Intel 8th Gen CPUs ACTUALLY REBRANDS?? - WAN Show August 25, 2017

The WAN Show episode from August 25, 2017 dives into a wide range of technology topics with Linus and Luke, starting with casual banter and light humor that sets the tone for a long, information-rich stream. They begin by acknowledging a lighter slate of topics, then quickly move into real tech discussions such as CrashPlan for Home, Samsung’s recent moves, and the status of AMD and Intel in the CPU landscape. A core thread throughout the show is the perceived rebranding of Intel’s 8th generation mobile chips, with guidance that these are more accurately a refresh of the 7th generation rather than a clean architectural leap. The hosts then pivot to hands-on coverage of Samsung’s unpacked event in New York, where Linus shares his behind-the-scenes experience including invite limitations for press and the logistical friction of bringing a camera operator. They also discuss the challenges of press coverage fragmentation across regions, the value of timely hands-on content, and the benefits of a consistent media approach across outlets. As the conversation shifts, the show delves into the ongoing Vega shortage story and the implications for pricing and availability, with commentary on the competitive dynamics between AMD and Intel. They recap AMD’s Threadripper and EPYC on the MCM (multi-chip module) architecture, suggesting a notable cost reduction claim that influences datacenter and enthusiast segments. The discussion touches on non-tech news as well, including Whole Foods acquisition by Amazon and various consumer electronics rumors, providing a broad tech-media snapshot of the time. The hosts reflect on the evolving landscape of hardware branding, particularly around Intel’s eighth-generation labeling, and question how consumers will interpret generation designations as the product stack grows more complex. A substantial portion is dedicated to the Half-Life universe rumor mill, sparked by a leaked purported plot for Half-Life 2 Episode 3, which Linus analyzes with skepticism and legal caveats. They discuss the potential legal ramifications for Valve and the ethics of leaking unreleased content, offering a nuanced take on intellectual property versus NDA protections. The segment also covers the fragility of insider information from industrial and game development circles, including the potential impact on fans and the broader industry culture. In addition to gaming lore, Linus and Luke explore practical tech topics like XSplit versus OBS for streaming, capturing card compatibility, and the practicalities of using Epiphan AVIO capture devices in live productions. The episode weaves in sponsor segments for FreshBooks and Savage Jerky, with detailed explanations of how FreshBooks can streamline billing for small businesses and how Savage Jerky can be enjoyed as a sponsor-with-benefits offer, including code LTT for a 10 percent discount. Throughout, the hosts inject humor and personal anecdotes, including travel fatigue from Linus’s New York trip and hair styling banter, which keeps the show entertaining while delivering technical insight. They debate software toolchains for streaming, the pros and cons of OBS versus XSplit, and the impact of hardware capture workflows on production quality. The show ends with quick takes on the day’s tech news, a look ahead at possible future tech topics, and a tease of upcoming content on Floatplane and other platforms. Overall, the WAN Show balances heavy industry analysis with lighthearted studio chats, providing viewers with a blend of actionable information about CPUs, GPUs, and streaming hardware, as well as cultural commentary on tech media, event logistics, and the evolving nature of product branding. The episode demonstrates Linus and Luke’s ability to synthesize complex hardware updates with practical, real-world usage scenarios, helping viewers understand not just what’s changing, but why those changes matter for enthusiasts, professionals, and casual tech fans alike. It also highlights the channel’s preference for timely, hands-on coverage and clear, opinionated commentary about market dynamics, brand strategies, and the sometimes messy reality of tech media production in a global context.

Topics · technology · computing · tech-news · consumer-electronics