Episode 240: The PC Becomes the Console, Steam Machine Ships, Meta Builds AI Chips, and Apple’s HomePad Looms
Welcome to the WTR with your hosts, Jay and Karl, as we dive into the week’s most surprising, strange, and speculative tech headlines.
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This week, the line between PC and console continues to blur as Microsoft leans into Xbox-PC convergence, Valve reassures fans the Steam Machine is still coming, and Meta unveils a new generation of custom AI chips. We also look at Perplexity’s attempt to redefine the “personal computer” with AI agents, while Apple rumours point to a new HomePad device and multitasking features for the foldable iPhone.
In This Episode
News
Perplexity launches its “Personal Computer” concept AI agents are now coming directly to the desktop, whether anyone asked for that or not.
Meta unveils four custom AI chips built with Broadcom Meta says some of its new silicon can outperform commercial alternatives, raising the stakes in the AI arms race.
Xbox mode is coming to Windows 11 PCs Microsoft looks ready to push the PC even closer to a console-style experience.
Microsoft discusses its Xbox-PC hybrid at GDC The long-rumoured convergence of Xbox and PC is starting to take shape, even if it is still some way off.
Steam Machine shipping fears return, but Valve says it is still coming this year A fresh update sparked release date panic, but Valve insists the hardware is still on track.
Rumours
Foldable iPhone tipped to include new app features Side-by-side multitasking could be one of the key software features that makes the foldable iPhone feel distinct.
Apple’s HomePad gets a launch timing update The long-rumoured smart home display may finally be getting closer to launch.
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