TechLinked Episode Summary
Podcast: TechLinked (Linus Media Group)
Episode: Windows 10 EU changes, Xbox Handheld/Console news, Unstoppable Robots + more!
Date: September 27, 2025
Theme:
A fast-paced roundup of the week’s most significant tech and gaming news—including Microsoft’s extended Windows 10 support in Europe, major updates around Xbox hardware, advances in robotics, the latest on AI services, and notable headlines from Apple, OnePlus, Amazon, and Nintendo.
Microsoft Windows 10: Free Updates for the EU
Main Point:
Microsoft will provide a year of free extended security updates for Windows 10 users in the European Economic Area (EEA), following pressure from Euroconsumers and in response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
Key Details:
- Users outside the EEA still must pay ($30 or 1,000 Microsoft Reward Points) or sync PC settings to OneDrive to receive updates past October 14.
- EEA users simply need to sign in with their Microsoft account on their PC every 60 days for the free extension.
- The decision came after Euroconsumers challenged Microsoft, arguing their policy may violate EU digital regulations.
- Microsoft is phasing out Windows 10 faster than previous versions.
Notable Quotes:
- “If you need more than 5 gigabytes, which is the default, you may have to buy some extra cloud space from Microsoft. Cause what, you think clouds grow on trees? Or do they?” (Host, 01:02)
- “This all goes to show the power of channeling your inner mom and writing one of the most valuable companies in the world a very angry email.” (Host, 01:45)
Timestamps:
- Windows update policies: 00:28 – 02:10
Xbox Handheld/Console News
Main Point:
ROG Xbox Ally handhelds have official pricing; Microsoft downplays value in Xbox console sales as retailers phase out consoles.
Key Details:
- Xbox Ally (vanilla): $600 USD; Xbox Ally X (Ryzen Z 2 Extreme): $1,000—making it an expensive mainstream handheld.
- Value proposition “confusing”; cheaper handhelds with similar specs also support the Xboxified Windows UI.
- Microsoft is "open about their apathy towards Xbox console sales,” with evidence like Costco and WB Games Canada scaling back inventory.
Notable Quotes:
- “Honestly, the value proposition for these things are kind of confusing…so does Microsoft even want people to buy these at all?” (Host, 02:24)
- “That should clear out by xboxing day.” (Host, 03:10)
Timestamps:
- Xbox handheld pricing: 02:07 – 03:18
Unstoppable Robots: Body-Agnostic AI
Main Point:
New robotics breakthroughs let AI ‘brains’ adapt to almost any robot body—even after physical dismemberment—demonstrating resilience and versatility.
Key Details:
- Skilled AI showcased their tech by having robots relearn how to walk after being hacked apart.
- Google DeepMind demonstrated similar “body agnostic” abilities, including a robot searching the web to help sort compost, trash, and recycling for San Francisco’s regulations.
- Potential for increased autonomy—and the humorous suggestion that robots will eventually “forcibly retire humans.”
Notable Quotes:
- “Depicting robots having to relearn how to walk after their engineers dismember them with a chainsaw…What the * is wrong with these people?” (Host, 03:21)
- “An AI could get smarter and smarter as it possesses one vessel after another, which is something we want.” (Host, 04:24)
Timestamps:
- Robots & Skilled AI: 03:15 – 04:28
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Pulse & the Push Toward Proactivity
Main Point:
OpenAI launches ChatGPT Pulse, a $200 Pro-tier feature where ChatGPT proactively updates users on topics of interest—reflecting a broader trend towards anticipatory AI.
Key Details:
- Pulse is exclusive to the $200 Pro subscription for now.
- AI services are moving to act without waiting for user prompts.
- Possible societal implication: “everyone leading sedentary lives on the space cruise liner from Wall E.”
Notable Quotes:
- “OpenAI and other AI companies really want you to get used to AI not only doing stuff for you, but doing it for you before you even think to ask.” (Host, 04:45)
- “Which will get people hooked on it…” (Host, 04:52)
Timestamps:
- AI/ChatGPT segment: 04:29 – 05:04
Quick Bits Roundup
Intel & Apple: Foundry Flirtation
- Tim Cook comments on Nvidia/Intel partnership: “We’d love to see Intel come back now.”
(Host, 06:00) - Intel reportedly approached Apple about investment, five years after Apple switched to its own CPUs.
- Host’s take: “Honestly, I’d just leave it. I think you’re reading into Tim’s comment a bit too much.”
OnePlus SMS Exploit
- Most OnePlus phones exposed to permission bypass allowing apps access to SMS data.
- Devices still on OxygenOS 11 (2020) unaffected.
- “If you were like my dad and went ‘ain’t no way I’m updating and giving the Chinese my data’, you were smarter than any of us.” (Host, 07:16)
Amazon’s Prime Cancellation Settlement
- Amazon settles with FTC for $2.5 billion after making Prime hard to cancel.
- “The cancellation process Amazon internally named the Iliad flow in a reference to the famously long and arduous Trojan War. You gotta admit, it’s a good reference.” (Host, 07:47)
Nintendo Leadership Change
- Doug Bowser steps down as Nintendo of America president after 6 years.
- Succeeded by 20-year Nintendo veteran Devin Pritchard.
Timestamps:
- Quick Bits start: 05:05
- Intel & Apple: 05:05 – 06:20
- OnePlus: 06:20 – 07:20
- Amazon: 07:20 – 08:10
- Nintendo: 08:10 – 09:02
Memorable Moments & Tone
- Consistent banter and jokes: “Could you make an argument [clouds] grow on trees? Or do they?” (01:09)
- Wry Microsoft commentary: “Because it’s haunted. What? Admit it.” (01:25)
- Sarcasm about robot takeovers and AI dystopias.
- Playful shots at Nintendo and Amazon for their references/naming.
Summary:
This episode delivers a turbocharged sweep of the latest tech and gaming developments, spotlighting European policy wins for Windows 10 users, shifting strategies in the Xbox hardware business, foreboding but impressive robotics research, and the persistent march of proactive artificial intelligence. The show’s signature humor and skepticism keep the mood lively throughout the dense newspack.