives, broadening the accessibility of Valve’s ecosystem. Additionally, Valve is collaborating with select partners to develop officially licensed SteamOS devices, with models like the Zotac Zone with Ryzen AI HX370 and the MSI Claw A8BZ Tuim showcased at Computex.

OpenAI Expands into Hardware with Strategic Acquisition

In a bold move, OpenAI has invested $6.5 billion to acquire legendary Apple hardware designer Joni’s Design company, as discussed around [03:14]. This acquisition marks OpenAI’s serious foray into hardware development.

Quote:

"Sam is a rare visionary, utterly inspiring." — Speaker A [03:09]

OpenAI, in collaboration with Joni, introduced the new entity IO Lowercase, dedicated to advancing OpenAI’s hardware initiatives. While the exact nature of the hardware remains under wraps, sources suggest it will be a compact, wearable device, aligning with current wearable tech trends. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, emphasized the device’s uniqueness without disclosing specific details, ensuring the tech community remains intrigued.

Google’s VO3: The Future of AI-Generated Multimedia

Google has unveiled VO3, an advanced AI capable of generating video, sound effects, music, and lip-synced voiceovers simultaneously. However, access to VO3 is currently restricted to subscribers of Google's $250 AI Ultra plan.

Quote:

"Honestly though, this is the first time I've been able to find AI generated videos genuinely funny." — Speaker B [03:09]

Despite its high subscription cost, VO3 is already being utilized to create a variety of engaging and shareable content, including fake Fortnite streamers and creative pharmaceutical ads. The hosts noted that while the tool showcases impressive capabilities, its high price point may limit widespread adoption.

Anthropic Releases Claude 4: A Shift Towards Enhanced Coding Capabilities

Anthropic has launched Claude 4, available in both Opus and Sonnet variants, with a notable focus on coding proficiency. Previously recognized for its creative and human-like responses, Claude now excels in technical domains, making it a versatile tool for developers.

Quote:

"Claude was previously known for giving more creative and human-like responses, but it still is creative." — Speaker B [03:09]

The new model demonstrates improved performance in coding tasks while maintaining its original strengths in creativity and nuanced interactions. This pivot positions Claude 4 as a formidable competitor in the AI assistant market, catering to both creative professionals and technical users.

Xiaomi’s Xring 01 Chipset: A New Contender in Mobile Processing

Xiaomi has introduced its first predominantly in-house mobile chipset, the Xring 01, built on a 3-nanometer process with a 10-core SoC. This chipset is set to power the upcoming 15S Pro smartphone, primarily in the Chinese market.

Quote:

"One early unboxing seemed to show the 15S Pro beating a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite in the AnTuTu benchmark." — Speaker B [03:09]

While initial benchmarks have shown promising performance, including potential superiority over Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, subsequent tests have raised questions about its consistency, with some results indicating it lags behind both Snapdragon and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400. The hosts expressed mixed feelings about the chipset’s prospects, highlighting the ongoing competition in the mobile processor landscape.

Intel's Arc B770A GPU: A Revival in the Gaming GPU Market

Contrary to earlier reports of Intel’s diminished presence in the gaming GPU sector, the Intel Arc B770A is poised to make a strong comeback. Announced to surpass the performance of the B580, the B770A is expected to launch by the end of the year, as confirmed by sources at Computex.

Quote:

"Bit of an off-putting name, but you know what they're like in Amsterdam, man." — Speaker B [03:09]

This new GPU aims to address previous shortcomings and re-establish Intel as a competitive player in the high-performance graphics market. The hosts remain cautiously optimistic, hoping that Intel can deliver on its promises and meet the demands of gaming enthusiasts.

AMD's Frank Azor and Memory Recommendations: A Point of Contention

The hosts voiced frustration over AMD’s Frank Azor continuously stating that most gamers do not require more than eight gigabytes of memory, a claim they find increasingly outdated and misaligned with current gaming demands.

Quote:

"Frank, stop. I don't think he's going to though, because he's been killing the PR game since 2019." — Speaker B [03:09]

This ongoing narrative is seen as detrimental to AMD’s reputation, especially as modern games and applications increasingly benefit from higher memory capacities. The community is anticipating a shift in AMD’s stance to better align with technological advancements and user needs.

Mozilla Discontinues Pocket and Fakespot Services

Mozilla has announced the termination of two acquired services: Pocket, a cross-platform bookmarking tool, and Fakespot, a fake review detection service. The decision is part of Mozilla’s strategy to focus on initiatives that propel the internet forward rather than maintain legacy services.

Quote:

"Pocketeers have until October 8th to export your saves as a simple list of links." — Speaker B [03:09]

Users are advised to export their Pocket bookmarks by October 8th, as Mozilla shifts its investment towards more forward-thinking projects. This move reflects broader trends in how content is consumed and saved on the web, emphasizing integration with platforms like Google’s VEO videos.

Computex Highlights: Innovations and Quirky Gadgets

The hosts covered several standout products showcased at Computex, highlighting the industry’s blend of innovation and eccentricity:

• Asus’s 3,000-Watt Power Supply: Designed for professional use, though its compatibility with North American outlets is limited.

  Quote:

  "Asus is killing it dead." — Speaker B [03:09]

• Asus’s 610Hz Monitor: Pushing display refresh rates beyond the standard 600Hz, catering to ultra-competitive gaming setups.

• ThermalRight’s Frozen Creator Mini PC: A vertical Strix Halo design that embodies a cyberpunk aesthetic, appealing to enthusiasts looking for visually striking builds.

• Sigma Tech’s Kinect Pro CPU Cooler: Features a phone-like screen on the front, allowing users to run Windows directly from the cooler. When paired with Inwin’s Chronomancy PC chassis, it creates a visually confusing yet intriguing setup.

These products illustrate the diverse and sometimes unconventional directions the tech industry is exploring, blending performance with unique design elements.

Closing Thoughts

The episode wraps up with a humorous note, reminding listeners to tune in next time for more tech news and insights. The hosts’ enthusiasm and detailed analysis provide a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the tech and gaming sectors.

Note: Advertisements and sponsorship segments were omitted from this summary to focus solely on the core content discussed in the podcast episode.