AMD strikes back at GPP - WAN Show Mar 30 2018

The WAN Show episode covers a broad spectrum of tech topics from firmware issues to platform strategies and high-profile industry moves. It opens with casual banter about time zones and macOS support for eGPUs, highlighting the excitement around Thunderbolt 3 based external GPUs and the possibility of running Nvidia GPUs on macOS in a supported way. The hosts delve into the macOS High Sierra 10.13.4 update, focusing on eGPU improvements, the ability to power multiple external displays, and the prospect of VR headsets powered through a dedicated external GPU. They note the significance of being able to run Nvidia GPUs on macOS, a shift that could broaden hardware choices for Mac users. The discussion then pivots to the strategic landscape around Apple’s GPU choices, including speculation about Nvidia’s relationship with Apple and the historical context of Nvidia and Apple collaborations and recalls. The show transitions into Android and mobile performance, examining the S9 and Exynos versus Snapdragon variants, with commentary on real-world web browsing and editing benchmarks that reveal a nuanced performance picture. They also touch on iOS 11.3 and augmented reality, peppering in audience polls about AR usage and evaluating the practical impact of AR tools beyond novelty. Sponsorship segments for Savage Jerky, Symless, and Private Internet Access are interwoven, illustrating the show’s typical blend of product placement with substantive tech talk. A major pivot comes with Uber’s settlement related to a self-driving vehicle incident, prompting a debate about accountability, safety, and public perception of autonomous tech. The AMD/GeForce Partner Program saga becomes a focal point, analyzing what AMD’s stance might mean for brand partnerships in the GPU ecosystem and how the industry negotiates hardware alliances. The show revisits the LTX 2018 preparations, booth layouts, speaker lineups, and attendee experiences, underscoring the broader tech community’s enthusiasm for hands-on hardware and live demonstrations. Viewers are directed to community discussions and a forum thread, emphasizing the ongoing conversation about platform strategies and the implications of large corporate moves on consumer privacy and access to hardware. The episode concludes with a broader reflection on AR, not only as a trend but as a user experience topic, and a call to action for the audience to engage with the event and sponsor networks, reinforcing Linus Tech Tips’ role as a hub for practical, real-world tech evaluation and community interaction.

Topics · technology · hardware · privacy · consumer_electronics