Sharing our Own Troubling Experience - WAN Show Jun 11, 2021

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode centered on two major industry stories: LG’s questionable review embargo and guidance practices around the 27GP850/32GP850 monitors, and Apple’s WWDC software announcements, with side discussions on Tesla’s Cyberpunk demo and Windows 10’s eventual retirement. The hosts emphasized reviewer independence, the difference between helpful testing guidance and coercive PR behavior, and the ways big companies misunderstand media, consumers, and platform ecosystems.

Main Topics: LG’s review embargo and attempted influence on Hardware Unboxed (Priority: 5/5): The hosts dissected LG CNS’s last-minute embargo, review restrictions, draft-request, and compensation language sent to Hardware Unboxed after the monitor review process had already begun. They argued this crossed from guidance into coercive editorial interference. Company structure, PR, and reviewer independence (Priority: 4/5): A long tangent explained LG’s related-but-separate entities (LG Electronics, LG Display, LG CNS) and used that to illustrate how brand agencies and internal teams can create confusing, inconsistent, or overreaching review expectations. Apple WWDC software announcements (Priority: 4/5): The show covered FaceTime on Android via browser links, SharePlay, iCloud+ VPN-like features, AirPlay to Mac, Safari redesigns, and Apple’s assistant expansion. The hosts were skeptical of Apple’s partial cross-platform support and praised its consumer education/support strengths. Tesla Model S Plaid gaming demo with Cyberpunk (Priority: 3/5): The hosts discussed Tesla’s demo of Cyberpunk running on the Model S Plaid’s infotainment system, debating whether a car is a practical place for gaming and whether such premium hardware is the right place for this feature. Windows 10 retirement and platform lifecycle (Priority: 3/5): Microsoft’s announced Windows 10 end-of-support date prompted a discussion about software lifecycle promises, transition timing, and the inevitability of OS retirement despite prior marketing implying longevity. GPU pricing, shortages, and resale market reality (Priority: 4/5): In the closing discussion, they argued GPU value must be judged against the actual market, not MSRP, and that scalping/shortage conditions distort pricing so severely that manufacturer pricing alone does not determine what buyers will pay.

Key Arguments: Review embargoes and testing guidelines are normal when used to ensure fairness and consistency, but LG’s after-the-fact embargo and request for drafts crossed an editorial line. A company can suggest testing methods, but it should not dictate conclusions, comparisons, or whether a review is published. Hardware Unboxed acted professionally by correcting its own testing mistake and by refusing to accept LG’s attempt to control the review process. LG’s internal communications suggest a misunderstanding of both the product and how independent media works: they seemed alternately afraid the monitor would be too good or not good enough. Apple is strong at onboarding and support for less technical users, but often implements cross-platform features in a limited, Apple-centric way. A premium car with built-in gaming can be a curiosity, but the use case is narrow; most buyers at that price point can already buy dedicated gaming devices. GPU pricing in the shortage era is determined by what the market will bear; blaming MSRP alone ignores the realities of supply, demand, and scalping.

Data Points: LG 27GP850 review issue: Faster overdrive mode initially described as unusable; later corrected to usable with inverse ghosting - Hardware Unboxed updated its review after revising its test interpretation LG 32GP850 embargo: Imposed after review work had already been done; no firm end date given - Discussed as unusually restrictive and confusing LG review guideline request: Suggested comparisons only against other brands, not LG’s own past models - Presented as an attempt to shape the review narrative Apple WWDC keynote length: 2 hours - Apple unveiled multiple software updates during the keynote Windows 10 end of support: October 14, 2025 - Microsoft’s announced retirement date for Windows 10 support El Salvador Bitcoin vote: 62 out of 84 votes - Legislative approval for Bitcoin as legal tender El Salvador remittances: Around 20% of GDP - Used to explain why Bitcoin could matter for cross-border money transfers Population without bank accounts: Around 70% - Cited as rationale for Bitcoin-based financial inclusion in El Salvador Bitcoin market reaction: Rallied 13% - Immediate price move after legal tender announcement Tesla Model S Plaid price: $123,000 starting price - Used in the discussion about in-car gaming practicality Model S Plaid display: 17-inch, 2200 x 1300 - Hardware powering the gaming demo Tesla infotainment GPU: Navi 23, 2048 stream processors, 8 GB GDDR6 - Observed/assumed hardware behind the gaming demo MSI Clutch GM 41 weight: 74 grams - Sponsor read for the gaming mouse MSI Clutch GM 41 battery life: Up to 80 hours - Sponsor read

Pivotal Quotes: "We do not allow any manufacturer to dictate how we review products, and we do not provide drafts of reviews for companies to view." — Tim / Hardware Unboxed (quoted in transcript): Response to LG’s request for review control and draft sharing "Why would you want to compare the new one against the old one?" — Linus: Reaction to LG allegedly restricting comparisons to protect old-model sales "You can be mad. You can be mad that NVIDIA is making more money or that their partners are making more money... but direct your anger where it belongs." — Linus: Closing argument on GPU pricing and shortage-era market behavior

Implications: The episode reinforces that independent reviewers must resist brand pressure, that tech companies often misunderstand media and platform expectations, and that consumers in shortage-driven markets should expect pricing to track supply and demand, not MSRP alone.