Tech News Weekly (Audio) TNW 413: Testing Valve's Steam Frame, Machine & Controller - Valve's New Steam Hardware
Nov 14, 2025
Zac Bowden, a Senior Windows reporter at Windows Central, discusses the backlash against Microsoft's 'agentic OS' concept that aims to leverage AI more effectively. Meanwhile, Scott Stein, a Senior hardware journalist at CNET, shares exciting first-hand impressions of Valve's upcoming Steam hardware. He describes the innovative Steam Frame and its multi-mode controller designed for an immersive gaming experience, along with impressive features like foveated streaming. The duo dives into user concerns about AI priorities and the potential of this new tech in the gaming landscape.
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Commercializing Genetic Optimization
- Silicon Valley is commercializing polygenic scoring and embryo editing into paid services despite limited clinical benefit.
- Jacob Ward warns profit motives push genetic optimization toward corporate eugenics without clear regulation.
Meeting A 'Geno Economist'
- Jacob Ward recounted meeting a "geno economist" who predicted social outcomes from DNA using polygenic scores.
- That encounter motivated his New York Times Magazine piece warning about commercialization risks.
Polygenic Screening Lacks Proven Benefit
- Polygenic embryo screening charges high fees while major genetics bodies find no proven clinical benefit.
- Jacob Ward and experts label marketing vague optimizations as essentially corporate eugenics.
