Summary
Overview
Linus and Luke discuss the latest tech news including Windows 11's new Low Latency Profile feature, Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, Google Books, and various hardware announcements. They cover topics ranging from AI developments to new LTT Store products (UV protective apparel), cybersecurity tips, and industry controversies. The show features extensive discussion about privacy concerns, business practices, and the challenges of running a tech media company.
Windows 11 Low Latency Profile and Meta Smart Glasses
Microsoft is testing a Low Latency Profile feature for Windows 11 that temporarily boosts CPU speeds for better UI responsiveness, similar to macOS, Android, and iOS. The feature has drawn criticism from some who call it a band-aid solution, though Microsoft VP Scott Hanselman defends it by pointing out competitors have used this approach for years. Linus also discusses his hands-on experience with Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, including their neural band control system and integration features, while expressing privacy concerns about Meta's data practices.
- Windows 11's Low Latency Profile can boost app launch times by 40% for Microsoft apps and 70% for Start menu and context menus
- The feature uses temporary CPU clock speed increases, similar to how macOS, Android, and iOS handle responsiveness
- Meta's smart glasses use a neural band that tracks finger tapping and allows gesture control
- The glasses have issues with comfort when worn with headphones and leave marks on the nose
- Meta's glasses currently only support Meta ecosystem apps (Messages, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger)
" This is probably the most blatant, transparent admission that Microsoft is like a decade behind that I have ever seen from a Microsoft VP. "
" Your smartphone already does this. You've discovered dynamic frequency scaling. Mac and Linux do this already, and you guys aren't complaining. "
" If you really think that turning up the frequency of the CPU a little bit when you launch the start menu or whatever is going to have a significant impact on the battery life of your laptop, guys, how long do you think it's actually boosting for? It's for a fraction of a second. "
Google Books and Aluminum OS AI Features
Google announced Google Books, a new device line running Aluminum OS with deeper Android integration and Gemini AI features. The devices will feature processors from Intel, Qualcomm, and MediaTek, with a mysterious 'glow bar' on the exterior. Linus expresses genuine excitement about AI widgets that could create highly personalized functionality, particularly for time zone tracking and calendar management, though he's skeptical about some AI features like automated date planning.
- Google Books will run Android apps directly and access files from Android phones
- The devices will ship with processors from Intel, Qualcomm, and MediaTek
- AI widgets could create custom functionality like ultimate time zone trackers with weather integration
- Linus is skeptical of AI features like automatically booking dates and having the AI assistant ask someone out on your behalf
- Google demonstrated a 'magic pointer' feature that calls up Gemini when you wiggle the cursor, which could lead to many accidental activations
" No girl wants to hear from your fucking AI assistant that you asked her out again. Are you kidding me right now? Stop it. Just stop it. Don't even pitch this. That's not how this works. "
" I want to just stay on my home screen. I've found that just that action of opening up the Chrome app less and having fewer tabs and fewer things to click on and go into is making me use my phone way less. "
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