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This is Only a Test

This is Only a Test

This is the official podcast of Tested.com. Tested brings you the week's technology and science news, with hosts Will Smith, Norman Chan, and Jeremy Williams. There's no jargon here, just solid explanations of the week's news--and plenty of wacky tangents. Make sure you stick around after the outro for fake outtakes!

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Episodes

You're The Genius Bar ? This is Only a Test 626 ? 11/18/21

After returning from DesignerCon, Norm and the team get together to discuss the new Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer drop, our IMAX enhanced home-viewing experience, and Apple's shift in right to repair policy. Plus, Valve gives more details about Steamdeck hardware and Meta's Reality Labs previews some haptics research! (Apologies for some popping audio in the episode as we had a bad XLR cable in a microphone)
2021-11-18
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VR Friendships ? This is Only a Test 625 ? 11/11/21

The full squad is back this week to talk about Tested's short film shoot and spacesuit build, an incredible AT-AT Lego set, IMAX formatted movies for the home, and Unity buying Weta Digital. Plus, extended impressions of the Lynx R1 mixed reality headset and the upcoming zombie game After The Fall!
2021-11-11
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Talking LEGO ? This is Only a Test 624 ? 11/4/21

joined by special guest Brent Waller, a LEGO fan designer who's had several of his creations turned into official LEGO sets (including the Ghostbusters Ecto-1 and Seinfeld apartment). Brent joins us to talk about our halloween adventures, his journey submitting successful LEGO Ideas projects, creating Batmobiles for the LEGO Batman film, and the new LEGO Bricklink Designer Program. Plus, a glimpse at how he sorts his massive LEGO collection!
2021-11-04
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That's So Meta ? This is Only a Test 623 ? 10/28/21

It's a big week for virtual reality as Jeremy and Norm discuss all the news to come out of Facebook Connect, including the brief glimpses of new hardware teased for next year. Plus, the Dune sequel gets greenlit, Pixar's Lightyear trailer, and thoughts on the VR headsets announced by Varjo and Pimax.
2021-10-29
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Pro, Max, Notch ? This is Only a Test 622 ? 10/21/21

We react to the trailers and footage shown at DC's recent Fandome event, including the new trailer for The Batman and our first look at Black Adam! The team also discusses Valve's plans to verify games for the SteamDeck, and Google's Pixel 6 strategy. Plus, our take on the performance and design of Apple's just-announced MacBook Pro lineup and new Airpod 3s.
2021-10-21
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Should've Sent a Poet ? This is Only a Test 621 ? 10/14/21

We're back from New York Comic Con to talk about the cosplay we saw there, the Ghostbusters: Afterlife panel, and testing the iPhone's cinematic mode on the show floor. Plus, Kishore's close encounter with the earthquake in Hawaii, Shatner's spaceflight, and a deluge of VR and AR news!
2021-10-15
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Windows 11 ? This is Only a Test 620 ? 10/7/21

We're finally all back together this week to discuss the launch of Windows 11, the recent social media outage, and William Shatner's upcoming trip to space! Plus, the problem with Seinfeld on Netflix and what's the deal with the movie being filmed on the International Space Station. Who's going to be at New York Comic Con this weekend?
2021-10-07
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Cinematic Mode ? This is Only a Test 619 ? 9/30/21

The duocast streak continues as Jeremy tags in this week to discuss real world use of iPhone's cinematic video mode, the nitpicking of iPad Mini's jelly roll screen effect, porting Medal of Honor to the Quest 2, and Amazon's slate of home robots. Plus, Norm demos a new type of LED strip he's been testing and rants about the movie Free Guy. Join us!
2021-10-01
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Visions ? This is Only a Test 618 ? 9/24/21

Norm and Kishore check in to talk about the success of the Inspiration 4 mission, the just-announced Mario movie, and what surprised us most about the Star Wars Visions series. Plus, Microsoft's revamped hardware lineup, new iPhone reviews, and the future of wireless charging.
2021-09-24
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Apple's Diminishing Returns ? This is Only a Test 617 ? 9/16/21

Another duocast this week, as Jeremy joins Norm to recap the announcements and disappointments from Apple's California Streaming event, including the new technolgoy in the latest generation of iPhones and Apple Watch. Plus, more thoughts on The Matrix, the launch of the Inspiration 4 mission, and the first trailer for Marvel's Hawkeye show!
2021-09-16
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Resurrections ? This is Only a Test 616 ? 9/9/21

So much to go over this week! Kishore and Norm give a lengthy spoiler-free review of Shang-Chi, dissect the incredible The Matrix: Ressurections trailer, ponder the future of holographic concerts, and break down the challenges of "smart glasses" for both Facebook and Apple as both companies pursue augmented reality technologies.
2021-09-10
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Parental Control ? This is Only a Test 615 ? 9/2/21

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2021-09-03
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Man in Robot Suit ? This is Only a Test 614 ? 8/26/21

Two massive Marvel trailers dropped this week as we discuss the latest glimpses of The Eternals and the internet-breaking Spider-Man: No Way Home teaser. Plus, we debate the practicality of the Tesla Robot, talk LED light strips, react to Disney's Genie Pass, and awe over an amazing fan-made Simpsons video player!
2021-08-26
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Horizon Workrooms ? This is Only a Test 613 ? 8/19/21

This week, we catch up on the new animated MCU show "What If...?", get hyped for Star Wars Visions, recap our trip to see the original Batwing filming model, and try to wrap our heads around the appeal folding phones. Plus, we discuss and give our impressions on the just-announced Horizon Workrooms open beta and the virtual reality technology being developed to create the VR alternative to video calls for collaborations.
2021-08-19
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Proton Is Not An Emulator ? This is Only a Test 612 ? 8/12/21

Three big topics to go over this week, as Norm recaps and gives more context to his Steam Deck hands-on trip to Valve, we discuss The Suicide Squad with minor spoilers, and Devindra Hardawar of Engadget and the Filmcast guests to give clarity to Apple's new child safety initiatives on iPhone. Thanks to Devindra for guesting this week! You can find him online at https://twitter.com/devindra and the Filmcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/4997224
2021-08-12
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Is PCVR Dead ? This is Only a Test 611 ? 8/5/21

This week, Kishore gives a big update explaining the data on the Delta variant, we discuss the new Ghostbusters: Afterlife trailer, Google's just-announced Pixel 6 phone, Disney's Galactic Starcruiser pricing, and the prospects for PC-based virtual reality systems as a sustainable market.
2021-08-05
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Behind the Attraction ? This is Only a Test 610 ? 7/29/21

Jeremy returns his week down in Southern California and reports back on his visit to Galaxy's Edge, Universal Studios Hollywood, and the EV road trip getting there. We also have more thoughts on the Steam Deck, discuss the first hands-on reports of the Playdate handheld, and awe at PlayStation 5's record-breaking sales. Plus, some Oculus updates that VR fans should know about!
2021-07-29
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Steam Deck ? This is Only a Test 609 ? 7/22/21

Dan Stapleton from IGN joins us this week to break down the announcement of the Steam Deck as we talk through Valve's forays into making and selling hardware. From the hardware's potential to the pre-order system designed to thwart scalpers, we discuss who this new handheld is designed for and our hopes for it. Plus, a spoiler-filled recap and review of the finale of Loki!
2021-07-22
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A Coupon Day or Something ? This is Only a Test 608 ? 7/15/21

Kishore gives a health update, Jeremy prepares for a trip to Disneyland, and Norm has opinions about the new look of broadcast sports. Disney announces two eagerly-anticpated streaming specials, and we review Black Widow and talk about what its simultaneous theatrical and streaming release mean for the future of Marvel Studios films. Plus, we weigh in on the achievements of private companies like Virgin Galactic, Blue Orgin, and SpaceX have made in sending their own crewed missions to space. What does it mean to democratize space travel?
2021-07-15
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Stay In Your Lane, Car ? This is Only a Test 607 ? 7/8/21

Kishore's back from vacation to give us some context about what's going on with the Delta variant, and we share our spoiler-free thoughts on the latest episode of Loki, Nintendo's surprising Switch hardware announcement, and the latest on Jeremy and Kishore's EV quests. Plus, what movies do you think would benefit from a 4D theater treatment?
2021-07-08
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Rare LEGO ? This is Only a Test 606 ? 7/1/21

We're joined by friend of the site Steve Lin this week to catch up and talk about the reception to Disney's Loki show so far (no spoilers!), the announcement of Windows 11, the benefits of 4K vs HDR, and anticipation for the new LEGO BrickLink Designer Program. Plus, our reaction to the latest Picard Season 2 trailer and how much an iconic Next Generation prop sold for at auction!
2021-07-01
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EV Quest ? This is Only a Test 605 ? 6/24/21

A new dubstep intro theme drops this week as Will joins us to discuss the things that excited us at E3, the games that both Will and Jeremy have been working on, and Jeremy's ongoing quest for a new electric vehicle. Plus we review both Pixar's Luca and Lin Manuel Miranda's In The Heights!
2021-06-24
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The Variant Episode ? This is Only a Test 604 ? 6/18/21

In this episode from a parallel reality, branched off from the sacred timeline, Norm is joined by Bill Doran (Punished Props Academy) and Joel Telling (3D Printing Nerd) to catch up and geek out about 3D printing, producing their YouTube channels, and embracing different tools for making--and making videos. And we eventually get around to reviewing the first episode of Loki!
2021-06-18
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Let's Make a PlayDate ? This is Only a Test 603 ? 6/10/21

Lots to go over this week as we break down Apple's announcements from WWDC, dissect the Battlefield 2042 debut trailer, get excited over new information on the PlayDate portable game system, and show off some holograms on a Looking Glass Portrait volumetric lightfield display. Plus, the early reports from Avengers Campus and Norm's new lightsaber!
2021-06-10
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The Real Ocean's 11 ? This is Only a Test 602 ? 6/3/21

We're joined by Tested contributor Bill Doran of Punished Props Academy to talk about his latest foam fabrication projects, how he's thinking about convention travel plans for the rest of the year, and the benefits of FDM 3D printers versus resin printers. Plus, Kishore gives an update on NASA's James Webb telescope and we all geek out over reality competition shows that showcase compentency over drama.
2021-06-03
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Steam in Your Pocket ? This is Only a Test 601 ? 5/27/21

We don't hold our breath for news about JJ Abram's Portal movie, but get excited for casting for Netflix's Sandman in this week's episode. We also discuss the rumor that Valve is making a handheld gaming PC to run Steam, the first Eternals trailer, and Tesla's decision to go all in on computer vision.
2021-05-27
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Step Into The Looking Glass ? This is Only a Test 600 ? 5/21/21

Duocast this week as Kishore and Norm recap the news from Google I/O, dissect the Project Starline telepresence booth, get hyped for a new Batman animated show, and sing the praises of the VR game Demeo. Plus, more impressions of the Framework modular laptop and what an electric F-150 pickup means for the EV market.
2021-05-21
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Headset Haptics ? This is Only a Test 599 ? 5/13/21

On the cusp of our 600th episode, we convene over the Zooms to discuss the announcements out of HTC's VIVECon, react to the rumored specs of PS5's VR hardware, and debate the merits of putting haptic feedback in a VR headset. We recap our recent experiences in Demeo and the new Population One Season 2 update, plus Jeremy lays out the details on Stern's upcoming Mandalorian Pinball machine. And how about that Venom 2 trailer?
2021-05-13
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The Tape Measure Lightsaber ? This is Only a Test 598 ? 5/6/21

As we get close to our 600th episode, we mix things up with a new format for the show, narrowing our topics of discussion to the top four stories we found most interesting this week. Kicking things off is Disney's unveil of a "working" lightsaber prop for its theme parks, our review of The Mitchells vs the Machines, Marvel's Phase 4 announcements, and the latest in the Apple vs Epic trial. Now accepting new segment music submissions!
2021-05-06
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Robo Meet and Greet ? This is Only a Test 597 ? 4/29/21

It's taken us a year, but we're finally back on the podcast set (at least virtually) this week to talk about Imagineering's Project Kiwi robot prototype, the filmic look of the Academy Awards, and our impressions of Oculus's Air Link feature for the Quest 2 headset. Plus, our final thoughts on The Falcon and the Winter Solider as we brace for the Loki series!
2021-04-29
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TV Remote Hype ? This is Only a Test 596 ? 4/22/21

In this week's duocast, Kishore and Norm go over the announcements from Apple's packed Spring Loaded event, debate the usefulness of tile-trackers, and get hyped for Ted Lasson season 2. Plus, a spoiler-discussion of the fifth episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, the Shang-Chi teaser trailer, and a quick VR minute!
2021-04-22
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Enter the Infinite Office ? This is Only a Test 595 ? 4/15/21

Will guests this week as we discuss the major new features of the Oculus Quest 2's impending V28 software release and review the latest episode of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. Plus, what we hope to see out of Apple and HTC's upcoming virtual events, and our hopes for Disney's mysterious lightsaber design! Thanks to Will for guesting this week! Check out his chat with Kishore about the latest on vaccines at https://techpod.content.town/
2021-04-15
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Picard's Second Chance ? This is Only a Test 594 ? 4/8/21

A special short episode this week as Norm checks in from his paternity leave to catch up with the gang about the latest episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, that bonkers Loki trailer, and our cautious optimism for the next season of Star Trek: Picard. Plus, an interview with the team behind Plutosphere, who want to make cloud-based VR a reality.
2021-04-09
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An Awkward Thanksgiving ? This is Only a Test 593 ? 4/1/21

We're joined by special guest Devindra Hardawar (from Engadget and the Slashfilmcast) this week to talk about the return of Comic-Con in San Diego this Thanksgiving, the implications of the latest Falcon and The Winter Soldier episode, and what new tech we're excited for this year. Plus, a retrospective discussion of VR on the fifth anniversary of the Oculus Rift's launch! Thanks to Devindra for guesting this week! You can follow him at https://twitter.com/devindra
2021-04-01
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Intel's Next Big Bet ? This is Only a Test 592 ? 3/25/21

This week, we review the first episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (spoilers within!), finally finish the Snyder Cut of Justice League, and discuss Intels' big foundry announcement. Plus, new LEGO sets we're excited for, OnePlus's new phones, and the Ingenuity robot copter's impending takeoff on Mars!
2021-03-25
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4:3 Aspect Ratio ? This is Only a Test 591 ? 3/18/21

This week, we're joined by Will to talk about the release and reception to the Justice League Synder Cut, the controversial changes to Cricut cutter's design upload policy, and the surprise reveal of the PlayStation 5 VR controller. Plus, Intel takes a jab at Macs with a familiar face, and we get a download about the popular game Eco.
2021-03-18
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Who Wants Small Phones ? This is Only a Test 590 ? 3/11/21

This week, Kishore explains the state of COVID vaccinations in the US and what the next couple months could look like, Norm and Jeremy review Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon, and we all wonder why Apple's mini iPhone may not be selling as well as expected. Plus, what we would want from an Amazon robot, and our hopes for physical controllers in VR and AR.
2021-03-11
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NFT WTF ? This is Only a Test 589 ? 3/5/21

This week, we try to wrap our heads around the emerging NFT marketplace, how the technology works, where the demand is coming from, and what it means for the future of digital art sales. We also break down the new Nintendo Switch rumors and marvel at the footage of the SpaceX Starship SN10 landing. Plus, stick around after the credits for a full Wandavision finale spoilercast discussion and review!
2021-03-06
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Best Bye's to Fry's ? This is Only a Test 588 ? 2/25/21

This week, we gush over the first images and audio to come from NASA's Perserverance rover after its successful landing on Mars! Jeremy is also beaming with pride over his first video game development credit in Blizzard's new Arcade Collection. With the highs also come the lows as we say goodbye to Cinefex, Daft Punk, and the computer store Fry's electronics. Plus some news on the PSVR front!
2021-02-25
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All Eyes On Perserverance ? This is Only a Test 587 ? 2/18/21

We get excited for the Perserverance rover Mars landing happening later today in this week's episode. Jeremy finally watches In and Of Itself, we get hyped for The Last of Us casting, and try to deciper the new Chevy Bolt announcements. Plus, Kishore gets a Pelaton and we wrack our brains around reverse engineering the source code to GTA III.
2021-02-18
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House of MCU ? This is Only a Test 586 ? 2/11/21

The gang gets together to recap their favorite bits from this past weekend's Superb Owl, including the new camera tech used for the broadcast and the best chicken wing recipes. Kishore shares tips for streamlining your streaming services, and Will guests this week to dive into the mind-bending implications of the latest WandaVision episode.
2021-02-11
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Tesla Goes Full K.I.T.T. ? This is Only a Test 585 ? 2/4/21

WandaVision starts to get really interesting as we break down the latest MCU developments in the Disney+ show this week, along with discussion about Google's step back from Stadia games, multiple Mars landings this month, and Tesla's wild new car design decisions.
2021-02-04
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In and Of Itself Spoilercast! ? This is Only a Test 584 ? 1/28/21

This week, we try to wrap our heads around the craziness happening with Gamestop's stock prices, and are joined by Will to review and discuss the Derek Delgaudio film In and Of Itself. Plus, a recap the latest WandaVision, brain-computer interface hype, and Kishore explains what's going on with COVID mutations. Thanks to Will for guesting this week! You can listen to Tech Pod at https://techpod.content.town/
2021-01-28
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Apple's VR Conundrum ? This is Only a Test 583 ? 1/21/21

We break down the confounding rumors about Apple's VR headset plans on this week's show, review the first two episodes of WandaVision, and share what we'd want out of a Willy Wonda prequel. Plus, the surprising things we learned from iFixit's AirPods Max teardown, and the return of a Moment of Science! SF Covid Vaccine notification site: https://sf.gov/covid-19-vaccine-san-francisco
2021-01-22
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We're All at CES ? This is Only a Test 582 ? 1/15/21

With the first virtual CES underway, we discuss the weird and far out products and prototypes that debuted this week. From multi-rotor taxis to RGB LED face masks, CES still manages to be a showcase for novelty tech. We also talk about the surprise Lucasfilm Games announcements, Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event, and Doom 3 for VR!
2021-01-15
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2021's Return Window ? This is Only a Test 581 ? 1/07/21

Happy new year! The gang meets up to recap their holiday breaks, gifts we gave and received, and Jeremy's new gig in game development! We also review Pixar's Soul and Wonder Woman 1984, and get hyped for a year of MCU shows. Plus, our hopes for the virtual CES event happening next week!
2021-01-08
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Mando and Tenet ? This is Only a Test 580 ? 12/24/20

It's our final episode of the year! We zoom up one last time to send off 2020 with an episode dedicated to discussing the second season finale of The Mandalorian, the future of Star Wars on television, and a spoiler-filled breakdown of Christopher Nolan's Tenet. Thanks for joining us for an uncertain and unconventional year, and stay safe during the holidays!
2020-12-25
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Neverending Star Wars ? This is Only a Test 579 ? 12/17/20

As we get ready to close out the year, Disney gives us a tremendous amount to look forward to as they reveal their slate of Star Wars and Marvel shows and movies for the next few years. We break down the announcements and talk about the potential for these stories to take our favorite franchises in both new and familiar directions, as well as our hopes and fears for each. Plus, testing iPhone's ProRAW feature and mixed reality updates in the VR Minute!
2020-12-17
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MAXed Out ? This is Only a Test 578 ? 12/10/20

News goes to the Max this week with the industry-shaking announcement about Warner Bros.'s plans to release all of its 2021 films on HBO Max and Apple's surprise AirPods Max unveil. Engadget editor Devindra Hardawar joins us on the show to this week to discuss the implications for the film business, his review of Apple's M1-powered laptops, and the latest episode of The Mandalorian.
2020-12-10
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Forever Baby Yoda ? This is Only a Test 577 ? 12/3/20

We're back from a remote Thanksgiving holiday to catch up on two weeks of news, including the unveiling of Super Mario World at Universal Japan, Wonder Woman 1984's upcoming debut on HBO Max, and a new desktop holographic display from Looking Glass. Plus, we recap this past week's awesome Mandalorian episode--revelations and spoilers within!
2020-12-03
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