Summary
Overview
This tech news episode covers several major stories including an unprecedented RAM price crisis affecting PC builders, the dismissal of a class action lawsuit against Honey browser extension, Warner Music Group's surprising settlement and partnership with AI music startup Suno, and various other tech updates ranging from Google's new Aluminium OS to humanoid robots being deployed for crowd control in China.
RAM Price Crisis and PC Component Shortage
The PC memory market is experiencing an unprecedented crisis with RAM prices exploding up to 250% since November due to AI-driven panic buying and chip supply shortages. Some users report even more extreme pricing, with individual kits selling for over $900 or nearly €2,500 in Germany. Retailers are responding by implementing dynamic pricing for RAM similar to gas stations, while Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney warns this problem will persist for years, prompting recommendations to buy pre-built PCs instead of building custom rigs.
- PC memory prices have jumped up to 250% since early November due to AI boom-induced panic buying
- Some RAM kits are selling for over $900, with one listed at nearly €2,500 in Germany
- Retailers are implementing dynamic pricing for memory, changing prices to reflect market value
- Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney predicts these price increases will be a problem for years
- HP announced plans to raise prices and reduce included memory in their systems
" Soon everyone's going to be buying RAM like it's gas. Whoa, 20 bucks a gig? Pull into that microcenter! "
Honey Lawsuit Dismissed Despite Cookie Stuffing Allegations
A federal judge dismissed a class action lawsuit brought by content creators against PayPal-owned Honey browser extension, despite allegations of cookie stuffing that would replace creators' affiliate links and steal their commissions. The case, sparked by YouTuber Megalag's expose and joined by Legal Eagle and Wendover Productions, was dismissed because plaintiffs failed to demonstrate actual monetary losses. However, the judge granted creators 45 days to revise their argument.
- Judge dismissed lawsuit because plaintiffs failed to demonstrate actual lost money, relying on 'hypothetical chain of possibilities'
- Honey was accused of cookie stuffing by replacing creators' affiliate link URLs at checkout to pocket commissions
- YouTuber Megalag's expose triggered massive community backlash against both Honey and creators who promoted it
- Creators have 45 days to edit and improve their legal argument
" It's a tenuous reference, a tenuous connection at best. "
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