TechLinked Episode Summary: "Trump Mobile, Windows Hello Downgrade, Online Ad Changes + More!"
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Host: Linus Media Group
1. Introduction
In this episode of TechLinked, the team dives into a diverse range of tech and gaming news, from the controversial launch of Trump Mobile to significant updates in Microsoft's Windows ecosystem. The discussions are lively, informative, and peppered with insightful commentary, making it a must-listen for tech enthusiasts.
2. Trump Mobile Launch
Mark Hatchman kicks off the episode with the surprising announcement of Trump Mobile, a new wireless carrier and smartphone initiative by the Trump Organization, currently managed by the President's son, Eric Trump.
"Mark A hot new wireless carrier and smartphone have been announced by none other than the Trump Organization, which is currently being run by the President's son, Eric." [00:30]
Key Highlights:
- Operational Model: Trump Mobile will function as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), leveraging parts of Verizon and AT&T’s networks.
- T1 Phone: Priced at $500, the T1 is a gold-colored Android smartphone touted as an iPhone knockoff, claiming to be entirely manufactured in the USA. However, skepticism remains regarding its authenticity, with only a low-resolution image as evidence.
- Features: Promises include 12GB of RAM, expandable to 256GB storage, and a 120Hz screen. Despite impressive specs on paper, doubts about its legitimacy prevail.
- Pricing Strategy: Offers a "47 plan" priced at $47.45/month, a nod to Trump's position as the 47th and 45th president.
Mark expresses doubt about the phone's feasibility and the marketing strategy:
"If I'm gonna be swindled into pre-ordering a fake gold Chinese phone, I expect you to commit to the bit. I'm staying on this stool." [00:45]
3. Windows Hello Downgrade
The discussion shifts to Microsoft's recent changes to Windows Hello, the biometric authentication feature.
Mark Hatchman reports that an April update now requires users' faces to be visible to the computer's color camera instead of just the infrared sensor, causing issues for users trying to sign in in the dark.
"Microsoft has confirmed user reports that Windows hello just doesn't work anymore in the dark after an April update changed the sign in feature to require your face to be visible to your computer's color camera, not just the infrared sensor." [02:10]
User Feedback: Mark references his own article, expressing frustration over the update's impact on users in environments with limited lighting:
"I don't care if you can't log into your laptop because of a power outage and you live in that town in Alaska that doesn't get daylight for two months. Hey, that's not my problem." [03:00]
4. Windows Insider Build Bug
In other Windows news, users participating in the Windows Insider program encountered an unexpected change: the Windows 11 startup chime was replaced with that of Windows Vista.
"Users running an Insider build were surprised to log into their Windows 11 PCs and hear the startup chime from Windows Vista." [04:15]
Microsoft initially described this as a "delightful blast from the past" but later confirmed it as a bug, assuring users that a fix is underway.
5. Changes in Online Advertising
The online advertising landscape is undergoing significant transformations, with major platforms introducing AI-driven features.
TikTok's Symphony Suite Expansion:
- New Features: Advertisers can now generate multiple five-second product clips by uploading images directly on TikTok or through third-party tools like Adobe Express.
- Critique: Mark criticizes the move, mentioning the loss of authenticity in ads:
"Which is terrible because the ads were one of the only things on TikTok that I knew was real." [05:30]
WhatsApp Introducing Ads:
- Updates Tab Ads: WhatsApp is rolling out its first ads in the Updates tab, aiming to help users discover more channels and businesses.
- User Perspective: Mark shares his sentiments:
"What I didn't know about was the Updates tab in WhatsApp, where the chat app will be introducing its first ever ads. I wish it could help me find more channels and businesses." [06:00]
Reddit's Advertising Innovations:
- User-Generated Content: Advertisers on Reddit can now attach positive user-generated posts to their ads, accompanied by AI-generated summaries.
- Potential Issues: Concerns arise about the authenticity of attached posts, especially if they exclude negative feedback.
6. Quick Bits
A series of brief updates cover various tech news:
a. Intel's Desktop CPU Plans
Leaks suggest Intel is planning a significant return to powerful desktop CPUs with the next-gen Nova Lake S platform.
"If this leak mentioning the company's next gen Nova Lake s platform is anything to go by." [07:15]
b. Gulikit and Nintendo Switch 2
Controller maker Gulikit claims they've enabled waking the Nintendo Switch 2 from sleep mode, a feature previously exclusive to the Switch Pro controller. However, issues persist with the dock's ethernet port.
c. Genetic Testing Company Assets Reclaimed
The founder of 23inch and Wojcki has reclaimed assets from a genetics testing company after winning its bankruptcy auction for $305 million.
d. Etsy's 3D Printing Policy Changes
Etsy is tightening regulations on the sale of 3D-printed products, requiring sellers to use original designs or sufficiently modify existing ones by hand.
e. Sale of Nexus Mods
Nexus Mods, the largest game mod repository, has been sold. Founder Robin Darkone Scott assures the community that the platform's values and direction will remain unchanged under new anonymous ownership.
"It'll always be community first and mod author focused." [09:45]
7. Conclusion
The episode wraps up with a light-hearted sign-off, hinting at more tech news in future episodes.
"More tech news on Wednesday. Yeah, probably." [10:00]
This episode of TechLinked provides a comprehensive overview of the latest happenings in the tech and gaming worlds, blending in-depth analysis with engaging commentary. Whether it's the dubious launch of Trump Mobile or the nuanced changes in online advertising, listeners are kept informed and entertained throughout.