TechLinked Podcast Summary – May 31, 2025 Episode
Hosted by Linus Media Group, TechLinked delivers thrice-weekly updates on the latest in tech and gaming culture. In this episode, the hosts delve into significant industry developments, including Microsoft's Xbox handheld delay, advancements and challenges in Google's AI initiatives, and a surprising collaboration between Meta and Anduril. Additionally, a series of quick updates touch on AI licensing, new GPU releases, innovative robotics, and futuristic wearable technology.
1. Microsoft’s Xbox Handheld Delay and Strategic Shift
[00:39] The episode kicks off with breaking news that Microsoft has decided to postpone the development of its highly anticipated handheld Xbox console. Instead of pushing forward with their own device, Microsoft is reallocating resources to enhance Windows 11 for third-party gaming handhelds.
[00:42] According to Jez Cord from Windows Central, Microsoft’s decision stems from the need to strengthen their existing ecosystem. This move diverges from the initial plan to release the first dedicated Xbox handheld designed to natively run Xbox games by 2027.
[00:31] The co-host explains, “Microsoft has pumped the brakes on development of its handheld Xbox console and is now dedicating more resources towards optimizing Windows 11 for third party gaming handhelds.” This strategic pivot allows Microsoft to support a broader range of devices, potentially increasing their market reach and flexibility in the competitive gaming hardware landscape.
2. SteamOS Advances and the Gaming Ecosystem
Shifting focus to SteamOS, Valve is making notable strides with their latest build, which now officially supports installation on third-party hardware. This development has been embraced by popular YouTubers such as Random Gaming in HD and ETA Prime, who have reported that SteamOS is “outperforming Windows 11 in many cases”.
[00:42] The hosts highlight that Valve has updated their language to include SteamOS compatibility ratings for games, ensuring clarity for users regarding which titles are optimized for their operating system. Additionally, the introduction of the GeForce Now app for Steam Deck enhances the gaming experience by providing a more reliable streaming service compared to previous alternatives.
[00:37] In response to SteamOS’s growing popularity, Microsoft is contemplating releasing an early version of Copilot for gaming within the Xbox app on iOS and Android. This feature would allow gamers to interact with AI for tips and assistance during gameplay, potentially serving as a countermeasure to SteamOS’s rising dominance. However, the co-host remains skeptical, noting, “I don't know, the damage might be done here,” indicating that SteamOS’s momentum may be challenging for Microsoft to reverse.
3. Google’s AI Endeavors: Triumphs and Tribulations
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, asserted in a recent Verge Decoder podcast that AI is poised to surpass the Internet in significance. The hosts discuss this bold claim, agreeing that AI’s potential is immense but cautioning about its societal implications. Pichai envisions AI fostering innovation without necessarily enhancing human-to-human interaction, which contrasts with the connective power of the Internet.
[02:00] The podcast addresses practical advancements such as live translation in smart glasses, which nearly enable real-time conversations across different languages, and Gemini’s video analysis capabilities within Google Drive. These features showcase AI’s positive impact on productivity and communication.
However, not all is smooth sailing. The hosts critique some of Gemini's functionalities, including automated Gmail AI summaries that tend to overpopulate screens and lead to user frustration. Additionally, AI-generated overviews in Google Search have been prone to factual inaccuracies, such as incorrectly stating the current year.
A perplexing incident was reported where Google Maps erroneously marked all the busiest German autobahn routes as closed. While some speculated about interference from other AI systems, the hosts dismiss such theories as "outlandish," emphasizing the occasional glitches that accompany rapid technological advancements.
4. Meta and Palmer Luckey’s Mixed Reality Collaboration with Anduril
In a surprising turn of events, Meta has reconciled with Palmer Luckey, the founder of Oculus, now leading the military tech company Anduril. Luckey, who was ousted from Oculus in 2017, has since made his mark in the defense sector. This partnership will focus on developing mixed reality technology tailored for military applications.
[03:37] The co-host remarks, “Meta has made amends with founder of Oculus and enjoyer of goatees grown in the scrotum style Palmer Luckey.” This collaboration marks a significant shift in Silicon Valley, where tech giants are increasingly engaging in military contracts—an area that was previously considered taboo before 2020.
Bloomberg highlights that this trend reflects a broader change, as established companies like Meta join forces with specialized tech firms like Anduril to advance defense technologies. The podcast humorously notes the Tolkien-inspired names of these companies, suggesting a whimsical yet concerning intersection of geek culture and military-industrial ambitions. The hosts mused, “Palmer Luckey's out here naming his company after the reforged Sword of Aragorn and yapping about his dream being to turn war fighters into technomancers,” blending fantasy elements with real-world technological developments.
5. Quick Bits: Miscellaneous Tech Updates
AI Licensing and Legal Battles The New York Times has entered a landmark AI licensing deal with Amazon, allowing the streaming giant to use NYT content to train its in-house AI models and enabling Alexa to incorporate excerpts with links back to the NYT website. This move follows the NYT’s 2023 lawsuit against OpenAI for unauthorized use of their content, highlighting the ongoing tensions around AI and copyright.
Upcoming GPU Releases AMD enthusiasts are excited for the imminent release of the RX9060XT, available in both 8GB and 16GB variants. Notably, Yeston’s Gaia 16GB version boasts a 100 MHz higher base and boost clock, underscoring the importance of scrutinizing specifications before purchase. Additionally, Chinese chipmaker Lysuan is set to launch a new 6-nanometer GPU aimed at matching RX4060 performance levels, expected to enter external markets once tariffs are lifted.
Innovative Robotics from Hugging Face AI hosting platform Hugging Face has unveiled Hope Jr., a humanoid robot priced at approximately $3,000. This open-source robot invites enthusiasts to modify and enhance its capabilities, even adding unconventional features like spider legs. Alongside Hope Jr., the company introduced the Ricci Mini, a desktop robot with limited mobility but potential for intellectual challenges.
Futuristic Wearable Technology: Electronic Tattoos Researchers in Austin, Texas, have developed electronic tattoos—ultra-thin sensors applied to the face that monitor brain activity and eye movement to assess mental strain. Termed “E face tats,” these devices can alert employers to an employee’s cognitive load, allowing for dynamic task allocation. While innovative, the hosts express unease over the dystopian implications of such pervasive monitoring, humorously suggesting, “Maybe they should give these to real gang members,” to illustrate the potential for misuse.
Conclusion
This episode of TechLinked provided a comprehensive overview of pivotal developments in the tech and gaming sectors. From Microsoft’s strategic reorientation and SteamOS’s competitive advancements to Google’s ambitious yet flawed AI pursuits, and Meta’s unexpected foray into military tech through collaboration with Palmer Luckey and Anduril, the landscape is rapidly evolving. Additionally, the quick bits offered a glimpse into future technologies and the ongoing interplay between AI and content licensing. For listeners seeking to stay informed on the latest tech trends without delving into every detail, this episode serves as a rich and engaging resource.