How to Find a Covid-19 Vaccine Appointment in Your Area

Vaccines are rolling out across the US. These tips will help you figure out where to go and what to expect.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-find-a-covid-19-vaccine

Six-Word Sci-Fi: Stories Written By You

Here's this month's prompt, how to submit, and an illustrated archive of past favorites.

source https://www.wired.com/story/six-word-sci-fi

New Guidance for the Vaccinated, a Crisis in India, and More

Catch up on the most important updates from this week.

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-guidance-vaccinated-crisis-in-india-coronavirus-news

The Left Hand of Darkness Is a Sci-Fi Classic

Ursula K. Le Guin's 1969 novel is one of the genre's most important explorations of gender.

source https://www.wired.com/2021/04/geeks-guide-left-hand-of-darkness

A Wildlife Photographer Critiqued Our New Pokémon Snap Photos

WIRED asked Melissa Groo, an acclaimed conservation photographer and author, to judge our snapshots of wild Pichus and Torchics. It didn't go well.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wildlife-photographer-review-new-pokemon-snap-photos

Amazon’s AI Guru Is So Totally Over the Turing Test

Plus: Robot reporters, Apple’s post-Jobs essence, and an Unhappy Gilmore TikTok.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-amazon-ai-guru-over-the-turing-test

Want to Start a Podcast or Livestream? Here’s the Gear You Need

Now is the time to create your own content. These tools can help you get great audio and video quality from the start.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-podcast-and-livestream-gear

'The Handmaid's Tale' Hits Hard in Covid-Era America

Hulu's adaptation of Margaret Atwood's book has always felt of-the-moment—now more than ever.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-handmaids-tale-hits-hard-covid-era-america

Google's Grand Plan to Eradicate Cookies Is Crumbling

Regulators in the EU and competitors have raised concerns about the company's proposals to rewrite the rules of online advertising.

source https://www.wired.com/story/googles-grand-plan-to-eradicate-cookies-is-crumbling

Adam Savage's Apron Is Tailor-Made for Your Toughest Projects

Whether you paint nails or houses, the Savage Industries Apron can stylishly and comfortably hold all your tools.

source https://www.wired.com/review/savage-industries-apron

New Pokémon Snap Doesn't Want Your Avant-Garde Photography

The successor to the 1999 classic is a fun romp through a new Pokémon landscape, but don’t expect a revolutionary approach to photography.

source https://www.wired.com/review/new-pokemon-snap-review

The Race to Save St. Mark’s Basilica From Salty Floodwaters

As Venice faces a four-foot sea level rise, the historic cathedral—and its marble—could succumb to damaging tides.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-race-to-save-st-marks-basilica-from-salty-floodwaters

How One Naughty Bird Cheats With Fancy Feather Structures

For male tanager birds, carotenoid feather pigments just aren't flashy enough. They have another way to make their colors really pop.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-one-naughty-bird-cheats-with-fancy-feather-structures

How User Data Privacy and Antitrust Law Got All Tangled Up

This week, we look at how the latest iPhone software update ties into the debate about regulating big tech.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-502

New York Returns Its Police ‘Robodog’ After a Public Outcry

City residents and elected officials pushed back after videos showed the Boston Dynamics robot in action.

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-york-returns-police-robodog-after-public-outcry

Black Pain Will Never Stop Trending

From the Oscar-winning Two Distant Strangers to lived reality to social media, the spectacle of trauma is unrelenting.

source https://www.wired.com/story/black-pain-two-distant-strangers-social-media

The Best Weighted Blankets for Calm and Comfort

These accessories might not cure your anxiety or insomnia, but they can feel like a hug when you really need one.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-weighted-blankets

9 Upgrades We’d Love to See in the Next Nintendo Switch

If it got better visuals, extended battery life, and Bluetooth support, a new Switch would go from a Maybe to a Must-Buy. And we pray for an end to Joy-Con drift.

source https://www.wired.com/story/9-upgrades-the-next-nintendo-switch-pro

Hitman 3 Is a Beautifully Executed Finale

The final chapter of the trilogy is a master class in level design for Agent 47’s murderous escapades.

source https://www.wired.com/review/hitman-3

The WFH Exodus Creates an Opportunity for Small Cities

Workers from urban centers will continue to work from home, at least part-time. Officials and developers are planning the shops and services they'll want.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wfh-exodus-creates-opportunity-small-cities

How Pixar Uses Hyper-Colors to Hack Your Brain

The animation studio’s artists are masters at tweaking light and color to trigger deep emotional responses. Coming soon: effects you’ll only see inside your head.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-pixar-uses-hyper-colors-to-hack-your-brain

How to Win a Hot Wheels Derby on a Moving Treadmill

Sure, you could just crank up the speed and let chance have its way. But there's also a reason why some cars go fast and others flip over the sidewall.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-win-a-hot-wheels-derby-on-a-moving-treadmill

An Ambitious Plan to Tackle Ransomware Faces Long Odds

A task force counting Amazon, Cisco, and the FBI among its members has proposed a framework to solve one of cybersecurity's biggest problems. Good luck.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ransomware-task-force-proposal

'Miami Tech Week' Wasn't Planned. But the Hype Is Infectious

Founders and funders are flocking to the beach for an impromptu event that some are calling "South by Southeast."

source https://www.wired.com/story/miami-tech-week-wasnt-planned-but-the-hype-is-infectious

Google Fixes Two Annoying Quirks in Its Voice Assistant

The AI just got a useful boost in understanding natural human speech.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-assistant-redesigned-natural-language-understanding-models

Melting Mountain Glaciers May Not Survive the Century

Scientists crunched 20 years’ worth of satellite data to estimate the melt rate across the planet, and the news isn’t good.

source https://www.wired.com/story/melting-mountain-glaciers-may-not-survive-the-century

The Best Cheap Phones for (Almost) Every Budget

There’s little reason to pay top dollar for a phone these days. These are our favorite Android devices and iPhones for $200 to $500.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-cheap-phones

Ford's Ever-Smarter Robots Are Speeding Up the Assembly Line

A transmission factory shows how artificial intelligence may creep into industrial processes in gradual and often imperceptible ways.

source https://www.wired.com/story/fords-smarter-robots-speeding-assembly-line

The GPU Shortage Deepened My Existential Dread

When my teenager couldn't find a video card, he declared that everything was meaningless. Turns out, in the lonely months of quarantine, he was right.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gpu-shortage-existential-dread-nothing-matters

Amazon’s Latest Echo Dot Is at Its Cheapest Sale Price

Dot discounts aren’t infrequent, but this is the best deal we’ve seen on it since the holidays.

source https://www.wired.com/story/echo-dot-deal-2021

How Porn's Racist Metadata Hurts Adult Performers of Color

Despite the massive innovations tech has brought to the industry, nonwhite creators remain confined to a rigid, outdated classification system.

source https://www.wired.com/story/porn-racist-metadata-hurts-adult-performers-of-color

He's a WWE Pro and a Vtuber. Those Worlds Aren't So Different

Brennan Williams wrestles as Mace but streams as an animated character named Jibo. It's all kayfabe, and a little bit not.

source https://www.wired.com/story/brennan-williams-mace-jibo-wwe-vtubing

Want to Build a Home Theater? Start With This Soundbar

Polk's expandable soundbar system is a good starting point for slowly building a true surround sound experience.

source https://www.wired.com/review/polk-react-soundbar

Help! Should I Be More Ambitious?

What does it mean if you don't want to climb the ladder? Megan weighs in.

source https://www.wired.com/story/should-i-be-more-ambitious

Feds Arrest an Alleged $336M Bitcoin-Laundering Kingpin

The alleged administrator of Bitcoin Fog kept the dark web service running for 10 years before the IRS caught up with him.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bitcoin-fog-dark-web-cryptocurrency-arrest

Remember When You Could See Inside a Gaming Console?

Translucent devices like the Game Boy Color made a tacit promise to players: Everything the light touches is yours. But the future seems to be a black box.

source https://www.wired.com/story/remember-when-you-could-see-inside-gaming-console

The Best High-Tech Socks to Tackle Your Next Run

Leave the cotton behind in favor of technical fabrics and constructions that help you pile on the miles.

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

Vaccine Registries Are Good, Vaccine Apps Are Invasive

Registries are essential to reopening schools. Apps act as invasive bouncers that could block many communities out of essential spaces.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-vaccine-registries-are-good-vaccine-apps-are-invasive

The King of Fighters Lives On in China and Latin America

A combination of international politics, tariffs, and piracy turned this beloved arcade game into a cultural phenomenon.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-king-of-fighters-snk-china-mexico-latin-america

AirDrop Is Leaking Email Addresses and Phone Numbers

Apple has known about the flaw since 2019 but has yet to acknowledge or fix it.

source https://www.wired.com/story/airdrop-leaking-email-addresses-and-phone-numbers

On Social Media, American-Style Free Speech Is Dead

Major platforms’ policies aren’t actually inspired by the First Amendment. This legal scholar says that’s a good thing.

source https://www.wired.com/story/on-social-media-american-style-free-speech-is-dead

Netflix’s Yasuke Is an Action-Packed Step Forward for Anime

The series uses the little-known story of a Black samurai for a show intended to introduce a new generation to the form.

source https://www.wired.com/story/yasuke-review

This Human-Sized Origami Reimagines Emergency Shelters

When flat, the structure is about the size of a twin mattress. But when it's inflated, walls widen, and a roof snaps into place.

source https://www.wired.com/story/this-human-sized-origami-reimagines-emergency-shelters

5 Great Next-Gen PS5 Games You Can Play Now

Only a few titles for Sony's new PlayStation console really take advantage of the powerful hardware. Here are our favorites.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-ps5-games

The 'Vaccine' Emoji Gets a New Look This Week

Originally designed as a syringe, the emoji is becoming more popular as people get vaccinated. Apple’s latest redesign reflects this evolution.

source https://www.wired.com/story/vaccine-emoji-gets-new-look-apple-ios

Hackers Used ‘Mind-Blowing’ Bug to Dodge macOS Safeguards

The vulnerability was patched Monday, but hackers had already used it to spread malware.

source https://www.wired.com/story/macos-malware-shlayer-gatekeeper-notarization

This Researcher Says AI Is Neither Artificial nor Intelligent

Kate Crawford, who holds positions at USC and Microsoft, says in a new book that even experts working on the technology misunderstand AI.

source https://www.wired.com/story/researcher-says-ai-not-artificial-intelligent

35 Years Later, Studies Show a Silver Lining From Chernobyl

One new study found that radiation exposure didn't genetically harm future generations, while another offers insights into how radiation causes thyroid cancer.

source https://www.wired.com/story/35-years-later-studies-show-a-silver-lining-from-chernobyl

The 13 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride

A battery-powered motor lets you enjoy most of the benefits of biking, without all the sweat.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-electric-bikes

How Stardew Valley Bridged a Connection to My Grandfather

Gardening in this relaxing, chill game bought me back to my childhood, but broke my heart when I had no choice but to grow up and face reality.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-stardew-valley-bridged-a-connection-to-my-grandfather

The New iOS Update Lets You Stop Ads From Tracking You

Facebook and other advertisers fought the move, but App Tracking Transparency is finally here.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ios-app-tracking-transparency-advertising

Covid Lockdowns Prevented Other Infections. Is That Good?

The “hygiene hypothesis” says early contact with microbes trains our immune systems. But what happens after a year of distancing?

source https://www.wired.com/story/covid-lockdowns-prevented-other-infections-is-that-good

The Brain ‘Rotates’ Memories to Save Them From New Sensations

Some groups of neurons process sensory data and memories at the same time. New work shows how the brain pivots those representations to prevent interference.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-brain-rotates-memories-to-save-them-from-new-sensations

This Big-Wheeled Foldable EBike Doesn't Look Clownish

The M-E1 from Montague is a polished electric bike that packs down to a very compact size.

source https://www.wired.com/review/montague-m-e1

VPN Hacks Are a Slow-Motion Disaster

Recent spying attacks against Pulse Secure VPN are just the latest example of a long-simmering cybersecurity meltdown.

source https://www.wired.com/story/vpn-hacks-pulse-secure-espionage

7 Great Apps to Edit Photos on Your Phone

Before you share them, make sure your snaps look their best with the help of these tools.

source https://www.wired.com/story/7-best-mobile-apps-edit-photos

21 Gift Ideas for Mom and Dad

Whether you’re celebrating Mother’s and Father’s Day in person or virtually, these gadgets might help bring your folks closer.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gift-ideas-for-mom-and-dad-2021

The Plane Paradox: More Automation Should Mean More Training

Today's highly automated planes create surprises pilots aren't familiar with. The humans in the cockpit need to be better prepared for the machine's quirks.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-the-plane-paradox-more-automation-should-mean-more-training

AI Helps Prove Two Scribes Wrote Text of a Dead Sea Scroll

Most scholars thought the Isaiah Scroll was copied by a single author. New handwriting analysis just revealed otherwise.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ai-helps-prove-two-scribes-wrote-text-of-dead-sea-scroll

Signal's Founder Hacked a Notorious Phone-Cracking Device

Plus: App Store scams, an anti-surveillance bill, and more of the week’s top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/signal-cellebrite-hack-app-store-scams-security-news

These 7 Umbrellas Will Help You Withstand Rainy Weather

These picks will protect you from the showers, withstand the wind, and hold up for the long haul.

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

‘Blue Carbon’ Credits Could Help Restore Ecosystems

Seagrasses, mangrove forests, and wetlands store tons of carbon. But can a market based on regrowing them avoid the pitfalls that plague land-based programs?

source https://www.wired.com/story/blue-carbon-credits-could-help-restore-ecosystems

17 Best Weekend Deals on Earth-Friendly Gear and More

From green cleaning supplies to reusable bags and bottles, these products try to cut down on waste.

source https://www.wired.com/story/weekend-deals-april-24-2021

The CDC Reviews J&J, India Battles an Outbreak, and More News

Catch up on the most important updates from this week.

source https://www.wired.com/story/cdc-reviews-jandj-india-battles-outbreak-coronavirus-news

Avenue 5 Is Funny but Needs More Variety

The HBO show, from Veep creator Armando Iannucci, has all of that show's comedy, but not as many of its layers.

source https://www.wired.com/2021/04/geeks-guide-avenue-5

Oscars 2021: Time to Watch Yet Another Covid-Era Awards Show

Part of this year’s event will be held at a train station. Frankly, that tracks.

source https://www.wired.com/story/oscars-2021-yet-another-covid-era-awards-show

It’s Official: Apple Is Now a Silicon Company

Plus: A conversation with Steve Jobs, how Facebook can fix its reputation, and the week in cyclones.

source https://www.wired.com/story/its-official-apple-is-now-a-silicon-company

11 Laptops We’ve Tested—and Love

These are our favorite Windows notebooks, MacBooks, and Chromebooks.

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

Talking Brains, Hardware, and Privacy With Facebook’s AR Guru

This week, Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, the head of Facebook Reality Labs, joins us to talk about how his team is thinking about the future of mixed reality.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-501

I Think You Should Leave Was Right About Everything

Two years ago, WIRED referred to Tim Robinson’s Netflix sketch series as not “particularly good.” We regret the error.

source https://www.wired.com/story/i-think-you-should-leave-was-right

Apple’s Ransomware Mess Is the Future of Online Extortion

This week, hackers stole confidential schematics from a third-party supplier and demanded $50 million not to release them.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-ransomware-attack-quanta-computer

A Vaccine Can Be Bad for a Person but Awesome for All People

The safety pause in giving the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine is up for debate again—a battle in a Secret War of Denominators and risk-benefit philosophies.

source https://www.wired.com/story/a-vaccine-can-be-bad-for-a-person-but-awesome-for-all-people

Fighting Games Like Mortal Kombat Have Come a Long Way

The genre has long relied on racial and gender stereotypes. Recent strides in diversity have made it better (and more fun) to choose your fighter.

source https://www.wired.com/story/evolution-fighting-games-diversity-characters

Now for AI’s Latest Trick: Writing Computer Code

Programs such as GPT-3 can compose convincing text. Some people are using the tool to automate software development and hunt for bugs.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ai-latest-trick-writing-computer-code

NASA Launches Astronauts to the ISS on a Reused SpaceX Rocket

The six-month mission is another step toward an eventual moon landing, and the second time this Crew Dragon capsule has visited the space station.

source https://www.wired.com/story/nasa-launches-astronauts-to-the-iss-on-a-reused-spacex-rocket

5 Surprising Ways to Help Save the Planet

What do an electronic turtle egg, an Arctic seed bank, and carbon-eating machines have in common? They’re helping us be optimistic this Earth Day.

source https://www.wired.com/story/5-surprising-ways-to-help-save-the-planet

How the US Might Reach Biden's New Climate Goal

The president wants the country to halve its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Here's what it will take to actually succeed.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-the-us-might-reach-bidens-new-climate-goal

Why Lawmakers Are Interested in Apple and Google’s 'Rent'

You can’t understand the app store debate without knowing a crucial piece of antitrust jargon.

source https://www.wired.com/story/lawmakers-interested-apple-google-rent

How to Reduce Motion Sickness in Virtual Reality

VR headsets are all about escapism—until your real-world nausea kicks in. These tips can help.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-reduce-motion-sickness-virtual-reality

Why a James Bond Film Will Never Premiere on Netflix

The dependence on VOD during the pandemic proved one thing: Hollywood still needs theaters, and it needs us to return in droves as they reopen across the world.

source https://www.wired.com/story/james-bond-film-will-never-premiere-on-netflix

Speakers Are Great—but Don’t Underestimate the Soundbar

Calm down, audiophiles. When it comes to your home audio system, sound isn’t the only thing that matters.

source https://www.wired.com/story/surround-sound-speakers-soundbar-shopping-tips

A New Facebook Bug Exposes Millions of Email Addresses

A recently discovered vulnerability discloses user email addresses even when they’re set to private.

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-facebook-bug-exposes-millions-of-email-addresses

The Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products for Your Home

Next time you stock up on supplies, consider these green cleaning alternatives.

source https://www.wired.com/story/eco-friendly-natural-cleaning-products

'After Us the Deluge' Captures Images of a Sinking World

Kadir van Lohuizen photographed nations affected by climate change. His book documents the present, but offers a glimpse of the future.

source https://www.wired.com/story/after-us-the-deluge-captures-images-of-a-sinking-world

Do You Like My Jacket? Thanks, It's Recyclable

By creating apparel from recyclable synthetic fabrics, fashion brands can reduce their reliance on virgin petrochemicals while also boosting their public image.

source https://www.wired.com/story/adidas-terrex-futurecraft-loop-anorak

Looking for a Tablet? These Are Our Absolute Favorites

We’ve tested all the top slates, from Apple’s iPads to Android and Windows devices.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/the-best-tablets

Palestinian Hackers Tricked Victims to Install iOS Spyware

The groups used social engineering techniques on Facebook to direct targets to a wide range of malware, including custom tools.

source https://www.wired.com/story/palestine-hacking-ios-custom-spyware

Europe's Proposed Limits on AI Would Have Global Consequences

The EU released draft laws that would regulate facial recognition and uses of algorithms. If it passes, the policy will impact companies in the US and China.

source https://www.wired.com/story/europes-proposed-limits-ai-global-consequences

A Clubhouse Bug Let People Lurk in Rooms Invisibly

The vulnerabilities opened the door to “ghosts” hiding in and disrupting rooms, where moderators would be unable to mute them.

source https://www.wired.com/story/clubhouse-bug-lurkers-ghost

Time Travel in Video Games Isn’t Really Cheating

Games like Animal Crossing and Cozy Grove are meant to be played every day, but who’s got that kind of time?

source https://www.wired.com/story/time-travel-is-not-cheating

Our Favorite Products Made of Upcycled and Recycled Materials

Tread lightly on the planet with shoes made out of repurposed plastic, and many other Earth-friendly picks.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/our-favorite-upcycled-and-recycled-products

A Linguistic Guide to Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla

Ubisoft consulted with native Welsh speakers, 13th-century Icelandic texts, and Gaelic scholars to create the game's lingua-scape.

source https://www.wired.com/story/assassins-creed-valhalla-linguistic-guide

Help! How Do I Plan a Virtual Work Hang That's Actually Fun?

Online office events are never going to be a blast. But Megan has a few ideas for how to make them suck less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ooo-virtual-office-hang-thats-actually-fun

Don't Underestimate the Challenge of Building a PC

Building your own computer isn't exactly “adult Lego,” but that doesn't mean it's not worth doing. You just need to know what you're in for first.

source https://www.wired.com/story/dont-underestimate-the-challenge-of-building-a-pc

Need an Angel Investor? Just Open Up Clubhouse

Consider it like 'Shark Tank' on your phone: Every week on Angelhouse, founders make a pitch to a panel of investors as hundreds of people listen in.

source https://www.wired.com/story/need-angel-investor-just-open-up-clubhouse-angelhouse

Can an App Help Change Your Personality?

Want to be more sociable or less of a doormat? There's an (experimental) app for that.

source https://www.wired.com/story/can-an-app-help-change-your-personality

AirTags Are the Boring, Functional, Perfect Future of AR

Apple’s new location-aware widgets point to the company’s possible larger ambitions for augmented reality.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-airtags-future-of-augmented-reality

Apple Stuffs the iPad Pro With a New Display and Its Mac M1 Chip

The new high-end tablet uses Mini-LED display technology, supports Thunderbolt, and has the powerful new Mac processor.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-ipad-pro-2021

Everything Apple Announced Today: New iMacs, iPads, AirTags

Say hello to new iMacs, new iPads Pro, an updated Apple TV, and some little wireless trackers that keep tabs on your tchotchkes.

source https://www.wired.com/story/everything-apple-announced-april-2021

Could Bad Guys Actually Escape Falcon in a Wingsuit for Two?

In The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, a villain straps a hostage to his wingsuit and leaps off a plane. Cue the action—and the fun physics.

source https://www.wired.com/story/could-bad-guys-actually-escape-falcon-in-a-wingsuit-for-two

IKEA's Revamped AR App Lets You Design Entire Rooms

The furniture company is going beyond its Place app with IKEA Studio, a much-needed overhaul of its augmented reality offering.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ikea-revamped-ar-app-design-entire-rooms

How to Rank Up In Overwatch, According to the Pros

Whether you are brand new to the game or have played every season, these strategies are worth trying.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-rank-up-in-overwatch-according-to-the-pros

NFTs and AI Are Unsettling the Very Concept of History

Non-fungible tokens and artificial intelligence make tracing the origins of a digital object more fragile. What are the world’s archivists to do?

source https://www.wired.com/story/nfts-and-ai-are-unsettling-the-very-concept-of-history

How Face Recognition Can Destroy Anonymity

Cameras are everywhere, and increasingly powerful software can pick an individual out of a crowd. Except sometimes algorithms get it wrong.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-face-recognition-destroy-anonymity

After a Year Vaping With the Pax Era Pro, It’s All I Want

Pax’s portable weed pen is the perfect accessory for the BYO world.

source https://www.wired.com/review/pax-era-pro

Hungry, Hungry Microbes in Tree Bark Gobble Up Methane

Bad news: Trees emit methane, a greenhouse gas. Good news: Some are home to bacteria that can't get enough of it.

source https://www.wired.com/story/hungry-hungry-microbes-in-tree-bark-gobble-up-methane

A Fatal Crash Renews Concerns Over Tesla’s ‘Autopilot’ Claim

The company offers a feature called “Full Self-Driving Capability.” But it remains far from a self-driving car.

source https://www.wired.com/story/fatal-crash-renews-concerns-teslas-autopilot

They Hacked McDonald’s Ice Cream Machines—and Started a Cold War

Secret codes. Legal threats. Betrayal. How one couple built a device to fix McDonald’s notoriously broken soft-serve machines—and how the fast-food giant froze them out.

source https://www.wired.com/story/they-hacked-mcdonalds-ice-cream-makers-started-cold-war

Facebook Announces Live Audio Rooms, Its Clubhouse Clone

Clubhouse is the latest startup to get cloned by Facebook, as the social media giant announces a suite of new audio features. Who will use them?

source https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-announces-live-audio-rooms-soundbites

A Firmware Issue Threatens to Make PS4 Games Unplayable

Without a fix to older PlayStations, it’s only a matter of time before older games are rendered obsolete.

source https://www.wired.com/story/a-firmware-issue-threatens-to-make-ps4-games-unplayable

Hackers Used to Be Humans. Soon, AIs Will Hack Humanity

Like crafty genies, AIs will grant our wishes, and then hack them, exploiting our social, political, and economic systems like never before.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-hackers-used-to-be-humans-soon-ais-will-hack-humanity

Union Says Amazon Violated Labor Law in the Alabama Election

Amazon defeated the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union’s bid to represent workers at one warehouse. The union claims the company fought dirty.

source https://www.wired.com/story/union-says-amazon-violated-labor-law-alabama-election

Let Lonely Mountains: Downhill Take Your Breath Away

Unspoiled wilderness meets high-speed thrills in a meditative mountain biking game that's still picking up new fans.

source https://www.wired.com/story/lonely-mountains-downhill-impressions

Crush the Dance Floor With These Colorful Retro Beat Machines

The Polish company Polyend has collaborated with a trio of electronic music artists to infuse its audio creation hardware with blasts of color.

source https://www.wired.com/story/polyend-tracker-artist-editions

Nations Need Ambassadors to Big Tech

Governments see that companies have country-like powers, but they can’t figure out how to deal with their un-country-like structures. Diplomats could help.

source https://www.wired.com/story/nations-need-ambassadors-to-big-tech

NASA Lands Ingenuity, the First Ever Mars Helicopter

The copter safely whirled its way up and back down, demonstrating the first powered, controlled flight on another planet.

source https://www.wired.com/story/nasa-lands-ingenuity-the-first-ever-mars-helicopter

Want to Get Along With Robots? Pretend They’re Animals

Robotics ethicist Kate Darling surveys our history with animals—in work, war, and companionship—to show how we might develop similar relationships with robots.

source https://www.wired.com/story/want-to-get-along-with-robots-pretend-theyre-animals

How to Watch Tomorrow’s Apple Event

The company is expected to unveil some new hardware Tuesday. Here’s how to stream the big show.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-event-april-20-2021-how-to-watch

These Are Our Favorite Hair Straighteners

Curls and waves are beautiful. But when you want to smooth them out, these hot tools (including irons, a brush, and a comb) work wonders.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-hair-straighteners

Mathematicians Settle the Erdős Coloring Conjecture

Fifty years ago, three mathematicians came up with a graph theory problem that they thought they might solve on the spot. A team has finally settled it.

source https://www.wired.com/story/mathematicians-settle-the-erdos-coloring-conjecture

Ecobee’s Ecosystem Is an Easy Way to Embrace the Smart Home

For the past six months, this Alexa-integrated security and thermostat platform made my house feel safer and more comfortable.

source https://www.wired.com/review/ecobee-smart-home-ecosystem

The Pandemic Proved That Our Toilets Are Crap

The core technologies for sewage systems were developed over a hundred years ago. It's time to get better, healthier updates in the pipeline.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pandemic-proved-our-toilets-are-crap

How the Smart Remote Lost Its Way

Once, we dreamed of one controller to rule them all. But when Logitech killed off the Harmony line, it ended an era.

source https://www.wired.com/story/logitech-harmony-smart-remote-lost-its-way

How to Schedule Emails and Texts to Send Anytime You Want

Your messages don’t have to go out right away. Be strategic about when your recipient gets them.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-schedule-emails-texts-chats

The Best Accessories for Your New PlayStation 5

From backup controllers to full-on sound systems, here are our favorite complements to your PS5.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-ps5-accessories

How the FBI Got Into the San Bernardino Shooter’s iPhone

Plus: Russian sanctions, Europe’s SolarWinds fallout, and more of this week’s top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/fbi-iphone-solarwinds-security-news

Everyone On Facebook’s Oversight Board Should Resign

The committee's coming decision on banning Donald Trump from the platform is meaningless. Its existence only gets in the way of actually fixing Facebook.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-everyone-on-facebooks-oversight-board-should-resign

What Is Hi-Fi Audio, and Should You Pay More for It?

A number of streaming services offer "high-quality" options, from Amazon Music to Spotify's upcoming tier. Here's how to demystify them.

source https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-hi-fi-audio

We’re Starting to See How Covid PPE Litter Affects Wildlife

More than a year into the pandemic, scientists and environmentalists have the first data on where disposable gloves and masks are turning up in ecosystems.

source https://www.wired.com/story/were-starting-to-see-how-covid-ppe-litter-affects-wildlife

15 Best Weekend Deals on TVs, Smart Speakers, and PC Gear

It’s a laid-back, put-your-feet-up kind of weekend. These discounts might help get your zen on.

source https://www.wired.com/story/weekend-deals-april-17-2021

A Pause on J&J, Preparation for Booster Shots, and More News

Catch up on the most important updates from this week.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pause-jandj-preparations-booster-shots-coronavirus-news

Turns Out, Spock Is Kinda Bad at Logic

For her new book, Julia Galef cataloged the Vulcan's predictions and found events he describes as "impossible" actually happened 83 percent of the time.

source https://www.wired.com/2021/04/geeks-guide-spock-logic

Tips to Make Recovering From Surgery or Illness Easier

Embracing the tools that let us live and work in a pandemic made a recent recovery much easier. Here's what I learned.

source https://www.wired.com/story/tips-easier-recover-surgery-illness

Archaeologists Unearth a ‘Lost Golden City’ in Egypt

The Luxor finding has been called "the second most important archaeological discovery" since King Tut's tomb.

source https://www.wired.com/story/archaeologists-unearth-lost-golden-city-in-egypt

Microsoft Is Big Tech’s Fifth Horseman

Plus: Bill Gates’ departure, post-jab symptoms, and a new era for cryptocurrency.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-microsoft-big-tech-fifth-horseman

Can the ArcLight Cinema in Hollywood Be Saved?

Cinephiles have been mourning the news that the iconic movie theater won’t reopen. But there might still be hope for the Cinerama Dome.

source https://www.wired.com/story/save-arclight-hollywood-cinerama-dome

The FDA’s Decision to Pause J&J Could Help Defeat Covid-19

A slower vaccine rollout isn’t ideal, but it’s more important that Americans know they can trust officials to address health concerns when they arise.

source https://www.wired.com/story/fda-decision-pause-jandj-could-help-defeat-covid

The Best Mouse (and Mousepads) for Every Kind of Gamer

Whether you’re into esports or casual fragging, these are the greatest gaming mice we’ve tested.

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

People Are Playing a Guessing Game in Google Maps

For most people, GeoGuessr is a fun way to pass the time. For others, it’s a way into the record books.

source https://www.wired.com/story/geoguessr-google-maps-speedrunning

What Octopus Dreams Tell Us About the Evolution of Sleep

Understanding how other animals dream could help us figure out why it’s so important to the human brain, and why it may have been preserved throughout history.

source https://www.wired.com/story/what-octopus-dreams-tell-us-about-the-evolution-of-sleep

Come Cry With Us on Gadget Lab’s 500th Episode Extravaganza

This week, we mark a major milestone by inviting our podcast’s past co-hosts to share their memories of working on the show. It’s equal parts lulz and tears.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-500

Cord-Cutting Isn't About Saving Money. It's About Control

Making the switch to streaming used to be a way to pay only for what you watched. Those days are long gone.

source https://www.wired.com/story/cord-cutting-isnt-about-saving-money-its-about-control

Pausing the J&J Vaccine Was Easy. Unpausing Will Be Hard

Johnson & Johnson’s Covid-19 vaccine was supposed to be the uncomplicated one. But even with new data, getting people to trust it again will be tricky.\

source https://www.wired.com/story/pausing-the-jandj-vaccine-was-easy-unpausing-will-be-hard

US Sanctions on Russia Rewrite Cyberespionage's Rules

The US has sent a loud message to Moscow—though what it's saying isn’t exactly clear.

source https://www.wired.com/story/us-russia-sanctions-solarwinds-svr

Google Earth Now Shows You Our Planet’s Slow Deterioration

A new time-lapse video feature in Google Earth lets users see how humans have reshaped the globe over the decades.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-earth-timelapse

DJI's New Drone Makes Aerial Cinematography a Breeze

A better image sensor and more AI-powered video smarts make the Air 2S one of the best drones you can buy.

source https://www.wired.com/review/dji-air-2s-drone

How to Use Smart Lighting to Transform Your Kid’s Bedroom

Is your child scared of the dark? These tech tips can help vanquish the monsters in the closet—or create good vibes for teens.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-smart-lighting-in-your-kids-bedroom

Sorry, but ‘I Missed the Meeting’ Is No Longer an Excuse

AI audio transcription is getting smarter—and it's taking notes on your work meetings.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ai-means-missing-the-meeting-is-no-longer-an-excuse

Respawn’s Apex Legends Is Just Getting Started

From a surprise launch to a diverse cast, the Titanfall developer's live service game has a lot going for it, and even more coming.

source https://www.wired.com/story/respawn-apex-legends-lookback-future

This Coffee Brewer Uses a Vacuum to Make a Delicious Cup

This innovative brewer uses a vacuum pump to filter your coffee, resulting in a cleaner, less bitter cup.

source https://www.wired.com/review/vacone-coffee-air-brewer

The Humble Shrub That’s Predicting a Terrible Fire Season

Chamise may not look (or smell) like much, but it's actually a kind of crystal ball for understanding how badly California might burn.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-humble-shrub-thats-predicting-a-terrible-fire-season

The Biggest Security Threats to the US Are the Hardest to Define

In a Senate briefing, the heads of the major intelligence agencies warned the public about dangers that offer no easy solutions.

source https://www.wired.com/story/worldwide-threats-briefing-2021

The FBI Takes a Drastic Step to Fight China’s Hacking Spree

The agency's approach to protecting vulnerable victims of the recent Hafnium attack manages to be at once controversial and refreshingly restrained.

source https://www.wired.com/story/fbi-takes-drastic-step-to-fight-china-hacking-spree

Help! Am I Oversharing With My Colleagues?

How does a manager strike the balance between honesty and spilling too many secrets?

source https://www.wired.com/story/ooo-management-oversharing-with-colleagues

This WIRED-Approved Heated Massage Gun Is on Sale Now

The SKG F5 is a much more affordable Theragun alternative, and it even adds heat to help relax your tight muscles. It's 40 percent off.

source https://www.wired.com/story/skg-f5-massage-gun-deal-april-2021

These Are the 9 Android Phones Worth Buying

Shopping for a new phone can be an ordeal. Let us take some of the pain out of it with these picks and tips.

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

Choices Was the Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Escape I Needed

In the mobile game, I could be anyone I wanted—and my decisions reflected the bolder, braver person I aspired to be.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pixelberry-choices-game-escape-alternate-lives

Tonal's Home Gym Is Made for Folks Who Want to Get Ripped

In a market dominated by home cardio workout machines, Tonal concentrates on strength-building and muscle toning.

source https://www.wired.com/review/tonal-home-gym

Will Future Electric Vehicles Be Powered by Deep-Sea Metals?

Mining companies and marine scientists want to know whether harvesting blobs of useful materials from the seafloor harms ocean life.

source https://www.wired.com/story/will-future-electric-vehicles-be-powered-by-deep-sea-metals

Brompton’s Folding Ebike Is Stylish but Sluggish

The weak, inefficient electric assist on the company’s classic and compact bike is just dead weight.

source https://www.wired.com/review/brompton-electric-folding-bike

Who Let the Doge Out? The Cryptocurrency Is As Nutty As Ever

The much wow Dogecoin has had its notable influencers—including, for a brief moment, me.

source https://www.wired.com/story/dogecoin-bitcoin-influencers-nutty-cryptocurrency

Coinbase Makes Its Debut—and Bitcoin Arrives on Wall Street

The largest cryptocurrency exchange goes public through a direct listing, and it could make a bigger debut than Facebook.

source https://www.wired.com/story/coinbase-debut-bitcoin-arrives-wall-street

The Sonos Roam Is a Fun-Sized Speaker That Boasts Bold Sound

This super-portable gadget is easy to use, supports Alexa or Google Assistant, and works flawlessly at home or anywhere else.

source https://www.wired.com/review/sonos-roam

5 New Family-Friendly Movies and 1 Actually Good One

This year’s Oscar-nominated animated films have a uniformly safe, childish approach to death. But The Willoughbys—not nominated—will mess you up.

source https://www.wired.com/story/five-family-friendly-movies-and-one-actually-good-one

Did This Scorching-Hot Planet Lose—and Regain—an Atmosphere?

A veritable hellscape of an exoplanet is challenging researchers’ assumptions about what types of worlds host atmospheres.

source https://www.wired.com/story/did-this-scorching-hot-planet-lose-and-regain-an-atmosphere

Is Silicon Valley Dead? Not According to Venture Dollars

In a record quarter for VC funding, California still takes the cake—further evidence that reports of the region’s demise are greatly exaggerated.

source https://www.wired.com/story/silicon-valley-dead-not-according-to-venture-capital

Data Brokers Are a Threat to Democracy

Unless the federal government steps up, the unchecked middlemen of surveillance capitalism will continue to harm our civil rights and national security.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-data-brokers-are-a-threat-to-democracy

Master & Dynamic Is Having a Big Sale on Audio Gear Now

You can get 25 percent off sitewide through April 19. That includes discounts on some of our favorite headphones, earbuds, and speakers.

source https://www.wired.com/story/master-and-dynamic-sale-april-2021

How Many Homes Could You Power With Free Doughnuts?

Should you get a COVID vaccine? Yes, it will protect you AND protect others to help us move past this pandemic so we can get back to a more normal life. But wait! If you get vaccinated, you can also get a doughnut! At least that's the deal that Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is offering. Once you get your vaccine, you get a doughnut. Oh, it's not just one doughnut—it's one doughnut every day. That's a lot of doughnuts. OK, so how about some physics estimations to go along with your tasty doughnut? Let's say that all the Americans that have a COVID vaccine get (and eat) one doughnut a day. Of course eating food gives you energy to do stuff—that's how food works. So, suppose that all these humans eat their doughnut and then use the extra energy to peddle a stationary bike. All of these bikes are then connected to generators so that they feed into the power grid. What kind of power output would this produce? The first thing we need is the number of doughnuts a day. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) 63 million Americans have been fully vaccinated so far (as of April 7 2021). Oh, don't worry too much about the numbers—I'm going to do all my calculations in python so that you can change the values if that makes you happy. I'm also going to assume that all these people get their doughnut—every day. Next, I need to know the amount of energy per doughnut. According to Krispy Kreme's site, a plain glazed doughnut is 190 Calories. But what the heck is a Calorie? Well, [the original calorie was created to describe changes in thermal energy for different substance](https://bit.ly/327X3UH. Then, later people used it to measure the amount of chemical energy your body can get from eating food. However, there is a problem. For some reason, all food labels list stuff in Calories—but these are really kilocalories. So, that doughnut has 190,000 calories. I guess it just sounds like it's too big of a number for people to consider eating. There is another unit of energy—the joule. Since this is the preferred unit of energy for physicists, I'm going to use it. To convert between units, 1 calorie is equal to 4.184 joules. But what does this have to do with your everyday life? Let's consider something you might do without too much effort. Suppose you have a textbook on the floor and you pick it up to put it on a table. Since you are exerting a force on the book over some distance, you have to change the gravitational potential energy of that book. The change in gravitational potential energy is equal to the mass of the book (about 1 kilogram) multiplied by the local gravitational field (g = 9.8 N/kg) and then multiplied by the change in height (about 1 meter). This will give a change in energy of about 10 joules. So that gives you a rough feeling for the amount of energy in a joule. But what about power? Power is the rate of energy change. It tells you how fast you use energy. As an equation, it looks like this: defpower In this expression, if ΔE is the change in energy in units of joules and Δt is the time interval in seconds then the power will be in units of watts. We are almost ready to calculate the vaccine doughnut power. We just need one more estimation—the efficiency. When a human eats a doughnut, only some of the chemical energy goes all the way into useful energy. Also, with a stationary bike generator some of the energy the human uses to push the pedals also goes into heating up some of the moving parts. In the end, only a percentage of the energy goes into electrical energy. This percentage is the efficiency. I'm just going to make a rough guess that the process of doughnut eating to electrical energy is 25 percent efficient. That's it. I just need to take the number of doughnuts per day and convert that energy to joules and then divide by the length of a day (in seconds). Oh, and multiply by the efficiency. Here's what I get. Note: this is actual python code. You can see my calculations and even change them if you like. pythonpower You can see that for each human, it's just a measly 2 watts of power. That's around the power output for a smart phone (power values vary based on use). However, once you include all the vaccinated people we get up to 144 Megawatts. In 2019, the average household power was about 1200 watts. That means that you could use all these doughnuts to run 120 thousand homes. Oh, AND you get vaccinated—that's a win. More Great WIRED Stories 📩 The latest on tech, science, and more: Get our newsletters! When the boss of all dating apps met the pandemic Get moving with our favorite fitness apps and services Why covering canals with solar panels is a power move How to keep nearby strangers from sending you files Help! Should I tell my colleagues I’m on the spectrum? 👁️ Explore AI like never before with our new database 🎮 WIRED Games: Get the latest tips, reviews, and more 🏃🏽‍♀️ Want the best tools to get healthy? Check out our Gear team’s picks for the best fitness trackers, running gear (including shoes and socks), and best headphones

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-many-homes-could-you-power-with-free-doughnuts

The Most Surprising Gaming Upgrade I've Made? Surround Sound

New mouse? New monitor? New keyboard? Maybe consider some new speakers, instead.

source https://www.wired.com/story/surround-sound-most-surprising-gaming-audio-upgrade

Microsoft Makes a $16 Billion Entry Into Health Care AI

The company plans to buy Nuance, a speech-recognition firm that grasps the specialized language of medicine—tech that won’t be easy for others to replicate.

source https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-dollar16-billion-entry-health-care-ai

How to Find a Covid-19 Vaccine Appointment in Your Area

Vaccination rollout has been a challenge across the US. These tips should help you figure out when you’re eligible, where to go, and what to expect.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-find-a-covid-19-vaccine

Plastic Is Falling From the Sky. But Where’s It Coming From?

At any given time, 1,100 tons of microplastic are floating over the western US. New modeling shows the surprising sources of the nefarious pollutant.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plastic-is-falling-from-the-sky

AI Comes to Car Repair, and Body Shop Owners Aren’t Happy

During the pandemic, insurers accelerated the use of automated tools to estimate repair costs. Garage operators say the numbers can be wildly inaccurate.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ai-car-repair-shop-owners-not-happy

Here’s What It Takes to Fly a Drone on Mount Everest

If you're heading to the top of the iconic mountain to look for a dead man and a 100-year-old camera, you want to start by running some tests on your device.

source https://www.wired.com/story/heres-what-it-takes-fly-drone-mount-everest

The OnePlus Watch Is Buggy—and That’s Not the Worst of It

Inconsistent tracking is just about the worst problem for a fitness tracker. Here, that issue is compounded by myriad other bugs.

source https://www.wired.com/review/oneplus-watch

100M More IoT Devices Are Exposed—and They Won't Be the Last

The Name:Wreck flaws in TCP/IP are the latest in a series of vulnerabilities with global implications.

source https://www.wired.com/story/namewreck-iot-vulnerabilities-tcpip-millions-devices

BMW’s Virtual Factory Uses AI to Hone the Assembly Line

The German automaker uses new software from chipmaker Nvidia to simulate train robots and human workers.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bmw-virtual-factory-ai-hone-assembly-line

The Best Chromebooks for Every Budget

All in on Google services? Then check out our favorite Chrome OS laptops and 2-in-1 tablets for school, work, or home.

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

Vizio's M-Series Quantum Is Our Favorite TV for Under $500

The gorgeous quantum dot display makes Vizio's M-Series the best cheap TV you'll find.

source https://www.wired.com/review/vizio-m-series-quantum-2020

Scary Video Games Help Me Cope With My Fears About Reality

From jump scares to terrifying monsters, games like Amnesia and Little Nightmares prepare me to handle a world filled with anxiety triggers.

source https://www.wired.com/story/scary-games-exposure-therapy-anxiety

This AI Could Help Wipe Out Colon Cancer

Medtronic's GI Genius, awaiting clearance from the FDA, will help doctors identify precancerous polyps.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ai-help-wipe-out-colon-cancer

TikTok Duets Are Reviving the Exquisite Corpse

Dances, duets, and other challenges differ greatly from the work of the Surrealists. But that doesn’t mean they’re not creating a new art form all their own.

source https://www.wired.com/story/is-tiktok-art

Antitrust and Privacy Are on a Collision Course

Facebook is being sued for weakening data protections. Google is being sued for strengthening them. Can that paradox be resolved?

source https://www.wired.com/story/antitrust-privacy-on-collision-course

Pandemic Lockdowns Did Cut Air Pollution—but With a Catch

Studies from all over the globe show short-term improvements in urban air quality, but experts are skeptical about how long they’ll last.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pandemic-lockdowns-did-cut-air-pollution-but-with-a-catch

New Vaccine Conspiracy Theories Are Going Viral in Arabic

Facebook has been criticized for failing to curb misinformation in English. But little attention has been paid to the scale of the problem in Arabic.

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-vaccine-conspiracy-theories-going-viral-arabic

The 8 Best Smart Speakers With Alexa or Google Assistant

Chatty assistants from Google, Amazon, and Apple are popular. But which one is right for you?

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-smart-speakers

What’s Making You So Gassy? This Gadget Aims to Find Out

The FoodMarble measures the level of hydrogen in your breath, which can tell you which foods are causing your digestion woes.

source https://www.wired.com/review/foodmarble

A ‘Last Hope’ Experiment Finds Evidence for Unknown Particles

Long-awaited news from Fermilab’s Muon g-2 team may resolve a tantalizing conflict between nature and theory. But a separate calculation clouds the picture.

source https://www.wired.com/story/a-last-hope-experiment-finds-evidence-for-unknown-particles

How to Layer Clothes for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Whether you’re hiking, climbing, or backpacking, here’s how to build a layering system that can handle all that Mother Nature will throw at you.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-layer-outdoor-clothing

How to Log In to Your Devices Without Passwords

You can use your face, fingerprint, or a wearable to get access to your gadgets. It saves you some typing—and makes you feel like a spy.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-log-in-without-passwords-touchid-face-unlock-windows-hello

Oh Look, LinkedIn Also Has a 500M User Data Leak

Plus: A bad Zoom bug, a billion-dollar cocaine bust, and more of the week's top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/linkedin-data-scrape-phishing-zoom-security-news

16 Mother's Day Gift Ideas for the Mom You've Been Missing

Brunch may still be out of the question, but you can send your ma the best sweatpants ever made.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-mothers-day-gifts-2020

In Europe, Backlash Heats Up Over Garbage Incinerators

Trash-burning facilities once seemed like a useful way to minimize pollution and generate power. But the EU is withdrawing support over emissions concerns.

source https://www.wired.com/story/in-europe-backlash-heats-up-over-garbage-incinerators

The Best Controllers for ‘Microsoft Flight Simulator’

We may all still be trapped at home for a while, but we can at least take flight. Virtually, that is.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-hotas-controllers-microsoft-flight-simulator

Outriders Is Grinning Through the Apocalypse

The game bounces wildly between violence and wry humor, with some dark and harrowing commentary. And it's certainly worth your time.

source https://www.wired.com/story/outriders-impressions-grinning-through-the-apocalypse

The 17 Best Weekend Deals on Stand Mixers, PC Gear, and More

Springtime is here, and so are some surprisingly good deals on kitchen appliances and computer components.

source https://www.wired.com/story/weekend-deals-april-10-2021

Facebook Had Years to Fix Flaw That Leaked 500M Users' Data

Software makers can't catch every bug every time, but Facebook had ample warning about the privacy problems with its “contact import” feature.

source https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-data-leak-contact-import-flaws

Extremist Charged With Plot to Blow Up Amazon Data Centers

The FBI arrested the suspect in Texas after he purchased explosives from an undercover agent.

source https://www.wired.com/story/far-right-extremist-allegedly-plotted-blow-up-amazon-data-centers

Tracking Variants, New Hot Spots, and More Coronavirus News

Catch up on the most important updates from this week.

source https://www.wired.com/story/tracking-variants-new-hot-spots-coronavirus-news

What Sci-Fi Can Teach You About Running a Business

Entrepreneur James Altucher has used everything from Star Wars to Isaac Asimov's Foundation series in his work.

source https://www.wired.com/2021/04/geeks-guide-james-altucher

Despite Union Setback, Amazon Workers Fight for Dignity

Union supporters face a setback in Bessemer, Alabama, but indicate the fight isn’t over yet.

source https://www.wired.com/story/we-are-not-robots-amazon-bessemer-union-result

The Best Rain Jackets to Help You Brave the Elements

When it rains, it pours. Here are our picks for cold, wet days—plus expert tips on deciphering product specs.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-rain-jackets

Break Reality and Keep Marvel Weird

The new trailer for Loki is a promise that the Disney+ streak will continue.

source https://www.wired.com/story/keep-marvel-weird

The Clones Are Coming for Clubhouse

Plus: MySpace's downfall, tech competition from China, and the particle going rogue.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-clones-are-coming-for-clubhouse

The Thrusters Behind NASA's Mission to the Asteroid Psyche

Hall thrusters have been used in satellites for years. Now, they'll play a crucial role in reaching a metallic asteroid called Psyche.

source https://www.wired.com/story/high-powered-thrusters-behind-nasas-mission-psyche

This Ebike Is a Fun Ride—Until the Glitches Start

This powerful electric bike has super build quality, but I didn’t have a super time with it.

source https://www.wired.com/review/super73-s2

How Tech Transformed How We Hook Up—and Break Up

This week, we look at how living online makes it harder to forget a love that's been lost and easier to find love once again.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-499

Game Subscriptions Open Doors for Players With Disabilities

Services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now allow users to easily see if a new title is accessible without having to buy it first.

source https://www.wired.com/story/game-subscriptions-gamers-disabilities

How to Survive a Killer Asteroid

The impact that wiped out the dinosaurs would probably have killed you too—unless you were in the exact right place and had made the exact right plans.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-survive-a-killer-asteroid

Variant Hunters Race to Find New Strains Where Testing Lags

In countries without much sequencing, new versions of the Covid virus can go unnoticed. Scientists across Africa are collaborating to track them down.

source https://www.wired.com/story/variant-hunters-race-to-find-new-strains-where-testing-lags

The Best Theragun to Buy (and Other Great Massage Guns)

Therabody’s percussive therapy devices help soothe achy muscles. Here’s our guide to its lineup—and some cheaper alternatives.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-theragun-percussive-therapy-devices

Russia May Have Found a New Way to Censor the Internet

In an attempt to silence Twitter, the Kremlin appears to have developed novel techniques to restrict online content.

source https://www.wired.com/story/russia-may-have-found-new-way-to-censor-internet

My Dream of the Great Unbundling

We don’t need the next big thing. We need countless next little things.

source https://www.wired.com/story/my-dream-of-the-great-unbundling

How to Customize Your PS5's Home Screen

There aren't a ton of options yet (they're probably on the way). But even though the features are limited, they can definitely save you time.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-customize-ps5-home-screen

This Wobbly Robot Wants to Be Your Pet’s New Playmate

This robotic toy promises to keep your pets entertained while you’re busy.

source https://www.wired.com/review/review-ebo-pro

The 5 Best Portable Espresso Makers for a Shot on the Go

Make a barista-worthy cup on the road, or anywhere else, with these handheld machines.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-portable-espresso-makers

How to Manage Your Mess of Cables, Once and for All

You don't have to suffer with tangled cords behind your TV or under your desk, even if you're committed to the wired life. Here's how to tidy up.

source https://www.wired.com/story/lazy-gamers-guide-cable-management

This Sticker Absorbs Sweat—and Might Diagnose Cystic Fibrosis

The device may make it easier to quickly test newborns and could open the door to at-home monitoring.

source https://www.wired.com/story/this-sticker-absorbs-sweat-and-might-diagnose-cystic-fibrosis

Twitch Will Act on ‘Serious’ Offenses That Happen Off-Stream

The new policy holds streamers to account for what happens on other services and in real life.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitch-off-platform-policy-harassment

This $2,500 Iron Is a Badass Wrinkle Destroyer

The Laurastar Smart U works so well it may give you a flashback to the smoothest sheets you've ever slept on.

source https://www.wired.com/review/laurastar-smart-u-iron

It’s Hard to Play a Character Who’s a Dick—but It’s Worth It

In God of War, Kratos is kind of mean, but finishing his journey has its rewards.

source https://www.wired.com/story/video-game-jerk-protagonists

Help! My Colleague Is Taking Credit for My Work

Why petty drama matters in the workplace, and other advice on office thievery.

source https://www.wired.com/story/my-colleague-is-taking-credit-for-my-work

How Strong Is King Kong? And Could He Even Stand Up?

In physics, big things are not like small things. Here's what that means for a giant gorilla.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-strong-is-king-kong-could-he-stand-up

More Lightning in the Arctic Is Bad News for the Planet

Lightning strikes in the far north could double by 2100. That means more wildfires, which could release massive amounts of planet-warming gas.

source https://www.wired.com/story/more-lightning-in-the-arctic-is-bad-news-for-the-planet

Olija Is an Indie Platformer With Love, Loss, and Harpoons

While not perfect, it's a breezy action game that's unique—and a ton of fun.

source https://www.wired.com/story/olija-indie-platformer-love-loss-harpoons

Hackers Are Exploiting Discord Links to Serve Up Malware

Beware of links from platforms that got big during quarantine.

source https://www.wired.com/story/malware-discord-slack-links

This Curtain-Opening Robot Isn't As Convenient As You Think

Wake up to natural sunlight and a loud, whining noise thanks to the wonky SwitchBot that opens and closes your drapes for you.

source https://www.wired.com/review/switchbot-curtain

How Technology Can Help You Cope With ADHD

Tech is usually the villain in stories about ADHD, but for many, it can be a lifeline, not an anchor.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-technology-help-cope-with-adhd

Serve Food in Far-Away Restaurants—Right From Your Couch

A growing number of robots are operated remotely, often by workers thousands of miles away. Could it be a job of the future?

source https://www.wired.com/story/serve-food-restaurants-from-couch

What Really Caused Facebook's 500M-User Data Leak?

The company's explanations have been confusing and inconsistent, but there are finally some answers.

source https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-data-leak-500-million-users-phone-numbers

The Opportunities—and Obstacles—for Women at NSA and Cyber Command

WIRED spoke with three women working in cybersecurity in the US intelligence committee about the progress of recent years and the work that remains.

source https://www.wired.com/story/women-cybersecurity-nsa-cyber-command

Signal Adds a Payments Feature—With Cryptocurrency

The encrypted messaging app is integrating support for MobileCoin in a bid to keep up with the features offered by its more mainstream rivals.

source https://www.wired.com/story/signal-mobilecoin-payments-messaging-cryptocurrency

Watch Out—That 'Call of Duty: Warzone' Cheat Might Be Malware

Players looking for a leg up are being duped into giving criminals a backdoor into their devices.

source https://www.wired.com/story/that-call-of-duty-warzone-cheat-might-be-malware

These Are Our Favorite Smart Displays Right Now

Ever wish you could smash a tablet and smart speaker together? These devices try to offer the best of both worlds.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-smart-displays

Lenovo's ThinkPad and Chrome OS Are a Seriously Great Pair

The best of ThinkPads come to this Chromebook, along with some speedy new AMD processors.

source https://www.wired.com/review/lenovo-thinkpad-c13-yoga-chromebook

Reforestation Is Great! But We're Running Out of Seeds

Planting trees is a popular solution to carbon emissions. But where will all those seedlings come from?

source https://www.wired.com/story/reforestation-is-great-but-were-running-out-of-seeds

I Use Motion Smoothing on My TV—and Maybe You Should Too

There, I said it! But there are some good reasons to use it, depending on your display.

source https://www.wired.com/story/motion-smoothing-defense-hdtv

Let's Just Agree That Stadia Is Actually Fine

So Google's cloud-based gaming service isn't perfect. But for plenty of players, it's enough.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-stadia-is-fine

The Healing Power of Javascript

For some of us—isolates, happy in the dark—code is therapy, an escape and a path to hope in a troubled world.

source https://www.wired.com/story/healing-power-javascript-code-programming

Falcons, Lokis, Nerd Canons, and Why You Don’t Have to Care

It’s possible to keep up with all of Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and even DC, if you want. The good news is, you don’t gotta.

source https://www.wired.com/story/marvel-star-wars-continuity-does-not-matter

How to Make a CDC-Approved Face Mask For Double Masking

A fabric face covering can be worn over your disposable medical mask to help prevent you from spreading Covid-19. Here's how to make one of your own.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-make-a-cloth-face-mask

I Called Off My Wedding. The Internet Will Never Forget

In 2019, I made a painful decision. But to the algorithms that drive Facebook, Pinterest, and a million other apps, I'm forever getting married.

source https://www.wired.com/story/weddings-social-media-apps-photos-memories-miscarriage-problem

Polarization Isn't America's Biggest Problem—or Facebook's

A debate is raging over the social media giant's role in dividing the country. But it's the US's deeply-rooted inequities that tech should focus on.

source https://www.wired.com/story/polarization-isnt-americas-biggest-problem-or-facebooks

Encryption Has Never Been More Essential—or Threatened

As we communicate more digitally, governments encroach more on our privacy. End-to-end encryption cannot be taken for granted.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-encryption-has-never-been-more-essential-or-threatened

Android Is Wasted on This Lenovo Tablet

The Tab P11 Pro is a great midrange slate—which would be more exciting if the poorly optimized operating system wasn’t such a lost cause.

source https://www.wired.com/review/lenovo-tab-p11-pro

Independent Video Game Stores Are Here to Stay

Despite rising digital sales and the pandemic, retro gaming and tight-knit clienteles are keeping smaller shops alive while other retailers falter.

source https://www.wired.com/story/independent-video-game-stores

7 Emergency Preparedness Apps to Keep on Your Phone

Don’t wait till the storm is coming or the earthquake starts to grab these from the app store.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-emergency-apps

Silicon Valley Revs Up for a ‘Hot Startup’ Summer

“Now is the time to start stepping on the gas,” as one prominent VC firm put it to founders.

source https://www.wired.com/story/silicon-valley-revs-up-for-hot-startup-summer

Sneaky New Bacteria on the ISS Could Build a Future on Mars

NASA tracks the microbes that live on the space station, and sometimes it discovers new ones. Those hardy bugs may offer clues about surviving long missions.

source https://www.wired.com/story/sneaky-new-bacteria-on-the-iss-could-build-a-future-on-mars

The Best Electric Toothbrushes for Your Pearly Whites

Yes, you'll have to recharge your toothbrush, but these electric models put better oral hygiene within easy reach.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-electric-toothbrushes

The Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid Birthed Today's Rainforests

Plant fossils from Columbia reveal the forests of the Cretaceous period were sparser and less humid than their modern-day counterparts.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-dino-killing-asteroid-birthed-todays-rainforests

The UK Is Trying to Stop Facebook's End-to-End Encryption

The government's latest attack is aimed at discouraging the company from following through with its planned rollout across platforms.

source https://www.wired.com/story/uk-trying-to-stop-facebook-end-to-end-encryption

I Didn’t Like the Bunch Cargo Bike. Too Bad My Kids Loved It

When you’re reviewing an electric family bicycle, everyone gets to weigh in.

source https://www.wired.com/review/bunch-the-original-electric-cargo-bike

How to Test Early Betas of Software You Use Every Day

If you’re OK with a few bugs and rough edges, you can get new features before anyone else.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-test-early-betas-ios-android-windows-chrome-macos

Cells Form Into Living ‘Xenobots’ on Their Own

Embryonic cells can self-assemble into new forms that don’t resemble the bodies they usually generate, challenging old ideas of what defines an organism.

source https://www.wired.com/story/cells-form-into-living-xenobots-on-their-own

Cops Take Down the ‘World’s Biggest' Video Game Cheat Ring

Plus: North Korean hackers, a rogue tweet, and more of the week's top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/video-game-cheat-ring-cisa-burnout-north-korea-hackers-security-news

The 8 Best Turntables for Your Vinyl Collection

Looking for fresh indoor hobbies? Why not start a record collection? These entry-level turntables will help you enjoy analog audio at home.

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

The US Is Finally Trying to Unlock the Power of Wave Energy

After decades of false starts, the federal approval of a new testing site off the coast of Oregon could give the technology a much-needed jolt.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-us-is-finally-trying-to-unlock-the-power-of-wave-energy

I Avoided Fake Meat for Years. That Was a Big Mistake

Our food writer had been steering clear of Impossible, Beyond, and other plant-based meat replacements—until he finally cooked with some.

source https://www.wired.com/story/rave-plant-based-meat-impossible-beyond

Foregone Is Slick, and All Too Familiar

The hybrid 2D platformer game is something less than the sum of its parts.

source https://www.wired.com/review/foregone-game

The 14 Best Weekend Deals on Games, Tablets, and More

Doing some spring cleaning? It might be time to upgrade some gear or dive into a new game. Here’s what’s on sale.

source https://www.wired.com/story/weekend-deals-april-3-2021

Myanmar’s Internet Shutdown Is an Act of ‘Vast Self-Harm’

On Friday the military junta shut off connectivity across the country. There’s no sign of when it will return.

source https://www.wired.com/story/myanmar-internet-shutdown

Every President Promises Broadband. Biden Might Deliver

Plus: A national failure, a software workaround, and an unusual survival technique.

source https://www.wired.com/story/every-president-promises-broadband-biden-might-deliver

New Travel Guidelines, Real-World Vaccine Efficacy, and More

Catch up on the most important updates from this week.

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-travel-guidelines-real-world-vaccine-efficacy-coronavirus-news

The Threat to the Water Supply Is Real—and Only Getting Worse

An ex-employee allegedly tampered with a Kansas water system. It was too easy, and it's happening too often.

source https://www.wired.com/story/threat-to-water-supply-is-real-and-only-getting-worse

The Dispossessed Is Still One of Sci-Fi's Smartest Books

Ursula K. Le Guin's 1974 novel, about a society with no government or laws, remains a thoughtful exploration of politics and economics nearly 50 years later.

source https://www.wired.com/2021/04/geeks-guide-the-dispossessed

'Game of Thrones' on Broadway? This I Don't Need

George R. R. Martin is reportedly working on a stage play based on his iconic characters. Why?

source https://www.wired.com/story/game-of-thrones-play-no-way

Capture Your Daring Feats With Our Favorite Action Cameras

Gearing up to shred the slopes or dive into the seas? These cameras are made for danger.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-action-cameras

How the Suez Canal Fiasco Could Change Global Shipping

This week, we discuss the Ever Given incident and its lasting implications on the shipping industry. Also, we pick our favorite boat memes.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-498

So Can Flash Actually Run Faster Than the Speed of Light?

In Justice League he runs so fast that he goes back in time. But it wouldn't be quite so easy in real life (unless he was a tachyon).

source https://www.wired.com/story/can-flash-actually-run-faster-than-speed-of-light

Qomp Makes a Case for Shorter, Simpler Video Games

Games have been getting longer, more sprawling, and bigger budget—but some developers are looking the other way.

source https://www.wired.com/story/qomp-shorter-simpler-video-games

Covid-19 Vaccine Passports Are Coming. What Will That Mean?

Scores of plans to verify immunity are in the works. But there are even more questions about how they’ll use data, protect privacy—and who gets certified first.

source https://www.wired.com/story/covid-19-vaccine-passports-are-coming-what-will-that-mean

This Smart Grill Makes Cooking With Charcoal Easier Than Ever

The Spark One is expensive and uses proprietary fuel, but it's as easy to use as propane.

source https://www.wired.com/review/spark-one-grill

Biden Wants You Out of Your Car and on the Train

The president's $2 trillion infrastructure proposal boosts funding for buses and rail. It even envisions actually tearing down some freeways.

source https://www.wired.com/story/biden-wants-out-car-on-train

‘It Takes Two’ Is One Hell of a Couples' Therapy Session

A couple's divorce provides the surprising foundation of the best co-op video game since Portal 2.

source https://www.wired.com/story/it-takes-two-coop-game-first-impressions

Six-Word Sci-Fi: Stories Written By You

Here's this month's prompt, how to submit, and an illustrated archive of past favorites.

source https://www.wired.com/story/six-word-sci-fi

Biden Wants $10 Billion for a Climate Army. It's Not Enough

The Civilian Climate Corps would put people to work preparing the nation for hotter heat waves and fiercer storms. They'll need a lot more money to succeed.

source https://www.wired.com/story/biden-wants-a-civilian-climate-corps

Biden Announces His Broadband Plan—and ISPs Will Hate It

The $100 billion proposal will probably be met with fierce resistance by telecom companies, but there's a lot to like for internet users.

source https://www.wired.com/story/biden-announces-broadband-plan-isps-will-hate-it

A New WeWork Documentary Relives Its Roller Coaster Story

'WeWork: Or the Making and Breaking of a $47 Billion Unicorn' is a good crash course while you wait for the adaptation starring Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway.

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-wework-documentary-relives-roller-coaster-story

Help! Should I Tell My Colleagues I'm on the Spectrum?

Megan collects advice on judging whether your workplace is inclusive—and how to build trust with your colleagues.

source https://www.wired.com/story/should-i-tell-my-colleagues-im-on-the-spectrum

One Free Press Coalition Spotlights Journalists Under Attack - April 2021

This month's focus is on reporters who have been subjected to harassment, abuse, and arrests related to online posts. These are their cases.

source https://www.wired.com/story/one-free-press-coalition-spotlights-journalists-under-attack-april-2021

This Retro Gaming Console Is a Time Machine to the '80s

The Evercade is a cartridge-based handheld, and it successfully delivers a dose of nostalgia and joy.

source https://www.wired.com/review/evercade-retro-handheld-console

Ikea Now Makes a (Handsome) Air Purifier

It’s cute. It’s small. It mounts on the wall.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ikea-fornuftig-air-purifier

Scientists Need to Admit What They Got Wrong About Covid

Over the last year, the scientific community has been reluctant to openly discuss its missteps. But coming clean could help prevent the next pandemic.

source https://www.wired.com/story/scientists-need-to-admit-what-they-got-wrong-about-covid

Narwhal Tusks Tell a Troubling Tale

An analysis of the 10-foot-long teeth shows that as the Arctic warms, narwhal diets are changing, and their bodies are accumulating more mercury.

source https://www.wired.com/story/narwhal-tusks-tell-a-troubling-tale

Oh Great, Now Investors Are Buying Shares of Video Games

A few apps let you buy shares in actual physical vintage games (like, say Super Mario Bros.), and you make money when they sell at auction.

source https://www.wired.com/story/video-game-stocks-vintage-games-mario-pokemon

Portraits of a Neighborhood’s ‘Wood Wide Web’

During quarantine, photographer Andres Gonzalez wandered his city and captured lone redwoods, trapped by human sprawl but linked by nature’s networks.

source https://www.wired.com/story/photos-andres-gonzalez-redwood-trees

Larry Brilliant Has a Plan to Speed Up the Pandemic’s End

We'll never get herd immunity, but with speedy, deft combat against new infections, the epidemiologist says we could get back to normalish life.

source https://www.wired.com/story/larry-brilliant-herd-immunity-end-of-pandemic

US Sanctions Are Squeezing Huawei, but for How Long?

Growth slowed last year at the tech giant, as it had trouble securing the most advanced chips. China's government has a plan to change that.

source https://www.wired.com/story/us-sanctions-squeezing-huawei-how-long

When the Boss of All Dating Apps Met the Pandemic

Tinder. Hinge. OkCupid. Match. A year ago, Shar Dubey became the CEO of a multibillion-dollar matchmaking empire. Then singles everywhere went into lockdown.

source https://www.wired.com/story/when-the-boss-of-all-dating-apps-met-the-pandemic