TechLinked Podcast Summary
Episode: "Windows Update for all apps, Discord Orbs, EU Apple ruling + more!"
Release Date: May 29, 2025
Host: Linus Media Group
1. Windows Update Orchestration Platform
Overview: Microsoft is revamping how app updates are managed on Windows by introducing the Windows Update Orchestration platform. This change aims to unify the update process, making it as seamless as updates on mobile devices.
Key Points:
- Unified Update Experience: Instead of disparate update mechanisms for each application, all app updates would be funneled through Windows Update, reducing fragmentation.
- Eco-Efficient Scheduling: The platform is designed to schedule updates during times that minimize energy consumption, potentially benefiting both users and the environment.
- Automatic Future Enhancements: Apps would receive future updates automatically without user intervention.
Notable Quote: Riley highlights the skepticism among users, stating, “We don't want that. I think Microsoft says their new Windows Update Orchestration platform can schedule updates to happen at the most eco efficient times...” [02:15].
Implications: While Microsoft positions this feature primarily for business environments, allowing IT managers more control, there’s concern among regular users about reduced autonomy and increased frustration from forced updates.
2. Discord Introduces Orbs
Overview: Discord has launched a new in-app currency called Orbs, aimed at enhancing user engagement through gamified interactions.
Key Points:
- Earning Orbs: Users can earn Orbs by completing quests such as watching ads or playing promoted games.
- Usage of Orbs: Orbs can be redeemed for various in-app items, including standard cosmetics, Discord shop purchases, and Nitro credits, which extend Nitro subscription benefits.
- Controlled Economy: Discord maintains stringent control over the Orb economy to prevent abuse and ensure balance.
Notable Quotes: Riley humorously notes, “Epic Real hero stuff... What should I do if I see someone selling orbs? Call the police immediately.” [05:10]. Additionally, referencing Discord’s approach, he mentions, “we have a lot of control over the orb's economy right now” [06:05].
Concerns: There’s apprehension about the permanence of the Orb system, with Discord executives hinting at future changes: “once the orbs start to gain consciousness and begin pondering themselves, well, all bets are off” [06:15].
3. EU Ruling on Apple Compliance with Digital Markets Act
Overview: The European Commission has issued a comprehensive ruling on Apple’s adherence to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), reinforcing its resolve to impose further fines due to non-compliance.
Key Points:
- Previous and Ongoing Fines: Apple was already fined €500 million last month, and the EU plans to issue more penalties.
- Compliance Issues: Apple has struggled to align its App Store policies with DMA requirements, particularly regarding allowing developers to inform users about external services.
- Apple’s Defense: In response, Apple cited security concerns and the need to protect its technology, despite criticisms.
Notable Quote: Riley captures Apple's stance, stating, “Apple responded with the usual stuff about security issues and being forced to give away our technology for free” [08:30].
Future Outlook: Despite ample time to implement necessary changes, Apple appears focused on developing a gaming-focused app, hinting at the company’s challenges in the gaming sector: “They've probably been pretty busy working on a gaming focused app they'll introduce later this year... They’re not real gamers like you and me” [09:45].
4. Apple's New Naming Scheme for Operating Systems
Overview: Apple is overhauling its operating system naming conventions, shifting to a yearly numerical system similar to that used by automobile manufacturers.
Key Points:
- Year-Based Naming: Upcoming versions will be named after the subsequent year. For instance, instead of iOS 19, the next major release will be iOS 26.
- Consistency Across Platforms: This change applies to all Apple operating systems, aiming for a more intuitive and predictable naming strategy.
Notable Quote: Riley quips, “You think coming up with that idea was easy?” [11:20], highlighting the simplicity yet potential confusion of the new naming approach.
5. Hardware Updates from Computex
a. InWin’s 1650W Power Supply for GPUs
Overview: InWin has unveiled a 1650-watt power supply specifically designed for high-performance GPUs.
Key Points:
- Specialized Connectors: The PSU features four 12V 16-pin connectors, commonly associated with intensive GPU power needs.
- Redundancy Feature: Intended to operate alongside a regular PSU, ensuring system stability even if one unit fails.
b. Utran’s $3,000 Expansion Card
Overview: Utran introduced an expansion card priced at $3,000, capable of adding up to 224 terabytes of storage through 28 M.2 SSDs.
Key Points:
- Massive Storage Capacity: This expansion is ideal for users requiring extensive data storage solutions within a single system.
- High-Speed Access: Utilizing multiple M.2 slots ensures rapid data access and transfer rates.
Notable Quote: Riley remarks on the innovative yet expensive nature of the expansion card: “Very nice.” [13:50].
6. RTX 5090 Price Drop in Finland
Overview: NVIDIA’s flagship RTX 5090 graphics cards have reportedly seen their prices drop below Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) in Finland for the first time.
Key Points:
- Market Reaction: While this price reduction is good news for consumers in Finland, it hasn’t significantly impacted the global market.
- Availability: The lowered prices may indicate improved supply chains or decreased demand in specific regions.
Notable Comment: Riley shares a light-hearted sentiment, “we can all be happy for Finland” [14:30], emphasizing the regional nature of the price drop.
7. Texas Passes Age Verification Bill for App Stores
Overview: Texas has enacted a law mandating that both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store implement age verification for their users by January 1, 2026.
Key Points:
- Verification Requirements: App stores must develop reliable methods to verify the ages of their users, aiming to protect minors from inappropriate content.
- Broader Implications: The European Commission is simultaneously investigating adult websites for failing to prevent underage access, signaling a global push towards stricter age verification.
Notable Quote: Riley humorously relates the urgency of these laws to his own experiences: “these laws are hitting the books faster than I did in college after already spending the night before the big test gaming until 3am” [15:45].
Conclusion: Tech giants are under increasing pressure to develop effective age verification systems as legislative actions accelerate their implementation.
8. SpaceX’s Starship Developments
Overview: SpaceX continues to refine its Starship program, successfully launching the massive rocket to orbit using a reused Super Heavy booster. However, challenges persist.
Key Points:
- Successful Reuse: The latest launch marked the first successful orbital flight reuse of the Super Heavy booster.
- Technical Issues: Despite initial success, subsequent engine bay leaks led to a loss of main tank pressure, resulting in a rapid, unscheduled disassembly.
- Industry Perspective: Such incidents are viewed as iterative steps in rocket development, contributing valuable data for enhancements.
Notable Quote: Riley explains, “Contra to popular belief, these incidents aren't actually disasters. Rocket companies use all of the data collected to improve the design” [17:10].
Speculation: He humorously speculates on potential causes, including extraterrestrial factors: “But hey, this is all a Mirage. Prices for RTX 5090s have reportedly fallen below MSRP in Finland for the first time, and while that doesn't help us at all, we can all be happy for Finland” [17:50].
9. AI-Powered Interactive Video by Odysee
Overview: Odysee has introduced an AI-driven interactive video platform that blurs the lines between traditional video content and video games.
Key Points:
- Interactive Elements: Users can engage with the video in real-time, influencing the narrative and experience dynamically.
- Performance: The technology generates new video frames every 40 milliseconds (25 FPS), offering a foundational yet nascent interactive experience.
- Future Potential: Odysee envisions this as the precursor to more advanced forms of interactive media, akin to the holodeck concept from science fiction.
Notable Quote: Riley remarks on the innovation and its current limitations: “It's kind of low for a game, actually. It's like a glitchy dream. Raw, unstable, but undeniably new” [19:35].
Implications: This development represents a significant step toward new entertainment mediums, offering immersive experiences that merge gaming and video content.
10. Additional Tech Tidbits
a. Mesa Graphics Driver for Linux: A leak has revealed device IDs for four different BattleMage GPUs, indicating potential advancements in Linux-compatible gaming hardware.
b. AI-Generated Games: Earlier AI projects have produced playable versions of classic games like Quake and Minecraft, demonstrating the expanding capabilities of AI in game development.
Notable Observation: Riley emphasizes the ongoing evolution of AI in gaming, suggesting that interactive AI content is just the beginning: “we're now seeing the earliest glimpses of an entirely new medium of entertainment” [20:10].
Conclusion
In this episode of TechLinked, Riley delves into significant developments in the tech and gaming industries, from Microsoft's unified update strategy and Discord’s gamified currency to regulatory challenges faced by Apple in the EU. Hardware enthusiasts got a glimpse of cutting-edge products unveiled at Computex, while space and AI innovations painted a picture of rapid technological advancement. Throughout, Riley interjects humor and critical insights, making the complex world of tech accessible and engaging for all listeners.
Note: This summary excludes advertisement segments and focuses solely on the content discussed in the episode.