Summary
Overview
In this episode, Linus and Luke discuss Apple's September event featuring the iPhone Duo foldable, new AirPods with active noise cancellation at lower prices, and the AMD Ultimate Tech Upgrade series. They cover the surprising breakup between Sony and Kojima Productions, with Xbox picking up the Physical Intelligence game. Other topics include IKEA's quirky Skyrim collaboration, LG smart TVs being caught spying on users, Australia's proposed law to let users opt out of social media algorithms, and Framework's RAM price reductions. The show also features extensive discussion about Creator Warehouse's September product drop and the challenges of running an apparel company.
Apple's September Event: iPhone Duo and New AirPods
Apple launched the iPhone Duo, their first foldable phone starting at $2,000 with a 7.6-inch inner display and under-display camera. While Luke remains skeptical about the price point, Linus argues it could be justified for users who keep devices for many years given Apple's excellent software support. The real excitement came from new AirPods 5 with active noise cancellation at reduced prices, starting at just $129 for the basic tier—a move Linus calls his favorite part of the keynote.
- iPhone Duo starts at $2,000 with 7.6-inch inner display, 50% larger than iPhone 18 Pro Max
- First Apple phone with under-display FaceTime camera on the inner screen
- Luke immediately dismisses it due to $2,000 price point, questioning justification for fragile folding phone
- Apple has incredible track record for long-term software support, potentially justifying higher upfront cost
- AirPods 5 now has active noise cancellation on both tiers, with basic version at $129
- Framework needs to make cleaning AirPods easier - current process requires micellar water (makeup remover)
" Two grand is an insane amount to spend on a phone. "
" Apple actually kept pricing consistent or dropped it across both tiers of the AirPods 5s while saying I think they improved the ANC by some double digit percentage. "
" You know what's funny? All three of us were like 'what?' and chat... it's makeup remover. "
Kojima Productions and PlayStation Break Up
In a shocking industry move, Sony PlayStation ended its collaboration with Kojima Productions, canceling the highly-anticipated Physical Intelligence game. Microsoft Xbox immediately swooped in to partner with Kojima, potentially giving Xbox its first major exclusive win in years. The breakup appears related to Death Stranding 2's disappointing sales and concerns about budget and missed deadlines, though this represents a pattern for Kojima who previously had a publicized split with Konami.
- PlayStation canceled Physical Intelligence (Physint), Kojima's spiritual successor to Metal Gear Solid
- Death Stranding 2's disappointing sales likely catalyzed the split between Sony and Kojima
- Xbox and Kojima Productions confirmed new partnership with Physical Intelligence production continuing
- This isn't Kojima's first breakup - he previously had publicized split with Konami over Metal Gear Solid
- Luke believes this could be a 'killer title' for Xbox and pull people back to the platform
" How the hell did you let that happen? This feels like when Final Fantasy VII launched on PlayStation instead of N64. "
" I found, like, that old bag that I have. Oh, the Amarkey. Yeah. That thing can hold a lot. and the L2D bag can't hold as much. "
" I think this is pretty cool and I'm going to give myself point zero zero zero zero one percent of the credit for this idea. "
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