GeekWire A silver lining for Seattle in the DJI ban, and the verdict on the 2007 Camry tech retrofit
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Jan 3, 2026 The FCC's recent ban on foreign-made drones, notably from DJI, could be a boon for Seattle's tech scene. Hosts discuss how local companies like Brinc might fill the gap in the drone market. Blake Resnick shares insights on fair competition and the potential for growth in the region. Meanwhile, Todd reviews his retrofitted 2007 Toyota Camry, highlighting the improvements in infotainment but noting some audio quirks. Will Seattle become the drone capital of the U.S.? Tune in for an engaging discussion!
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Regulatory Shift Could Spur A U.S. Drone Industry
- The FCC ban on foreign-made drones could create a US opportunity to rebuild domestic drone industry and supply chains.
- Blake Resnick argues Seattle's aerospace ecosystem gives it a competitive advantage to scale American drone manufacturing.
Local Talent And Suppliers Are Ready
- Seattle hosts deep engineering talent across Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and space companies that Resnick says can build competitive drones.
- He insists necessary technicians and suppliers already exist regionally to scale manufacturing.
Consumer Backlash And A Gradual Market Shift
- Enthusiast backlash and a possible black market are likely because DJI holds ~70% market share and users prize its tech.
- The ban's real effect will play out over years as existing inventory sells through and new models are blocked.