AI Software Clones, PS5 Emulation and New Hardware
AI, software and local computing
Adobe-style apps and AI-assisted cloning
The hosts discuss Photon Studio and Artcraft, projects using AI-assisted development to recreate parts of Adobe’s software suite. They note that the apps are early and have limitations, and explain that the projects are not necessarily examples of traditional decompilation. The conversation turns to what increasingly capable cloning tools could mean for software businesses, professional users, and the incentive to build software.
“This is not, strictly speaking, decompilation.” — Linus
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Ultra and local AI
The hosts review Microsoft’s Surface event and the Surface Laptop Ultra, focusing on its NVIDIA Spark N1X chip and configurations with up to 128 GB of unified memory. They discuss running AI models locally, routing tasks between local and cloud models, and whether a powerful laptop makes more sense than a separate home system. They also consider the prospective audience and the demand for machines with large amounts of memory.
AI-generated bug reports
Google has suspended product vulnerability submissions to its open-source software reward program until at least 2027 after being overwhelmed by low-quality, AI-generated reports. The hosts also mention similar reports affecting Linux kernel maintainers and a reported suspension of Intel’s bug bounty program.
Games and gaming hardware
PS5 emulation and game portability
The hosts distinguish a PS5 visual shell running through emulation from the progress of the Kitey PS5 emulator, which has demonstrated controllable gameplay in some tested games. They also discuss AnyPS5’s work on translating PS5 GPU instructions and system libraries for Linux and Windows, and the possibility that this could affect console makers and game releases.
PS5 supply and GTA 6 speculation
A caseless PS5 Pro reportedly ran for over a year in a cardboard setup with an external fan. The hosts also discuss a reported increase in GameStop’s refurbished PS5 Pro prices, console availability, and speculation about demand around GTA 6, including the possibility of renting or reselling consoles.
Xbox Elite Series 3 controller
The hosts discuss leaked details about Microsoft’s upcoming Elite Series 3 controller, including possible haptics, Hall effect sticks, paddles and other options. They question how it might be priced and whether third-party controllers could provide competition.
Nvidia graphics on macOS
An unofficial driver project has reportedly enabled hardware-accelerated graphics on macOS with an RTX 5060, using open-source NVIDIA kernel modules, Mesa’s NVK Vulkan driver and a custom translation layer. The hosts discuss its limitations, supported hardware claims, setup requirements and the history of official NVIDIA support on Macs.
Chinese-made DDR5 memory
Colorful has released a DDR5 kit using chips from a Chinese manufacturer, likely CXMT, according to the discussion. The hosts consider whether increased Chinese memory production could affect supply and prices, and discuss capacity investment, demand for HBM and other memory types, and competition in the market.
Devices, data and company announcements
Google Chromebook experience and Gemini
Linus describes problems using a “Google book” during the show, including issues with Docs, copying and pasting, audio devices, a dock and Chrome. The hosts compare Gemini’s response to a time question with Siri’s and discuss how assistant tasks might be handled locally or through cloud services.
Trump Mobile data exposure
A ransomware group claims it stole information belonging to 3,615 people from Trump Mobile. The hosts report what types of data were said to be exposed, mention that some people reportedly had information exposed without completing sign-up, and note that a reported statement attributed to the company has not been independently verified. They also discuss data security and a senator’s concern about a missing FCC filing for international calling authorization and scam-call protections.
Apple Intelligence removal tool
The hosts describe Remove Mac AI, a free open-source tool that disables Apple Intelligence features, removes its models and blocks future downloads. They note that removing the models also disables Siri’s AI features and writing tools, while dictation continues to work, and that a future macOS update could break the tool.
Amazon’s Alexa tablets
Amazon’s new Alexa tablets drop the Fire branding and add full Android and Google Play access. The hosts discuss their prices, optional accessories, Alexa features and Amazon services, while questioning whether the tablets can compete with the iPad and noting that the hardware may be worth assessing hands-on.
Xbox’s XP division and adaptations
Xbox has created an XP division for experiences beyond video games, including adaptations, partnerships, products and live events. The hosts discuss planned screen projects and argue over whether adaptations should draw more directly on stories and styles already established in games, including Warcraft.
Figure robot retirement video
Figure released a video showing older Figure 2 robots being melted in a vat of molten steel, with Arnold Schwarzenegger appearing in a scene inspired by Terminator 2. The hosts watch the video and discuss the disposal of the robots and its presentation.
Other discussion
OLED burn-in testing
The hosts summarize Monitor Unboxed’s long-term OLED productivity test, including its typical desktop use and the visible artifacts reported after two and a half years. They note that an enhancement filter makes burn-in easier to see than it is in normal viewing.
Floatplane updates and PS2 Linux
The hosts announce extra Floatplane content, including a Q&A and early video releases. They also discuss a video about running Sony’s Linux for PlayStation 2, based on the Kondara distribution, and how its place in the editing queue differed from a more time-sensitive video.
After Dark: Linux, budgeting and quiet technology
In the closing Q&A, the hosts discuss Intel Arc on Linux, ways to limit impulse buying, USB-C cable possibilities and technologies that may have quietly improved daily life. They settle on underwater fiber-optic cables as an answer to the final question.