Even Intel is Impressed by AMD's Progress - WAN Show June 28, 2019

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode is a wide-ranging WAN Show discussion centered on major tech-industry news and Linus Media Group updates. The hosts cover Jony Ive leaving Apple, Intel publicly acknowledging AMD’s momentum, the announcement of DisplayPort 2.0, and a futuristic infrared cardiac-signature identification device. The show also includes behind-the-scenes talk about video production, audio/stream issues, LTX 2019 planning, sponsor reads, and listener Q&A.

Main Topics: Jony Ive leaving Apple (Priority: 5/5): The hosts discuss Jony Ive’s departure from Apple, noting that he will still work with the company through his new design firm, LoveFrom. They debate Apple’s design culture, whether Ive’s role was overcredited, and how much Apple’s product design has inspired them recently. Intel’s internal memo on AMD (Priority: 5/5): A leaked/internal Intel memo is discussed as a sign that Intel is taking AMD seriously again. The hosts analyze how AMD’s Ryzen/Epyc momentum, public-cloud wins, and Zen 2 roadmap represent a real competitive threat across desktop, notebook, and server markets. DisplayPort 2.0 and connectivity bandwidth (Priority: 4/5): The hosts react enthusiastically to DisplayPort 2.0’s large bandwidth jump, its support for higher resolutions and refresh rates, and the fact that it can use existing connector types including USB-C DP Alt Mode. They also compare it to previous DisplayPort generations and Thunderbolt/USB4. LTX 2019 event planning and sponsor segments (Priority: 4/5): A large segment covers LTX 2019 logistics, map layout, BYOC organization, creator meet-and-greets, hardware booths, prizing, and interactive activities. Multiple sponsor reads are also included for LTT Store, Squarespace, Savage Jerky, and Madrinas Coffee. Production challenges and video/shooting workflow (Priority: 4/5): The hosts explain why a recent video was interrupted by a train and how high-frame-rate filming requires dramatically more light. They also demonstrate the exposure differences between 30 fps and higher frame rates, and discuss monitor/audio setup quirks and universal remote frustrations. Futuristic biometric identification via cardiac signatures (Priority: 4/5): They discuss a laser-based system called Jetson that can detect cardiac signatures from a distance, potentially for identity verification and medical monitoring. The conversation turns toward privacy concerns and the possibility of mass surveillance. Listener Q&A and off-topic community banter (Priority: 3/5): The ending includes rapid-fire questions on cake vs cupcakes, cookies, tattoos, future studio ideas, Australia’s tech scene, EV aesthetics, and whether Linus would consider AMD for his next rig. This segment reinforces the show’s casual, community-driven style.

Key Arguments: Ive leaving Apple is important, but not necessarily a full break, because he will remain involved through LoveFrom and Apple will be his first client. Apple’s design culture may over-credit a single figure; large design teams likely do much of the implementation behind the public-facing brand. Apple products often feel optimized for users with simple workflows, while Android and third-party alternatives can offer better configurability for dense productivity use cases like calendar management. Intel’s memo is notable because it publicly admits AMD is now a meaningful threat in multiple segments, including cloud, desktop, notebook, and server. AMD’s resurgence is not just about manufacturing at TSMC; architecture, modularity, and IPC gains in Zen 2 are framed as the real competitive drivers. DisplayPort 2.0 is a major leap because it dramatically increases bandwidth without changing the connector ecosystem, which should make high-refresh high-resolution displays more practical. High-frame-rate video production consumes much more light, which explains the need for open bay doors, natural light, and exposure compromises in certain shoots. The new biometric laser concept is technologically impressive but raises obvious privacy and surveillance concerns, especially if paired with facial recognition or government databases. LTX is being designed as a highly interactive hardware convention where participation earns attendees rewards, unlike more passive expos. Linus notes that he would consider AMD now if it is the best performance choice for his next system, reflecting how much the competitive landscape has shifted.

Data Points: Jony Ive tenure at Apple: More than 20 years - Used to emphasize how significant his departure is to Apple’s design history. LTX 2019 daily attendance goal: 3,000 people per day - Mentioned while discussing the event scale and prize planning. DisplayPort 2.0 raw bandwidth: 80 Gbps - Maximum raw bandwidth for the new standard. DisplayPort 2.0 effective bandwidth: 77.37 Gbps - After accounting for the more efficient coding scheme. DisplayPort 1.1 bandwidth: 8.6 Gbps - Referenced as the older baseline that enabled 1440p60. DisplayPort 1.3/1.4 bandwidth: 25.92 Gbps - Compared against DP 2.0 to show the generational jump. High refresh rate exposure loss: 1 stop per doubling of frame rate - Explained in the filming discussion from 30 fps to 60, 120, 240, 500, and 1000 fps. Video example frame rates: 30 fps, 60 fps, 120 fps, 240 fps, 500 fps, 1000 fps - Used live to illustrate the rapidly increasing light requirement. Cardiac-signature detection range: 200 meters - Mentioned for the Jetson system’s long-range identification capability. LTX prizing weight from Nvidia: 100+ pounds of graphics cards - Described as part of the convention’s giveaway inventory. LTT Store promo code usage: Up to twice - The elemental shirt promotion could be applied to two shirts if buying both a hat and a water bottle. Madrinas discount: 50% off for 72 hours - Special show offer for listeners using code Linus.

Pivotal Quotes: "Why AMD is now a formidable competitor" — Linus/reading Intel memo: A highlighted subheading from Intel’s internal memo that signals serious recognition of AMD’s comeback. "This is the biggest leap forward in DisplayPort bandwidth ever." — Linus: Commenting on the DisplayPort 2.0 announcement and its technical significance. "The future is now." — Linus: Said during the discussion of the Jetson cardiac-signature identification system and its surveillance implications.

Implications: The episode highlights a shifting hardware landscape: Apple’s design leadership is changing, AMD is gaining real ground, and display/biometric tech is advancing quickly. For listeners, it signals more competition, better products, and bigger privacy questions ahead.