Tech News: AMD & Nvidia Chip Deals, AOL Dialup Ends, Low-Cost MacBooks

US Government Chip Deal with AMD & Nvidia

• 🇺🇸 AMD and Nvidia are reportedly paying a 15% fee to the US government on certain high-end chip sales to China.
• 💡 This deal, confirmed by President Trump, applies to H20 GPUs and may extend to a lesser version of Blackwell chips, setting an unusual precedent for export restrictions.
• ⚠️ Concerns exist regarding national security risks and the establishment of a difficult precedent for export controls.

Tech Industry Updates

• 📞 AOL is discontinuing its dialup service after 34 years, with the shutdown set for September 30th, 2025.
• 🚫 Steam is ending its partnership with Chromebooks on January 1st, 2026, due to limited game compatibility and viability.
• 📉 AMD is ending production of its X3D CPUs for the AM4 socket, with the 5700X3D being the last model to go end-of-life.

New Hardware and Deals

• 💻 Reports suggest Apple is preparing a low-cost MacBook priced between $600-$700, potentially using an iPhone chip like the A18 Pro.
• 🚀 Intel CEO Lip Bhutan is scheduled to meet with President Trump to discuss investments and company matters.
• 🖱️ Featured tech deals include the Logitech G305 wireless gaming mouse, Cooler Master 240 Elite liquid cooler, and an MSI 34-inch curved gaming monitor.

Community and User Feedback

• 💬 Users express sadness over the closure of Ebuyer in the UK, a popular hardware retailer.
• 🎮 Some users rely on Nvidia cards for Moonlight/Sunshine streaming, highlighting its convenience for remote gaming.
• ⌨️ A question about a keyboard on the desk leads to a mention of copper keycaps from A Keys, featured in a recent short video.