Watch Out for Coronavirus Phishing Scams

At least one email campaign is preying on fears by claiming to offer info about the Wuhan coronavirus.

source https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-phishing-scams

Twitch Is Slowly Losing Some Major Streamers

Ninja recently left the platform for Microsoft's Mixer. Others are following in his path.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitch-mixer

The Biggest Apple Maps Change Is One You Can't See

Apple’s “new” version of the app is less a rollout of fresh features than an important step toward the company's own mapping independence.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-maps-redesign

Coronavirus Research Is Moving at Top Speed—With a Catch

Scientists are posting their papers on the China outbreak as fast as they can write them, skipping traditional journals.

source https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-research-preprint-servers

How to Die—and Grieve—in 2020

This week: The trouble with Death Twitter, Princess Diana's long shadow, and GM's all-electric Hummer.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-kobe-bryant-how-to-die-and-grieve-in-2020

Meet the Guy Who Invented the Oomphalapompatronium

Don't know what that is? That's OK—we'll explain.

source https://www.wired.com/story/obsessed-oomphalapompatronium

The 8 Best Smartwatches (2020): Apple Watch, Samsung, Wear OS

Which smartwatch should you buy? From the Apple Watch to the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, here are our favorites.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-smartwatches

Litter-Robot 3 Connect Review: A Worthwhile But Pricey Cat Toilet

The tricked-out litter box answers one of life's great questions: What if my kitty's toilet was a robot?

source https://www.wired.com/review/litter-robot-3-connect

Animals Need Digital Privacy, Too

Humans are not the only living things beset by hidden cameras and tracked by portable devices.

source https://www.wired.com/story/animals-need-digital-privacy-too

Not to Ruin the Super Bowl, But the Sea Is Consuming Miami

*Huzzah* for overeating and watching athletes brutalize each other. *Boo* the fact that climate change is an existential threat to Miami.

source https://www.wired.com/story/rising-seas-are-coming-for-miamis-super-bowls

Climate Change Is Netflix's *Ragnarok*

The newest superhero coming-of-age drama updates—and infantilizes—Nordic mythology for our age of environmental disaster.

source https://www.wired.com/story/climate-change-netflix-ragnarok

Alphabet Has a Second, Secretive Quantum Computing Team

Google's parent touted its quantum supremacy achievement last year. It doesn't talk about a group at X working on software.

source https://www.wired.com/story/alphabet-second-secretive-quantum-computing-team

Super Bowl 2020: Watch the Best Ads Here

Hate football but love Squarespace? Watch all the ads now so you can skip the Big Game.

source https://www.wired.com/story/super-bowl-2020-commercials

Gadget Lab Podcast: Byte Video Sharing, and Motorola’s Razr Reboot

On this week’s show, we talk about Vine's rebirth as Byte, and the new Razr reboot, which now comes with (of course) a folding screen.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-440

The DOJ Is Finally Suing US Telecom Providers for Robocalls

The defendants have allegedly connected hundreds of millions of fraudulent robocalls to US residents.

source https://www.wired.com/story/doj-sues-us-telecom-providers-for-robocalls

'Weathering With You' Is an Environmental Power Fantasy

The new anime film, from the creators of Your Name, puts the power to stop climate change into individuals' hands. That's where the real make-believe lies.

source https://www.wired.com/story/weathering-with-you-review

The Coronavirus Global Health Emergency, an Amazon Rival, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-global-health-emergency-bookshop-amazon

The Coronavirus Is Now Officially a Global Emergency

The World Health Organization declared the China outbreak an international threat, raising questions about many countries' health infrastructure.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wuhan-china-coronavirus-global-health-emergency

The Fractured Future of Browser Privacy

Better anti-tracking measures have become the norm for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and other modern browsers. But they still disagree on how exactly they should work.

source https://www.wired.com/story/chrome-firefox-edge-browser-privacy

Warren Pledges to Fight Disinformation, but Her Arsenal Is Limited

When it comes to stopping the spread of false information in the 2020 election, everyone is at the mercy of Big Tech.

source https://www.wired.com/story/elizabeth-warren-disinformation-big-tech

A Tiny Glass Bead Goes as Still as Nature Allows

In everyday life, stillness is an illusion. Not so in this lab, where scientists rendered an object as motionless as the laws of physics permit.

source https://www.wired.com/story/a-tiny-glass-bead-goes-as-still-as-nature-allows

This Startup Wants to Help Indie Booksellers Take on Amazon

Bookshop, an ecommerce startup intended to help independent bookstores assert themselves online, has the tech giant in its sights.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bookshop-org

To Survive, Byte Needs to Win Over Creators Where Vine Failed

Six-second video loops are finally back, but this time it has to compete with TikTok.

source https://www.wired.com/story/byte-needs-to-win-over-creators-vine

Seth Rogen Is Working on a Movie About a Killer Meme

It's an adaption of the Boom\! Studios comic *Memetic*. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/killer-meme-movie

Success Kid's Mom Won't Stand for Steve King's 'Meme' Ad

Laney Griner, the mother behind the meme, sent the Iowa congressperson a cease-and-desist.

source https://www.wired.com/story/success-kid-steve-king

Exclusive: Brooks' Hyperion Elite Could Beat Nike's Vaporflys

Proprietary foam and a carbon fiber plate could make one of the year's most anticipated new racing shoes a record-breaker. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/exclusive-brooks-hyperion-elite-could-beat-nike-vaporflys

The Coronavirus Is Now Infecting People Who Haven't Traveled to China

Public health experts worry the outbreak is entering a dangerous new phase as cases of local transmission in other countries accumulate.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-coronavirus-is-now-infecting-more-people-outside-china

7 Best Gaming Controllers (2020): PC, Xbox, PS4, Switch

A great gamepad instantly levels up your play. These are our top picks for Switch, Xbox, PS4, and PC.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-game-controllers

Mark Warner Takes on Big Tech and Russian Spies

A former telecoms entrepreneur, the Virginia senator says that saving the industry (and democracy) might mean blowing up Big Tech as we know it.

source https://www.wired.com/story/mark-warner-takes-on-big-tech-and-russian-spies

Tesla Reports Strong Results, but Challenges Loom Ahead

The electric automaker posted $105 million in fourth-quarter profit on $7.4 billion in revenue. It delivered a record 112,000 vehicles. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-strong-results-challenges-ahead

An *Untitled Goose Game* Tribute Unleashes Chaos on Your Desktop

An enterprising developer has brought chaotic goose energy to Windows with Desktop Goose. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/desktop-goose-windows-extension

San Francisco Joins the Move to Ban Cars From a Major Street

New York has cleared Times Square and 14th Street, while Oslo is banishing drivers from its city center.

source https://www.wired.com/story/san-francisco-ban-cars-major-street

RIP Spitzer, the Coolest Heat Telescope in the Solar System

For 16 years, NASA's trusty scope revealed a hidden infrared universe. Now it’s up to the James Webb Space Telescope to pick up where it left off.

source https://www.wired.com/story/rip-spitzer-telescope

A Spinning Rocket Slinger, a Bionic Jellyfish, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/spinlaunch-rocket-bionic-jellyfish

We Should Deescalate the War on the Coronavirus

Fear, finger-pointing, and militaristic action against the virus are predictable, but unproductive. We may be better off adjusting to a new normal of periodic outbreaks.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-we-should-deescalate-the-war-on-the-coronavirus

A Bionic Jellyfish Swims With Manic Speed (for a Jellyfish)

Researchers equip jellyfish with electronics to turbocharge their swimming pace. It's a fascinating new way to approach robotics.

source https://www.wired.com/story/a-bionic-jellyfish

The US Is Losing Its Fight Against Huawei

The Trump administration has spent years pressuring the UK to ban Chinese giant Huawei. It didn't work.

source https://www.wired.com/story/uk-huawei-5g-networks-us

How to Nail a Front Flip in a Monster Truck

Want to attempt this gravity-defying stunt in a 5-ton vehicle? Better know your physics.

source https://www.wired.com/story/monster-truck-front-flip

The History of Food Photos—From Still Lifes to Brunch 'Grams

Humans have been snapping pics of their plates for over 160 years—and photos of meals have revealed a lot about the people gathered at the table.

source https://www.wired.com/story/history-of-food-photos

'Kingdom Hearts III Re: Mind' Is the Antidote to Bad Endings

In a cultural moment where franchises like Star Wars and Game of Thrones don't know how to end well, Kingdom Hearts says: Why end at all?

source https://www.wired.com/story/kingdom-hearts-iii-re-mind-review

6 Best Gaming Desktop PCs (2020): Custom, High-End, Cheap

I assure you, these PC battle stations are fully armed and operational. They're also WIRED Recommended.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-gaming-desktop-pcs

How to Get the Most Out of Your Smartphone's Encryption

Both iPhones and Androids are encrypted by default. But there are steps you can take to safeguard your data on backups and messaging apps.

source https://www.wired.com/story/smartphone-encryption-apps

The 10,000-Year Clock Is a Waste of Time

It's less a monument to long-term thinking than a Gilded Age distraction.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-10000-year-clock-is-a-waste-of-time

The 6 Best TVs for Every Budget (2020): TCL, Samsung, LG

The best, boldest, and most budget-friendly 4K and 8K TVs WIRED has seen, from OLEDs to LCDs.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-tvs

When ‘Ghost Kitchens’ Become Mystery Grubhub Listings

A takeout mix-up in San Francisco revealed a dirty secret of the food-delivery business: restaurants listed without their permission.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ghost-kitchens-mystery-grubhub-listings

The Tragedy and Mystery of the ‘Best Game of the Decade’

Now that the fifth and final chapter of *Kentucky Route Zero* is out, we know how it ends—and have more questions than ever.

source https://www.wired.com/story/kentucky-route-zero-5

Comic Book Artists on Parenthood, Creativity, and Cry-Barfing

Having a kid doesn’t extinguish inspiration. Three cartoonists share how becoming parents radically transformed their art—and everything else. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/comic-book-artists-parenting

Inside SpinLaunch, the Space Industry’s Best Kept Secret

The company is building a massive centrifuge to accelerate rockets and send them screaming into space.

source https://www.wired.com/story/inside-spinlaunch-the-space-industrys-best-kept-secret

AI Helps Warehouse Robots Pick Up New Tricks

Backed by machine learning luminaries, Covariant.ai's bots can handle jobs previously needing  a human touch. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/ai-helps-warehouse-bots-pick-new-skills

UK Has a Plan to Corral Huawei. But Security Concerns Linger

Peripheral equipment can be vulnerable, and even partial network surveillance could pose a threat, experts warn.

source https://www.wired.com/story/uk-corral-huawei-security-concerns-linger

The World’s Most Traffic-Choked Cities, Ranked

Cities in Asia and South America dominate the “top” of the list. Los Angeles, the US's worst, finishes 31st.

source https://www.wired.com/story/worlds-most-traffic-choked-cities-ranked

The Coronavirus Is a Threat to the Global Drug Supply

The world's pharmaceutical supply chain is in danger as the virus spreads across China and jeopardizes travel and trade.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-coronavirus-is-a-threat-to-the-global-drug-supply

Space Force's Rough Launch, Oversight for Facebook, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/space-force-trump-zuckerberg-facebook-oversight

Downloads of a Pandemic-Themed Game Surge As Coronavirus News Spreads

After the app's popularity spiked in China and the US, the makers of *Plague Inc.* warned players that it is “not a scientific model" of real outbreak situations.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pandemic-themed-game-surge-as-coronavirus-news-spreads

How to Levitate Objects With Sound (and Break Your Mind)

The bizarre technology is called acoustic levitation, and it's poised to deliver advances in pharmacology, chemistry more broadly, and even robotics. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-levitate-objects-with-sound

Why Mark Zuckerberg’s Oversight Board May Kill His Political Ad Policy

With the release of bylaws, Facebook is a step closer to having a Supreme Court of content that can overrule even its CEO.

source https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-oversight-board-bylaws

Oscars 2020: 20 Nominated Movies You Can Stream Right Now

You have just a few short days until the Academy Awards. Here's what you can catch up on from the comfort of your couch.

source https://www.wired.com/story/oscars-2020-streaming-movies

Oh Sure, Big Tech Wants Regulation—on Its Own Terms

At Davos and beyond, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, and Co. are talking a big game about regulation, but in ways that protect their bottom line.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-oh-sure-big-tech-wants-regulationon-its-own-terms

10 Best Android Phones You Can Buy (New, Unlocked, Cheap)

Wonder what the absolute best Android phone is right now? We have the answer, and some alternatives from Google, OnePlus, Samsung, LG, Moto, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-android-phones

The US Space Force Has a Rough Launch on the Internet

From controversy over camo print to Star Trek comparisons, the new military branch can't buy a break online.

source https://www.wired.com/story/space-force-internet

The 15 Best TV and Soundbar Deals for the Super Bowl (2020)

TVs are on sale because of the Super Bowl. We've rounded up our favorite discounted sets, soundbars, and streamers.

source https://www.wired.com/story/super-bowl-tv-deals-2020

CollegeHumor Helped Shape Online Comedy. What Went Wrong?

The company grew from a scrappy startup to a digital media player. Now it’s clinging to life after mass layoffs.

source https://www.wired.com/story/collegehumor

#Repost @iamsu (@get_repost) Hall of Fame in August 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙌🙌🙌🙌 #hardworkdedication

via Instagram

Probe of the Kobe Bryant Crash Will Examine If Fog Played a Role

The helicopter was flying under “special visual flight rules” that require pilots to navigate based on instrument readings alone.

source https://www.wired.com/story/probe-kobe-bryant-crash-fog-role

An AI Virus Warning System, Mac Malware, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wuhan-coronavirus-ai-mac-malware-shlayer-trojan

Kobe Bryant, an Unforgiving Innovator of the NBA

The basketball star, who died Sunday in a helicopter crash, was constantly eclipsing the game's limits.

source https://www.wired.com/story/kobe-bryant

Defying Company Policy, Over 300 Amazon Employees Speak Out

Hundreds of Amazon workers banded together in protest following reports that the company threatened to fire their colleagues over climate change comments.

source https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-employees-protest-communications-policy

One Small Fix Would Curb Stingray Surveillance

The technology needed to limit stingrays is clear—but good luck getting telecoms on board.

source https://www.wired.com/story/stingray-surveillance-cell-tower-pre-authentication

Intel Is Patching the Patch for the Patch for Its ‘Zombieload’ Flaw

Intel's made two attempts to fix the microprocessor vulnerability it was warned about 18 months ago. Third time’s the charm?

source https://www.wired.com/story/intel-zombieload-third-patch-speculative-execution

Building High-Rises Out of Wood Can Help Save the Planet

Concrete and steel come with massive emissions. So let's ditch them and build towers out of wood. Yes, wood.

source https://www.wired.com/story/building-high-rises-out-of-wood-can-help-save-the-planet

Billie Eilish Cleaned Up at the Grammys

The 18-year-old won five of the six awards for which she was nominated. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/grammys-winners

Defying Vertigo to Capture Aerial Photos From a Hang Glider

A photographer overcame her altitude anxieties to capture canvas-worthy aerials of the French countryside.

source https://www.wired.com/story/defying-vertigo-aerial-photos-from-a-hang-glider

Tinder Swipes Right on AI to Help Stop Harassment

The dating app says its new machine learning tool can help flag potentially offensive messages and encourage more users to report inappropriate behavior. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/tinder-does-this-bother-you-harassment-tools

The Best Dyson Vacuums (2020): V11, V7 Trigger, and More

It's easy to get sucked into the brand's vast catalog. Here are the ones that floored us.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-dyson-vacuums

AI License Plate Readers Are Cheaper—So Drive Carefully

Police can add computer-vision software to ordinary security cameras for as little as $50 a month.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ai-license-plate-readers-cheaper-drive-carefully

I Monitor My Teens' Electronics, and You Should Too

Kids should have no expectation of privacy on devices given to them by their parents, for better and for worse.

source https://www.wired.com/story/parents-should-monitor-teens-electronics

Apple's iPad Turns 10: A Look Back at Its First Decade

Here's what WIRED writers have had to say about Apple's tablet in the 10 years since its arrival.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-ipad-turns-10

Pepe the Frog Foretold the Fraught World of Modern Memes

The new documentary Feels Good Man traces the frog's evolution from an indie comic to one of the world's most polarizing symbols.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pepe-meme-evolution

Today's Cartoon: Invasion of Privacy

Who’s watching the baby watchers?

source https://www.wired.com/story/wired-cartoons-week-24

How to Raise Media-Savvy Kids in the Digital Age

Experts tips and tricks for helping your younglings think critically about what they see on TV and social media. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/kids-digital-media-literacy-tips

The Blurred Boundaries of Work-From-Home Parenting

The same technology that's made working from home easier than ever has fundamentally changed what “home” means to me.

source https://www.wired.com/story/work-from-home-parenting-tech

I Thought My Kids Were Dying. They Just Had Croup.

The old-fashioned-sounding illness is mostly harmless. So why does it cause so much parental panic?

source https://www.wired.com/story/my-kids-were-sick-with-croup

An Origin Story, Smart Headlights, and Other Car News

General Motors' Cruise unit shows off its self-driving concept vehicle, while Hyundai smothers road noise. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/origin-story-smart-headlights-car-news

The 'Book Murderer' Tops This Week's Internet News Roundup

What kind of sick person slashes apart their novels and posts the deed on Twitter?

source https://www.wired.com/story/internet-week-254

How to Be Humane to a Lab-Grown Brain

Ethicists and biologists seek to head off challenges raised by tissue “organoids” as they become increasingly similar to human brains.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-be-humane-to-a-lab-grown-brain

Houdini Power Air Houdi Review: An Environmentally-Friendly Hoodie

This hoodie, which sheds much fewer microplastic fibers, makes me feel bad about wearing any other hoodie.

source https://www.wired.com/review/houdini-power-air-houdi

New Safety Gizmos Are Making Car Insurance More Expensive

The high cost of repairing sensor-packed vehicles outpaces the savings from fewer crashes.

source https://www.wired.com/story/safety-gizmos-making-car-insurance-more-expensive

The Sneaky Simple Malware That Hits Millions of Macs

How the Shlayer Trojan topped the macOS malware charts—despite its “rather ordinary” methods.

source https://www.wired.com/story/macos-shlayer-trojan-adware

The Best Running Gear (2020): Shoes, Clothes, Accessories

Whether you’re running in warm weather or in the rain, we have the gear for you, including shoes, socks, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-running-gear

Space Photos of the Week: An Ode to Infrared

The Spitzer Space Telescope wasn’t big, but its view of the universe was certainly mighty.

source https://www.wired.com/story/space-photos-of-the-week-farewell-spitzer

Writing About Videogames Isn't All Fun and Glamor

David L. Craddock is one of the major voices in longform games journalism, but his reporting hasn't always been easy. 

source https://www.wired.com/2020/01/geeks-guide-david-craddock

Google Calls Out Safari for Privacy Flaws

Facial recognition, iCloud encryption, and the rest of this week's top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-safari-privacy-icloud-encryption-clearview-ai-security-news

The Doomsday Clock Moves Closer Than Ever to Midnight

Since the advent of the clock—even during the peak years of the Cold War—the minute hand has never advanced past the 11:58 mark.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-doomsday-clock-moves-closer-than-ever-to-midnight

Scraping the Web Is a Powerful Tool. Clearview AI Abused It

The facial recognition startup claims it collected billions of photos from sites like Facebook and Twitter. What does the practice mean for the open web?

source https://www.wired.com/story/clearview-ai-scraping-web

An AI Epidemiologist Sent the First Warnings of the Wuhan Virus

The BlueDot algorithm scours news reports and airline ticketing data to predict the spread of diseases like those linked to the flu outbreak in China.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ai-epidemiologist-wuhan-public-health-warnings

16 Best Weekend Deals: Samsung QLEDs, Apple AirPods Pro, and More

If you're in the market for the Gadget Lab's favorite headphones, a smart display, or a new robot vacuum, you're in luck.

source https://www.wired.com/story/weekend-deals-jan-25-2020

London Cops Will Use Facial Recognition to Hunt Suspects

The deployment, at an unspecified number of locations, will be one of the largest uses of the technology by government authorities in the West.

source https://www.wired.com/story/londons-cops-facial-recognition-hunt-suspects

Scientists Predict Wuhan's Virus Outbreak Will Get Much Worse

New estimates of how far the virus could spread suggest an explosion of cases will hit the Chinese city and more infected individuals will show up abroad.

source https://www.wired.com/story/scientists-predict-wuhans-outbreak-will-get-much-worse

An Esports Exodus to YouTube Reshapes the Livestream Wars

The *Call of Duty* League, the *Overwatch* League, and *Hearthstone* Esports all call YouTube home now. That's not great news for Twitch.

source https://www.wired.com/story/activision-esports-leagues-youtube-exclusive

Dolly Parton's Meme Exposes Social Media's Masquerade

The country star's “LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Tinder” post speaks to people's desire to be what any platform needs them to be.

source https://www.wired.com/story/dolly-parton-linkedin-facebook-instagram-tinder-meme

Valve Swears 'Half-Life: Alyx' Is Actually, Legitimately Done

Lots of high-profile games have been delayed lately. Doesn't look like Valve's upcoming VR experience is going to be one of them.

source https://www.wired.com/story/half-life-alyx-release

Patreon Can't Solve Its Porn Pirate Problem

Two years ago, Patreon promised to crack down on piracy site Yiff.Party. Now it says its hands are tied.

source https://www.wired.com/story/patreon-porn-piracy-yiffparty

Chime Chai Maker Review: A Pricey, Speedy Way to Make Chai

For chai lovers, Chime's hands-free and speedy pod-based brewing process is convenience at its finest.

source https://www.wired.com/review/chime-chai-machine

Athletic Authorities Must Reckon With Racing Tech Again

As World Athletics debates whether to ban Nike's carbon-fiber running shoe, it should heed lessons from the case of “Bionic Olympian” Oscar Pistorius.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-athletic-authorities-must-reckon-with-racing-tech-again

Sure, 'The Goop Lab' Is Absurd—but It Also Offers Hope

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Netflix show offers controversial treatments for people who feel they’ve been failed by everything else.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-goop-lab-review

Gadget Lab Podcast: Oral Hygiene Tech and Espresso Science

On this week’s episode: hacking oral hygiene with AI, and hacking espresso with science.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-439

The Future of Death-Tech Has No Rules—Yet

Mortuary startups, like one that plans to freeze and shatter corpses, have run afoul of some fusty regulations.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-future-of-death-tech-has-no-rulesyet

The Bird 'Snarge' Menacing Air Travel

When winged wildlife slams into aircraft, disasters can happen. Inside the world of bird-strike countermeasures, where avian goo is the enemy.

source https://www.wired.com/story/its-a-bird-its-a-plane-the-midair-collisions-menacing-air-travel

The Strange, Subtle Matter of ASMR Erotica

Although many fans and creators claim the appeal isn't sexual, much of the genre flirts with intimacy. Close your eyes—and open up.

source https://www.wired.com/story/asmr-erotica

The Rise of Mouth Tech: Oral-B, AI Toothbrushes, Burst Oral Care

It’s easy to bristle at a $200 AI-powered toothbrush, but not for the reasons you might think.

source https://www.wired.com/story/mouth-tech

No, the Wuhan Virus Is Not a 'Snake Flu'

One paper advanced a controversial theory about the disease's origin. Other scientists aren't biting.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wuhan-coronavirus-snake-flu-theory

A Robot Dog With a Job, a Noise-Canceling Car, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/spot-boston-dynamics-robot-hyundai-noise-cancelling-genesis

Germany Rejected Nuclear Power—and Deadly Emissions Spiked

After Fukushima, the country opted to decommission its nuclear reactors. The US has a lot to learn from what happened next.

source https://www.wired.com/story/germany-rejected-nuclear-powerand-deadly-emissions-spiked

Inside Pwn2Own's High-Stakes Industrial Hacking Contest

At Pwn2Own, hackers had no trouble dismantling systems that help run everything from car washes to nuclear plants—with the prize of taking home the very computers they "pwn."

source https://www.wired.com/story/pwn2own-industrial-hacking-contest

Why So Many High-Profile Videogames Have Been Delayed

This month alone, *Cyberpunk 2077*, *Marvel’s Avengers*, *Dying Light 2*, and *Final Fantasy VII Remake* have all been pushed back. For some, it's probably for the best. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/video-game-delays-cyberpunk2077-marvels-avengers-dying-light-2

A 'Captain Marvel' Sequel Is in the Works

The movie could hit theaters in 2022.

source https://www.wired.com/story/netflix-numbers

Spot the Robot Dog Trots Into the Big, Bad World

Boston Dynamics' creation is starting to sniff out its role in the workforce: as a helpful canine that still sometimes needs you to hold its paw.

source https://www.wired.com/story/spot-the-robot-dog-trots-into-the-big-bad-world

Could You Bungee-Jump Using Only Magnets?

Jumping off a high ledge without a cord … maybe we better run a simulation first.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bungee-jumping-with-magnets

Hyundai's Luxury SUV Mixes Mics and Math for a Silent Ride

The Genesis GV80 comes with noise-canceling tech to do away with the annoying hum of rolling rubber.

source https://www.wired.com/story/hyundai-genesis-gv80-suv-noise-cancelling

How to Buy Used on eBay: A Beginner's Guide

Gracefully avoid sketchy situations and score a deal on the post-holiday gadget turnover.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-buy-used-on-ebay

Don't Break Up Big Tech

It won't protect small businesses, it won't preserve our data privacy, and it won't help promote democracy. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/dont-break-up-big-tech

Bad Math, Pepsi Points, and the Greatest Plane Non-Crash Ever

How calculation errors and misunderstandings led to a very silly lawsuit—and a very lucky landing. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/bad-math-pepsi-points-greatest-plane-non-crash-ever

Would the Coronavirus Quarantine of Wuhan Even Work?

It’s almost impossible to shut down a megacity. And even if you do, people (and their germs) would find a way out.

source https://www.wired.com/story/would-the-coronavirus-quarantine-of-wuhan-even-work

The UN Warns Against the Global Threat to Election Integrity

A new report calls for safeguards to reduce the dangers posed by misinformation, online extremism, and social media manipulation.

source https://www.wired.com/story/un-warns-global-threat-election-integrity

The 737 MAX Delay Is Just One of Boeing's Many Problems

Issues inside the company aren't limited to its commercial airliner business—even the space and defense divisions are suffering. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-737-max-delay-is-just-one-of-boeings-many-problems

Jeff Bezos’ Hacked Phone, Coronavirus Hits the US, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/jeff-bezos-phone-hack-coronavirus-us-washington

Experts Can't Agree If the Wuhan Virus Is a Global Crisis

As the death toll and infection numbers climb, international health officials struggle to make sense of sparse data on the coronavirus from China. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/experts-cant-agree-if-the-wuhan-virus-is-a-global-crisis

Feds Want to Rein In 'Emotional Service' Animals on Planes

The viral photos of mini-horses in cabin seats may be numbered, as the Transportation Department announces an effort to ground "Noah's Ark in the Air."

source https://www.wired.com/story/feds-rein-emotional-service-animals-planes

Netflix's Big Viewership Numbers Mean Very Little

The streaming service now defines anything watched for at least two minutes as a "view." Wait, what?

source https://www.wired.com/story/netflix-viewership-two-minutes

Everything We Know About the Jeff Bezos Phone Hack

A UN report links the attack on Jeff Bezos's iPhone X directly to Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bezos-phone-hack-mbs-saudi-arabia

The Most Complete Brain Map Ever Is Here: A Fly's 'Connectome'

It took 12 years and at least $40 million to chart a region about 250 micrometers across—about the thickness of two strands of hair.

source https://www.wired.com/story/most-complete-brain-map-ever-is-here-a-flys-connectome

The Science Behind Crafting a Perfect Espresso

A computational chemist unlocked the secrets of the time-grind-water axis—and developed a model for making an impeccable cup of joe.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-science-behind-crafting-a-perfect-espresso

The Real Genius of *Love Island* Is Its Money-Making App

The British network behind the hit series has made millions by selling merch via a companion app. Its success hints at the future of the broadcasting business.

source https://www.wired.com/story/real-genius-love-island-money-making-app

This Indie Horror Game Made Me Confront My Fear of Death

The Space Between expertly plays with connections between intimacy and the human body.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-space-between-essay

Cats, Once YouTube Stars, Are Now an ‘Emerging Audience’

They're addicted to channels like Little Kitty & Family, Handsome Nature, and Videos for Your Cat—provided their owners switch on the iPad first.

source https://www.wired.com/story/cats-watch-youtube

The Next Campaign Text You Get May Be From a Friend

Apps for relational organizing—which use personal connections to get out the vote—are the latest political tech arms race. So far, Democrats have the edge.

source https://www.wired.com/story/relational-organizing-apps-2020-campaign

Best Amazon Echo and Alexa Speakers (2020): Which Models Are Best?

Here are our favorite speakers from Amazon and its partners, including the Echo Dot, Sonos One, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-alexa-and-amazon-echo-speakers

Release the Kratom: Inside America's Hottest New Drug Culture

Many use kratom to quit opioids; others just want to get high. There's a push to regulate the plant-derived drug—but experts disagree on its safety.

source https://www.wired.com/story/release-the-kratom-inside-drug-culture

Laser Headlights Can Make Roads Brighter—and Cars Smarter

The new lamps in BMW's M5 are more precise and efficient than their predecessors, and could someday broadcast data. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/laser-headlights-can-make-roads-brighterand-cars-smarter

Microsoft Looms Over the Privacy Debate in Its Home State

The software company helped torpedo a facial recognition bill last year, though a state senator—who's also a Microsoft program manager—has a new bill in the works.

source https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-looms-privacy-debate-home-state

GM's Latest Has Sensors and Room for 6, but No Steering Wheel

Cruise reveals the Origin, its planned self-driving vehicle, meant to be shared by riders in a ride-hail service.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gms-sensors-room-6-no-steering-wheel

Could China's New Coronavirus Become a Global Epidemic?

Scientists are racing to understand just how bad things could get with a pneumonia-like disease that first appeared in China and has now spread to the US.

source https://www.wired.com/story/could-chinas-new-coronavirus-become-a-global-epidemic

A Handy Chrome Feature, a Sonos Update Warning, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/chrome-password-security-sonos-old-speakers-software-support

Donald Trump's 'National Security' Impeachment Defense Is a Red Herring

The president’s cry-wolf strategy is straight from Richard Nixon’s playbook.

source https://www.wired.com/story/trump-national-security-impeachment-defense

How to Watch Donald Trump’s Impeachment Trial

The Senate gets set to debate the rules for Trump’s trial today. Tomorrow, the opening arguments begin.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-watch-donald-trump-impeachment-trial

The 7 Best Messenger Bags: Peak Design, Mission Workshop, and More

We rounded up the best hip packs, rainstorm-ready work packs, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-messenger-bags

Sonos Will Soon End Software Support for Its Older Speakers

The company will also launch a trade-in program if you want to upgrade your soon-to-be-obsolete Sonos hardware.

source https://www.wired.com/story/older-sonos-speakers-will-stop-receiving-updates

Maps Are Biased Against Animals

Protecting the ecosystems we share starts with acknowledging that humans aren’t the only species with pathways and landmarks.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-maps-are-biased-against-animals

The Macabre Science of Animal Mass Die-Offs

Researchers are replicating “mass mortality events” with pig carcasses. The ecological consequences could hint at what's happening in Australia right now.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-macabre-science-of-animal-mass-die-offs

The Tiny Brain Cells That Connect Our Mental and Physical Health

A new understanding of long-overlooked cells called microglia is challenging the assumption that body and brain function are completely independent.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-tiny-brain-cells-that-connect-our-mental-and-physical-health

Making Public Transit Fairer to Women Demands Way More Data

Most transit systems aren't designed for women, who tend to run errands and care for children. But cities can’t fix a problem they don’t understand.

source https://www.wired.com/story/making-public-transit-fairer-to-women-demands-data

AI Can Do Great Things—If It Doesn't Burn the Planet

The computing power required for AI landmarks, such as recognizing images and defeating humans at Go, increased 300,000-fold from 2012 to 2018. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/ai-great-things-burn-planet

Dyson's New Task Light Is Easy on the Eyes

The sleek, internet-connected lamp uses real-time data to illuminate your workspace and protect your precious peepers from strain.

source https://www.wired.com/story/dyson-new-lightcycle-task-light

The Unbearable Softness of Engineered Fabrics

The human senses never cease detecting things the brain finds a way to dread.

source https://www.wired.com/story/unbearable-softness-engineered-fabrics

Worried About Privacy at Home? There's an AI for That

How edge AI will provide devices with just enough smarts to get the job done without spilling all your secrets to the mothership.

source https://www.wired.com/story/edge-ai-appliances-privacy-at-home

The Secret History of Facial Recognition

Sixty years ago, a sharecropper’s son invented a technology to identify faces. Then the record of his role all but vanished. Who was Woody Bledsoe, and who was he working for?

source https://www.wired.com/story/secret-history-facial-recognition

Behind the Scenes at Rotten Tomatoes

Humans, not algorithms, determine those ubiquitous scores. Good ingredients, imperfect recipe.

source https://www.wired.com/story/behind-the-scenes-rotten-tomatoes

The Blurred Boundaries of Work-From-Home Parenting

The same technology that's made working from home easier than ever has fundamentally changed what “home” means to me.

source https://www.wired.com/story/work-from-home-parenting-tech

All the Cool Kids Are Using Tiny Clackety Keyboards

People love mechanical keyboards for their tactile springiness, but their size can overwhelm your desk space. Try a compact version instead.

source https://www.wired.com/story/top-3-tiny-compact-keyboards

Six-World Sci-Fi: Reboot Democracy for the Digital Age

Each month we publish a six-word story—and it could be written by you. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/six-world-sci-fi-democracy-digital-reboot

ASMR and the Soothing Power of Experts

Come for the tingly auditory triggers, stay for the existential coping mechanism.

source https://www.wired.com/story/soothing-power-asmr-youtube-videos

Angry Nerd: YouTube Can't Help You

All I wanted was some advice on fixing my Xbox voice chat. I'm never getting that time back.

source https://www.wired.com/story/angry-nerd-useless-youtube-advice

Upgrade Your Business Trip With These In-Flight Essentials

Stay productive, comfortable, and entertained while you wing your way to another very important meeting.

source https://www.wired.com/story/business-trip-air-travel-essentials

These Standing Desks Rise Above the Competition

Get up, get down. Get your work done at a flexible desk. Here are two outstanding options.

source https://www.wired.com/story/head-to-head-standing-desks-comparison-guide

Automated Solar Arrays Could Help Incinerate Global Warming

Software-driven systems can produce enough searing heat to power manufacturing processes that now gorge on fossil fuels.

source https://www.wired.com/story/automated-solar-arrays-could-help-incinerate-global-warming

Pop Culture May Evolve at the Same Rate as Birds and Bugs

How quickly do music and literature change? Evolutionary biology could give us a hint.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pop-culture-may-evolve-at-the-same-rate-as-birds-and-bugs

A Surge of New Plastic Is About to Hit the Planet

A world awash in plastic will soon get slammed by more, as major oil companies ramp up their production.

source https://www.wired.com/story/a-surge-of-new-plastic-is-about-to-hit-the-planet

404: The City Left Behind by China's Nuclear Ambitions

An artist goes looking for his past in a Cold War ghost town.

source https://www.wired.com/story/404-the-city-left-behind-by-chinas-nuclear-ambition

HBO Probably Won’t Make a Second Season of *Watchmen*

Meanwhile, NBC finally offered up details about Peacock, its feathered contender in the streaming service arena.

source https://www.wired.com/story/watchmen-second-season

A Practical Guide for Building Ethical Tech

Companies are hiring "chief ethics officers," hoping to regain public trust. The World Economic Forum's head of technology policy has a few words of advice.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-a-practical-guide-for-building-ethical-tech

How Aid Groups Map Refugee Camps That Officially Don't Exist

Workers from Switzerland-based Medair use clipboards, cell phones, and GIS software to locate informal settlements of Syrian refugees across Lebanon.

source https://www.wired.com/story/aid-groups-map-refugee-camps-officially-dont-exist

4 Best Handheld Vacuums (2020): Cordless, Pet Hair, Portable

From Dustbuster to Dyson, we tried a bunch of hand vacs, and were surprised by just how powerful they've become.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-handheld-vacuums

An Open Source Bid to Encrypt the Internet of Things

IoT is a security hellscape. One cryptography has a plan to make it a little bit less so.

source https://www.wired.com/story/e4-iot-encryption

A Move to Make Auto-Safety Features Speak the Same Language

Super Cruise? Traffic Jam Assist? Autopilot? Translation for all of the above: Keep your eyes on the road\!

source https://www.wired.com/story/auto-safety-features-speak-same-language

Today's Cartoon: Turing Tested

Check this box for an existential crisis.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wired-cartoons-week-23

These Photos Bend Time and Space. Literally

A special panoramic camera allows artist Jay Mark Johnson to distort reality.

source https://www.wired.com/story/space-photos-bend-time-literally

Electric Delivery Vans, Tesla Stock, and Other Car News

Home delivery is where the action is for real estate developers and EV startups. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/electric-delivery-vans-tesla-stock-car-news

Sanders and Warren's Big Debate Dust-Up Tops This Week's Internet News Roundup

Last week, news of the Democratic debate was all over social media.

source https://www.wired.com/story/internet-week-253

How Long Do We Have Before Arctic Ice Melts Away?

With the frozen top of the world melting to liquid, an expedition set out to untangle the physics and help forecast its future.

source https://www.wired.com/story/expedition-end-of-ice

Fujifilm X-Pro3 Review: A Nod to the Era of Film Cameras

Fujifilm's latest X-Pro leans into its eccentricities, bringing film-era aesthetics to the digital present.

source https://www.wired.com/review/fujifilm-x-pro3-digital-camera

Don't Ignore Chrome's New Password Checkup Feature

It could help save you when the next big breach hits.

source https://www.wired.com/story/chrome-password-popups

He Wanted a Unicorn. He Got ... a Sustainable Business

Gumroad founder Sahil Lavingia finds a way to thrive outside Silicon Valley's cult of big riches. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/he-wanted-unicorn-got-sustainable-business

At Last, Physicists Confirm the Fastest Way to Board a Plane

Turns out, letting slower passengers—like travelers with small children, or who need extra assistance—board first really is faster.

source https://www.wired.com/story/study-confirms-how-to-optimize-airplane-boarding

Space Photos of the Week: Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse\!

We're not sure when this star will go supernova, but one thing is certain: It'll be spectacular.

source https://www.wired.com/story/space-photos-of-the-week-betelgeuse

FBI Takes Down Site With 12 Billion Stolen Records

Turkey gets Wikipedia back, Mayor Pete loses his cyberguy, and more of the week's top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/data-breach-site-turkey-wikipedia-security-news

This Philosopher Dreams of Writing Sci-Fi

Philosophy professor Peter Boghossian would much rather be working on screenplays.

source https://www.wired.com/geeks-guide-philosopher-sci-fi

The 7 Best Portable Coffee Makers: Aeropress, Delter, And More

Whether it's Aeropress, French press, or faux espresso, we've found the best ways to make a great cup of Joe anywhere.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-portable-coffee-makers

In Paris, Ecommerce Warehouses Get a Chic Makeover

Online ordering means more deliveries to more places. One Paris hub sports a data center, offices, sports facilities like tennis courts, and an urban farm. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/paris-ecommerce-warehouses-get-chic-makeover

14 Best Tech Deals on WIRED's Favorite Gear (Jan. 2020)

Great deals on gear our team has tested, and loves—TVs, Android phones, camera bags, cold-brew coffee makers, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/weekend-deals-jan-18-2020

PopSockets, Sonos, and Tile Ask Congress to Rein in Big Tech

At a congressional hearing Friday, smaller companies including PopSockets, Tile, Sonos, and Basecamp criticized Apple, Facebook, Google, and Amazon for having power over them.

source https://www.wired.com/story/popsockets-sonos-tile-congress-big-tech

'Cyberpunk 2077' Is Being Delayed

Fans will have to wait a few more months for a videogame version of Keanu Reeves.

source https://www.wired.com/story/cyberpunk-2077-delayed

Real or Fake: New NBC Peacock Shows

Is the new streaming service literally going to offer a TV show about Twitter?

source https://www.wired.com/story/quiz-nbc-peacock-lineup

How Much Superpower Does It Take to Bash a Bullet in Midair?

In the upcoming movie 'Wonder Woman 1984,' our hero is able to knock a bullet off to the side with just her arm. Let's look at the physics.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-much-superpower-does-it-take-to-bash-a-bullet-in-midair

The Best Gaming Mouse for Every Kind of Player (2020)

Whether you're into esports or casual fragging, these are the best corded and wireless gaming mice we've tested at a variety of price points.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-gaming-mouse

The Disturbing Case of the Disappearing Sci-Fi Story

A young writer wrote a controversial bit of military science fiction about sexual politics. The fallout was nuclear.

source https://www.wired.com/story/attack-helicopter-meme-sci-fi-story

Nature Will Triumph—and Reclaim All Our Gadgets

A new art exhibit, “The World After Us,” shows the power and ingenuity of nature to make use of machines in a world without humans.

source https://www.wired.com/story/world-after-us-exhibition

SpaceX Will Blow Up a Falcon 9 Rocket to Prove It's Safe for People

On Saturday, Elon Musk's space company will attempt its last big test before it can begin launching humans from US soil.

source https://www.wired.com/story/watch-spacex-launch-falcon9-rocket-crew-dragon

Gadget Lab Podcast: One Wheel, Zero Buttons

This week, the hosts debate whether one wheel is better than two, and whether having a few buttons on a smartphone is better than having none at all.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-438

Apple's Latest Deal Shows How AI Is Moving Right Onto Devices

The iPhone maker's purchase of startup Xnor.ai is the latest move toward a trend of computing on the "edge," rather than in the cloud. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/apples-deal-shows-ai-moving-devices

Seriously, It's Time to Lean Into Monowheels

Call them fanciful, or a faceplant waiting to happen. But one-wheeled vehicles are how we'll roll into the future.

source https://www.wired.com/story/one-wheeled-vehicles-micromobility

A Windows 10 Vulnerability Was Used to Rickroll the NSA and Github

A researcher demonstrated the attack less than a day after Microsoft disclosed one of the most critical Windows vulnerabilities ever. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/windows-10-vulnerability-rickroll-nsa-github

A Smart Contact Lens, Trouble for Water Bears, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/smart-contact-lens-water-bear-tardigrade-climate-change

Even Ultra-Tough Water Bears May Be Vulnerable to Climate Change

Tardigrades are known for their ability to survive extreme temperatures. But new research suggests they might be more sensitive than previously thought.

source https://www.wired.com/story/water-bears-climate-change

Artist Refik Anadol Turns Data Into Art, With Help From AI

He sees pools of data as raw material for visualizations that he calls a new kind of “sculpture.”

source https://www.wired.com/story/artist-refik-anadol-turns-data-art-help-ai

'1917' VFX Artists Had to Completely Rethink How Films Are Made

Sam Mendes’ war epic is presented as one continuous shot. Making the illusion work was no small feat. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/1917s-vfx-artists-reinvent-how-films-are-made

Apple TV\+ Nabs Spike Jonze's Beastie Boys Doc

Meanwhile, Netflix is about to unleash Miss Americana, its documentary about Taylor Swift .

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-tv-nabs-spike-jonzes-beastie-boys-doc

Dirty Money and Bad Science at MIT's Media Lab

The school's investigation shows that two separate scandals—over Jeffrey Epstein and OpenAg—were closely linked. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/dirty-money-and-bad-science-at-mits-media-lab

The Display of the Future Might Be in Your Contact Lens

Mojo Vision's prototypes can enhance your vision or show you your schedule—right from the surface of your eyes.

source https://www.wired.com/story/mojo-vision-smart-contact-lens

What Atlanta Can Teach Tech About Cultivating Black Talent

The city is rich in opportunity for African Americans, who are largely underrepresented in the industry. It's also poised to become a hotbed for AI innovation.

source https://www.wired.com/story/what-atlanta-can-teach-tech-about-cultivating-black-talent

This Apple-FBI Fight Is Different From the Last One

In 2016, the iPhone encryption debate ended in a draw. Don't count on 2020's scuffle over the Pensacola shooter's devices to play out the same way.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-fbi-iphone-encryption-pensacola

Inside the Feds’ Battle Against Huawei

How Washington went to war against the Chinese smartphone giant, and how the runaway conflict could spell the end of a single, global internet. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/us-feds-battle-against-huawei

A $100 Million Investment Pulls an EV Startup Out of Stealth Mode

Hyundai and Kia are backing Arrival, a startup British maker of electric delivery vans, a good use case for EVs.

source https://www.wired.com/story/investment-pulls-ev-startup-out-stealth

A Feral Cat Infestation, Swarms of Snake Emoji, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/australia-fire-cat-elizabeth-warren-snake

Jack Dorsey Says You Really Won't Get an Edit Tweet Button

“When you send a text, you can’t really take it back,” the Twitter CEO says. "We wanted to preserve that vibe and that feeling in the early days.”

source https://www.wired.com/story/jack-dorsey-wont-get-edit-tweet-button

Why Elizabeth Warren's Feeds Are Flooded With Snake Emoji

Remember the dust-up between Taylor Swift and Kanye West and Kim Kardashian West? It's like that, but politics.

source https://www.wired.com/story/elizabeth-warren-snakes-meme

Twitch Has Become a Haven for Live Sports Piracy

As the platform gains more mainstream popularity, illicit livestreams of soccer, boxing, and MMA matches have become trivial to find.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitch-sports-piracy-streaming

How Much Could Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make From Ads?

What if the Duke and Duchess of Sussex became influencers? First, they probably aren’t. But even if they did, experts say calculating their value is complicated.

source https://www.wired.com/story/prince-harry-meghan-markle-influencers

Deepfake Porn Harms Adult Performers, Too

Their bodies are being weaponized for online harassment—and the experience, actors say, is eviscerating.

source https://www.wired.com/story/deepfake-porn-harms-adult-performers-too

Homelessness in the Living Rooms of the Rich

The project puts DIY shelters built by the unhoused in some of San Francisco's most valuable homes. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/san-francisco-shelters-living-room

Scientists Fight Back Against Toxic ‘Forever’ Chemicals

The ubiquitous compounds known as PFAS are nearly indestructible. But scientists are learning to split their ultra-strong carbon-fluorine bonds.

source https://www.wired.com/story/scientists-fight-back-against-toxic-forever-chemicals

Can a Digital Avatar Fire You?

Samsung’s new artificial humans look, blink, and smile like us. But bots still shouldn't deal with complex human emotions.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-can-a-digital-avatar-fire-you

The Winner of ‘The Circle’ Opens Up About Life IRL

WIRED spoke with the winning contestant of Netflix’s reality show about the apartment, the rules of catfishing, and what’s next. (Spoilers ahead.)

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-circle-finale

'Star Trek: Picard': Everything You Need to Watch Before the New CBS Series

Watching every piece of canon that's featured Patrick Stewart could take a while. Focus here instead.

source https://www.wired.com/story/star-trek-picard-streaming-list

Now Stores Must Tell You How They're Tracking Your Every Move

California's new privacy law has spurred a torrent of online notices. But the law is also forcing changes offline, in traditional stores.

source https://www.wired.com/story/stores-must-tell-you-how-theyre-tracking

Cats Are Making Australia's Bushfire Tragedy Even Worse

Cats are attracted to bushfire burn scars, where they hunt vulnerable survivors with merciless impunity. It's devastating for ecosystems.

source https://www.wired.com/story/cats-australia-bushfires

UN Secretary-General: US-China Tech Split Worse Than Cold War

In an interview with WIRED editor in chief Nicholas Thompson, António Guterres says the world's next major conflict will start in cyberspace.

source https://www.wired.com/story/un-secretary-general-antonio-guterres-internet-risks

Chris Evans Goes to Washington

The actor's new project, A Starting Point, aims to give all Americans the TL;DR on WTF is going on in politics. It's harder than punching Nazis on the big screen.

source https://www.wired.com/story/chris-evans-starting-point-politics

Bad Algorithms Didn't Break Democracy

And better ones won't save it. To get past misinformation and tribal rancor online, we need to face why people really want misinformation and rancor.

source https://www.wired.com/story/polarization-politics-misinformation-social-media

Presidential Candidates on the Disunited State of America

Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Donald Trump. We asked every White House hopeful to weigh in on how they would reverse the country's devastating polarization.

source https://www.wired.com/story/2020-election-us-presidential-candidates

Can This Notorious Troll Turn People Away From Extremism?

Steven Bonnell, known online as Destiny, has made a business of picking fights with alt-right carnival barkers and other partisan provocateurs.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitch-politics-online-debate

Senators Propose $1B to Outpace Huawei in 5G. That's Small Change

The plan calls for federal subsidies for R&D in next-generation wireless, but the sums pale compared with existing investments. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/billion-outpace-huawei-5g-small-change

Aston Martin's $189,000 DBX SUV Conquers the Arabian Desert

The luxury brand wants its first SUV to be a multi-terrain all-star, and that means leaving the pavement behind.

source https://www.wired.com/story/aston-martin-dbx-suv-off-road

An Alarming Windows Bug, a Triumph for Tesla, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-stock-windows-10-vulnerability-nsa-microsoft

Windows 10 Has a Security Flaw So Severe the NSA Disclosed It

In a shift toward transparency, the National Security Agency announced a bug that could have left over 900 million PCs vulnerable to attack.

source https://www.wired.com/story/nsa-windows-10-vulnerability-disclosure

If Russia Hacked Burisma, Brace For the Leaks to Follow

It's likely that Russia hacked the oil giant. If so, the Kremlin's next move would be to selectively release documents. Did the US learn enough from 2016 to ignore them?

source https://www.wired.com/story/russia-burisma-hack-leaks

The Case for a Light Hand With AI and a Hard Line on China

In a WIRED Q&A, the US chief technology officer warns against overregulating tech, underestimating the Chinese, and losing America's lead in quantum computing.

source https://www.wired.com/story/light-hand-ai-hard-line-china

Tesla Is Now Worth More Than Ford and GM—Combined

Its stock has soared past $500 per share. That's a hopeful sign that the company might finally be executing smoothly.

source https://www.wired.com/story/tesla-worth-more-than-ford-gm-combined

Do Carbon Offsets Really Work? It Depends on the Details

The market for offsets is booming as companies seek to burnish their green credentials. But only some investments make a difference.

source https://www.wired.com/story/do-carbon-offsets-really-work-it-depends-on-the-details

The 'Jeopardy!: Greatest of All Time' Tournament Is a Singular Event

There's never been anything like the 'Jeopardy!' GOAT tournament. There never will be again.

source https://www.wired.com/story/jeopardy-greatest-of-all-time-tournament

Browsers Are Fixing the Internet's Most Annoying Problem

After years of invasive pop-ups asking for notification permission, Chrome and Firefox have finally taken action. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/chrome-firefox-fixing-the-internets-most-annoying-problem

How Many Water Bottles Could a Filling Station Save?

Or, how long would it take to fill a swimming pool from a water fountain? Let's have fun with numbers\!

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-many-water-bottles-could-a-filling-station-save

Conversational AI Can Propel Social Stereotypes

Designers need to consider the ethics of gendering not just AI voices, but also their tone, speed, word choice, and other speech patterns.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-conversational-ai-can-propel-social-stereotypes

'Which Character Are You?' Instagram Filters Are Radically Dumb

They're also incredibly comforting—a perfect visual representation of our collective apathy in the face of overstimulation and a glut of content.

source https://www.wired.com/story/movie-character-instagram-filter

Get Ready for More Phones With No Buttons

As we inch closer to phones with all-screen designs, physical buttons are on the chopping block.

source https://www.wired.com/story/phones-with-no-buttons

Now It's Really, Truly Time to Give Up Windows 7

After Tuesday, Microsoft will no longer issue security updates for the operating system, leaving users who don't upgrade vulnerable to malware.

source https://www.wired.com/story/time-give-up-windows-7

The Mandalorian Is the Only Smart Soldier in the Star Wars Galaxy

It took decades, but the galaxy finally has a tactical and operational genius. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/mandalorian-star-wars-soldier-tactics

How to Watch the Last Democratic Debate Before the Iowa Caucuses

With just six candidates taking the stage, the DNC’s seventh primary debate is the smallest one yet.

source https://www.wired.com/story/democratic-debate-how-to-watch-january-2020

'Uncanny Valley' and the Meaninglessness of Writing About Tech

Anna Wiener's memoir about her four-plus years working in startups never resolves the self-contradictions of her industry, city, or existence.

source https://www.wired.com/story/book-review-uncanny-valley-anna-wiener

Cut Undersea Cable Plunges Yemen Into Days-Long Internet Outage

The fragility of global internet structure has left the entire Red Sea region struggling to connect.

source https://www.wired.com/story/yemen-internet-blackout-undersea-cable

A Virus Outbreak, Netflix's Oscar Nod Dominance, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/oscar-nominations-china-mystery-illness-wuhan-sars

Meet Xenobot, an Eerie New Kind of Programmable Organism

Researchers hope the the living robots, made up of masses of cells working in coordination, can help unlock the mysteries of cellular communication.

source https://www.wired.com/story/xenobot

Oscar Nominations 2020: Netflix Tops All Other Studios

And mark your calendar: Westworld season 3 is coming on March 15.

source https://www.wired.com/story/oscar-nominations-netflix

It's Easy to Be a Jerk on Twitter. And Twitter Wants to Fix That

Kayvon Beykpour, Twitter's head of product, admits the platform can still incentivize toxic behavior. In a WIRED Q&A, he explains how he wants to fix it.  

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-kayvon-beykpour-ces-2020

Streaming Giants Need Shows Like Schoolhouse Rock

Civic-minded kids' programming isn’t just responsible—it’s a lucrative way for rival platforms to stand out on crowded screens.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-streaming-giants-need-shows-like-schoolhouse-rock

Australia’s Wildfires Might Intensify Future Climate Crises

Wildfires release vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Their broader impact is far more complicated.

source https://www.wired.com/story/australias-wildfires-might-intensify-future-climate-crises

China's Swift ID of a New Virus Is a Win for Public Health

The mystery illness has claimed its first victim. Yet the crisis has a silver lining: It shows how much China's public health policies have improved.

source https://www.wired.com/story/chinas-swift-id-of-a-new-virus-is-a-win-for-public-health

The Warriors and the Myth of the Silicon Valley-Driven Team

The team might operate like a fast-moving startup, but Golden State's rise and fall proves the influence of tech insiders hasn't revolutionized the NBA all that much.

source https://www.wired.com/story/warriors-silicon-valley

This Company Hires Gig Workers—as Employees

A California law requires many contractors to be treated as employees. One temp agency startup might stand to benefit, by taking the workers onto its payroll.

source https://www.wired.com/story/company-hires-gig-workers-employees

Today's Cartoon: Learn to Code

Incubating a startup right in the nest.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wired-cartoons-week-22

Funeral Tech Startups Expand Your Posthumous Possibilities

You can’t choose when your time runs out, but you *can* opt to transmute your ashes into diamonds or be buried in fungus. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/tech-is-making-funerals-weird

A Sony Concept, Flying Taxis, and More Car News This Week

It's déjà vu all over again at CES, where the future of transportation isn't that different from what we have now.

source https://www.wired.com/story/sony-concept-flying-taxis-car-news

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Big Announcement Tops This Week's Internet News Roundup

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced last week that they will “step back” as senior royals. Social media went nuts.

source https://www.wired.com/story/internet-week-252

Computers Are Learning to See in Higher Dimensions

New artificial intelligence techniques can spot patterns not only in 2D images but on spheres and other curved surfaces, lifting AI out of “flatland.”

source https://www.wired.com/story/computers-are-learning-to-see-in-higher-dimensions

All the Ways Facebook Tracks You—and How to Limit It

If you have a Facebook account—and even if you don't—the company is going to collect data about you. But you can at least control how it gets used.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ways-facebook-tracks-you-limit-it

Space Photos of the Week: Swooning for the Swan Nebula

New imagery provides insight into how the giant cloud got its distinct shape.

source https://www.wired.com/story/space-photos-of-the-week-swooning-for-the-swan-nebula

The Mandalorian Could Use a Watson

Now that the first season of 'The Mandalorian' is done, one thing is clear: Its protagonist needs more sidekicks.

source https://www.wired.com/2020/01/geeks-guide-the-mandalorian

The FBI Wants Apple to Unlock iPhones Again

Snooping Ring employees, Skype contractors, and more of the week's top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-fbi-iphones-skype-sms-two-factor

This Government-Subsidized Phone Comes With Malware

The Android devices are a part of the FCC's Lifeline Assistance Program, which makes free or subsidized phones available to millions of low-income users.

source https://www.wired.com/story/government-funded-phones-preinstalled-malware

The 10 Most Anticipated Games of 2020

From *Final Fantasy VII Remake* to *Halo Infinite*, here's everything you need to play this year. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/most-anticipated-videogames-2020

10 Best CES 2020 Devices You Can Buy Right Now: Earbuds, E-Bikes, Toys, and More

Most of CES’s flashy tech is months, maybe years, from hitting store shelves. Here are a few devices you can order now—and some extra deals we like.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ces-2020-best-devices-you-can-buy-now

Public Blast or Private Chat? Social Media Maps a Middle Way

Companies like Twitter and Facebook have begun to carve out a space for users that’s more like real life—with more options between shouts and whispers.

source https://www.wired.com/story/public-blast-private-chat-social-media-middle-way

CES 2020 in Photos: Living in a Material World

WIRED photographer Amy Lombard captures the glory, chaos, and optimism of the consumer tech extravaganza.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ces-2020-in-photos-by-amy-lombard

A Facebook Bug Exposed Anonymous Admins of Pages

A bad code update allowed anyone to easily reveal which accounts posted to Facebook Pages—including celebrities and politicians—for several hours. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-bug-page-admins-edit-history-doxxing

'Escape From Tarkov' Won't Include Playable Women Characters

The game's developers say it would require “a huge amount of work.”

source https://www.wired.com/story/escape-from-tarkov-characters

Facebook Says Encrypting Messenger by Default Will Take Years

Mark Zuckerberg promised default end-to-end encryption throughout Facebook's platforms. Nearly a year later, Messenger's not even close.

source https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-messenger-end-to-end-encryption-default

Why Scientists Are Flying Drones Into Clouds of Whale Snot

Researcher Iain Kerr was on a boat, covered in whale snot, when the idea hit him: Why not hack a drone to fly into whale snot instead?

source https://www.wired.com/story/snotbot

Scientists Made a Nearly Invincible Lithium-Ion Battery

This new type of battery can be cut, bent, soaked, shot, and lit on fire—and it still powers up just fine.

source https://www.wired.com/story/scientists-made-a-nearly-invincible-lithium-ion-battery

The FDA Announces Two More Antacid Recalls Due to Cancer Risk

Two more companies recalled their ranitidine drugs, generic forms of Zantac, over concerns they may contain a carcinogenic substance.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-fda-announces-two-more-antacid-recalls-due-to-cancer-risk

CES 2020 in 10 GIFS

Yes, CES is over. But these looping GIFs will help you stay there forever.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/ces-2020-gifs-by-amy-lombard

Bored with Sunday Service? Maybe Nudist Church Is Your Thing

Or even mass from the comfort of your driver's seat. No matter your lifestyle, there’s a way for you to convene with God in America.

source https://www.wired.com/story/niche-churches

Artificial Intelligence Makes Bad Medicine Even Worse

A new study out from Google seems to show the promise of AI-assisted healthcare. Actually, it shows the threat.

source https://www.wired.com/story/artificial-intelligence-makes-bad-medicine-even-worse

Gadget Lab Podcast: Wrapping Up CES 2020

The hosts look back at a show filled with fake-meat sliders, AI everything, and an ocean of electric scooters.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-437

Export Controls Threaten the Future of AI Outposts in China

As restrictions intensify, it will become more difficult for American companies to maintain labs in the talent-rich country.

source https://www.wired.com/story/export-controls-threaten-ai-outposts-china

WWIII Memes, Oddly, Prove There's Hope for the Internet

Jokes about World War III aren't really funny—but they're also evidence of an engaged global debate.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wwiii-memes

A New Law for Gig Workers Reaches Beyond Ride-Hail Drivers

AB 5 was designed to support Uber and Lyft contractors. But it also leaves therapists, truckers, and psychologists struggling to understand their new role.

source https://www.wired.com/story/law-gig-workers-reaches-beyond-rideshare

The 6 Best Toys at CES 2020: STEM, Robots, AR Board Games

At CES 2020, toy makers returned to the real world with games, bots, and AR board games. We played them all.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ces-2020-best-toys

An Iranian Hacking Campaign, Social Media Surveillance, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/iran-hackers-us-electric-grid-border-social-media-surveillance

Twitch's Non-Gamers Are Finally Having Their Moment

After years of ridicule, streamers who ‘just chat’ prove that there's room for gabbing, not just gaming, on the platform.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitch-non-gamers

Feds Are Content to Let Cars Drive, and Regulate, Themselves

 A new Transportation Department policy on self-driving cars is long on boosting the industry and short on ensuring its safety.

source https://www.wired.com/story/feds-content-cars-drive-regulate-themselves

Amazon Takes a Swipe at Paypal's $4 Billion Acquisition

The retail giant warned holiday shoppers that Honey, a popular browser extension, was a “security risk.” Honey denies the claim.

source https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-honey-security-warning

Do LEDs Cause Orange Presidents?

It's true that different light sources can alter colors. But Trump's science is off on this one.

source https://www.wired.com/story/do-leds-cause-orange-presidents

Iranian Hackers Have Been ‘Password-Spraying’ the US Grid

A state-sponsored group called Magnallium has been probing American electric utilities for the past year.

source https://www.wired.com/story/iran-apt33-us-electric-grid

Christian Bale Might Be Joining *Thor: Love and Thunder*

Also, artificial intelligence could bring your next favorite movie to the big screen.

source https://www.wired.com/story/christian-bale-thor

Iran Tensions Increase Social Media Surveillance at the US Border

Customs and Border Protection agents reportedly grilled Iranian Americans on their social media activity. It's the latest in a disturbing trend in government monitoring.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-iran-tensions-increase-social-media-surveillance-at-the-us-border

The Best of CES 2020

WIRED reporters saw (and touched) hundreds of gadgets at this year's consumer electronics expo. These are the biggest standouts.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-of-ces-2020

Sony's Concept Car Puts Entertainment in the Driver's Seat

The Vision-S showcases big screens, sensors, and a supremely comfortable ride.

source https://www.wired.com/story/sony-concept-car-puts-entertainment-drivers-seat

Twitter Wants to Let Users Limit Who Replies. Here’s Why

In an interview with WIRED editor-in-chief Nick Thompson, Twitter product lead Kayvon Beykpour detailed experimental features that could reshape the platform.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-interview-ces-2020

How Tweets Could Prevent War, an App Store Dilemma, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-iran-trump-war-spy-app-totok

Sex Tech Companies Are Having More Fun Than the Rest of Us at CES

Sexual health and wellness companies were allowed to exhibit their wares for the first time this year.

source https://www.wired.com/story/sex-tech-at-ces-2020-lora-dicarlo-crave

How the US Knew Iranian Missiles Were Coming Before They Hit

The US has operated an extensive network of missile warning systems for over half a century, but next-generation missiles will put it to the test.

source https://www.wired.com/story/us-missile-defense-iranian-strike

Netflix's 'The Circle' Is the Best TV Show About the Internet

A reality show about people alone in their rooms trying to be cool online—could anything be more cursed?

source https://www.wired.com/story/netflix-the-circle

Wildfires Are Obliterating Australia's Iconic Ecosystems

Australia's bushfires aren't just unprecedented—they're catastrophic. The continent's ecosystems could be forever changed.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wildfires-are-obliterating-australias-iconic-ecosystems

Quibi Bets On a Future of Quick Clips and Tiny Screens

Entertainment startup Quibi has already won over industry A-listers with its vision for short-form mobile streaming. But will it catch on with viewers?

source https://www.wired.com/story/hollywood-bets-on-a-future-of-quick-clips-and-tiny-screens

Did Donald Trump and Iran Use Twitter to Prevent a War?

Tweets from US president Donald Trump and Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif Tuesday offered a fascinating glimpse at how world leaders can communicate more quickly and directly than ever in times of crisis.

source https://www.wired.com/story/donald-trump-iran-twitter-war

#ReleaseTheJJCut Brings Conspiracy Theories to Star Wars

Hollywood fandom theories are everywhere. Now, 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' has one of its own.

source https://www.wired.com/story/star-wars-jj-abrams-conspiracy-theory

There Are Too Many Lidar Companies. They Can't All Survive

A few years ago, scores of startups promised to build the hardware that grants self-driving cars the gift of sight. Now comes the shakeout.

source https://www.wired.com/story/too-many-lidar-companies-cant-all-survive

CES 2020 WIRED Liveblog: Smart Vibrator, Exoskeleton, and More from CES

The WIRED crew is roaming the CES 2020 show floor to find the coolest and strangest gadgets this year.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ces-2020-liveblog-day-3

Alleged Spy App ToTok Puts Apple in a Bind

Apple and Google both banned ToTok after reports that it was a UAE government surveillance tool. After Google reinstated it, Apple has a hard choice to make.

source https://www.wired.com/story/totok-google-play-apple-app-store-uae-surveillance

8 More of the Smartest Things We've Seen This Week at CES 2020

Today we saw fitness wearables, a compact gaming PC, and an exo-suit that helps workers fight fatigue.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ces-2020-photo-gallery-day-3

TikTok Overhauls Community Guidelines to Ban ‘Underage Delinquent Behavior’

The popular social video platform is explaining its content policies in much more detail.

source https://www.wired.com/story/tiktok-overhauls-community-guidelines

TikTok Bugs Could Have Allowed Account Takeovers

As the social media app continues to gain popularity, security researchers are taking a closer look under the hood.

source https://www.wired.com/story/tiktok-bugs-account-takeover

Facebook’s Deepfake Ban Is a Solution to a Distant Problem

The platform has a plan to deal with tomorrow’s disinformation. But what about today’s?

source https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-deepfake-ban-disinformation

Bell and Hyundai Soar into the Air Taxi Race

At CES, the helicopter maker and the global manufacturing giant unveil their concepts for flying urban mobility.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bell-hyundai-air-taxi-race

Amazon Doubles Down on Ring Partnerships With Law Enforcement

The company's top hardware executive told WIRED he’s “proud” of the controversial program and hinted at a future with more facial recognition.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ces-2020-amazon-defends-ring-police-partnerships

Ivanka Trump's Future of Work Isn't for Workers

At CES, Trump laid out a vision of retraining American workers for a tech-focused future. If only the administration’s broader policies supported that view.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ivanka-trump-ces-future-of-work

A Big Union Wants to Make Videogame Workers' Lives More Sane

The Communications Workers of America is targeting workers at gaming companies, who work 80-hour weeks during “crunch” times.

source https://www.wired.com/story/big-union-make-videogame-workers-lives-sane

Iran’s Nuclear Capability, Australia’s Smoke Clouds, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/iran-nuclear-deal-australia-fire-pyrocumulonimbus-clouds

The Inventors Hall of Fame Honors Pioneering Brainiacs

This year’s class of inductees includes the minds behind the sports bra, the automatic surgical tourniquet, and Amazon's warehouse robots.

source https://www.wired.com/story/national-inventors-hall-of-fame-2020-inductees-announced-at-ces

CES 2020 Liveblog (Tuesday): Photos and News of All the CES Gadget Madness

Updated all day Tuesday. The WIRED crew is in Las Vegas to bring you up-to-the-minute coverage of news from the first full day of CES 2020.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ces-2020-liveblog-day-2

Personal Data Is Valuable. Give Pricing Power to the People

Winning back trust in the digital economy depends on giving people much more control of the usage, ownership, and value of their personal data.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-give-data-pricing-power-to-the-people

Please Stop Sending Terrifying Alerts to My Cell Phone

Amber, Blue, Silver, Camo: Is it really a good idea to push so many alarming messages to the public?

source https://www.wired.com/story/please-stop-sending-terrifying-alerts-to-my-cell-phone

Mandalorian vs. TIE Fighter: Who Would Win?

If a spaceship is moving at 262 miles per hour, will a bounty hunter with a grappling hook survive the acceleration?

source https://www.wired.com/story/mandalorian-vs-tie-fighter

10 More Extraordinary Gadgets We've Spotted at CES

Today we saw some tech products for parents, health monitors, and new inventions for the smart home.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ces-2020-photo-gallery-day-2

Here's What Directing a Star Wars Movie Is Really Like

The second unit director for 'The Rise of Skywalker,' Victoria Mahoney, opens up about bringing the Force from secretive sound stage to screen.

source https://www.wired.com/story/star-wars-victoria-mahoney

White House Favors a Light Touch in Regulating AI

US chief technology officer Michael Kratsios lists “principles” for government oversight, but analysts question whether they are too vague to do any good.

source https://www.wired.com/story/white-house-favors-light-touch-regulating-ai

Bluetooth's New LE Audio Is Here to Fix Your Headphones

Bluetooth’s new low-energy audio capabilities will save your battery and let you stream to multiple sources at once.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bluetooth-le-audio

Intel Maps Out a Foldable, AI-Infused PC Future

The company's latest chips—and the bending gadgets they power—are learning to think for themselves.

source https://www.wired.com/story/intel-ice-lake-foldables-ces-2020

How Close Is Iran to a Nuclear Weapon? Here's What We Know

Iran is no longer abiding by many of the restrictions in the landmark 2015 nuclear deal, but that doesn’t mean it’s about to build a bomb, either.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-close-is-iran-to-a-nuclear-weapon-heres-what-we-know

Watch Australia's Wildfires Spawn Massive Smoky Thunderclouds

Researchers have been watching Australia’s fires produce pyrocumulonimbus clouds. Here's why the phenomenon is so dangerous.

source https://www.wired.com/story/australia-wildfires-smoky-thunderclouds

Neat CES Gadgets, a Deadly Cobra's Genome, and More News

Catch up on the most important news from today in two minutes or less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ce-gadgets-indian-cobra-genome

Watch SpaceX Launch Its Next Huge Batch of Starlink Satellites

A Falcon 9 rocket is expected to lift off tonight carrying dozens of internet-beaming satellites. Here's how they'll work.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-spacexs-satellite-internet-will-actually-work

Lenovo Flaunts Its Foldable PC, The ThinkPad X1 Fold

It's a sign of the coming flood of devices with OLED screens that bend.

source https://www.wired.com/story/thinkpad-x1-fold-ces-2020

Gaze Into These Hyper-Realistic Masks and See a Troubling Future

Uncanny silicone masks used to be a Hollywood plot device. Now they're in the real world—and they're fooling a whole lot of people.

source https://www.wired.com/story/hyper-realistic-masks

Facebook Revamps Its Privacy Checkup Feature in Time for CES

Forget Portal. This year, Facebook is marketing itself as a privacy crusader.

source https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-revamps-privacy-checkup-feature

Scientists Figured Out the Indian Cobra's Genome—at Last

With the genetic recipe for the snake's lethal venom in hand, researchers will have an easier time producing an antidote.

source https://www.wired.com/story/scientists-figured-out-the-indian-cobra-genome

The Golden Globes Mostly Shut Out Apple TV+ and Netflix

'The Morning Show' and 'The Irishman' were both overlooked during last night’s awards ceremony.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-netflix-golden-globes

CES Liveblog Day 1: Flying Cars, Smart Fridges, and 5G Chips

The WIRED crew is in Las Vegas to bring you up-to-the-minute coverage of news from CES.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ces-2020-liveblog-day-1

One Free Press Coalition Spotlights Journalists Under Attack - January 2020

The Prime Minister of Malta will resign this month in connection with a reporter’s murder investigation, and a Uyghur writer remains imprisoned in China.

source https://www.wired.com/story/one-free-press-coalition-journalists-under-attack-january-2020

The 10 Neatest Things We've Seen at CES So Far

Tech's biggest show is just getting started, and we've already gotten the chance to try some fun tech gadgets.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ces-2020-photo-gallery-day-1

Live Your Best Life—On and Off Your Phone—in 2020

A wave of new books offer different lessons on how to cope with an always-connected, information-deluged world.

source https://www.wired.com/story/live-your-best-digital-life-2020

Today's Cartoon: Browser History

A whole new meaning to open office plans.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wired-cartoons-week-21

The World Has a Plan to Rein in AI—but the US Doesn’t Like It

US officials worry the proposal could unnecessarily slow development of artificial intelligence at American companies.

source https://www.wired.com/story/world-plan-rein-ai-us-doesnt-like

Everything You Thought You Knew About Inbox Zero Is Wrong

Merlin Mann says people took his idea far too literally. 

source https://www.wired.com/story/everything-you-thought-you-knew-about-inbox-zero-is-wrong

South Jersey's Mid-Century Modern Motels, in All Their Neon Glory

From the 1950s to ’70s, hundreds of motels were built in The Wildwoods. Now, in the age of Airbnb, only half of them are still in operation.

source https://www.wired.com/story/jersey-wildwoods-motels-gallery

Democracies Can Become Digital Dictators

Internet shutdowns in India prove it's not just authoritarians who repress online.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-democracies-can-become-digital-dictators

A Strange New Decade, Tesla's Strong Sales, and More Car News This Week

Tesla delivered 367,500 cars last year, a 50 percent jump from 2018. The company’s stock also surpassed $420, a symbolic figure for CEO Elon Musk.

source https://www.wired.com/story/strange-new-decade-teslas-strong-sales

'Friends' Leaving Netflix Tops This Week's Internet News Roundup

It was a devastating start to the year for fans. Also, did you hear about PopeSlapGate?

source https://www.wired.com/story/internet-week-251

Does Dark Energy Really Exist? Cosmologists Battle It Out

A study challenged the evidence for this mysterious force, despite its wide acceptance as part of the cosmos. Then physicists shot back.

source https://www.wired.com/story/does-dark-energy-really-exist-cosmologists-battle-it-out

Russia Takes a Big Step Toward Internet Isolation

total control

source https://www.wired.com/story/russia-internet-control-disconnect-censorship

Space Photos of the Week: Postcards From a Martian Winter

NASA's HiRise camera captures white carbon dioxide frost on a scarlet wonderland.

source https://www.wired.com/story/space-photos-of-the-week-postcards-from-a-martian-winter

The Army Bans TikTok

A million-dollar email scam, a Chinese hacking campaign, and more of the week's top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/army-bans-tiktok-cloud-hopper-email-scam

We're Finally Getting a Filmed Version of 'The Subtle Knife'

The second season of HBO's 'His Dark Materials' promises to bring the second book in Philip Pullman's series to life.

source https://www.wired.com/2020/01/geeks-guide-his-dark-materials

The Former CEO of Nissan Was Likely Smuggled Out of Japan

The Japanese government still doesn't know exactly how Carlos Ghosn, who was under house arrest, managed to flee to Lebanon.

source https://www.wired.com/story/former-ceo-nissan-smuggled-out-of-japan

CES 2020 Trends We're Expecting: 5G, E-Scooters, Foldables, Privacy

The annual consumer tech showcase will be awash in shiny gadgets, but it's what those products tell us about the future that matters most.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ces-2020-preview