New Xbox Series X, Intel 10th Gen & Mac Pro Pricing

The New Xbox Series X

The hosts dive into the announcement of the Xbox Series X, discussing its controversial design, which resembles a small PC. Key points include:
• Backwards compatibility as a core feature for the new hardware.
• The shift toward an architecture that feels more like a locked-down PC, utilizing AMD Zen 2 CPUs and RDNA-based graphics.
• Advantages of cloud gaming and the integration of dynamic latency input to optimize response times.

Intel Core i9-10900K & Industry Updates

The conversation shifts to rumors surrounding Intel's upcoming 10th Gen processors and the new Z490 chipset:
• Intel is shifting to more cores (up to 10 cores/20 threads on the i9-10900K) while iterating on the 14nm process.
• Discussion on Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and how AMD's FreeSync branding over HDMI is distinct from the open standard, explaining why NVIDIA support took time.

Mac Pro Pricing and Design

A detailed look at the new Mac Pro, focusing on:
• The absurdity of the "top-tier" configuration price, noting that most consumers should target a base spec.
• The Apple Tax and the specific internal proprietary choices, such as the Afterburner card and custom GPU connectors.
• The frustration with Apple's "it just works" philosophy when updates—like AirPods firmware—lack user control and transparency.

VR and Market Trends

The episode closes with a discussion on Zero Latency VR, an upcoming free-roam VR experience in Vancouver, and the inevitable integration of personalized ads into VR platforms like Oculus.

"I really do dream of a day when the Xbox is just a PC and we can stop pretending."

Conclusion & Community

The show wraps up with updates on:
• The launch of the Beta Squadron shirt to commemorate Floatplane's beta phase.
• The new LMG Clips YouTube channel for bite-sized highlights.