The Weekly Tech Rant

Jay + Karl

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!

  1. APR 17

    Episode 243: Xbox Game Pass Backlash, Trump Phone Returns, Europe’s Age ID App Lands, and Nvidia Eyes a PC Giant

    Episode 243: Xbox Game Pass Backlash, Trump Phone Returns, Europe’s Age ID App Lands, and Nvidia Eyes a PC Giant Jay and Karl cover a week where platforms, policy, and rumours collide. Xbox Game Pass faces internal criticism over pricing, the Trump Phone returns with a redesign, and Europe rolls out its age verification app. There’s also a look at Anthropic’s Project Glasswing, plus rumours around the next MacBook Neo, new iPhone satellite features, and Nvidia potentially making a huge move into the PC market. Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-243/ Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTube In This Episode News Project Glasswing – Mythos previewAnthropic teases a new concept that hints at where AI systems could be heading next.Xbox Game Pass backlash over pricingA leaked memo suggests even Microsoft leadership thinks the service may have gone too far.The new Trump Phone design is hereA redesign lands, but questions remain over what it actually offers.Europe’s online age verification app launchesA major step toward enforcing digital identity checks across the web.Rumours Next MacBook Neo upgrade teasedEarly signs point to a surprisingly meaningful improvement in Apple’s entry lineup.New iPhone satellite features rumouredApple may be expanding its off-grid capabilities in a big way.Nvidia may acquire a major PC companyA potential deal that could reshape the PC landscape if it materialises.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

    47 min

  2. MAR 29

    Episode 242: Apple Kills the Mac Pro, WWDC 2026 Announced, CPU Shortages Worsen, and Microsoft vs OpenAI Tensions Rise

    Episode 242: Apple Kills the Mac Pro, WWDC 2026 Announced, CPU Shortages Worsen, and Microsoft vs OpenAI Tensions Rise Jay and Karl cover a packed week across big tech, chips, and gaming. Apple locks in WWDC 2026 and quietly kills the Mac Pro, CPU shortages continue to worsen, and Microsoft’s relationship with OpenAI looks increasingly strained. Add a US router ban, Musk’s Terafab ambitions, and layoffs at Epic, and it’s another chaotic week in tech. Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-242/ Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTube In This Episode News Apple confirms WWDC 2026 starting June 8The next major software cycle is locked in, with AI expected to dominate the agenda.Apple discontinues the Mac ProNo replacement planned, marking the end of an era for Apple’s most powerful desktop.US bans consumer routers made outside the countryA major policy shift with wide implications for networking hardware and supply chains.Elon Musk announces Terafab chip projectA bold claim to build the largest chip manufacturing facility ever.Microsoft reportedly considers suing OpenAITensions rise after Amazon’s massive deal challenges their exclusive partnership.Forza Horizon 6 system requirements revealedGood news for older PCs and handhelds as the barrier to entry stays relatively low.CPU shortage worsening rapidlySupply pressures continue to intensify, now matching the severity of memory shortages.Epic Games lays off 1,000 employeesSigns that Fortnite’s dominance may finally be softening.Rumours iPhone with quad-curved display in developmentA new design direction could reshape Apple’s hardware aesthetic once again.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

    45 min

  3. MAR 22

    Episode 241: Apple Updates AirPods Max, Nvidia Upsets Gamers, OpenAI Leaks Something Awkward, and WorldCoin Wants Your Eyes Again

    Episode 241: Apple Updates AirPods Max, Nvidia Upsets Gamers, OpenAI Leaks Something Awkward, and WorldCoin Wants Your Eyes Again Jay and Karl unpack another week of strange, messy, and slightly dystopian tech news. Apple refreshes AirPods Max, Nvidia annoys gamers with DLSS 5, OpenAI appears to have let something awkward slip, and WorldCoin returns with yet another pitch involving your eyeballs. There is also intrusive TV advertising, fresh Nvidia security talk, and a new Meta headset rumour to round things out. Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-241/ Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTube In This Episode News Apple unveils AirPods Max 2 with H2 chip, upgraded noise cancelling, and more A premium refresh that finally gives Apple’s over-ear headphones the internals many expected years ago.Gamers react with overwhelming disgust to DLSS 5’s generative AI glow-ups Nvidia’s next AI push lands badly with players who would quite like their games to stop inventing things.Nvidia’s version of OpenClaw could solve its biggest problem: security A more controlled AI agent framework may help Nvidia tackle one of the biggest risks in autonomous tooling.OpenAI's hardware device just leaked, and you will cringe A reveal nobody asked for, and not exactly the kind of product leak that inspires confidence.Hisense TVs force owners to watch intrusive ads when switching inputs, visiting the home screen, or even changing channels The smart TV experience somehow finds a way to get worse.WorldCoin's newest pitch: scan your eyeballs to prove AI agents really represent you Because apparently the answer to the AI identity problem is still more biometrics.Rumours Meta's next headset will reportedly have 2.5K Micro-OLED displays A sharper, brighter display upgrade could be the clearest sign yet that Meta still wants to chase premium XR.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

    38 min

  4. MAR 14

    Episode 240: The PC Becomes the Console, Steam Machine Ships, Meta Builds AI Chips, and Apple’s HomePad Looms

    Episode 240: The PC Becomes the Console, Steam Machine Ships, Meta Builds AI Chips, and Apple’s HomePad Looms Jay and Karl dive into a week where the PC keeps drifting closer to the console world. Valve insists the Steam Machine is still on track, Microsoft openly talks about an Xbox–PC hybrid and an upcoming “Xbox mode” for Windows, and Meta unveils a new generation of custom AI silicon. Meanwhile, Perplexity tries to reinvent the personal computer with AI agents, while Apple rumours point to a HomePad device and new multitasking features for a foldable iPhone. Full show notes & links:https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-240/ Also available on:Apple Podcasts | YouTube In This Episode News Steam Machine shipping fears return, but Valve says it is still coming this year A fresh update reignites launch speculation, though Valve insists the hardware is still on track.Microsoft discusses its Xbox–PC hybrid at GDC The long-rumoured merging of the Xbox and PC ecosystems is becoming clearer, even if the hardware is still years away.Xbox mode could arrive on every Windows 11 PCMicrosoft appears to be pushing Windows closer to a console-style experience.Meta unveils four custom Broadcom-built AI chips Meta claims its new silicon can outperform some commercial AI chips, escalating the industry’s hardware arms race.Perplexity launches its “Personal Computer” AI concept AI agents move directly onto the desktop as the company attempts to redefine what a personal computer is.Rumours Apple’s HomePad smart display gets a launch timing update The long-rumoured smart home hub could finally be approaching release.Foldable iPhone tipped to support side-by-side multitasking New app features could help Apple’s foldable device stand apart when it eventually launches.Say hello:@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

    42 min

  5. MAR 8

    Episode 239: Apple’s Hardware Blitz, Nvidia’s PC Processor Push, and Xbox’s Project Helix Goes After PC Gaming

    Episode 239: Apple’s Hardware Blitz, Nvidia’s PC Processor Push, and Xbox’s Project Helix Goes After PC Gaming Jay 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 | YouTube In This Episode Apple Time Apple 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 News Nvidia’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

    46 min

  6. MAR 2

    Episode 238: $60B GPU Power Play, Phil Spencer’s Exit Memo, Apple’s US Factory Reveal, and the M6 MacBook Pro Leak

    Episode 238: $60B GPU Power Play, Phil Spencer’s Exit Memo, Apple’s US Factory Reveal, and the M6 MacBook Pro Leak Jay 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 | YouTube In This Episode News AMD 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.Rumours New 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

    42 min

  7. FEB 23

    Episode 237: Apple Turns 50, March Event Announced, Russia Blocks Messaging Apps, and Satellite iPhones Rumoured

    Episode 237: Apple Turns 50, March Event Announced, Russia Blocks Messaging Apps, and Satellite iPhones Rumoured Jay 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 | YouTube In This Episode News Apple’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.Rumours iPhone 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

    48 min

  8. FEB 10

    Episode 236: Apple’s AI Shopping Spree, Macs Get More Configurable, SpaceX–xAI Goes Orbital, and Steam Hits the RAM Wall

    Episode 236: Apple’s AI Shopping Spree, Macs Get More Configurable, SpaceX–xAI Goes Orbital, and Steam Hits the RAM Wall Jay 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 | YouTube In This Episode News Apple 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.Rumours New iPhone launching this month?: report claims four key changes are coming.Say hello —@WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

    35 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Jay + Karl
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    245
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 566362
  • Show Website
    The Weekly Tech Rant