TechLinked Episode Summary
Title: W11 overtakes W10, Game Destruction Clauses, Samsung leaks + more!
Host/Author: Linus Media Group
Release Date: July 8, 2025

1. Windows 11 Surpasses Windows 10 in Market Share

Key Points:

• Market Shift: For the first time since its launch nearly four years ago, Windows 11 has overtaken Windows 10 in desktop market share according to StatCounter. This milestone coincides with the enduring popularity of Windows 10, making the shift particularly noteworthy.

• Steam Hardware Survey: Reinforcing this trend, Windows 11 had already surpassed Windows 10 on the Steam Hardware Survey back in September 2024, suggesting a broader adoption across both general and gaming communities.

• Microsoft's Response: In response to users not upgrading immediately, Microsoft has extended free security updates for Windows 10 users for an additional year, provided they sign into a Microsoft account and sync their PC settings. However, skepticism remains about the longevity of this offer.

Notable Quotes:

• "Windows 11 did already overtake Windows 10 on the Steam hardware survey back in September 2024. So it's not far-fetched to assume we are awake and this isn't some gruesome nightmare. It's really happening." [02:15]

• "Ironically, Microsoft recently threw Windows 10 Die Hards a bone in the form of free extended security updates for a year if they simply sign into a Microsoft account and sync their PC settings." [03:10]

2. Controversy Over Ubisoft's Game Destruction Clause

Key Points:

• Public Outcry: Gamers mobilized against a clause in Ubisoft's End User License Agreement (EULA) requiring users to destroy all copies of a game if the agreement is terminated. This sparked intense discussions on platforms like Steam under the "Stop Killing Games" initiative.

• Historical Context: Contrary to popular belief, this clause isn't new to Ubisoft. It's a standard provision found in many game licenses, including those from Square Enix, Sega, and Larian Studios (developer of Baldur's Gate 3).

• Industry Response: Video Games Europe, the industry's association, opposed the "Stop Killing Games" movement. They argued that mandating an end-of-life plan without permanently restricting player access to purchased games is unfeasible.

Notable Quotes:

• "There's just one problem. While many repeated the claim that the destroy clause was a new addition to Ubisoft's license agreement, it's not new. And it's also an extremely common clause in gaming license agreements across the board." [04:45]

• "Video Games Europe... saying that requiring games to have some kind of end of life plan that doesn't involve permanently blocking players from ever again accessing a game they paid for is it's just impossible." [06:20]

3. Leaks and Announcements Ahead of Samsung's Unveiling

Key Points:

• Upcoming Devices: Anticipation is building for Samsung's upcoming launch of new folding phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Flip 7 FE. Pre-release leaks have surfaced, detailing impressive specifications such as the Z Fold 7's 16GB RAM and 1TB storage.

• Leaked Videos: Alongside the specs, a leaked video showcased the Z Flip 7's substantial front display and hinted at new Galaxy Watch models. Although some leaks included content in foreign languages, confirmed details are expected during Samsung's Unpacked event.

• Epic Games Settlement: Notably, this event follows Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announcing the company's settlement of its lawsuit against Samsung, paving the way for potential collaborations or feature integrations in future devices.

Notable Quotes:

• "Samsung is gearing up to unveil new folding phones on Wednesday, so it must be embarrassing to have all of their specs leaked beforehand." [07:50]

• "Hopefully you can read French. I have no idea what that says. We'll have all the official confirmed details on Wednesday after Samsung's unpacked." [09:05]

4. Intel's Upcoming Arrow Lake CPUs

Key Points:

• Product Refresh: Intel plans to launch an updated lineup of Arrow Lake CPUs in the latter half of 2025. These new chips will feature enhanced clock speeds and an improved Neural Processing Unit (NPU), potentially qualifying them for the coveted Co-Pilot PC designation.

• Comparison with Xeon Lineup: Despite these upgrades, the Arrow Lake CPUs will not match the flagship Diamond Rapid Xeon processors, which boast up to 192 cores and consume 500 watts of power. This positions the Arrow Lake series as a balanced option without the extreme specifications of their high-end counterparts.

Notable Quotes:

• "Intel is planning to launch a refreshed lineup of Arrow Lake CPUs in the second half of this year, according to ZDNet Korea." [10:30]

• "No matter how good they are, though, they won't have 192 cores and use 500 watts of power like the flagship chips from Intel's upcoming Diamond Rapid Xeon lineup." [11:15]

5. ByteDance's Plans for a New US TikTok App

Key Points:

• App Development: ByteDance is developing a new version of TikTok tailored for US customers, contingent upon the potential sale of TikTok to American owners. This move aims to address regulatory concerns and facilitate a smoother transition of the app's ownership.

• Technical Challenges: Analysts predict significant technical hurdles in migrating all American users to a new application, especially considering the need for continuous access and data integrity during the transition.

• Regulatory Dependencies: The success of this initiative heavily relies on China's approval of the sale, an aspect that remains uncertain as of the latest statements.

Notable Quotes:

• "Bytedance is working on a new version of the app for US Customers to replace the old one if this deal to sell TikTok to new American owners ever actually comes to pass." [12:40]

• "When asked if he's got a deal ready with China, Trump recently told the media, pretty much making everyone feel good about spending time on that interaction." [13:05]

6. Lossless Scaling App Ported to Linux

Key Points:

• Software Update: Lossless Scaling, a popular Windows application known for adding modern upscaling and frame generation to unsupported games, is being ported to Linux by developer Pancake Task.

• Development Challenges: The project, hosted on GitHub under "LSFG VK," has faced significant hurdles, with the developer describing the process as "psychological torture," highlighting the complexities involved in adapting the software to a new operating system.

• Community Appreciation: The Linux gaming community is encouraged to support and appreciate the developer's efforts, acknowledging the technical demands of such a port.

Notable Quotes:

• "The GitHub projects titled LSFG VK, which I know stands for Lossless Scaling, Frame Generation, and then Vulkan maybe, but I read it as les f Cking go Vikram." [14:50]

• "You better appreciate the devs labors because they say they went through psychological torture to make this project work." [15:20]

7. Innovative USB C Flash Drive Design

Key Points:

• Product Design: Designer David Delahunty collaborated with Super Fantastic Toys to create a USB C flash drive that mimics the appearance of a real-life Mac OS folder, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.

• Design Critique: While the design is praised for its cuteness, there's a light-hearted critique regarding its functionality, emphasizing that while it’s a drive, its appearance somewhat misrepresents its purpose.

Notable Quotes:

• "And look at this little USB C flash drive designed to look like a real life Mac OS folder, huh? Designer David Delahunty worked with Super Fantastic toys to bring the folder drive to life." [16:30]

• "It's cute, it's fine. But I won't be fine unless you come back on Wednesday for more tech news." [17:00]

This episode of TechLinked covered significant developments in the tech and gaming worlds, from operating system market shifts and controversial software clauses to exciting hardware leaks and innovative product designs. Whether it's the evolution of Windows, the intricacies of game licensing, or the latest in smartphone technology, the episode provided listeners with comprehensive insights into the current state and future trends of the industry.