The Dog Poodemic Is Here. Call in the Dung-Hunting Drones

Lockdown puppy madness has left sidewalks littered with feces. Robots that scan and scoop can help.

source https://www.wired.com/story/dog-poodemic-robots-drones

How to Game on a PC When You Can't Find a Graphics Card

Don't want to get scammed by a scalper or pay more than double for a new GPU? We have some tips to help you keep gaming without emptying your wallet.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-pc-game-cant-find-a-graphics-card-gpu

This Dam Acts Like a Water Cannon. Let’s Do Some Physics!

Like a giant bucket with a hole, the Funil Hydropower Plant sprays out an enormous jet of water. We can use its speed to calculate the depth of the reservoir.

source https://www.wired.com/story/this-dam-acts-like-a-water-cannon-lets-do-some-physics

Remote Weddings and Memorials Are Here to Stay. Be Prepared

Are you Zooming, streaming, or Skyping big life events? Here’s how to better prepare for tech glitches so you can get to the church on time.

source https://www.wired.com/story/remote-events-weddings-memorials-zoom-etiquette-tips

The Gear to Carry on Your Next Bikepacking Adventure

Here's what to consider (and what to buy) before safely heading out on a multiday cycling trip into the hinterlands.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bikepacking-gear-guide

What Is a Supply Chain Attack?

From NotPetya to SolarWinds, it’s a problem that’s not going away any time soon.

source https://www.wired.com/story/hacker-lexicon-what-is-a-supply-chain-attack

The 9 Best Portable Grills You Can Buy

We barbecued for weeks to find the right charcoal and propane gas grills for your home or that you can lug to the beach, park, or campsite.

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

Apple's M1 Chip Has a Fascinating Flaw

The covert channel bug demonstrates a fundamental fact of CPUs: even new ones have vulnerabilities.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apples-m1-chip-has-fascinating-flaw

Chair Simulator Is a Game About ... Sitting

The free PC game is pointless. That's why it's so absurdly fun.

source https://www.wired.com/story/chair-simulator

6 Easy Ways to Make Your Own Memes

Your idea is destined to go viral. These sites and apps can help.

source https://www.wired.com/story/6-easy-ways-make-memes

Sleep Evolved Before Brains. Hydras Are Living Proof

Some of nature’s simplest animals suggest that sleep evolved long before centralized nervous systems.

source https://www.wired.com/story/sleep-evolved-before-brains-hydras-are-living-proof

An Online Pastry Course to Challenge Curious Home Chefs

Rouxbe's extensive web-based course takes a deep dive into French pastry knowledge.

source https://www.wired.com/review/french-pastry-school-introduction-to-pastry-arts-course-rouxbe

I'm a Cicada. You're a Horny Human. We Are Not the Same

People preparing for a post-vax summer are likening themselves to the emerging insects. WIRED commissioned one cicada for its take.

source https://www.wired.com/story/cicada-horny-human-not-the-same

US Soldiers Exposed Nuclear Secrets on Digital Flashcards

Plus: A major hack in Japan, Citizen app run amuck, and more of the week's top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/nuclear-secrets-flashcards-citizen-app-japan-hack-security-news

It’s Tough to Defend Overwatch, but It’s Still Unparalleled

One of the best hero shooters just turned 5 years old. It’s still an incredible game, but Blizzard definitely has some work to do.

source https://www.wired.com/story/overwatch-five-years-comparison-lookback

The Lego Games and the Glory of Not Being Challenged

Though the series has entertained players for 20 years, the past 12 months in particular have given easy games the chance to shine.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-lego-games-20th-anniversary

There’s a Great Whip Spider Boom. What Gives?

The discovery of exotic arachnids reveals as much about the structure of science as it does about the creatures.

source https://www.wired.com/story/theres-a-great-whip-spider-boom-what-gives

WIRED's Picks for the 9 Books You Need to Read This Summer

From sci-fi to queer magic, these tomes have what you need when you're headed to the beach—or anywhere else.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/spring-summer-reading-list

Our Favorite Mattresses Are on Sale for Memorial Day

Whether you want to spend as little as possible or have no budget constraints, you can find a discounted mattress right now.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-memorial-day-mattress-deals-2021

Grilling Over Charcoal Is Better Than Grilling Over Gas

Cooking on a gas grill is more convenient than cooking with charcoal. It’s also a lot less special.

source https://www.wired.com/2013/07/charcoal-grilling-is-objectively-scientifically-better-than-gas-2

The Bizarro Streaming Site That Hackers Built From Scratch

BravoMovies isn't real. But it puts in a remarkable amount of effort trying to trick you into believing that it is.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bravomovies-fake-streaming-site-bazaloader

The Best Memorial Day Sales on Tech, Gaming, Home, and More

There are deals on the best streaming stick, our favorite sunglasses, and dozens of other WIRED top picks this holiday weekend.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-memorial-day-sales-2021

Grilling Over Gas Is Better Than Grilling Over Charcoal

A gas grill rules. But the real debate should be whether charcoal is necessary at all.

source https://www.wired.com/2013/07/gas-grilling-is-objectively-scientifically-better-than-charcoal

The SolarWinds Hackers Aren't 'Back.' They Never Went Away

A new phishing campaign from Russian spies targeted USAID among others. But it's less an escalation than a regression to the mean.

source https://www.wired.com/story/russia-solarwinds-hackers-phishing-usaid

Blurred Satellite Images Make Rebuilding Palestine Harder

Digital researchers and aid groups say free mapping tools like Google Earth are too imprecise.

source https://www.wired.com/story/blurry-satellite-images-palestine-israel-make-rebuilding-harder

The Covid Lab Leak Theory Is a Tale of Weaponized Uncertainty

Scientists almost never say they’re sure, and it could take years to pin down the pandemic's origins. Until then: People are trying to scare you.

source https://www.wired.com/story/covid-19-lab-leak-theory-weaponized-uncertainty

Maybe Future Generations Will Be Just Fine

In his new book, legal scholar Cass R. Sunstein argues that there may be reasons to not worry about the hereafter.

source https://www.wired.com/2021/05/geeks-guide-cass-r-sunstein

Vaccine Milestones in the US, Shots for India, and More News

Catch up on the most important updates from this week.

source https://www.wired.com/story/us-vaccine-milestone-india-shots-coronavirus-news

How to Master Google's AI Phone Call Features

Your Android phone can do a lot of fancy tricks, from making reservations with Duplex or screening calls. Here's how to get the most out of them.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-google-ai-phone-features-work

The Friends Reunion Proves It’s Time to Move On

The show found a second life on streaming, but now it’s time to let it go.

source https://www.wired.com/story/friends-the-reunion-just-stop

How a Chaos Monkey Caused an Apple Uprising

Plus: A review of the book from 2016, the accessibility potential for AR, and a few too many sinking ships.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-chaos-monkey-apple-uprising

How Humanity’s Obsession With Color Shaped Our Modern World

This week, we talk about how the technology we’ve invented to more accurately re-create colors has driven whole civilizations.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-506

NASA’s MOXIE Experiment Is Making Oxygen on Mars

Future crews on the Red Planet will need it to make propellant for the trip home. Scientists are also testing whether oxygen can be extracted from lunar soil.

source https://www.wired.com/story/nasas-moxie-experiment-is-making-oxygen-on-mars

Hide Your Instagram Likes—and Be Free

A feed without likes is far from a revolution. But I want to enjoy this summer with my friends, not my metrics.

source https://www.wired.com/story/hide-your-instagram-likes-and-be-free

The Space and Air Forces Launch an LGBTQ Task Force

Ten years after “Don’t ask, don’t tell,” a major general from the Space Force is leading a new inclusion initiative.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-space-and-air-forces-launch-an-lgbtq-task-force

Deepfake Maps Could Really Mess With Your Sense of the World

Researchers applied AI techniques to make portions of Seattle look more like Beijing. Such imagery could mislead governments or spread misinformation online.

source https://www.wired.com/story/deepfake-maps-mess-sense-world

This Vibrator Is Approachable and Adorable

The Dame Pom is a tiny but powerful sex toy, and after more than a year of testing, it's one of our favorites.

source https://www.wired.com/review/dame-pom

14 Memorial Day Deals to Spruce Up Your Smart Home

From robot vacuums to app-controlled power strips, these deals will add a high-tech boost to your abode.

source https://www.wired.com/story/smart-home-deals-memorial-day-2021

The Psychology of Why Fan Art Is So Delightful

Drawing your favorite characters or writing fanfic isn’t just fun. It’s also a way for fans to explore their own identities.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-psychology-of-fan-art

WhatsApp's Fight With India Could Have Global Repercussions

The country's “traceability” requirement would undermine the privacy of the encrypted messaging app's users far beyond its borders.

source https://www.wired.com/story/whatsapp-india-traceability-encryption

Uber’s Union Deal in the UK Doesn’t Mean Its Battles Are Over

The company's first-ever union agreement could distract from more changes that need to happen, both within the gig economy and governments.

source https://www.wired.com/story/uber-union-deal-uk

The Many Identity Crises of Sonic the Hedgehog

Sega's beloved speedster arrived on the scene 30 years ago. Since then, he's gone through numerous transformations—not all for the better.

source https://www.wired.com/story/sonic-the-hedgehog-history

A Never-Before-Seen Wiper Malware Is Hitting Israeli Targets

The malicious code, which masquerades as ransomware, appears to come from a hacking group with ties to Iran.

source https://www.wired.com/story/never-before-seen-wiper-malware-hitting-israeli-targets

SimpliSafe Is a Hassle-Free Way to Secure Your Home

Is this home monitoring ecosystem really simple and safe? We tried it out for six months.

source https://www.wired.com/review/simplisafe-security

How Many People Die When Polluters Exceed Their Limits?

A new report tallies the death toll from excess emissions by looking at air pollution and spikes in local ozone levels.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-many-people-die-when-polluters-exceed-their-limits

Your Grandma's Tube TV Is the Hottest Gaming Tech

Thanks to a retro gaming renaissance, enthusiasts are scouring online marketplaces for 20-year-old CRTs.

source https://www.wired.com/story/crt-tube-tv-hot-gaming-tech-retro-games

When Driving Is (Partially) Automated, People Drive More

A study finds that users of advanced driver-assistance systems drive 4,888 more miles per year than similar drivers without the feature.

source https://www.wired.com/story/driving-partially-automated-people-drive-more

One Man’s Amazing Journey to the Center of the Bowling Ball

Mo Pinel spent a career reshaping the ball’s inner core to harness the power of physics. He revolutionized the sport—and spared no critics along the way.

source https://www.wired.com/story/one-mans-amazing-journey-to-the-center-of-the-bowling-ball

AI Could Soon Write Code Based on Ordinary Language

Microsoft reveals plans to bring GPT-3, best known for generating text, to programming. “The code writes itself,” CEO Satya Nadella says.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ai-write-code-ordinary-language

Dumbed Down AI Rhetoric Harms Everyone

By ignorance or malice, policymakers use sweeping platitudes to regulate artificial intelligence, which may prosecute citizens more than protect them.

source https://www.wired.com/story/dumbed-down-ai-rhetoric-harms-everyone

Amazon Just Bought MGM For Over $8 Billion. Your Move, Netflix

The move is the latest, and greatest, in a new wave of media consolidation sparked by the streaming wars.

source https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-mgm-acquisition-streaming

As Chips Shrink, Rowhammer Attacks Get Harder to Stop

A full fix for the “Half-Double” technique will require rethinking how memory semiconductors are designed.

source https://www.wired.com/story/rowhammer-half-double-attack-bit-flips

Help! My Coworker Always Asks for Advice—Then Ignores It

Megan unravels what your colleagues might really want from you.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ooo-my-coworker-ignores-my-advice

When to Reply on Social Media—and When to Not

Sometimes the best thing to do on Twitter or Facebook is to just shut up … isn’t it?

source https://www.wired.com/story/when-to-reply-on-social-media-and-when-to-not

VR Trainings Are Not Going to Fix Corporate Racism

HR departments are deploying virtual-reality platforms to foster racial empathy. But building inclusive workplaces will take more than that.

source https://www.wired.com/story/vr-trainings-corporate-racism

All Our Favorite Accessories for the Nintendo Switch

Did you pick up the handheld console recently? Here are some screen protectors, chargers, and other extras for your new best friend.

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

Meet Your Next Angel Investor. They're 19

It’s never been easier to invest in startups, and Gen Z is taking full advantage.

source https://www.wired.com/story/meet-your-next-angel-investor-theyre-19

So You’re Vaccinated! How Can You Let People Know?

Homegrown Covid-19 vaccine signals help create a positive environment so you and your neighbors can feel safer removing face masks.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wear-your-vaccinated-sticker-with-pride

The Hostile Takeover of a Microsoft Flight Simulator Server

A community of air traffic control roleplayers gets torn apart by a lawsuit, and the founders scatter, trying to pick up the pieces.

source https://www.wired.com/story/hostile-takeover-microsoft-flight-simulator

A New Antitrust Case Cuts to the Core of Amazon’s Identity

The Washington DC attorney general claims that the company obsessed with satisfying customers is actually screwing them.

source https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-antitrust-lawsuit-cuts-to-core-of-identity

This 'Post-Soviet Sad 3D' Game Is Not About Having Fun

Sandbox game It’s Winter is set in a khrushchyovka, a mass housing unit in the USSR. It's a lonely, haunting ode to Eastern ennui.

source https://www.wired.com/story/its-winter-post-soviet-walking-simulator

The Best Vinyl Accessories to Jazz Up Your Analog Audio

From record cleaners to slip mats, these extras are for budding enthusiasts and die-hard collectors alike.

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

STEM’s Racial Reckoning Just Entered Its Most Crucial Phase

One year after George Floyd’s murder, science and technology institutions continue to evolve. The most radical and necessary step remains.

source https://www.wired.com/story/stems-racial-reckoning-just-entered-its-most-crucial-phase

Nature Can Save Humanity From Climate Doom—but Not On Its Own

By restoring ecosystems, conservationists can help the land sequester carbon. But it's still no substitute for drastically cutting emissions.

source https://www.wired.com/story/nature-can-save-humanity-from-climate-doom-but-not-on-its-own

How to Buy Movies Online and Watch Them Anywhere

Imagine buying a movie once and watching it in any app you like, or whichever one gives you the best quality on your device. Now wake up, it's real.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-buy-movies-online-watch-them-anywhere

As the US Unmasks, the Pressure Is on for Vaccine Passports

Now that the CDC has relaxed mask requirements, a verification system might help identify who's vaccinated—but it’ll be a technical and political mess.

source https://www.wired.com/story/as-the-us-unmasks-the-pressure-is-on-for-vaccine-passports

Freedom, Mayhem, and the Uncertain Future of Revel’s Mopeds

People went wild for its shared rides. Then came trouble. Now the startup is hellbent to prove it can be cool and safe—and exactly what cities need.

source https://www.wired.com/story/revel-electric-mopeds-freedom-mayhem-uncertain-future

Florida’s New Social Media Law Will Be Laughed Out of Court

The Stop Social Media Censorship Act almost certainly violates both the US Constitution and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.

source https://www.wired.com/story/florida-new-social-media-law-laughed-out-of-court

The Power of a Non-Stereotypical Asian Character in Gaming

When I met Grace Nakimura in the Gabriel Knight trilogy, I found not just someone like me but someone who inspired me.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-power-of-non-stereotypical-asian-characters-gaming

Take Your Tunes Anywhere With Our Fave Bluetooth Speakers

These are our favorite portable speakers of all shapes and sizes, from clip-ons to a massive boom box.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-bluetooth-speakers

This Evolutionary Gift May Protect Coral From Climate Change

Coral in the Red Sea is unusually heat tolerant. The secret to its success may lie in the lucky confluence of geography and genetics.

source https://www.wired.com/story/this-evolutionary-gift-may-protect-coral-from-climate-change

In Apple’s War On Developers, Users Are the Biggest Losers

The App Store’s draconian demands prevent app creators from making changes that would help consumers, or from making helpful apps in the first place.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-in-apples-war-on-developers-users-are-the-biggest-losers

How to Stay Cool Without Air-Conditioning

Whether you’re sweltering outdoors or in, we’ve got tips on what to wear, how to hydrate, and the best portable cooling gadgets.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-stay-cool-without-air-conditioning

The Drug Trial That Could Actually Produce Covid Treatments

Some studies are too small. Some are too pharma. But a bigger, bolder approach could (finally!) figure out which drugs work against the virus—and which don’t.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-drug-trial-that-could-actually-produce-covid-treatments

The Long, Strange Life of the World’s Oldest Naked Mole Rat

These death-defying rodents do not age normally. Will their weird biology help extend human life spans, or are those ambitions a dead end?

source https://www.wired.com/story/long-strange-life-worlds-oldest-naked-mole-rat

AI Can Write Disinformation Now—and Dupe Human Readers

Georgetown researchers used text generator GPT-3 to write misleading tweets about climate change and foreign affairs. People found the posts persuasive.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ai-write-disinformation-dupe-human-readers

Climate Change Is Erasing Humanity’s Oldest Art

Extreme weather is rapidly eroding the limestone caves where people first drew images 40,000 years ago.

source https://www.wired.com/story/climate-change-erasing-humanitys-oldest-art

This $120 Point-and-Shoot Digital Camera Is for Film Lovers

This screenless Paper Shoot digital camera makes photos that look like what you get from film, without the long waits or development costs.

source https://www.wired.com/review/paper-shoot-camera

A New Math Shortcut Helps Describe Black Hole Collisions

The calculations work even in cases where it shouldn’t, like when the black holes are close in size.

source https://www.wired.com/story/a-new-math-shortcut-helps-describe-black-hole-collisions

8 Free Streaming Services to Save You From Subscription Hell

You may not have heard of Tubi, Pluto TV, or Kanopy—but they’re the perfect cure for subscription fatigue.

source https://www.wired.com/story/free-streaming-services

Easy Ways to Sell, Donate, or Recycle Your Stuff

If you're spring cleaning or just need to get rid of things, here's how to do it sensibly and safely—and perhaps make a profit.

source https://www.wired.com/story/easy-ways-sell-donate-recycle-your-stuff

How to Avoid App Store Scams

Apple’s and Google’s approval guidelines are notoriously lax—and they won’t keep out apps that are after your money and data. Here’s how to sniff them out.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-avoid-app-store-scams

Apple Exec Calls Mac Malware Levels Unacceptable Under Oath

Ireland's ransomware crisis continues, a Russian scammer gets sentenced, and more of the week's top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-macos-malware-ireland-ransomware-security-news

Apple's Latest iPad Pro Is Overburdened With Power

The 12.9-inch tablet has some small upgrades and a phenomenal display, but it needs a robust software update to bring out its true potential.

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

Walden Pond Is Now Teeming With Jellyfish—but Don't Panic

The tiny jellies, which arrived sometime after Henry David Thoreau, are an example of how a non-native species can coexist peacefully with its new environment.

source https://www.wired.com/story/walden-pond-is-now-teeming-with-jellyfish-but-dont-panic

How to Avoid Those Infuriating Cookie Pop-Ups

Cookie consent notices are everywhere, and opting out of tracking is a pain. It doesn’t have to be this way.

source https://www.wired.com/story/avoid-cookie-popups-gdpr

How to Back Up Your Digital Life

Backups are boring, but they’ll save your digital bacon. Here’s how to make sure your data lives on even when your PC doesn’t.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-back-up-your-digital-life

The Ford F-150 Lightning Is the Electric Vehicle of Dystopia

The automaker says the battery inside the pickup can power a home for three days—useful in a world of fires, floods, and freezes.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ford-lightning-f150-electric-vehicle-dystopia

Goodbye Internet Explorer—and Good Riddance

Microsoft will finally put the venerated, vulnerability-ridden browser out to pasture, but it's still got a year to cause some trouble.

source https://www.wired.com/story/internet-explorer-browser-dead

The 16 Best Weekend Deals on Headphones, TVs, and Outdoor Gear

Whether you'll be chilling indoors or in the sunshine this summer, we've got discounts on TVs, headphones, and outdoor gear.

source https://www.wired.com/story/weekend-deals-may-22-2021

Epic Grills Tim Cook: Does Apple Put Greed Before Gamers?

The gaming company's lawyers and the judge both questioned the Apple CEO as he testified in the ‘Fortnite’ antitrust trial.

source https://www.wired.com/story/epic-v-apple-tim-cook-testimony

Shots for Countries in Need, a Surge in Japan, and More News

Catch up on the most important updates from this week.

source https://www.wired.com/story/vaccines-countries-in-need-surge-in-japan-coronavirus-news

SNL Helped Create the Age of Memes. Now It Can't Keep Up

Forty-six seasons in, the show seems to lag behind the speed of internet comedy.

source https://www.wired.com/story/saturday-night-live-meme-comedy

The World Needs a Chronicles of Amber TV Show

It's time the work of sci-fi writer Roger Zelazny got its own adaptations.

source https://www.wired.com/2021/05/geeks-guide-roger-zelazny

An FTC Lawsuit Says Frontier Lied About Internet Speeds

The complaint alleges nearly 30 percent of the internet company's DSL customers may have received speeds slower than what they paid for.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ftc-lawsuit-says-frontier-lied-about-internet-speeds

WarnerMedia, Discovery, and the New Age of Media Consolidation

The new merger means streaming could soon be dominated by a Big Three. Sound familiar?

source https://www.wired.com/story/media-consolidation-streaming-wars

Fender's Mustang Micro Is the Perfect Portable Amp

This pocket-sized accessory lets you play (and record) your electric guitar anywhere.

source https://www.wired.com/review/fender-mustang-micro

I Love My Old iPhone. Now I Might Finally Get to Keep It

Plus: The inaugural Google I/O, the value of lossless audio, and inspiration from a downward dog.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-old-iphone-ftc

Our 19 Favorite Outdoor Deals at REI's Big Anniversary Sale

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—when you get to pick up discounted fire pits, bike locks, and ultra-durable yoga leggings.

source https://www.wired.com/story/rei-anniversary-sale-outdoor-deals-2021

Android’s Getting Brighter and Bubblier, and We Can’t Wait

This week, we recap the news out of Google IO, including Android’s new look and Project Starline’s holographic video booth.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-505

More Accessibility Options Only Make Games Better

Just a few tweaks from developers and publishers can go a long way to include more people and make games more fun for everyone.

source https://www.wired.com/story/more-accessibility-options-make-games-better

We Hiked Along With Cicada Biologists So You Don’t Have To

Researchers only get a chance to study Brood X every 17 years. WIRED came for the ride—and got up close to thousands of hatching cicadas.

source https://www.wired.com/story/we-hiked-along-with-cicada-biologists-so-you-dont-have-to

Apple's Colorful New iMac Pairs Beauty With Brawn

This new M1-powered all-in-one desktop PC is costly once you add all the necessary upgrades, but its simplicity is hard to beat.

source https://www.wired.com/review/apple-imac-24-inch-2021

6 of Our Favorite Sex Toys Are on Sale Now

May is National Masturbation Month, and sales from four of our favorite brands will help you perfect your self-love.

source https://www.wired.com/story/sex-toy-deals-may-2021-update

The Most Radical Thing About Ford's Electric Pickup? The Cost

After tax credits, the base model of the electric pickup will be cheaper than its gas-fueled sibling, removing what has been a big barrier for EV sales.

source https://www.wired.com/story/most-radical-thing-about-ford-f-150-lightning-cost

This Brain-Controlled Robotic Arm Can Twist, Grasp—and Feel

Nathan Copeland learned to move a robotic arm with his mind, but it was kind of slow. Then researchers gave him touch feedback.

source https://www.wired.com/story/this-brain-controlled-robotic-arm-can-twist-grasp-and-feel

Snap Made AR Glasses—but You Won’t Be Buying Them

The company formerly known as Snapchat is all in on augmented reality. But its new wearable Spectacles aren’t for sale; they’re just a way to get app developers on board.

source https://www.wired.com/story/snap-spectacles-ar

One-Size-Fits-All Mask Guidance Isn't Going to Work Anymore

The "choose your own adventure" phase of the pandemic calls for better alternatives. Time for policies to reflect that.

source https://www.wired.com/story/one-size-fits-all-mask-guidance-isnt-going-to-work-anymore

The Best Laptop Backpacks for Work (and Life)

Whether you're riding a bike or schlepping around a camera, these bags do the job right.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/the-best-backpacks-for-work

The Long Journey of Usoni, an African Postapocalyptic Game

Usoni means “future” in Kiswahili. In its first game, Kenyan studio Jiwe envisions a world where Europe is hell and Africa is the new El Dorado.

source https://www.wired.com/story/usoni-africa-post-apocalyptic-game-studio-ziwe

These Ex-Journalists Are Using AI to Catch Online Defamation

CaliberAI wants to help overstretched newsrooms with a tool that’s like spell-check for libel. But its potential uses go far beyond traditional media.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ex-journalists-using-ai-catch-online-defamation

Tern’s Family Ebike Is Perfect and Preposterously Expensive

The best (and most expensive) cargo bike for small families now has a more powerful motor and wonderful kid-friendly accessories.

source https://www.wired.com/review/tern-gsd-s00-lx-cargo-bike

Roku and YouTube Are Battling for Your Precious TV Data

Connected TV advertising brought in $9 billion last year and is poised to grow as more viewers shift from cable to streaming.

source https://www.wired.com/story/roku-youtube-battling-precious-tv-data

Meet the Disabled Streamers Who Are Transforming the Industry

Gamers with disabilities aren't waiting for big companies to catch up: They're forming their own communities and making gameplay more accessible than ever.

source https://www.wired.com/story/disabled-streamers-transforming-games-industry

Coder Dee Tuck Is on a Mission to Help Diversify Hollywood

At Ava DuVernay’s Array film collective, Tuck is making it easy for showbiz types to hire a more inclusive workforce.

source https://www.wired.com/story/dee-tuck-array-hollywood-diversity

All Those Electric Vehicles Pose a Problem for Building Roads

Gas taxes are the largest source of funding for highway construction and maintenance. As more cars plug in, that revenue is shrinking.

source https://www.wired.com/story/electric-vehicles-problem-building-roads

The Full Story of the Stunning RSA Hack Can Finally Be Told

In 2011, Chinese spies stole the crown jewels of cybersecurity—stripping protections from firms and government agencies worldwide. Here’s how it happened.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-full-story-of-the-stunning-rsa-hack-can-finally-be-told

Twitter's Photo Crop Algorithm Favors White Faces and Women

A study of 10,000 images found bias in what the system chooses to highlight. Twitter has stopped using it on mobile, and will consider ditching it on the web.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-photo-crop-algorithm-favors-white-faces-women

My Mother Is Gone. But Her Digital Voice Helps Keep Me Well

I made the audio recording shortly before she passed. I didn't know that it would become a powerful tool to keep me motivated.

source https://www.wired.com/story/digital-voice-recording-mother-reminders-health-wellness

A Zombie-Fire Outbreak May Be Growing in Alaska and Canada

“Overwintering” fires smolder under the snow, reigniting vegetation in the spring. New research shows the zombies may proliferate in a warmer world.

source https://www.wired.com/story/a-zombie-fire-outbreak-may-be-growing-in-the-north

Help! Should I Hoard My Vacation Hours?

Plus: OOO’s official ranking of work messaging platforms, in order of importance.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ooo-should-i-hoard-my-vacation-hours

The World Loses Under Bill Gates’ Vaccine Colonialism

As many countries wait for Covid vaccines, the world needs a patent-free “People’s Vaccine”—not more of Gates’ intellectual property stubbornness.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-the-world-loses-under-bill-gates-vaccine-colonialism

Replaying Mass Effect Is Good for My Mental Health

When I revisited the trilogy, I asked a researcher whether video game nostalgia is actually beneficial. Turns out, it is.

source https://www.wired.com/story/mass-effect-mental-health

The Best Sex Toys and Tech for Every Body

These are our favorite gender-inclusive adult devices to give you and your partner(s) a helping hand.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-sex-toys-and-tech

How Do People Actually Catch Baseballs?

There’s the physics textbook way, and there’s the human way.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-do-people-actually-catch-baseballs

I’m Not a Robot! So Why Won’t Captchas Believe Me?

If clicking crosswalks makes your blood boil, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are some tips that make solving those challenges way less frustrating.

source https://www.wired.com/story/im-not-a-robot-why-captchas-hard-to-solve

This AI Makes Robert De Niro Perform Lines in Flawless German

When films are dubbed in another language, an actor’s facial movements may clash with his lines. Technology related to deepfakes can help smooth things over.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ai-makes-de-niro-perform-lines-flawless-german

Prabhakar Raghavan Isn’t CEO of Google—He Just Runs the Place

In his first interview since taking a top job, Raghavan gets into the future of search, misinformation, employee ferment, and robots making phone calls.

source https://www.wired.com/story/prabhakar-raghavan-isnt-ceo-of-google-he-just-runs-the-place

Everything Google Announced Today: Android, AI, Holograms

The annual Google IO developer conference kicked off with a two-hour keynote filled with announcements. Here are the highlights.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-io-2021-highlights

Google Wants to Turn You Into a Hologram. I Tested It Out

Our reporter sits in a Project Starline “video booth” to glimpse the future of telepresence.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-project-starline

Google Is Finally Taking Smartwatches Seriously

Wear OS—now just dubbed Wear—is seeing its biggest update yet, with integrations from Fitbit and a new partnership with Samsung.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-wear-os-io-samsung-fitbit-partnership

Android 12 Will Let You Fine-Tune Permissions for Apps

A new privacy dashboard and “app hibernation” are coming to Google's mobile operating system.

source https://www.wired.com/story/android-12-app-permissions-privacy

AT&T Is Spinning Off WarnerMedia to Focus on Telecoms Again

Three years after acquiring Time Warner, the wireless carrier is shedding its media business to prioritize fiber and 5G.

source https://www.wired.com/story/att-spinning-off-warnermedia-focus-on-telecoms-again

Storm ‘Price Tags’ Could Reveal the Cost of Global Warming

A new study shows that climate-driven sea level rise made the damage from Superstorm Sandy $8 billion worse around New York City.

source https://www.wired.com/story/hurricane-price-tags-could-reveal-the-cost-of-global-warming

The Case for Using MDMA to Help Heal Victims of Trauma

A psychiatrist explores how a drug often associated with Burning Man could be a breakthrough in treating PTSD.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinon-using-mdma-to-help-heal-victims-of-trauma

Luxury Fashion Brands Turn to Gaming to Attract New Buyers

A styling game helped me rediscover my inner creative during the pandemic—and I’m not alone. The virtual fashion revolution is coming.

source https://www.wired.com/story/luxury-fashion-brands-video-games-shopping

Online Dating Apps Are Actually Kind of a Disaster

The multibillion-dollar industry—which has surged during the pandemic—puts many individuals at risk, and nothing’s being done about it.

source https://www.wired.com/story/online-dating-apps-are-a-disaster

To Observe the Muon Is to Experience Hints of Immortality

Attempting to model the universe as precisely as possible is to try to see the one thing that even the strictest atheist agrees is everlasting.

source https://www.wired.com/story/muon-observation-particle-physics

The Arecibo Observatory Was Like Family. I Couldn't Save It

I grew up in awe of the iconic telescope. It raised me, and I helped control its fate. Could I have done more to protect it before its sudden collapse?

source https://www.wired.com/story/arecibo-observatory-family-collapse

Elon Musk Tweets—and Crypto Markets Show Their Growing Pains

The Tesla and SpaceX billionaire has sent Dogecoin and Bitcoin on a roller coaster this month—and exposed weaknesses in the cryptocurrency market along the way.

source https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-dogecoin-bitcoin-tweets-prices

Ransomware's Dangerous New Trick: Double-Encrypting Your Data

Even when you pay to get a decryption key, you may find your files are still locked up by another strain of malware.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ransomware-double-encryption

The Metaverse Is Hosting Its First Virtual Fashion Show

IMVU, a social networking site that’s taken off in the pandemic, is bringing designers and digital creators together to showcase new outfits for avatars.

source https://www.wired.com/story/metaverse-hosting-its-first-virtual-fashion-show

6 Great Next-Gen Xbox Series X/S Games You Can Play Now

These are the titles that make the most of your big, burly Microsoft console.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-xbox-series-x-series-s-games

19 Deals That Make Great Last-Minute Graduation Gifts

If you're gift shopping for a college or high school graduate in your life, try these discounted kitchen gadgets, tech, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/last-minute-graduation-gift-ideas-deals-2021

Mexico City Could Sink Up to 65 Feet

Due to a phenomenon called subsidence, the metropolis's landscape is compacting—and parts of the city are now dropping a foot and a half each year.

source https://www.wired.com/story/mexico-city-could-sink-up-to-65-feet

Why Humans Are So Bad at Seeing the Future

People tend to make predictions while looking through their own narrow lens. The real vision lies in seeing connections.

source https://www.wired.com/story/why-humans-are-so-bad-at-seeing-the-future

Covid Forced America to Make More Stuff. What Happens Now?

A software entrepreneur pivoted to making masks at the start of the pandemic. The experience opened his eyes: “I thought, ‘Wow, the US really is behind.’”

source https://www.wired.com/story/software-entrepreneur-pandemic-pivot-manufacturing-masks

Vietnamese Myth and Magic Come Alive in Hoa

A small development studio with big dreams has conjured up one of the indie world's most anticipated upcoming titles.

source https://www.wired.com/story/vietnamese-culture-storytelling-hoa-impressions

Google IO 2021: How to Watch It, and What to Expect

The company’s annual tech conference kicks off Tuesday morning.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-watch-google-io-2021

Announcing the WIRED Resilience Residency

We’re looking for new voices to provide an insider perspective on rapidly changing industries.

source https://www.wired.com/story/announcing-wired-resilience-residency

The Best Multi-Tools for Any Task

Swiss Army knife or Leatherman? Choosing one of these tiny gadgets can be confusing. These are our favorites.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-multi-tools

An Unfussy, Affordable Nonstick Pan That Works With Induction

If you’ve had trouble finding a nonstick pan that performs well, consider Cuisinart’s carbon-steel cookware.

source https://www.wired.com/review/cuisinart-carbonware-carbon-steel-frying-pan

The Secret Role Histones Played in Complex Cell Evolution

New work shows that the proteins, long treated as boring spools for DNA, are key to the origin story for eukaryotes and still play important roles in disease.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-secret-role-histones-played-in-complex-cell-evolution

These Tools Can Help You Find Your Lost Devices

Between Apple's new AirTags, Samsung's SmartTags, and Tile trackers, you have plenty of options to make sure you don't lose your phone—or your keys.

source https://www.wired.com/story/all-the-ways-find-lost-phone-airtags-tile

The Best Way to Get a VR Workout (That's Also Fun)

Strap on that headset and grab your controllers. It's time to sweat.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-ways-vr-virtual-reality-workout-exercise

Our Favorite Headphones and Earbuds for $100 or Less

You can probably fill a football stadium with all the cheap headphones out there. We're here to help you pick the right pair.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-headphones-under-100

Geology Students Did Fieldwork During Covid—With Video Games

With travel and real-life fieldwork shut down, a couple of enterprising professors started with simulations of Italy and Scotland, then took to the stars.

source https://www.wired.com/story/geology-students-did-video-game-fieldwork-during-covid-it-rocked

WhatsApp’s New Privacy Policy Just Kicked In

Instead of a hard cutoff, the messaging app will gradually degrade and eventually cease to function if you don’t accept the changes.

source https://www.wired.com/story/whatsapp-privacy-policy-facebook-data-sharing

The 16 Best Weekend Deals on Headphones, Tablets, and More

Are you trying to spend all your recently acquired crypto riches? We found discounts on tripods, wireless chargers, and many other gadgets.

source https://www.wired.com/story/weekend-deals-may-15-2021

The Wondrous, Tedious Ocean of Subnautica: Below Zero

The game is, for the most part, a sublime seafaring sequel. Too bad it often feels like a grind.

source https://www.wired.com/story/subnautica-below-zero-impressions

New Mask Guidance, Shots for Teens, and More Coronavirus News

Catch up on the most important updates from this week.

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-mask-guidance-shots-for-teens-coronavirus-news

Making Video Games Is Not a Dream Job

For his new book Press Reset, journalist Jason Schreier spoke to countless game developers who have had their lives upended by the industry.

source https://www.wired.com/2021/05/geeks-guide-jason-schreier

Want a Better PC? Try Building Your Own

Assembling a computer yourself is a good way to learn about how it works.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-build-a-pc

The Apple Designer You’ve Never Heard of Is Making Noise

Plus: The iPod’s cultural importance, the fate of Loon’s balloons, and the price of an SNL appearance.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-apple-designer-you-never-heard-of-making-noise

The Knives Out Sequel Seems Made for the Internet

And that's (mostly) a good thing.

source https://www.wired.com/story/knives-out-sequel-internet

A New Brain Implant Translates Thoughts of Writing Into Text

In early experiments, a paralyzed man with implants in his premotor cortex typed 90 characters per minute—by envisioning he was writing by hand.

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-brain-implant-translates-thoughts-of-writing-into-text

Tech Companies Don't Need to Be Creepy to Make Money

The unlikely success of DuckDuckGo suggests a way to escape surveillance capitalism.

source https://www.wired.com/story/tech-companies-dont-need-to-be-creepy-to-make-money

In Defense of Snow Days

Virtual school after a snowstorm is yer another kind of techno-solutionist slush that should be plowed away.

source https://www.wired.com/story/in-defense-of-snow-days

Muchos Bezos: Inside Amazon’s Empire With Author Brad Stone

This week, we talk to the author and journalist about his new book on the retail giant and its famous boss.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-504

Could You Really Climb the Spinning Ship’s Cable in Stowaway?

Anna Kendrick’s rotating spacecraft cleverly uses cables and a counterweight to make artificial gravity. But scaling them would be harder than it looks

source https://www.wired.com/story/stowaway-anna-kendrick-spinning-ship-artificial-gravity-physics

The Real Cost of Colonial Pipeline's $5 Million Ransom

Stopping payments would go a long way to stopping ransomware. But the choice is never quite so easy.

source https://www.wired.com/story/colonial-pipeline-ransomware-payment

Live Audio Apps Lure Creators With Money and Promises

Talk is cheap, unless you’re an in-demand content creator for platforms like Clubhouse and its many clones.

source https://www.wired.com/story/live-audio-apps-lure-creators-with-money-promises

Log in to the Upscale, Retro-Cool Home Gym of Your Dreams

The home workout app Obé Fitness turns your living room into a high-end fitness boutique.

source https://www.wired.com/review/obe-fitness

The Yankees Covid Outbreak May Be Bad News for Ditching Masks

The spate of cases is a bad bounce—and it might show that lifting mask mandates for the vaxxed won’t be a grand slam.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-yankees-covid-outbreak-may-be-bad-news-for-ditching-masks

Decades-Old Flaws Affect Almost Every Wi-Fi Device

The so-called Frag Attack vulnerabilities could let hackers steal data or compromise connected gadgets.

source https://www.wired.com/story/frag-attack-wi-fi-vulnerabilities

GameStop FOMO Inspires a New Wave of Crypto Pump-and-Dumps

Thousands of would-be investors are joining Discord groups that promise big earnings by manipulating the crypto market.

source https://www.wired.com/story/crypto-pump-and-dumps-gamestop-dogecoin-fomo

When a Pipeline Goes Down, Tanker Trucks Come to the Rescue

But driving millions of gallons of gas around the country is trickier than you might think.

source https://www.wired.com/story/colonial-pipeline-mess-tanker-trucks-come-to-rescue

Watch Us Roam Virtual Deep Seas With Real Oceanographers

WIRED will be playing Subnautica: Below Zero and talking about ocean—and space—exploration with scientists from NOAA and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.

source https://www.wired.com/story/subnautica-noaa-whoi-oceanexplorer-stream

The Chip Shortage Is Driving Up Tech Prices—Starting With TVs

Some high-end televisions already cost 30 percent more than they did last summer. As the crunch continues, expect more gadget prices to spike.

source https://www.wired.com/story/chip-shortage-electronics-prices-tvs-displays

AI Shows ExxonMobil Downplayed Its Role in Climate Change

According to a new paper, the company’s own research showed that human activity was a contributor, but public statements suggested otherwise.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ai-shows-exxonmobil-downplayed-role-climate-change

Gaming Influencers Are the Future of Esports

Top players have left pro leagues to pursue streaming full-time as the industry veers more toward content creators.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gaming-influencers-future-of-esports

Apple’s AirTags Are a Gift to Stalkers

The tiny new tracking devices can be easily hidden in the cars and bags of victims. And exploiting them is dead simple.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-apples-air-tags-are-a-gift-to-stalkers

Resident Evil Village Is Too Self-Conscious to Enjoy Itself

The eternal conflict: Play horror straight, or play it up for campy laughs? Village tries to have it both ways, with mixed results.

source https://www.wired.com/story/resident-evil-village-impressions-review

Researchers Shed Light on the Perils of Firefly Tourism

A new study shows how bug spray, flashlights, and foot traffic can spell disaster for the fragile insects.

source https://www.wired.com/story/researchers-shed-light-on-the-perils-of-firefly-tourism

The 16 Best Gifts for the Recent College Grad

This year’s students have been through a lot. Ring in their special milestone with useful gadgets, outdoor gear, subscriptions, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/college-graduation-gifts

Does a Robot Get to Be the Boss of Me?

WIRED’s spiritual advice columnist on policing, degrees of freedom, and dancing in the streets.

source https://www.wired.com/story/cloud-support-does-robot-get-boss-me

It’s True. Everyone IS Multitasking on Their Video Calls

A Microsoft study finds just how often remote workers multitask during videoconferences—especially when the group is large and the meeting runs long.

source https://www.wired.com/story/stop-looking-your-email-youre-video

The Best Personal Safety Devices, Apps, and Alarms

Your smartphone or wearable could help you out in a truly dangerous situation. Here are some options to consider.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-personal-safety-tech

The Teeny, Tiny Scientific Screwup That Helped Covid Kill

All pandemic long, scientists brawled over how the virus spreads. Droplets! No, aerosols! At the heart of the fight was a mysterious error in decades-old research.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-teeny-tiny-scientific-screwup-that-helped-covid-kill

Asus's New Zenfone 8 Is Powerful and Small. That's About It

This pocket-friendly Android phone has a speedy processor and an excellent screen. It's also really boring.

source https://www.wired.com/review/asus-zenfone-8

Researchers Shed Light on the Perils of Firefly Tourism

A new study shows how bug spray, flashlights, and foot traffic can spell disaster for the fragile insects.

source https://www.wired.com/story/researchers-shed-light-on-the-perils-of-firefly-tourism

The PS5 Is Starting to Look Like the Revolution It Promised

What’s happening with Sony’s latest console, now that it’s been out for six months? Supply issues aside, it’s proving to be much more than a simple evolution.

source https://www.wired.com/story/playstation-5-six-months-later

Humans Need to Create Interspecies Money to Save the Planet

A new form of digital currency for animals, trees, and other wildlife (no, not like Dogecoin) would help protect biodiversity and bend technology back to nature.

source https://www.wired.com/story/interspecies-money

Adidas and Allbirds Team Up to Make Sustainable Running Shoes

The high-performance Futurecraft.Footprint shows the key to a lower carbon impact might lie in collaboration, not competition.

source https://www.wired.com/story/allbirds-adidas-futurecraft-footprint-running-shoe

Help! A Male Colleague Thinks I’m Scary

Whose problem is it when men are intimidated by women at work?

source https://www.wired.com/story/ooo-a-male-colleague-thinks-im-scary

Watch a Snake Robot Go for a Swim

The Hardened Underwater Modular Robot Snake has thrusters for muscles and a camera for a face. Your move, evolution.

source https://www.wired.com/story/watch-a-snake-robot-go-for-a-swim

DeepMind Wants to Use AI to Transform Soccer

The Alphabet-owned company is working with Liverpool to bring computer vision and statistical learning to the high-stakes world of sports.

source https://www.wired.com/story/deepmind-wants-to-use-ai-to-transform-soccer

Creators Who Joined Twitch in the Pandemic Plan to Stay

When lockdowns hit, entertainers turned to the platform to connect with fans. Now, even as many places reopen, many have no plans to leave.

source https://www.wired.com/story/creators-comedians-twitch-pandemic-plan-to-stay

The Case for Letting People Work From Home Forever

Do you want happier, productive, more engaged, and more fulfilled employees and coworkers? Well, you should campaign to let them work remotely. Here's why.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-case-for-letting-people-work-from-home-forever

Biden Makes a Deal With Uber and Lyft in the Name of Vaccines

Despite his unease with the ride-hail business model, the president needs help getting more Americans to vaccination sites to meet his July 4 deadline.

source https://www.wired.com/story/biden-deal-uber-lyft-name-vaccines

How Amazon Sidewalk Works—and Why You May Want to Turn It Off

The premise is convenient. But the ecommerce giant’s record on privacy isn't exactly inspiring.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-amazon-sidewalk-works

Vaccinating US Kids Isn't Neglect of Indian Adults

The debate over whether it's ethical to inoculate American children while the pandemic rages elsewhere is unproductive and harmful.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-vaccinating-us-kids-isnt-neglect-of-indian-adults

Rumble Sends Viewers Tumbling Toward Misinformation

Research shows the emergent video platform can recommend conspiracy theories and other harmful content more often than not.

source https://www.wired.com/story/rumble-sends-viewers-tumbling-toward-misinformation

Awesome, Hypnotic Photos of Swirling, Crystal Chemistry

A new book goes micro to show the wonderful world of close-up chemical reactions.

source https://www.wired.com/story/awesome-hypnotic-photos-swirling-crystal-chemistry

How a Geeky Superhero Fan Revived a Failing Comic Con

And how he used that great knowledge to help nudge Marvel back from bankruptcy.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-geeky-superhero-fan-revived-failing-comic-con

Why Is It So Hard to Be Evil in Video Games?

Sometimes there are too many choices. Most of the time, “good versus evil” isn’t very clear-cut.

source https://www.wired.com/story/moral-choices-in-video-games

A Top New York Restaurant Is Going Vegan. It Could Backfire

Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park will only serve plant-based dishes—but here's how keeping a little bit of meat on the menu could set a better example.

source https://www.wired.com/story/top-new-york-restaurant-going-vegan-could-backfire

How to Take a Slick, Professional Headshot With Your Phone

Snapping that perfect self-portrait on your phone is a skill. Here’s how to do it, according to the experts.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-professional-headshot-smartphone-camera

This Is Your Brain Under Anesthesia

For the first time, researchers were able to observe, in extra-fine detail, how neurons behave as consciousness shuts down.

source https://www.wired.com/story/this-is-your-brain-under-anesthesia

The Cicadas Are Coming. Let’s Eat Them!

Why not embrace Brood X as the free-range, sustainable source of protein that it truly is?

source https://www.wired.com/story/eating-cicadas-brood-x

Get Your Hands on Some of Our Favorite Sex Toys

May is National Masturbation Month, and sales from two of our favorite brands will help you perfect your self-love.

source https://www.wired.com/story/national-masturbation-month-deals-may-2021

How Amazon Paid Unwitting Civilians to Make Alexa Smarter

In 2011, Jeff Bezos dreamt up a talking device. But making the virtual assistant sound intelligent proved far more difficult than anyone could have imagined.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-amazon-made-alexa-smarter

DarkSide Hit Colonial Pipeline—and Created an Unholy Mess

As the White House gets involved in the response, the group behind the malware is scrambling.

source https://www.wired.com/story/darkside-ransomware-colonial-pipeline-response

US Teens Can Get Their Covid Shot. What's Next for Schools?

Kids as young as 12 are now authorized for Pfizer’s shot. That could make it easier for campuses to reopen this fall—but introduces a whole new set of decisions.

source https://www.wired.com/story/us-teens-can-get-their-covid-shot-whats-next-for-schools

Apple Execs Chose to Keep a Hack of 128 Million iPhones Quiet

Emails from the Epic Games lawsuit show Apple brass discussing how to handle a 2015 iOS hack. The company never directly notified affected users.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-execs-chose-to-keep-hack-of-128-million-iphones-quiet

Black and Queer AI Groups Say They'll Spurn Google Funding

The move is the latest fallout following the departures of the heads of the company's ethical AI research team and a recruiter.

source https://www.wired.com/story/black-queer-ai-groups-spurn-google-funding

Everything You Need to Know About the Coronavirus

Here's all the WIRED coverage in one place, from how to keep your children entertained to how this outbreak is affecting the economy.

source https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-guide-faq-advice

Ann Takamaki From Persona 5 Was Exactly Who I Needed to See

My community wasn’t always accepting of my mixed Asian heritage. Turns out, neither was Ann’s.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ann-takamaki-persona-5-biracial-asian-heritage

2 Baseballs Collided at an MLB Game. How Did That Happen?

During a pregame warmup, Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper batted a line drive right into a ball zooming in from the outfield. It's not impossible, but it's a long shot.

source https://www.wired.com/story/2-baseballs-collided-at-an-mlb-game-how-did-that-even-happen

One Thing Covid Didn’t Smash to Pieces? Monster Movies

If you liked Godzilla vs. Kong, there’s more—and better—where that stupid mindless clobberfest came from.

source https://www.wired.com/story/one-thing-covid-didnt-smash-to-pieces-monster-movies

The Pentagon Inches Toward Letting AI Control Weapons

Drills involving swarms of drones raise questions about whether machines could outperform a human operator in complex scenarios.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pentagon-inches-toward-letting-ai-control-weapons

Bad Weather Forecasts Are a Climate Crisis Disaster

Predicting the output of solar panels is tricky—but getting it right could slash carbon emissions.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bad-weather-forecasts-climate-crisis-disaster

The Best Chef’s Knives to Sharpen Your Home Cooking Skills

It's the indispensable multi-tool of the kitchen. We sliced and diced our way through meats and veggies to find today's best blades.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-chef-knives

How to Use Tech to Capture Your Family History

Our elders have rich stories to share. There’s no better time than now to sit down and hit Record.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-tech-capture-family-history

4 Rugged French Presses for Your Coffee-Fueled Summer Escape

Whether you're an avid camper or vacation home–renter, try one of these glass-free French presses made for traveling.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-french-press-coffee-makers-travel-camping-outdoors

Hitting the Road This Winter? Take Your Kitchen With You

source https://www.wired.com/story/gear-for-the-portable-kitchen

The Best Camping Gear to Jump-Start Your Adventures

Enjoy nature with WIRED’s favorite outdoor products and essentials.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-camping-gear-and-gadgets

What If Gravity Is Actually a Double Copy of Other Forces?

An enigmatic connection between the forces of nature is allowing physicists to explore the quantum side of gravity.

source https://www.wired.com/story/what-if-gravity-is-actually-a-double-copy-of-other-forces

What's Google Floc? And How Does It Affect Your Privacy?

There's a battle raging over how advertisers can target us on the web—or whether they should be able to target us at all.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-floc-privacy-ad-tracking-explainer

Google Gets Serious About Two-Factor Authentication. Good!

The tech giant wants to push its billions of users—and the rest of the industry—to enable multifactor authentication by default.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-two-factor-authentication-default

The Colonial Pipeline Hack Is a New Extreme for Ransomware

An attack has crippled the company’s operations—and cut off a large portion of the East Coast’s fuel supply—in an ominous development for critical infrastructure.

source https://www.wired.com/story/colonial-pipeline-ransomware-attack

Microsoft Will Soon Kill Flash on Windows 10 for Good

Plus: A Peloton data leak, Russian hacker details, and more of the week’s top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/flash-windows-10-peloton-bug-russian-svr-hackers-security-news

Microsoft’s 15-Inch Surface Laptop 4 Is a Battery Champion

This fourth-gen notebook lacks Thunderbolt and has a spongy keyboard, but it delivers where it matters most.

source https://www.wired.com/review/microsoft-surface-laptop-4

ISPs Funded 8.5 Million Fake Comments Opposing Net Neutrality

The secret campaign, backed by major broadband companies, used real people’s names without their consent.

source https://www.wired.com/story/isps-funded-85-million-fake-comments-opposing-net-neutrality

What’s the Point of Wasps, Anyway?

A new study says the reviled stinging insects play a critical ecological role—and their venom might even be useful to people.

source https://www.wired.com/story/whats-the-point-of-wasps-anyway

These 5 Great Weighted Blankets Are on Sale Right Now

Weighted blankets are comforting, but they're usually pricey. We found discounts on one for kids, a King-sized model, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/weighted-blanket-deals-may-2021

Want to Grow Your Own Food? Try a Hydroponic Garden

Today’s home kits are stylish, smart, and easier to use than ever. Here’s how to get started.

source https://www.wired.com/story/grow-your-own-hydroponic-garden

Trump Abused the System. Facebook Created It

The company's oversight board failed to mention one thing in its ruling this week: Facebook's responsibility for making the tools to wield undue influence and power.

source https://www.wired.com/story/trump-abused-the-system-facebook-created-it

Twitter's Tip Jar Privacy Fiasco Was Entirely Avoidable

Sending its users to PayPal has created all sorts of problems that Twitter should have caught ahead of time.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-tip-jar-privacy-fiasco-entirely-avoidable

Pfizer's FDA Request, Vaccine Diplomacy, and More News

Catch up on the most important updates from this week.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pfizer-fda-request-vaccine-diplomacy-coronavirus-news

Sci-Fi About Overpopulation Was Way Off

In his new book, political reporter Matthew Yglesias imagines a future America that's revitalized itself by tripling its population.

source https://www.wired.com/2021/05/geeks-guide-matthew-yglesias

Epic v. Apple and the Plan to Avoid ‘Looking Like the Baddies’

This week’s antitrust trial against Apple reveals in new detail how the Fortnite developer aimed to take on the industry's titans.

source https://www.wired.com/story/epic-games-plan-paint-itself-as-good-guy

24 Essential PS4 Games Every Player Should Try

Crawl dungeons, hunt dinosaurs, and learn to be a dad with our favorite PlayStation 4 titles.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-sony-playstation-4-games

The Bill and Melinda Gates Divorce Memes Are Freaking Me Out

Get LOLs out of anything else, I’m begging you.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bill-melinda-gates-divorce-memes

Why Amy Klobuchar Just Wrote 600 Pages on Antitrust

Plus: The iPhone before the App Store, the threat of digital enhancement, and the unlikely darling of the liberals.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-amy-klobuchar-just-wrote-600-pages-antitrust

The Powerful, Complicated Women of Resident Evil

Resident Evil Village’s Lady Dimitrescu is only the latest in a long line of the series’ strong—and sometimes conflicted—female characters.

source https://www.wired.com/story/strong-women-resident-evil-step-on-me-mommy

Resident Evil Has Had a Rocky Relationship With Multiplayer

When this iconic horror franchise veers from single-player stories, the results are often scary—and not in a good way.

source https://www.wired.com/story/resident-evil-multiplayer-history

Here's the Truth About Section 230

This week, we go deep on the law that shaped the modern internet with our resident legal eagle, Gilad Edelman.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-503

Bats Raised in Helium-Rich Air Reveal a Key to Echolocation

To test bats’ sense of the speed of sound, researchers put them in an atmosphere that alters it. No word on whether the helium made the bats sound funny.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bats-raised-in-helium-rich-air-reveal-key-to-echolocation

Sisters With Transistors Puts Women Back Into Music History

The documentary follows the women who, throughout the 20th century, captured the sound of a newly electrified world.

source https://www.wired.com/story/sisters-with-transistors-women-electronic-music

Apollo's Ghost E-Scooter Is So Powerful, It's Scary

This electric kick scooter is heavy and spendy, but its dual motors can get close to 40 miles per hour.

source https://www.wired.com/review/apollo-ghost

The Wolf Tree and the World Wide Web

In this essay from Finding the Mother Tree, Suzanne Simard reflects on parenting, climate change, and the networks at the heart of the forest.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wolf-tree-world-wide-web

Sharks Use the Earth’s Magnetic Field Like a Compass

Biologists have long believed that these animals rely on magnetic sensing to migrate across oceans. Someone finally figured out how to prove it.

source https://www.wired.com/story/sharks-use-the-earths-magnetic-field-like-a-compass

Which Google Pixel Phone (and Gear) Should You Buy?

Here’s a guide to all the models, along with case recommendations and software tips.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-google-pixel-phone

Here’s a Calendar Trick to Ease Post-Pandemic Reentry

Ready or not, the world is opening up. Creating a daily rhythm calendar can help you take it all in at your own pace.

source https://www.wired.com/story/calendar-tips-post-pandemic-reentry-organization

What a Crossword AI Reveals About Humans' Way With Words

Dr. Fill, a puzzle-solving automaton, came out victorious at last week's national tournament—but human solvers shouldn't throw in the towel just yet.

source https://www.wired.com/story/crossword-ai-humans-way-with-words

KEF's New Wireless Bookshelf Speakers Are Modern Marvels

The KEF LS50 Wireless II are audiophile-grade companions for the streaming era. And they play nice with TVs too.

source https://www.wired.com/review/kef-ls50-wireless-ii

Twitter Group's Offer India a Covid-19 Lifeline

Hashtags have provided a kind of emergency hotline—but the need for mutual aid on social media is also a rebuke to the government.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-groups-offer-india-a-covid-19-lifeline

The Statistical Secrets of Covid-19 Vaccines

They’re really very good, and they’re the only way out of the pandemic. But a tour through the numbers could bring the vaccine-hesitant into the tent.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-statistical-secrets-of-covid-19-vaccines

15 Last-Minute Deals on Mother’s Day Gifts

We couldn’t find a discount on breakfast in bed, but these WIRED-recommended products are the next best thing.

source https://www.wired.com/story/last-minute-mothers-day-gift-ideas-deals-2021

Everything You’ve Heard About Section 230 Is Wrong

These hallowed 26 words shield internet companies from being held responsible for what people post and share. But the web’s most sacred law is a false idol.

source https://www.wired.com/story/section-230-internet-sacred-law-false-idol

To Make These Chips More Powerful, IBM Is Growing Them Taller

The company reveals a process that it says can cram two-thirds more transistors on a semiconductor, heralding faster and more efficient electronic devices.

source https://www.wired.com/story/chips-more-powerful-ibm-growing-taller

Peloton Recalls Treadmills After Injuries and 1 Child Death

A six-year-old died after being pulled under the Tread+. It's unclear what the next move will be for the connected fitness equipment maker.

source https://www.wired.com/story/peloton-treadmill-recall

How a Former Netflix Exec Built a Brazen Bribery Scheme

The company’s ex-vice president of IT faces 20 years in prison for creating a pay-to-play environment with technology vendors.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-former-netflix-exec-built-brazen-bribery-scheme

Oversight Board to Facebook: We’re Not Doing Your Dirty Work

The decision on Trump is the clearest indication yet that the board does not want to be Facebook’s flunky.

source https://www.wired.com/story/oversight-board-to-facebook-not-going-to-do-your-dirty-work

I’m So Over DLC

Dropping a bunch of cash and relearning game controls just to play a few new levels isn’t worth it anymore.

source https://www.wired.com/story/no-more-dlcs

Google Remembers Android Tablets Exist, Adds a New Media Hub

A surge in interest for large-screen slates has prompted the company to inject an “Entertainment Space” into the user interface.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-adds-entertainment-experience-android-tablets

Trump’s Facebook Ban Is Upheld—For Now

The Facebook Oversight Board is referring its most controversial case back to the company.

source https://www.wired.com/story/trump-facebook-ban-upheld-for-now

Help! How Can I Be a Better Mentor?

There's more to helping someone succeed than giving top-down advice. Megan explains.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ooo-can-i-be-a-better-mentor

Social Apps That Go Suddenly Viral Put Kids at Risk

While parents focus on Facebook and Twitter, children often turn to apps that allow users to remain anonymous, aren't moderated, and that adults have never heard of.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-social-apps-that-go-suddenly-viral-put-kids-at-risk

Andy Weir’s 'Project Hail Mary' Is 'The Martian,' Again

The author of the hit sci-fi novel explains how he’s swapped physics for planetary science and astrobiology.

source https://www.wired.com/story/andy-weir-project-hail-mary-is-the-martian-again

The 9 Best Drones for Every Budget

Whether you want to battle Star Wars spaceships or shoot a cinematic masterpiece, one of these picks is going to be perfect for you.

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

How Weird, Bouncy Cell Signals Can Help Track Wildfire Smoke

A hazy atmosphere makes data ricochet all over the place. Now scientists think they can use that signal to better predict severe smoke events.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-cell-signals-can-help-track-wildfire-smoke

It Began As an AI-Fueled Dungeon Game. It Got Much Darker

The game touted its use of the GPT-3 text generator. Then the algorithm started to generate disturbing stories, including sex scenes involving children.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ai-fueled-dungeon-game-got-much-darker

It’s Already Time to Stop the Next Pandemic. Can a Prize Help?

Covid-19 is still raging, but so are efforts to nip its successor in the bud—thanks to data sharing, political cooperation, or a multimillion-dollar challenge.

source https://www.wired.com/story/its-already-time-to-stop-the-next-pandemic-can-a-prize-help

Forget To-Do Lists. You Really Need a 'Got Done' List

Most digital productivity tools focus on what you have yet to do, but never celebrate what you've accomplished.

source https://www.wired.com/story/productivity-got-done-list

One Question Will Probably Decide the Epic-Apple Lawsuit

It’s all about how you define the market.

source https://www.wired.com/story/epic-apple-lawsuit-one-legal-question

Made for Love, Handmaid’s Tale, and the Trap of Dystopian TV

When failure is the only option, characters—even beloved ones—are left with no place to go.

source https://www.wired.com/story/made-for-love-tv-adaptation

Activists Say Facebook Allows Drug Ads to Target Teens

The social network has rules about what can be shown to minors. The Tech Transparency Project found that they aren’t being enforced.

source https://www.wired.com/story/activists-facebook-allows-drug-ads-target-teens

The Power and Pitfalls of Gamification

When tech companies first adopted the technique, there was hardly any science supporting it. Now researchers know when gamelike features help—and when they hurt.

source https://www.wired.com/story/power-and-pitfalls-gamification

Share Your Memories With Our Favorite Digital Picture Frames

Get your photos off your phone and in front of your friends and family with these connected displays.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-digital-picture-frames

The Windmill AC Is Gorgeous and Can Stay Up All Year Long

Finally! An air conditioner I don't want to bash out of my window with a hammer.

source https://www.wired.com/review/windmill-ac

A Brief History of Transformers (Not the Robot Kind)

This simple electrical device does much of the fundamental work of modern civilization, and it does so modestly and invisibly.

source https://www.wired.com/story/brief-history-transformers-not-robots

I Battle My Panic Disorder by Mowing Virtual Lawns

It’s Literally Just Mowing, a simple mobile game, has become part of my mental health tool kit. May it inspire you to find one that works for you.

source https://www.wired.com/story/i-battle-my-panic-disorder-by-mowing-virtual-lawns

Gummy Bears and Candy Bars Are Casualties of the Pandemic

Shopping online means fewer unplanned purchases. Manufacturers and retailers are testing tactics to bring impulse buying to the web.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gummy-bears-candy-bars-casualties-pandemic

Then a Hacker Began Posting Patients’ Deepest Secrets Online

A family-run psychotherapy startup grew into a health care giant. It was a huge success—until the data breach and the anonymous ransom notes sent to clients.

source https://www.wired.com/story/vastaamo-psychotherapy-patients-hack-data-breach

When You Jump to Hyperspace, Make Sure You Wear a Seatbelt

May the 4th be with you! If you're hitching a ride on the Millennium Falcon today, you should know a little bit about the bumpy physics of acceleration.

source https://www.wired.com/story/when-you-jump-to-hyperspace-make-sure-you-wear-a-seatbelt

Don’t Buy Into Facebook’s Ad-Tracking Pressure on iOS 14.5

The company tells Apple users that tracking helps keep those platforms “free of charge,” but opting out now doesn't mean paying up later.

source https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-ad-tracking-pressure-ios-14-5

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

Brunch may be out of the question—but you can still send your ma some super comfy pants.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-mothers-day-gifts-2021

Where’s the Dark Matter? Look for Suspiciously Warm Planets

Physicists calculated that these mysterious particles will betray their location with heat. To prove it, they’ll need the most powerful telescopes in the cosmos.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wheres-the-dark-matter-look-for-suspiciously-warm-planets

So You Got a Clubhouse Invite. Here’s How to Get Started

How do you find your favorite topics? How do you start your own room? Here’s how to navigate the audio-only social network.

source https://www.wired.com/story/everything-you-need-to-know-before-you-join-clubhouse

A Border Town Confronts the Reality of Police Surveillance

Chula Vista police have deployed drones and other tech. Now residents are pushing back, after reports that data was shared with immigration authorities.

source https://www.wired.com/story/border-town-confronts-reality-police-surveillance

An Artist Was Targeted in a Hate Crime—So She Designed a Game

The pandemic saw a spike in xenophobia against Asians. Digital artist Chanhee Choi decided to fight back in a way only she could.

source https://www.wired.com/story/chanhee-choi-video-game-pandemic-hate-crime

Why Not Turn Airports Into Giant Solar Farms?

Airports have vast swaths of empty land and rooftops. But it’s not so easy as just covering everything with solar panels.

source https://www.wired.com/story/why-not-turn-airports-into-giant-solar-farms

The Best Projectors (and Two Great Screens)

Whether you want a portable presenter or a theater-quality behemoth, our picks will help you upgrade your at-home movie nights.

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

Why Almost No One Is Getting the Fastest Form of 5G

A new report shows that US mobile customers are tapping into the technology’s speediest networks less than 1 percent of the time.

source https://www.wired.com/story/almost-no-one-getting-the-fastest-form-of-5g

High-Energy Cosmic Ray Sources Get Mapped for the First Time

They twist and turn on their way to Earth, which has made it nearly impossible to identify the colossal monsters that create them.

source https://www.wired.com/story/high-energy-cosmic-ray-sources-get-mapped-out-for-the-first-time

How to Use Browser Profiles to Separate Work and Play

Organize your life, using a simple tool you probably already have.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-browser-profiles-organization-chrome-edge-firefox

These Learning Tools Are Shaping the Online Schoolhouse

Remote learning is here to stay. These platforms have designed virtual classrooms around the needs of teachers and students.

source https://www.wired.com/story/class-engageli-online-learning-platforms

Josh Hawley’s ‘Big Tech’ Book Overthrows the Tyranny of Reality

The senator’s new book is an assault not just on Big Tech, but on basic facts of US history.

source https://www.wired.com/story/josh-hawley-virtual-reality-book-review

Everything You Need to Work From Home Like a Pro

Gear can make or break your home office setup. Here’s our ultimate list of the best monitors, desks, webcams, headphones, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/work-from-home-home-office-gear-guide

A Ransomware Group Hit DC Police—Then Pivoted to Extortion

Warrantless searches, tracking troops, and more of the week’s top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ransomware-dc-police-warrantless-searches-security-news

You Will Die a Lot in Returnal. It’s Worth It

The game is the roguelike genre at its best—and it’s an exciting vision of things to come.

source https://www.wired.com/story/you-will-die-a-lot-in-returnal-its-worth-it

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

As Venice faces a 4-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

Seth Rogen’s Record Player Is a Visual (and Aural) Treat

Looks are important when shopping for a record player, and this fresh design from the cannabis company Houseplant delivers.

source https://www.wired.com/review/pro-ject-t1-bt

The 15 Best Weekend Deals on iPads, Espresso Machines, and More

Out with the old, in with the new. It’s a good time to grab a laptop or a robot vacuum at a discounted price.

source https://www.wired.com/story/weekend-deals-may-1-2021

Even Calibri’s Creator Is Glad That Microsoft Is Moving On

Microsoft is switching up its default font for the first time since 2007.

source https://www.wired.com/story/calibri-default-font-microsoft-moving-on