The Code That Build the Web Is a Now a $5 Million NFT

The author of the code that built the WWW will donate the proceeds to charity. But the auction raises questions about the transformative impact of non-fungible tokens.

source https://www.wired.com/story/www-code-nft-tim-berners-lee-auction

Crucial Tech Like Email Is Still Failing Trans Employees

If companies truly want to support their LGBTQ+ colleagues, they'd make inclusivity the default setting.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-crucial-tech-like-email-is-still-failing-trans-employees

El Salvador’s Race to Be the Bitcoin Capital of the World

After China’s crackdown, the cryptocurrency crowd is looking for a new haven. The Central American nation thinks it’s the answer.

source https://www.wired.com/story/el-salvador-bitcoin-race

Perk Up With the Best Latte and Cappuccino Makers

Tired of plain espresso and pour-over? Add some milk to your mornings with one of these barista-worthy makers.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-latte-and-cappuccino-machines

This OnePlus Phone Is a Good Deal—Except for the Cameras

The Nord N200 5G has many features you don't often find in a cheap phone, but should you settle for lackluster photos?

source https://www.wired.com/review/oneplus-nord-n200-5g

The Experimental African Houses That Outsmart Malaria

A field test of custom-designed homes proves that when carbon dioxide can flow out, mosquitoes stay out too.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-experimental-african-houses-that-outsmart-malaria

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 which cooling gadgets can help.

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

Black Scientists Find Community—and Plan for the Road Ahead

The Black in X network mobilized last summer to bring attention to racism in STEM. This week, they’re holding their first conference to talk about what’s next.

source https://www.wired.com/story/black-scientists-find-community-and-plan-for-the-road-ahead

The Antitrust Case Against Facebook Is Very Much Alive

A judge dealt the Federal Trade Commission a setback this week in its quest to break the company up—but also provided a roadmap for how to proceed.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ftc-antitrust-case-against-facebook-very-much-alive

BetterDiscord Lets Users Mod the App to Their Heart’s Content

For almost as long as the popular chat app has been around, volunteer devs have been adding their own features and customizations.

source https://www.wired.com/story/betterdiscord-lets-users-mod-chat-app

A Space Laser Shows How Catastrophic Sea Level Rise Will Be

Scientists calculate that by 2100, over 400 million people could live in low-lying, at-risk areas—and that's a conservative estimate.

source https://www.wired.com/story/a-space-laser-shows-how-catastrophic-sea-level-rise-will-be

Mario Golf: Super Rush Takes Way Too Big a Swing

The sport probably needs some reinvention. But not this much.

source https://www.wired.com/story/mario-golf-super-rush-too-big-a-swing

A New Type of Supernova Unlocks Old Stellar Mysteries

The discovery of a rare “electron-capture” supernova provides crucial insight for understanding the Crab Nebula.

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-type-of-supernova-unlocks-thousand-year-old-stellar-mysteries

Lakes Are Losing Oxygen—and Their Inhabitants Are in Danger

Hundreds of temperate lakes around the world are showing trends toward anoxia, becoming warmer, murkier, and less hospitable to cold-water species.

source https://www.wired.com/story/lakes-are-losing-oxygen-and-their-inhabitants-are-in-danger

Emily Is Away Re-Creates Social Media's Awkward, Early Days

The newest game in the trilogy immerses you in the nostalgia of poke wars and Nyan Cat.

source https://www.wired.com/story/emily-is-away-social-media-nostalgia

After Years of Searching, I Found the Perfect Camera Bag

The updated Wandrd Prvke is burly, comes in a lot of sizes, has a lot of pockets and compartments, and most importantly—it's pretty!

source https://www.wired.com/story/wandrd-prvke-2-rave

Alondra Nelson Wants to Make Science and Tech More Just

The deputy director of the White House science office plans to tackle algorithmic bias and start candid conversations about the past.

source https://www.wired.com/story/alondra-nelson-make-science-tech-more-just

How to Get Windows 11’s Best New Features Right Now

A handful of free apps and downloads can bring some of the biggest perks of the new operating system to your Windows 10 PC—no waiting required.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-windows-11-features-right-now

SolarWinds Hackers Continue Assault With New Microsoft Breach

The company says the Nobelium hacking group compromised a support agent's computer and levied brute-force attacks against some of its customers.

source https://www.wired.com/story/solarwinds-hackers-continue-assault-new-microsoft-breach

How Underground Fiber Optics Spy on Humans Moving Above

Vibrations from cars and pedestrians create unique signals in cables. Now scientists have used the trick to show how Covid-19 brought life to a halt.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-underground-fiber-optics-spy-on-humans-moving-above

The Wild Spread of Drug Wars, From Calculators to Phones

Originally a DOS game, it found a secret life on Texas Instruments calculators everywhere in the '90s, Now the game is available for a whole new generation.

source https://www.wired.com/story/history-drug-wars-calculator-game

The Science and Spirituality of Looking for Life on Mars

Pamela Conrad is a NASA scientist working on the Perseverance mission—and a priest. She spoke to WIRED about how her two worlds help her make sense of the universe.

source https://www.wired.com/story/science-spirituality-life-on-mars

The Race to Put Silk in Nearly Everything

The fiber has been considered a “miracle material” for anything from body parts to food. Has the revolution finally arrived?

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-race-to-put-silk-in-nearly-everything

America’s ‘Smart City’ Didn’t Get Much Smarter

Columbus, Ohio, won a $50 million grant five years ago to use tech to solve old problems. But technical hurdles, bureaucracy, and the pandemic dashed many plans.

source https://www.wired.com/story/us-smart-city-didnt-get-much-smarter

24,000 Years in Ice Still Didn’t Kill These Ancient Critters

The hardy rotifer can live through all manner of conditions, but this is a historic feat even for this tiny creature.

source https://www.wired.com/story/scientists-find-24000-years-in-siberian-permafrost-still-didnt-kill-the-ancient-rotifer

The Secret Workings of Smell Receptors, Revealed At Last

Researchers have finally seen how some of them bind to odor molecules—yielding new insights into one of the most mysterious and versatile senses.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-secret-workings-of-smell-receptors-revealed-at-last

Gaming With My Husband Made Our Marriage Stronger

All it took was buying a Nintendo Switch.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gaming-with-my-husband-made-our-marriage-stronger

The Best Wireless Earbuds for Every Mood

Ready to cut the cord? We've tested the best buds that will never, ever get tangled.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-wirefree-earbuds

How to Make Sure Your Browser Extensions Are Safe

As useful as all those add-ons can be, don't get complacent when it comes to making sure they're also secure.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-audit-browser-extensions-security-chrome-firefox-edge-safari

Hackers Are Erasing Western Digital Hard Drives Remotely

Amazon acquires Wickr, the Senate holds up CISA, and more of the week’s top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/western-digital-hard-drives-erased-amazon-wickr-security-news

The Best VR Headsets to Try (and Some to Avoid)

Virtual worlds are more accessible than ever. These three headsets can take you there.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-vr-headsets-in-this-reality

A $26 Billion Plan to Save the Houston Area From Rising Seas

Lawmakers are poised to decide the fate of a massive project to protect the Texas coast from surging seawater.

source https://www.wired.com/story/a-dollar26-billion-plan-to-save-the-houston-area-from-rising-seas

What Gaming Does to Your Brain—and How You Might Benefit

Here are some ways to think about addiction, improved neurological function, and your overall relationship with video games on a better, more intuitive level.

source https://www.wired.com/story/what-gaming-does-to-your-brain-how-you-might-benefit

What the Pentagon’s New UFO Report Reveals About Humankind

The document says less about the search for life in the universe, and more about our current cultural climate and distrust of expertise.

source https://www.wired.com/story/what-the-pentagons-new-ufo-report-tells-us-about-ourselves

US Vaccinations Slow, Americans Venture Out, and More News

Catch up on the most important updates from this week.

source https://www.wired.com/story/vaccinations-slow-americans-travel-coronavirus-news

Bubble Is a Sci-Fi Comedy About Monsters and Hipsters

The popular podcast dares to ask the question: How far would you go to live in a cool neighborhood?

source https://www.wired.com/2021/06/geeks-guide-bubble

US Takedown of Iranian Media Sites Extends a Thorny Precedent

Free speech advocates raised concerns after the Justice Department seized more than 30 domains this week.

source https://www.wired.com/story/us-iran-media-sites-takedown-doj-press-freedom

In Africa, Content Moderation Is a Dangerous Game

Platforms are finally taking action in African countries, but in Uganda and Nigeria's case, it’s led to an even worse outcome: citizens losing access.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-in-africa-content-moderation-is-a-dangerous-game

The Enduring Power of #FreeBritney

The hashtag kept Britney Spears’ conservatorship in the public eye—even when she wasn’t.

source https://www.wired.com/story/free-britney

The Unfortunate Punkonomics of Cryptocurrency

Plus: The early days of digital cash, the slow death of IPv4, and social distancing in the Black Sea.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-punkonomics-cryptocurrency

How to Break Into the Hex From 'WandaVision'—With Physics!

Want to safely pass through the radiation field surrounding the town of Westview? You're going to need some lead—and some handy equations.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-break-into-the-hex-from-wandavision-with-physics

The Alarming Blind Spots in Healthcare AI

Artificial intelligence promises to make medicine smarter. But what happens when these software systems don't work as advertised?

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-episode-510

How to Return and Exchange Your Unwanted Gifts or Purchases

You can’t always get what you want. But there are smarter, more sustainable ways to get cash (or store credit) instead.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-return-or-exchange-gifts

These Retro Gaming Consoles Deliver a Dose of Nostalgia

From the stylish Evercade to the old-school Sega Genesis Mini, these machines will have you bleeping and blooping and blasting back to the good old days.

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

Tiny Satellites Could Help Warn of the Next Big Hurricane

A constellation of nanosats could improve our understanding of the world’s most dangerous storms.

source https://www.wired.com/story/tiny-satellites-could-help-warn-of-the-next-big-hurricane

The Most Important Things Microsoft Announced Today

After leaks and rumors, we got our first look at Windows 11, and the future of Windows as a platform, today. Here's what you have to look forward to this fall.

source https://www.wired.com/story/most-important-things-microsoft-announcement-windows-11-android-apps

The Biggest Windows 11 News Is an App Store Overhaul

By playing nice with Android and letting developers use their own payments system, Microsoft has fashioned itself as the anti-Apple for developers.

source https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-windows-11-app-store-android

NFC Flaws Let Researchers Hack ATMs by Waving a Phone

Flaws in card reader technology let a security firm consultant wreak havoc with point-of-sale systems and more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/atm-hack-nfc-bugs-point-of-sale

Before Guitar Hero, Gamers Rocked Out to Gitaroo Man

Sure, you can play the guitar and be a star, but what if you could play the guitar, be a star, and save the universe? Twenty years ago, you could.

source https://www.wired.com/story/before-guitar-hero-was-gitaroo-man

The Delta and Gamma Covid-19 Variants Are Taking Over the US

The two variants are threatening Alpha’s reign—and country's path out of the pandemic.

source https://www.wired.com/story/delta-gamma-alpha-covid-19-variants-taking-over-the-united-states

The World Needs Deepfake Experts to Stem This Chaos

A crisis over a suspicious confession video in Myanmar underscores why we need a coordinated response to discern fact from fiction.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-the-world-needs-deepfake-experts-to-stem-this-chaos

Trick Out Your iPhone 12 With These Cases and Accessories

Whichever new model you get, we’ve rounded up the cases, chargers, and other extras you’ll want to snag.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-iphone-12-cases-and-accessories

Volunteers Digitized Centuries of Handwritten Rain Data

As the UK went into lockdown, 16,000 volunteers put their spare time to good use, transcribing 350 years of archival records for use by modern climate scientists.

source https://www.wired.com/story/citizen-scientists-digitized-centuries-of-handwritten-rain-data

Andreessen Horowitz Goes Ham on Crypto with a New $2.2B Fund

After its wildly successful Coinbase exit, the VC firm signals its commitment to cryptocurrencies with a third fund.

source https://www.wired.com/story/andreessen-horowitz-new-crypto-fund-iii

The Untold Story Behind Lev's Voice in The Last of Us Part II

The game's creator and the teen who voiced the character talk to WIRED about bringing Lev to life and the importance of trans voices in video games.

source https://www.wired.com/story/untold-story-lev-the-last-of-us-part-ii-ian-alexander-neil-druckmann

How to Survive the Worst Tornado in US History

It blew an entire town to pieces, flipping trains and flattening banks. But there’s one place you might try to hide.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-survive-the-worst-tornado-in-us-history

A Well-Meaning Feature Leaves Millions of Dell PCs Vulnerable

Flaws in a firmware security tool affect as many as 30 million desktops, laptops, and tablets.

source https://www.wired.com/story/dell-firmware-vulnerabilities

How to Watch Microsoft's Windows 11 Event—and What to Expect

The next version of Windows will finally be unveiled—officially, at least. Here's how to watch live, and the features that will be on their way to your PC soon.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-watch-microsoft-windows-11-event

John McAfee Dies in Spanish Prison After Extradition Order

The antivirus pioneer and alleged cryptocurrency scammer was 75 years old.

source https://www.wired.com/story/john-mcafee-dead-spanish-prison-extradition-order

French Spyware Executives Are Indicted for Aiding Torture

The managers are accused of selling tech to Libya and Egypt that was used to to identify activists, read private messages, and kidnap, torture, or kill them.

source https://www.wired.com/story/french-spyware-executives-indicted-aiding-torture

Prime Day 2021 Is Over: Here Are the 48 Best Remaining Deals

A few of our favorite things are still on sale, like laptops, soundbars, air purifiers, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-amazon-prime-day-deals-remaining-2021

Stop Putting Pressure on Developers to Rush Games to Market

If you hate buggy new releases, then you’re just going to have to learn to wait.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gamers-can-wait

Help! How Do I Make My Workplace More Diverse?

Megan offers advice for casting your net—because there's no excuse for a hiring pool where everyone looks the same.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ooo-how-do-i-make-my-workplace-more-diverse

Can Some Classy Cookware Zap the Microwave's Bad Rap?

Anyday's cooking bowls—and their companion recipes—are meant to help you harness the time-saving power of the microwave you already have in your kitchen.

source https://www.wired.com/review/anyday-the-everyday-set-microwave-bowls

Google Launches a New Medical App—Outside the US

The dermatology AI app won approval for use in the EU but not with the FDA, an odd twist on Europe's reputation for tough rules on tech.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-launches-medical-app-outside-us

The Coelacanth May Live for a Century. That’s Not Great News

Scale markings reveal that this weird fish's lifespan is double what scientists first estimated. That also means they’re closer to extinction than we thought.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-coelacanth-may-live-for-a-century-thats-not-great-news

These Startups Are Betting on a Remote-First World

As people redefine their relationship to the office, some entrepreneurs see an opportunity to reimagine everything from housing to education.

source https://www.wired.com/story/startups-betting-on-remote-first-world

What if Shopping on Amazon Was Just … Better?

From reselling old purchases to shipping new ones more efficiently, Amazon’s shopping model needs improving. These two visionaries have some fresh ideas.

source https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-after-olive

Why Utilities Want to Control Your Smart Thermostat

Don’t mess with Texans’ air conditioning. Here’s why some customers in the state had their thermostats remotely controlled.

source https://www.wired.com/story/why-utilities-want-to-sometimes-control-your-smart-thermostat

12 Best Coffee Maker Deals for Amazon Prime Day (2021)

Need a new French press, burr grinder, or scale? We've found discounts on WIRED-tested gadgets.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-prime-day-coffee-maker-deals-2021

The Best Electric Toothbrush is Half Off ($25) for Prime Day

The Colgate Hum has all the best features of a vibrating brush. Its buzz-worthy discount likely ends tonight.

source https://www.wired.com/story/colgate-hum-prime-day-deal-2021

All the Ways Amazon Tracks You—and How to Stop It

The retail empire is obsessed with your data. But is the convenience worth your personal information?

source https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-tracking-how-to-stop-it

This Agency Wants to Figure Out Exactly How Much You Trust AI

The National Institute of Standards and Technology measures how many photons pass through a chicken. Now, it wants to quantify transparency around algorithms.

source https://www.wired.com/story/agency-wants-figure-how-much-trust-ai

Zoom Nearly Broke My Body. Here’s How to Protect Yours

During a year of teaching over Zoom, I developed some preventable injuries and a new outlook on what it means to stay healthy at home.

source https://www.wired.com/story/remote-work-ergonomics-tips-zoom-health

An Observatory Spied on LA’s Carbon Emissions—From Space

The instrument reads sunlight intensity to determine carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere. Its findings could help reduce our carbon footprint.

source https://www.wired.com/story/an-observatory-spied-on-las-carbon-emissions-from-space

How to Safely Stay Connected When You Travel

No matter where or how you roam this summer, these tips can help you navigate or stay in touch with friends and family—when you want.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-safely-stay-connected-when-you-travel

Changes Are Coming to Google Chat and Meet. Here's What's New

So long, Hangouts. Hello, revamped apps for instant messaging, video calls, and collaboration.

source https://www.wired.com/story/changes-coming-google-chat-meet-hangouts-g-suite

The Joy and Liberation of Customizing Your Avatar

The act of personalizing the character you'll play in a game is more than fun, it empowers you—and pulls you into the fantasy you're about to enjoy.

source https://www.wired.com/story/joy-liberation-game-character-customize-avatar

Ranked Choice Voting Reveals the Weird Math of Elections

The New York City mayoral race could show whether a new way of measuring voter desires can actually be an alternate timeline for democracy.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ranked-choice-voting-reveals-the-weird-math-of-elections

He Thought He Could Outfox the Gig Economy. He Was Wrong

Jeffrey Fang was a ride-hailing legend, a top earner with relentless hustle. Then his minivan was carjacked—with his kids in the back seat.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gig-economy-uber-lyft-doordash-jeffrey-fang

25 Prime Day Deals for Your Post-Vax Summer Adventures

Seeking some safe fun in the sun? Head outside with deals on speakers, luggage, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-prime-day-safe-fun-post-pandemic-deals-2021

Amazon Prime Day 2021 Phone Deal: The OnePlus 8 Is Only $350

The powerful device launched more than a year ago for double the price. This deal makes it one of the cheapest Android phones around.

source https://www.wired.com/story/prime-day-oneplus-8-deal-2021

11 Prime Day PC Parts Deals to Build Your Own PC (2021)

Can you build almost an entire PC with just Amazon Prime Day deals? Yes. Yes, you can.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-prime-day-pc-hardware-deals-2021

An Algorithm That Predicts Deadly Infections Is Often Flawed

A study found that a system used to identify cases of sepsis missed most instances and frequently issued false alarms.

source https://www.wired.com/story/algorithm-predicts-deadly-infections-often-flawed

Amazon Prime Day 2021: 25 Best Outdoor and Fitness Deals (Camping, Hiking, and More)

Prep yourself for summer with these Prime deals on camping gear, hiking gear, fitness trackers, biking accessories, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-prime-day-outdoors-deals-2021

A New Wave of Dating Apps Takes Cues From TikTok and Gen Z

Online dating exploded in popularity during the pandemic, and the number of new startups has grown. But will they last?

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-wave-dating-apps-cues-tiktok-gen-z

20 Best Gaming Gear Deals for Prime Day 2021: PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox

Amazon's big sale event is here, and it's hot out. Let's build an indoor oasis with these video game peripherals.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-prime-day-gaming-headset-accessory-deals-2021

Transit Agencies Are Trying Everything to Lure You Back

Systems in Boston, Cleveland, Las Vegas, and the San Francisco Bay Area are offering reduced fares or free rides. Others are considering abolishing fares altogether.

source https://www.wired.com/story/transit-agencies-trying-everything-lure-you-back

20 Best Prime Day Deals on Amazon Devices: Kindle, Echo, Fire (2021)

Many of Amazon's best discounts are on its own devices, including Kindles, Echo speakers, Fire tablets, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-amazon-device-deals-prime-day-2021

Northern Farms Are Releasing Massive Amounts of Carbon

Humans have been draining peatlands to grow crops for centuries. It's a huge, underestimated source of greenhouse gas, scientists say.

source https://www.wired.com/story/northern-farms-are-releasing-massive-amounts-of-carbon

Amazon Prime Day 2021: 37 Best Kitchen, Home, Kids Deals

(Check for Updates!) Do you need a hair dryer, robot vacuum, or smart rice cooker? We can fill all your homebody needs here.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-prime-day-smart-home-kitchen-parenting-deals-2021

Loki Has Always Been Marvel’s Most Queer Character

The character’s identity—rooted in sexually fluid Norse mythology—goes far beyond any form of queerness TV has ever seen.

source https://www.wired.com/story/loki-marvel-queer-character

No, Covid-19 Vaccines Won't Make You Magnetic. Here's Why

No matter how many videos you’ve seen of people sticking spoons to their faces, that’s just not how magnets work.

source https://www.wired.com/story/no-covid-19-vaccines-wont-make-you-magnetic-heres-why

On Prime Day, Organizers Want You to Think of the Workers

Amazon’s annual sales event this year is unfolding against a backdrop of mounting pressure from labor activists.

source https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-prime-day-2021-labor-organizers

The 47 Best Prime Day Deals if You Work From Home

We've found discounts on webcams, laptops, monitors, and standing desks to kit out your home office.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-prime-day-home-office-work-from-home-deals-2021

35 Awesome Prime Day Deals for $50 or Less

Don't break the bank in the name of a sale. We found a bunch of budget-friendly discounts on Amazon.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-prime-day-deals-under-50-2021

The 51 Absolute Best Prime Day Deals

The best stuff! From Instant Pots to Echo Dots, here are all the greatest tech deals at Amazon's big sale.

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

Walmart 'Deals for Days' 2021: The 18 Best Deals We've Found

Prime Day is more than Amazon now. Here's the best deals we've found at Walmart's "Deals for Days" event.

source https://www.wired.com/story/walmart-days-of-deals-2021-prime-day-sale

Target 'Deal Days' Sale: The 22 Best Deals So Far (2021)

Amazon's Prime Day event has a lot of rival sales this year. From pet products to board games, here are the spoils of Target's discounts.

source https://www.wired.com/story/target-deal-days-2021-prime-day-sale

Your Favorite Mobile Apps That Can Also Run in a Web Browser

Break free from the confines of your phone screen for messaging, music, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/favorite-mobile-apps-run-web-browser

The Mystery at the Heart of Physics—That Only Math Can Solve

The full picture of quantum field theory has long eluded physicists. Calling in mathematicians will have profound consequences for both fields.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-mystery-at-the-heart-of-physics-that-only-math-can-solve

Tech Companies Want to Tackle Harassment in Gaming

But Riot, Microsoft, Intel, and others have made clear that they're doing it on their terms.

source https://www.wired.com/story/tech-companies-harassment-gaming-riot-intel-microsoft

Catch Some Shut-Eye With Our 7 Favorite Sleep Sounds

From rain forest sounds to video game soundtracks, here are the WIRED Gadget Lab's favorite noises to fall asleep to.

source https://www.wired.com/story/sleep-sounds-we-love

A Bug in the Android Google App Put Privacy at Risk

Plus: Airbnb's safety squad, a fake pharmacy crackdown, and more of the week's top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-app-bug-airbnb-safety-security-news

Your TV Sounds Terrible. A Soundbar Can Fix That

Every television deserves a dedicated row of speakers to call its own. These are our favorites.

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

Let Users Own the Tech Companies They Help Build

Startups typically either go public or get acquired. But a more sustainable, accountable option would be to give the user base a stake.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-let-users-own-the-tech-companies-they-help-build

M.O.D.O.K. Is How Marvel Can Master the Multiverse

By untethering from the main canon, Hulu's madcap stop-motion spectacle can be as weird as it wants.

source https://www.wired.com/story/modok-marvel-multiverse

Samsung’s New Galaxy A52 5G Is a Reliable Droid

The new $500 handset does everything a phone needs to do, though it's plagued by the same flaws as its predecessor.

source https://www.wired.com/review/samsung-galaxy-a52-5g

What's With All This Ooey, Gooey Sea Snot?

A phlegmy film is coating the coast around Istanbul—and warmer water could be to blame.

source https://www.wired.com/story/whats-with-all-this-ooey-gooey-sea-snot

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

Games Don't Just Let You Escape. They Also Help You Remember

Video games aren't unique in the way they make us nostalgic, but those memories do seem to persist more than other forms of entertainment. Here's why.

source https://www.wired.com/story/games-dont-just-let-you-escape-they-also-help-you-remember

The US Government Is Finally Moving at the Speed of Tech

Lina Khan’s ascendance to the top of the FTC, and a set of bipartisan antitrust proposals, shows just how much has changed in Washington—and how suddenly.

source https://www.wired.com/story/government-finally-moving-at-speed-of-tech

This Low-Tech Habit Kept Me Connected in the Lonely Pandemic

Going on my runs just wasn't the same in a locked-down city. It was time to phone a friend.

source https://www.wired.com/story/low-tech-phone-habit-connected-friends-running-pandemic

Some Practical Advice for Living With a Writer

It's not always easy, but fantasy author Jane Lindskold's book Wanderings on Writing provides some honest tips.

source https://www.wired.com/2021/06/geeks-guide-jane-lindskold

The 9 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 Mystery of Betelgeuse's Dimming Has Finally Been Solved

Astronomers say a cold patch and a stellar burp are behind the star's strange dip in brightness.

source https://www.wired.com/story/mystery-of-betelgeuse-dimming-finally-solved

A New Tool Wants to Save Open Source from Supply Chain Hacks

Sigstore will make code signing free and easy for software developers, providing an important first line of defense.

source https://www.wired.com/story/sigstore-open-source-supply-chain-code-signing

A Quick and Dirty Agenda for Congress to Curb Big Tech

Plus: A fair-use summit with Girl Talk, how to explain consciousness, and a pre-summer bake.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-agenda-congress-curb-big-tech

The Sex Lives of Superheroes

This week the internet dared to ask: What does Batman do in bed?

source https://www.wired.com/story/superhero-sex-lives

Beware Smokescreen Trolling, Trump Followers' Favorite Tactic

Trumpists have weaponized a new technique to win the ideological war. How pro-democracy voices respond to it matters.

source https://www.wired.com/story/far-right-social-strategy-smokescreen-trolling

As the Nation Reopens, Americans Are on the Road Again

With Covid-19 travel restrictions relaxing, citizens are boarding planes, trains, busses, and rideshares in increasing numbers. This week, we look at how that’s going.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-509

Which Amazon Echo or Alexa Speaker Is Best for You?

From the newest Echo Dot to a voice-enabled Yamaha soundbar, we've rounded up our favorite speakers from Amazon and its partners.

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

How to Practice Emergency Preparedness as Self-Care

It's not just about buying a lot of stuff from a list. The key to being ready is all about framing your planning with gratitude, rest, and community.

source https://www.wired.com/story/emergency-preparedness-skills-resiliency-self-care

Baltimore May Soon Ban Face Recognition for Everyone but Cops

The measure would make private use of the technology illegal, but would not apply to police. It awaits the mayor's signature.

source https://www.wired.com/story/baltimore-ban-facial-recognition-everyone-but-cops

The Cl0p Bust Shows Exactly Why Ransomware Isn’t Going Away

Ukrainian authorities managed to make some high-profile arrests. But nothing’s going to change until Russia does the same.

source https://www.wired.com/story/cl0p-ransomware-russia-putin-biden

Real Diplomacy is a Start, but the US Needs to Make Putin Pay

Biden's summit with Putin marked a quantum leap forward, but there's still little standing in the way from Russia interfering in future US elections.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-real-diplomacy-is-a-start-but-the-us-needs-to-make-putin-pay

GPS III’s Long Journey Is Picking Up Speed

With the launch of a fifth new-generation satellite, the US finally has a constellation able to globally beam M-Code signals that are tough to spoof or jam.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gps-iiis-long-journey-is-picking-up-speed

The Best Kindles to Take Your Library Anywhere

Amazon has four different ebook readers. Here's how they stack up—and which may be right for you.

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

Test Out Next-Gen Space Tech in Kerbal Space Program

Sure, a real-life Epstein drive is still a few breakthroughs away. But the rocket-building game lets you pilot a fusion-propelled craft right now.

source https://www.wired.com/story/test-out-next-gen-space-tech-kerbal-space-program

On Microphones, Music, and Our Long Year of Screen Time

Pianist Glenn Gould proved long ago that an existence heavily mediated by technology is not nonexistence.

source https://www.wired.com/story/microphones-music-screen-time-glenn-gould

The Lithium Mine Versus the Wildflower

The deposit could power 400,000 clean-energy car batteries. There’s just one roadblock: a rare, fragile species of buckwheat, which for a mine might mean extinction.

source https://www.wired.com/story/lithium-mine-for-batteries-versus-the-wildflower

18 Last-Minute Father's Day Gifts on Sale Now

Don't panic. You can still grab Dad a present with these deals on electronics, cooking gear, and more.

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

The Efforts to Make Text-Based AI Less Racist and Terrible

Language models like GPT-3 can write poetry, but they often amplify negative stereotypes. Researchers are trying different approaches to address the problem.

source https://www.wired.com/story/efforts-make-text-ai-less-racist-terrible

The Delta Variant and Low Vaccine Rates Could Spell Trouble

Vaccines are effective against the variant, but experts worry about states where fewer people are inoculated.

source https://www.wired.com/story/delta-coronavirus-variant-low-vaccine-rates-could-spike-cases

This Robot Spies on Creatures in the Ocean's ‘Twilight Zone’

Mesobot looks like a giant AirPods case, but it's in fact a sophisticated machine that tracks animals making the most epic migration on Earth.

source https://www.wired.com/story/a-clever-robot-spies-on-creatures-in-the-oceans-twilight-zone

The Best Games (and Trailers) From E3

The annual gaming event was slightly subdued by the pandemic, but there were still big updates on Zelda, Halo, Far Cry, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-games-trailers-e3

Nintendo Has Been Stuck in a Creative Rut

The company is still publishing big games for the Switch, but recently its titles have an uncharacteristic dullness.

source https://www.wired.com/story/nintendo-stuck-creative-rut-switch-games

Become a Prime Day Pro With These Tips and 10 Early Deals

Amazon’s big two-day sale event starts soon. Get prepped with our expert advice and the best discounts we’ve found so far.

source https://www.wired.com/story/early-amazon-prime-day-deals-and-tips-2021

Help! What Should I Do About My Cliquey Coworkers?

Megan weighs in on how to navigate office in-groups—and why having a few people in your corner isn’t a bad thing.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ooo-what-should-i-do-about-my-cliquey-coworkers

Sweat Gives Influencers Something They’ve Never Had: Depth

The new Polish-Swedish drama offers a harrowing portrait of social media fame rarely seen in movies.

source https://www.wired.com/story/sweat-influencers-movies

How to Pick the Right Roku for Your TV

The company has a dizzying array of streaming sticks, boxes, and soundbars to choose from, but don’t worry—these are the ones to buy.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/how-to-pick-the-right-roku

The Unwitting Covid Allegory in A Quiet Place Part II

Delayed since March 2020, the horror film ironically forces us to contend with our fragile humanity—and perhaps shows us where to go.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-unwitting-covid-allegory-in-a-quiet-place-part-ii

A Tentacle-Headed Robot Amuses Your Pets While You're Away

This app-controlled cat toy can livestream through its camera while you're away, but it's expensive.

source https://www.wired.com/review/rocki-robot

Why Do I Like Waiting for My Smartphone Photos to 'Develop'?

WIRED’s spiritual advice columnist on apps, impatience, and the struggle to control time itself.

source https://www.wired.com/story/why-do-i-like-waiting-smartphone-photos-develop

Apple and Google’s New AI Wizardry Promises Privacy—at a Cost

The companies revealed upgrades for their phones that protect data and reduce reliance on the cloud. It also binds users more tightly to their ecosystems.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-googles-ai-wizardry-promises-privacy-cost

DuckDuckGo’s Quest to Prove Online Privacy Is Possible

The company best known for its search engine is launching a new set of tools aimed at creating an “easy button” for protecting your data online.

source https://www.wired.com/story/duckduckgo-quest-prove-online-privacy-possible

The Challenge of Covid-19 Vaccines for the Immunosuppressed

Recent studies find transplant patients and immune-suppressed people who get the shot don’t make many antibodies. But that research is just beginning.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-challenge-of-covid-19-vaccines-for-the-immunosuppressed

Apple Says It's Time to Digitize Your ID, Ready or Not

Digital driver’s licenses have had a slow start in the US so far, but iOS 15 Wallet will give the nascent technology a serious push.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-wallet-drivers-license-digital-id

NASA Might Put a Huge Telescope on the Far Side of the Moon

Observing the secrets of the universe’s “Dark Ages” will require capturing ultra-long radio wavelengths—and we can’t do that on Earth.

source https://www.wired.com/story/nasa-might-put-a-huge-telescope-on-the-far-side-of-the-moon

Zillow Taps AI to Improve Its Home Value Estimates

By employing a neural network, the company says its numbers will be more accurate—and allow it to offer to buy more homes.

source https://www.wired.com/story/zillow-taps-ai-improve-home-value-estimates

The Best iPad to Buy (and the Ones to Avoid)

With several new iPads on the market, choosing the right one is more complicated than ever. We’re here to help.

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

Streaming Games to Your TV Actually Started in the '80s

Subscription video gaming services seem like a new idea. But 40 years before Game Pass, you could get Burgertime straight to your tube.

source https://www.wired.com/story/streaming-games-actually-started-the-80s

Ghosts ‘n Goblins Is Back—Pain, Laughs, and All

One of the most unforgiving video game series of all time has risen from the dead, and it’s better than ever.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ghosts-n-goblins-resurrection

WIRED's Ultimate Summer Reading List 2021: Books for Kids and Teens

This surreal school year is finally over. Here are some books to get your young readers in the swing of the season.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/books-summer-reading-recommendations-kids-teens-2021

What If Doctors Are Always Watching, but Never There?

Remote technology could save lives by monitoring health from home or outside the hospital. It could also push patients and health care providers further apart.

source https://www.wired.com/story/can-remote-tech-save-lives

How Humans Think When They Think As Part of a Group

The fancy word for it is "entitativity," and it’s produced when people act and feel together in close proximity. We need it more, but we’re getting it less.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-humans-think-when-they-think-group

I Treated My Unhealthy Gaming Obsession ... With More Games

The root issue had less to do with the hobby and more to do with me.

source https://www.wired.com/story/i-treated-my-unhealthy-gaming-obsession-with-more-games

From Tamagotchi to Nintendogs: Why People Love Digital Pets

Electronic companions keep drawing us back—and it's not just because they don't have fleas.

source https://www.wired.com/story/why-people-love-digital-pets-tamagotchi-nintendogs-dogz

How Do You Make a Robot Walk on Mars? It's a Steep Challenge

Meet SpaceBok, a little four-legged machine that's taking the first steps toward walking on the Red Planet's brutal terrain.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-do-you-make-a-robot-walk-on-mars-its-a-steep-challenge

How Some Americans Are Breaking Out of Political Bubbles

A growing number of people are seeking a wider diversity of news sources or opinions contrary to their own to combat information silos within social media.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-americans-breaking-political-echo-chambers

18 Amazon Prime Perks You Might Not Be Using

Your membership gets you more than free two-day shipping. Here's what you may be missing.

source https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-prime-perks

Pokémon Cards Are Surging. So Is Hate Toward Graders

The business of grading Pokémon cards can be lucrative, time-consuming, and rife with furious, virulent abuse.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pokemon-cards-are-surging-hate-toward-grading-companies

The Biktrix Kutty X Is a Refined Fat-Tire Ebike That Folds

It's more than 60 pounds, but you get a powerful 750-watt motor, a variety of accessories, and a removable battery.

source https://www.wired.com/review/biktrix-kutty-x

What Makes Quantum Computing So Hard to Explain?

Before we can even begin to talk about these computers' potential applications, we need to understand the fundamental physics behind them.

source https://www.wired.com/story/what-makes-quantum-computing-so-hard-to-explain

The Best E3 Deals on Top Games and Gear

The biggest week in gaming news is here, and it comes bearing gifts.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-e3-video-game-deals-2021

All the New Privacy Features Coming to iOS and macOS

Improvements designed to keep your email private, crack down on data stealing apps, and help you find lost devices are on their way.

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-privacy-security-features-ios-15-macos-monterey

Which Amazon Fire Tablet Is Best for You?

Whether you need a travel-friendly tablet or something affordable for the kids, we tested every model to find the right one for everybody.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-amazon-fire-tablet

Google Won't Kill the URL After All

Plus: A Colonial Pipeline update, inside details of the FBI's Anom caper, and more of the week's top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-chrome-url-ransomware-doj-security-news

We Asked Giant Robot Experts to Critique Video Game Mecha

How realistic are Metal Gears and Titans anyway? WIRED asked industrial design and robotics pros how they'd operate.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-realistic-video-game-mecha

What You Should Know About Voilá, the Latest Viral Selfie App

Before you use it to cartoonify your face, consider the risks to your data.

source https://www.wired.com/story/voila-cartoonify-face-privacy-security

When the Bison Come Back, Will the Ecosystem Follow?

An effort to bring wild buffalo to the Great Plains aims to restore one of the world’s most endangered landscapes and increase climate resilience.

source https://www.wired.com/story/when-the-bison-come-back-will-the-ecosystem-follow

Here's Why Gadgets Are So Hard to Get Right Now

Whether it's a graphics card or the PS5, delays and stock shortages seem to be the norm. The reasons involve the pandemic, politics, and ... crypto?

source https://www.wired.com/story/heres-why-gadgets-are-so-hard-to-get-right-now

Which iPhone Should You Buy (or Avoid) Right Now?

Picking the right phone has become increasingly difficult. This breakdown of Apple's lineup will help.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/iphone-buying-guide

The 17 Best Weekend Deals on Headphones, Webcams, and More

Beat the Prime Day rush with these early sales on the Fitbit Charge 4, AirPods Pro, and the GoPro Hero9, among others.

source https://www.wired.com/story/weekend-deals-june-12-2021

As Ransomware Demands Boom, Insurance Keeps Paying Out

While major carriers like AXA have backed away from covering ransoms, don't expect the industry at large to break the vicious cycle.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ransomware-insurance-payments

The FBI's Anom Stunt Rattles the Encryption Debate

The agency spent years running a secure phone network for criminals. So much for “going dark.”

source https://www.wired.com/story/fbi-anom-phone-network-encryption-debate

Why Do People Love UFOs So Much?

Sci-fi author F. Brett Cox loves stories with mysterious spacecraft but is a firm skeptic when it comes to actual alien visitors.

source https://www.wired.com/2021/06/geeks-guide-why-do-we-love-ufos

To Fight Online Misinformation, Criminalize Voter Suppression

Congress should salvage a provision buried in the rubble of HR1 that would hold platforms liable for election misinformation.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-to-fight-online-misinformation-criminalize-voter-suppression

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

A Mystery Malware Stole 26 Million Passwords From Windows PCs

The credentials were part of a trove containing 1.2 terabytes of sensitive data extracted between 2018 and 2020.

source https://www.wired.com/story/mystery-malware-stole-26-million-passwords-from-windows-computers

Loki and the Return of Appointment Television

Not since Game of Thrones have audiences really cared about watching something right when it airs. Thanks to a recent spate of streaming hits, that seems to be changing.

source https://www.wired.com/story/marvel-star-wars-streaming-appointment-tv

Jeff Bezos Risks It All for His Space Dream

Plus: The origins of Blue Origin, Apple's annoying error messages, and a Kardashian plot twist.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bezoss-space-shot-is-one-small-step-toward-his-bigger-goal

You're Probably Not Using the Web's Best Browser

With endless new customization options, like new email clients and a feed reader, Vivaldi 4.0 just got better.

source https://www.wired.com/story/vivaldi-4-2021

Amazon's Fire HD 10 Is Still the Best Cheap Tablet Around

The 10-inch tablet gets an optional keyboard and office apps, but it's still best as a cheap way to access all your Prime content.

source https://www.wired.com/review/amazon-fire-hd-10-2021

MacOS Monterey Is When Apple Starts Leaving Intel Macs Behind

For the first time, some of Apple's own features will only be available on computers with the company's homegrown silicon.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-m1-intel-macos-monterey-features

Apple Wants to Control Your Universe

This week, we talk about all things WWDC and Apple’s quest for worldwide gadget domination.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-508

Games Are Reimagining the Road Trip for a Modern Era

Developers are using procedural generation, resource management, and dialog choices to create memorable and powerful journeys.

source https://www.wired.com/story/games-reimagining-road-trip

A New Way to Understand the Brain's Intricate Rhythm

Researchers have found evidence in humans that individual neurons time their firing to a deeper beat. But there’s a mystery: What does it mean?

source https://www.wired.com/story/a-new-way-to-understand-the-brains-intricate-rhythm

Hackers Stole a Ton of EA Data—Including Valuable Source Code

The video game publisher confirmed the breach, which could be a boon to the shadowy world of cheat-makers.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ea-hack-fifa-frostbite-source-code

How Risky Is It to Send Jeff Bezos to the Edge of Space?

Today's commercial spacecraft have a safety advantage, thanks to simpler designs and suborbital missions. But with rockets, nothing is certain.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-risky-is-it-to-send-jeff-bezos-to-the-edge-of-space

Political and Urban-Rural Divides Prolong The Digital Divide

Democrats and Republicans alike need to be honest about how much broadband for all will cost. And they can make Big Tech help pay for it.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-political-bickering-prolongs-the-digital-divide

The Joy and Misery of Hunting for Video Game Trophies

For some, relentlessly unlocking achievements is a lifestyle. For others, it's a headache.

source https://www.wired.com/story/hunting-for-video-game-trophies

Remember When Multiplayer Gaming Needed Envelopes and Stamps?

The history of play-by-mail includes bribes, forgeries, and games that took years to finish.

source https://www.wired.com/story/multiplayer-gaming-envelopes-stamps-play-by-mail-history

How to Protect Species and Save the Planet—at Once

A major new report calls on humanity to tackle the biodiversity and climate crises simultaneously. Here's what that might look like.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-protect-species-and-save-the-planet-at-once

Amazon's New Buds Make It Easier to Summon Alexa Than Ever

With good sound and excellent app integration, Amazon's latest wireless earbuds are an affordable AirPods Pro alternative.

source https://www.wired.com/review/amazon-echo-buds-2021

How to Celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month—IRL or Online

With the ongoing pandemic, here are a variety of ways you can join in at home, or anywhere.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-celebrate-lgbtq-pride-month-2021-online-or-in-person

VC Pledged to 'Do Better' on Diversity. It's Barely Changed

The Black Lives Matter protests drew sympathetic public statements from investors in 2020. One year later, signs of progress are harder to find.

source https://www.wired.com/story/vc-pledged-better-diversity-its-barely-changed

The Best Made-Up Worlds Are Made Up of Real Parts

Helene Wecker’s The Hidden Palace brings magic to 20th century Manhattan. Turns out that’s easier than putting the wrong stormtroopers into Star Wars Land.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-hidden-palace-star-wars-avengers

They Role-Played Fascism in Roblox. Were They Fashies IRL?

Thousands of players flocked to a digital world filled with draconian rules, slavery, and anti-Semitism—and tested how far “just a game” can go.

source https://www.wired.com/story/roblox-online-games-irl-fascism-roman-empire

Facial Verification Won't Fight Fraud

Unemployment fraud is a real problem, and biased software only makes it worse. States need privacy-preserving alternatives.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-facial-verification-wont-fight-fraud

The Case for Putting Down the Video Game Controller

If gaming isn’t as fulfilling as it used to be, it’s OK to walk away and go do something else.

source https://www.wired.com/story/stop-playing-video-games

Help! How Do I Make Work Friends When Everyone's Remote?

Guest columnist Alan Henry offers advice for putting yourself out there online.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ooo-how-do-i-make-friends-when-everyones-behind-a-screen

Meowza! Spoil Your Kitty With Deals on Cat Gear

From comfy beds to water fountains, we found sales on cat supplies to kick off Adopt-a-Cat Month.

source https://www.wired.com/story/deals-on-cat-gear-2021

What It Takes to Turn a Video Game Into a Tabletop One

How do developers take open worlds and condense them into a form that fits on your coffee table? It's not easy, but when it works, it's incredible.

source https://www.wired.com/story/what-it-takes-turn-video-game-into-tabletop

Want OLED and Speed for Under $1,000? Get This Asus Laptop

The AMD-powered ZenBook 13 is one of the best values we’ve seen in a long time.

source https://www.wired.com/review/asus-zenbook-13-amd

Watch Drones Fly Through a Fake Forest Without Crashing

Each copter doesn’t just track where the others are. It constantly predicts where they’ll go.

source https://www.wired.com/story/watch-a-drone-swarm-fly-through-a-fake-forest-without-crashing

The Pandemic Put an End to Rush Hour. What Happens Now?

Remote work generally reduces driving. But the travel behavior of telecommuters isn’t as straightforward as it might seem.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pandemic-end-rush-hour-what-happens-now

If You Want to Live in Apple World, Gather All Your iDevices

This week, Apple doubled down on its vision of a seamlessly integrated ecosystem of products, software, and services. The catch? You need to be all in on Apple.

source https://www.wired.com/story/if-you-want-to-live-in-apple-world-gather-all-your-idevices

Want to Write Better? Here Are Some Tools to Help You Improve

Whether you're drafting a memo or promoting a book, technology can make the task easier than ever.

source https://www.wired.com/story/tech-tips-tools-improve-writing

Crypto Isn’t About Money. It’s About Fandom

And that’s why we will fight about it forever.

source https://www.wired.com/story/crypto-isnt-about-money-its-about-fandom

Our Favorite Cheap Earbuds Are an Unbelievable $16 Right Now

These affordable wireless buds from JLab Audio have the same specs as the Apple AirPods and sound almost as good.

source https://www.wired.com/story/jlab-audio-go-air-deal-june-2021

How an Obscure Company Took Down Big Chunks of the Internet

You may not have heard of Fastly, but you felt its impact when sites went offline around the world Tuesday morning.

source https://www.wired.com/story/fastly-cdn-internet-outages-2021

How to Turn Off Amazon Sidewalk

The company is enlisting your Echo and Ring devices into an internet-sharing mesh network starting Monday. It's not too late to opt out.

source https://www.wired.com/story/turn-off-amazon-sidewalk

Weber’s New Smoker Makes Some Mighty Tasty Meats

Weber’s second take on a pellet smoker delivers delicious results. Be prepared to clean your cooker more frequently, though.

source https://www.wired.com/review/weber-smokefire-ex6-gen-2

Could Brain Training Help Address Police Brutality?

New neuroscience-based technologies aim to improve decisionmaking under pressure. But solving systemic problems will take a lot more than that.

source https://www.wired.com/story/brain-training-police-brutality

Deathloop and the Radical Necessity of 2 Black Leads

Building games that reflect the diversity of the real world is nothing new to the team at Arkane Studios. But this project presented unique challenges.

source https://www.wired.com/story/deathloop-radical-necessity-of-2-black-leads

The Colorful, Costly World of Custom Keyboard Enthusiasts

Hobbyists spend hours building their own personalized rigs, while others drop thousands of dollars on a bespoke board. The hype is only getting bigger.

source https://www.wired.com/story/colorful-costly-world-custom-keyboard-enthusiasts

Going Medieval Is a Great Entry Point Into Colony Sims

The game lets you build a new post-plague civilization in 14th-century England, and it’s been topping Steam charts—for good reason.

source https://www.wired.com/story/going-medieval-great-entry-point-colony-sim

This Plastic Phone Case Could Biodegrade Within 2 Years

Most plastics take hundreds of years to decompose. This one, from case maker Pivet, harnesses the power of hungry microbes.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pivet-toto-toa-biodegradable-plastic-phone-case

Your Clothes Spew Microfibers Before They’re Even Clothes

The clothing supply chain releases some 265 million pounds of microfibers that wash into the environment each year.

source https://www.wired.com/story/your-clothes-spew-microfibers-before-theyre-even-clothes

What Really Happened When Google Ousted Timnit Gebru

She was a star engineer who warned that messy AI can spread racism. Google brought her in. Then it forced her out. Can Big Tech take criticism from within?

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-timnit-gebru-ai-what-really-happened

All the Top Features Coming to Your iPhone This Fall

Apple just previewed iOS 15, the latest version of its mobile operating system. Here's what's new.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-iphone-ios-15-ipados-15-new-features

Everything Apple Announced Today: New iOS, Privacy Updates

The 2021 edition of WWDC began Monday with a keynote address. Apple used the occasion to show off a whole bunch of enhancements to its software and services.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-wwdc-2021-news-recap

Ransomware Hit Another Pipeline Firm—and 70GB of Data Leaked

LineStar Integrity Services was hacked around the same time as Colonial Pipeline, but radical transparency activists have brought the attack to light.

source https://www.wired.com/story/linestar-pipeline-ransomware-leak

The Incredible, Absurd World of Disco Elysium: The Final Cut

The update has been a long time coming, and if you haven't played, now's the time. We asked Robert Kurvitz, the game's designer, if he’s finally satisfied with it.

source https://www.wired.com/story/disco-elysium-the-final-cut

The 15 Best Wireless Headphones for Everyone

Even if you’re on a budget, these wireless headphones sound like a million bucks.

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

China's Quiet Ecommerce Giant Thrives on Fresh Produce

Pinduoduo, which recently passed Alibaba as the shopping site with the most customers, connects 12 million farmers to more than 800 million users.

source https://www.wired.com/story/chinas-quiet-ecommerce-giant-thrives-fresh-produce

A New Way to Shape Metal Nanoparticles—With a Magnetic Field

Making the tiny nanoparticles used in everything from electronics to paint isn't easy. But a new experiment creates order out of chaos.

source https://www.wired.com/story/a-new-way-to-shape-metal-nanoparticles-with-a-magnetic-field

Why Are Writers Fleeing Substack for Ghost?

The publishing platform is gaining traction as a Substack substitute. But the comparison isn't so simple.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ghost-substack-platforms-publishers

Google Hopes AI Can Turn Search Into a Conversation

The tech giant wants its core product to infer meaning from human language, answer multipart questions—and look more like Google Assistant sounds.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-hopes-ai-turn-search-conversation

4 Tips to Send (and Receive) Better Texts

Sure, hitting send is easy. But these tips can help make sure everyone's messages are coming across loud and clear.

source https://www.wired.com/story/4-tips-to-send-and-receive-better-texts

Covid Brings Automation to the Workplace, Killing Some Jobs

Unable to find enough workers, employers are turning to technology to perform tasks—and women are likely to be the hardest hit.

source https://www.wired.com/story/covid-brings-automation-workplace-killing-some-jobs

How to Watch Today's Apple WWDC Keynote

The annual event starts at 10 am Pacific with news about software updates coming to iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Here's how to tune in.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-watch-apple-wwdc-2021

China Has Triggered a Bitcoin Mining Exodus

The promise of a crackdown is sending the country's crypterati scrambling for the exit.

source https://www.wired.com/story/china-bitcoin-mining-exodus

RevAir's Hair Dryer Is a One-Stop Blow Out Shop

This expensive hair vacuum quickly dries and smoothes kinks out of your hair. It's impressive, if you can afford to pay for it and can store it.

source https://www.wired.com/review/revair-reverse-hair-dryer

10 Essential Accessories to Up Your Backyard Grilling Game

Up your outdoor cooking game with these tools for getting the perfect sear, smoke, roast—and even a pizza.

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

Will a Volcanic Eruption Be a Burp or a Blast?

Scientists have begun to decipher the seismic signals that reveal how explosive a volcanic eruption is going to be.

source https://www.wired.com/story/will-a-volcanic-eruption-be-a-burp-or-a-blast

A Love Letter to Grand Theft Auto's Best Side Stories

The often-overlooked Liberty City and Vice City Stories have some of the best character development and the most cinematic moments in the franchise.

source https://www.wired.com/story/love-letter-grand-theft-auto-side-stories

Google's $99 A-Series Earbuds Are AirPods for Android

The company's more affordable version of last year's Pixel Buds cut some perks for a much better price.

source https://www.wired.com/review/google-pixel-buds-a-series

Twitch Turns 10, and the Creator Economy Is in Its Debt

The livestreaming platform for gamers helped pioneer the patronage systems that prop up so much of the internet today.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitch-turns-10-creator-economy

How to Protect Your Files From Ransomware

It's a growing threat for individual users and businesses alike—but there are ways to protect yourself.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-protect-files-ransomware-tips

The FBI’s Director Compares Ransomware Threat to 9/11

Plus, a Supreme Court decision on a controversial anti-hacking law, a WhatsApp walk-back, and more of the week’s top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/security-news-this-week-fbi-head-compares-ransomware-threat-to-9-11

The Safest Way to Store and Share Your Nudes

Listen, if you’re going to take them, follow these precautions so they don’t go anywhere you don’t intend them to.

source https://www.wired.com/story/safest-way-store-share-nudes-safe-sexts

Trump's Failed Blog Proves He Was Just Howling Into the Void

Without the algorithmic boosts of Twitter and Facebook, there are few “active” internet users to be found.

source https://www.wired.com/story/opinion-trumps-failed-blog-proves-he-was-just-howling-into-the-void

Black Barbecue Gets Its Due in an Inspiring New Cookbook

The first book from renowned pitmaster and chef Rodney Scott puts a long-neglected keystone of Black American culture on the table.

source https://www.wired.com/story/rodney-scotts-world-of-bbq

The 9 Best TVs We've Tested (and Helpful Buying Tips)

From LCDs to fancy OLED models, these are our favorite televisions at every price point.

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

Our Favorite Audiophile-Grade Gear for Serious Listening

Interested in getting insane audio quality? From speakers and headphones to streaming amps, here are our favorite tools for gold-plated listening.

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

The Drought Is Making the Klamath River’s Baby Salmon Sick

Dry conditions are worsening a warm-water disease that’s sweeping through juvenile fish. Their deaths will create a future crisis for both fish and human populations.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-drought-is-making-the-klamath-rivers-baby-salmon-sick

This Kids Speaker Is Adorable, Screen-Free Fun

Like on game consoles of old, children can insert physical cards into this cute pixel-art cube to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and soundscapes.

source https://www.wired.com/review/yoto-player

14 Best Weekend Deals on Video Games, TVs, and Home Appliances

Keep cool in this heat with the best deals on portable air conditioners, and immerse yourself in a weekend movie with discounted soundbars.

source https://www.wired.com/story/weekend-deals-june-6-2021

Why Are There So Few Women in Wargaming?

A combination of a high barrier to entry and outdated, misogynistic attitudes keep women out of a hobby where they could thrive.

source https://www.wired.com/story/women-wargaming-sexism-harassment

Admit It: The Facebook Oversight Board Is Kind of Working

Facebook has agreed to follow some of the board’s non-binding recommendations regarding the Donald Trump suspension. That’s progress.

source https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-oversight-board-kind-of-working-trump-ban

New Vaccine Incentives, Surplus Dose Shipments, and More News

Catch up on the most important updates from this week.

source https://www.wired.com/story/vaccine-incentives-surplus-doses-coronavirus-news

Love, Death & Robots Is Growing Up

The Netflix series can still feel like a boy's club, but the second season eclipses the first.

source https://www.wired.com/2021/06/geeks-guide-love-death-robots-2

Apple's WWDC 2021 Starts Monday. Here's What to Expect

The annual developer conference is where the next versions of iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and other software enhancements are unveiled.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-wwdc-2021-what-to-expect

The Avengers Campus at Disneyland Kinda Weirds Me Out

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is becoming the uncanny valley—that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

source https://www.wired.com/story/disneyland-avengers-campus-too-much

You Need to Weigh Some Water. All You’ve Got Is a Paper Clip

OK, so you might need a couple other supplies, but your best option is to do what MacGyver would do: Turn it into a scale.

source https://www.wired.com/story/you-need-to-weigh-some-water-all-youve-got-is-a-paper-clip

A Google Alum Wants to Make Search Pure Again

Plus: A lesson in macro Googlenomics, an audio jamming dream, and high-stakes cheesesteaks.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-google-search-neeva

How a Smartphone Can Help You Cope With Epilepsy

Epilepsy looks different depending on the person, but here are some strategies for managing symptoms and staying safe.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-smartphone-can-help-cope-epilepsy

Oximeters Used to Be Designed for Equity. What Happened?

The pandemic drew attention to the racial bias built into pulse oxes. But calls to create a fairer device are missing one thing: It once existed.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pulse-oximeters-equity

Get Your Covid Vaccine, Win a Million Dollars

This week we unpack the behavioral science behind vaccine lotteries and why a life-changing amount of cash will motivate humans to get their shots.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-507

This Electric Kick Scooter Is Lightweight and Folds Fast

This electric kick scooter doesn’t offer the comfiest or the fastest ride, but it’s lightweight enough to ignore those flaws.

source https://www.wired.com/review/slidgo-x8

I Revisited SaGa Frontier—and My Bisexual Video Game Crush

As a kid in the 90s, the original game was my escape. In the new remastered version, Lady Asellus's story still resonates.

source https://www.wired.com/story/saga-frontier-remastered-asellus-bisexual-game-crush-pride

Microsoft’s Vote Tracking Software Clears a Major Hurdle

Hart InterCivic will be the first private vendor to partner with the company on using its open-source ElectionGuard system.

source https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-hart-electionguard-vote-tracking-software-partnership

Google's New Nest Hub Beats Wearing a Sleep Tracker to Bed

The new version of the smart display can now track your sleep without a camera—and it gave me fresh insight into some of my sleep habits.

source https://www.wired.com/review/google-nest-hub-second-gen

Our Favorite Hair Dryers and Diffusers

We tried blow dryers, brushes, diffusers, and one reverse air-dryer that sucks your hair up like a vacuum. These are our favorite hair drying tools.

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

Don't End Up on This Artificial Intelligence Hall of Shame

A list of incidents that caused, or nearly caused, harm aims to prompt developers to think more carefully about the tech they create.

source https://www.wired.com/story/artificial-intelligence-hall-shame

One of Our Favorite Standing Desks Just Got Cheaper

Flexispot’s 55-inch adjustable desk has three height presets and is well made. It’s now $100 off.

source https://www.wired.com/story/flexispot-amazon-standing-desk-deal-june-2021

The Sneaky, Lying Flower That Pretends to Be a Rotting Beetle

Aristolochia microstoma finds love by smelling like death. Coffin flies can’t resist.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-sneaky-lying-flower-that-pretends-to-be-a-rotting-beetle

Changing Minds About Why Doctors Change Their Minds

After Covid, being open with patients about uncertainty may be the surest way to build trust in medicine.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-need-to-change-minds-about-why-doctors-change-their-minds

How an Adaptive Game Controller Helps My Family Bond

Multiplayer gaming was something we thought my son would never be able to do, but a special Xbox controller changed everything.

source https://www.wired.com/story/adaptive-game-controller-accessibility-family-bonding

They Rage-Quit the School System—and They're Not Going Back

The pandemic created a new, more diverse, more connected crop of homeschoolers. They could help shape what learning looks like for everyone.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pandemic-homeschoolers-who-are-not-going-back

Get Ready for Summer With These Nature-Themed Board Games

We selected a few great outdoorsy games that are perfect for playing on the patio or by an open window.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/summer-nature-themed-board-game-roundup

Wait, Vaccine Lotteries Actually Work?

Ooh, the behavioral economists are going to be so smug about this.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wait-vaccine-lotteries-actually-work

The All-Seeing Eyes of New York’s 15,000 Surveillance Cameras

Video from the cameras is often used in facial-recognition searches. A report finds they are most common in neighborhoods with large nonwhite populations.

source https://www.wired.com/story/all-seeing-eyes-new-york-15000-surveillance-cameras

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

Lyft’s Revamped Bike-Share Ebike Is Sleek—and Beefy

It’s got a better motor, a bigger battery, and a flashy paint job. Riders in San Francisco will soon be able to take the public beta for a spin.

source https://www.wired.com/story/lyft-ebike-test-ride

Help! Must We With the Virtual Meeting Small Talk?

Megan weighs in on the value of idle chatter.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ooo-must-we-with-the-virtual-meeting-small-talk

How Apps and VR Therapy Can Help OCD Patients

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is often misunderstood. Here’s what it is, and how you can use technology to help navigate uncertainty.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apps-vr-help-ocd-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-patients

More Content Moderation Is Not Always Better

Simply erasing things from the internet comes at a cost. It might not be worth it.

source https://www.wired.com/story/more-content-moderation-not-always-better

45 Father’s Day Gifts for the Dependable Dad in Your Life

Show how much you appreciate him this Father’s Day with these useful and offbeat gift ideas.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-fathers-day-gift-ideas-2021

The UK Has a Plan for a New ‘Pandemic Radar’ System

Disease surveillance schemes to catch the next rising virus already exist—they’re just not communicating with each other.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-uk-has-a-plan-for-a-new-pandemic-radar-system

Welcome to Planet Egirl

What does it look like when women’s long-held interest in gaming is finally accepted into the mainstream—and embraced by billion-dollar industries?

source https://www.wired.com/story/welcome-to-planet-egirl

Ransomware Hits a Food Supply Giant—and Underscores Dire Risk

Hackers targeting JBS USA have disrupted meat processing facilities around the world, just one month after the Colonial Pipeline attack caused fuel distribution havoc.

source https://www.wired.com/story/jbs-ransomware-attack-underscores-dire-threat

There’s Hope for American Movie Theaters After All

Covid-19 closures put movie chains in a tough spot. A Quiet Place Part II’s box office performance shows they could find their way out of the woods.

source https://www.wired.com/story/hope-for-american-movie-theaters

New to Vinyl Records? Here’s What You Need to Know

Before you go shopping for turntables, cartridges, and headphones, here are a few things to remember as you start your journey into records.

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-to-vinyl-records-shopping-what-you-need-to-know

Inside Silicon Valley’s Mayo Marketing Madness

The war on eggs started back in the ’70s, not with the company formerly known as Hampton Creek, but with a little cafe-grocery store in Los Angeles.

source https://www.wired.com/story/inside-silicon-valleys-mayo-marketing-madness

The Mayor of Reno Is Betting Big on the Blockchain

Hillary Schieve invests in cryptocurrencies herself, and she sees the technology as a way to improve government services.

source https://www.wired.com/story/mayor-reno-betting-blockchain

This Arcane Manual Could Lead to More Human-Friendly Cities

For decades, the federal government has issued a guide for designing streets. Activists want to make it better for pedestrians and cyclists.

source https://www.wired.com/story/arcane-manual-pave-way-human-friendly-cities

Peanut the Waiter Robot Is Proof That Your Job Is Safe

Restaurants are struggling to hire people, so one Jersey Shore grill employed a machine. It confirms that humans remain indispensable.

source https://www.wired.com/story/peanut-the-waiter-robot-is-proof-that-your-job-is-safe

Indie Video Games Have Finally Embraced the Tabletop Scene

Video games like Monster Train, Slay The Spire, and Gordian Quest use decks, cards, and dice rolls to stake their claim.

source https://www.wired.com/story/indie-developers-studios-tabletop-board-games