The WAN Show - Intel No Longer Focusing on PCs...?? - Jan 22, 2016

The WAN Show episode from January 22, 2016 covers a wide range of tech news and show floor activity, starting with a lighthearted set of pre-show logistics and then diving into substantial industry topics. The hosts discuss DARPA and the US military's interest in brain computer interfaces, explaining that the goal is to enable faster communication between neurons and modern electronics through neural interfaces, advanced neuroscience, and low-power electronics. They emphasize that while the military context is central, many innovations in this area could eventually filter into civilian technology, and they compare current interfaces to keyboards and mice which are comparatively slow. The segment also frames the broader context of silicon and hardware evolution, noting the need for breakthroughs in several disciplines to make practical brain computer interfaces viable. The hosts then pivot to show floor content at Free Geek Vancouver, detailing volunteer activities, the refurbishment process, and the value of hands-on learning spaces for building and repairing computers. They highlight the education and empowerment aspect of these community labs, and tease upcoming footage that tours Free Geek and documents the volunteers’ work as a moving vlog. The conversation then moves to policy and privacy, with California’s proposed encryption ban for smartphones framed around human trafficking investigations, and the hosts explore the tension between security, privacy, and law enforcement access. They argue that encryption is a complex liberty issue and warn against sweeping measures that would require decryption capabilities to be built into devices by manufacturers. Samsung’s Dutch watchdog case about failing to timely update devices is discussed, with commentary on how ongoing security updates impact consumer trust and the broader Android ecosystem. The hosts also summarize Samsung’s official data security commitments, and critique the pace of updates across flagship devices, noting the gap between purchase price and ongoing support. The Apple “widow password” case is examined, where a Canadian widow seeks access to her late husband’s iPad, and the discussion covers the delicate balance between privacy, ownership, and the rights of surviving partners. They reference Apple’s non-transferable accounts and the implications of account closure upon death, while considering scenarios where access could be ethically or practically essential for a loved one. After a brief sponsor segment for Comic Bento, Linus and the team introduce Linda.com as a learning platform, with emphasis on how on-demand courses and note-taking can help viewers upskill efficiently. The panel then shifts back to hardware and software debates, touching on Google’s reported billion-dollar incentive to Apple to keep Google as the default iPhone search engine, and the implications for user experience and platform integration. The primary corporate focus of the show centers on Intel’s strategy, with the claim that PC is no longer one of its three pillars for growth, a move that signals diversification towards the Internet of Things and other segments even as the PC market matures. The discussion continues with financials of the PC industry, AMD’s performance, and Intel’s and Nvidia’s positions, all framed to illuminate how hardware progress interacts with software ecosystems and gaming demand. The episode combines hard industry analysis with the show’s characteristic humor and community-driven energy, concluding with a teaser about more warehouse content and the ongoing excitement around new hardware and industry shifts. Overall, the WAN Show uses a mix of policy, business strategy, and hands-on tech exploration to illustrate how the tech landscape is evolving beyond traditional PC-centric models toward broader platforms and AI-enabled interfaces, while maintaining its recurring focus on consumer electronics, security, and community-driven learning. The episode serves as a snapshot of 2016 tech discourse, illustrating industry expectations, consumer concerns, and a culture of hands-on tinkering that remains central to Linus Tech Tips. The blend of news, sponsor segments, and on-the-ground warehouse activity demonstrates the show’s signature format, balancing informative content with accessible, entertaining discussion for a broad technology audience.

Topics · technology · business · hardware · cybersecurity · education