Sean Hollister
Verified
As seen in:
The Verge,
Gizmodo Brazil,
MSN,
MSN Australia,
MSN Canada,
MSN Ireland,
MSN Malaysia,
MSN Money Canada,
MSN Philippines,
MSN Singapore,
CBS News
and
Articles by Sean Hollister
Another ‘DJI front company’ bites the dust.
Posted Oct 16, 2026 at 6:57 PM UTC Another ‘DJI front company’ bites the dust. In July, we told you how the FCC — and its subcontractor TUV Rheinland — didn’t bother to do basic Google searches before legally approving banned DJI technology for import and sale. But a new game of whack-a-drone was more successful. Public records show TUV Rheinland asked the FCC to block applications from another “DJI front company,” Jovistar. The FCC agreed, and Jovistar is now on notice. The Jovistar drone.
Xbox Ally X20 - the most refined PC handheld - is now available.
Posted Oct 16, 2026 at 6:16 PM UTC Xbox Ally X20 — the most refined PC handheld — is now available. Photo: Sean Hollister / The Verge Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Sean Hollister Gaming News PC Gaming
A week with RTX Spark: everything we’ve learned using Nvidia’s new laptops
Nvidia’s RTX Spark N1X processor is finally here, and we’ve been collectively testing a small fortune’s worth of powerful laptops sporting this new “superchip.” RTX Spark is designed to be a high-performing Arm-based SoC for laptops and small desktop computers, rivaling the best from Apple, Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. It has loads of cores, Nvidia RTX Blackwell graphics, and enough power and unified memory to run sizable local AI models.
A week with RTX Spark: everything we’ve learned using Nvidia’s new laptops
3 hours ago iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone, went up for pre-order today. Within minutes of pre-orders opening, however, estimated delivery dates started slipping all the way to next year. The first iPhone Duo pre-orders are set to arrive on October 23, but only for the lucky people who placed their …
It sure would be nice if these congresspeople would say why DJI is a threat.
Posted Oct 15, 2026 at 5:41 PM UTC It sure would be nice if these congresspeople would say why DJI is a threat. Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Sean Hollister Drones Policy Tech
The best reason to care about Nvidia’s RTX Spark: ‘everything’ will run on Arm
Fourteen years ago this month, Microsoft released an Nvidia-powered Windows PC that would become one of the greatest tech flops in modern history. The original Microsoft Surface, which ran a stripped-down version of Windows on an Nvidia Tegra chip, bombed so hard that Microsoft had to write off $900 million in inventory. The problem was that Nvidia’s Arm chip couldn’t run existing Windows apps. Buyers had to leave their legacy programs behind.
The best reason to care about Nvidia’s RTX Spark: ‘everything’ will run on Arm
Between cloud storage cuts and features aimed at power users, I'm not so sure Windows is still made for average consumers. At Microsoft’s event in San …
Eiliko Robot Toy Raises Privacy Concerns Over Data Security and User Profiling
Eiliko, a new digital pet robot from Energize Lab, has raised significant privacy concerns due to its data handling practices. The robot, which can change expressions based on user interactions, transmits conversations to servers in China, where sensitive information can be accessed by hackers. Reports indicate that the company does not prioritize user data security, allowing for potential exploitation of personal information.
Not all Nvidia RTX Spark chips are equal - some have fewer cores.
Posted Oct 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC Not all Nvidia RTX Spark chips are equal — some have fewer cores. Confusingly, both options are called the “RTX Spark N1X,” but the lite version has 5120 GPU cores, 18 CPU cores and up to 32GB of RAM, while the other has 6144 GPU cores, 20 CPU cores, and up to 128GB. There’s a huge difference in price: a Surface Laptop Ultra starts at $2,600, but the the 6144-core model costs $3,700 and up.
Nvidia claims RTX Spark is by far the fastest single Windows chip ever made.
Posted Oct 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM UTC Nvidia claims RTX Spark is by far the fastest single Windows chip ever made. In May, Nvidia claimed it was “the most efficient PC chip ever built,” and Nvidia now says it’s the fastest too: “it’s going to be a good 3-5x faster than any Windows SoC ever made,” the company told journalists.
Your secrets aren’t safe with this cute robot toy — they’re on Chinese servers ready to be hacked
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
Your secrets aren’t safe with this cute robot toy — they’re on Chinese servers ready to be hacked
There’s a new digital pet in town — a cute little marshmallow of a robot that can change its cartoony expressions to match your mood. But if you or your kids talk to “Eiliko” over Wi-Fi, it’ll phone home to China. Its AI companion can store literally everything you tell it on Chinese servers, where hackers can easily gain access or even hijack its personality. And the company that made it, Energize Lab, doesn’t seem to care. I bought an Eiliko from Amazon on August 29th.
Unlike Netgear and Asus, TP-Link says it’s prepared to spend $1 billion to make Wi-Fi routers in the US.
Posted Oct 15, 2026 at 12:44 AM UTC Unlike Netgear and Asus, TP-Link says it’s prepared to spend $1 billion to make Wi-Fi routers in the US. “TP-Link would begin assembling these Wi-Fi 8 devices in the United States by next year,” it claims in a letter to the FCC — if the FCC will exempt its routers from the foreign router ban.
The lightsaber has been claimed - but I’ve still got 16-plus prizes to give away.
Posted Oct 14, 2026 at 5:40 PM UTC The lightsaber has been claimed — but I’ve still got 16-plus prizes to give away. The Today I’m Toying With giveaway is still going strong. I start a new giveaway each Wednesday, each runs for one week, and you can enter as many of them as you’d like — as long as you enter each one before its deadline of 9AM ET Wednesday! Here’s how to enter TITW Giveaway #16.
Nvidia will give gamers full control over DLSS 5 - in old games.
Posted Oct 13, 2026 at 7:45 PM UTC Nvidia will give gamers full control over DLSS 5 — in old games. “For gamers, DLSS 5 is a simple on-or-off toggle,” Nvidia told us in September, claiming DLSS 5 would “preserve artistic intent” behind games instead of just aging characters’ faces. But modders will have access to the same tools as developers, Nvidia now says — on October 23rd, it’s adding DLSS 5 to its RTX Remix tool for modding older DX8 and DX9 games. Used properly, it doesn’t look bad?
The FCC plans to ban all Chinese labs from testing US gadgets by 2029.
Posted Oct 10, 2026 at 12:18 AM UTC The FCC plans to ban all Chinese labs from testing US gadgets by 2029. The FCC has been cracking down on some Chinese test labs that improperly helped authorize gadgets for import into the US — now, it wants to get rid of Chinese labs altogether starting December 2028, only authorizing labs if they have a reciprocal economic relationship with the US. It’ll vote on October 29th; you can read the whole argument here.
Some Steam Frame updates:
Posted Oct 9, 2026 at 7:28 PM UTC Some Steam Frame updates: SteamOS 0.4 offers up to 12 percent battery life gain and fixes some streaming issues. And “Fixed an issue where the dashboard would recenter unnecessarily for some users” sounds like me! Valve released the CAD files if you want to design / 3D print accessories. Got a reservation? You can log in to see if it’ll arrive by December… or in 2027.
AMD will bring FSR 4 to handhelds by the end of 2026
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
AMD will bring FSR 4 to handhelds by the end of 2026
It’s already possible to get AMD’s framerate-enhancing FSR 4 boost on handhelds as old as the Steam Deck — but in June, AMD reserved the right to disappoint handheld gamers by not officially bringing FSR 4 to older handhelds. But AMD consumer chip boss Jack Huynh now says he will bring the tech to some handhelds by the end of the year. Which handhelds?
AMD will bring FSR 4 to handhelds by the end of 2026
Artificial Intelligence 4 hours ago You'll Never Guess Who Trump Is Now Calling 'THE ENEMY' Gizmodo - Matt Novak • 4h The MAGA Cultural Revolution is exhausting.
Today I’m Toying With giveaway #15.
Posted Oct 7, 2026 at 10:01 PM UTC Today I’m Toying With giveaway #15. Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Sean Hollister Gadgets
Here’s the magnetic USB-C port that Microsoft built.
Posted Oct 7, 2026 at 9:44 PM UTC Here’s the magnetic USB-C port that Microsoft built. What if we had an incredibly easy to snap-on and snap-off magnetic USB-C port? It’s a joy in person. It might still be proprietary, though: Microsoft is patenting the thing and isn’t quite saying whether it’ll let other manufacturers use it. Either way, you can plug any ol’ USB-C cable into the laptop’s female port.
Windows and Surface live blog: On the ground at Microsoft’s event
We’re in San Francisco today to hear what’s next for Windows and Surface. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, and Windows and Surface chief Pavan Davuluri will all be holding a “conversation on how local AI will shape the next chapter of the PC.” Microsoft and Nvidia have been working together on the new RTX Spark platform, which is focused on boosting local AI models, creative apps, and even gaming on a series of new laptops.
A free mod for Titanfall 2 makes it one of the best VR games ever
Titanfall has a special place in my heart. I’ve never felt such a rush in gaming since — leaping into the air with a jump pack, running on walls, summoning a giant mechanized battle suit that falls like a meteor from the sky, then letting one of its giant hands stuff me into the cockpit for a supersized skirmish. How could that possibly work in virtual reality? It sounds like a formula for pain, nausea, distress.
At $1,279, Google’s Xreal Aura will go head-to-head with Meta’s VR Glasses
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
At $1,279, Google’s Xreal Aura will go head-to-head with Meta’s VR Glasses Original
Two weeks ago, journalists in the San Francisco Bay Area got to try two hot new wearables that weigh only around 100 grams: the just-revealed Meta VR Glasses, and the long-awaited transparent Google XR glasses built in partnership with Xreal. It turns out they’re going head-to-head. Xreal has just opened Aura pre-orders starting at $1,279, $20 less than the Meta VR Glasses. That’s for the Xreal Aura with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage; there’ll also be a 16GB / 512GB config for $1,499.
Pimax is trying to leapfrog the Steam Frame and Steam Machine.
Posted Oct 6, 2026 at 5:58 PM UTC Pimax is trying to leapfrog the Steam Frame and Steam Machine. The company’s got a rep for optics among VR diehards, and it’s just announced the $1400 Crystal Pro. It’s a standalone headset with eye-tracking foveated streaming like the Steam Frame — now with uncompressed video over an optional 60GHz link.
This Zelda: Wind Waker Recomp is making me question my commitment to authenticity.
Posted Oct 6, 2026 at 5:34 PM UTC This Zelda: Wind Waker Recomp is making me question my commitment to authenticity. I’m finally playing Wind Waker for the very first time on original hardware — with my 9-year-old along for the ride! The controls and graphics are pretty rough on GameCube, though. This static recomp “BlueWake” looks amazing and runs on iOS, Mac and Windows… should I? Should I wait for the decomp?
The FCC has decertified two more Chinese test labs.
Posted Oct 6, 2026 at 5:11 PM UTC The FCC has decertified two more Chinese test labs. Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Sean Hollister News Policy
Matic Becomes First Robovac to Receive FCC Ban Waiver Despite No Need for It
On October 2nd, the FCC added Matic's original model 4MA0001 and charging dock 4DK0008 to its ban waiver list, allowing their import and sale. However, Matic's products were not banned initially, as their radios were approved years ago. Matic assembles its robots in Mountain View, California, and uses an Intel AX210 chip that already has FCC approval. The significance of this waiver lies in the FCC's ongoing efforts to tighten regulations on imports and ensure compliance among manufacturers.
The Matic is the first robovac to get an FCC ban waiver, not that it needs it
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
The Matic is the first robovac to get an FCC ban waiver, not that it needs it
The Matic is our favorite robot vacuum and robo-mop, and it’s also now the first to escape the FCC’s Roomba ban. Well, sort of — because the Matic wasn’t banned to begin with. Here’s what’s actually happening: On October 2nd, the FCC added the original Matic, model 4MA0001, and its charging dock model 4DK0008 to its ban waiver list. That allows the FCC to approve these radio products for import, marketing, and sale.
Just think: You could be playing Halo in a web browser right now.
Posted Oct 5, 2026 at 7:57 PM UTC Just think: You could be playing Halo in a web browser right now. Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Sean Hollister Gaming PC Gaming Tech Web
This toolless modular lever-action wallet is the coolest I’ve stuck to my phone
This toolless modular lever-action wallet is the coolest I’ve stuck to my phone. Remember when I tested the ultra-thin and convenient OhSnap Snap Grip Stand and liked it so much I bought my own? Now, OhSnap has a magnetic lever-action card wallet that can stack with that stand. It’s the coolest wallet I’ve ever stuck to my phone. Pull the integrated springy lever, and your cards fan out. Want a thicker or thinner wallet?
3D movies are finally worth watching
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
3D movies are finally worth watching
Why am I suddenly buying up every 3D Blu-ray I can find after 3D became one of the biggest tech flops of all time? The technology’s finally ready for 3D movies to shine, more than 15 years since James Cameron’s Avatar wowed me on the big screen and went on to become the highest-grossing film worldwide. Video glasses are giving me the experience I’ve always desired. I’ve always loved 3D movies, but viewing them was awkward.
3D movies are finally worth watching
Apple Intelligence 1 day ago The Best New Gadgets and Hi-Fi Releases of 2026 (Updated) gearpatrol.com - By Tucker Bowe • 1d Including Bose’s wired earbuds with active noise-cancellation, new flagship headphones from Technics, and Yamaha’s affordable stereo receiver. We’re … Steam Frame 1 day ago I played an evening of Big Walk on Steam Frame, and it felt like wearing a Steam Deck on my face GamesRadar - Duncan Robertson • 1d Last night, I was away from home.
Today I’m toying with the coolest wallet I’ve ever stuck to a phone.
Posted Oct 1, 2026 at 7:23 PM UTC Today I’m toying with the coolest wallet I’ve ever stuck to a phone. Ever seen a lever-action card wallet with modular and magnetic parts you can easily swap without tools? It’s the OhSnap Wallet 2, it’s on Kickstarter now, and I love its compliant mechanism.
Steam Deck 2: Is AMD Gainsborough the chip Valve’s been waiting for?
The Steam Deck is four and a half years old, and handheld gamers are eagerly awaiting a Steam Deck 2 — but Valve has consistently said it needs a new chip with a “generational leap” in performance and efficiency before building the sequel. There’s some reason to believe that chip has now broken cover: AMD Gainsborough. But I’m a tad skeptical.
Steam Deck 2: Is AMD Gainsborough the chip Valve’s been waiting for?
2 hours ago Ghost of Yotei and Marvel's Wolverine will be the first games to support QSSR on PS5. The base PS5 console is no slouch when it comes to games, but compared to the PS5 Pro, it doesn’t pack the same visual punch. That could change soon, as Sony has unveiled a new AI-upscaling upgrade for the older …
Can VR glasses save VR?
I’m pretty sure I won’t be buying the $1,299 Meta VR Glasses. That’s too rich for my blood in today’s economy, and my feelings about Meta are… conflicted. But I want you to understand that Meta just changed the game. We’ve had glasses, but we’ve never had glasses like this. The Meta VR Glasses are not an opaque VR headset. They are not a pair of transparent AR glasses. They might be the best of both.
Android Central, a good blog, has been gutted.
Posted Oct 1, 2026 at 1:12 AM UTC Android Central, a good blog, has been gutted. Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Sean Hollister Tech Web
It’s time to win the gadgets we can’t keep.
Posted Sep 30, 2026 at 5:24 PM UTC It’s time to win the gadgets we can’t keep. I just finished editing a new Today I’m Toying With video — and later today, I’ll pack up our biggest giveaway prize yet for one lucky winner. We don’t keep the gadgets we review, and I’m experimentally giving away the ones from my videos every Wednesday! Here’s how to enter TITW Giveaway #14.
Asus won’t say how it escaped the US router ban
Tech News Tube is a real time news feed of the latest technology news headlines.Follow all of the top tech sites in one place, on the web or your mobile device.
Asus won’t say how it escaped the US router ban
This spring, the United States banned all future foreign-made consumer routers — effectively all future routers — unless their makers could 1) convince the US government that they weren’t a national security threat, and 2) submit “a detailed, time-bound plan to establish or expand manufacturing in the United States.” As of September 9th, Asus now has an exemption from the ban, just in time to bring its first early Wi-Fi 8 routers here.
How many Chromebooks will become Googlebooks before ChromeOS dies in 2034?
Posted Sep 29, 2026 at 4:56 PM UTC How many Chromebooks will become Googlebooks before ChromeOS dies in 2034? “Many newer commercial Chromebook models will be capable of upgrading to Googlebook OS,” Google writes. But not all. Nearly 100 different models of Chromebook are supposed to get support till 2035 or later. Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Sean Hollister Chromebook Gadgets Google Laptops Tech
‘Valve Corporation v. Users of Valve’s Video Game Platform, Steam’ is a real court case.
Posted Sep 28, 2026 at 10:06 PM UTC ‘Valve Corporation v. Users of Valve’s Video Game Platform, Steam’ is a real court case. Is Valve suing gamers!? No, not really: Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates. Sean Hollister Gaming Law PC Gaming Policy
This unofficial Lego Racers remake runs in your browser with split-screen and online multiplayer.
Posted Sep 28, 2026 at 9:15 PM UTC This unofficial Lego Racers remake runs in your browser with split-screen and online multiplayer. The classic game decomplication movement has produced yet another amazing feat: 1999’s Lego Racers isn’t just back, the excellent Mario-Kart-meets-Lego game is anywhere you want it to be.
Today’s Vergecast: Shuhei Yoshida on the future of gaming.
Posted Sep 28, 2026 at 8:23 PM UTC Today’s Vergecast: Shuhei Yoshida on the future of gaming. How does the former Sony PlayStation veteran think games will be made and played, especially now that gaming has become an increasingly expensive hobby? (And how’s he liking his Steam Machine?) Today on The Vergecast, he joins The Verge’s Sean Hollister to talk about the shifts in the gaming industry.
Insta360 conquered 360 cameras — now it’s eyeing glasses
It’s right there in the name: “Insta360” makes 360-degree cameras, ones that film every angle simultaneously so you can shoot first and frame later. It didn’t invent the idea, but Insta360 has become so synonymous with 360 cameras that it dominates the category with 73 percent of worldwide marketshare. It’s preparing to ship so many cameras, it just spent $298 million — more than GoPro’s entire valuation — on memory chips alone.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Sean
Contact Sean, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack