After Struggling With EVs, US Automakers Pivot to Energy
U.S. automakers Ford and General Motors are scaling back electric‑vehicle ambitions and launching dedicated battery‑energy‑storage divisions, with Ford spinning off a new Ford Energy unit slated to ship its first systems in late 2027. The move follows a $19.5 billion EV write‑down at Ford and a 13 percent surge in its share price after the announcement. Companies are repurposing idle EV battery plants to produce storage packs for utilities, industrial users, and data centers. The pivot aligns with growing federal incentives for commercial battery storage and the rising power needs of AI‑driven data centers.
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 5 Review: Basic Bar, Big Sound
Sony’s Bravia Theater Bar 5 is a $350 two‑piece sound system that trades premium features for a streamlined, budget‑friendly design. It pairs a compact three‑foot bar with a powerful wireless subwoofer and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X via virtual surround processing....
Googlebook Is Google’s New AI-Powered Laptop Platform Built on Android
Google announced Googlebook, a new laptop platform that blends Android with generative AI. Built on the same foundation as Chromebooks, it adds AI assistants and a full Android app library, aiming at higher‑end consumers. While Chromebooks dominate education with low‑cost...
Do City Delivery Drones Make Sense? No One Knows, but They're Flying Over NYC
British firm Skyports is running a one‑year pilot that ferries light cargo across New York City’s East River for a health‑care system. Weekday flights currently transport paper and could later include light pharmaceuticals, operating under FAA, Port Authority and NYC Economic...
How Handheld Translators Work and Why They’re Handy for Travel
Handheld language translators are emerging as dedicated tools that let travelers hold sustained, two‑way conversations without relying on a smartphone. Devices like the Timekettle T1, iFLYTEK AI earbuds, and InnAIO T10 provide offline capabilities, real‑time audio translation, or hybrid AI...
Best Live-Captioning Smart Glasses (2026), WIRED Tested
WIRED tested five live‑captioning smart glasses and found the Even Realities G2 to be the clear winner. Priced at $599, the G2 offers real‑time transcription in 35 languages, AI‑generated summaries, and a 10‑hour battery, but it relies on an internet connection...
Tesla’s Latest Recall? Wheels May Fall Off Cybertrucks
Tesla announced a recall of 173 rear‑wheel‑drive Cybertruck Long‑Range trucks after discovering that the wrong grease on lug nuts can loosen them, allowing brake‑rotor stud holes to crack and potentially detach the wheel hub. The defect could cause wheels to...
The New Wild West of AI Kids’ Toys
AI‑enabled toys have exploded onto the market, with more than 1,500 Chinese startups and brands like Miko selling hundreds of thousands of units. Independent testing has uncovered dangerous content, from instructions on making fire to adult‑themed language, and privacy lapses...
Google Ditches the Screen With the New Fitbit Air (2026)
Google unveiled the Fitbit Air, a $100 screen‑free wearable that delivers the same sensor suite as the Charge 6 while shedding the AMOLED display. The device integrates tightly with the rebranded Google Health app and its AI‑powered Health Coach, a subscription...
Google Is Rebranding the Fitbit App to ‘Google Health’
Google is rebranding the longtime Fitbit app as Google Health, with an update rolling out on May 19 for Android and iOS. The change coincides with the planned retirement of the 12‑year‑old Google Fit app later this year and introduces the...
Sleep Number ComfortNext Lux Smart Bed: Redefining Support
Sleep Number introduced the ComfortNext Lux, a mid‑tier smart bed that blends a plush foam top layer with micro‑coils and its Responsive Air pressure‑adjustment system. The mattress offers 100 firmness levels via the Sleep Number app, but even at the firmest setting...
Focal Mu-So Hekla Soundbar Review: Dolby Atmos With 1 Speaker
Focal’s new Mu‑So Hekla soundbar packs 660 W of power and 15 drivers into a single 34‑pound unit, delivering full‑stack Dolby Atmos for movies and music. Priced at $3,600, it competes directly with premium offerings from Sonos, Samsung and Sony while...
Bose Brings Back Its ‘Lifestyle’ Branding With New Speakers for the Home
Audio giant Bose has revived its Lifestyle brand with the Ultra Speaker, Ultra Soundbar and Ultra Subwoofer, all wrapped in fabric‑grille designs. Priced at $299 for the speaker, $1,099 for the soundbar and $899 for the subwoofer, the line supports...
The Best Sustainable Surf Gear (2026): Patagonia, Billabong, Outerknown
The article surveys the most sustainable surf gear available in 2026, spotlighting Patagonia’s Regulator wetsuit, Billabong’s Upcycler line, and Outerknown’s recycled‑net trunks. It details eco‑friendly alternatives for wax, fins, leashes, sunblock, towels, sandals, sunglasses, bags, and even surfboards, noting specific...
What to Know About Sony’s $7.85 Million PlayStation Settlement
Sony has agreed to a $7.85 million class‑action settlement over alleged antitrust practices that limited third‑party retailers from selling PlayStation games via digital vouchers. The deal, finally approved after two prior rejections, does not include an admission of wrongdoing but obligates...
Best Travel Tote Bags for Every Kind of Excursion (2026): Away, Le Pliage, Topo Designs
Boutayna Chokrane’s guide ranks the top travel totes for digital nomads, highlighting the Away Everywhere Tote at $158 as the best all‑around option thanks to its water‑resistant nylon, laptop sleeve, and airline‑friendly dimensions. The review also spotlights Yardsale’s Day Bag,...
Coway Airmega Mighty2 Review: The Sequel Is Better Than the Original
Coway launched the Airmega Mighty2, an upgraded version of its best‑selling affordable air purifier. The new model expands coverage to 1,800 sq ft per hour, doubles filter lifespan to 12 months, and adds a real‑time AQI display with a MegaScan laser sensor. It...
Ottocast Cabin Care Wireless CarPlay Adapter Review: Tiny Tracker
The Ottocast Cabin Care Wireless CarPlay Adapter turns a vehicle’s existing CarPlay screen into a live rear‑seat monitor, bundling a wide‑angle camera with a wireless CarPlay dongle. Priced around $105 after discounts, it installs in roughly ten minutes and works...
.jpg)
OpenAI Enables Marketing Cookies by Default for Free ChatGPT Users
OpenAI updated its U.S. privacy policy to enable marketing cookies for free‑tier ChatGPT users by default. The change allows the company to share limited identifiers such as email addresses or cookie IDs with advertising partners to measure ad effectiveness. Users...
This Eye-Catching Indoor Garden Is 20 Percent Off Right Now
Lettuce Grow’s flagship indoor hydroponic Farmstand and the new Counterstand Set are now 20 percent off through May 10 with coupon code MOM20. The Farmstand, a modular system ranging from 18 to 36 plants, drops to $973‑$1,123 after the discount, while the countertop...
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Julian-Chokkattu.jpg)
Light Phone Is Making Its Dumb Phone More Useful With Third-Party ‘Tools’
Light Phone is launching a developer program for its LightOS platform, giving creators an official SDK to build third‑party “Tools” for the Light Phone III. The company will also debut a vetted Tool Library this fall, allowing users to install approved...
Goal Zero Yeti 1500 Power Station Review (2026): More Power, Better Chemistry
Goal Zero unveiled the sixth‑generation Yeti 1500 portable power station, now built with lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LiFePO₄) cells that promise 4,000 charge cycles to 80 % capacity. The unit delivers a 2,000 W continuous inverter, a 1,800 W AC fast‑charge input that fills the battery in...
.jpg)
Motorola Moto G Stylus 2026 Review: Better Pen, Higher Price
Motorola’s Moto G Stylus 2026 launches at $500, moving it from budget to mid‑range territory. The phone introduces an active stylus with tilt and pressure sensitivity, but it requires a rechargeable battery. While it retains a microSD slot, headphone jack, and a 6.7‑inch...
Get Ready for More Brain-Scanning Consumer Gadgets
Neurable is moving to a licensing‑platform model, allowing third‑party makers to embed its noninvasive EEG brain‑computer interface into a variety of head‑worn devices. The first licensed product is a HyperX gaming headset that tracks focus and promises milliseconds‑level performance gains...
InkPoster Tela 28.5 Review: A Luxe Home Digital Frame
The InkPoster Tela 28.5 is a premium 28.5‑inch colour E‑Ink digital frame priced at $2,399. It uses a Spectra 6 panel with 2160 × 3060 resolution, delivering paper‑like colour and texture that rivals high‑end prints. A 25,000 mAh battery lets the frame run for up...
The 4 Best Laptop Power Banks We've Tested (2026)
Wired’s 2026 roundup identifies the EcoFlow Rapid Pro X as the top laptop power bank, offering 300 W output, 27,650 mAh capacity and ultra‑fast 140‑W‑plus recharging. Close behind is Anker’s Prime Power Bank, which pairs a 300 W rating with a dock for...
Elon Musk’s XChat App Is More Like Facebook’s Messenger Than Signal
Elon Musk launched XChat, a standalone encrypted messaging app that requires an X account, linking chats to users' social profiles. Critics highlight that encryption keys are stored on X’s servers rather than on‑device, raising security concerns. The rollout was chaotic,...
What Is Ethernet? Everything You Need to Know About Wired Networks
Ethernet remains the backbone of wired networking, offering faster, more reliable and secure connections than Wi‑Fi. Originating at Xerox PARC in 1973, the IEEE 802.3 standard has evolved from 10 Mbps to 40 Gbps for residential use, with each generation maintaining backward...
The Best Permanent Outdoor Lights (2026): Govee, Eufy, Cync
Permanent outdoor lights are designed to stay installed year‑round, offering customizable color and scheduling via smart apps. Govee (100 ft, $440) and Eufy (100 ft, $300) lead the market with cut‑and‑splice capability and robust IP67 ratings, while Cync provides a budget‑friendly 100‑ft...
Best Apps for Focus (2026): Focus Friend, Forest, Focus Traveller
Wired reviews three leading focus‑timer apps—Focus Friend, Forest, and Focus Traveller—highlighting their gamified approaches to keeping users on task. Focus Friend offers a whimsical bean avatar that knits while you work, with a $2‑per‑month Pro tier for extra decorations. Forest...
‘Saros’ Shows Off the PS5’s DualSense Tricks
Housemarque’s upcoming sci‑fi roguelike Saros, arriving on April 30 for PlayStation 5, is built to exploit the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The game extends the tactile innovations first seen in Returnal, delivering custom vibrations for everything from on‑screen typing...
Give Mom Warm Coffee All Year Long With This Ember Smart Mug Deal
Ember’s Smart Mug 2 is back at its lowest price, just under $100, marking a roughly 35% discount across Amazon, Best Buy, and Ember’s own site. The 10‑oz and 14‑oz models retain the brand’s signature temperature‑control app and a default heat setting...
The WIRED Gear Team’s Tips on Ways to Save Money
Rising gas, electronics and tariff‑driven price spikes are squeezing U.S. wallets, prompting personal‑finance experts Tiffany Aliche and Sean Pyles to share practical cost‑cutting tactics. They urge a “ramen noodle” budget review, automation of savings, and a six‑month emergency fund in...
Lume Cube Edge Light Go Review (2026): Versatile, Portable
Lume Cube’s Edge Light Go is a rechargeable, mini‑desk lamp that packs 1,000 lumens—comparable to a 75‑watt incandescent—into a portable form factor. It offers precise, edge‑lit illumination with adjustable color temperature from cool white to red, and a built‑in Qi charger. Battery...
These New Smart Glasses From Ex-OnePlus Engineers Have a Hidden Cost
L'Atitude 52°N, founded by ex‑OnePlus engineer Gary Chen, announced the Berlin smart‑glasses will ship on May 26 at $399, with an optional $50 photochromic lens upgrade. The glasses feature a 12‑MP camera, 32 GB storage, and Google Gemini‑powered AI tour‑guide called Goya, but...
The Best Robotic Pool Cleaners of 2026: Beatbot, iGarden, Dreame
WIRED’s 2026 roundup names Beatbot’s AquaSense 2 Ultra as the top robotic pool cleaner, praised for AI‑driven debris detection, six‑hour battery life, and surface‑skimming capability, albeit at a near‑$3,000 price tag. iGarden’s M1‑100 earns the best‑battery‑life award with a 12,500 mAh pack delivering...
Best Chromebooks (2026): Most Are Bad, but These Aren't
The 2026 Chromebook roundup identifies a handful of premium “Chromebook Plus” models that punch above their price, notably Lenovo’s Chromebook Plus 14 with 16 GB RAM at $649 and Acer’s Spin 514 2‑in‑1 at a similar price point. It also highlights budget-friendly options such...
Dinnerly Meal Kit Review (2026): Hearty Meals on a Budget
Dinnerly, the budget arm of Martha Stewart‑endorsed Marley Spoon, now offers more international dishes while keeping portions generous. Prices range from $6 to $10 per serving, dropping to $6 for large family plans, positioning it between cheap kits like EveryPlate...
Vitamix Promo Codes and Deals: $25 Off + Free Shipping
Vitamix is promoting a $25 email‑registration discount and free standard shipping on orders over $99, while also highlighting new models like the Ascent X5 with a 48‑ounce stainless‑steel container. The Ascent X2 is currently offered at $50 off, and WIRED continues to...
The 10 Best Electrolyte Powders (We Tested Nearly 20)
Wired’s product team tasted and evaluated nearly 20 electrolyte powders, tablets, drops and chews, publishing a ranked list of the best options for athletes, hangover relief, and everyday hydration. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier emerged as the overall winner, praised for its...
Best Gaming Laptops (2026): Razer, Asus, Dell, and More
The 2026 gaming‑laptop roundup highlights a clear split between ultra‑premium machines like the Razer Blade 16, which can be equipped with Nvidia’s RTX 5090, and more affordable options such as the Acer Nitro V 16 AI priced around $600. Mid‑range contenders—including the Lenovo Legion 7i...
H2O Audio Tri Run Workout Headphones Review: A Little Underwhelming
H2O Audio’s new Tri Run bone‑conduction headphones aim to capture the sub‑$100 workout market, but the review finds they fall short on audio performance. The design is lightweight, comfortable, and IPX8‑rated, delivering reliable Bluetooth pairing across devices. However, muddy bass, grainy...
Hyundai Ioniq 3 2026: Price, Specs, Availability
Hyundai unveiled the Ioniq 3, a compact electric hatchback designed for urban use with a class‑leading 0.263 drag coefficient and up to 308 miles WLTP range. It rides on a 400‑volt E‑GMP platform, enabling 10‑80% DC charging in about 29 minutes, and offers...
Best Meta Glasses (2026): Ray-Ban, Oakley, AR
Meta unveiled its second‑generation Ray‑Ban Wayfarer glasses, branding them as Meta Glasses Gen 2, with a 12‑MP camera, up to eight hours of battery life, and interchangeable lenses for prescription or sunglass use. The company also released two Oakley‑styled models –...
The 10 Best Pet Cameras of 2026: Furbo, Petcube, and Enabot
The article reviews the top pet cameras of 2026, highlighting models such as Furbo Mini 360°, Petcube Cam 360, Imilab C30 Dual, Tkenpro 2K Treat Dispenser, SiiPet PawTrack AI, and Enabot Rola Mini. Most devices offer 1080p‑HD or higher resolution, 360° pan‑tilt, two‑way audio,...
Asus TUF Gaming A14 (2026) Review: GPU-Less Gaming Laptop
The Asus TUF Gaming A14 replaces a traditional discrete GPU with AMD’s new Max+ 392 APU, delivering integrated graphics that can reach 71 fps at 1200p medium settings. Its 14‑inch chassis packs a 2560×1600, 165 Hz display and a robust port selection,...
Google's AI Mode Update Tries to Kill Tab Hopping in Chrome
Google rolled out an update to Chrome’s AI Mode that embeds the chatbot as a persistent sidebar, allowing links clicked within AI responses to open in the same tab. The change eliminates the traditional tab‑hopping experience, letting users continue the...
The 10 Best MagSafe Phone Grips for Your Butter Fingers (2026)
Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem now supports a diverse range of phone grips, from classic PopSockets to multifunctional tools like the Aulumu G05. Reviewers tested each grip for durability, comfort, and magnetic strength, highlighting the PopSockets MagSafe Suck‑Up as the top overall...
Smart Plug Guide (2026): When You Should and Shouldn’t Use One
Wired’s 2026 Smart Plug Guide outlines when smart plugs add value and when they fall short, highlighting the latest picks such as TP‑Link’s Matter‑certified mini pack, Cync’s outdoor‑rated model, and Ikea’s ultra‑cheap Grillplats plug. The guide explains that smart plugs...
LG Sound Suite Review: Big Sound for Larger Rooms
LG’s Sound Suite combines the H7 soundbar, M7 surround speakers, and a wireless subwoofer into a modular home‑theater system priced from $1,000. The 12‑driver bar and up‑firing M7s deliver immersive Dolby Atmos sound that rivals Samsung’s HW‑Q990F and Sonos’s premium...