TechLinked Episode Summary: Valve 'Roy' Controllers, Google Linking Strategies, OpenAI Sora Leak & More!

Release Date: November 28, 2024

In the 1000th episode of TechLinked, hosted by Linus Media Group, Riley and the co-host delve into a variety of cutting-edge topics spanning virtual reality advancements, controversial tech updates from Google, AI mishaps from OpenAI, and other intriguing tech news. This episode is packed with insightful discussions, notable quotes, and a celebration of TechLinked's milestone.

1. Valve's 'Roy' VR Controllers

[00:29 - 01:07]

The episode kicks off with exciting news about Valve's upcoming VR controllers, codenamed 'Roy'. Discovered within the driver files for SteamVR by developer Brad Lynch, the 3D models resemble Meta Quest 3 and 3S controllers but deviate from Valve's traditional designs by omitting tracking rings and knuckle straps seen in the Valve Index controllers.

Riley shares, "Brad and his community quickly generated high-quality renders of the controllers which look very similar to the Meta Quest 3 and 3S controllers..." (00:53).

The community's swift response included sharing designs on platforms like Baby Lint's Discord, allowing enthusiasts to 3D print their own versions. These 'Roy' controllers are anticipated to pair with Valve's Deckard VR headset, which is rumored to utilize inside-out tracking similar to Meta's offerings, thereby eliminating the need for external tracking base stations. Additionally, leaked designs hint at a device codenamed 'Ibex', also known as the Steam Controller 2 or Steam Duke, showcasing Valve's ongoing innovation in the VR space.

Co-host remarks, “I knew Valve still had some innovation in them. Good job.” (01:08).

2. Google's Page Annotations: Linking Strategies Amid Legal Scrutiny

[01:07 - 02:31]

Riley shifts the conversation to Google's latest feature called Page Annotations, which automatically turns standard text on websites into links directing users to Google’s search results within the Google app. This move has sparked controversy, especially as Google faces lawsuits over allegations of favoring its own services across various jurisdictions.

Co-host quips, “We’re helping.” (02:31), highlighting the somewhat patronizing nature of Google's intervention.

Barry Schwartz of Search Engine Roundtable identified this feature, noting it was rolled out about a week prior. An example includes converting the phrase "Osaka castle" at the beginning of an article into a direct link to a Google search for the same term. Riley humorously compares this to “dumping the water cooler on your coach while he's swimming laps,” emphasizing the intrusive and disruptive nature of the changes (02:32).

For website owners wishing to opt out, Google requires them to submit a comma-separated list of their URLs through a designated form and await a 30-day processing period.

Riley explains, "Websites can opt out by submitting their URLs, but it requires patience and effort." (03:00).

3. OpenAI's Sora Leak: Artist Community Reacts

[02:31 - 03:41]

The discussion transitions to a contentious incident involving OpenAI's Sora video generator. A group of artists, who were given early access to test the tool, leaked the API key on the model hosting platform Hugging Face. This breach momentarily allowed unauthorized users to generate hyper-realistic videos, albeit with underwhelming results like “Shiba Inus riding surfboards in space” and “cats yawning”.

Riley highlights the backlash from artists, stating, “They now feel like they were lured into art washing, making it seem like OpenAI cares about the arts as something other than refined fuel that its advanced hallucinator can burn to make more AI slop.” (03:40).

The group, known as PR Puppets, criticized OpenAI for exploiting artists without proper compensation, relegating them to bug testers rather than genuine collaborators. In response, OpenAI clarified that participation was voluntary and emphasized their commitment to supporting artists through grants and events, distancing themselves from the criticized testing methodology. Access to Sora was promptly revoked to mitigate further misuse.

The co-host succinctly captures the sentiment, “Pretty good.” (03:40).

4. Additional Tech News

[03:41 - 08:27]

The episode proceeds with a rapid-fire segment covering a diverse array of tech developments:

• TSMC's Advanced Chip Technology [04:00]: TSMC unveiled plans to upgrade its Chip on Wafer on Substrate (CoWoS) technology, aiming to support larger interposers and up to 12 stacks of HBM4 memory by 2027. This advancement will enable chip designers to create processors the size of a human palm, bridging the gap between current wafer-scale chips and practical applications.

  Riley quips, “Like a real one. Like bigger. It's not quite the same as those wafer-scale chips from Cerebras, but it's about what you do with it, you know.” (04:40).

• Intel’s Chips Act Funding [05:50]: Intel's funding under the U.S. Chips Act has been finalized at $7.86 billion, slightly below the initial target of $8.5 billion but includes an additional $3 billion from the government. Riley suggests, “If Intel gives them some extra secure processors, here's a tip. Make them better than the last gen ones.” (05:50).

• Microsoft Clarifies AI Training Practices [06:00]: Microsoft addressed public confusion regarding the training of AI on user documents within Microsoft 365's Connected Experiences feature. The company affirmed that their AI tools are not trained on personal documents, despite some overlapping branding with their Copilot product.

• Elon Musk's XAI Game Studio [06:59]: Elon Musk announced the creation of XAI, an AI-driven game studio intended to revolutionize the gaming industry. Although the concept promises innovation, the co-host expresses skepticism, “But it's like two people now that” (07:01), questioning the practicality amid the saturation of procedurally generated mobile zombie games.

• Innovative Gaming Handhelds [07:01 - 07:34]:

  • Samsung's Foldable Handheld: Inspired by its Z Phone line, Samsung filed a patent for a handheld gaming device that folds in half, allowing controller buttons on both ends to meet when closed.
  • Tencent’s 3D Concept Device: Tencent showcased a concept for a handheld gaming device powered by the Lunar Lake processor. Featuring an 11-inch detachable screen flanked by controllers, this design resembles the ASUS ROG Ally but aims to provide enhanced ergonomics for prolonged gaming sessions.

• Hong Kong Researchers Develop Electronic Lollipops [07:34 - 08:26]: Researchers in Hong Kong introduced a prototype electronic lollipop, a miniaturized gustation interface designed for mixed reality applications. Utilizing iontophoresis, the device can alter taste sensations by transporting flavor chemicals through a biologically safe hydrogel. Available flavors include citrus, cherry, milk, green tea, passion fruit, grapefruit, and durian.

  Co-host humorously remarks, “Can finally stop playing Beat Saber.” (07:32), while Riley adds, “And researchers in Hong Kong have published a paper detailing a way to deliver different taste experiences through a prototype electronic lollipop...” (07:34).

Conclusion

As TechLinked commemorates its 1000th episode, this installment offers a comprehensive overview of significant advancements and controversies in the tech world. From the anticipation surrounding Valve's innovative 'Roy' VR controllers and the contentious linking strategies employed by Google, to the fallout from OpenAI's Sora leak and various other tech snippets, Riley and the co-host ensure listeners are well-informed and entertained. The episode not only highlights technological progress but also underscores the intricate interplay between companies, developers, and the user community in shaping the future of technology.

Notable Quotes:

• "Brad and his community quickly generated high-quality renders of the controllers..." – Riley [00:53]
• “I knew Valve still had some innovation in them. Good job.” – Co-host [01:08]
• “We’re helping.” – Co-host [02:31]
• “Pretty good.” – Co-host [03:40]

For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the essential discussions and insights shared by TechLinked, ensuring you stay up-to-date with the latest in tech and gaming culture.