Skip to main content
Menu
WIRED
SECURITY
POLITICS
THE BIG STORY
BUSINESS
SCIENCE
CULTURE
REVIEWS
Menu
WIRED
Account
Account
Newsletters
Security
Politics
The Big Story
Business
Science
Culture
ReviewsChevron
MoreExpand
The Big InterviewMagazineEventsWIRED InsiderWIRED Consulting
Newsletters
Podcasts
Video
Livestreams
Merch
SearchSearch
Noah Shachtman
Security
Jun 4, 2008 7:25 AM

Brooklyn Test-Drive for Military Translation Gadget

U.S. troops are supposed to use the Voice Response Translator gadget, to help them communicate in Arabic or Pashto. Joel Johnson gives the gizmo a spin on the mean streets of Brooklyn. Hilarity ensues. 

ALSO:

  • Translation Gizmos for LA Cops

  • Darpa’s Greatest Hits and Misses

  • Instant Arabic, a Few Clicks Away

  • Device: Arabic In, English Out

Noah Shachtman is a contributing editor at WIRED and a contributing writer for The New York Times’ opinion section. Shachtman previously served as editor in chief of Rolling Stone, where he led the storied outlet to a Polk Award and its first-ever Emmy nomination. Before that, he was the editor in ... Read More
Contributing Editor
  • bluesky
TopicsHuman TerrainMilitaryTactics, Strategy and LogisticsVideoDanger Room
Read More
Google’s Gemini Can Now Stomp Around as a Humanoid Robot
Google’s Gemini Can Now Stomp Around as a Humanoid Robot
The latest version of Google DeepMind's AI model includes a significant jump into “physical AGI.” But plopping AI into the real world comes with risks.
Will Knight
Nvidia’s Open Source Alliance Is Missing Some Key Names: OpenAI and Anthropic
Nvidia’s Open Source Alliance Is Missing Some Key Names: OpenAI and Anthropic
This week on Uncanny Valley, we discuss the open- vs. closed-source debate in AI, key players in White House AI policy, and how to stop your chatbot logs from showing up in search-engine results.
Brian Barrett
The 7 Best TV Shows to Stream This Month
The 7 Best TV Shows to Stream This Month
Lanterns, Dark Matter, and the original Star Trek are just a few of the TV shows you should be watching right now.
Jennifer M. Wood
Top Hotels.com Coupon Codes for September 2026
Top Hotels.com Coupon Codes for September 2026
Unlock significant savings on hotels, resorts, and getaways with our verified Hotels.com promo codes and gift card discounts. Plan your perfect trip today!
Molly Higgins
I Got a Free Meal From a Private Chef—Who Filmed It All to Train Robots
I Got a Free Meal From a Private Chef—Who Filmed It All to Train Robots
A German startup sent a camera-wearing chef to my apartment. In exchange for a free lunch, I let them record every chop and stir to train future humanoids.
Reece Rogers
Top NordVPN Coupons: 75% Off, Plus 3 Months Free in August 2026
Top NordVPN Coupons: 75% Off, Plus 3 Months Free in August 2026
Save up to 77% on 2-year plans and get 3 free months with our NordVPN discount codes.
Scott Gilbertson
Robot Vacuums That Don’t Suck (Unless It’s Dirt)
Robot Vacuums That Don’t Suck (Unless It’s Dirt)
Tired of vacuuming? Hand the reins to a robot vacuum.
Nena Farrell
Office Depot Coupons and Promo Codes for August 2026
Office Depot Coupons and Promo Codes for August 2026
From furniture and ink to professional printing services, use an Office Depot discount code to maximize your savings on every workspace essential.
Molly Higgins
Top Canon Promo Codes: 30% Off for August 2026
Top Canon Promo Codes: 30% Off for August 2026
Save an extra 10% or 30% with Canon coupon codes, plus up to $1,600 on cameras, printers, and more this August.
Scott Gilbertson
Mattress Firm Coupons: Save up to $700
Mattress Firm Coupons: Save up to $700
Use a Mattress Firm promo code to save on top mattresses, score a free adjustable base, and unlock up to $300 in instant credits.
Nena Farrell
Don’t Get Too Attached to Jimothy
Don’t Get Too Attached to Jimothy
Urban wildlife biologists say the stumpy raccoon seems to have adapted well to his environment and spinal condition—but his internet fame presents a new threat.
Miles Klee
Tropical Diseases Like Dengue Fever and Chikungunya Are on the Rise in Europe
Tropical Diseases Like Dengue Fever and Chikungunya Are on the Rise in Europe
Climate change is helping invasive species to not only establish themselves across the continent but to stay alive for longer. Scientists suggest we get used to it.
Victoria Turk
WIRED
WIRED is obsessed with what comes next. Through rigorous investigations and game-changing reporting, we tell stories that don’t just reflect the moment—they help create it. When you look back in 10, 20, even 50 years, WIRED will be the publication that led the story of the present, mapped the people, products, and ideas defining it, and explained how those forces forged the future. WIRED: For Future Reference.

  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Livestreams
  • Travel
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
  • WIRED Staff
  • WIRED Education
  • Editorial Standards
  • Archive
  • RSS
  • Site Map
  • Accessibility Help

  • Reviews
  • Buying Guides
  • Streaming Guides
  • Wearables
  • Coupons
  • Advertise
  • Manage Account
  • Jobs
  • Press Center
  • Condé Nast Store
  • User Agreement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your California Privacy Rights

© 2026 Condé Nast. All rights reserved. WIRED may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Condé Nast. Ad Choices

Select international site
  • Italia
  • Japón
  • Czech Republic & Slovakia
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Tiktok