TWiT 1090: Flock of SQLs - Apple & Microsoft Grapple With Soaring Hardware Prices

TWiT 1090: Flock of SQLs - Apple & Microsoft Grapple With Soaring Hardware Prices

Author: TWiT June 29, 2026 Duration: 2:41:19

Tech giants and chipmakers are facing off as AI-fueled memory shortages trigger sweeping price hikes on everything from Macs to game consoles. Hear why global supply chain standoffs, long-term contracts, and old-school market forces are quietly reshaping your daily technology.

  • Apple and Microsoft hike prices on devices amid global memory shortages
  • Surge in AI data centers drives RAM and storage crisis
  • Intel's comeback: Core Ultra chips compete with AMD in handheld gaming
  • Microsoft's pivot to ARM, Qualcomm-NVIDIA alliance, and x86 rivalry
  • AI fear and backlash; organic concern amplified by international actors
  • White House abruptly pulls Anthropic's Fable model, sparking industry uproar
  • US government U-turns on AI regulation, restricts top models to select partners
  • Tension over AI innovation vs. regulatory "rug pull" and global competition
  • Smart home chaos: Matter 1.6 standard, Samsung and Level Lock shake-up
  • Debate over local vs. cloud smart home control and API access fees
  • Ring and Flock cameras ignite privacy and surveillance state concerns
  • Social media bans for under-16s fail in Australia, UK, and Norway plan similar rules
  • BBC Radio 4 long wave broadcast ends after a century
  • Meta gets caught tracking employees for AI; PlayStation deletes owned movies
  • US regulators propose removing brake pedals from Robotaxis
  • Ford's automated systems flop, company rehiring engineers
  • Farewell to tech journalist and GigaOm founder Om Malik

Host: Leo Laporte

Guests: Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, Dan Patterson, and Daniel Rubino

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Every Sunday, Leo Laporte gathers with a panel of expert guests to break down the most significant and intriguing stories from the world of technology. This isn't just a headlines recap; it's a deep, often lively conversation about what those developments actually mean. You'll hear them grapple with everything from the latest advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics to practical discussions about personal computing, digital privacy, and the gadgets shaping our future. The dynamic roundtable format ensures multiple perspectives, offering clarity and insight that goes beyond the press releases. As the flagship This Week in Tech (Video) podcast from TWiT, it has built a reputation for being both authoritative and accessible, serving as a weekly ritual for anyone wanting to stay informed. The video element adds a layer of connection, letting you see the reactions and camaraderie that fuel these discussions. For those who prefer an uninterrupted experience, ad-free versions are available through the Club TWiT membership. Tune in each week to feel like you're sitting in on a essential briefing with some of the most knowledgeable voices in the industry.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 31

This Week in Tech (Video)
Podcast Episodes
TWiT 1089: Robot Butt Crack - Anthropic Banned, But Winning [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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