Maybe Smart Devices Weren't A Good Idea | Solo
Summary
Host Brody Robertson discusses the privacy concerns and potential government regulations surrounding smart glasses, drawing parallels to past tech regulation delays. The episode also covers LG's admission of data harvesting from smart TVs and the long-awaited Linux kernel patch enabling HDMI 2.1 support for AMD GPUs. Robertson shares his unboxing of the new Steam Controller and reflects on the decline of physical game retail, arguing that the lack of accessible demo options has negatively impacted consumer discovery of indie titles.
Topics discussed
Norway considers ban on camera-enabled smart glasses
Reviewing Ray-Ban Meta and Even Realities G2 designs
Availability of smart glasses and e-bike regulations
Privacy concerns and restricted areas for wearables
Driving laws, L-plates, and in-car distractions
Braille displays and the decline of non-smart TVs
Commercial displays vs consumer smart TV features
Searching for large non-smart monitors and displays
LG admits to local audio processing in smart TVs
Linux 7.4 enables HDMI 2.1 for AMD GPUs
Nvidia drivers and Steam Machine HDMI support
First impressions of the new Steam Controller
Nostalgia for physical game stores and bargain bins
Impact of Game Pass and digital ownership on gaming
Trails in the Sky remaster and texture fixes
IGN's confusing naming for Trails in the Sky releases
Sony's project cancellations and Xbox's acquisition
Appreciating older games like MGS4 and God of War
Finding strategy guides and manuals for classic games
Miro Bromin's work on Wine and printing in Word
RAM pricing, Steam Frame, and the future of VR
Apple iPhone Duo pricing and foldable phone challenges
Flock surveillance cameras and the privacy arms race
AI consciousness claims and the need for safety research
Outro and channel information
Listen ad-free on Castria