In the latest episode of the Friday Checkout, the host discusses the significant impact of Trump’s new tech tariffs, which are based on questionable methodologies and could lead to inflated costs for companies like Apple and Nvidia. The episode also covers Samsung’s delayed Galaxy S25 Edge launch, the successful Nintendo Switch 2 release, and various tech developments, while promoting the Nebula streaming platform for quality educational content.
In the latest episode of the Friday Checkout, the host discusses the implications of Trump’s new tariffs on technology, which are described as “bonkers.” The tariffs are based on a questionable methodology that divides the trade deficit of a country by its total exports to the U.S., leading to inflated figures. For instance, Trump claims that China has a 67% tariff, while the EU’s is 39%, which the host argues is misleading. The tariffs will significantly impact tech companies, with Nvidia potentially facing a 10% tariff on GPUs made in Taiwan, while Apple could see a staggering 54% tariff due to its reliance on Chinese manufacturing.
The host highlights the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs, noting that companies may find loopholes or that the customs authorities could struggle to manage the influx of declarations. This chaotic environment has already led to a significant drop in Apple’s stock, marking its largest decline in five years. Samsung, with its manufacturing base in Vietnam, would face a 46% tariff, raising concerns about the overall cost of tech products in the U.S. market.
In other news, Samsung has postponed the launch of its Galaxy S25 Edge to May, which raises questions about the device’s performance or potential technical issues. Originally set for an April release, the delay and the decision to hold a smaller online launch instead of a grand event suggest that Samsung may not be as confident in the product as initially thought. This contrasts with the successful launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, which features significant upgrades, including a larger display, improved graphics, and enhanced functionality.
The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts a 7.9-inch 1080p touchscreen, a custom Nvidia processor, and a new storage configuration, making it a notable upgrade from its predecessor. However, the price point of $450, along with additional costs for games, raises concerns about affordability. The host also mentions the release of Samsung’s new mid-range tablets and Sony’s Bravia TV lineup, indicating a diverse range of products hitting the market.
Finally, the video touches on various tech developments, including Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon chip and Amazon’s plans to launch satellites for broadband internet. The host also discusses TikTok’s uncertain future amid ongoing negotiations and the recent decline in users for PayPal’s Honey extension. The episode concludes with a promotion for Nebula, a video streaming platform that focuses on human-made content, contrasting it with the rise of AI-generated media. The host encourages viewers to consider subscribing to Nebula for quality educational content.