The latest from www.wired.comhttps://www.wired.com© Condé Nast 2026en-USTue, 25 Aug 2026 23:11:18 +0000https://www.wired.com/story/darth-vader-wants-you-to-know-he-definitely-supports-flock-surveillance/6a8c76ca3e6cf87b84dc788dTue, 25 Aug 2026 21:51:32 +0000Anthony Ralphs was frustrated by the San Diego City Council's support for Flock. He decided it would take something more than reasoned argument to get their attention.PoliticsPolitics / Politics NewsPolice, surveillance, Flock, Darth Vader, Star Wars, Q&AVittoria ElliottCondé NastQ&Ahttps://www.wired.com/story/early-labor-day-kitchen-appliance-deals-2026/6a8c9defec9211304e300755Tue, 25 Aug 2026 21:26:24 +0000With school and sports starting again, these discounts on Instant Pots, cookware, and coffee gear arrive right on time.GearGear / DealsGear / Products / KitchenGear / Products / HomeShopping, Deals, Labor Day Sales, kitchen, homeKat MerckCondé NastDealshttps://www.wired.com/review/google-pixel-11-pro-fold/6a8d75068e7d3c4a2c196a22Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:45:00 +0000A polished update to Google’s foldable brings real improvements, but the price bump and rampant competition make it a tough sell.GearGear / ReviewsGear / Products / PhonesAndroid phones, folding devices, Pixel, phone, Reviews, review, phones, Google, smartphones, ShoppingSimon HillCondé NastProduct Reviewhttps://www.wired.com/story/us-recorded-first-measles-deaths-2026/6a8d9dd84e596bc9d68bf600Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:17:07 +0000The fatalities come amid declining vaccination rates and calls from President Donald Trump to split up the MMR vaccine.ScienceScience / Healthmeasles, vaccines, measles vaccine, public health, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Donald TrumpEmily MullinCondé NastPublic Healthhttps://www.wired.com/story/the-supreme-courts-mail-in-ballot-ruling-is-a-step-toward-chaos-in-the-midterms/6a832bceeca883ccd19e58c1Tue, 25 Aug 2026 15:16:36 +0000The Supreme Court has removed one roadblock from the Trump administration’s attempts to impose severe restrictions on voting.PoliticsPolitics / Global ElectionsSupreme Court, voting, government, Donald Trump, elections, conspiracy theoriesDavid GilbertCondé Nast2026 Midtermshttps://www.wired.com/story/apple-announces-m6-and-m5-ultra-mac-mini-mac-studio/6a8ca6cf68e309e12a12ee96Tue, 25 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000Apple’s Mac Mini and Mac Studio have been tough to buy for months, but updated versions have arrived. Both include new chips optimized for AI, with the M6 Mac Mini getting a $200 price bump.GearGear / ProductsGear / Gear News and EventsGear / Products / ComputersMac, apple, agentic AI, Computers, Shopping, chips, DesktopsLuke LarsenCondé NastMac Madnesshttps://www.wired.com/story/home-composters-buying-guide/623e42969298b92bd5393130Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:30:00 +0000After years of smells, strange noises, and “tea,” these are the composters and food recyclers I’d actually recommend.GearGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / Kitchenkitchen, recycling, Reviews, buying guides, ShoppingKat MerckCondé NastBuying Guidehttps://www.wired.com/story/best-car-phone-mounts-and-holders/6a8472784113fb1b06ff9908Tue, 25 Aug 2026 11:08:00 +0000The best car phone holders keep your phone firmly in place while never getting in your line of sight. I took a dozen on road trips this summer to find the best.GearGear / ProductsGear / Products / HomeMagSafe, smartphones, car accessories, ShoppingMatthew KorfhageCondé NastHold Me Nowhttps://www.wired.com/story/the-county-prosecutors-who-became-ice-informants/6a7e113c8077776ec7e7ec9bTue, 25 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000Illinois prosecutors shared defendants’ personal data with federal immigration agents without criminal warrants, public disclosure, or legislative oversight.SecuritySecurity / Security NewsImmigration and Customs Enforcement, immigration, Freedom of Information Act, Department of Homeland Security, government, securityAura BogadoCondé NastWhisper Campaignhttps://www.wired.com/review/optoma-gt2400hdr/6a8c6472736a67213b246e81Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:32:00 +0000The Optoma GT2400HDR laser projector is great for setting up a driving range in your living room, but mediocre video quality makes it less appealing for home entertainment.GearGear / ReviewsGear / Products / TelevisionsShopping, Reviews, review, Gaming, Sports, golf, projectors, Television, home entertainmentJohn BrandonCondé NastProduct Reviewhttps://www.wired.com/story/border-wall-construction-threatens-6000-years-of-history/6a8387264a5b27478a331b47Tue, 25 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000Archeologists are confronting an “unfathomable” loss as border wall construction is set to cut across ranches that are home to unique historical sites, many of which haven’t been fully studied.ScienceScience / EnvironmentPoliticsborder, texas, archaeology, History, Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, Donald TrumpGabrielle SaulsberyCondé NastUnmaking Historyhttps://www.wired.com/story/applying-for-a-job-is-too-damn-easy/6a832aea4b5ce895652e6c3fTue, 25 Aug 2026 09:30:00 +0000Thanks to a dwindling supply of open roles, “one-click” applications, and the rise of artificial intelligence, it’s easier than ever to apply for a job. We’re all paying the price.BusinessBusiness / Artificial IntelligenceRecruiting, Jobs, artificial intelligence, LinkedIn, employees, careersKate TaylorCondé NastAutofrictionhttps://www.wired.com/story/spirit-airlines-wants-to-sell-its-data-to-google-former-flight-attendants-are-freaked-out/6a8bcbcc05bb0e7bdcba3ae7Tue, 25 Aug 2026 09:15:00 +0000“It never crossed my mind that they would be so bold as to sell our private data for AI,” says one former Spirit Airlines flight attendant.GearGear / Gear News and EventsAirlines, transportation, artificial intelligence, Training, data, Google, modelsAarian MarshallCondé NastCabin Pressurehttps://www.wired.com/story/omega-just-released-a-mini-moonwatch/6a86f7f193bf7b53bfea0355Tue, 25 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000Say hello to a revamped collection of perfectly proportioned 38-mm Speedmasters.GearGear / Gear News and Eventswatches, luxury, moon, designJeremy WhiteCondé NastSmall Wonderhttps://www.wired.com/story/us-data-centers-drive-gas-power-expansion/6a8c4b08828378c23fc90694Tue, 25 Aug 2026 04:01:00 +0000There’s no clearer sign of the data center boom than rampant gas projects that have been proposed or that are already under construction.ScienceScience / Environmentdata centers, greenhouse gas, Energy, PowerMolly TaftCondé NastFired Uphttps://www.wired.com/review/bitdefender-vpn/6a4298acb44703875b61e821Mon, 24 Aug 2026 21:08:00 +0000Bitdefender VPN has an excellent starting price, even if it lacks the advanced features that privacy nerds may want.GearGear / ReviewsGear / Products / Online ServicesVPN, Shopping, review, Reviews, privacy, softwareMatthew S. SmithCondé NastProduct Reviewhttps://www.wired.com/story/sous-vide-salmonella-eggs/6a8871f1d0dd1ffae141197cMon, 24 Aug 2026 20:45:52 +0000With advice from infectious disease experts, I tested a low-effort way to pasteurize eggs at home.GearGear / How To and AdviceGear / Products / Kitcheneggs, infection, kitchen, ShoppingKat MerckCondé NastShell Shockedhttps://www.wired.com/story/food-safety-gear-salmonella/6a8852d05460fa5f837c4bcbMon, 24 Aug 2026 20:22:35 +0000Salmonella outbreaks are seemingly everywhere right now. A good temperature probe is the last and best line of defense.GearGear / How To and AdviceGear / Products / HomeGear / Products / Kitchenfood science, lettuce, USDA, kitchen, ShoppingMatthew KorfhageCondé NastSafety Firsthttps://www.wired.com/story/steelseries-arctis-nova-3p-august-2026/6a88840d1e24a33aa383a7b5Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:46:18 +0000I love this multi-device headset, and right now it’s cheaper than what I paid for it in March.GearGear / DealsWired Deals, Headphones, Gaming, Shopping, DealsLouryn StrampeCondé NastDealshttps://www.wired.com/review/birdfy-nest-duo/6a836ffa351ee964dd0e117fMon, 24 Aug 2026 11:30:00 +0000With two cameras and built-in climate sensors, the Birdfy Nest Duo let me watch an entire nesting season unfold.GearGear / ReviewsGear / Products / OutdoorGear / Products / Smart HomeGear / Products / Homehome, birding, outdoors, Shopping, review, Reviews, Smart HomeKat MerckCondé NastNest Togetherhttps://www.wired.com/story/best-kindle-accessories/6983be01089bf4cf8a1c0801Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:09:00 +0000Looking to better protect your Kindle or add a little personality to your favorite e-reader? From cases and covers to page turners and even charms, this is the guide for you.GearGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / TabletsKindle, e-books, Books, E-Readers, tablets, Shopping Nena Farrell Condé NastBetter Readinghttps://www.wired.com/story/best-home-theater-projector/6a886b3e57ba55ac4dd836e0Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000Home theater projectors are getting better and better, and have quickly become my favorite way to enjoy movies.GearGear / Buying GuidesCulture / TVprojectors, TVs, home entertainment, televisionsJohn BrandonCondé NastIt’s Movie Night https://www.wired.com/story/all-work-and-some-play-in-a-virtual-display/6a875982e3216642dd265cc7Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:30:00 +0000Tethered display glasses are truly practical face computers. They trade bulky spatial computing for simplicity: Plug in, recline, and get a massive screen right in front of your nose.GearGear / Gear News and Eventssmart glasses, Wearables, computing, augmented reality, virtual reality, gadgets, displaysBoone AshworthCondé NastEyes Uphttps://www.wired.com/story/best-multi-use-air-purifiers/6a7dfe796f28ee23f8974609Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000These WIRED-tested dual-purpose air purifiers also function as heaters, fans, art pieces, and more, offering the best of both worlds.GearGear / Products / HomeGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / Smart Homeair purifier, air improvement, air quality, appliances, home, health, Smart Home, buying guides, ShoppingMolly HigginsCondé NastBreathe Easyhttps://www.wired.com/story/teachers-deepfake-ai-students-content/6a6a638dbda4e52fe44bd61aMon, 24 Aug 2026 09:30:00 +0000The deepfake epidemic in schools is affecting more than students. Four teachers tell WIRED about becoming targets of sexualized, AI-generated content—and how difficult it was to find accountability.BusinessBusiness / Artificial IntelligenceDeepfakes, TikTok, Teens, artificial intelligence, SnapchatCaroline HaskinsCondé NastAge of AIhttps://www.wired.com/story/nasa-nancy-grace-roman-space-telescope-hidden-facets-of-universe/6a7e616d6a3123db993a8c12Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is expected to discover as many as 200,000 new planets and reveal details about the elusive nature of dark matter and dark energy.ScienceScience / Spacetelescopes, dark energy, galaxies, NASA, dark matter, Nancy Grace Roman Space TelescopeJay BennettCondé NastThe Big Picturehttps://www.wired.com/review/asus-rog-swift-rgb-stripe-oled-pg27ucwm/6a85ce6f524fc7a4422304abSun, 23 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000The Asus PG27UCWM brings a new sub-pixel layout to the world of OLED gaming monitors, and in my testing, I appreciated the improvements it brings to the table.GearGear / ProductsGear / ReviewsGear / Products / ComputersGear / Products / GamingMonitors, oled, displays, Computers, Shopping, Reviews, reviewMatthew S. SmithCondé NastProduct Reviewhttps://www.wired.com/gallery/best-kindle/5c9126abe48fae1a55ed4ea6Sun, 23 Aug 2026 11:03:00 +0000I’ve tested every single Kindle. Here’s how Amazon’s ebook readers stack up.GearGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / AccessoriesShopping, buying guides, Kindle, Amazon Kindle, ebooks, Amazon Nena Farrell Condé NastBook Smarthttps://www.wired.com/story/transistors-changed-everything-heres-how-they-work/6a70ccec20d2b4e361aa8232Sun, 23 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000How a tiny little electronic switch sparked the computer revolution.ScienceScience / Physics and MathDot Physics, electronics, transistors, electricity, Lights, Energy, Power, ComputersRhett AllainCondé NastDot Physicshttps://www.wired.com/gallery/best-laptop-docking-stations/662cee5d4d4e640b50fb40f1Sun, 23 Aug 2026 10:37:00 +0000Docking stations expand what your laptop can do, and I’ve been testing the best of the best to see which you should buy.GearGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / ComputersUSB, Accessories and Peripherals, Office, Shopping, buying guides, accessories, home office, dock, laptopsLuke LarsenCondé NastBuying Guidehttps://www.wired.com/story/7-basic-iphone-tricks-i-built-with-ios-27s-revamped-shortcuts-app/6a872b1cf11d52dc97865852Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:30:00 +0000From halting my doomscrolls to automating air-quality checks, Apple’s streamlined Shortcuts app is my favorite iOS 27 feature.GearGear / How To and AdviceGear / Products / AppsGear / Products / Phonesios, iPhone, apple, phones, smartphones, Apps, how-to, Siri, software, tipsReece RogersCondé NastEasy Goinghttps://www.wired.com/story/is-expensive-bottled-water-actually-better-for-you/6a8871205460fa5f837c51a7Sun, 23 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000Luxury water can contain different minerals and taste noticeably different. But a remote source, alkaline pH, and high price do not necessarily mean better hydration.ScienceScience / Healthwater, drinks, health, plasticMegan Tomos Condé NastDrink Uphttps://www.wired.com/review/saily-ultra-esim/6a84387d03b7ff172932c1ccSat, 22 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000For uninterrupted service as you country-hop, the Saily Ultra eSIM works well and comes with plentiful perks. It’s pricey though.GearGear / ReviewsGear / Products / PhonesShopping, sim, Travel, Mobile, phone, phones, Reviews, reviewSimon HillCondé NastProduct Reviewhttps://www.wired.com/gallery/best-monitor-arms/69278b76ca35020b3a07c60eSat, 22 Aug 2026 11:01:00 +0000Your desk setup needs a monitor arm, and I’ve been testing every one I can get my hands on to find the best.GearGear / ProductsGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / Home OfficeShopping, Monitors, home office, OfficeLuke LarsenCondé NastBuying Guidehttps://www.wired.com/story/set-up-a-separate-work-profile-on-your-android-phone/6a87423d69d906b2a99999a7Sat, 22 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000It is possible to achieve your desired work-life balance on your smartphone. Just set up separate accounts using this built-in Android feature.GearGear / How To and AdviceAndroid, device, how-to, tips, software, GoogleDavid NieldCondé NastDouble Lifehttps://www.wired.com/gallery/the-best-mattress-toppers/6712cce01ba4f640c938c359Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:32:00 +0000These toppers will transform your mattress into exactly what you need, whether that’s a super-plush pillow top, memory foam, or targeted back support.GearGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / Sleephousehold, Shopping, buying guides, mattresses, Sleep, Bedroom Nena Farrell Condé NastNap Testedhttps://www.wired.com/story/security-news-this-week-your-expired-visa-card-could-be-zombiefied-to-make-contactless-payments/6a887c31de471e876212f076Sat, 22 Aug 2026 10:30:00 +0000Plus: Apple sends out an “unprecedented” number of spyware warnings, Ukraine hits a Russian ecommerce giant with cyber and drone attacks, and more.SecuritySecurity / Security Newssecurity roundup, privacy, Authentication, security, cybersecurity, Russia, UkraineAndy Greenberg, Lily Hay NewmanCondé NastSecurity Rounduphttps://www.wired.com/story/nasa-cancels-its-rescue-mission-for-the-aging-swift-telescope/6a8871d34cde17b7139992c0Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000The LINK probe was supposed to use robotic arms to capture Swift and lift it into a safe orbit. Problems with its control system forced NASA to call off the attempt.ScienceScience / SpaceNASA, Spacecraft, space exploration, universeJorge GarayCondé NastAbandon Shiphttps://www.wired.com/story/the-unlikely-place-at-the-center-of-chinas-ai-boom/6a85df6ad0110f6d404e4794Fri, 21 Aug 2026 23:25:32 +0000Cheap energy, abundant land, and proximity to Beijing have turned a city in Inner Mongolia into a crucial hub for data centers.BusinessBusiness / Artificial IntelligenceMade in China, China, data centers, artificial intelligence, DeepSeekZeyi YangCondé NastMade in Chinahttps://www.wired.com/story/teslas-door-handles-lead-to-its-biggest-recall-yet/6a88c0bfe5d3c9c921b3d827Fri, 21 Aug 2026 23:10:00 +0000A Chinese agency says the two recalls affecting some 3 million vehicles can mostly be fixed by over-the-air updates—but they will also require physical warning stickers and camera-related updates.GearGear / Gear News and Eventsrecall, Tesla, auto industry, China, car designAarian MarshallCondé NastSoft Openinghttps://www.wired.com/story/metas-big-reckoning-is-here/6a873e2f6e93e6c337fd96d5Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000Meta is in court again over child safety, and this time it’s a landmark case that could force significant changes to core features of Facebook and Instagram.BusinessBusiness / Tech CultureBackchannel - NL, Meta, courts, Safety, Instagram, FacebookLauren GoodeCondé NastBackchannelhttps://www.wired.com/story/best-pool-cleaning-robots/69e0f7b1ae2b670940bc07c3Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:33:00 +0000Pack up your pool cleaning supplies. Let one of these robot buddies maintain your water quality insteadGearGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / Homebuying guides, Shopping, smart home, robots, Backyard, home, Yardware UpgradeChristopher NullCondé NastBuying Guidehttps://www.wired.com/review/nyrius-phoenix-home-true-4k60/6a837cf91c5a245a00779a3cFri, 21 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000The Nyrius Phoenix Home True 4K60 can wirelessly transmit games, TV shows, movies, and more across your home (even through walls).GearGear / ReviewsGear / Products / Homehome entertainment, 4K, televisions, TVs, Surround Sound, Shopping, AV, streaming, ReviewsJohn BrandonCondé NastCut the Cordhttps://www.wired.com/story/the-patrick-clancy-conspiracy-theories-are-rooted-in-the-harsh-realities-of-motherhood/6a7ce1ef7a789731e5a844a1Fri, 21 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +0000Lindsay Clancy’s defense argues she killed her three kids because of postpartum psychosis. But armchair detectives, including many fed-up mothers, are laying blame with her ex-husband.CultureCulture / Digital Cultureconspiracy theories, conspiracy, true crime, TikTok, Crime, mental health, parentingEj Dickson Condé NastBoiling Pointhttps://www.wired.com/story/the-best-electric-toothbrush-for-healthier-teeth-and-gums/698b6dd7946803254653e9adFri, 21 Aug 2026 10:31:00 +0000After two years of testing, these are the electric toothbrushes that impressed WIRED staffers the most.GearGear / Buying GuidesGear / Products / Health and FitnessGear / Products / BeautyGear / Products / Smart Homegear, Shopping, buying guides, Dental Care, health, household, Reviews, tooth, bathroomBoutayna Chokrane Condé NastMint Conditionhttps://www.wired.com/story/when-the-packaging-is-the-product-empty-boxes-influencers/6a85dbbd0baaf384b42db0b3Fri, 21 Aug 2026 10:30:00 +0000As the appetite for “authenticity” grows online, content creators are buying up empty boxes for luxury goods—and resellers are cashing in for “crazy prices.”GearGear / Gear News and EventsGear / Trendsluxury, eBay, Retail, online shopping, designSophie ChararaCondé NastBoxed Inhttps://www.wired.com/story/the-super-el-nino-wont-fix-the-wests-water-crisis/6a833389effc1720d3a37a66Fri, 21 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000“People have talked about the Colorado River crisis for decades—we’re now in it,” says one expert. “Everyone you talk to is like, ‘Shit, man.’”ScienceScience / EnvironmentEl Nino, drought, California drought, water, climate change, environment, EnergyMolly TaftCondé NastDry Timeshttps://www.wired.com/story/early-tech-labor-day-sales-2026/6a849878eab23e58b199cad6Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:37:00 +0000From the best Dyson vacuum to the best wireless headphones and earbuds we’ve tested, you can get some great gadgets on sale already ahead of Labor Day.GearGear / DealsLabor Day Sales, Headphones, wireless headphone, Speakers, vacuums, apple, Dyson, Sonos, Shopping, Deals Nena Farrell Condé NastEarly Birdhttps://www.wired.com/story/the-single-english-county-saying-no-to-palantir/6a7c4b927c15d30fa36e58fdFri, 21 Aug 2026 06:00:00 +0000The UK government is facing calls to cancel a sprawling health care contract with Palantir. The region of Greater Manchester insists it can do a better job itself.BusinessBusiness / Big TechPalantir, UK, health care, artificial intelligence, technology, businessJoel Khalili, Matt BurgessCondé NastSolo Acthttps://www.wired.com/story/paramount-plus-coupon-code/68a74f4bac61cbbb255166f7Fri, 21 Aug 2026 05:00:00 +0000Save on streaming with the latest Paramount+ promo codes and deals, including 50% off subscriptions, free trials, and more.GearGear / Dealscoupons, ShoppingMolly HigginsCondé NastCoupons