The Physics of Wile E. Coyote’s 10 Billion-Volt Electromagnet

The famous cartoon schemer has an ingenious plan to lure Bugs Bunny out of his hole—and it involves a giant magnet and an iron carrot.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-physics-of-wile-e-coyotes-10-billion-volt-electromagnet

Is 5G Available for You? Here's How to Find Out

Before you jump on that new iPhone or Google Pixel, maybe make sure 5G is worthwhile or even offered where you live.

source https://www.wired.com/story/where-is-5g-available

Save Money on Subscriptions Thanks to This iOS Loophole

This is one weird trick, but when it works, it works well and can save you cash on apps.

source https://www.wired.com/story/iphone-subscriptions-save-money

Covid Will Become Endemic. The World Must Decide What That Means

The task of 2022 will be figuring out how much action we’re willing to take and how much disease and death we’ll tolerate.

source https://www.wired.com/story/covid-will-become-endemic-the-world-must-decide-what-that-means

The 18 TV Shows We’re Most Looking Forward to in 2022

From tabloid stars to Targaryen dragons, here are some of the upcoming shows on our watchlist—and where to stream them.

source https://www.wired.com/story/most-anticipated-tv-2022

Advice to Startup Founders: Prepare to Fail

Three new books explore why fledgling companies flounder—and what to do about it.

source https://www.wired.com/story/2021-startup-founder-advice-books

20 Movies We Can’t Wait to See in 2022

From Keanu Reeves to Batman, here's who you should line up to see at the multiplex—hopefully.

source https://www.wired.com/story/most-anticipated-movies-2022

The Gear You Need to Shoot Indie Films at Home or on Location

Ready to try your hand at filmmaking? You don't need that much to get going, but these items will give you a bit of a head start.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gear-you-need-make-indie-films

A Year In, Biden’s China Policy Looks a Lot Like Trump’s

The administration has toned down the anti-China rhetoric, but it has maintained and expanded economic sanctions—and plans a “diplomatic boycott” of the Olympics.

source https://www.wired.com/story/biden-china-policy-looks-like-trumps

In Celebration of the Internet’s True Angels

They don't have VC funds. They just thanklessly post all the helpful content people really need.

source https://www.wired.com/story/2021-internet-angels

The Excruciating Evolution of Luxury Watches

Always looking to the next technical challenge, many high-end timepieces are perpetually undergoing R&D.

source https://www.wired.com/story/luxury-watch-r-and-d

The Pandemic Might Have Redesigned Cities Forever

Changes small and large—parklets, outdoor restaurants, bike lanes—could remake our relationship to cities (and help fix climate change).

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-pandemic-might-have-redesigned-cities-forever

Too Much Future Makes the Present Miserable

Trend forecasters want to sell you your own uncertainty—and the more uncertain you are, the more lucrative a crystal ball gets.

source https://www.wired.com/story/too-much-future-present-miserable

The 9 Games We Loved in 2021

In a year of continued stasis, these games brought us a lot of joy.

source https://www.wired.com/story/games-wired-loved-2021

The Best Base Layers to Keep You Warm

Stay toasty outdoors with our favorite blended, merino wool, and synthetic tops to wear under your cheery sweaters and coats.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-base-layers-winter

How to Upgrade Your YouTube Recording Setup

Whether you're recording specifically for YouTube or making movies that may just end up there, this gear can help.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-upgrade-youtube-recording-setup

This Was the Year When Finance Jumped the Doge

From GameStop to bored apes, weirdness abounded among meme-loving amateur investors.

source https://www.wired.com/story/defi-gamestop-memes-doge-musk

African Voices Must Lead the Global Climate Conversation

The world is finally waking up to the impact the climate crisis is having on the continent.

source https://www.wired.com/story/africa-attention-climate-crisis

What Happens When an AI Knows How You Feel?

Technology used to only deliver our messages. Now it wants to write them for us by understanding our emotions.

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

2021 Was the Year Space Tourism Opened Up. But for Whom?

SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic finally made commercial spaceflight possible. Now there are questions about the purpose of these exclusive trips.

source https://www.wired.com/story/2021-was-the-year-space-tourism-opened-up-but-for-whom

4 Online Resources to Help LGBTQ Youth Find Support

The pandemic has drastically changed how LGBTQ organizations work to meet the needs of socially connected youth.

source https://www.wired.com/story/4-online-resources-lgbtq-youth-support

How to Rescue Your Photos From an Old Computer

Whether it’s from a laptop gathering dust or the desktop you’re upgrading, these tips will keep your precious memories nearby and easy to share.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-rescue-photos-old-computer

12 Awesome Management Games for Armchair Tycoons

These building- and resource-based simulations are perfect for single-player fun and relaxation.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-management-city-building-games

Surprise! The Pandemic Has Made People More Science Literate

Despite rampant misinformation, Covid-19 has pushed science into the zeitgeist, as people have absorbed new words and how scientific discovery actually works.

source https://www.wired.com/story/surprise-the-pandemic-has-made-people-more-science-literate

Predicting Death Could Change the Value of a Life

New technology promises to forecast the length of your life. But for disabled people, measuring mortality can prove fatal.

source https://www.wired.com/story/predicting-death-value-life

This Company Has a Way to Replace Plastic in Clothing

Natural Fiber Welding uses an innovative process to treat cotton and make it behave more like synthetic fibers.

source https://www.wired.com/story/company-way-replace-plastic-clothing

Why 2021 Was the Biggest Year for the Labor Movement in Games

Working conditions at top studios have been criticized before, but this year saw a significant increase in protests and organizing by employees.

source https://www.wired.com/story/2021-biggest-year-labor-movement-video-games

The Year in Overflow Culture

Thanks to the constant content machine, there’s more culture online than anyone knows what to do with. Here’s the most baffling of the internet’s 2021 leftovers.

source https://www.wired.com/story/social-media-content-machine

4 Dive Watches We Loved to Wear This Year

They are the most popular type of timepiece by far, and this year many new models were launched. We’ve picked four favorites.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-dive-watches-for-2021

The Year Everyone Remembered That Chips Matter

Shortages of semiconductors messed up production of everything from cars to toys. Plans are in the works for more factories, but they'll take years.

source https://www.wired.com/story/year-everyone-remembered-chips-matter

How to Set Up Your New iPhone

Welcome to your new iPhone. Here's how to get the most out of it right out of the box.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-set-up-a-new-iphone

2021 Was a Huge Missed Opportunity on Climate Action

The pandemic should have been a wake-up call—instead, emissions have climbed once more. Here's how the US could have seized the opportunity.

source https://www.wired.com/story/2021-was-a-huge-missed-opportunity-on-climate-action

The History of Predicting the Future

Humans have long tried to determine the shape of what’s to come. But even the most advanced technology can’t solve the fundamental issues with predictions.

source https://www.wired.com/story/history-predicting-future

5 Space Watches That Are Out of This World

Watches made it into space well before Jeff Bezos. Here are our top picks for timepieces connected with the final frontier.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/space-watches

A Clean Industrial Revolution Is the Only Way to Hit Net Zero

Governments and companies around the world are finally acting to create a green economy and avoid climate catastrophe.

source https://www.wired.com/story/clean-industrial-revolution-net-zero

The Best After-Christmas Sales to Burn That Holiday Cash

Make the most of those gift cards with these great discounts.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-after-christmas-sales-and-deals-2021

How to Use Tech to Say Thank You

From recordings to custom visuals, here are some future-forward ways to show you appreciate someone.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-tech-to-say-thank-you

The Algorithm That Lets Particle Physicists Count Higher Than 2

Through his encyclopedic study of the electron, an obscure figure named Stefano Laporta found a handle on the subatomic world’s fearsome complexity.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-algorithm-that-lets-particle-physicists-count-higher-than-2

How to Stop Those Annoying Siri Notifications on AirPods

Tired of Apple's voice assistant interrupting your jam sessions? Turn off the feature in a few simple steps.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-control-and-turn-off-announce-notifications-with-siri-on-airpods

The Metaverse Land Rush Is an Illusion

The “real estate of the future” is plagued by buggy software, empty servers, and huge opportunities for abuse.

source https://www.wired.com/story/metaverse-land-rush-illusion

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

The Morbid War Over Online Obituaries

“Obituary pirates” scrape websites and publish their own versions of death notices, reaping commissions on flowers and gifts.

source https://www.wired.com/story/morbid-war-online-obituaries

The Best Indie Games You May Have Missed in 2021

It's been a great year for developers and gamers alike.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-indie-games-2021

19 Surprising Things Your Nintendo Switch Can Do

Did you just get one of Nintendo's three Switch consoles? Here are some of their best (and most secret) abilities!

source https://www.wired.com/story/10-surprising-things-you-can-do-with-your-nintendo-switch

Jackbox's 8th Party Pack Is Worth It For Drawful: Animate Alone

Which is good, because the rest of the pack is uneven and, at times, downright confusing.

source https://www.wired.com/story/jackbox-8-review-drawful-animate

Snagged a PS5? Here Are Tips for Setting It Up

Here’s how to transfer your data from a PS4, log into a PSN account, set up multiple accounts, and make the most of your new console.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-set-up-playstation-5

How to Set Up Your New Xbox Series X/S

There are a few things you'll need to do before you can jump right into Halo: Infinite

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-set-up-xbox-series-x-s

Gear to Help Make Your Livestreams Look and Sound Good

Whether you stream on Twitch, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or anywhere else, these tools and tips can turn you into a pro.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gear-tips-livestreaming-audio-acoustics-backups

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

Can You Solve Climate Change Better Than World Leaders?

What even happened at the UN climate summit—and could you do a better job? These online and in-person simulators let you take a swing at saving the world.

source https://www.wired.com/story/can-you-solve-climate-change-role-play

The World Is Messy. Idealizations Make the Physics Simple

Even ordinary actions, like tossing a tennis ball, can be extraordinarily complex to calculate. The trick is knowing what to leave out.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-world-is-messy-idealizations-make-the-physics-simple

The Best Nintendo Switch Games for Every Kind of Player

From Hyrule to Hallownest, these are our absolute favorite video game escapes for the OLED Switch, Switch, and Switch Lite.

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

Tetris Helps My Stress and Anxiety Fall Away

When I revisited my preferred childhood pastime, I wondered if the game would still serve as a mental reset. Turns out, it did.

source https://www.wired.com/story/tetris-helps-stress-anxiety

The James Webb Space Telescope Finally Prepares for Launch

After decades of hard work and controversies, NASA scientists ready Hubble’s massive successor for its mission to probe the distant universe.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-james-webb-space-telescope-finally-prepares-for-launch

Lab-Grown Embryo Research Is Poised to Transform Medicine

New advances in stem cell science could alleviate devastating early-life conditions. But this comes with a moral conundrum.

source https://www.wired.com/story/stem-cell-science-pregnancy

'Algorithmic Reparation' Calls for Racial Justice in AI

Researchers are encouraging those who work in AI to explicitly consider racism, gender, and other structural inequalities.

source https://www.wired.com/story/move-algorithmic-reparation-calls-racial-justice-ai

How an Aquarium Collects Curious Creatures From the Deep

Take a cruise with scientists from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, as they pilot an SUV-sized robot to collect delicate specimens 1,600 feet down.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-an-aquarium-collects-curious-creatures-from-the-deep

You Should Listen to CDs

If vinyl is for hipsters and streaming is for everyone else, maybe the forgotten format is for you.

source https://www.wired.com/story/you-should-listen-to-cds

10 Not-So-Christmas Christmas Movies to Watch This Season

We all need a break from dancing elves. Here are some unexpected, fun, and (mostly) family-friendly films to enjoy this holiday.

source https://www.wired.com/story/10-best-not-christmas-christmas-movies

And Now: 31 Notable WIRED Long-Form Stories of 2021

In another strange year, our feature articles bubbled up through the cracks and managed to capture the zeitgeist.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/wired-longreads-2021

The Matrix Resurrections Review: The Wachowskis Were the True Oracles

Directors Lana and Lilly Wachowski warned about the dangers of trusting tech 22 years ago. With the latest sequel, Lana is back with another harbinger.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-matrix-resurrections-review-essay

Super Last-Minute Gift Ideas—and Excuses—for Procrastinators

If your Christmas tree is missing a present, these gifts will keep you on the nice list.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/extremely-last-minute-gift-ideas

Face Recognition Is Being Banned—but It’s Still Everywhere

Two dozen cities and states prohibit use of the tech. But it’s on phones and is increasingly used in airports and in banks.

source https://www.wired.com/story/face-recognition-banned-but-everywhere

Antibodies Are Being Created to Fight Disease in New Ways

Targeting cancers and viruses, better knowledge of the human immune system is leading to new medicines.

source https://www.wired.com/story/immune-system-antibodies-disease

2022 Will Be a Big Year for Space Exploration

Missions to Mars, Jupiter, and—yes—Texas are all part of the next wave of space research previously delayed by Covid-19.

source https://www.wired.com/story/space-launches-2022-mars-jupiter

The Best Multi-Tools for Any Task

Tiny gadgets, big convenience. We'll help you find the best Leatherman and Swiss Army Knives.

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

Our 12 Favorite Photography Books of 2021

From border politics to vintage NASA gear, these are the photo books that best document the WIRED world.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-photography-books-2021

The Exercise Games That Can Actually Get You Off the Couch

A new generation of “exergames” take adventure, community, and fitness to a new level. Here's how to use them to build a lasting exercise habit.

source https://www.wired.com/story/great-exercise-games

The Pandemic Made Me Realize My Brain Is Already Cyborg

I had inadvertently adopted the Cartesian philosophy of body-mind dualism. A new leg showed me otherwise.

source https://www.wired.com/story/cyborg-brain-mind-pandemic-philosophy

These Lemurs Have Got Rhythm. Scientists Have Got Questions

Studying how and why rhythm evolved in these primates could help unravel the mysteries of human musicality.

source https://www.wired.com/story/these-lemurs-have-got-rhythm-scientists-have-got-questions

Reach Easy With the 10 Best Messenger and Shoulder Bags

From everyday canvas sacks to rainstorm-ready sling packs, these one-strap wonders shoulder the burden.

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

How Y Combinator Changed the World

As if launching Airbnb, Stripe, and Dropbox weren’t enough, the famous accelerator has had an outsize—and mixed—impact on all of us.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-y-combinator-changed-the-world

The Best Movies of 2021—and Where to Stream Them

From Dune to The Green Knight, these are the best movies you should have watched (and still have time to watch) this year.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-movies-2021

Growing Peppers on the ISS Is Just the Start of Space Farming

The chili peppers thrived in a controlled microgravity environment. But to develop agriculture away from Earth, NASA will have to think outside the box.

source https://www.wired.com/story/growing-peppers-on-the-iss-is-just-the-start-of-space-farming

Welcome to Miami, Where All Your Memes Come True!

The city is trying to lure in Silicon Valley types, hyping the promise of sun, sand, and seed rounds. Does it want Silicon Valley’s problems too?

source https://www.wired.com/story/miami-tech-boom-where-memes-come-true

2021 Was Bound to Be a Year of Pop Culture Disappointments

Despite high points like Dune and Squid Game, the year was full of letdowns. Perhaps we wanted too much.

source https://www.wired.com/story/2021-year-of-cultural-disappointments

The Best Coffee Subscription Boxes We've Savored

These services deliver freshly roasted, delicious coffee right to your door—each with its own twist.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-coffee-subscriptions

The Kid Surveillance Complex Locks Parents in a Trap

Minute-by-minute, footstep-by-footstep tracking of children is all too easy and enticing. But everyone's a prisoner in the parental panopticon.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-kid-surveillance-complex-locks-parents-in-a-trap

Got Jet Lag? Consider Hacking Your Circadian Rhythm

Manipulating the master clock could help astronauts, pilots, shift workers, and even holiday travelers. The solution is simpler than you think.

source https://www.wired.com/story/got-jet-lag-consider-hacking-your-circadian-rhythm

5 Apps That Are Better on the Desktop Than in Your Browser

Move these services out of your tabs for an optimal experience.

source https://www.wired.com/story/5-apps-better-desktop-than-browser

Big Data May Not Know Your Name. But It Knows Everything Else

Data brokers claim that deidentified data on millions of Americans is risk-free. Lawmakers need to know that “anonymity” is an abstraction.

source https://www.wired.com/story/big-data-may-not-know-your-name-but-it-knows-everything-else

Cosmologists Close in on Logical Laws for the Big Bang

Physicists are translating commonsense principles into strict mathematical constraints for how our universe must have behaved at the beginning of time.

source https://www.wired.com/story/cosmologists-close-in-on-logical-laws-for-the-big-bang

18 Face Masks We Actually Like to Wear

Our tips and picks to up your mask game—whether you’re heading back to the office in the new year or just want to stay safe and stylish.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-face-masks

16 Great Deals on Home Goods, Office Gear, and Kitchen Tools

Fortify your space this winter with discounts on stand mixers, keyboards, and mattresses.

source https://www.wired.com/story/deals-december-19-2021

How to Use Discord: A Beginner’s Guide

Confused by the buzzy social platform? Here’s everything you need to know.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-discord

What’s the Winter Solstice, Anyway?

Here’s what happens on the longest night of the year—in the solar system and across different cultures here on Earth.

source https://www.wired.com/story/winter-solstice

We All Need to Stop Only Seeing the Dark Side of Crypto

In some parts of the developing world, cryptocurrency is changing lives for the better.

source https://www.wired.com/story/crypto-remittances-cuba

Buckle Up for More Log4j Madness

Plus: An alleged spy, a ransomware arrest, and more of the week's top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/log4j-log4shell-vulnerability-spies-security-roundup

Tips on How to Snag a PlayStation 5 (Good Luck!)

A year after launch, Sony's latest console is still proving difficult to find. Here's how to score one.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-buy-sony-playstation-5

These Are Our Favorite Robot Vacuums

From no-frills cleaners to high-end automation, we have the perfect pick for you.

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

Battlefield 2042 Turns the Climate Crisis Into a Playground

DICE and EA's latest sci-fi shooter is an example of art imitating life, complete with the trappings that got us all here.

source https://www.wired.com/story/battlefield-2042-climate-change-playground

The Best iPhone 13 Deals—and Which Model to Pick

Get those Apple Wallets ready. From the Mini to the Pro Max, we break down all your options.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-iphone-13-deals

The US Mountain West Could Soon Face Snowless Winters

Parts of Colorado, Utah, California, and the Pacific Northwest could be without snow for years at a time in just a few decades.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-us-mountain-west-could-soon-face-snowless-winters

Move Over Amazon. Other Retailers Are Catching Up

Not only are orders and returns easier than ever, today's best retail apps also offer loyalty programs with discounts and rewards.

source https://www.wired.com/story/move-over-amazon-catching-up-macys-target

7 Rapid At-Home Covid-19 Tests—and Where to Find Them

Planning to travel or see family during the holidays? You’ll want to add an antigen test kit to your packing list.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-rapid-at-home-covid-19-test-kits

Patek Has Shoehorned a Gramophone Into Its Latest Watch

Patek Philippe’s new audiophile minute repeater, Reference 5750, takes aural inspiration from Thomas Edison’s phonograph.

source https://www.wired.com/story/patek-philippe-minute-repeater-reference-5750

The Best Holiday Movie Is the One You Want to Watch

It’s time to stop fighting over Die Hard vs. Home Alone vs. Love Actually. This year, just pick what you like—even if it’s Carol, which totally counts.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-holiday-movie

Can Your Gravitational Pull Affect Your Game of Pool?

It’s hard enough to predict the outcome of ball collisions in a game of billiards. Do you also have to factor in a player’s effect on the cue ball?

source https://www.wired.com/story/can-your-gravitational-pull-affect-your-game-of-pool

Best Tents for Campers, Backpackers, and Families

The right shelter can make a big difference in how comfortable you are outdoors. Here are the ones we've tested and love.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-camping-tents

These Are the Top New Features in MacOS Monterey

Here’s how to install the latest version of Apple’s desktop operating system, plus a breakdown of the perks for M1-powered Macs.

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

The Great Danger of the Tiny Bark Beetle

As the climate warms, this insect’s population is booming. That’s bad news for the ponderosa pines of the Sierra Nevada.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-great-danger-of-the-tiny-bark-beetle

The Future of Robot Nannies

A machine can't love our children, but our children might love them.

source https://www.wired.com/story/roboto-nannies-ethics-liability

The 7 Best Cookbooks of 2021

From Black American barbecue to steaming bowls of Asian dumplings, these recipes are the best way to taste the world without leaving your kitchen.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-cookbooks-of-2021

Faster Home Broadband Should Be Enshrined in Law

Outdated minimum speeds for home broadband were bad enough before the pandemic. It’s time to pick up the pace.

source https://www.wired.com/story/home-broadband-speed-faster-minimum

They Make the Watches. You Change the Straps

Traditional watch brands are embracing customer demand for a simple swap to suit their moods—and it might be all thanks to Apple.

source https://www.wired.com/story/watch-straps-fashion-apple

24 Gifts We Love From BIPOC-Owned Businesses

One of the easiest ways to support communities of color is to shop from entrepreneurs of color.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/gifts-from-bipoc-owned-business

The Biodiversity Crisis Needs Its Net Zero Moment

Climate change isn't the only major crisis facing the world. We're in the middle of a mass extinction, and missing all of our biodiversity targets.

source https://www.wired.com/story/2021-biodiversity-crisis

A Totally Fair Progression System Is Impossible

The developers of Halo: Infinite fell short when designing the game's reward system. Some systems are far more equitable, and here’s why.

source https://www.wired.com/story/halo-infinite-progression-system

The Best Loungewear for Working From Home in Comfort

Fill your closet with these comfy hoodies, T-shirts, and sweatpants.

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

LaTurbo Avedon Is Way Ahead of the Metaverse

The artist, who only exists online, was working in digital spaces long before anyone talked about NFTs.

source https://www.wired.com/story/laturbo-avedon-digital-art

Smartphones Are a New Tax on the Poor

The expectation of connectivity now extends to low-wage workers—and the consequences go far beyond gig economy jobs.

source https://www.wired.com/story/phones-connectivity-tax-policy

How Can People Harmed by Climate Change Be Compensated?

There is a growing movement to make the world's richest countries pay reparations to the global south for “loss and damage” caused by the climate crisis.

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

The Best Games of 2021 Were an Explosion of Color and Charisma

As the pandemic continued, these exuberant titles looked beyond the long dark night.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-games-2021-colorful-charisma

19 Gift Ideas for People Working From Home

Upgrade your loved one’s home office with these picks that make every day a little easier—and a little more fun.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/work-from-home-gift-ideas

Looking for New Headphones or Earbuds? Take Our Quiz

We’ve tested dozens of over-ear headphones and earbuds. Here’s how to find your perfect, WIRED-approved pair.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-headphones-or-earbuds-for-you-quiz

Why Computers Don’t Need to Match Human Intelligence

With continuing advances in machine learning, it makes less and less sense to compare AI to the human mind.

source https://www.wired.com/story/deep-learning-versus-human-intelligence

52 Last-Minute Christmas Gifts on Sale Now

You can blame the supply chain for late packages, but there’s still time to get some in before New Years.

source https://www.wired.com/story/last-minute-deals-and-christmas-gifts-2021

The Race to Find ‘Green’ Helium

Helium is a critical—and finite—resource. The future of our most indispensable technologies depends on a new supply.

source https://www.wired.com/story/green-helium-mining

Google Warns That NSO Hacking Is On Par With Elite Spy Groups

ForcedEntry is “one of the most technically sophisticated exploits” Project Zero security researchers have ever seen.

source https://www.wired.com/story/nso-group-forcedentry-pegasus-spyware-analysis

The Best MagSafe Accessories for Your New iPhone

Kit out your iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 with a magnetic tripod, grip, battery, or bike mount.

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

For Queer Communities, Being Counted Has Downsides

It can feel good that national censuses are collecting more data about gender and sexuality. But increased attention can come at the price of real action.

source https://www.wired.com/story/queer-data-census-equality

Did Climate Change Make That Freak Weather Even Worse?

When a shocking storm or heat wave happens, attribution scientists are on the case, helping to show the public the real-life effects of global warming.

source https://www.wired.com/story/did-climate-change-make-that-freak-weather-even-worse

Heat Up the Holidays With the Best Sexy Gifts for Lovers

The best present is one you get to share. Our favorite vibrators, lube, and candles will make this holiday one to remember.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-sex-gifts

The Apple Watch Series 7 Is at Its Cheapest Price Ever

Snag our favorite smartwatch and you might even get same-day delivery.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-watch-series-7-sale-december-2021

Who Killed the Robot Dog?

The robotic companion was once a dream of techno-utopianism, but has instead become a terrifying weapon. What happened?

source https://www.wired.com/story/robot-dog-artificial-intelligence-history

The Best Cheap Phones for Almost Every Budget

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

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

The Best VR Headsets and Games to Explore the Metaverse

Dipping into virtual reality is easier than ever—in fact, this might be the perfect time to invest.

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

The Best Sci-Fi Movies of 2021

From Dune to Little Fish, they’re all love stories—though some are more touching than others.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-sci-fi-movies-2021

See Little Robots Get Swole in This Virtual 'Gym'

The bizarre robots look like cobbled-together Tetris pieces. A new system "evolves" them to run, climb, and throw stuff better.

source https://www.wired.com/story/see-little-robots-get-swole-in-this-virtual-gym

Britain’s Flexible Working Plans Look Like a Flop

Many employees and companies want to find new ways of working—but government legislation is stuck in the past.

source https://www.wired.com/story/uk-government-flexible-working-flop

The 8 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

DJI's Excellent Mavic 3 Is on Another Plane

This will get you the best-looking video footage from a consumer drone. It's also tons of fun to fly.

source https://www.wired.com/review/dji-mavic-3

Oxo's Super-Simple Coffee Machine Makes Super-Good Joe

The Oxo Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker sets a new standard for drip brewing. It's also remarkably unfussy.

source https://www.wired.com/review/oxo-brew-9-cup-coffee-maker

This Marvel Game Soundtrack Has an Epic Origin Story

Guardians of the Galaxy has one of the 2021's most ambitious video game scores. An MCU-obsessed composer and a made-up metal band brought it to life.

source https://www.wired.com/story/guardians-of-the-galaxy-marvel-game-soundtrack

Upside Foods Sues an Ex-Employee Over Secret Lab-Grown Meat Tech

A three-person team within the startup was tasked with developing top-secret tech. When a cofounder was fired, things started to fall apart.

source https://www.wired.com/story/upside-foods-blue-sky-trade-secrets-lawsuit

A Gene-Tweaked Jellyfish Offers a Glimpse at Other Minds

Researchers have created jellyfish whose nerve cells light up when they fire, offering a tantalizing view of neurology before the rise of the brain.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gene-tweaked-jellyfish-neurology

The Best TV Streaming Devices for Cord Cutters

We've tested dozens of devices for watching stuff on 4K or HD TVs. These are our favorites.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-4k-streaming-devices

Our Favorite Couches (and 1 Armchair) You Can Order Online

If being cooped up has made you rethink your furniture, these sofas might help refresh your space.

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

The Best Mobile Controllers for Gaming on the Go

Touchscreens just don't suit some games. Try one of these WIRED-tested smartphone controllers for your iPhone or Android instead.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-mobile-game-controllers-for-iphone-android

Gravitational Waves Should Permanently Distort Spacetime

Physicists have linked the “gravitational memory effect” to fundamental cosmic symmetries and a potential solution to the black hole information paradox.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gravitational-waves-should-permanently-distort-space-time

Fleeing Global Warming? ‘Climate Havens’ Aren’t Ready Yet

Climate migration is already underway. Here's how cities can prepare.

source https://www.wired.com/story/fleeing-global-warming-climate-havens-arent-ready-yet

The Best Discord Bots for Your Server

From bots that welcome new users to ones that keep spammers out, these tools help make your corner of the internet a fun, safe place to hang out.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-discord-bots

10 Great Tech Books to Gift (or Keep for Yourself)

Treat the techie in your life to tomes revealing the inner workings of the companies and characters shaping big tech.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-tech-books-to-gift

This Digital Bank Is Designed for the LGBTQ+ Community

New York-based Daylight is rethinking fintech with a social twist.

source https://www.wired.com/story/daylight-fintech-lgbtq

The Fall and Rise of Real-Time Strategy Games

RTS games used to dominate sales charts and spawn entire esports leagues. Can new entries bring the beloved genre back to life?

source https://www.wired.com/story/fall-and-rise-real-time-strategy-games

21 Great Gaming and TV Deals for the Holidays

There's still time to order a few games, accessories, and maybe even a TV before the holidays are over.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gaming-home-theater-deals-december-2021

A Log4J Vulnerability Has Set the Internet 'On Fire'

The flaw in the logging framework has security teams scrambling to put in a fix.

source https://www.wired.com/story/log4j-flaw-hacking-internet

The Best Fitness Trackers and Watches for Everyone

Whether you’re skiing in the backcountry or trampolining in the backyard, we have an activity tracker for you.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-fitness-tracker

Big Tech’s Flagships Are Leaking

Plus: The downfall of Yahoo and AOL, a look back at my career, and a concerning convergence in space.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-big-tech-flagships-leaking

You Should Buy the New Instant Pot. Just Ignore Its App

This “connected” update of the ever-popular multicooker is a winner, despite some shortcomings in its mobile app.

source https://www.wired.com/review/instant-pot-pro-plus

HBO Max Might Have Outsmarted the Streaming Wars

The play to put all Warner Bros. theatrical movies on the service in 2021 was a big gamble. It paid off.

source https://www.wired.com/story/hbo-max-outsmart-streaming-wars

All the Ways Tech Saved Us This Year

This week, we look back at how technology affected us in 2021—in mostly positive ways.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-532

How I Accidentally Hacked A Peruvian Crime Ring

I arrived in paradise. I got a new phone number. Then the eggplant and gun emojis starting pouring in.

source https://www.wired.com/story/i-accidentally-hacked-a-peruvian-crime-ring

To See Proteins Change in Quadrillionths of a Second, Use AI

Researchers have long wanted to capture how protein structures contort in response to light. But getting a clear image was impossible—until now.

source https://www.wired.com/story/to-see-proteins-change-in-quadrillionths-of-a-second-use-ai

Taking a ‘Flexible Job’? Beware the Never-Ending Workday

The rise of “asynchronous” working has great potential for companies and employees alike—but it comes with unexpectedly rigid downsides.

source https://www.wired.com/story/asynchronous-job-never-ending-workday

Russia’s Internet Censorship Machine Is Going After Tor

The attempt to block the site, which helps users mask their online activity, is the latest step in the country's efforts to control the internet.

source https://www.wired.com/story/russia-block-tor-censorship

The Gig Economy’s Days in Europe Are Numbered

Court cases and a new draft law from the European Commission are chipping away at the controversial industry. What comes next may look very different.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gig-economy-european-commission-law

Rumbleverse Adds a Melee Twist to the Battle Royale

Epic Games’ first published title is a free-to-play romp where competitors unleash elbow drops and dropkicks as they leap across streets and scale rooftops.

source https://www.wired.com/story/rumbleverse-melee-battle-royale-epic-games

The Best Touchscreen Gloves to Get You Through the Winter

We braved the cold to find gloves that keep your hands warm and let you use a smartphone at the same time.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-touchscreen-gloves

Which Apple Watch Is Best Right Now?

Apple now offers multiple versions of its popular fitness smartwatch. Here's our guide to them all.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-apple-watch

Vivaldi 5.0 Makes Web Browsing on Android Tablets Fun Again

The latest version of our favorite web browser greatly improves surfing on larger mobile screens.

source https://www.wired.com/story/vivaldi-5-review

This Conference Puts Accessibility in Gaming Front and Center

The Game Accessibility Conference brings developers, advocates, and government officials together to imagine and work toward a more inclusive games industry.

source https://www.wired.com/story/game-accessibility-conference

The Office Is an Efficiency Trap

As office design evolved over the last century, one feature remained: the goal of filling your life with even more work.

source https://www.wired.com/story/office-efficiency-trap

17 Holiday Gifts for Your Stressed Best Friend

Relaxing means something different to everyone. From meditation tools to silky robes, these ideas are sure to please.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-stress-relieving-gifts-2021

Who’s Buying and Selling Artfully Folded Ham on Facebook?

The pandemic has spurred an explosion of home cooks selling dubiously-edible, but Instagram-friendly “graze boxes.”

source https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-marketplace-graze-boxes

We Tested the First All-Mountain Skis That Fold in Half

Military tech has been used to create the world's first folding all-mountain skis. And they aren't half bad.

source https://www.wired.com/review/elan-voyager-skis

When It Comes to Buses, Will Hydrogen or Electric Win?

Clean transport needs clean vehicles. New power developments are crucial for a mass transit revolution, and each has pros and cons.

source https://www.wired.com/story/future-buses-hydrogen-electric

4 Dead Infants, a Convicted Mother, and a Genetic Mystery

Kathleen Folbigg was found guilty of killing her babies. One scientist suspected the real culprit was mutant DNA—and went on a tireless quest to prove it.

source https://www.wired.com/story/kathleen-folbigg-sudden-infant-death-mystery

This New Tech Cuts Through Rock Without Grinding Into It

A startup called Petra uses super-hot gas to penetrate bedrock. The method could make it cheaper to move utilities underground—and make electric lines safer.

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-tech-cuts-rock-without-grinding-it

Microsoft Seizes Domains Used by a Chinese Hacking Group

The move delivers a blow to the hackers behind sophisticated attacks on government agencies, think tanks, and other organizations.

source https://www.wired.com/story/microsoft-seizes-domains-chinese-hacking-group

How to Opt Out of Verizon’s Custom Experience Tracking

Unless you manually opt out of the program, Verizon will store personal information and create user interest profiles.

source https://www.wired.com/story/verizon-user-privacy-settings

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love The Sims

I’d been avoiding the game for years because I feared it would take over my life. Now I don’t mind if it does.

source https://www.wired.com/story/learn-to-love-sims

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

An ‘Alt-Jihad’ Is Rising On Social Media

The playbook of the “alt-right” is guiding a new generation of fringe jihadists, showing just how complicated extremism is about to become online.

source https://www.wired.com/story/alt-jihad-rising-social-media

Jackrabbit's Tiny, Zippy Ebike Is Seriously Adorable

It's not without flaws, but this cute, pedal-less scooter heralds a new era in ebike transportation.

source https://www.wired.com/review/jackrabbit-bike

Sony's PS5 Headset Offers 3D Audio in a Plasticky, Cheap Body

The spatial audio that comes out of these gaming headphones is impressive, but cheap hardware makes it a tough sell.

source https://www.wired.com/review/sony-pulse-3d-wireless-headset

Some Cancer Studies Fail to Replicate. That Might Be OK

A years-long effort to validate key cancer biology hit roadblocks and found problems. But maybe this will incentivize scientists to share data.

source https://www.wired.com/story/some-cancer-studies-fail-to-replicate-that-might-be-ok

I Tried Running in a Robotic Exoskeleton So You Don't Have To

The first wearable exoskeleton available to consumers is meant to level up your workout. Amazingly, it works—if you're OK with the stares and jeers.

source https://www.wired.com/review/sportsmate-5-fitness-exoskeleton

Your Very First Fisher-Price Phone Now Works With Bluetooth

It is both silly and absolutely wonderful to call friends and family on a plastic childhood toy.

source https://www.wired.com/story/fisher-price-chatter-phone-bluetooth-rave

Need to Test a Space Suit? Head to Iceland

The country’s unearthly landscapes have caught the attention of scientists planning for future missions to Mars and the moon.

source https://www.wired.com/story/iceland-space-suits

E-Scooters Are Everywhere in Europe. So Are Grisly Accidents

Crashes, nuisance, and clutter are creating hostility to the industry’s startups. Scandinavian cities are forcing them to change course.

source https://www.wired.com/story/escooters-accidents-europe

Snag Free Beans From Our Fave Coffee Subscription Service

WIRED readers can get their first bag from Atlas Coffee Club—and an additional sampler—for just the cost of shipping.

source https://www.wired.com/story/atlas-coffee-club-free-coffee-beans-december-2021

DoorDash Joins the Instant Delivery Game—With Employees

For a new service in Manhattan, the couriers will cross paths with the company's traditional gig worker contractors, who generally aren't eligible for benefits.

source https://www.wired.com/story/doordash-joins-instant-delivery-game-employees

Why I Love to Scrounge in Video Games

It is so satisfying to ruffle the pockets of every dead body and poke around the library.

source https://www.wired.com/story/scrounging-looting-video-games

Who Are We If Not Our Faces?

Undergoing dozens of operations to treat Crouzon syndrome made me look more “normal.” It also made me question my identity.

source https://www.wired.com/story/crouzon-syndrome-beauty-standards-disability

The Withings ScanWatch Is a Classy Everyday Fitness Tracker

This refined and elegant smartwatch boasts ECG and SpO2 sensors, fitness and sleep tracking, and stellar battery life.

source https://www.wired.com/review/withings-scanwatch

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, blooping, and blasting back to the good old days.

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

All That Glitters Isn't Litter

A new plant-based material sparkles without plastics. That could be better for the environment—but it's also harder to make in industrial quantities.

source https://www.wired.com/story/all-that-glitters-isnt-litter

Is There a Genetic Link to Being an Extremely Good Boy?

Guide dogs need the right personality, health, and training. Scientists are studying the genetics behind the traits that make a dog suited to working.

source https://www.wired.com/story/guide-dog-dna

There's $2B for Broadband on Reservations. It Won't Be Enough

The recently approved US infrastructure law aims to close the digital divide for Native peoples. But the demand far outstrips the money allocated.

source https://www.wired.com/story/2b-broadband-reservations-not-enough

What Will Work Look Like in 2022? (Hint: Not the Metaverse)

Here’s what industry leaders think about the future of work, from changing office hours to, yes, staying in the meatspace.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-future-of-work-2022

Here's How 3 Space Companies Aim to Replace the ISS

NASA is investing in Blue Origin, Nanoracks, and Northrop Grumman as they develop competing designs for a next-generation space station.

source https://www.wired.com/story/heres-how-3-space-companies-aim-to-replace-the-iss

The Real Reason Hold Music Bothers You So Much

We swear your call is very important to us.

source https://www.wired.com/story/hold-music-behavior

The Serial 1 Is a Ho-Hum Harley Ebike

With the just-adequate Serial 1, Harley-Davidson’s sub-brand missed an opportunity to make an ebike that stands out from the pack.

source https://www.wired.com/review/serial-1-rush-cty

The Best Laptop Backpacks for Work (and Life)

Whether you're riding a bike or schlepping a camera, a bag is your constant companion. These WIRED-reviewed packs do the job right.

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

The Great Neutrino Mystery Could Point to Missing Particles

Years of conflicting measurements have led physicists to propose a “dark sector” of invisible particles that could explain dark matter and the universe’s expansion.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-great-neutrino-mystery-could-point-to-missing-particles

The Case of Tennis Star Peng Shuai Reveals the Real Purpose of China's Censorship

Censorship in China is about more than topics and keywords. It’s about destroying social resources.

source https://www.wired.com/story/peng-shuai-censorship-china

Why Do People Make (and Watch) 5-Hour iCarly Analysis Videos?

Meet the obsessives creating extensive, multi-hour videos on YouTube examining long defunct Nickelodeon shows.

source https://www.wired.com/story/youtube-5-hour-icarly-analysis-videos

The FTC Sues Nvidia to Block Its Historic Deal With Arm

Regulators say the merger would create a semiconductor chip conglomerate and stifle innovation across the industry.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ftc-sues-nvidia-arm-deal

A Planned Parenthood LA Hack Affects 400,000 Patients

Plus: A Ubiquiti hack revelation, predictive policing, and more of the week's top security news.

source https://www.wired.com/story/planned-parenthood-la-hack-predictive-policing-ubiquiti

Can Gambia Turn the Tide to Save Its Shrinking Beaches?

In an economically developing country reliant on tourism, the rapidly eroding “smiling coast” shows the urgent need for action on climate change.

source https://www.wired.com/story/can-the-gambia-turn-the-tide-to-save-its-shrinking-beaches

These Are Our Favorite Hair Straighteners

Curls and waves are beautiful. But when you want to smooth them out, these hot tools—irons, brushes, and combs—work wonders.

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

It’s Never Been More Obvious That You Suck at Video Games

Comparing ourselves to professional gamers and checking online ranking systems can be humbling—and fun.

source https://www.wired.com/story/its-obvious-you-suck-at-video-games

NSO Group Spyware Hits at Least 9 US State Department Phones

The incident lays bare how hollow the surveillance company's reassurances about the limits of its hacking tools have always been.

source https://www.wired.com/story/nso-group-spyware-pegasus-state-department

What Crypto Can Expect From Twitter’s New CEO

@jack is out at Twitter, but his crypto-mania is alive and well under Parag Agrawal.

source https://www.wired.com/story/parag-twitter-crypto-dorsey

Jack Dorsey’s Twitter Failed African Countries

Throughout the continent, the former CEO’s hubris and negligence allowed disinformation and abuse to run rampant.

source https://www.wired.com/story/jack-dorseys-twitter-failed-african-countries

How to Use Your Smartphone as a Hot Spot

Learn how to use tethering to turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hub for other devices to connect to.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-smartphone-as-wifi-hotspot

2021’s Spotify Wrapped Is a Haunting, Hilarious Time Capsule

There's a lot to be gleaned from people’s listening patterns in the past year.

source https://www.wired.com/story/spotify-wrapped-depressed

Subscriptions Are Eating My Paycheck!

Plus: In memory of Jim Warren, a whole lot of space trash, and Omicron’s path.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-subscriptions-eating-my-paycheck

Web3 Is Silicon Valley’s Rosy Vision of the Future

This week, we imagine a new version of the web that takes the power from the platforms and puts it back into the hands of the people.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-531

Meta’s Biggest Encryption Mistake Is What It Promised

The company’s decision to delay the rollout makes sense—because its initial plan never did.

source https://www.wired.com/story/meta-end-to-end-encryption-delay

Why Buzz Lightyear’s Rocket Launch Looks Better Than Reality

We use video analysis to compare an animated liftoff to an actual one, proving that truth is more boring than fiction.

source https://www.wired.com/story/why-buzz-lightyears-rocket-launch-looks-better-than-reality

18 Gifts for People Who Just Need a Good Night’s Sleep

Sweet dreams are made of these, from special lamps to noise machines.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/gift-ideas-for-sleeping

Your Rooftop Garden Could Be a Solar-Powered Working Farm

A new scientific field proposes an idea that could help generate food and energy while reducing a building's cooling costs.

source https://www.wired.com/story/your-rooftop-garden-could-be-a-solar-powered-working-farm

Meta’s Failed Giphy Deal Could End Big Tech’s Spending Spree

There was a time, not so long ago, when Meta’s big-money deal to acquire Giphy would have been waved through. No more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-giphy-cma-global-template

A Software Bug Let Hackers Drain $31M From a Crypto Service

An attacker exploited a vulnerability in MonoX Finance's smart contract to inflate the price of its digital token and then cash out.

source https://www.wired.com/story/hackers-drain-31-million-from-crypto-service

Congress Takes Aim at the Algorithms

A new crop of Section 230 reform proposals focuses on amplification, not content moderation. But the devil is in the details.

source https://www.wired.com/story/congress-takes-aim-at-algorithms-section-230-reform

Facebook Will Force More At-Risk Accounts to Use Two-Factor

The platform joins Google and others in requiring stronger protections for its most vulnerable users.

source https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-protect-two-factor-authentication-requirement

How to Not Melt Down Over Our Warming Planet

WIRED spoke with Maria Ojala, a psychologist studying climate anxiety, about how you can stay focused and active in the face of dread.

source https://www.wired.com/story/climate-change-anxiety-tips-maria-ojala

Ex-Googler Timnit Gebru Starts Her Own AI Research Center

The researcher, who says Google fired her a year ago, wants to ask questions about responsible use of artificial intelligence.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ex-googler-timnit-gebru-starts-ai-research-center

DJI's Action 2 Camera Adds Magnets—and Fresh Flaws

This new modular camera borrows some ideas from competitors like Insta360 and GoPro—and it holds it all together with magnets.

source https://www.wired.com/review/dji-action-2-camera

This Is What It Will Take to End Deforestation by 2030

Nations around the world made a vital climate crisis declaration to save forests within the next decade. Can they actually do it?

source https://www.wired.com/story/end-deforestation-2030

Why Do Games Still Struggle With Trans Inclusion?

AAA titles often feel exploitative of trans people and trauma. But some indie games are getting it right.

source https://www.wired.com/story/trans-enby-representation-video-games

David Attenborough’s Unending Mission to Save Our Planet

“We tend to think we are the be all and end all—but we’re not. The sooner we can realize that the natural world goes its way, not our way, the better.”

source https://www.wired.com/story/david-attenborough-climate-crisis

The Movement to Hold AI Accountable Gains More Steam

A New York City law requires algorithms used in hiring to be “audited” for bias. It’s the first in the US—and part of a larger push toward regulation.

source https://www.wired.com/story/movement-hold-ai-accountable-gains-steam

The Twitter Wildfire Watcher Who Tracks California’s Blazes

When fire ignites, the race begins to alert the state’s residents of the path of destruction. One of the leading voices lives on the other side of the world.

source https://www.wired.com/story/california-fire-twitter

Jack Dorsey’s Square Is Now Block

Payments company Square has a new name befitting its CEO's blockchain obsession.

source https://www.wired.com/story/square-block-new-name

The US National Space Council Is Back and Focused on Security

Led by Vice President Kamala Harris, the first council meeting of the Biden administration drew attention to keeping space safe for NASA and industry players.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-us-national-space-council-is-back-and-focused-on-security

This Drone Uses Piercing Talons to Perch—or Snatch Things

What do you get when you slap 3D-printed raptor legs on a quadcopter? A robot that can land like a falcon to keep an eye on the forest.

source https://www.wired.com/story/this-drone-uses-piercing-talons-to-perch-or-snatch-things

18 Hours of Omicron Chaos at Schiphol Airport

On November 25, two planes took off from South Africa for Amsterdam. By the time they landed, the Omicron variant had thrown the world into chaos.

source https://www.wired.com/story/omicron-europe-contact-tracing

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

How Science Will Solve the Omicron Variant’s Mysteries

So far, panic about the mysterious new Covid variant has outpaced actual information. Here’s what scientists around the world are trying to uncover.

source https://www.wired.com/story/omicron-variant-facts

Speak in (Many) Tongues With This Pocket Translator

Pocketalk’s mobile device acts as a real-time translator so two people can hold a conversation while speaking different languages.

source https://www.wired.com/review/pocketalk-plus-voice-translator

Researchers Have a Method to Spot Reddit’s State-Backed Trolls

Academics claim they can sniff out the telltale signs of troll-like behavior. But is it really as simple as monitoring cute animal postings?

source https://www.wired.com/story/researchers-reddit-state-trolls

More Companies Offer Fertility Benefits. It’s Only the Beginning

Employer support for staff who wish to freeze their eggs has great potential—but broader support for parents still lags behind.

source https://www.wired.com/story/fertility-benefits-work

These Startups Deliver Groceries Fast—Without Gig Workers

Facing a tight labor market and even tighter schedules, some companies are hiring employees, with benefits.

source https://www.wired.com/story/startups-deliver-groceries-fast-without-gig-workers

The Matrix Is the Best Hacker Movie

Most people point to Sneakers or WarGames. They’re all wrong. The Wachowskis actually invented the ultimate cyber superhero.

source https://www.wired.com/story/matrix-best-hacker-movie

Welcome to the (Synthetic) Meatspace

Reactor-grown nuggets, human-edited genetic code, and new mRNA technologies could change our relationship to life itself.

source https://www.wired.com/story/synthetic-meatspace-food-health

WIRED Peers Into the Future of Reality

Two decades after The Matrix, technologies have emerged that make us question what is real—in ways stranger, if less sinister, than the movie imagined.

source https://www.wired.com/story/future-of-reality-matrix-opener

The Most Efficient Way to Debug the Simulation

Look, some of these tickets just have to be marked WONTFIX so everyone can move on.

source https://www.wired.com/story/tickets-for-the-simulation

What The Matrix Got Wrong About Cities of the Future

Where the movie foresaw a distinction between digital and physical reality, modern cities are merging them, and not necessarily in a good way.

source https://www.wired.com/story/future-of-reality-cybercities

It’s Time to Reimagine the Future of Cyberpunk

In the 20th century, the genre imagined the body modifications and protective streetwear that could save us from our own future. Now it needs to envision humanity anew.

source https://www.wired.com/story/reimagine-future-cyberpunk

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Is Ready to Blow Your Mind

The actor isn’t just the new Morpheus. He’s the future of Hollywood.

source https://www.wired.com/story/matrix-resurrections-yahya-abdul-mateen-ii-qa