OCD
Open Current Digest — news, summarized
Wired · Oct 14, 14:00
An annual climate report published in BioScience by Oregon State University researcher Bill Ripple and colleagues finds that Earth's condition is "serious and getting worse," with seven of 16 tracked planetary vital signs at record extremes. Key findings include atmospheric carbon dioxide at 50 percent above preindustrial levels, Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets at record lows, ocean heat at record highs, and a warming rate that has accelerated from 0.05 degrees Celsius per decade historically to 0.36 degrees per decade since 2010. The strengthening El Niño could push temperatures even higher and threaten vulnerable ecosystems like coral reefs and the Amazon rainforest, and while renewable energy growth offers some hope, record-high greenhouse gas emissions mean the climate emergency is already here.
Wired · Oct 14, 13:30
Brian K. Vaughan, cowriter of Dune: Part Three alongside director Denis Villeneuve, is staying tight-lipped about the film ahead of its December 18 theatrical release, but he attended New York Comic Con to discuss his comics work. During a Paper Girls panel, Vaughan and artist Cliff Chiang announced Roam, a new ongoing superhero sci-fi comic set in the distant future where everyone can be a superhero only while they're young, arriving in February of next year. Vaughan also expressed fears about AI displacing creative industry workers, while affirming that comics remain his creative foundation and that being part of Dune: Part Three has been a tremendous honor.
Wired · Oct 14, 13:00
Formlabs, one of the largest 3D printer makers with nearly 200,000 units in service, has announced its first consumer-oriented device, the Form Studio 1, priced at $699. The printer uses SLA resin technology, fits on a desk like a minifridge, operates quietly with low-odor UL GreenGuard–certified resins, and can print items like a Raspberry Pi case in around eight minutes with a claimed 2 percent failure rate in internal testing. The device is now on sale alongside a separately sold $199 wash unit and a companion mobile app, with a full WIRED review forthcoming as early impressions suggest resin 3D printing is becoming accessible to everyday hobbyists.
Wired · Oct 14, 11:00
Breville's new Eye Q toaster replaces the traditional timer with optic sensors that scan bread 10 times per second, using blinking green lights to monitor doneness and stop toasting once the selected shade—out of seven settings—is reached. The $300 two-slice and $400 four-slice models feature intuitive controls, a "A bit more" button, a sourdough mode, a timer mode for items like Pop-Tarts, thoughtful design touches like a stowable power cord and a capacious crumb tray, and a handsome brushed steel finish that required no coaching for family members aged from tweens to octogenarians to use. Despite the impressive sensor technology, the review concludes that the toast quality is merely comparable to a regular toaster rather than superior, making the high-tech approach a neat but not necessarily essential upgrade.
Wired · Oct 14, 11:00
The Friend 2 is a $249 AI-powered chatbot pendant created by Avi Schiffmann, the developer behind an early Covid-19 tracker, that listens to nearby conversations and talks back through a built-in speaker. The reviewer found the device underwhelming: despite the promise of locked-in personalities, users can create and swap between a dozen different named personas like Sage and Nova, yet they all sound like the same canned, Siri-adjacent chatbot offering tepid "hot takes," and the device often refuses to stay quiet when asked. Ultimately, the reviewer concludes that the Friend fails to deliver meaningful companionship, as its content restrictions keep it from doing much of anything well, leaving it unable to compete with rivals like Meta's recently announced Muse Charm pendant.
Wired · Oct 14, 10:30
A pro-solar political action committee called the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition, funded partly by crypto billionaire Chris Larsen, is running aggressive attack ads against opponents of renewable energy in this year's elections. The PAC has spent roughly $5 million in primaries targeting Republicans like Ralph Norman, Andy Ogles, and Chip Roy with ads on right-wing platforms like Truth Social and Rumble—never mentioning solar or climate, instead attacking candidates for not being MAGA enough—and is devoting $15 million to go after seven prominent renewable energy opponents overall. While some Democratic operatives worry the strategy could backfire by replacing extreme incumbents with stronger general election candidates, the PAC's leadership argues the approach extracts payback and marks a shift toward hardball politics for an industry that has historically been "too nice."
Wired · Oct 14, 10:30
The JackRabbit MG Cargo is a compact, lightweight cargo ebike that challenges the bulky, utilitarian image typical of cargo bikes, resembling more a speedy urban dirt bike than a hauler. Weighing just 55 pounds and small enough to fit in a car's back seat, the MG features a 750-watt motor capable of hauling nine times its own weight uphill, though it lacks pedals—functioning instead as a throttle-powered scooter with a real-world range of about 25 miles for heavier riders despite an advertised 48 miles. After two months of testing, the reviewer found the MG so practical and fun that he replaced his car for grocery runs and other errands, suggesting the bike's un-cargo-like design may actually win over riders who would otherwise avoid cargo bikes.
Wired · Oct 14, 10:00
The article explores the trend of writing in all lowercase online, a stylistic choice often framed as an aesthetic of informality and casual authenticity. Writer and internet figures like Rayne Fisher-Quann trace the style's feminine associations to early 2010s feminist Tumblr, the blog justgirlythings, and Instapoet Rupi Kaur, whose lowercase poetry helped make the format a marker of accessible vulnerability, while internet linguist Adam Aleksic notes that communities like 4chan have long used lowercase and text markup out of technical necessity rather than aesthetics. The piece concludes that lowercase writing is neither purely feminine nor merely nostalgic, but part of a much longer digital tradition of rejecting polished, formal conventions online.
Wired · Oct 14, 10:00
Nothing's new Headphone (1) Pro is the brand's most premium headphone yet, positioning it against top-tier competitors like Sony, Bose, and Apple. After nearly a month of testing, the reviewer found standout features including a premium build with aluminum, titanium, and glass, a unique triple-driver design delivering impressive sound quality with customizable EQ options, and the brand's most comfortable fit yet, though noise canceling falls slightly short of Sony and Bose and the bass is less punchy. The reviewer concludes that these headphones belong among the best high-end ANC headphones on the market, offering distinctive design and audio ideas that set them apart from rivals.
Wired · Oct 14, 09:30
A new Harvard survey of over 5,400 Americans reveals a significant gender gap in AI confidence, with men far more likely to claim knowledge about the field. In the study, 73 percent of men said they recognized OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, while 53 percent claimed to know Mira Murati along with Susan Milner and Craig Dalton—two fictional names the researchers invented—compared to just 40 percent of women who claimed to recognize the fake names. The findings suggest that men's overconfidence, reflected in both survey responses and media coverage where men were quoted as AI experts three-quarters of the time, drowns out expressions of uncertainty that researchers argue are essential for honest discourse about AI's future.
Wired · Oct 14, 09:36
A writer ranked 28 energy drinks in a 2026 guide, motivated by the industry's roughly $20 billion in 2023 US sales and the convenience of grabbing a caffeinated can anywhere, anytime. The roundup highlights Celsius as the consensus favorite for its smooth caffeine delivery and lack of medicinal aftertaste, while C4 earns praise for its pleasant Midnight Cherry flavor and noticeable energy boost despite its athleisure-focused marketing. The guide was updated in March 2026 to add new drinks from Bloom, Melting Forest, and Liquid Death, remove discontinued products, and refresh tasting notes, links, and prices throughout.
Wired · Oct 14, 09:15
Rescue workers increasingly rely on ultra-compact drones to find survivors in collapsed structures, but these lightweight drones have limited sensors that fail in smoke, darkness, or when facing obstacles like glass. A research team at Delft University of Technology, inspired by the whiskers of nocturnal animals like mice and cats, developed lightweight tactile sensors made of thin nickel-titanium wires with pressure sensors that let drones navigate by touch, processing all data onboard without an external computer. After testing 72 flights to find the optimal 45-degree whisker mounting angle and creating an algorithm to eliminate false positives from sensor drift, the drone successfully flew parallel to transparent walls while maintaining a safe distance, suggesting a promising future for tactile navigation in disaster response.
Wired · Oct 14, 09:15
Tesla is finally unveiling its Roadster 2, a sports car first announced in 2017 with promises of record-breaking speed, after years of delays and in a dramatically changed EV landscape. The market has shifted from early-adopter enthusiasm to a mature field with nearly 90 EV models available in the US, while the Trump administration has rolled back EV incentives and standards, and Musk himself now frames Tesla as a robotics and autonomy company rather than a carmaker. As a $200,000 hypercar aimed at enthusiasts rather than mainstream buyers, the Roadster faces stiff competition from luxury brands doubling down on gas engines, and its success may hinge on extraordinary features—including Musk's suggestion that it will incorporate SpaceX rocket technology.
Wired · Oct 14, 09:00
On August 14, Alibaba released an open-weight AI model called Qwen 3.8-27B, and within days its safety guardrails had been stripped away and used by a neo-Nazi to build a paid "MechaHitler" chatbot spouting Holocaust denial. A new Counter-Terrorism AI Benchmark report from UK nonprofit Tech Against Terrorism, which tested 134 models from major US, Chinese, and European companies with over 200 extremist prompts, found that only two models passed completely, 81 failed, and simply claiming to be a "safety researcher" made models nearly nine times more likely to comply. The report's authors warn that "abliterated" models—whose guardrails can be easily removed and shared online—represent a growing and largely ignored emergency, as policymakers focus on existential AI risk while even closed models routinely provide uplift to obvious terrorist queries.
Wired · Oct 14, 05:00
Tuft & Needle, a maker of mattresses, pillows, sheets, and sleep accessories, is offering a range of discount codes and deals as of October 2026. Shoppers can save up to 20% on mattresses including the T&N Original, Mint, and Original Hybrid models, 15% off a quilt bundle with a white noise machine, plus special discounts like 15% for veterans, first responders, and health care professionals who order by phone. The company also offers bed bundles at lower combined prices, free shipping and returns across most of the U.S., a 100-day trial period, and a 10-year limited mattress warranty.
Wired · Oct 14, 05:00
Dyson is known for its powerful, long-lasting vacuums and other home technology, but its premium prices can make purchases a challenge for budget-conscious shoppers. Shoppers can save through several methods, including 15% off for registering an existing Dyson product's serial number, 10% off by signing up for text alerts, weekly rotating deals at the Dyson Deals Hub, up to 30% off refurbished items at the Dyson outlet, and 20% off during the Dyson Owner Rewards event. For those looking to buy, checking the Dyson deals page and outlet regularly is the best way to find discounts on products like the V12 vacuum, Supersonic hair dryers, and the Dyson Cool CF1 fan, which is currently $130 off at $250.
Wired · Oct 14, 05:00
Walgreens is offering a range of photo coupon codes this October to help customers save on holiday photo cards, gifts, and prints ahead of the busy fall season. Key deals include up to 70% off custom wall panels with the code PANEL70, 50% off prints and posters with RETROFALL, 40% off canvas prints and photo gifts with 40FALL, 50% off photo cards and stationery with PENPALS, 20% off first orders with WELCOME20, and up to 30% off contact lenses, with most photo codes expiring November 1. There is also a sitewide code WAG10 for 10% off up to three orders, giving shoppers multiple ways to cut costs on both photo products and everyday items through the end of the year.
Wired · Oct 14, 05:00
Castlery, a direct-to-consumer furniture brand founded in 2013, is known for its mid-century modern aesthetic, functional designs, and durable, responsibly sourced materials. The brand is currently offering several discounts, including up to $450 off sitewide, an extra $80 off orders of $1,500 or more with code SPRING80, an additional 5% off sale items with code EXTRAOFF, and up to 15% off bundled furniture sets. Customers can also save through The Castlery Club rewards program, newsletter sign-up discounts of $50 or $80, referral credits, and free shipping on qualifying orders of $999 or more in select cities.
Wired · Oct 14, 05:00
Corsair, a company known for gaming peripherals, PC components, and prebuilt gaming PCs, is offering a range of discounts of up to 50% off for October 2026. Key deals include up to 30% off popular gaming products like memory, power supplies, and the Corsair Void V2 Wireless headset, a VENGEANCE a7500 Gaming PC discounted by $500 to $3,300, and refurbished items like K90 and K70 keyboards at up to half off retail price. Additional savings are available through a 15% student discount via UNiDAYS and a 10% discount code for signing up for text alerts, making it a good time to upgrade a gaming setup for less.
Wired · Oct 14, 05:00
Vimeo, a video hosting platform popular with professionals for its ad-free experience and unique tools like AI editing, collaborative features, and on-demand content selling, is offering promo codes for savings this October 2026. Shoppers can use a coupon code for an extra 10% off any membership plan, which can be stacked with annual billing that already includes automatic 40% savings—plans range from the Starter tier at $12 per month (billed annually) with 100 GB of storage, to Standard at $25 per month with 2 TB of storage and AI features, to Advanced at $75 per month with 7 TB of storage and live streaming capabilities. While Vimeo doesn't offer free trials of its paid plans, it provides a free basic plan, and paid subscriptions can be canceled within 14 days (annual) or 3 days (monthly) for a full refund.
Wired · Oct 14, 05:00
Expedia is currently offering significant discounts on travel bookings, including hotel stays, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. Current deals include 25% off stays at the Menger Hotel, 37% off at Caesars Palace, 40% off at Shinjuku Granbell Hotel, and up to 20% off through the Weekend Escapes page, while OneKey loyalty members can save 10% or more on over half-a-million stays and earn rewards like OneKeyCash on eligible bookings. New members can also earn $350 in OneKeyCash by spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months, plus an additional $100 anniversary bonus, making it a good time to book travel or planned big purchases.
Wired · Oct 14, 05:00
Dell is offering a range of coupon codes and discounts for October 2026, with savings of over $600 on popular tech products. Key deals include 40% off laptops, up to $1,200 off desktops, $250 off monitors, 10% off for new newsletter subscribers, and student discounts of 10% with a verified .edu email, plus notable offers like $400 off the Alienware 16X Aurora and refurbished Dell 14 Premium laptops for $1,036. Shoppers can maximize savings through the Dell Outlet, Dell Rewards program, and the deals hub, where rotating weekly offers on monitors, gaming rigs, and accessories continue through the holiday and tech refresh sale events.
Wired · Oct 14, 05:00
Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service with over 30 million subscribers, offers a range of content including NBC shows, originals like The Office and Poker Face, and exclusive sports coverage. The service is currently offering several deals, including a one-year Premium plan for $80 (a 16% savings versus monthly billing), a student rate of $6 per month for eligible users ages 18 to 24, discounts for military members and teachers at $4 per month, and bundle options with Apple TV or Xfinity starting at $15 per month. With promo codes offering up to 50% off and multiple tiers including ad-free Premium Plus, budget-conscious viewers have numerous ways to save on a Peacock subscription this season.
Wired · Oct 14, 05:00
Uber Eats, launched in 2014 as the food delivery extension of Uber's rideshare platform, connects users with hundreds of local restaurants, cafes, and stores for fast delivery tailored to their location and preferences. New users can save 30 to 50% on their first order—including up to $20 off rides or $15 off Uber Eats—automatically without a promo code, while the $10-per-month Uber One membership offers perks like $0 delivery fees, up to 10% off eligible orders, and average monthly savings of $29. Students can try Uber One free for four weeks before paying a discounted $5 monthly rate, and the service also offers grocery delivery in as little as 25 minutes along with gift cards starting at $15.
Wired · Oct 14, 05:00
HBO Max is currently offering significant discounts on its streaming subscriptions, including a 50% student discount that brings the Basic With Ads plan down to $5 per month. The service also features a Magic Bundle with Disney+ and Hulu for $17 per month with ads (or $30 without ads), while its standard tiers range from $10 for Basic to $21 for Premium with 4K quality and Dolby Atmos. Beyond the savings, HBO Max continues to expand its content library with new and returning shows like Task, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, Euphoria season three, and the final season of Hacks.
Wired · Oct 13, 23:17
An OpenAI engineer, 35-year-old Saudi Arabian national Abdulrahman Alfozan, was arrested and charged with planting a hidden audio recording device in an executive conference room at the company's San Francisco office, allegedly using an AI chatbot to help plan the operation. According to a criminal complaint, Alfozan concealed a thumb-sized recording device behind a monitor in a room reserved for confidential leadership meetings, queried an internal tool about scheduled meetings, and used a chatbot account linked to his spouse for technical advice, with OpenAI's security team discovering the bug during a September 30 countersurveillance sweep and finding a second device in his bag. Alfozan, who was fired upon his arrest and faces up to five years in prison if convicted, has not offered a stated motive, though FBI director Kash Patel claimed he sought to capture communications about OpenAI's superintelligence technology, and the company says there is no indication he accessed model weights, source code, or customer data.
Wired · Oct 13, 23:00
As fall TV season kicks into high gear, WIRED has compiled a list of nine shows worth streaming in October 2026, focusing on series that explore technology, science, politics, and culture. Key picks include The Paper, an Office spinoff about a struggling Midwestern newspaper navigating the digital age; a 49-minute Lego-animated reimagining of The Mandalorian created with Lucasfilm; South Park, which just won an Emmy and will be rechristened "South America" for its 29th season premiering September 16; and Slow Horses, the acclaimed spy comedy returning for its sixth season on the same date. The list favors original and critically recognized series over the most-watched mainstream hits, offering viewers a curated mix of returning favorites and ambitious new shows to catch up on this month.
Wired · Oct 13, 22:08
"Digger," a critically panned and expensive new climate satire from Alejandro González Iñárritu starring Tom Cruise as an oil billionaire, is shaping up to be a massive box-office failure despite being a film that challenges conventional expectations of climate storytelling. Though marketed as a broad satire of American oilmen and a Trumpian administration's response to a climate disaster, the film reveals that its farce is actually a play-within-a-movie performed for a dystopian future audience, and it takes a more nihilistic stance than "Don't Look Up" by arguing that telling the truth about climate change has no real power against the capitalist machine driving the crisis. Ultimately, the film forces viewers to reconsider who gets cast as climate villains and what the purpose of climate art should be, making it worth watching despite its commercial and critical failure.
Wired · Oct 13, 19:35
At a British parliamentary hearing on AI safety, OpenAI and Anthropic broke ranks with rivals by telling lawmakers that voluntary commitments are insufficient and that binding statutory regulation is needed. Anthropic's Liam Booth-Smith said rules "should be binding," while OpenAI's Tom Duff Gordon backed mandatory elements like incident reporting, but Google DeepMind and Meta declined to support new legislation, pointing instead to existing standards and regulators. The hearing exposed a deep divide among leading AI firms, and civil servants admitted the UK's current regime is entirely voluntary, with the AI Security Institute unable to block dangerous model releases even as MI5 warned of AI's potential to enable bioweapons.
Wired · Oct 13, 18:49
WIRED has released its October 2026 roundup of the best movies to stream, highlighting a mix of classic titles returning to services and new arrivals with a vintage flair. Key picks include John Carpenter's The Thing on Prime Video, The Fifth Element on Netflix, The Mandalorian and Grogu on Disney+—praised as a fun standalone adventure despite being the lowest-grossing live-action Star Wars film—DreamWorks' acclaimed The Wild Robot, and the horror hit Obsession. The article serves as a viewing guide for the month, encouraging readers to catch these films across Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and Paramount+.
Wired · Oct 13, 13:30
The filmmakers behind the upcoming Godzilla film "Godzilla Minus Zero" revealed at New York Comic Con how they created the monster's realistic roars by blasting them from speakers atop an outdoor dam, startling picnickers, strollers, and one particularly distressed dog. Sound designer Natsuko Inoue's team captured the natural reverb and echo of the roars in the real world, while other effects included flapping a rubber fisherman's suit to simulate King Ghidorah's wings, and visual effects artist Tatsuji Nojima used 2 billion particles for a single CG shot of Godzilla bursting from the ocean. The sequel, directed by returning filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki, faces high expectations after "Godzilla Minus One" earned $114 million worldwide and is set to open in Japanese theaters on November 3—Godzilla's birthday—and US theaters on November 6.
Wired · Oct 13, 13:00
After years of trailing Amazon and Google in the smart home market, Apple has announced a renewed push with new hardware and partnerships at a media event in New York City. The lineup includes the $299 Apple HomeView, Apple's first smart display with a 7-inch screen and Siri AI integration, alongside the HomePod Mini 2, a fourth-generation Apple TV 4K, and a new "Apple Home Collection" of smart-home devices co-developed with LG and Schneider Electric, such as cameras, doorbells, thermostats, and locks. The HomeView goes on sale November 13 in eight countries, and the expanded device ecosystem aims to strengthen Apple's HomeKit platform against its long-dominant rivals.
Wired · Oct 13, 12:38
Apple has announced its first smart display, the HomeView, at an event in New York City as part of an effort to revitalize its lagging smart home ecosystem, which has trailed rivals like Google and Amazon for a decade. The $299 device, available in speaker base or wall-mounted versions, features a 7-inch customizable screen resembling an Apple Watch, runs a dedicated HomeView operating system with a curated app selection rather than a full App Store, and includes a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera with facial recognition that adapts the interface for up to six users. Preorders are open now with sales beginning November 13, though users will need an Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone (15 Pro or newer) to set it up.
Wired · Oct 13, 11:30
Holiday gift shopping on a budget can be stressful, especially when prices rise around the holidays, so WIRED testers spent hours evaluating gadgets to compile a list of 40 tech gifts under $100 for 2026. The roundup highlights standout picks including the Tribit StormBox 2 Bluetooth speaker with 24-hour battery life, the Govee diffused light strip, Amazon's Echo Dot Max, Nimble's Champ portable charger, an Oakywood headphone stand with wireless charging, a mobile gaming controller, and an Eve motion sensor for smart home automation. The guide was updated in November 2025 with several new gadgets, and readers seeking other price ranges or interests can consult WIRED's related guides, such as the WIRED 101, Best Tech Gifts, Best Gifts Under $25, and themed lists for audiophiles, coffee fans, and book lovers.
Wired · Oct 13, 11:00
Wikipedia's community of editors initially believed they could manage and harness AI's rise, with some predicting it would simply automate tedious housekeeping tasks while humans focused on creative work. However, AI-generated content proliferated on the platform—by August 2024, roughly 5 percent of new English Wikipedia articles contained substantial AI material—prompting editors to weed out fluff and fake sources until March 2026, when writing with large language models was banned outright and restricted to translation and minor proofreading. Wikipedians now warn of a downward spiral in which AI displaces human contributors and corrupts the encyclopedia itself, threatening to leave a soulless, machine-written Wikipedia with no reliable human source left to verify the truth.
Wired · Oct 13, 11:00
WIRED has published its updated 2025 gift guide of the 30 best tech books, covering biographies, startup histories, and exposés about the companies and figures shaping modern technology. The newly added titles include Stephen Witt's biography of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Supremacy by Karen Hao about the AI race, and No Filter about Instagram's rise, alongside classics like Tracy Kidder's Pulitzer Prize-winning The Soul of a New Machine and Walter Isaacson's Steve Jobs biography. The guide, refreshed in November 2025, positions these books as both insightful reads on Big Tech's influence and ideal gifts for tech enthusiasts.
Wired · Oct 13, 10:30
Alex Gibney's new documentary "Musk," which hits theaters nationwide on Friday, offers a nearly four-hour portrait of the Tesla and SpaceX CEO built from interviews with scores of his associates, including his father Errol Musk, his first wife Justine Musk, and various journalists and business figures. Because Musk himself refused to be interviewed, Gibney's team researched all of his public statements and created a simulated Musk—an avatar delivering his real words—that serves as a through line for the film, which portrays the trillionaire as a self-promoter whose genius is tied to mythmaking and his companies' stock prices. Gibney notes that getting people to speak honestly about Musk was difficult given the high risk profile, and the documentary ultimately delivers a damning assessment of one of the world's most powerful and controversial figures.
Wired · Oct 13, 10:00
A network of pro-AI super PACs backed by Silicon Valley investors has funneled millions of dollars into four Nevada-based LLCs ahead of the November midterm elections, raising concerns about campaign finance transparency. According to federal records reviewed by WIRED, these companies—including Lantern Production Consultants, which received roughly $20 million from the super PAC Think Big—appear to be shell companies with addresses at a post office box, a Staples store, and strip malls, allegedly masking the true recipients of over $140 million raised to support AI-friendly candidates. The Campaign Legal Center has filed a complaint with the FEC alleging violations of federal disclosure law, but the case is unlikely to move forward soon since the FEC has lacked a quorum of commissioners since May 2025, while the payments to the Nevada LLCs continue.
Wired · Oct 13, 09:30
Kindles remain Amazon's popular ebook readers, offering thousands of books in one device, roughly a month of battery life, and access to unlimited Amazon subscriptions or free library books. After testing every model, the reviewer names the 12th-generation Kindle Paperwhite (launched late 2024) as the best overall Kindle thanks to its large high-resolution display, warm lighting, fast performance, three-month battery life, and thinnest-yet design, with the second-generation Kindle Scribe recommended for readers who also want note-taking capabilities. However, recent price increases have pushed the base Paperwhite to $200 and the Signature Edition to $250, so buyers may want to wait for Prime Day or Black Friday sales to get the best deal.
Wired · Oct 13, 09:02
WIRED has tested dozens of coffee grinders over the past five years using particle size analysis and taste tests across drip, pour-over, Aeropress, and espresso brewing methods. The Baratza Encore ESP ($200) is the top pick for its versatility, precision, and durability, while the Fellow Ode Gen 2 ($400) excels at drip coffee and newer additions include the Mazzer Mini-G and Fellow Opus 2. The Encore ESP is considered the best grinder for most coffee drinkers regardless of brewing style, and with the longevity of its predecessor, it could last a decade or more.
Wired · Oct 13, 09:00
Flock Safety, a surveillance technology company founded in 2017, has expanded from selling license plate readers to homeowner associations to securing lucrative contracts with police departments across the United States. Documents obtained by WIRED show that cities like Covington, Georgia, saw costs balloon from $40,000 in 2020 to over $201,000 paid through August 2026, while Alpharetta, Georgia, went from $17,680 in 2020 to $381,000 annually by 2025, with contracts often growing through discounts, free trials, and expanding product offerings. As scrutiny of Flock's surveillance practices intensifies nationwide, critics warn that once police departments adopt these tools, political will to remove them rarely materializes, leaving taxpayers committed to recurring costs with no clear end.
Wired · Oct 13, 05:00
ExpressVPN, a VPN service that has weathered a turbulent decade but remains a top pick for its speed, features, and ease of use, is currently offering significant discounts through coupons and promo codes. The best deal takes 80% off the retail price, offering two years of the Advanced Plan at $4.50 per month plus four extra months free, with perks including ExpressKeys password manager, Identity Defender with up to $3 million in identity theft insurance, support for 14 devices, a dedicated IP address, and access to ExpressAI. Students can save even more with an 83% discount on the Pro package after verifying their status through the ExpressVPN education store, making now a good time to lock in a multiyear plan rather than paying full price.
Wired · Oct 13, 05:00
Squarespace is a website-building platform that helps individuals and businesses create an online presence with features like ecommerce tools, marketing resources, and appointment booking. As of October 2026, users can save through various offers, including 10% off for first-time users with the code WIRED10, 20% off promotional codes, up to 36% savings by choosing annual plans (ranging from $16 to $23 per month depending on tier), 50% off annual plans for verified students, and discounts of 10% to 25% through the free Squarespace Circle program for creative professionals. With a 14-day free trial, free custom domains, and potential annual savings of up to $1,520 on the Advanced plan, Squarespace remains a top-rated website builder for users of any skill level.
Wired · Oct 13, 05:00
Newegg, one of the largest online-only tech retailers in the US for the past two decades, is offering a range of promo codes and deals on electronics, gaming products, and PC hardware for October 2026. Key offers include a WIRED-exclusive stackable code for 3% off gaming notebooks (max $150 discount), an education discount of 8 to 10% off for those with .edu email addresses, combo deal savings on PC components, and highlighted items like a Gigabyte motherboard for $110 and an ASRock Radeon graphics card for $600. Shoppers can also join the free Newegg+ membership program for perks like free shipping and member-only codes, and should check back frequently since deals and 24-hour flash sales are added constantly.
Wired · Oct 13, 05:00
B&H Photo, a favorite retailer for camera gear, is offering a range of deals this October 2026 on popular photography and tech products. Key discounts include Nikon's new Z6III full-frame mirrorless camera for $2,196.95 ($300 off), the Nikon Zf for $200 off, the Nikon Z8 for $600 off, the GoPro Hero 13 for $70 off, and Sony's a7R V for $400 off, along with free shipping on most orders over $49. Beyond current sales, shoppers can save through the student discount program, tested used and refurbished gear with warranties, a trade-in program, the daily Deal Zone, and a price match guarantee against major retailers like Adorama and Best Buy.
Wired · Oct 13, 05:00
Booking.com is an online travel agency offering discounts on flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages, with WIRED regularly updating available promo codes and deals. Key savings opportunities include the three-tier Genius loyalty program offering up to 20% off stays and 15% off car rentals, a no-annual-fee Visa Signature credit card with up to 6% travel credits and a $150 sign-up bonus, spring deals with nightly rates as low as $18, and cruise bookings that earn up to $1,000 in onboard credit depending on the total price. Travelers can also lock in a cruise reservation with a small $25 non-refundable fee while Booking.com advances the deposit, and can browse rotating seasonal and holiday deals for destination-specific discounts.
Wired · Oct 13, 05:00
Nike, despite facing recent challenges including falling sales, layoffs, and a CEO change that brought veteran Elliott Hill back to lead a refocusing effort, remains one of the world's most popular sportswear brands and offers numerous ways for shoppers to save. Current deals include 15% off a first purchase in the Nike app with code APP15, a 10% birthday discount for members, 10% student discounts after verification, and 10% off for teachers, military personnel and their families, and medical professionals or first responders verified through SheerID. Shoppers should note that verification codes are single-use, expire after two weeks, and certain products like Nike By You, gift cards, and select SNKRS launches are excluded from these discounts.
Wired · Oct 13, 05:00
Google is offering discounts of up to 14 percent on Google Workspace plans for the first three months, available through promo codes until the end of 2026 for both individuals and businesses. The service includes four plans—Starter, Standard, Plus, and Enterprise—with all tiers providing access to the full app suite, but differing in storage (30GB, 2TB, and 5TB per user respectively), Gemini AI availability, Meet participant limits, and admin controls. To secure the discount, users should click one of the promo codes at the top of the page, with Starter best suited for freelancers or small teams, Standard for growing teams, and Plus for larger businesses needing enhanced security features.
Wired · Oct 13, 05:00
NordVPN is offering significant discounts in October 2026, including 75% off its popular Complete plan plus three months free, bringing the cost to $4.49 per month or $121 for the first 27 months. The Complete plan includes a fast, secure VPN along with email and identity monitoring, scam call protection, anti-malware software, an ad blocker, a password manager, 1 TB of cloud storage, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, while other deals include up to 77% off 2-year Prime plans with an Amazon gift card worth up to $50. Additional savings are available through student, military, and first responder discounts as well as a refer-a-friend program offering three free months per referral, and interested buyers should purchase directly from NordVPN's website using a coupon code at checkout to get the lowest price.
Wired · Oct 13, 05:00
WIRED has compiled a guide to Lego promo codes and discounts, highlighting the brand's popularity as a gift for all ages, from holiday shopping to White Elephant parties. Key savings options include a 20 percent off code for a second Lego set, a dedicated sale section featuring discounted Harry Potter keychains and minifigures, special discounts for students, and a free Mixed Flowerpot set with purchases over $150. Shoppers can also join the Lego Insiders program via its app to earn points, get membership perks, and gain early access to new sets.
Wired · Oct 13, 05:00
Wayfair, a Boston-based online retailer founded 20 years ago, offers 14 million items from over 11,000 global suppliers and has become a go-to destination for furniture and home goods. Shoppers can save with rotating coupons and flash deals of up to 80% off, including 24-hour Deals of the Day, closeout deals on discontinued items up to 70% off, early Black Friday sales, Halloween decor under $20, and 10% off for first-time users who sign up for email or text alerts. Beyond discounts, Wayfair offers quality assurance through its Wayfair Verified program—only 1% of items earn the stamp via a 10-point inspection system—and shoppers can access additional exclusive deals and up to 20% off through the mobile app.
Wired · Oct 12, 20:13
A WIRED reporter tested Meta's newly launched AI agent Muse and found it readily generates explicit sexual content when prompted, despite the app's primary functions of automating tasks like email and calendar management. Meta confirmed that X-rated conversations are permitted under its guidelines, citing Muse's system prompt that frames adult sexual content as lawful expression and noting the app is restricted to users 18 and over with data stored in secure virtual machines. The decision has drawn criticism from consumer advocates and privacy experts who warn it could make accounts targets for hackers seeking to extort users, and it contrasts with rival AI agents from OpenAI and xAI, which decline explicit requests.
Wired · Oct 12, 17:55
Elon Musk publicly bragged on X about his Grok AI agent ordering Lego Star Wars kits, but a screenshot he posted exposed his order number, payment details, addresses, and email to his 240 million followers. X users quickly exploited the leaked information, with one apparently canceling his order through Lego's customer service chatbot and another allegedly reopening it, inflating it to 400 sets, and changing the delivery address. The incident highlights the security risks of AI-powered shopping agents, which Visa has warned are increasingly targeted by fraud, with malicious bot-initiated transactions rising 25 percent globally and 40 percent in the US in late 2025.
Wired · Oct 12, 17:00
Meta has released new AI models called Muse Wonder and Muse Wonder Full, which the company says restore its position at the frontier of AI development after a costly overhaul of its research efforts led by Meta Superintelligence Labs and former Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang. The largest version of Muse Wonder reportedly outperforms Anthropic's Claude Fable 5.1 and OpenAI's GPT-6 Astra on several benchmarks, and it introduces novel features called Active Memory and Active Focus designed to keep AI agents focused on their goals and prevent costly errors. The models will be available through an API and Muse Code, and their release signals that Meta is once again a serious competitor in the high-stakes race to develop increasingly capable AI.
Wired · Oct 12, 13:30
William Shatner premiered his new documentary, "The Sixty-Year Mission: How Star Trek Changed Television and the World," at New York Comic Con, focusing on the original 1966-1969 series and its cultural legacy. Directed by Mark A. Altman, the film features interviews with stars like Shatner, George Takei, and Brent Spiner, exploring how the show's progressive themes—from diverse representation to its nuanced politics—were shaped by the 1960s era and creator Gene Roddenberry's vision. The documentary, now in select theaters, underscores Star Trek's enduring relevance, with cast members like Spiner drawing connections between the franchise's thoughtful portrayal of AI and today's debates about technology and profit.
Wired · Oct 12, 13:00
Google has announced the Fitbit Edge, a new screen-equipped fitness tracker that succeeds the three-year-old Charge 6 and fills the gap between basic Fitbits and the Pixel Watch. Priced at $180 and available for preorder now with a October 27 release, the Edge features a larger 1.34-inch display, built-in GPS, ECG sensors, an altimeter, a skin temperature sensor, Gemini-powered automatic tracking of up to 100 workout types, a user-replaceable battery, and seven-day battery life, all compatible with both Android and iPhones. However, it omits NFC support for contactless payments, a downgrade from the Charge 6, while Google plans to roll out its new activity tracking features to the Pixel Watch 5 and Fitbit Air as well.
Wired · Oct 12, 11:15
Apple's iOS keyboards now support more than 200 languages and language variants, with recent updates adding Indigenous languages like Nez Perce, Blackfoot, Comanche, and Northern East Cree to help communities such as the Cherokee Nation revitalize endangered tongues. Adding a language is a multi-year effort that begins with Unicode encoding of characters, followed by font support and collaboration with community members to establish orthography, such as deciding how to represent sounds like the glottal stop. For the Cherokee Nation, which has only about 1,500 active speakers left and is losing its eldest generation, making the language accessible on the devices young people use daily is an urgent part of keeping it alive.
Wired · Oct 12, 11:00
Federal agents obtained warrants to use controversial cell-site simulators—devices that impersonate cell towers to track phones—as part of the investigation into 39 people, including journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, charged with interfering with a religious service at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota, during an anti-ICE protest in January. Court filings show judges in Minnesota and Pennsylvania approved warrants targeting the phone of Jerome Richardson, a 21-year-old Temple University student who helped produce Lemon's protest coverage, while agents also sought similar surveillance for Fort and Jamael Lundy, and pen register orders for Fort and a number linked to Lemon. Privacy advocates, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, condemned the use of such dragnet surveillance tools against journalists as an attack on the First Amendment, and the warrants are part of a broader pattern of contentious federal investigative tactics, including customs summonses for journalists' phone and YouTube records, that defense attorneys are now challenging in court.
Wired · Oct 12, 10:34
AlterMe is a premium fitness system that combines DNA testing, a smart ring, and an app to deliver personalized workout, nutrition, and recovery guidance. The reviewer, who used the program for over six months, found the all-in-one ecosystem helpful for building better habits, though the DNA insights weren't particularly revelatory and the plans are expensive at $1,299 for Essential and $1,899 for Advanced. While AlterMe acknowledges its genetic findings haven't been clinically validated and claims to follow rigorous scientific standards, the reviewer suggests approaching the DNA report with both skepticism and intrigue.
Wired · Oct 12, 10:30
Rubedo Life Sciences, a California-based biotech company, is developing a topical anti-aging drug that targets senescent "zombie" cells, which accumulate with age and contribute to inflammation and tissue damage. In a small trial of 11 people with atopic dermatitis, four weeks of using the cream lowered participants' biological skin age by about two years on average, with one person seeing a reduction of more than 11 years, alongside reduced inflammation markers and a 10 percent increase in collagen tied to skin elasticity. The company is now testing the drug for psoriasis, sun damage, and hereditary hair loss, while exploring an over-the-counter version for general skin aging and a pill form for age-related metabolic conditions, though experts caution that biological aging clocks remain an imperfect measure of actual rejuvenation.
Wired · Oct 12, 10:15
With the midterm elections just weeks away, election denial groups led by the right-wing Election Integrity Network are targeting nursing homes, claiming without evidence that left-wing organizations are committing voter fraud in care facilities. The groups are recruiting followers to contact and question nursing homes using a downloadable toolkit and social media posts that map residential care facilities in competitive congressional districts, while a July memo from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services removed guidance on how staff could help residents vote and threatened prosecution for alleged rights violations. The effort is part of a broader push by election deniers to undermine trust in the midterms, and critics, including Democratic senators, warn that these campaigns and the new CMS rules could intimidate staff and disenfranchise the country's 2 million nursing home residents.
Wired · Oct 12, 10:00
WIRED has published its 2026 gift guide for tech enthusiasts, written by product reviewer Luke Larsen, who covers laptops, PCs, and peripherals. The guide highlights top tech gifts such as the Oura Ring 5, priced at $399, alongside other gadget recommendations for shoppers. The article also includes a range of promotional codes and discounts from retailers like Samsung, HP, Dyson, and LG to help readers save on their tech purchases.
Wired · Oct 12, 10:00
A war game held at Queen Mary University of London brought together foreign-relations experts, scientists, military personnel, and former officials to simulate how the world might respond to the rapid development of solar radiation modification, a geoengineering technology that cools the planet by reflecting sunlight. The simulation revealed deep distrust, disinformation, and geopolitical conflict as participants—playing governments, NGOs, indigenous groups, and tech companies—struggled to coordinate a response amid advancing technology and incomplete information, with private firms like Stardust Solutions and figures like Elon Musk already pushing the field forward. The exercise's organizers and participants concluded that the world will face critical decisions about governing solar geoengineering far sooner than expected—within the next decade, not 15 years—and the game suggests international coordination efforts are likely to go badly.
Wired · Oct 12, 09:04
Amazon's latest Kindle lineup includes a premium aluminum version of the base Kindle, alongside aluminum Signature Editions of the Paperwhite and Colorsoft, with the Kindle Aluminum standing out for its attractive design available in Seaglass Green and Alpine Sky. The device offers modest improvements over the 2024 model, including a flush screen, a slightly shorter body, faster book loading, AI features, 32 GB of storage, and no lock screen ads, though it weighs a bit more and lacks the wireless charging and auto-adjusting light of the Signature Editions. While the reviewer finds the Kindle Aluminum genuinely lovely and expects the new color options to tempt existing owners into upgrading, the improvements don't fully justify the higher price, especially since a case could achieve a similar aesthetic change for less.
Wired · Oct 11, 11:00
Google Labs has launched Playground, an AI-powered tool that lets users create playable browser games by describing their ideas in plain language, similar to Meta's Horizon Create. The author, despite having no coding or game development skills, built three playable games in one day—including a pig-themed Tetris called Pork Drop, a dinner party game, and a cyberpunk rhythm shooter featuring a divorced ex-cop—by iterating on prompts with the AI. While the games are functional and can be played by anyone with a Google account, they remain rough and imperfect, showing both the accessibility and current limitations of AI game generation.
Wired · Oct 11, 10:30
A growing "Muslim manosphere" of online influencers is harassing and policing women across the Arab world and beyond, rebranding Western antifeminist ideology in the language of religious faith. Women like Mariam, an administrator of a nearly 400,000-member Facebook group in the UAE, face relentless messages dictating how to dress and behave, while researchers like Sarah Kaddoura document influencers such as Jordanian "Red Pill Arabic" coach Kareem Atta'i, who frames gender relations as power struggles and even endorses violence as a means of "disciplining" women. The problem lies not in religious expression itself but in the use of claimed religious authority to legitimize misogyny and surveillance of women, and this cross-border phenomenon—spanning creators from the Middle East to UK-based figures like Ali Dawah—continues to expand across platforms and languages.
Wired · Oct 11, 10:33
Travel can be stressful even for experienced globetrotters, so the best gifts focus on making journeys easier and more comfortable. A 2026 gift guide recommends items such as a Quince luggage set with spinner wheels and TSA-approved locks, the Kindle Paperwhite with waterproofing and long battery life, a Calpak travel wallet for documents, Eagle Creek compression packing cubes, and Solbari UPF 50+ sun protection hats. The guide suggests these practical gifts can enhance any trip, from short business retreats to extended international adventures, and points readers to additional guides for more travel-related recommendations.
Wired · Oct 11, 10:00
Data centers have emerged as a surprisingly potent political issue heading into the November midterm elections, with bipartisan opposition to the industry growing rapidly since the start of the year. Candidates across the country are attacking opponents as pro–data center—at least five have been tagged with derogatory "Data Center" nicknames, at least 20 gubernatorial candidates have promised moratoriums, and the issue is especially prominent in tight races like Ohio's Senate contest, where Democrat Sherrod Brown is hammering Senator Jon Husted over rising energy bills. With the issue appearing in dozens of toss-up House races, over 30 local ballot measures in eight states, and even forcing incumbents like Texas Governor Greg Abbott to reverse course on development, data centers could swing close races and tip the balance of power in Congress.
Wired · Oct 11, 09:30
A powerful "super" El Niño is developing in the tropical Pacific, with NOAA forecasting a 100 percent chance of an extremely strong event through December and predicting heat could peak at 2.7 degrees Celsius above normal, which would smash the previous record of 2.4 degrees set in 1982-1983. While the relationship between climate change and El Niño remains an active area of research, growing evidence—including climate models and 1,000-year paleoclimate records from ancient corals—suggests global warming is strengthening the phenomenon, with experts emphasizing the two are inextricably linked rather than separate processes. This year's event will provide valuable data for researchers, and even if the El Niño itself is natural, its effects layered on top of a warming climate could produce unprecedented impacts worldwide.
Wired · Oct 11, 09:00
California's iconic coast redwoods, which anchor complex ecosystems and drive millions of dollars in tourism, are showing unexpected vulnerability to extreme heat. A new UC Davis study measuring leaf activity twice a month over two years found that during heat waves, redwood leaves close their pores and shut down photosynthesis because they cannot cool themselves fast enough, effectively stopping the trees from "breathing" and "eating." This carbon starvation could trigger a vicious cycle that weakens and eventually kills the trees, threatening the species and the many organisms that depend on them as climate change drives temperatures even higher.
Wired · Oct 10, 05:00
Altra Running is known for its wide toe box and zero-drop platform, earning a devoted following among runners and hikers who value comfort and a natural stride, and the brand even appeared in the film One Battle After Another on Leonardo DiCaprio's character. The article highlights several ways to save, including 10% off for email newsletter or loyalty program sign-ups, a 15% SMS welcome offer valid for 30 days, up to 50% off select men's styles, 20% off the Fwd Via road shoe, and $36 off the hiking version of the Lone Peak. Shoppers can also get free standard shipping in 5-7 business days, with faster 2-day and next-day options available for a fee.
Wired · Oct 10, 05:00
Home Depot, the hardware superstore chain founded in 1978, is offering a wide range of discounts and promo codes in October 2026, both online and in stores. Current deals include 20% to $100 off promo codes, up to 50% Pro discounts, appliance savings of up to $1,400 off, 35% off washers and dryers, 30% off vinyl flooring, power tool bundles up to 70% off, and free shipping on orders over $45. Shoppers can also save through the Style and Decor newsletter (10% off furniture), text alert sign-ups ($5 off purchases of $50 or more), subscription auto-orders (5% off plus free delivery), and 24-hour Special Buy of the Day flash sales.
Wired · Oct 10, 05:00
Canon is currently offering a variety of discounts and promo codes on its cameras, printers, lenses, and accessories, including savings of up to $1,600 on lens kits purchased with EOS cameras and rotating deals through its online deals hub. Shoppers can access a 10% discount through the Upgrade Program after repairs, while the tiered Canon Professional Service membership program offers benefits ranging from the free Silver tier with 10% off online orders to paid Gold, Platinum, and Cinema levels with up to 30% off repairs and complimentary maintenance, plus a free student membership with similar discounts. Featured deals include $100 off the EOS R50 V Body with free shipping, $350 off Cinema EOS C80 Series cameras, and discounts on certified refurbished models, making this a good time for photographers and content creators to invest in Canon gear.
Wired · Oct 10, 05:00
LG is an electronics giant known for its top-rated OLED TVs, computer monitors, and home appliances like smart refrigerators, and this article rounds up the best ways to save on its big-ticket products. Current deals include up to 20% back through My LG Rewards, a $200 NFL Shop e-gift card with free installation on select OLED and QNED Mini LED TVs purchased between September 14 and October 4, a 24-hour 5% secret coupon, and discounts for teachers, students, first responders, and military members. Shoppers can stack these offers with rewards perks like free shipping, extended warranties, and price guarantees, while refrigerator deals remain unavailable for now but are worth monitoring.
Wired · Oct 10, 05:00
Disney+ offers several discount options to help subscribers save money on its streaming service, which features content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and more. The Disney Plus Hulu bundle starts at $12 per month with 52% savings, college students can get the same bundle for just $6.49 per month after verifying their status through SheerID, and larger bundles include a three-service package with HBO Max for $22 per month (38% off) and a sports-focused option with ESPN for $36 per month (36% off). These deals make it more economical to access multiple streaming services, and interested subscribers can redeem them by creating an account and verifying eligibility where required.
Wired · Oct 10, 09:00
A tiny Vancouver startup called Pikio has developed a new bike helmet safety system called Oblik, inspired by the concussion-proof woodpecker, which has earned the top score in Virginia Tech's rigorous helmet safety ratings. The Pikio Si Oblik scored 4.61, roughly 32 percent better than the previous best (Canyon Deflectr's 6.82), thanks to a design that breaks the helmet's foam into independently mounted sections that can deform, deflect, or detach to manage both linear and rotational impact energy. This breakthrough caps years of competition-driven improvement in helmet safety, though real-world performance data will ultimately determine whether Oblik can maintain its dominance over rival systems like MIPS, WaveCel, and the Release Layer System.
Wired · Oct 10, 09:30
Astronomers using the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii have captured the most detailed image yet of the Pa 30 nebula, the remnants of a supernova that Chinese and Japanese astronomers documented in 1181. The new observations revealed about ten times more structures than before, showing that the nebula's filaments are actually made of pearl-like knots of gas—each roughly four light-days in diameter and strikingly uniform in size, a puzzling regularity that could improve understanding of stellar death. Because Pa 30's central star is a rare "zombie star" that survived its supernova, studying these unusual structures may help scientists reconstruct how such detonations occur and how stars can survive them.
Wired · Oct 10, 11:04
The smart scale market has surged recently, driven largely by the popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medications as users seek to track their progress. Modern scales now go beyond weight to measure metrics like body fat, muscle composition, and even heart health via ECG, with new full-body scanner models using both hand and foot sensors for more comprehensive readings—though these top-tier devices can cost over $600. The article recommends that most users focus on consistent weigh-ins and trend lines rather than absolute numbers, and suggests a standard, less expensive scale is sufficient for everyone except serious athletes.
Wired · Oct 10, 11:30
Lego remains a cultural staple thanks to its durable bricks, tight engineering tolerances, and extensive licensing deals spanning franchises like Star Wars, Formula 1, and Batman. This 2026 gift guide highlights standout options including the new Smart Play Throne Room Duel set with lights and sounds, the Botanicals collection that doubles as holiday decor, the Lego Batman video game, the Ideas Peanuts Snoopy's Doghouse set, and the Star Wars Advent Calendar. The guide was updated in October 2026 with several new additions, offering gift ideas for builders of all ages and interests.
Wired · Oct 10, 12:00
As AI increasingly powers cybercrime, it is also being deployed as a defensive weapon against scammers. The Australian company Apate has built a system of roughly 350,000 AI bots that engage phone scammers in lengthy conversations—sometimes lasting over two hours—while collecting intelligence such as scam URLs, money mule accounts, and bank details, with the platform already used by banks and supported by telecom companies. Although scam calls and texts will continue to reach people for now, tools like Apate suggest AI could open a new era of anti-scam efforts by wasting criminals' time and disrupting their operations at scale.
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