TechLinked Podcast Summary: YouTube Gestures Test, Nvidia App 1.0, Saving TikTok + More!

Release Date: November 14, 2024
Host: Linus Media Group
Podcast: TechLinked

1. YouTube's Controversial Mobile Gesture Test

At the outset of the episode, host B delves into YouTube's latest experiment on its mobile platform. The video-sharing giant is reportedly testing TikTok-style video swiping in long-form videos, a move widely criticized as “their dumbest experiment yet” (00:30). This new gesture replaces the familiar swipe up and swipe down actions that users have relied on since 2020 for entering and exiting full-screen modes.

B criticizes the change, arguing that it undermines useful features and misconstrues YouTube's user-centric design. He emphasizes, "maintaining useful features reinforces the mistaken idea that YouTube is designed for you, the users, and well, I mean, it is, but just the part of your optic nerve that connects to your reptile brain" (00:30). This adjustment also coincides with YouTube increasing prices for early premium subscribers, sparking hopes for alternative video platforms.

2. Nvidia Launches Unified App to Replace GeForce Experience

Transitioning to hardware news, B announces the official release of Nvidia's new unified application, set to replace the long-standing GeForce Experience. This app aims to consolidate various functionalities such as GPU driver updates, screen recording, performance monitoring, and the Nvidia Control Panel. However, as B points out, the app is still in its nascent stages: “it doesn’t quite have all the Control panel switches and dials installed yet, so Nvidia Control Panel will continue to haunt you from the hidden area of the system tray” (00:30).

Additionally, Nvidia has ceased production of most RTX 40 series cards, signaling the impending release of the RTX 50 series in early 2025. B anticipates these new models will come with hefty price tags, further stirring the tech community.

3. Donald Trump's Efforts to Save TikTok and Elon Musk's New Role

The podcast takes a political turn as B discusses former President Donald Trump's renewed efforts to prevent the banning of TikTok. Trump has announced intentions to save the app from a government-imposed ban unless ByteDance sells it by January 19th. Reflecting on Trump's previous attempts, B notes, "Trump tried to ban TikTok himself during his first term" (00:30), suggesting that the move is more about political maneuvering than genuine concern.

In an unexpected twist, Trump has appointed Elon Musk to co-lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency, humorously dubbed "Doge." This department is purportedly focused on advising the government on budget cuts, though Trump describes it as “outside of government,” leading to speculations about its true nature—whether it’s a consulting gig or an endorsement of oligarchic structures. B quips, "Doge as outside of government... it's either just a fancy name for a cushy consulting gig or an institutional endorsement of oligarchy" (00:30).

4. Bluesky's User Growth and Platform Challenges

Shifting to social media platforms, B highlights Bluesky's recent surge in user numbers, with a million new utilisateurs since the last election, pushing the platform towards 15 million users. Despite this growth, B expresses skepticism about Bluesky’s unique value proposition: “the primary selling point for the platform is simply that it's not the other one” (00:30). This sentiment reflects a common dilemma in the social media landscape, where differentiation remains a challenge.

5. Xbox's Future Plans Under Phil Spencer

In gaming news, Xbox head Phil Spencer shared updates with Bloomberg regarding the company's future projects. Spencer confirmed that the much-rumored Xbox handheld console is still a few years away, emphasizing that the team is focused on “something in that category” (00:30). Additionally, Spencer mentioned ongoing and potential future studio acquisitions, hinting at a strategy where Xbox games could eventually be available on PlayStation and Nintendo platforms, though he remained vague about the specifics.

6. AI Industry Faces Data Limitations

The episode also covers significant developments in the AI sector. Multiple reports, including insights from The Information, indicate that major players like OpenAI and Google are encountering obstacles in advancing large language models (LLMs). The primary issue is not the scarcity of training data but rather that current models have already absorbed vast amounts of existing internet data, necessitating the creation of a “new Internet” for further training. B humorously criticizes the situation, stating, “we also need AI welfare researchers... to make sure that the engorged chatbots aren't secretly sentient and suffering” (00:30), highlighting the increasingly complex ethical considerations in AI development.

7. Amazon’s New Budget-Friendly Marketplace: Hull

In response to competitors like Shein and Temu, Amazon has launched "Hull," a new marketplace integrated within the Amazon app. Hull focuses on offering a variety of products, including fashion, home goods, and electronics, all priced under $20, with most items under $10. B remarks on the potential appeal to budget-conscious shoppers and those who enjoy the thrill of discovering quirky, inexpensive items: “you can even sell your CPU or GPU directly to Jawa and they'll take care of the rest” (00:30). This move underscores Amazon's strategy to capture a segment of the market seeking affordable and diverse product options.

8. Mark Zuckerberg Ventures into Music with T. Pain

Adding a lighter note, B shares that Mark Zuckerberg has released a new track in collaboration with T. Pain under the musical act name "Z Pain." The song features an auto-tuned version of "Get Low," a favorite of Zuckerberg and his wife on their anniversary. However, B points out technical issues with Instagram’s Spotify link: “Apparently it's broken on desktop, but works fine on iOS, which is. Phew, that's good” (00:30). This quirky development highlights Zuckerberg’s unexpected foray into the music industry, blending tech and entertainment in an unusual partnership.

Sponsor Spotlight: Jawa Marketplace for Gamers

Throughout the episode, TechLinked features Jawa, a marketplace tailored for gamers to buy and sell gaming gear and custom PCs. Jawa offers competitive deals, such as a snow-themed gaming PC equipped with an RX7900XT, Ryzen 8700F, and 32GB of DDR5 RAM for $1,699. B encourages listeners to create an account to access more deals, flash sales, and giveaways, emphasizing Jawa’s role in helping gamers upgrade their rigs affordably.

Closing Remarks

B wraps up the episode with a humorous nod to the discussions, mentioning his auto-tuned cover of "Soulja Boy" featuring Superman, signaling more entertaining content in future episodes. He assures listeners to return on Friday for more tech news, blending tech updates with light-hearted commentary.

Notable Quotes:

• YouTube Experiment:
  “maintaining useful features reinforces the mistaken idea that YouTube is designed for you, the users, and well, I mean, it is, but just the part of your optic nerve that connects to your reptile brain” (00:30).

• Nvidia App Launch:
  “it doesn’t quite have all the Control panel switches and dials installed yet, so Nvidia Control Panel will continue to haunt you from the hidden area of the system tray” (00:30).

• Trump on TikTok:
  “Trump tried to ban TikTok himself during his first term” (00:30).

• AI Data Limitations:
  “we also need AI welfare researchers... to make sure that the engorged chatbots aren't secretly sentient and suffering” (00:30).

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and humorous takes presented in the November 14, 2024 episode of TechLinked. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a casual follower, this episode offers a blend of critical analysis and entertaining commentary on the latest in technology and gaming culture.