21 February 2026
In the latest episode from TechLinked, titled "Ha Ha We Don't Buy Things Anymore," the host dives into the evolving landscape of consumer technology and ownership. The video opens with a humorous introduction, setting a light-hearted tone as the host discusses the new trend of leasing technology instead of outright purchasing it.
PlayStation Flex: The video kicks off with the announcement that users in the UK can now lease a PlayStation 5 for as low as £10 per month through a program called PlayStation Flex. This initiative is a collaboration with Rao, a gadget leasing company, and marks a shift in how consumers acquire gaming consoles. The host points out that there is no clear buyout option, meaning users must either continue paying or return the console at the end of the lease term.
The Shift to Leasing: The host reflects on the broader trend of leasing technology rather than owning it, citing examples like HP's laptop leasing program. This shift is attributed to rising hardware costs, making leasing appear more attractive. However, the lack of buyout options raises concerns about consumer rights and ownership.
Amazon's Ring and Flock Safety: The video also covers Amazon's Ring, which recently canceled its partnership with Flock Safety, a company under scrutiny for its surveillance practices. The host discusses the implications of this partnership, particularly regarding privacy and mass surveillance, highlighting the potential risks of integrating such technologies into everyday life.
Space Race Updates: The host humorously touches on the ongoing rivalry between Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk in the space industry. He discusses China's recent successful test of its crew capsule and rocket, aiming for a manned moon landing by 2030, while also poking fun at Bezos's cryptic social media posts.
Labor Relations at SpaceX: The video addresses a complaint filed by the National Labor Relations Board regarding SpaceX's treatment of employees who criticized Elon Musk. The host notes SpaceX's attempt to classify itself as a common carrier to avoid labor regulations, adding a layer of complexity to the discussion about workers' rights in the tech industry.
Innovations in Tech: The video wraps up with a look at various tech innovations, including Cash App's new payment link feature, Spotify's AI-driven development, and Apple's latest iPhone update that facilitates easier transfers to Android devices. The host also introduces a new laundry-folding robot, Isaac Zero, which represents the growing trend of automation in everyday tasks.
Leasing vs. Ownership: The trend of leasing technology is on the rise, with companies offering subscription models for devices that were once purchased outright. Consumers should be aware of the implications of this shift, particularly regarding ownership rights.
Privacy Concerns: The cancellation of the Ring and Flock partnership highlights ongoing concerns about privacy and surveillance in the tech industry. Consumers should remain vigilant about how their data is used.
Space Race Rivalry: The competition between major players in the space industry continues to evolve, with both humorous and serious implications for the future of space exploration.
Labor Rights: The situation at SpaceX underscores the importance of labor rights and the complexities of regulating tech companies.
Technological Innovations: New features and products are continually emerging, reflecting the rapid pace of innovation in the tech sector.
In summary, TechLinked's video provides a comprehensive overview of current trends in technology, ownership, and consumer rights, all delivered with the channel's signature wit and humor. If you're interested in these topics but don't have the time to watch the full video, this summary captures the essence of what was discussed.
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