The WAN Show

The hosts dive into whether the iPhone is becoming obsolete, sparked by Google's AirDrop-like feature on Pixel. They analyze recent cloud outages and the dependency on big tech providers. A lively debate unfolds around the resale rights ruling for software licenses and its implications on the gaming industry. Discussions on Microsoft’s ambitious plans for automation reveal concerns about privacy. They also touch on the quirky merits of sock design and the state of tech market volatility affecting content strategies.

Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux kernel and a titan of open-source software, joins for an engaging discussion. They dive into Valve's latest hardware like the Steam Frame and Steam Machine, exploring tech specs and usability dilemmas. Anecdotes from Torvalds' studio visit reveal his approachable nature, while personal highlights capture his interactions with the team. The conversation also touches on right-to-repair issues and the impact of AI on memory pricing, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining exchange.

The Louvre had a security fail with a password of 'LOUVRE'! Personal security horror stories sparked debates on password managers and 2FA practices. A turbulent travel tale revealed chaos over checked electronics at the airport. Discussions also covered the evolving phone trends, from headphone jacks to under-screen cameras. Linus shared plans to reveal company spending, while AI's rise raised questions on energy demands. Finally, there were updates on exciting tech partnerships, including Starlink texting on Apple Watch.

The hosts dive into YouTube's controversial new AI upscaling technology and its impact on creators. They discuss stricter age verification policies and the complexities of gambling advertisements targeting younger audiences. Intriguing tech topics include autonomous helicopters and the implications for aviation jobs. Conversations also touch on AMD's driver changes, NVIDIA's performance quirks, and Linus's firsthand experiences in Chinese factories. Listeners are engaged with a variety of Q&A segments that cover gaming tech, the future of wireless tech, and even creative merchandise ideas.

A major AWS outage caused chaos, revealing the risks of centralization in internet services. The hosts debate why companies cling to AWS despite high costs, discussing the fragility of monoculture systems. They also explore the peculiar effects of outages on everyday tech and services. In a surprising twist, jet engines are being repurposed to power AI data centers. Meanwhile, the CS2 skins market faced a crash due to Valve's decisions, raising questions about market dynamics. Tune in for tech insights sprinkled with humor and personal anecdotes!

The hosts dive into the controversy surrounding Pixel 10 Pro Fold's battery fire and bend test results. They debate the pricing of foldable phones and speculate on Apple's potential entry. A discussion on Capcom's refusal to re-release original games raises nostalgia questions. They explore difficulty tuning in remakes, and Luke shares challenges faced during home renovations. Meanwhile, concerns arise over HP's withdrawal of support pages, and a tech vulnerability affecting Framework laptops gets addressed.

The hosts dive into a YouTube takedown over alleged piracy concerns, sparking discussions on enforcement issues. They explore Microsoft's new restrictions on Windows 11 local accounts and a nostalgic look at the original Valve Steam Machine. Concerns are raised about Logitech disabling features on smart buttons, while Qualcomm's acquisition of Arduino raises questions about open-source commitment. The debate over automakers charging for features and the Steam Deck's success in Linux gaming also takes center stage.

The hosts dive into the exciting concept of a tech house, exploring the pros of buying versus leasing. They discuss design choices to balance user-friendliness with advanced tinkering options, and share insights on LAN setups and Wi-Fi planning. A detailed look at smart kitchen innovations and whole-home air quality management raises the stakes on tech integration. They also touch on EA's $55B buyout, Android UI changes, and innovative AI technologies, while reminiscing about past creative competitions.

The FTC's recent $2.5 billion settlement with Amazon shakes up Prime practices, prompting discussions about user interface annoyances and Microsoft Teams' usability woes. Innovative microfluidic cooling techniques for AI accelerators are highlighted, alongside a tour of Simon Fraser University's advanced supercomputing facilities. Google’s plans to merge Android and Chrome OS raise eyebrows, while alarming trends in AI-generated content and SpamGPT tools demonstrate the evolving landscape of technology and security concerns.

The hosts tackle rumors surrounding LTT, urging fans to steer clear of speculation. They dive into the YouTube view crisis and its impact on creators, alongside NVIDIA's major stake in Intel and its implications for the tech landscape. A hands-on look at Microsoft's new handheld gaming mode showcases its potential, while a debate over Meta's smart glasses raises privacy concerns. Community highlights feature indie games and creator spotlights, rounding out an engaging discussion on past upgrades and studio transformations.