The New XBOX is a PC?! - WAN Show Dec 13, 2019

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: The episode centered on Microsoft’s new Xbox Series X and Intel’s rumored 10-core i9-10900K, with extensive side discussion about the Mac Pro’s pricing, Facebook’s Oculus data policy, and the future of cloud/streaming gaming. The hosts argued that modern consoles are effectively locked-down PCs, praised backward compatibility and latency improvements, and mocked Intel’s continued 14nm refreshes. They also covered merch, a new clip channel, and audience Q&A.

Main Topics: Xbox Series X reveal and console-PC convergence (Priority: 5/5): The hosts dissected Microsoft’s new Xbox design, specs, backwards compatibility messaging, and the argument that consoles are becoming more like PCs in both hardware and software model. Intel Core i9-10900K and 14nm refresh skepticism (Priority: 5/5): They reviewed rumors that Intel will refresh mainstream desktop chips on 14nm with up to 10 cores on the i9, using humor to criticize Intel’s naming conventions and long node stagnation. Mac Pro pricing and Apple’s pro hardware strategy (Priority: 4/5): The discussion debated the Mac Pro’s high configuration cost, emphasizing that the real issue is the expensive base configuration rather than the headline top-end price. Cloud gaming, streaming, and future game development (Priority: 4/5): They argued streaming is the likely future of gaming, with server-side worlds enabling experiences that are difficult or impossible with traditional local play. Facebook/Oculus data use for ads (Priority: 4/5): The hosts reacted to Oculus data being tied to Facebook advertising, framing it as unsurprising and part of the long-term monetization path after Facebook’s acquisition. Merch, Floatplane beta, and LMG Clips (Priority: 3/5): They promoted the Beta Squadron shirt, a limited pre-sale item tied to Floatplane entering beta, and introduced LMG Clips as a highlights channel.

Key Arguments: Xbox Series X is effectively a computer in console form, and Microsoft is acknowledging that by emphasizing backward compatibility across generations. The Xbox naming scheme is confusing, but the Series X branding makes more sense because it signals platform continuity rather than a clean break. Streaming/cloud gaming will grow because it supports larger, more complex worlds and recurring subscription revenue, even if broad adoption will take a long time. Intel’s long dependence on 14nm is absurd enough that its CPU naming and launch cadence deserve ridicule, despite the new chip being a substantial core-count bump. The Mac Pro’s top-end price is less important than the overpriced base configuration, which forces buyers to pay a premium for entry-level specs. Apple’s “it just works” philosophy is valuable when it works, but frustrating when firmware updates or settings require no manual control. Facebook’s Oculus data policy was predictable after the acquisition; using VR data for ads fits the platform’s business incentives. Variable refresh rate, low-latency modes, SSDs, and dynamic latency features are meaningful quality-of-life improvements for gaming hardware. The hosts believe PC gaming benefits when console generations advance, because it pushes overall game quality upward. Pro hardware should be judged by the value of the machine Apple ships, not by comparing one top-end line item in isolation.

Data Points: Xbox console height relative to controller: about 3 Xbox controllers high - Host estimated the Series X’s size by comparing it to an Xbox controller. Xbox console width relative to controller: about 1 Xbox controller wide - Used as a rough visual estimate of the Series X footprint. Xbox One versus Series X performance claim: 4x the processing power of Xbox One X - Microsoft marketing claim discussed for the new console. Expected gaming performance: 4K at 60 FPS, up to 120 FPS - Series X performance targets mentioned in the reveal discussion. Console latency improvement: ~100 ms down to 12 ms - TV game mode / low-latency discussion for modern OLEDs and console features. Intel rumored core count: 10 cores / 20 threads - Rumored Core i9-10900K specification. Intel rumored lower-tier specs: Core i3 4C/8T, Core i5 6C/12T, Core i7 8C/16T - Discussed rumored stack for Intel’s 14nm refresh. Intel socket increase: 1200 pins - New LGA1200 socket rumored for the 400-series platform. Mac Pro top configuration price: $52,000 - Headline figure discussed for the highest-end Mac Pro build. Mac Pro memory upgrade price: $25,000 - Approximate price cited for 1.5TB of RAM. Mac Pro CPU upgrade price delta: about $4,000 - Host said the 28-core Xeon upgrade is far more expensive than elsewhere. Mac Pro practical configuration discussed: $14,200 - Estimated sensible build with 16-core CPU, 96GB RAM, high-end GPU, 2TB SSD, and Afterburner card. Merch sales volume: 90 shirts moved - Floatplane beta shirt inventory update during the show. Limited promotion: 72 hours - Madrinas coffee discount window mentioned in sponsor read. Displate charitable action: 10 trees per sale - Sponsor mention for Displate. Displate catalog size: 15,000 artists / over 250,000 artworks - Sponsor read describing selection size. Audience/viewer count: 1300 viewers - Viewer count mentioned at stream close.

Pivotal Quotes: "Because they are acknowledging that architecturally they are the same damn thing." — Host: Explaining why Microsoft may be branding the console as Xbox Series X and emphasizing backward compatibility. "Whether the hardcores like it or not, streaming is absolutely the way forward for gaming." — Host: Argument that cloud gaming will become dominant despite current limitations. "You can't keep sending mixed messages out of one half of your mouth." — Host: Critique of people demanding pro-grade Macs and then complaining when Apple prices a powerful workstation accordingly.

Implications: Listeners were encouraged to see gaming hardware as increasingly PC-like, anticipate cloud gaming growth, and view Intel/Apple through a sharper value lens. The show also signaled more content repackaging via LMG Clips and ongoing merchandising/community expansion.