The latest from www.wired.comhttps://www.wired.com© Condé Nast 2026en-USMon, 17 Aug 2026 15:11:50 +0000https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-cheap-laptops/5de936dc64c9e80008125a88Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:31:00 +0000From surprisingly good $300 Chromebooks to excellent $650 Windows notebooks and more, these are the best budget laptops I’ve tested.GearGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / ComputersShopping, laptops, notebooks, buying guides, Computers, PCs, Chromebooks, Windows, apple, Windows PCsLuke LarsenCondé NastBuying Guidehttps://www.wired.com/review/cookunity-prepared-meal-delivery-2026/688103c1c3b569c8be7ef2feMon, 17 Aug 2026 11:01:00 +0000I’ve tried most of the ready-to-eat meal delivery services in the country. CookUnity is the one that feels like real cooking, from real chefs.GearGear / ReviewsGear / Products / KitchenGear / Products / Online ServicesFood and Drink, Home, kitchen, Reviews, Meal Kits, ShoppingMatthew KorfhageCondé NastOut of the Boxhttps://www.wired.com/review/skylight-buddy/6a7b7c5cea17dac7df4f57b1Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:31:00 +0000This kid-friendly version of Skylight’s digital calendar actually gets my son to complete his nighttime routine in a timely fashion.GearGear / ReviewsGear / Products / HomeGear / Products / Parentingchores, parenting, Shopping, Reviews, review, kids Nena Farrell Condé NastProduct Reviewhttps://www.wired.com/story/el-nino-quiets-atlantic-hurricane-season/6a7df0ed8993abe62bdcd11bMon, 17 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000El Niño coupled with Saharan dust is making this year’s hurricane season a dud. But there’s still potential for dangerous storms.ScienceScience / Environmenthurricanes, weather, El Nino, extreme weatherDennis MersereauCondé NastTKOhttps://www.wired.com/story/election-officials-are-preparing-for-prediction-markets-to-sow-chaos-in-the-midterms/6a7496a407da00dcd92b3120Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:30:00 +0000From threats to the safety of poll workers to voters who can’t distinguish between odds and results, prediction markets are already scrambling the political process.PoliticsPolitics / Politics NewsPolitics / Global Electionsprediction markets, Kalshi, gambling, voting, Polymarket, elections, politicsDavid Gilbert, Kate KnibbsCondé NastDouble Downhttps://www.wired.com/story/new-link-between-gut-health-and-alzheimers/6a7f9a3b1701660408cc5c0aMon, 17 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000Researchers found that a metabolite produced by gut bacteria can weaken the barrier that protects the brain and promote changes associated with the cognitive disease.ScienceScience / Healthbacteria, Alzheimer's, brain, diseases, healthJorge GarayCondé NastBrain Healthhttps://www.wired.com/story/black-hole-stars-are-becoming-less-hypothetical/6a7f4c7217c50f32a0cf27a3Sun, 16 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000An object observed by the James Webb Space Telescope lends credence to a strange explanation for the mysterious red spots in the early universe.ScienceScience / Spaceblack holes, stars, James Webb Space Telescope, astrophysicsJorge GarayCondé NastStar Powerhttps://www.wired.com/review/samsung-galaxy-z-fold8-and-z-fold8-ultra/6a75b69f0d880c43a7feaa2bSun, 16 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000Nearly a decade after its debut, Samsung’s Galaxy Fold finally comes into its own.GearGear / ReviewsGear / Products / PhonesShopping, Samsung, samsung galaxy, Android, phones, smartphones, folding devicesJulian ChokkattuCondé NastProduct Reviewhttps://www.wired.com/story/its-never-too-early-to-start-planning-for-the-next-two-solar-eclipses/6a7f86426a3123db993a9383Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:30:00 +0000In 2027 and 2028, there will be two spectacular, long-duration solar eclipses. Here’s what you need to know about them.ScienceScience / Spacesolar eclipse, Eclipse, Spain, SunJorge GarayCondé NastThrowing Shadehttps://www.wired.com/story/easydmg-finally-fixed-installing-apps-on-a-mac/6a7ce864f8503d5e8d367e6dSun, 16 Aug 2026 10:30:00 +0000The installation utility EasyDMG makes it so you never drag and drop an icon again.GearGear / How To and Advicemacos, Apps, how-to, tips, softwareJustin PotCondé NastWeekend Projecthttps://www.wired.com/review/terramow-v1000/6a7c60b47c15d30fa36e5902Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:30:00 +0000With automatic mapping, Spot Mode functionality, and smart AI cameras, the TerraMow V1000 is the complete package.GearGear / ReviewsGear / Products / OutdoorGear / Products / Homereview, home, Backyard, Reviews, outdoors, ShoppingSimon HillCondé NastProduct Reviewhttps://www.wired.com/story/inside-experimental-traps-scientists-set-for-neutrinos/6a7f3c20f053c389839cb809Sun, 16 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000Observatories have been built in mines, deep under the Antarctic ice sheet, and elsewhere in an effort to detect the fleeting particles.ScienceScience / SpaceQuanta Magazine, neutrinos, particle physics, particleSimon FrantzCondé NastGhost Huntinghttps://www.wired.com/gallery/best-cat-water-fountains/677d8d6a9c20569cd9f8080fSun, 16 Aug 2026 09:33:00 +0000Ensuring your cat stays hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy. The right pet water fountain can help.GearGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / HomeShopping, animals, buying guides, animal behavior, smart home, cats, petsMolly HigginsCondé NastBuying Guidehttps://www.wired.com/review/retrospec-joe-rev-2/6a7a0b04929c1cd02c9472a3Sat, 15 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000This affordable electric BMX delighted my entire family, even if its range, ride comfort, and actual BMX abilities are limited.GearGear / ReviewsGear / Products / Outdoorelectric bikes, bikes, outdoors, Shopping, gear, Reviews, review, BicyclesKat MerckCondé NastProduct Reviewhttps://www.wired.com/story/this-beautifully-weird-necklace-is-secretly-a-usb-drive/6a7b3f3b327f770305481703Sat, 15 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000Noware’s Puff necklace whimsically reimagines flash drives, turning something functional into personalized jewelry.GearGear / Gear News and EventsUSB, Accessories and Peripherals, design, memory, accessories, storageReece RogersCondé NastHidden Gemhttps://www.wired.com/story/best-apple-watch-accessories/6a7b62b8dcfecfc7d561f206Sat, 15 Aug 2026 10:30:00 +0000These are the Apple Watch accessories I recommend adding to your setup.GearGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / WatchesApple Watch, accessories, smartwatches, Wear OS, gear, buying guides, Shopping, watches, Accessories and Peripherals, ReviewsBoutayna Chokrane Condé NastClock Ithttps://www.wired.com/story/instapaper-the-original-read-it-later-app-just-got-a-huge-upgrade/6a7cf12cd921c67563be5b24Sat, 15 Aug 2026 10:30:00 +0000New fonts, better customization, and a whole new layout all make it worth dusting off your Instapaper account.GearGear / How To and AdviceApps, reading, productivity, tips, designDavid NieldCondé NastSoftwarehttps://www.wired.com/review/auk-mini-2-indoor-smart-garden/6a7b52cb00d20f2f2ae77e5bSat, 15 Aug 2026 10:01:00 +0000Auk’s Mini 2 improves on the original model with better lights, a sleeker design, and fun new colors.GearGear / ReviewsGear / Products / Homehome, smart home, review, plants, ShoppingKat MerckCondé NastProduct Reviewhttps://www.wired.com/story/a-young-bodybuilders-rise-preceded-the-looksmaxxing-movement-his-legacy-feels-more-relevant-than-ever/6a7ca2733a5b3d150f1d87efSat, 15 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000A new Apple documentary explores the life of Aziz “Zyzz” Shavershian, who rocketed to internet fame in an age before influencers, then died at age 22 in 2011.CultureCulture / Moviesdocumentary, apple, health, mental health, YouTube, influencers, Facebook, Social MediaMiles KleeCondé NastMuscle Memoryhttps://www.wired.com/story/best-apple-watch-bands/6998d012abd55892ff276b24Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:33:00 +0000We’ve been testing bands since the first Apple Watch launched in 2015. From silicone sports straps to leather bands, I’ve rounded up the best for every occasion.GearGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / WatchesGear / Products / LifestyleGear / Products / Health and FitnessWearables, apple, health, fitness, gear, buying guides, Shopping, accessoriesBoutayna Chokrane Condé NastStrap Inhttps://www.wired.com/story/puerto-rico-is-rationing-water-it-could-avoid-it-by-harvesting-rainwater/6a7a6cbc327f770305480e7eSat, 15 Aug 2026 09:30:00 +0000The island could capture billions of gallons of water a year if it implemented systems to catch it as it falls from the sky.ScienceScience / Environmentpuerto rico, water, drought, extreme weather, environmentYessenia FunesCondé NastOh Heavenshttps://www.wired.com/story/amazon-uses-your-twitch-content-to-train-its-ai-how-to-opt-out/6a7f35587f588ccda7affc4fSat, 15 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000When Twitch announced that streamers could opt out, thousands of users questioned why their content was being used to train AI models in the first place.GearGear / How To and AdviceTwitch, generative AI, artificial intelligence, Amazon, privacyFernanda GonzálezCondé NastChange This Settinghttps://www.wired.com/story/google-workspace-promo-code/6900e13d340cdaa92bb7d0c9Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000Boost your productivity and save with exclusive Google Workspace coupons from WIRED. Get up to 14% off plans for three months, including Starter, Standard, and Plus tiers.GearGear / Dealscoupons, ShoppingLuke LarsenCondé NastCouponshttps://www.wired.com/story/new-york-city-lawmakers-push-to-ban-the-scan-at-msg/6a7b86dbd890aa669e03ca42Fri, 14 Aug 2026 21:43:17 +0000At a press conference outside Madison Square Garden, politicians, musicians, and privacy advocates argued for tighter restrictions on how public venues deploy biometric surveillance.SecuritySecurity / PrivacyPrivacy Rights, surveillance, face recognition, Sports, Jim DolanKate TaylorCondé NastPrivacyhttps://www.wired.com/story/the-8-best-movies-to-stream-right-now/69e146121c5a71c2a1394f01Fri, 14 Aug 2026 21:18:21 +0000Avatar Aang, Heartstopper Forever, and Exit 8 are among the films deserving of your eyeballs this month.CultureCulture / Moviesstreaming, Culture Guides, Movies, HBO, Hulu, NetflixMatt KamenCondé NastStreaming Guideshttps://www.wired.com/story/unitree-influencer-4-foot-robot-from-china/6a7e0f9c0f200c034ba14931Fri, 14 Aug 2026 20:59:03 +0000The Unitree G1 has found online fame as a relatively affordable robot that can charm a crowd. But can it ever hold down a real job?BusinessMade in China, China, robots, artificial intelligence, roboticsZeyi YangCondé NastMade in Chinahttps://www.wired.com/story/tech-visionary-says-the-big-ai-labs-dont-get-what-people-want/6a7df60ff868b5c7ca33c338Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000Tim O’Reilly built a publishing empire that AI is helping to destroy. Yet he loves AI—as long as it’s open source.BusinessBusiness / Tech CultureBackchannel - NL, artificial intelligence, open source, Venture Capital, Q&ASteven LevyCondé NastBackchannelhttps://www.wired.com/gallery/best-wireless-chargers/5fd1ea6cefa5f68151a599d7Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000Stop fumbling for cables in the dark. These WIRED-tested stands and pads will take the hassle out of refueling your phone, wireless earbuds, and watch.GearGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / AccessoriesShopping, wireless charging, Android, iPhone, phones, buying guides, Accessories and Peripherals, Travel, accessories, charging, chargers, Qi2, MagSafeSimon HillCondé NastCord Cutterhttps://www.wired.com/story/best-paper-planners/656e3365d0fd95958111b70aFri, 14 Aug 2026 11:33:00 +0000If digital calendars are leaving you lacking, these WIRED-tested paper agendas and notebooks could change your life.GearGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / HomeGear / Products / Home OfficeShopping, productivity, buying guides, Paper, back to school, Spring Scrub Nena Farrell Condé NastMark Downhttps://www.wired.com/story/ftc-strikes-deals-to-ignore-unlawful-credit-discrimination/6a79d113595802741eff3722Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000The agency signed agreements to not enforce parts of three federal court orders against auto dealers accused of discrimination—and didn’t notify judges or at least one of its coplaintiffs.PoliticsPolitics / PolicyPolitics / Politics NewsFTC, courts, discrimination, lawsuits, RacismMaddy VarnerCondé NastSide Dealshttps://www.wired.com/story/these-masturbation-consultants-were-hired-to-pleasure-themselves-using-ai/6a4be2ba909d7a6775643680Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:45:00 +0000Joi AI hired 10 people to masturbate using AI companions as part of a monthlong “wellness” study. The company claims the practice could help “solve male loneliness.”CultureCulture / Digital Culturesex, artificial intelligence, chatbots, mental healthMattha BusbyCondé NastSolo Efforthttps://www.wired.com/gallery/best-pixel-10-cases-and-accessories/68b0dbe5e6bca4f6ead782dfFri, 14 Aug 2026 10:31:00 +0000Protect your Pixel 10a, Pixel 10, or Pixel 10 Pro XL with a tried-and-true phone case, screen protector, and Qi2 charger.GearGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / PhonesShopping, phones, cases, accessories, Accessories and Peripherals, smartphones, Google, Pixel, AndroidLouryn StrampeCondé NastBuying Guidehttps://www.wired.com/story/i-wore-a-pepper-electrical-muscle-stimulation-body-suit-to-zap-myself-into-fitness/6a7ceaa9c8f653dd3ff43cb8Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:30:00 +0000Can electrifying your workout offer a shortcut to a stronger, fitter you? I sweated in a skintight EMS suit for two months to find out.GearGear / Trendsfitness, Exercise Equipment, Exercise, workout, therapyChristopher NullCondé NastShock Valuehttps://www.wired.com/story/people-are-marrying-chatbots-these-lawmakers-want-to-stop-them/6a74b89762c67abb9111bd59Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:15:00 +0000Human-AI marriages are not currently recognized by US law. Some Republican state policymakers are drafting legislation to keep it that way.CultureCulture / Digital Culturechatbots, law, politics, artificial intelligence, Sex and RelationshipsJason ParhamCondé NastAI Dohttps://www.wired.com/galaxy-brain/6a705a1f863a7a312f9d9abdFri, 14 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000In five stories, we look at some of the most fascinating aspects of human (and animal) intelligence. From new octopus research, to the scientists using human cells to power computers, to a promising new treatment for addiction, cognitive science is getting smarter.The Big StorySpecial Edition, Galaxy BrainCondé NastGalaxy Brainhttps://www.wired.com/story/best-monitors/6a1dfe251af38c2b401a62ebFri, 14 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000My expert advice on what computer monitor to buy for your home office, ranging from budget-tier to fully featured.GearGear / ProductsGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / ComputersMonitors, buying guides, Shopping, home office, Computers, Dell, apple, SamsungLuke LarsenCondé NastBuying Guidehttps://www.wired.com/story/brain-focused-ultrasound/6a60f6fa722e7acbf1757599Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000One woman’s meth addiction was so bad, the only option left might have been brain surgery. Then a single session of noninvasive, focused ultrasound seemed to do what years of treatment could not.The Big Storylongreads, Galaxy Brain, Neuroscience, addiction, brain, drugsEmily MullinCondé NastBrain Wavehttps://www.wired.com/story/this-art-project-slows-down-citi-bikes-to-make-nycs-rent-crisis-feel-real/6a7dca1fbc9decf74eeaf4aeFri, 14 Aug 2026 09:30:00 +0000Ground Truth makes the shared rental bikes harder to pedal through rent-burdened neighborhoods, offering a tangible way for people to experience income inequality.GearGear / Gear News and EventsCities, New York City, new york, bike sharing, mobility, housing, Inequality, wealthBoone AshworthCondé NastPump the Brakeshttps://www.wired.com/review/dell-xps-13-2026/6a738db3e41d2a85b28a6ab6Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:30:00 +0000It’s amazing how few compromises Dell made to get the new XPS 13 down to $700, but I strongly recommend the $900 model, which comes with 16 GB of RAM.GearGear / ProductsGear / ReviewsGear / Products / ComputersShopping, laptops, Computers, review, Windows, Reviews, DellLuke LarsenCondé NastProduct Reviewhttps://www.wired.com/story/real-reason-data-center-gas-power-plants-are-so-dirty/6a7e221c89f89b7e8931115cFri, 14 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000A massive new gas plant in Texas will be built with much less efficient technology than regular gas plants. It’s far from the only data center power project to rely on dirty turbines.ScienceScience / Environmentdata centers, greenhouse gas, power grid, EnergyMolly TaftCondé NastIt’s Turbine Timehttps://www.wired.com/story/layla-sleep-coupon/69c56eb0f8dc7d17ee9704f1Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000Upgrade your sleep setup with the latest Layla promo codes. Save on flippable mattresses, copper-infused pillows, and adjustable bases in August 2026.GearGear / Dealscoupons, Shopping Nena Farrell Condé NastCouponshttps://www.wired.com/story/office-depot-promo-codes/6a1d974498d38dd18285ad2eFri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000From furniture and ink to professional printing services, use an Office Depot discount code to maximize your savings on every workspace essential.GearGear / Dealscoupons, ShoppingMolly HigginsCondé NastCouponshttps://www.wired.com/story/hellofresh-coupon/6891082c6d87b3a16807a013Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000Get up to 55% off and free meal boxes using a HelloFresh coupon code in August 2026. Discover our best codes and discounts to let you save time and money.GearGear / Dealscoupons, ShoppingMatthew KorfhageCondé NastCouponshttps://www.wired.com/story/columbia-promo-code/69f4cdc2c54e28406496ce9bFri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000Explore current Columbia deals on jackets, outdoor gear, and apparel. Find active Columbia promo codes, student discounts, and free shipping offers to save on your next adventure.GearGear / Dealscoupons, ShoppingBoutayna Chokrane Condé NastCouponshttps://www.wired.com/story/pura-promo-code/6a206bc7b10c1400bea9fd32Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000Enhance your home's ambiance for less with active Pura promo codes. Find savings on smart diffusers, exclusive scents, and subscribe & save offers.GearGear / Dealscoupons, ShoppingLouryn StrampeCondé NastCouponshttps://www.wired.com/story/babbel-promo-code/69cc125c3fe11c8093235c75Fri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000Master a new language with expert-led courses. Use our verified Babbel coupon codes to save up to 65% on student plans and 60% on 6-month subscriptions.GearGear / Dealscoupons, ShoppingMolly HigginsCondé NastCouponshttps://www.wired.com/story/acer-promo-code/69c6d0d1b1e88611bd9731dfFri, 14 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000From 40% off accessory bundles to verified student and military discounts, here's how to save on Predator, Nitro, and Swift laptops and monitors at Acer.com.GearGear / Dealscoupons, ShoppingLuke LarsenCondé NastCouponshttps://www.wired.com/story/openai-safety-security-ai-agents-culture/6a7cfc8e45debd0b63663f75Thu, 13 Aug 2026 22:37:19 +0000OpenAI’s rogue agent hack was a watershed moment for AI safety and cybersecurity. It also sparked internal questions about the culture that led to it.BusinessBusiness / Artificial IntelligenceModel Behavior, artificial intelligence, OpenAI, agentic AI, cybersecurity, Safety, AI safetyMaxwell ZeffCondé NastModel Behaviorhttps://www.wired.com/story/mark-zuckerbergs-ai-manifesto-is-6500-words-and-barely-says-anything/6a7ccb31f8503d5e8d3678fcThu, 13 Aug 2026 21:14:43 +0000AI is shifting the culture, from tech CEO manifestos to 1 am job interviews. We unpack some of the latest, along with the top findings from Black Hat and Defcon, this week on Uncanny Valley.BusinessBusiness / Artificial IntelligenceBusiness / Big TechUncanny Valley Podcast, podcasts, Mark Zuckerberg, black hat, DefCon, security, artificial intelligenceBrian Barrett, Zoë Schiffer, Leah Feiger, Andy GreenbergCondé NastUncanny Valleyhttps://www.wired.com/story/the-painful-truth-of-exactly-how-ice-new-shock-gloves-actually-work/6a7d9f2f171ea6971cf1d1abThu, 13 Aug 2026 15:57:12 +0000ICE is spending millions on shock gloves designed to overpower subjects through intense, localized pain.GearGear / Gear News and EventsLess-lethal, gear, pain, law enforcement, Wearables, Department of Homeland Security, immigration, PoliceJeremy WhiteCondé NastPower Trip