DiscoverThe Weekly Tech Rant
The Weekly Tech Rant
Claim Ownership

The Weekly Tech Rant

Author: Jay + Karl

Subscribed: 1Played: 1
Share

Description

Two guys, one podcast and a whole load of the latest technology news, games and gadget reviews, film insights and the occasional rant! Join us as we review the main tech talking points of the week!
241 Episodes
Reverse
Episode 223: Nvidia Hit in China, TikTok Deal Teased, Windows 10 Support Battle, and Foldable iPhone RumoursJay and Karl cover another packed week in tech — from Nvidia’s antitrust setback in China and whispers of a Trump–ByteDance TikTok deal, to calls for free Windows 10 support extensions, a $5B Nvidia–Intel partnership, and Samsung sneaking ads onto fridges. Plus, is Apple’s foldable iPhone really just two Airs stuck together?Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-223/Also available on: Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsChina rules that Nvidia violated antitrust laws: regulators tighten their grip on the chip giant.Trump and ByteDance tout TikTok deal: but no official details have been confirmed.Consumer Reports asks Microsoft to extend Windows 10 support for free: 400 million PCs could benefit.Nvidia invests $5 billion in Intel: teaming up to develop new PC and data center chips.Samsung puts ads on fridges: and it could be a bad sign for other appliances.RumoursFoldable iPhone rumours: might look like two iPhone Airs stuck together.Say hello —@weeklytechrant.bs
Welcome to the WTR with your hosts, Jay and Karl, delving into the latest tech news, gadgets, games, and films!Available On: • Listen on Apple Podcasts | Listen on Spotify | Listen on Youtube | All Major PlatformsIn This Episode:NewsOpenAI and Jony Ive’s AI product slated for 2027 launch, per Kuo reportAnthropic’s new AI model turns to blackmail when engineers try to take it offlineValve CEO Gabe Newell’s Neuralink competitor is expecting its first brain chip this yearNvidia’s RTX 5060 review debacle should be a wake-up call for gamers and reviewersTrump trade policy to cost Nvidia $10.5B in lost H20 GPU revenuesFederal court blocks Trump tariffs and Appeal court reinstates themWe love hearing from you! Drop us a line in the comments or tweet us at @WeeklyTechRant or @weeklytechrant.bs on Bluesky
Episode 239: Apple’s Hardware Blitz, Nvidia’s PC Processor Push, and Xbox’s Project Helix Goes After PC GamingJay and Karl dig into a packed week of hardware launches and platform plays. Apple rolls out a full spread of new devices, from iPad Air and iPhone 17e to MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and the colourful new MacBook Neo. On top of that, Nvidia’s upcoming PC processor starts looking competitive, and Xbox confirms that Project Helix is coming for PC gaming in a big way.Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-239/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeApple TimeApple unveils new iPad Air with M4 chip, more RAM, C1X and N1 A notable mid-range refresh with faster silicon and upgraded wireless internals.Apple officially announces iPhone 17e MagSafe, 2x base storage, and a soft pink finish bring more value to the entry tier.Apple reveals its new 5K mini-LED Studio Display XDR A higher-end display push for creators and pros.Apple launches new MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips Its flagship notebook line gets a serious performance bump.Apple launches M5 Pro and M5 Max chips The next pro-tier Apple Silicon lands with more power and efficiency.Apple announces M5 MacBook Air More storage, N1 wireless, and a $1099 starting price.Meet the MacBook Neo A colourful, lower-cost laptop that looks aimed squarely at Chromebook territory.Other NewsNvidia’s upcoming PC processor reaches parity with Intel and AMD The benchmarks look promising, but gaming performance remains the real question.Xbox CEO confirms Project Helix will play PC games Microsoft’s next-gen console strategy looks increasingly like a PC-first convergence play.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 238: $60B GPU Power Play, Phil Spencer’s Exit Memo, Apple’s US Factory Reveal, and the M6 MacBook Pro LeakJay and Karl unpack another eye-watering $60B AMD–Meta GPU deal, an AI agent that deleted its own boss’s inbox, Phil Spencer’s farewell memo, and Apple’s latest US manufacturing reveal. Plus M6 MacBook Pro leaks and fresh iPhone 18 Pro design rumours.Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-238/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsAMD and Meta announce $60B GPU megadealA circular AI power play that could also hand Meta up to 10% of AMD.Meta safety director watches OpenClaw AI delete her inboxWhen you give an AI agent the keys… and it speedruns destruction.Phil Spencer’s memo about leaving MicrosoftThe end of an Xbox era — and what it means for gaming’s future.Apple shares more details of its US Mac mini plantPhotos, video, and a closer look at Apple’s American manufacturing push.UK watchdog fines Reddit £14.47MThe ICO says kids slipped through the gate too easily.RumoursNew M6 MacBook Pro details revealedDynamic Island, touch input, and more hints at a major redesign.iPhone 18 Pro design could include an exciting firstA colour shift that may finally break tradition.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 237: Apple Turns 50, March Event Announced, Russia Blocks Messaging Apps, and Satellite iPhones RumouredJay and Karl unpack a wide-ranging week in tech. Tim Cook promises Apple’s 50th anniversary will be properly celebrated, a March 4 event is confirmed, messaging apps are blocked in Russia, and regulators in the UK take a notably light-touch approach to app stores. There’s also chip geopolitics, touchscreen backlash in cars, storage shortages, and fresh satellite iPhone rumours.Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-237/Also available on: Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsApple’s 50th anniversary: Tim Cook promises a proper celebration.March 4 Apple event announced: what might be unveiled?WhatsApp and Telegram blocked in Russia: geopolitical pressure mounts.UK takes light-touch app store regulation: a different approach from the EU.Touchscreens criticised in cars: an iPhone designer calls them the wrong tech.Taiwan pushes back on US chip pressure: its ecosystem isn’t going anywhere.Ring abandons police partnership plans: after privacy backlash.Western Digital 2026 HDD capacity sold out: storage demand surges.RumoursiPhone 18 Pro satellite support: growing backing for 5G via satellite.M5 Pro and M5 Max could be the same chip: leak suggests a unified silicon strategy.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 236: Apple’s AI Shopping Spree, Macs Get More Configurable, SpaceX–xAI Goes Orbital, and Steam Hits the RAM WallJay and Karl cover a week where big money and big compute collide, Apple splashes $2B on a secretive AI startup, Macs hint at a new level of configurability, and SpaceX–xAI goes fully orbital with plans for a giant constellation to power AI. Meanwhile, Valve’s Steam Machine plans hit the RAM wall, with delays and pricing pain. Plus, rumours swirl around a new iPhone launching this month.Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-236/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsApple acquires Q.ai for $2 billion: a secretive AI startup joins Apple’s growing AI portfolio.New Mac configurator hints at separate CPU and GPU options: potentially a major shift in how Macs are specced.SpaceX acquires xAI: and reportedly plans a massive satellite constellation to power AI workloads.Steam Machine delayed again: Valve confirms RAM shortages will affect pricing.RumoursNew iPhone launching this month?: report claims four key changes are coming.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 235: Trump Phone Ultra Appears, Nvidia’s N1X ARM Challenge, AirTag 2 Launches, and Apple’s Next MacBook Pro OverhaulJay and Karl unpack another busy week in tech — from the surprise appearance of a Trump Phone Ultra and Nvidia’s looming ARM-based N1X challenge, to Apple launching AirTag 2 and fresh signals about the next MacBook Pro redesign. There’s also Forza Horizon 6 launch news and rumours of an AI-powered Apple wearable.Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-235/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsTrump Phone Ultra revealed: yes, there’s apparently another model coming.Nvidia’s N1X ARM challenge: could Nvidia take on Intel, AMD, and Apple in laptops?AirTag 2 launches: improved range, louder speaker, and more.Apple may turn to Intel for iPhone chips: analysts double down on the claim.Forza Horizon 6: confirmed to launch in May.RumoursMacBook Pro overhaul incoming: three major upgrades tipped for later this year.AI-powered Apple wearable: a smart pin may be in development.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 234: Booking the Moon, Apple Goes All-In on Gemini, RTX Cards Vanish, and the iPhone Fold Takes ShapeJay and Karl cover a week where the future feels oddly close — from booking a hotel room on the Moon and Apple’s expanding Gemini partnership, to RTX cards quietly disappearing and fresh clarity around the iPhone Fold. There’s also Creator Studio, revised 007 PC requirements, Meta layoffs, and political pressure on Trump Mobile.Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-234/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsYou can now book a hotel room on the Moon: reservations open at $250,000.Apple’s expanded Google Gemini deal: bigger and more integrated than expected.Apple unveils Creator Studio: a new subscription aimed at creators.007 First Light PC requirements revised: IO Interactive tweaks the specs.Asus drops the RTX 5070 Ti: memory shortages squeeze supply.Meta confirms Reality Labs layoffs: investment shifts towards wearables.Democrats push FTC to probe Trump Mobile: pressure mounts over the T1 phone.RumoursiPhone Fold specs leak: analyst Jeff Pu outlines expected hardware.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 233: RAM Is the New Gold, Google Deletes a Drive, 007 Breaks PCs, and CES 2026 Goes WildJay and Karl kick off with a discussion around Grok and OpenAI Health before diving into a week where RAM has become a luxury item. From Google wiping a user’s entire drive and sky-high DRAM prices stretching into 2028, to Crucial becoming an AI casualty and 007 bringing PCs to their knees. Plus, CES 2026 delivers wild hardware, absurd GPUs, and a Lego brick packed with tech.Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-233/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeOpening DiscussionGrok, OpenAI Health, and where AI products are heading next.NewsGoogle Antigravity wipes user’s drive: a vibe-coded disaster deletes an entire disk.RAM prices spiral: DRAM shortages may last until 2028.Crucial hit by AI RAM demand: consumer memory loses out to data centres.007 First Light melts PCs: recommended specs demand vast amounts of RAM and VRAM.CES 2026SteamOS lands on Lenovo Legion Go 2: Valve’s OS continues its handheld takeover.Lego Smart Brick revealed: surprisingly packed with sensors and connectivity.Nvidia leans on software: GeForce Super GPUs absent, DLSS takes centre stage.MSI’s 1000W RTX 5090: a water-cooled GPU that ignores balance entirely.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant |@weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 232: PC Build Chaos, GZW 0.4, BF6 Hopes, Steam Wishlist Fever, and Sweeney vs SteamJay and Karl return with a slightly chaotic, very relatable week in tech and gaming. From PC build meltdowns to hands-on impressions of GZW 0.4, early Battlefield 6 hopes, and a tour through the growing Steam wishlists. Plus, Tim Sweeney sparks a fresh debate over Steam’s approach to labelling AI-powered games.Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-232/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodePC Build WoesA week filled with BIOS confusion, missing video output, questionable cables, and the classic “is it the RAM?” spiral.Game TalkGZW 0.4 — new update, new chaos, new war stories.Battlefield 6 — early hopes, concerns, and wishlist features.Steam Wishlist Picks — the games Jay and Karl are watching closely.Industry ChatTim Sweeney vs Steam AI labels — Sweeney pushes back as Valve formalises labelling rules for AI-generated content.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 231: Cleared Hot Lands, RAM Prices Go Wild, Nvidia’s VRAM Gamble, and Intel’s Nova Lake Strikes BackJay and Karl return with a packed week of tech news — from the long-awaited launch of Cleared Hot to RAM shortages so extreme shops are pricing modules like luxury seafood. Nvidia flirts with dropping VRAM bundles, Intel fires back at AMD with an absurdly specced Nova Lake chip, and Apple rumours round out the show.Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-231/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsCleared Hot launches — the long-awaited helicopter sim finally arrives.RAM prices surge — shortages push costs high enough that one retailer compares it to lobster.Nvidia may stop bundling VRAM — raising concerns over GPU pricing and value.Nvidia plays down Google chip threat — insists cloud competition won't dent AI momentum.Intel’s Nova Lake strikes back — a monstrous chip with 288 MB vertical cache and 52 cores.RumoursLow-cost MacBook reportedly launching in Q1 2026.OLED iPad mini gets fresh launch timing leaks.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 230: Tim Cook Retirement Rumours, iOS 26.2 EU Restrictions, Shed Data Centres, Nvidia’s Record Quarter, and iPhone Fold LeaksJay and Karl cover a busy week of tech stories — starting with fresh rumours about Tim Cook stepping down in 2026, followed by iOS 26.2 limiting Wi-Fi sharing in the EU. They also look at the viral “shed data centre” slashing bills to £40, Nvidia’s record-smashing quarter, and a new battery detail that could give the iPhone Fold a major advantage.Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-230/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsTim Cook retirement rumours — reports suggest he may step aside in January 2026, but not fully retire.iOS 26.2 restricts Wi-Fi sharing between iPhone and Apple Watch in the EU.The shed data centre — how one man slashed his bills to £40 and heated his home at the same time.Nvidia’s record quarter — $57B revenue and “off the charts” AI GPU demand.RumoursiPhone Fold battery leak — early details suggest a major potential advantage over rivals.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 229: RTX 50 SUPER Shortages Loom, iPhone Air 2 Delayed, £220 iPhone Sock Chaos, and Steam’s Surprise Hardware DropJay and Karl break down a chaotic week in tech and gaming — from looming RTX 50 SUPER memory shortages and Apple’s indefinite iPhone Air 2 delay, to the internet melting down over a £220 “iPhone sock”. Plus, Steam’s unexpected new hardware line-up makes a noisy return.Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-229/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsNVIDIA RTX 50 SUPER shortages: supply rumours point to memory constraints.iPhone Air 2 delayed indefinitely: Apple reportedly pushes the lightweight iPhone out of its roadmap.The £220 iPhone sock: Apple’s new accessory sends the internet into meltdown.Steam Frame: Valve reveals its unexpected new VR headset hardware.Steam Machine: the surprise return of a brand many thought was long gone.Steam Controller: Valve resurrects its oddball controller with new refinements.Steam Deck 2: still years away — Valve says the tech just “isn’t there yet.”Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 228: Xbox Goes Premium, Galaxy XR Takes on Vision Pro, Apple’s $2B Blow, and the Button-Free iPhone 20Jay and Karl tackle a blockbuster week in tech and gaming — from Xbox’s “very premium” future to Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset launch. They also break down Apple’s $2B App Store setback, Trump’s quantum ambitions, and the latest rumours about a button-free iPhone 20.Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-228/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsNext Xbox won’t be cheap: Sarah Bond teases a “very premium, high-end next-gen console experience.”Samsung Galaxy XR hands-on: a cheaper rival to Apple Vision Pro, launching today.Trump eyes control of quantum firms: pushing Intel-style public–private deals in cutting-edge computing.Microsoft makes Copilot “human-centered”: complete with a nostalgic ‘90s-style animated assistant.Apple loses UK App Store monopoly case: penalty could near $2 billion.Apple’s Services division milestone: now bigger than Disney or Tesla by revenue.GamesBF6 thoughts? Jay and Karl share first impressions and what EA’s next shooter needs to deliver.RumoursiPhone 20 leak: Apple reportedly ditching all physical buttons for haptic-only controls.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 227: OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Atlas, Apple Faces Courts and Regulators, and Foldable iPhone Delays LoomJay and Karl dig into a busy week in tech — OpenAI unveils its ChatGPT-powered browser, Apple battles lawsuits and EU regulators, and GM continues its war on CarPlay. Plus, fresh rumours suggest the foldable iPhone could be slipping further down the timeline.Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-227/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsJon Prosser misses deadline: Apple lawsuit to proceed without his representation.OpenAI launches ChatGPT Atlas: a new AI-powered browser built to take on Google Chrome.Apple returns to court in Fortnite dispute: the latest chapter in its ongoing App Store fight.Apple vs EU war of words: “intrusive burdens” versus “locked-in users.”GM drops CarPlay from more cars: citing Steve Jobs as “inspiration” for removing Apple’s service.RumoursFoldable iPhone rumours: screen size leaks and possible delay to launch.M5 MacBook Air refresh: reportedly landing in spring 2026.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 226: OpenAI Builds Its Own Chips, Satellite Snooping Scandal, and Apple’s M5-Powered Lineup ArrivesJay and Karl kick off with a breakdown of the so-called “AI Bubble” before diving into the week’s biggest stories — OpenAI designing its own chips with Broadcom, a satellite snooping scandal exposing private and military data, and Apple’s full M5-powered lineup hitting the market.Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-226/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsOpenAI is making its own AI chips: with Broadcom’s help, aiming to reduce reliance on Nvidia.Satellite snooping scandal: researchers intercept unencrypted calls, texts, and even military comms with basic gear.Apple unveils 14-inch MacBook Pro: powered by the new M5 chip.Apple launches iPad Pro with M5 chip: featuring the C1X modem for faster connectivity.Apple Vision Pro update: gains the M5 chip, Dual Knit Band, and 120Hz refresh rate.Apple unveils M5 chip: the next generation of Apple Silicon driving every major product line.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 225: AMD’s $Mega AI Deal, Intel Collaboration Talks, Qualcomm Buys Arduino, and Discord’s Massive BreachJay and Karl cover another huge week in tech — from AMD’s landmark AI deal with OpenAI and early Intel collaboration talks, to Qualcomm’s surprise Arduino acquisition and a major Discord security breach. Plus, could the base M5 MacBook Pro arrive months before its bigger siblings?Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-225/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsAMD and Intel in early-stage foundry talks: potential collaboration could reshape the semiconductor landscape.AMD seals multi-year megadeal with OpenAI: involving 6GW of AI GPUs and a possible 10% stake in AMD.Qualcomm acquires Arduino: bringing the beloved DIY electronics brand under its IoT and education portfolio.Removing 50 key objects from orbit: could cut the danger from space junk in half, researchers say.Discord confirms massive data breach: 70,000 ID photos and personal data reportedly leaked.RumoursBase M5 MacBook Pro rumour: could launch months before the M5 Pro and M5 Max variants.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 224: Intel Woos Apple, EA’s $55B Buyout, Qualcomm’s New Chips, and Xbox Price HikesJay and Karl dive into another packed tech week — from Intel’s surprising courtship of Apple and Microsoft’s late Windows 10 concessions, to EA’s massive $55 billion buyout, Qualcomm’s new Windows chips, and the UK government’s ongoing iCloud backdoor demands. Plus, Xbox Game Pass is about to cost you more.Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-224/Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTubeIn This EpisodeNewsIntel reportedly courting Apple: a surprising move to rekindle ties and seek investment.Microsoft agrees to 11th-hour Windows 10 concessions: easing end-of-life tensions.EA’s $55 billion buyout: Madden and FIFA now in the hands of global investors, including Saudi Arabia’s PIF and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners.Qualcomm announces Snapdragon X2 Elite and Extreme: new flagship chips for Windows PCs.UK government still insists on iCloud backdoor: privacy debate reignites once again.Xbox Game Pass changes: Ubisoft+ Classics joins, but expect a significant price hike for one tier.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 222: Google’s $3.5B EU Fine, Apple Watch Legal Battles, Warner Bros. vs AI Batman, and Touchscreen Mac RumoursJay and Karl unpack a busy week in tech: Google’s record-breaking EU fine, Apple Watch legal wrangling, Warner Bros. going after AI-generated Batman, a Switch modder’s costly courtroom gamble, and bold claims from AMD about its next-gen GPUs. Plus, could Apple finally be ready to launch a touchscreen Mac?Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-222/Also available on:Apple Podcasts |YouTubeIn This EpisodeNews EU fines Google $3.5 billion: over adtech antitrust violations. US Customs asks court to toss Masimo lawsuit: another twist in Apple Watch’s legal battles. Warner Bros. sues Midjourney: aiming to stop AI knockoffs of Batman and Scooby-Doo. Switch modder owes Nintendo $2 million: after representing himself in court. AMD vs Nvidia: next-gen GPUs claimed to beat Nvidia at “any sort of AI workload.”Rumours Apple to launch touchscreen Macs: starting with an OLED MacBook Pro.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant |@weeklytechrant.bs
Episode 221: Apple’s Big September Reveal — AirPods Pro 3, iPhone 17 Lineup, and MoreJay and Karl dig into Apple’s September event, covering the latest in AirPods, Apple Watch, iPhone, and the new wireless chips. From heart rate in AirPods to an ultra-slim iPhone Air, here is what matters and why.Full show notes & links:techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-221/Also available on:Apple Podcasts |YouTubeIn This EpisodeAirPods Apple unveils AirPods Pro 3: new design, better battery life, and a built-in heart rate monitor.Watch Apple Watch Series 11: 5G support and stronger glass. Apple Watch SE 3: S10 chip and always-on display. Apple Watch Ultra 3: larger display, 5G and satellite connectivity, 42-hour battery.iPhone iPhone 17: 120 Hz display on the standard model. iPhone Air: ultra-slim addition to the lineup. iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: cosmic orange, unibody design, biggest battery yet, 8× zoom.Other C1X modem: Apple’s new in-house modem, successor to C1. N1 chip: Apple’s custom silicon for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant |@weeklytechrant.bs
loading
Comments