Why China Is Still Stuck in a Zero-Covid Nightmare

Protesters are calling for China to ease restrictions most nations have already ditched. But the country faces a fraught path toward normalcy.

source https://www.wired.com/story/china-protests-zero-covid/

203 Cyber Monday Deals Still Going Strong Right Now

The sale bonanzas may be over but many of the same discounts are alive, including on phones, office chairs, and kitchenware.

source https://www.wired.com/story/cyber-monday-leftover-deals-2022/

Volvo EX90: The Biggest Problem for the New EV Flagship is Polestar

The EX90 ushers in a new era of lidar-driven safety tech for Volvo. But if it’s nearly the same as the Polestar 3 underneath, how can the brand stand out?

source https://www.wired.com/story/volvos-new-ev-flagship-is-basically-a-family-friendly-polestar/

Scientists Reexamine Why Zebra Stripes Mysteriously Repel Flies

While biologists still aren't exactly sure how it works, a new study closes in on why the insects that pester Savannah animals zig when anything zags.

source https://www.wired.com/story/scientists-reexamine-why-zebra-stripes-mysteriously-repel-flies/

Layoffs Have Gutted Twitter’s Child Safety Team

Just one person remains to enforce the company’s ban on child sexual abuse across Japan and the Asia Pacific region.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-child-sexual-abuse-material/

20 Best Cyber Monday Backpack Deals (2022): Laptop Bags, Camera Bags, and Slings

These discounts on laptop bags, camera slings, and totes will ease your hauls, no matter what you're carrying.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-cyber-monday-backpack-deals-2022/

The High-Temperature Superconductivity Mystery Is Finally Solved

An atomic-scale experiment all but settles the origin of the strong form of superconductivity seen in cuprate crystals, confirming a 35-year-old theory.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-high-temperature-superconductivity-mystery-is-finally-solved/

Apple Tracks You More Than You Think

Plus: WikiLeaks’ website is falling apart, tax websites are sending your data to Facebook, and cops take down a big phone-number-spoofing operation.

source https://www.wired.com/story/apple-iphone-privacy-analytics-security-roundup/

The Geological Fluke That's Protecting Sea Life in the Galapagos

The islands are in the line of an icy current that provides marine ecosystems refuge amid warming oceans. But the good news might not last for long.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-geological-fluke-thats-protecting-sea-life-in-the-galapagos/

How to Use Technology to Fuel Long-Distance Love

When I started digitally dating my bicoastal bae, we needed new ways to stay connected. These apps and tips helped us.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-technology-long-distance-relationships/

12 Best Black Friday Headphone and Speaker Deals (2022): AirPods Pro, Sonos, and Beats

Listen up—Apple, Sonos, Sony, Beats, and more of our favorite audio brands are having huge sales this holiday weekend.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-black-friday-headphone-deals-speakers-2022/

58 Best Black Friday Phone Deals (2022): Phones, Cases, Tablets, Smartwatches, and More

Treat yourself to a bargain as we serve up a platter of irresistible discounts on small screens and mobile accessories.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-black-friday-phone-deals-tablet-watch-2022/

18 Best Black Friday Soundbar and TV Deals (2022): Samsung, Vizio, LG, and More

Upgrade your viewing experience this holiday with these steep discounts on WIRED-tested home theater gear.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-black-friday-tv-soundbar-deals-2022/

Thanksgiving Movies Leave a Lot to Be Desired. America Needs a New One—Let's Make It 'Coco'

It's the best all-ages movie in years—and it's ready to stream. Watch it this week with your own cartoonish family.

source https://www.wired.com/story/coco-thanksgiving-movie/

Shark AI Ultra Review: A Multifunctional Robot Vacuum and Mop

The company wins the “most improved” award with the AI Ultra, its latest do-it-all smart cleaning contraption.

source https://www.wired.com/review/shark-ai-ultra-robot-vacuum-and-mop/

I Lost $17,000 in Crypto. Here’s How to Avoid My Mistake

I’m not the first person to suffer this fate, but hopefully I can be the last.

source https://www.wired.com/story/i-lost-17000-dollars-crypto-how-to-avoid/

Apollo Air 2022 Review: Reliable but Quirky

This new escooter has a few too many quirks to justify its high price.

source https://www.wired.com/review/apollo-air-2022/

9 Best Action Cameras (2022): Underwater, 360, Compact, and More

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

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

14 Best Online Mattresses To Buy (2022): Memory Foam, Hybrid, Organic, Latex

We tested dozens of bed-in-a-box hybrid, foam, innerspring, latex, and certified organic mattresses.

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

The World Needs Processed Food

The stigma against processed food is growing, but there's no way to sustainably feed 8 billion people without it.

source https://www.wired.com/story/processed-food-health-meat-substitute-environment/

Elon Musk’s Twitter Risks Big Fines From US Regulators

The company’s past failings place its security under scrutiny by the Federal Trade Commission until 2042. Any new mishaps could lead to heavy penalties.

source https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musks-twitter-risks-big-fines-from-ftc-us-regulators/

8 Best Cheap Laptops (2022): Our Picks for $700 or Less

You don’t have to spend more than $700 to get a good notebook.

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

EufyCam 3 Review: Best Subscription-Free Security Camera

These solar-powered 4K cameras record locally and learn to recognize faces without connecting to the cloud.

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

The 11 Best Barefoot Shoes (2022): For Running or Walking

Our favorite zero-drop, minimalist footwear will let you feel the ground beneath your feet.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-barefoot-shoes/

Air Quality Mirrors the Racial Segregation of US Neighborhoods

A new study shows that the more divided a community is, the higher the residents’ exposure to hazardous metals and particulates.

source https://www.wired.com/story/air-quality-mirrors-the-racial-segregation-of-us-neighborhoods/

Will Users Replace Twitter or Learn to Live Without It?

The fate of users who left Facebook may provide clues to a post-Twitter world.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-facebook-bundling-features/

15 Best Apple Watch Accessories (2022): Bands, Chargers, Cases, and Screen Protectors

You finally caved and bought one. These are our favorite straps, screen protectors, chargers, and cases to go with your smartwatch.

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

16 Best Cheap Headphones and Earbuds for $100 or Less (2022)

You could fill a stadium or two with all the cheap headphones out there. We tested a ton to help you pick the right pair.

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

Twitter’s Layoffs Are a Blow to Accessibility

The company recently took major steps to make the platform more inclusive after pressure from disabled users. Then Elon Musk gutted its accessibility team.

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-layoffs-accessibility/

Turns Out Fighting Mosquitoes With Mosquitoes Actually Works

New evidence indicates that an effort to stamp out disease-carrying insects is working. The key? Mosquitoes genetically engineered to kill off their own kind.

source https://www.wired.com/story/genetically-engineered-mosquitoes-population/

Master & Dynamic MW75 Review: Premium Sound, Premium Price

These high-end headphones bring fantastic fidelity everywhere.

source https://www.wired.com/review/master-and-dynamic-mw75/

This Google-Backed Nonprofit Proves Games Can Teach and Be Fun

Games for Change works to support and promote video games that encourage players to be the best versions of themselves.

source https://www.wired.com/story/games-for-change-google-nonprofit-fun-games-social-good/

A New Explanation for How Fireflies Flash in Sync

Field research uncovers clues about the beetles’ coordinated blinking and confirms that a novel form of “chimeric” synchrony occurs naturally.

source https://www.wired.com/story/a-new-explanation-for-how-fireflies-flash-in-sync/

The Prius Gets a Redesign That Actually Looks Cool

Plus: You can now play games in Microsoft Teams, Leica debuts a new smartphone, and Netflix closes the net on account sharing.

source https://www.wired.com/story/toyota-prius-gets-a-redesign/

The Marine Lab in the Path of Climate Change’s Fury?

The DeFelice Marine Center sits on a strip of land that dangles into a bay. Staff is living, working, and adapting to the climate crisis in real time.

source https://www.wired.com/story/the-marine-lab-in-the-path-of-climate-changes-fury/

How to Pair Joy-Cons to Your iPhone or iPad

The small Nintendo Switch controller now connects to Apple’s smartphones and tablets for even more gaming options.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-joycons-iphone-ipad-ios16/

Framework Laptop 2 Review: An Upgradable Laptop

Framework delivers its second laptop with faster processors and an upgrade path for existing users.

source https://www.wired.com/review/framework-laptop-2/

Good Luck Getting Elon Musk to Stop Tweeting

Twitter’s billionaire new owner is seemingly addicted to his own platform, firing off updates that endanger his own turnaround plan.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-good-luck-getting-elon-musk-to-stop-tweeting/

Banish the Dark With the Wiz Luminaire Portable Light

This cute handheld lantern is packed with smart lighting tricks to illuminate every corner of your home.

source https://www.wired.com/story/wiz-luminaire-mobile-portable-light-rave/

How to Use a Super-Intense Laser to Kick an Electron out of a Molecule

By firing pulses quintillionths of a second long, physicists study the fleeting motion of an electron leaving two bonded atoms.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-use-a-laser-to-kick-an-electron-out-of-a-molecule/

12 Best Black Friday Deals on Google Hardware (2022): Pixel 7, Pixel Watch, Nest Cam

The sale has started early and you can nab a brand-new Pixel 7 or Pixel Watch at a discount.

source https://www.wired.com/story/best-black-friday-google-device-deals-2022/

The Twitter Bubble Let Democrats Defy Political Gravity

The midterm elections showed that the far-right's manufactured narrative about trans kids doomed the GOP when they made it policy.

source https://www.wired.com/story/election-twitter-midterms-trans-kids/

Air Purifiers, Dehumidifiers, and Air Quality Testers for Breathing Easier (2022)

Different climates and seasons call for different solutions. Here’s what you need to know about pollutants and particulates, and the gear that might help.

source https://www.wired.com/story/when-to-use-air-purifier-dehumidiers-humidifiers/

Why the Emoji Skin Tone You Choose Matters

WIRED's spiritual advice columnist on whether to use the tone that most resembles your own—or to stick with the original Simpsons-esque color.

source https://www.wired.com/story/why-the-emoji-skin-tone-you-choose-matters/

What Happens If Twitter Gets Hacked?

This week, we discuss the implications Elon Musk’s takeover of Twitter—and his high-profile firings—could have for security and data privacy on the platform.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-575/

‘Pentiment’ May Be 2022’s Best Game You’ve Never Heard Of

A crash course in 16th-century German history? Sold!

source https://www.wired.com/story/pertinent-best-game-2022/

20 Best Viral TikTok Gifts We Found, and Love (2022)

We tried out the gadgets that kept showing up in our feeds. Here are the ones that deserve the hype—and would make awesome presents.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-viral-tiktok-gadgets/

Nocs NS1100 Air Review: Great Wireless Sound, Sharp Design

These wirefree earbuds from the Swedish brand have a comfy fit and great sound, plus they don’t cost an arm and a leg.

source https://www.wired.com/review/nocs-ns1100-air/

How to Get Started on Mastodon

Interested in trying the social network everyone's flocking to? Here's what you need to know to find your way around and build community.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-started-use-mastodon/

NASA’s Huge SLS Rocket Finally Launches the Artemis 1 Moon Mission

For the first time since the Apollo era, the agency is preparing for crewed visits to our lunar neighbor. Missions with astronauts are next.

source https://www.wired.com/story/artemis-1-nasa-moon-mission-launch-sls-rocket-orion/

15 Best Outdoor Deals From REI's Gear Up, Get Out Sale

The retailer usually skips Black Friday, so snag these discounts now through November 21 on our favorite outdoor gear.

source https://www.wired.com/story/rei-gear-up-get-out-sale-outdoor-deals-2022/

Benchmade Three-Piece Chef's Knife Set Review: Light and Sharp

The pocketknife brand takes on the kitchen with this surprisingly excellent chef's knife set.

source https://www.wired.com/review/benchmade-three-piece-chef-knife-set/

How a Translation App Helped My Mother and Me Say ‘I Love You’

Through the app, my mom and I shared emotional words we hadn’t dared utter before.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-translation-app-helped-me-say-i-love-you-my-mother/

Apple TV 4K (2022) Review: Better Every Watch

If you hate your TV interface but love your iPhone, this is probably the device for you.

source https://www.wired.com/review/apple-tv-4k-2022/

Your Phone Can Determine If a Bridge Is Busted

Any smartphone in any car can pick up a span’s unique vibrations. Tracking how that changes over time reveals hidden structural problems.

source https://www.wired.com/story/your-phone-can-determine-if-a-bridge-is-busted/

Syng Cell Alpha Wireless Speakers Review: Spatial Sorcery, Bass Bother

In a quest to reimagine the loudspeaker, this audio company has worked serious magic—but there's a big bass problem.

source https://www.wired.com/review/review-syng-cell-alpha-wireless-speakers/

The Best Ebikes for Elderly Riders: Trek, Rad Power, Gazelle

Electric bikes may seem like the perfect transport for active, aging folks, but do your homework before plugging into the trend.

source https://www.wired.com/story/ebikes-for-elders/

11 Best USB-C Cables (2022): For iPhones, Android Phones, Tablets, and Laptops

Unravel the tangled world of cords and find the ones you need to charge your gadgets and transfer data.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-usb-c-cables/

8 Best TV Streaming Devices for 2022 (4K, HD): Roku vs. Fire TV vs. Apple TV vs. Google

We've tested dozens of ways to watch stuff on 4K or HD TVs. These are our favorites.

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

Formerly Incarcerated Job Seekers Need More Than Training

Reentry programs help, but tech companies must also modify their hiring systems.

source https://www.wired.com/story/employment-prison-jobs-digital-reputation/

Three-Way Entanglement Results Hint at Better Quantum Codes

A team of physicists has entangled three photons over a considerable distance, which could lead to more powerful quantum cryptography.

source https://www.wired.com/story/three-way-entanglement-results-hint-at-better-quantum-codes/

Elon Musk Introduces Twitter Mayhem Mode

Plus: US midterms survive disinformation efforts, the government names the alleged Lockbit ransomware attacker, and the Powerball drawing hits a security snag.

source https://www.wired.com/story/elon-musk-twitter-security-mayhem-roundup/

New York Voted to Protect the Planet. California Did Not

Voters in two influential states came to opposite conclusions on climate-related ballot measures to fund environmental protections and electric vehicles.

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-york-voted-to-protect-the-planet-california-did-not/

16 Best Subscription Boxes to Gift (2022): Services We Love

We have options for plant lovers, foodies, pet owners, and even those who are hard to shop for with these gifts that keep on giving.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-subscription-gift-boxes/

Big Tech’s Layoffs Will Fuel the Industry's Future

Plus: The dotcom recovery, a history-making online purchase, and the highway to climate hell.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-big-techs-layoffs-will-fuel-the-industrys-future/

‘Andor’ Is What Star Wars Was Meant to Be

Somehow, a show about fighting fascism is the best thing on Disney+.

source https://www.wired.com/story/andor-best-star-wars-disney-plus/

Columbia's Ski-Jacket Tech Is Going to the Moon

When the US returns to the lunar surface next year, the lander’s fuel tank will be wrapped in the same reflective material that lines cold-weather parkas.

source https://www.wired.com/story/columbia-jacket-tech-moon-lander/

16 Best Wireless Earbuds (2022): Truly Wireless, Cheap, Luxe, and More

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/

How to Get Your Google Stadia Refund—and What’s Included (2022)

Google is taking the unprecedented step of paying back users for all the games they bought on its cloud gaming platform.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-get-your-google-stadia-refund/

Russia’s New Cyberwarfare in Ukraine Is Fast, Dirty, and Relentless

Security researchers see updated tactics and tools—and a tempo change—in the cyberattacks Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency is inflicting on Ukraine.

source https://www.wired.com/story/russia-ukraine-cyberattacks-mandiant/

Anti-Bullying Apps Are Popular. But Do They Work?

Tech promises to help defeat bullying, but larger and glaringly obvious problems remain.

source https://www.wired.com/story/anti-bullying-apps-schools-children/

The Elegoo Mars 3D Printer Is the Nerdy Gift That Never Stops Giving

Finally, a 3D printer that’s useful to have in the house (if you’re a huge geek).

source https://www.wired.com/story/elegoo-mars-3d-printer-rave/

What You Should Know About Switching to Mastodon

This week on Gadget Lab, we do our best to break down the social media platform many Twitter users are flocking to.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-574/

The Quiet Invasion of 'Big Information'

Google and Facebook's privacy violations are common knowledge. But the decisions of a less-known company, Relx, are also impacting people's everyday lives.

source https://www.wired.com/story/big-information-relx-privacy-surveillance-data/

Collective Mental Time Travel Can Influence the Future

The way people imagine the past and future of society can sway attitudes and behaviors. How might this be wielded for good?

source https://www.wired.com/story/psychology-mental-time-travel-politics/

Gaming on a PC? You Really Need to Get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

With more than 400 games to play on virtually any device, Microsoft’s subscription service is a must-have for any PC-gaming household.

source https://www.wired.com/story/pc-gamers-need-xbox-game-pass-ultimate/

Inside the ‘Election Integrity App’ Built to Purge US Voter Rolls

True the Vote’s IV3 app is meant to catch election cheaters. But it has a fundamental flaw.

source https://www.wired.com/story/true-the-vote-iv3-app-voter-fraud/

The Roccat Sova Solved My Gaming Problems

You want to clickety-shoot lots of bots? While hanging out with your loved ones? On your nice, big TV? And drinking a beer? I got you.

source https://www.wired.com/story/roccat-silva-rave/

Black Friday 2022: Tips for Finding the Best Deals From Home

The biggest retail event of the year has grown into an entire month of sales that ebb and flow. Here’s how to make the most of it.

source https://www.wired.com/story/black-friday-2022-tips-and-tricks/

This Tumbler Is a Tea-Brewing Wonder

Simplify your life and declutter your kitchen with this compact, portable brewer-thermos combo.

source https://www.wired.com/story/tea-spot-mountain-tumbler-rave/

Elon Musk Has Put Twitter’s Free Speech in Danger

Authoritarian countries around the world want to suppress criticism and public opinion. Can this new Twitter fight back?

source https://www.wired.com/story/twitter-free-speech-musk-takeover/

Best Game Subscription Services (2022): Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, Nintendo Online

PlayStation Plus Extra or Plus Premium? Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass Ultimate? It’s all so confusing, so let us help.

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

5 Best Dog Beds (2022): Indoor, Outdoor, Elevated

These WIRED pup-tested tiny mattresses will keep your pooch supported through every snooze.

source https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-dog-beds/

New Mexico’s Beloved Pinyon Jay Is Losing Its Pine Habitat

A Western landscape’s namesake bird is threatened by climate change, and perhaps by wildfire prevention tactics that thin out the trees they rely on.

source https://www.wired.com/story/new-mexicos-beloved-pinyon-jay-is-losing-its-pine-habitat/

TikTok Admits Staff in China Can Access Europeans’ Data

Plus: Liz Truss’ phone-hacking trouble, Cash App’s sex-trafficking problem, and the rising cost of ransomware.

source https://www.wired.com/story/tiktok-eu-privacy-policy-security-roundup/

23 Best Nintendo Switch Accessories (2022): Docks, Cases, Headsets, and More

Here are some screen protectors, chargers, and other extras for your new best friend.

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

Google Expands Flood and Wildfire Tracking to More Countries

Plus: Sony announces a release date and price for its next PlayStation VR headset, Google kills a couple more apps, and everything’s gone explosive at Twitter.

source https://www.wired.com/story/google-ai-wildfire-flood-tracking/

New Mexico Is a Great Place for Sci-Fi

The state is home to an unusually high concentration of science fiction writers and a strong mix of science and superstition.

source https://www.wired.com/2022/11/geeks-guide-snodgrass-lucifers-war/

What Is Apple One? A Breakdown of Plans, Pricing, and Included Services

Going all-in with the services bundle could be a smart move, especially for families. We break down what’s included and how much it costs.

source https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-apple-one/

Worms, the Internet, and the End of Reality

What do Heidi Klum's Halloween getup and #TrumpIsDead have in common? They showed the unnerving truth about online deception.

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

Elon Musk’s Need for Speed Puts Twitter in Peril

Plus: Steve Jobs' Apple reboot, tech’s infinite scroll, and nuclear neuroticism.

source https://www.wired.com/story/plaintext-elon-musks-need-for-speed-puts-twitter-in-peril/

How to Build a PC (2022): Hardware Suggestions, Instructions, and More

Assembling a computer yourself is a good way to learn how they work.

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

Spinn Review: Brew Coffee by Spinning It at 5,000 RPM

This machine grinds beans and then brews your coffee with centrifugal force. It’s more than a novelty; the results taste great.

source https://www.wired.com/review/spinn-coffee-maker/

Dear Artists: Do Not Fear AI Image Generators

True, new systems devalue craft, shift power, and wreck cultures and scenes. But didn’t the piano do that to the harpsichord?

source https://www.wired.com/story/artists-do-not-fear-ai-image-generators/

Fintech in Latin America and Africa Is Breaking the Mold

The US and Europe can learn a lot from startups that are nimbler, more digitized, and potentially better at serving underserved people.

source https://www.wired.com/story/fintech-latin-america-banking-opportunities/

Twitter Is Changing Fast. Here's What Could Happen Next

This week, we discuss possible consequences of Elon Musk's shakeup at the social media platform he now owns.

source https://www.wired.com/story/gadget-lab-podcast-573/

'Star Trek Prodigy: Supernova' Breaks an Infamous Video Game Curse

Games based on movie and TV franchises always suck. This one doesn't—and its secret is in the details.

source https://www.wired.com/story/star-trek-prodigy/

How to Take a Screenshot on Any Phone or Laptop (iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Chromebook)

Capture that weird message, high score, or malfunctioning app in a snap.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-take-a-screenshot-on-any-device/

How to Detect a Man-Made Biothreat

The US government is funding tech to determine whether genetic alterations in a virus or pest are an evolutionary quirk—or a lab-engineered danger.

source https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-detect-a-man-made-biothreat/

'Age of Empires' Is 25 Years Old. Fans Are Shaping the Franchise

WIRED sat down with Xbox CEO Phil Spencer and Worlds's Edge Studio chief Michael Mann to talk about AoE and everything real-time strategy.

source https://www.wired.com/story/age-of-empires-25-anniversary-console-launch-xbox/