Bot Hunting Is All About the Vibes

At the heart of every bot-detection tool is a human's gut feeling—and all the messiness that comes with it.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bot-hunting-is-all-about-the-vibes/

The Best USB Flash Drives for Ultra-Portable Storage

These WIRED-tested memory sticks are a virtual filing cabinet in your pocket.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-usb-flash-drives/

Facebook Freeloads Off Newspapers. This Plan Might Stop It

The Journalism Competition and Protection Act would allow publishers to finally bargain with Meta and Google.

source https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-freeloads-off-newspapers-this-plan-might-stop-it/

The Apple Watch Ultra Can Weather Your Rugged Weekend Adventures

This tough new smartwatch has awesome safety and workout features. It’s also a great way to stay connected in the wilderness—for better and for worse.

source https://www.wired.com/review/apple-watch-ultra/

Why Jann Wenner Let WIRED Start the Rolling Stone of Tech

Plus: Hackers in paradise, Metaverse fashion victims, and street sharks.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-why-jann-wenner-let-wired-start-the-rolling-stone-of-tech/

All Eyes Are on Ian, the Hurricane of the Future

Tropical storms are increasingly likely to batter the US as oceans warm—and will continue to wreak havoc so long as climate change remains unaddressed.

source https://www.wired.com/story/hurricane-ian/

The Era of Fast, Cheap Genome Sequencing Is Here

Illumina just announced a machine that can crack genomes twice as fast as its current version—and drive the cost down to $200 a pop.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-era-of-fast-cheap-genome-sequencing-is-here/

How to Make Better Coffee at Home

Stuck indoors with no espresso machine? Not to worry, these tips and tools will help you brew café-quality joe.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-make-better-coffee-at-home/

The Best Apple 3-in-1 Wireless Chargers

Keep your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods topped up with these WIRED-tested docking systems.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-apple-3-in-1-wireless-chargers/

Mystery Hackers Are ‘Hyperjacking’ Targets for Insidious Spying

For decades, security researchers warned about techniques for hijacking virtualization software. Now one group has put them into practice.

source https://www.wired.com/story/hyperjacking-vmware-mandiant/

The Race to Find the Nord Stream Saboteurs

Damage to the pipeline that runs between Russia and Germany is being treated as deliberate. Finding out what happened may not be straightforward.

source https://www.wired.com/story/nord-stream-pipeline-sabotage-explosion-russia-gas/

Google Borrows From TikTok to Keep Gen Z Searching

Younger people seek answers on TikTok and Instagram—Google hopes to lure them back with more visual, infinite scrolling search results.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-borrows-from-tiktok-to-keep-gen-z-searching/

Amazon Wants to Cocoon You With ‘Ambient Intelligence’

The company’s new smart gadget uses radar to track your breathing while you sleep. It’s part of Amazon’s plan to weave its products invisibly into your life.

source https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-wants-to-cocoon-you-with-ambient-intelligence/

The Quest to Find Twitter’s Elusive Bot Team

The social media platform’s process for moderating spam, including bots, has been mired in secrecy—until now.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-quest-to-find-twitters-elusive-bot-team/

The Best Kindles to Take Your Library Anywhere

Here’s how Amazon’s ebook readers stack up—and which one might be right for you.

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

Cloudflare Takes a Stab at a Captcha That Doesn’t Suck

The internet infrastructure company has an alternative tool to check whether you’re human—and it doesn’t force you to pick out buses in tiny boxes.

source https://www.wired.com/story/cloudflare-captcha-turnstile/

The Best Bike Computers for Every Type of Cyclist

Track your mileage, keep tabs on your heart rate, or map a ride from here to eternity with these handlebar-mounted cycling companions.

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

At RE:WIRED Green, We’re Innovating to Fight the Climate Crisis

Our San Francisco event brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, and more to spotlight ways that human ingenuity can save the planet.

source https://www.wired.com/story/re-wired-green-2022/

When Will the Pandemic Truly Be ‘Over’?

Everyone wants to be done with Covid. But no single milestone will signal the end of the virus.

source https://www.wired.com/story/when-will-the-pandemic-truly-be-over/

How to Buy Ethical and Eco-Friendly Electronics

E-waste, conflict minerals, and poor labor conditions are just a few issues blighting the tech industry. Here's how to shop more sustainably.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-buy-ethical-and-eco-friendly-electronics/

I Love Twitter Bots and I Cannot Lie

Don’t judge a bot by the troll farms—some make the internet a weirder and more wonderful place.

source https://www.wired.com/story/bots-twitter-art-social-media/

This 15-Inch Portable OLED Monitor Is on Sale Right Now

Whether you're typing from coffee shops or a hybrid work setup, you need a screen you can grab and go.

source https://www.wired.com/story/portable-oled-monitor-sale-september-2022/

You'll Need a Magnifying Glass to Find the iPhone 14's Upgrades

It's a great handset, but the improvements are so iterative that most of you will hardly notice what's new.

source https://www.wired.com/review/apple-iphone-14/

The Best Smart Speakers With Voice Assistants

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

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

The Best Period Products

Aunt Flo doesn’t have to suck (that much). These menstrual cups, absorbent underwear, and reusable pads are ecofriendly and comfortable.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-menstrual-products/

The Best Portable Coffee Makers

Whether you prefer an AeroPress or a French press, we’ve found the best ways to make a great cup of joe anywhere.

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

How to Advocate for Data Privacy and Users' Rights

Want to speak up against Big Tech, unjust data collection, and surveillance? Here's how to be an activist in your community and beyond.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-advocate-your-tech-privacy/

The Best VPNs to Protect Yourself Online

It won’t solve all of your privacy problems, but a virtual private network can make you a less tempting target for hackers.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-vpn/

Which Amazon Echo or Alexa Speaker Is Best for You?

We’ve rounded up our favorites, including third-party devices like the Sonos Roam and a voice-enabled Yamaha soundbar.

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

How to Back Up Your Digital Life

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

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

Growing Old Online

Millennials, the first generation to be online as kids, are starting to feel like we’ve aged out.  Is there a way to age gracefully on the internet?

source https://www.wired.com/story/growing-old-online/

Our Favorite Outdoor Security Cams for Your Home or Business

These weatherproof devices can keep a watchful eye on your property and let you get on with life.

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

Slack and Teams’ Lax App Security Raises Alarms

New research shows how third-party apps could be exploited to infiltrate these sensitive workplace tools.

source https://www.wired.com/story/slack-microsoft-teams-app-security/

These Are the Best Portable Storage Drives

Need an ultrafast drive for video editing or a rugged option to back up your photos in the field? We’ve got a solution for every situation.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-portable-external-storage-drives/

Bogus Fears of Censorship Could Spell the End of Content Moderation

Plus: The Supreme Court in cyberspace, what’s up with Web3, and ghost town resurrections.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-bogus-fears-of-censorship-could-spell-the-end-of-content-moderation/

There’s New Proof Crispr Can Edit Genes Inside Human Bodies

The technique had largely been limited to editing patients’ cells in the lab. New research shows promise for treating diseases more directly.

source https://www.wired.com/story/theres-new-proof-crispr-can-edit-genes-inside-human-bodies/

After Andor, Read These 5 Comics

These books were looking at the origins of the war between the Rebels and the Empire long before the new Disney+ show.

source https://www.wired.com/story/star-wars-andor-comics/

Europe’s Heat Waves Offer a Grim Vision of the Future

Extreme temperatures are the direct result of climate change, which means more intense heat events, wild fires, and droughts to come.

source https://www.wired.com/story/europe-heat-wave-limits/

The Best Video Game Deals This September

Games for every console, plus DLC and freebies—all in one spot.

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

A Better Birth Is Possible

As a young Black woman, I saw my pregnancy treated like a problem. So I ditched the doctors for home delivery and found an alternative model for health care.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ruha-benjamin-pregnancy-black-maternal-mortality/

California Voted for Cheaper Uber Rides. It May Have Hurt Drivers

Uber and Lyft spent millions promoting a controversial ballot measure. A new study suggests it has lowered driver wages.

source https://www.wired.com/story/california-voted-for-cheaper-uber-rides-it-may-have-hurt-drivers/

The Best Car Phone Mounts and Accessories

These mobile accessories will make your smartphone a better—and safer—road trip companion.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-car-phone-mounts-chargers-and-accessories/

A Steam Deck Reignited My Love for Homebrew PCs

Yes, I got Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PlayStation Remote Play working on my Steam Deck.

source https://www.wired.com/story/steam-deck-homebrew-pc/

Telegram Has a Serious Doxing Problem

The encrypted messaging app is a haven for politically motivated vitriol, but users are increasingly bringing threats to targets’ doorsteps.

source https://www.wired.com/story/telegrams-doxing-problem/

Kanye West Was Right(ish)

Underneath his misguided, inflammatory bluster about MAGA and slavery, Kanye holds a radical vision for a Black future.

source https://www.wired.com/story/black-skinhead-brandi-collins-dexter-excerpt-kanye-west/

25 Great Wireless Chargers to Refuel Your Phone (or Watch)

Stop fumbling for cables in the dark. These WIRED-tested stands and pads will take the hassle out of recharging your iPhone or Android phone.

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

Our Favorite Xero Barefoot Shoes Are on Sale Right Now

Snag a pair of zero-drop, minimalist shoes and rediscover the ground beneath your feet.

source https://www.wired.com/story/xero-z-trail-barefoot-shoes-sale-september-2022/

The Best Budget Phone Plans to Ditch the Big Carriers

Don’t overpay for Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T. It might make sense for you to go with one of these smaller providers instead.

source https://www.wired.com/story/guide-to-mvno-phone-plans/

Feel the Magic Touch With Our Favorite Touchscreen Laptops

These 2-in-1 computers ditch the clamshell style for 360-degree hinges and detachable keyboards.

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

The Best MagSafe Accessories for Your New iPhone

Load up your iPhone 14, iPhone 13, or iPhone 12 with a magnetic bike mount, tripod, wallet, or power bank.

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

The Best Sex Toys for Every Body

These are our favorite gender-inclusive vibrators, wand massagers, and sleeves to give you and your partner(s) a helping hand.

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

US Border Agents May Have a Copy of Your Text Messages

Plus: An AI artist exposes surveillance of Instagram users, the US charges Iranians over a ransomware campaign, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/cbp-phone-database-ai-instagram-surveillance/

The People’s Joker: A New Take on the Batverse You May Never See

The film—a trans coming-of-age allegory—was pulled from the Toronto International Film Festival over “rights issues.”

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-peoples-joker-vera-drew-rights-issues/

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/

Neal Stephenson Named the Metaverse. Now, He’s Building It

Plus: Depicting the nerd mindset; the best lettuce; and the future is flooding.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-neal-stephenson-named-the-metaverse-now-hes-building-it/

The World Has Reached Peak Attenborough

The British documentarian is a national treasure. But soaring strings and stunning drone shots feel frozen in an earlier era of climate activism.

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

Satellite Data Shows How Russia Has Destroyed Ukrainian Grain

The Russian blockade and bombardments are cutting off thousands of tons of grain, threatening the food supply in countries that rely on wheat exports.

source https://www.wired.com/story/satellites-ukraine-russia-grain/

Monkeypox Cases in the US Are Falling. No One Knows Why

Are the vaccines working, are people changing their social behavior, is the virus burning itself out—and how will we know?

source https://www.wired.com/story/monkeypox-cases-in-the-us-are-falling-no-one-knows-why/

What Modern Humans Can Learn From Ancient Software

Retrocomputing is about more than nostalgic nerdery. It’s also a way to keep your tech in perspective.

source https://www.wired.com/story/modern-humans-learn-ancient-software-retrocomputing/

The Shaky Future of a Post-Roe Federal Privacy Law

The American Data Privacy and Protection Act could protect people across the country. But first, it has to get past Nancy Pelosi.

source https://www.wired.com/story/adppa-roe-democrats-congress/

Teaching ‘Selfish’ Wind Turbines to Share Can Boost Productivity

A software update can help turbines become less disruptive to their neighbors and distribute the wind more efficiently.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wind-turbine-efficiency-algorithm/

9 Great Headphone Deals to Find Your Autumn Groove

Your old earbuds might not be cutting it for school or work. Here are some nice discounts on WIRED-tested favorites.

source https://www.wired.com/story/headphone-deals-september-2022/

The iPhone 14 Pro Isn't as Big of an Upgrade as Apple Thinks

Dynamic Island is fun, and the Always-on Display is a nice perk. But the cameras aren’t a huge leap over predecessors.

source https://www.wired.com/review/apple-iphone-14-pro-iphone-14-pro-max/

The Best Music Streaming Apps to Get Your Groove On

March to the beat of your own drum machine with the best service for new music discovery, sharing with friends, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-music-streaming-apps/

The New Range Rover Hybrid Gives Off-Roading an Electric Kick

Land Rover has finally brought out some proper luxury SUV hybrids, and it looks like it was just about worth the wait.

source https://www.wired.com/review/range-rover-sport-hybrid-2022/

Randall Munroe Is Back to Answer Your Impossible Questions

The xkcd author and former NASA engineer tackles our questions about science education, solvable climate issues, and his latest What If? book.

source https://www.wired.com/story/randall-munroe-is-back-to-answer-your-impossible-questions/

The Top New Features in Apple's WatchOS 9

The latest software for your Apple Watch is here, complete with fresh faces, sleep stages, and low-power mode.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-watchos-9-new-features/

The Top New Features in Apple’s iOS and iPadOS 16

The latest iPhone update is now available for download, complete with a revamped lock screen, editable Messages, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-iphone-ios-16-ipados-16-new-features/

Undocumented Workers Protest Uber Eats Crackdown

In France, the gig economy platform welcomed thousands of immigrants during the pandemic, unions say. Now it’s deactivating them en masse.

source https://www.wired.com/story/uber-eats-paris-protests/

16 Face Masks We Actually Like to Wear

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

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

The Best Video Doorbell Cameras

Never miss a delivery. These WIRED-tested picks will help you keep tabs on your front porch from anywhere.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-video-doorbells/

Hackers Target Los Angeles School District With Ransomware

Plus: Albania cuts ties with Iran, claims of a TikTok data breach that didn’t happen, and much more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/la-school-district-ransomware-albania-iran-security-roundup/

Apple Messages Won’t Play Nice With Android Anytime Soon

Plus: Brazil and Apple face off, Google expands its eco-friendly Maps directions, and social sites start prepping for the US midterm elections.

source https://www.wired.com/story/android-iphone-rcs-tim-cook-green-bubbles/

As the Planet Warms, Canada Faces an Influx of Climate Refugees

Advocates want the government to allow more climate-related immigration and to consider those migrants “protected persons.”

source https://www.wired.com/story/as-the-planet-warms-canada-faces-an-influx-of-climate-refugees/

The Sonos Ray Is a Perfect Starter Soundbar

This is a small but fierce soundbar option for smaller spaces, or those looking to slowly build their sound system up with quality pieces.

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

Scientists May Be a Little Too Excited About Weird Ideas

In her new book theoretical physicist Sabine Hossenfelder argues some of her colleagues may have gotten too excited about wild ideas like the multiverse.

source https://www.wired.com/2022/09/geeks-guide-sabine-hossenfelder/

Silicon Valley Is Obsessed With Its Evil Twin, TikTok

Plus: Reminiscing on Steve Jobs, a question for his loved ones, and a meltdown on the west coast.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-silicon-valley-evil-twin-tiktok/

A Spotlight on the Art of Video Games

From books to the Museum of Modern Art, gaming is getting new kinds of recognition.

source https://www.wired.com/story/video-games-moma-art/

California’s Heat Wave Is a Big Moment for Batteries

Scorching temperatures in the Golden State are a test case for a more flexible energy grid.

source https://www.wired.com/story/californias-heat-wave-is-a-big-moment-for-batteries/

Our 7 Favorite Deals on Apple Products We Love

If you don’t need the very latest MacBook or Watch, some of the best gear is discounted right now.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-deals-september-2022/

Am I Wrong to Judge People for Talking to Me in Emoji?

WIRED’s spiritual advice columnist reassures a literary reader that it’s OK to communicate with images.

source https://www.wired.com/story/am-i-wrong-to-judge-talking-in-emoji/

How to Preorder the iPhone 14—and Which Model Should You Buy?

Apple has four new handsets, from the iPhone 14 Plus to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. We break them down.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-preorder-iphone-14/

Google and Amazon Seek Defense Contracts, Despite Worker Protests

The tech giants' corporate offices across the US  drew demonstrations over an Israeli government cloud contract that opponents say could have military uses.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-and-amazon-want-more-defense-contracts-despite-worker-protests/

The Woman Who Became a Company Has Lessons for a Post-Roe World

Jennifer Lyn Morone became a corporation in hopes of protecting her data privacy. Her experience shows the downfalls of treating data like property.

source https://www.wired.com/story/art-data-property-roe/

Rurbanization: Why It’s Time to Make Cities More Rural

Enough with the urban vs. rural binary. Bringing agriculture into cities can have huge benefits beyond healthy food.

source https://www.wired.com/story/why-its-time-to-make-cities-more-rural/

How to Hide the News Widgets in Windows 10 and 11

Microsoft’s news algorithm leaves a lot to be desired. Here’s how to turn it off and reclaim that space.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-hide-news-widget-windows-10-11/

Welcome to Apple’s Dynamic Island

This week, we round up all the biggest announcements from Apple’s iPhone (and Watch) launch event.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-565/

Apple’s Killing the Password. Here’s Everything You Need to Know

With iOS 16 and macOS Ventura, Apple is introducing passkeys—a more convenient and secure alternative to passwords.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-passkeys-password-iphone-mac-ios16-ventura/

A Steam Deck Helped Me Endure Artemis 1’s Failure to Launch

It was indeed a long, long time, and I was decidedly not a Rocketman.

source https://www.wired.com/story/steam-deck-artemis-1-launch/

The Tricky Ethics of Being a Teacher on TikTok

Some educators believe social media can help them engage with students, but it also raises questions around classroom privacy.

source https://www.wired.com/story/teachers-on-tiktok/

So, You Want Twitter to Stop Destroying Democracy

Telling people to quit the platform is less effective than stopping influential elites from using the site in harmful ways.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-democracy-harm-reduction/

The Best Wireless Earbuds for Every Need

Ready to cut the cord? These are our favorite buds that will never, ever get tangled.

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

What Abortion Pill ‘Reversal’ Really Accomplishes

It’s more than an unproven medical treatment—it’s a view into the antiabortion movement’s larger project.

source https://www.wired.com/story/abortion-pill-reversal-essay/

How to Set Up and Get the Most Out of Your Apple Watch

We’ve got advice on everything from customizing your watch face to setting up fall detection.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-set-up-apple-watch/

Our Favorite Gear for Everyday Sun Protection

The sun is a giver of life—but get too much of it and you’re toast. These are the best hats, arm coverings, and shirts to shield yourself.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/everyday-sun-protection/

Our Favorite Smartwatches Do Much More Than Just Tell Time

These little wearables reduce your reliance on a phone while keeping you connected.

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

Police Across US Bypass Warrants With Mass Location-Tracking Tool

Plus: An unsecured database exposed face recognition data in China, ‘Cuba’ ransomware knocks out Montenegro, and more.

source https://www.wired.com/story/fog-reveal-police-montenegro-ransomware-ftc-lawsuit/

The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid)

New slates are on the way, and we're here to help you choose the right Apple tablet for your needs.

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

Put Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power in Theaters, Dammit

OK, this probably won’t happen. But hear me out.

source https://www.wired.com/story/lord-of-the-rings-rings-of-power-theaters/

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/

We're Giving Away One of Our Favorite TVs

WIRED has partnered up with TCL and CBS Sports to give away an 8K 6-Series. (Open to the US only. See rules for details.)

source https://www.wired.com/story/tcl-6-series-65-inch-8k-giveaway-2022/

Cameras Aside, Motorola’s New Phone Has a Competitive Edge

The Edge 2022 feels like the first good Moto smartphone in a while—if you don’t mind the lackluster photos it takes.

source https://www.wired.com/review/motorola-edge-2022/