Win11 on unsupported PCs, Apple Intelligence drops, Google AI Agents + more! - TechLinked

Summary

TechLinked Episode Summary Date Released: December 12, 2024

In this engaging episode of TechLinked, hosted by the Linus Media Group, a variety of the latest developments in technology and gaming culture are dissected and discussed. From operating system updates to advancements in artificial intelligence, the episode delivers a comprehensive overview of the current tech landscape. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key points, notable quotes with timestamps, and insightful discussions.

1. Windows 11 Installation on Unsupported PCs

Timestamp: 00:28 - 05:00

The episode opens with Host B addressing circulating misinformation regarding Microsoft's stance on installing Windows 11 on unsupported PCs. Despite previous assertions by Microsoft that TPM 2.0 is a non-negotiable hardware requirement, recent articles and Reddit posts suggest a policy reversal.

"Last week Microsoft called the TPM 2.0 hardware requirement for Windows 11 non negotiable. But this week a bunch of Reddit posts and articles went up claiming Microsoft had flip flopped,"—Host B (00:28).

Upon investigation, it's revealed that the confusion stems from a PC World article, originally published in German, which has been mistranslated. The referenced Microsoft support article does not provide instructions for bypassing hardware requirements but merely warns about compatibility issues and potential lack of security updates.

"This support article has been up for quite some time... I guess you could say this whole thing is my fault,"—Host B (04:50).

This clarification underscores the persistence of rumors in tech communities and the importance of verifying information from official sources.

2. OpenAI's Recent Announcements

Timestamp: 05:01 - 10:15

The discussion transitions to OpenAI’s recent updates over the past five days, culminating in notable features released for ChatGPT.

"Day four and five of what turned out to be the 12 week days of OpenAI have come to pass,"—Host B (05:15).

Key highlights include the introduction of ChatGPT's canvas notebook-like feature, now accessible to all users, including those on the free tier. Moreover, OpenAI announced the integration of ChatGPT with Apple Intelligence, a move described with a humorous analogy:

"It's like Apple gave someone a gift and then OpenAI took it, wrapped it up again and gave it back,"—Host B (06:30).

An Easter egg during the livestream showcased a playful calendar event titled "super secret AGI" on an iPhone, teasing future advancements that could lead to significant societal changes.

3. Apple Intelligence Enhancements

Timestamp: 10:16 - 15:45

Apple has rolled out significant updates to its intelligence services, integrating ChatGPT into its ecosystem.

"Apple Intelligence also now supports localized English dialects in more countries including the UK and Canada,"—Host B (12:10).

New features include:

Image Playground: Allows users to create and share cartoon pictures.
Genmoji: Enables the creation of custom emojis, such as a DJ octopus.
Apple Mail Categorization: Enhances email organization.
Reimagined Photos App: Receives tweaks to improve user experience.

These updates aim to make Apple's AI offerings more versatile and user-friendly, catering to a broader range of user needs and preferences.

4. Google Gemini 2.0 and AI Agents

Timestamp: 15:46 - 20:30

Google unveiled its Gemini 2.0 model, boasting twice the speed and enhanced performance compared to its predecessor, Gemini 1.5 Pro.

"Wake me up when they're self aware while we're not there yet,"—Host B (16:50).

Demonstrations showcased various AI agents, including:

Gaming Agent: Determines the meta for ongoing games.
Web-Browsing Agent: Searches for contact emails of companies within an active browser tab.
Robot Control Agent: Manages robotic movements.
Jules Coding Agent: Assists in programming tasks, humorously noted to "have tattoos."

A standout feature was Deep Research, a tool akin to Notebook LM but with the capability to perform comprehensive web searches, compile sources, and generate detailed reports.

"But what does school even need students for anymore? Get them out of there,"—Host B (19:45).

Additionally, Google refreshed its Project Astra Assistant, which can now decipher laundry machine controls using prototype glasses for hands-free operation.

5. Microsoft’s New Developments

Timestamp: 20:31 - 25:00

Microsoft is expanding its ecosystem with two notable updates:

Windows Mixed Reality Link App for Quest Headsets: This experimental app allows users to set up multiple virtual monitors within a 3D space, enhancing the virtual reality experience.
Xbox App on Windows Enhancements: Nearly 400 PC games are being added to the Xbox app, accompanied by a redesigned home layout and a "jump back in" section from the Xbox console dashboard.

"I mean, if that doesn't entice PC gamers to use the Xbox app, then I don't know,"—Host B (22:20).

However, skepticism remains regarding the impact of these updates on the gaming community's adoption and engagement.

6. General Motors Cuts Funding for Cruise

Timestamp: 25:01 - 28:30

In a significant industry move, General Motors (GM) announced the cessation of funding for Cruise, its self-driving taxi subsidiary acquired in 2016. GM plans to integrate Cruise’s assets and personnel into its autonomous driving division focused on consumer vehicles.

"Cruise staff reportedly got the memo the day that this was announced... calling the automaker a bunch of dummies,"—Host B (26:40).

This decision highlights the challenges traditional automakers face in adapting to the rapidly evolving tech-centric automotive landscape. Cruise co-founder Kyle Vogt expressed his frustration, indicating a disconnect between GM's strategic direction and the autonomous tech advancements.

7. Meta Platforms' Outage

Timestamp: 28:31 - 30:00

A widespread outage affected Meta's suite of social platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. At the time of reporting, Meta attributed the disruption to a "technical issue."

"Meta tweeted that they're working to get things back to normal because your dog needs to be using Meta AI or he won't know what the is going on,"—Host B (29:15).

The humorous rationale provided by Meta underscores the unpredictable nature of tech outages and the reliance users have on these platforms for daily interactions and AI functionalities.

8. LG Exits the Blu-Ray Player Market

Timestamp: 30:01 - 32:00

LG has announced its exit from the Blu-Ray player market, discontinuing new models with the UPK90 being the last. This move aligns LG with other major players like Sony and Samsung, who have also exited the market, leaving Panasonic as one of the few remaining manufacturers.

"Blu Ray was a dumb name. Cd, vhs, dvd. Blu Ray. We couldn't come up with a good acronym,"—Host B (31:30).

The discontinuation reflects the declining demand for physical media players in an increasingly streaming-centric entertainment landscape.

9. Artisan AI’s Controversial Advertising

Timestamp: 32:01 - 35:00

Artisan, an AI company, has stirred controversy by advertising its AI sales representatives—referred to as "artisans"—on San Francisco billboards with the slogan, "Stop hiring humans." The campaign has been criticized for its dystopian overtones.

"CEO Jaspar Carmichael Jack... admitted the ads are somewhat dystopian, but so is AI,"—Host B (34:10).

The advertisements aim to highlight the efficiency and reliability of AI over human employees, though they have sparked debates about the future of AI in the workforce and ethical advertising practices.

10. Miscellaneous Tech News

Timestamp: 35:01 - End

The episode concludes with a brief mention of Novium's sponsorship, showcasing their innovative Interstellar Hover Pen, a magnetically suspended writing instrument praised for its design and functionality.

"Take your ideas to the stars,"—Host B (34:45).

This segment serves as a creative segue into upcoming tech news and the continuous evolution of consumer gadgets designed to inspire and captivate users.

Conclusion

This episode of TechLinked adeptly navigates a wide array of topics, offering listeners a thorough understanding of current technological advancements and industry shifts. From clarifying misconceptions about Windows 11 requirements to exploring cutting-edge AI integrations by OpenAI, Apple, and Google, the hosts provide insightful commentary enriched with humor and critical analysis. Additionally, industry moves like GM's restructuring and Meta's service outages highlight the dynamic and sometimes tumultuous nature of the tech world. Whether you're a casual tech enthusiast or a seasoned professional, this episode delivers valuable information and thoughtful perspectives on the ever-evolving technology landscape.

Transcript

A (0:00)

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B (0:28)

Our first story today is really an attempt by me to correct a series of weird articles that are circulating right now. If I'm wrong, feel free to correct me in the comments. It'll be like a fun game where everyone's feelings get hurt. Last week Microsoft called the TPM 2.0 hardware requirement for Windows 11 non negotiable. But this week a bunch of Reddit posts and articles went up claiming Microsoft had flipped, flip flopped and we're now allowing the installation of Windows 11 on PCs that don't meet the official requirements. Now I've seen some chatter on this topic in the last little bit, so my newsy sense went off. It was very unpleasant. It seems like the source of this idea is this PC World article published on Monday which claims Microsoft is issuing instructions for installing Windows 11 on incompatible PCs. PC World says this article is translated from the original version that appeared on their German language sister site PZ Welt, titled Microsoft Erlaupt installation von Windows 11 auf incompatible. They didn't have to yell. I'm not sure why they're so angry. But both articles link to this Microsoft support article which says nothing about allowing such installation and definitely doesn't give instructions for installing Windows 11. It actually only warns about compatibility issues and the lack of security updates you'll get if you do install Windows 11 on unsupported PCs, which you have been able to do using various workarounds since Windows 11 launched. This support article has been up for quite some time. I referenced it in our episode from a week ago, so I guess you could say this whole thing is my fault. Who put that in there? Day four and five of what turned out to be the 12 week days of OpenAI have come to pass, with day four's announcement being ChatGPT's canvas notebook like feature now being made available to all users, even those on the free Tier for day five. OpenAI's big announcement was the previously announced ChatGPT integration with Apple Intelligence, which was also announced by Apple today in what can only be described as the big tech equivalent to re gifting. But it's worse. It's like Apple gave someone a gift and then OpenAI took it, wrapped it up again and gave it back. Here I got you something. OpenAI did give out an Easter egg during the livestream showing a calendar event for super secret AGI on their iPhone. You know, just a little tongue in cheek way to tease the things Sam Altman says will usher in a post job society. It's just fun. As for Apple, that ChatGPT integration is part of software updates rolling out to iOS, iPadOS and macros with support for Apple's image playground so you can make little cartoon pictures and send them to your friends. Stunning is it Sirkan? It's fine. IPhone users can also make Genmoji now to rectify the fact that no one thought to make a DJ octopus emoji. Among the arguably more useful changes, Apple Mail is finally getting categorization and there are some tweaks to the Reimagined Photos app that will hopefully save its designers from being lynched. Apple Intelligence also now supports localized English dialects in more countries including the UK and Canada. So I'll now be telling Siri to order me a pop and a double double from Timmy's or she can take off like a hoser as soon as I get an iPhone. Not to be left out, Google announced their first Gemini 2.0 model flash, which they say outperforms Gemini 1.5 Pro at twice the speed, et cetera, et cetera. Wake me up when they're self aware while we're not there yet. All of Google's main demos today involved agents, ones that can find out what the meta is for the game you're playing, an agent that will go browse the web for you to say, find the contact email for a list of companies, but for now only in your active browser tab so it can keep checking if you're watching like a six year old user user. Watch this. Wow. Good job. There's an agent for controlling a robot and a new coding agent called Jules. You know she's got tattoos. But the most interesting demo to me was Deep Research, a tool kind of similar to Notebook lm, but instead of just summarizing sources you've uploaded, it will search the web, compile sources on a topic, and then write a report. But what does school even need students for anymore? Get them out of there. Google also published an updated demo of its Project Astra Assistant, deciphering laundry machine controls, which is a heck of a thing to trust an AI with, but it's definitely not a pre made demo. This time we stopped doing that now. I'm using these prototype glasses to test Project Astra Hands free. Sorry, you're using what now? Why didn't you bring that up before? I brought up our sponsor, Novium. They make this. Look at that. It's beautiful. The Interstellar Hover Pen is a ballpoint pen standing on its base suspended at a 23.5 degree angle by permanent magnets. And yeah, you can make marks on a page with any old pointy stick, but Novium wants to help inspire creativity and curiosity in your everyday life with unique products that make you think about your ideas blasting off into space like a rocket. Or maybe it's hitting something and making an impact crater because your ideas have impact. I'm inspired already. The Hover pen is a great Christmas gift for the writer or artist in your life. Or maybe that aerospace nerd that needs something to really tie the desk together. Tried a rug. Wasn't great. The Interstellar Hover Pen was named one of the best inventions of 2022 by Time magazine. And it comes in Space Black, Mars, Magma, Starlight Silver and Neptune Blue. You can even add 18 karat gold or meteorite for a more premium look. They also have the Hoverpen Future, a fountain and rollerball pen with interchangeable tips. So take your ideas to the stars and use the code TechLinked to save 20% for the next 48 hours on all hoverpens using our QR code or at the link below. What would I be without the quick bits? A shell of a man Like a kind of mollusk? Microsoft is rolling out a couple things. One is the experimental Windows Mixed Reality link app for Quest headsets, letting you set up multiple virtual monitors in 3D space. The other is nearly 400 PC games being added to the Xbox app on Windows, along with a new home layout and the jump back in section from the Xbox console dashboard. I mean, if that doesn't entice PC gamers to use the Xbox app, then I don't know. But it won't. General Motors has cut off funding for Cruise, the self driving taxi startup it acquired back in 2016. It'll absorb Cruise's assets and employees into GM's own division, working on autonomous driving features for its consumer vehicles. Cruise staff reportedly got the memo the day that this was announced by gm, leading Cruise co founder and former CEO Kyle Vogt to call the automaker a bunch of dummies. The Autopian writes. This is yet another example of automakers learning they're not tech companies, but cars are machines. That's technology Nope. Their art. Aw, that's nice. Meta Social platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, suffered a widespread outage today. At the time of writing, Meta hadn't given a specific reason for the outages beyond calling them a technical issue, which I guess is technically correct. As soon as reports started flooding in, Meta tweeted that they're working to get things back to normal because your dog needs to be using Meta AI or he won't know what the is going on. Huh? Huh? This dog needs Meta AI. LG is exiting the Blu Ray player business and will no longer be making new players, according to Flat Panels HD. And sure enough, LG's site lists the last Blu Ray player the company announced, the UPK90 as discontinued. With Sony and Samsung also out of the market, Panasonic remains one of the few remaining companies who haven't quit yet. And while this is sad news for disc enthusiasts, I think we can all agree Blu Ray was a dumb name. Cd, vhs, dvd. Blu Ray. We couldn't come up with a good acronym. Come on. And an AI company called Artisan has attracted criticism for advertising its services on San Francisco billboards with the slogan Stop hiring humans, telling companies to hire its AI sales rep agents, which it calls artisans instead. When interviewed by SFGate CEO Jaspar Carmichael Jack, which sounds like an AI generated name, admitted the ads are somewhat dystopian, but so is AI, adding that you don't draw eyes with boring messaging. Fair point. And to be fair, you can't call this billboard boring. They even gave the AI laser eyes and included a spelling mistake as an example of human error. See, unlike humans, AIs won't make little mistakes like that. They may suggest that if you run out of gas, you could try filling your car up with melted cheese. But that could work. You won't even try it. Hey, why don't you try coming back here on Friday for more tech news? I mean, probably won't change your life for the better in unimaginable ways unless.