The Weekly Tech Rant

Hosted by Jay + Karl

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271

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Oct 2026

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Two guys, one podcast and a whole load of the latest technology news, games and gadget reviews, film insights and the occasional rant! Join us as we review the main tech talking points of the week!

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October 23, 2026Episode 26746 min

Episode 267: iPhone Duo Sells Out, Apple’s Pro and Tell Event Looms, $500K in RTX 5090s Vanish, and Xbox Eyes an $1,800 Price Tag

Episode 267: iPhone Duo Sells Out, Apple’s Pro and Tell Event Looms, $500K in RTX 5090s Vanish, and Xbox Eyes an $1,800 Price Tag Jay and Karl unpack another eventful week across Apple, gaming, and PC hardware. Apple's foldable iPhone Duo has sold out almost immediately, with new orders reportedly pushed into next year, while the company prepares for its upcoming 'Pro and Tell' event on 28 October. Meanwhile, nearly half a million dollars' worth of Nvidia RTX 5090 graphics cards have mysteriously disappeared from a Brazilian airport, and reports suggest Microsoft's next-generation Xbox could carry an eye-watering $1,800 price tag. We also explore Xbox's plans to offer paid cloud gaming without Game Pass and fresh rumours suggesting GTA 6 could arrive on PC in early 2027. Full show notes & links: https://techrant.online/episode-267-iphone-duo-sells-out-apples-pro-and-tell-event-looms-500k-in-rtx-5090s-vanish-and-xbox-eyes-an-1800-price-tag/ Also available on: Apple Podcasts | YouTube In This Episode News iPhone Duo sells out immediately, now backordered until next year Apple's first foldable iPhone appears to be a runaway success, with early demand pushing delivery estimates well into 2027. What to expect at Apple's 'Pro and Tell' event on 28 October Apple is preparing another major product showcase, with attention turning towards its next generation of professional hardware. Two pallets of RTX 5090 graphics cards go missing from a Brazilian airport Around $495,000 worth of Nvidia's flagship GPUs have mysteriously disappeared, adding another bizarre chapter to the ongoing RTX 5090 saga. The next Xbox might cost $1,800, report says Microsoft's next-generation Xbox could come with an extraordinary price tag, raising questions about the future of console gaming and who the hardware is really aimed at. Xbox is previewing paid cloud gaming for players without Game Pass Microsoft is experimenting with a standalone cloud gaming offering, potentially opening Xbox streaming to players who don't subscribe to Game Pass. Rumours GTA 6 is reportedly coming to PC in early 2027 Fresh reports suggest PC gamers might not have to wait quite as long as expected to experience Rockstar's highly anticipated sequel. Say hello: @WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

October 19, 2026Episode 26637 min

Episode 266: Apple’s Welcome Home Revolution, HomeView Arrives, Siri AI Takes Over, and Nvidia’s RTX 5080 Super Lives Again

Episode 266: Apple’s Welcome Home Revolution, HomeView Arrives, Siri AI Takes Over, and Nvidia’s RTX 5080 Super Lives Again Jay and Karl dive into Apple's biggest smart-home announcements in years as the company's 'Welcome Home' event introduces an entirely new generation of connected devices. Leading the charge is HomeView, Apple's new $299 smart display, alongside an updated HomePod mini, a refreshed Apple TV 4K built around Siri AI, and a new collection of smart-home accessories developed with LG and Schneider. With Apple Intelligence and the next generation of Siri at the centre of its strategy, Apple is making a serious push to take control of the connected home. We discuss whether these new products can finally deliver the seamless smart-home experience Apple has been promising for years. Away from Cupertino, Nvidia's seemingly cancelled RTX 5080 Super refuses to stay dead, with fresh reports pointing towards a possible early 2027 release. We also look at rumours suggesting Apple's next iPad mini could finally gain an OLED display, although that upgrade may come with a significant price increase. Full show notes & links: https://techrant.online/episode-266-apples-welcome-home-revolution-homeview-arrives-siri-ai-takes-over-and-nvidias-rtx-5080-super-lives-again/ Also available on: Apple Podcasts | YouTube In This Episode News Apple 'Welcome Home' Event Apple unveils new HomeView smart display, available to pre-order for $299 Apple officially enters the smart display market with HomeView, bringing Siri AI and smart-home controls together in a dedicated $299 device. Apple updates the HomePod mini with more audio features and new colours The HomePod mini gets a long-awaited refresh, introducing improved audio capabilities and new colour options, with Siri AI support arriving later. Apple unveils Apple Home Collection accessories developed with LG and Schneider Apple expands its smart-home ecosystem with a new range of accessories developed alongside LG and Schneider, strengthening its ambitions beyond traditional Apple hardware. Apple refreshes the Apple TV 4K for Siri AI Apple's streaming box receives an update designed to support the next generation of Siri AI, bringing more intelligent voice control and integration into the living room. Nvidia Nvidia's 24 GB RTX 5080 Super could finally arrive in early 2027 The RTX 5080 Super refuses to stay dead, with fresh rumours suggesting Nvidia could launch the long-awaited 24 GB graphics card in early 2027. Rumours New iPad mini with OLED display could be significantly more expensive Apple's next iPad mini is reportedly getting an OLED display, but the upgrade could push the price considerably higher than the current model. Say hello: @WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

October 13, 2026Episode 26544 min

Episode 265: Apple’s Welcome Home Event, Xbox Secures GTA 6 Streaming, SpaceX Goes Mobile, and Pimax Takes on Valve

Episode 265: Apple’s Welcome Home Event, Xbox Secures GTA 6 Streaming, SpaceX Goes Mobile, and Pimax Takes on Valve Jay and Karl explore another packed week across Apple, gaming, virtual reality, and satellite communications. Apple is preparing to unveil its next generation of smart-home products at a special 'Welcome Home' event, with leaked images already offering a glimpse of new security cameras and a video doorbell developed alongside LG. Meanwhile, Microsoft reportedly secures GTA 6 streaming rights for Xbox, Pimax takes aim at Valve with a new wireless VR headset and upgraded controllers, and SpaceX sets its sights on becoming a major mobile network operator through a significant spectrum acquisition. We also discuss leaked specifications for the Xbox Elite Controller 3 and fresh rumours suggesting Apple's iPhone Air 2 could be as thin as the unfolded iPhone Duo. Full show notes & links: https://techrant.online/episode-265-apples-welcome-home-event-xbox-secures-gta-6-streaming-spacex-goes-mobile-and-pimax-takes-on-valve/ Also available on: Apple Podcasts | YouTube In This Episode News Apple teases new smart-home products with 'Welcome Home' event next week Apple prepares to expand its smart-home ecosystem with a dedicated launch event, potentially introducing new hardware and services. Apple's new Home cameras and doorbell with LG revealed in leaked images Leaked images offer an early look at Apple's rumoured home security products, reportedly developed in partnership with LG. Xbox has secured GTA 6 streaming rights Microsoft reportedly secures streaming rights for Rockstar's highly anticipated GTA 6, potentially strengthening Xbox Cloud Gaming. Pimax announces new wireless VR headset, foveated streaming, and updated controllers Pimax takes on Valve with new VR hardware and technology designed to improve wireless performance and immersion. SpaceX wants to become a major mobile carrier with low-band spectrum acquisition SpaceX expands its ambitions beyond satellite broadband, acquiring spectrum that could help transform Starlink into a major mobile connectivity provider. Rumours Xbox Elite Controller 3 specs leak via Xbox's own Design Lab Microsoft may have accidentally revealed details of its next-generation premium Xbox controller. iPhone Air 2 rumoured to be as thin as an unfolded iPhone Duo Apple's next ultra-thin iPhone could push smartphone design even further, with reports suggesting a remarkably slim profile. Say hello: @WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

October 6, 2026Episode 26433 min

Episode 264: Anthropic’s Extinction IPO Warning, OpenAI Hits the Brakes, Xbox Isn’t for Sale, and Steam Deck 2 Takes Shape

Episode 264: Anthropic’s Extinction IPO Warning, OpenAI Hits the Brakes, Xbox Isn’t for Sale, and Steam Deck 2 Takes Shape Jay and Karl unpack a strange collision of AI ambition, existential risk, gaming uncertainty, and new hardware. Anthropic's IPO pitch reportedly comes with an extraordinary warning about human extinction, while OpenAI appears to be taking a more cautious route by delaying its own IPO over AI safety concerns. Elsewhere, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma insists the business isn't for sale despite Microsoft's restructuring and layoffs, Apple explains how it plans to tackle one of the biggest problems with foldable phones on the iPhone Duo, and fresh rumours suggest AMD's new Gainsborough APU could be the chip at the heart of the long-awaited Steam Deck 2. Full show notes & links: https://techrant.online/episode-264-anthropics-extinction-ipo-warning-openai-hits-the-brakes-xbox-isnt-for-sale-and-steam-deck-2-takes-shape/ Also available on: Apple Podcasts | YouTube In This Episode News Anthropic's IPO pitch includes a warning about human extinction Anthropic's pitch to investors reportedly includes an unusually stark warning about the potential existential risks of advanced AI. OpenAI delays IPO over AI safety concerns OpenAI reportedly puts its public-market ambitions on hold amid concerns about the safety implications of increasingly capable AI. "Xbox is not for sale" despite Microsoft's layoffs and restructuring Xbox CEO Asha Sharma pushes back against speculation about the future of Microsoft's gaming business. Apple says iPhone Duo has a 'replaceable' folding display layer to minimise the crease Apple reveals an unusual approach to reducing one of the most persistent problems with foldable displays. Rumours AMD's new 'Gainsborough' APU rumoured to power the long-awaited Steam Deck 2 AMD's next-generation mobile silicon could provide our first real glimpse at the hardware inside Valve's eventual Steam Deck successor. Say hello: @WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

September 28, 2026Episode 26349 min

Episode 263: Anthropic’s Opus 5.5 Arrives, Microsoft Drops Copilot+, Meta Connect 2026, and Apple’s AI Server Plans

Episode 263: Anthropic’s Opus 5.5 Arrives, Microsoft Drops Copilot+, Meta Connect 2026, and Apple’s AI Server Plans Jay and Karl unpack another busy week in AI and consumer technology. Anthropic launches Opus 5.5 with improved performance and lower pricing, Rabbit expands its AI ambitions beyond the R1 device, and Microsoft quietly retires the Copilot+ PC branding just a year after introducing it. We also break down everything announced at Meta Connect 2026, discuss reports that Apple is preparing AI servers powered by its M8 Ultra chips, and round things off with the latest rumours surrounding Apple's long-awaited HomePad. Full show notes & links: Shownotes Also available on: Apple Podcasts | YouTube In This Episode News Anthropic releases Opus 5.5 with lower prices and Fable-level performance Anthropic's latest flagship model promises stronger performance while reducing costs for developers. Rabbit's new AI agent doesn't need an R1 to run Rabbit expands its AI platform beyond dedicated hardware with a standalone agent. Microsoft is killing off the 'Copilot Plus PC' brand Microsoft simplifies its AI PC branding less than two years after introducing Copilot+. Everything announced at Meta Connect 2026 Meta unveils its latest AI, mixed reality, and wearable technology during its annual developer event. Apple planning to sell AI servers powered by M8 Ultra chips A new report suggests Apple could enter the AI infrastructure market with its own server hardware. Rumours HomePad to launch next month with these new features Apple's rumoured HomePad could finally be approaching launch with several new capabilities. Say hello: @WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

September 22, 2026Episode 26249 min

Episode 262: Nvidia’s AI Spending Spree, Steam Frame Arrives, Anthropic’s Stark Warning, and Apple Faces New UK Rules

Episode 262: Nvidia’s AI Spending Spree, Steam Frame Arrives, Anthropic’s Stark Warning, and Apple Faces New UK Rules Jay and Karl unpack another week where AI money seems almost limitless. Nvidia puts $3.5 billion into MediaTek and agrees to buy Hugging Face for $12.9 billion, while RTX 5090 stock mysteriously dries up. Valve’s Steam Frame finally goes on sale with an eye-watering price, Anthropic researchers sound an extraordinary warning about AI risk, GoPro heads into defence and aerospace, and Apple faces new child-safety rules in the UK. Full show notes & links: https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-262/ Also available on: Apple Podcasts | YouTube In This Episode News Nvidia makes a $3.5B bet on MediaTek Another enormous AI investment reveals how Nvidia plans to defend its position as Big Tech develops more silicon of its own. Nvidia buys Hugging Face for $12.9 billion One of AI’s most important platforms joins Nvidia as its spending spree moves beyond chips and into the wider AI ecosystem. RTX 5090 stock starts disappearing Nvidia is spending billions on AI while gamers are left wondering where its flagship graphics cards have gone. Valve’s Steam Frame opens for orders The new VR headset has arrived, but a starting price of £889 makes this anything but an impulse purchase. Anthropic researchers issue a stark warning about AI Researchers inside one of the world’s leading AI companies raise the possibility of catastrophic outcomes as capabilities accelerate. GoPro is acquired and heads into defence and aerospace The action-camera company is taking a surprising turn towards government, robotics, aerospace, and defence markets. Apple faces new UK child-safety rules New requirements around intimate images on children’s iPhones put another spotlight on the balance between safety and privacy. Say hello: @WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

September 11, 2026Episode 26155 min

Episode 261: Apple’s Surprise and Shine Event, iPhone 18 Pro, Foldable iPhone Duo, and Apple Watch Ultra 4

Episode 261: Apple’s Surprise and Shine Event, iPhone 18 Pro, Foldable iPhone Duo, and Apple Watch Ultra 4 Jay and Karl break down Apple’s big “Surprise and Shine” event. The iPhone 18 Pro arrives, Apple finally enters the foldable era with the iPhone Duo, Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 push further into health tracking, and AirPods 5 bring another round of audio upgrades. It’s an Apple-heavy episode, but there is plenty to unpack. Full show notes & links: https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-261/ Also available on: Apple Podcasts | YouTube In This Episode Apple’s Surprise and Shine Event iPhone 18 Pro officially announced Apple’s latest flagship is here, and we dig into what has actually changed and whether there is enough to justify another upgrade. Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 unveiled Apple doubles down on health tracking while pushing the Ultra further as its flagship wearable. Apple unveils AirPods 5 Upgraded noise cancellation and another refinement of one of Apple’s most successful products. Apple finally unveils the foldable iPhone Duo After years of rumours, Apple enters the foldable phone market. The big question is whether it has waited long enough to get it right. Say hello: @WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

September 4, 2026Episode 26039 min

Episode 260: Steam's 12TB Leak, Xbox Cloud Gets Capped, OpenAI Dumps Cursor, and Apple's Smart Glasses Near

Episode 260: Steam's 12TB Leak, Xbox Cloud Gets Capped, OpenAI Dumps Cursor, and Apple's Smart Glasses Near Jay and Karl dig into another week of questionable decisions and enormous numbers. A decade of Steam data totalling more than 12TB leaks online, Microsoft caps Xbox Cloud Gaming while simultaneously introducing pay-as-you-go access, and OpenAI pulls its models from Cursor following the SpaceXAI acquisition. Meanwhile, Meta faces an $18 billion settlement, Squadron 42 slips again, and Apple's first smart glasses are reportedly getting close. Full show notes & links: https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-260/ Also available on: Apple Podcasts | YouTube In This Episode News Meta agrees to settlement worth up to $18 billion A huge settlement brings another chapter in the fight over social media's impact on young users. OpenAI pulls its models from Cursor The SpaceXAI acquisition triggers a major change for one of the most popular AI coding tools. More than 12TB of Steam files leak online A decade's worth of material surfaces in an enormous leak from Valve's gaming ecosystem. Squadron 42 gets delayed again This time GTA 6 gets some of the blame, despite Rockstar's blockbuster still not coming to PC at launch. Xbox Cloud Gaming gets a 15-hour monthly cap Even Ultimate subscribers face new limits on how much cloud gaming their subscription actually buys. Xbox Cloud Gaming gets pay-as-you-go access Microsoft caps subscription usage while simultaneously offering another way to pay for more. Rumours Apple's first smart glasses could launch next year Apple's next major wearable category appears to be getting closer, with AI expected to sit at its heart. Say hello: @WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

August 28, 2026Episode 25944 min

Episode 259: Android Malware Goes Contactless, Apple Unveils M6, Macs Get an Upgrade, and the iPhone Ultra Event Is Here

Episode 259: Android Malware Goes Contactless, Apple Unveils M6, Macs Get an Upgrade, and the iPhone Ultra Event Is Here Jay and Karl unpack a week that swings from cybercrime to major Apple hardware news. New Android malware turns infected phones into NFC relays for payment fraud, GTA 6 suffers another leak scare, and Apple cuts jobs across its Vision Pro and Siri teams. Then Apple takes over the second half of the show with a new Mac mini, an upgraded Mac Studio, the M6 chip, and confirmation of its iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone Ultra event. Full show notes & links: https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-259/ Also available on: Apple Podcasts | YouTube In This Episode News WindRelay Android malware turns phones into NFC relays A nasty twist on payment fraud that uses compromised phones to relay contactless transactions. GTA 6 suffers another leak scare Is it a nightmare for the biggest game of the year, or just another blip in Rockstar's long road to launch? Apple reportedly cuts more than 200 Vision Pro and Siri jobs A notable reshuffle across two of Apple's most closely watched future-facing teams. Apple announces an updated Mac mini Apple's smallest desktop gets another round of hardware upgrades. Apple unveils new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra The compact workstation gets a serious performance boost for high-end Mac users. Apple launches M6 and M5 Ultra The next generation of Apple Silicon arrives, extending the company's performance push across the Mac lineup. Apple announces its iPhone 18 Pro and foldable iPhone Ultra event "Surprise and shine" sets the stage for what could be Apple's biggest iPhone event in years. Say hello: @WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs

August 15, 2026Episode 25831 min

Episode 258: Apple’s AI Subscription Expands, OpenAI Pauses a Risky Model, Steam Breach Exposes Customers, and the 20th Anniversary iPhone Debate

Episode 258: Apple’s AI Subscription Expands, OpenAI Pauses a Risky Model, Steam Breach Exposes Customers, and the 20th Anniversary iPhone Debate Jay and Karl explore another busy week in tech. Apple looks set to monetise Apple Intelligence through new iCloud+ tiers, fresh reports attempt to untangle the mystery surrounding the 20th anniversary iPhone, Steam customers are caught up in a shipping data breach, and OpenAI pauses work on one of its AI models over cybersecurity concerns. Meanwhile, Meta is hit with another huge legal penalty. Full show notes & links: https://techrant.online/weekly-tech-rant-episode-258/ Also available on: Apple Podcasts | YouTube In This Episode News Meta ordered to pay another $567 million The social media giant faces another enormous penalty over child safety failures. Making sense of the 20th anniversary iPhone rumours Conflicting reports leave Apple's biggest anniversary product surrounded by questions. Apple adds AI-focused iCloud+ upgrade option Apple Intelligence could soon become a premium subscription upgrade. Steam hardware shipping breach exposes customer data Names and home addresses are among the information reportedly compromised. OpenAI pauses AI model over cybersecurity risks Safety concerns prove significant enough for development to be halted. Say hello: @WeeklyTechRant | @weeklytechrant.bs