Sean Hollister

Steam Machines have returned.

It wouldn’t commit to TMR joysticks, either, though they seem likely now.

The Steam Frame is the start — but it could be tip of the iceberg.

Think bigger than a Steam Deck 2.

We’re taking questions from Verge subscribers.

Judge Donato is now ordering an evidentiary hearing in Epic v. Google, Law360’s Bonnie Eslinger reports from the courtroom. She writes Donato is “not sure the proposed deal will correct Google’s illegal conduct,” and was skeptical that Epic and Google “are suddenly BFFs.” The future of Android is at stake. [Link: Google-Epic Judge Raises Doubts About App Antitrust Deal | https://www.law360.com/technology/articles/2408618 | Law360]

It’s not all bad: I can enter my PIN with buttons now. But sleep isn’t fixed, the Claw has no way to map the Xbox button to a key I can long-press (so no full-screen task switching), and the Xbox app and MSI Center are fighting with each other for control. Who greenlit this? [Link: Microsoft releases an Xbox Full Screen Experience preview for the MSI Claw | https://www.theverge.com/news/811826/microsoft-xbox-full-screen-experience-fse-msi-claw-windows-11-insider | The Verge]

I thought Google would change its policy — but no, existing payments policy pages haven’t changed. Instead, the news Google can no longer force you into Play Billing is on a separate page, one that doesn’t show up when I type “Play Billing” or “require billing” into the search console. [Image: Also: “In the near future we will share more program requirements and business model changes to preserve user trust and safety in the ecosystem.” https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/chrome_ZyV7qdH0EL.png?quality=90&strip=all]

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Big Android changes through 2032.

The Xbox Ally is better with Bazzite.

Retroactive bans are coming for Chinese companies.

In late December, DJI may no longer be allowed to import new products into the US — it seems someone woke up and smelled a business opportunity in that! Products DJI decided not to bring to the US are suddenly on Amazon’s shelves, including the Mavic 4 Pro and Mini 5 Pro. [Link: DJI Whiplash: from empty shelves to next-day delivery in the U.S. | https://dronexl.co/2025/10/26/dji-drones-inventory-whiplash-back-in-stock/ | DroneXl]

In the meanwhile, on October 29th, Google will have to change its Android app store in big ways. “While we will comply, it forces us to weaken vital security protections, jeopardizing user safety and the open Android model that supports millions of developers,” writes Google spokesperson Dan Jackson. Full document here: [Link: Google v Epic Cert Petition + Appendix 10-27-25 Final | https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26198163-google-v-epic-cert-petition-appendix-10-27-25-final/ | DocumentCloud]

[Link: Xbox’s Prized Sci-Fi Franchise Is Heading to PlayStation | https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/24/arts/halo-playstation-microsoft-xbox.html | The New York Times] Three weeks ago today, we reported how Microsoft’s prepping a free version of its Xbox cloud gaming service. While quizzing the company about bringing its new Halo remake to rival PlayStation, The New York Times also got “a Microsoft official” to confirm it’s internally testing the free ad-supported service.

That was fast! I slapped down my $29 the day we wrote about Hallmark’s new ornament and it’s already here. Watch when I press the power button — and see how it compares to my Sega Genesis one Hallmark released in 2022! There’s an NES, SNES and OG Xbox too. [Media: https://www.tiktok.com/@verge/video/7564473387276422414]

I listened to Intel’s earnings call.

The Build A Boy is coming.

No more whipping out a phone on your porch.

Sharge is at it again.