Summary
Overview
In this WAN Show episode, Linus and Luke discuss major industry news including Micron abandoning the consumer market for AI, Netflix removing casting features, and the ongoing RAM price crisis. They cover Intel's GPU market share reaching 1%, crawler bots overwhelming internet traffic, and various tech industry developments. Linus also shares an exciting story about his son's entrepreneurial 3D printing business and commits to a digital detox weekend with Luke.
Micron Exits Consumer Market for AI
Micron announced they're shutting down their consumer-focused Crucial brand after 29 years to focus on AI and data center customers. While this represents a loss of competition in the consumer space, Linus notes that the actual impact may be limited since Crucial was primarily a module packager, and other manufacturers like Corsair and Kingston will continue using Micron chips. The bigger concern is the broader trend of DRAM manufacturers prioritizing high-margin AI products over consumers, leading to anticipated price increases.
- Micron is discontinuing the Crucial consumer brand to focus on AI and data center customers in faster-growing segments
- Shipments will end in 2026 with warranty support continuing afterward
- The loss represents decreased competition, though other module makers will still use Micron chips
- DRAM prices are expected to rise significantly due to AI demand and manufacturing capacity constraints
- Samsung and SK Hynix are skeptical about increasing production, eyeing long-term profitability
" Micron has made the difficult decision to exit the crucial consumer business in order to improve supply and support for our larger strategic customers in faster growing segments. "
" Guess what gamers, you just ain't that important. For now. Until you come crawling back. "
Netflix Removes Casting Feature
Netflix has removed casting support to most devices across all subscription tiers, with only select older Chromecasts and specific TV models still supported. The move appears designed to combat password sharing and potentially prevent commercial establishments from using consumer accounts. While Netflix claims low usage, users see it as another anti-consumer move, especially since blocked users can't access the feature even on supported devices.
- Netflix removed casting to most devices with zero warning, only updating their help page after backlash
- Only 3rd gen Chromecast or older, Google Nest Hub, and select Vizio/Kompal TVs still support casting
- Theory suggests it prevents password sharing workarounds and commercial use in establishments like pubs
- If a channel is blocked, Netflix will still show collaboration videos in your feed despite the block
" Netflix told Wired that the real reason for the change is because not enough people use the feature, which they are not the only ones that are trying to push people to just use built-into TV apps instead of casting. "
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