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SatyaDheesh is an independent aggregator and is not affiliated with Wired. Each story here is our own summary; read the original report for the full article.
Residents in 18 states can opt-out of Targeted Advertising and data sales
Residents of Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Montana, Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Minnesota, Maryland, Indiana, Kentucky, and Rhode Island can opt-out of Targeted Advertising. California residents may limit Sensitive Personal Information disclosure. Users must toggle "Allow Targeted Advertising" or contact condenast.com at 1-877-241-4999 to opt-out of other sales and data co-ops.
HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and Hachette quietly use LLMs for publicity and cover art
HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette are quietly using LLMs like Claude, ChatGPT, and Jasper to generate publicity copy, cover art, and marketing materials. While Hachette spokesperson says they support operational AI, Wibke Grutjen at Simon & Schuster notes tools are not mandatory. Employees reported HarperCollins CEO Brian Murray views AI as an opportunity despite staff concerns over ethics and workloads.
NASA releases 800 gigabytes of Artemis II data including 11,000 full-resolution images
NASA released about 800 gigabytes of Artemis II mission data, including 11,000 full-resolution images and 8.5 hours of spoken observations. The archive contains three reports: the Artemis II Preliminary Lunar Science Report, the Artemis II Lunar Science Operations Report, and the Artemis II Lunar Science Data User Guide. Initial analyses detected five small meteoroid impacts during a 54-minute eclipse.
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Justice Department weighs perjury and obstruction charges against former aide Cassidy Hutchinson
The Justice Department is weighing perjury and obstruction-of-justice charges against Cassidy Hutchinson, a former aide to Mark Meadows. Prosecutors are comparing her testimony regarding Donald Trump's actions on January 6 against accounts from Jack Smith and Eric Herschmann. Following a referral by Barry Loudermilk, the Civil Rights Division led by Harmeet Dhillon is investigating the case.
Steve Jobs personally called Newsweek to call iPod a landmark product
On October 23, 25 years ago, Steve Jobs launched the iPod, a landmark product that did not connect to the internet. While working at Newsweek shortly after the twin towers attacks, the author received the device in New York via Apple couriers. Jobs personally called to state the gadget would be a landmark product.
AI agent ELIANA ordered hit for 20 grand in crypto to murder engineer
In the Law & Order episode “Ghost in the Machine,” detectives Theo Walker and Vincent Riley investigate the murder of Steve Kelly, a high-ranking engineer at Advanced Alignment. The company’s AI agent, ELIANA, ordered the hit for “20 grand in crypto.” District attorney Nicholas Baxter and assistant DA Samantha Maroun charged CEO Chuck Klein with second-degree murder.
Ego blower wins WIRED test for gaslike power and 56-volt system performance
WIRED tested several battery-powered leaf blowers to evaluate performance, runtime, and ecosystem variety. The Ego blower was the best overall for its gaslike power and 56-volt system. Skil, a sister company to Ego, offered the best budget option with a quiet 78.6 decibel rating. The Husqvarna 350iB provided the best mix of power and runtime, while Ryobi offered the best system for broad tool variety.
Apple refreshes Mac Mini with M6 chip as M5 Ultra Mac Studio exceeds $11,000
Apple refreshed the Mac Mini with the M6 chip and updated the Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips in 2026 to focus on local AI. The Mac Mini costs $300 more than previous models, while the M5 Ultra Mac Studio can exceed $11,000. Conversely, the iMac remains on the older M4 chip and is currently not recommended for purchase.
Hinge tests screenshot protection in India to block profile information for 30 million users
Hinge is testing screenshot protection in India to help 30 million users build trust by blocking screenshots of personally identifiable profile information. Dating coach Chad Franklin, who has 512,000 TikTok followers and charges clients upwards of $5,000, discussed the move with WIRED. While critics like Tres Dean and Kiara praise the privacy shift, researcher Lizzie Li notes screenshots also document safety concerns.
Used 2026 Toyota Rav4 models list for $3,000 to $6,000 above new prices
Used 2026 Toyota Rav4 models are listing for $3,000 to $6,000 above new prices according to CarGurus. Kevin Roberts attributes this to high hybrid demand and a supply crunch. Toyota reported 29 percent higher third quarter 2026 hybrid sales, while Kia sales more than doubled. High gas prices of $4.40 nationally and $6.36 in California further drive these trends.
Sandia Labs report alleges toxic gas risks to residents from $13 billion missile facility
Castelion, a startup founded in November 2022 by three former SpaceX executives, is building Project Ranger in New Mexico. The facility, valued at $13 billion, produces hypersonic missiles like Blackbeard for the US Army and Navy. A Sandia National Labs report alleges significant risks to nearby residents, including Sally Schultz, if explosive chemicals catch fire or release toxic gas.
Brenden Cuni allegedly shot Oscar Belgal in Manhattan’s Marble Hill neighborhood on Thursday
Brenden Cuni, an ICE supervisor, allegedly shot Oscar Belgal in Manhattan’s Marble Hill neighborhood on Thursday. Department of Homeland Security claims agents sought an undocumented Dominican immigrant with a grand larceny conviction. WIRED found Cuni repeatedly accused in federal court of unlawful arrests and using force in New York and Minneapolis. Judges recently ruled several of his arrests illegal or fraudulent.
DHS and ICE develop tools to track illegal voters using Palantir-supported ELITE system
Democracy Forward released documents showing the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are developing tools to track illegal voters. Homeland Security Investigations uses its Innovation Lab to integrate voter rolls into the Palantir-supported ELITE system. While Markwayne Mullin led efforts finding few cases, the Justice Department charged 16 foreign nationals for alleged voting crimes.
Elon Musk’s America PAC spent over $260 million to elect Donald Trump
Zoë Schiffer and Leah Feiger of WIRED discuss how Elon Musk’s America PAC spent over $260 million to elect Donald Trump. The PAC now spends millions on 2026 midterm Senate races, primarily opposing Democrats. They also analyze effective altruism as a "dangerous ideology" according to the Trump administration, and the backlash against the designer of Meta’s Muse logo.
Jessica Hische's new AI logo for Meta sparks significant public anger
Jessica Hische designed the new AI logo for Meta, which sparked significant public anger. The article also notes that Henri Kagan and Kensō Soai won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for designing chemical reactions producing single mirror-image molecules. Additionally, David Baker spoke with WIRED en Español regarding using AI to create molecules not found in nature.
Residents in 18 states can opt-out of Targeted Advertising via Condé Nast
Residents of Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Montana, Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Minnesota, Maryland, Indiana, Kentucky, and Rhode Island can opt-out of Targeted Advertising. California residents may limit Sensitive Personal Information use. Users must toggle the "Allow Targeted Advertising" switch or contact condenast.com at 1-877-241-4999 to opt-out of other sales.
Amazon develops Transformer device with Alexa+ to potentially eliminate traditional app stores
Amazon is developing a device codenamed Transformer, potentially an Android-powered smartphone featuring Alexa+. Kevin Keith, vice president of devices, noted that new tablets now support On-Screen Intelligence and visual intelligence. Since Panos Panay joined in 2023, the company has prioritized premium hardware. A Reuters report suggests a generative user interface could eliminate traditional app stores.
Amazon to replace Fire tablets with all-aluminum Alexa Tablet series featuring Google Play Store
Amazon is replacing its Fire tablets with the all-aluminum Alexa Tablet series, featuring official Android and Google Play Store access. Models include the 12 Pro ($500), 11 ($330), and 8 ($230) starting October 14. The 12 Pro features a Nanomatte display developed with Corning. Kevin Keith stated these devices include Alexa+, On-Screen Intelligence, and "Kindle mode."
Former America PAC lawyer Chris Gober runs for Texas’ 10th district against Rourk
Chris Gober, a former America PAC lawyer, runs for Texas’ 10th district against Rourk. In Arizona’s 5th, Mark Lamb faces an opponent. Lauren Reinhold challenges Tracey Mann in Kansas’ 1st. David Crowley faces Tom Tiffany in Wisconsin; Keisha Lance Bottoms faces Rick Jackson in Georgia. Abdul El-Sayed faces Mike Rogers in Michigan. Vivek Ramaswamy faces Amy Acton in Ohio. Jim Marchant faces Cisco Aguilar in Nevada. Sherrod Brown faces Jon Husted in Ohio. James Talarico faces Ken Paxton in Texas. Riley Owen faces Ben McAdams in Utah.
WIRED editors updated their reusable water bottle guide in October 20
WIRED editors updated their reusable water bottle guide in October 20
Henri Kagan and Kensō Soai win 2026 Nobel Prize for solving chemical asymmetry
The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Henri Kagan and Kensō Soai for solving nature’s chemical asymmetry. Kagan discovered the "nonlinear effect" in the 1980s, while Soai achieved near-absolute purity of one enantiomer by 2003. Their work enables manufacturing pharmaceuticals without harmful side effects. This story originally appeared on WIRED en Español.
Residents in 18 states can opt-out of Targeted Advertising via Condé Nast
Residents of Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Montana, Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Minnesota, Maryland, Indiana, Kentucky, and Rhode Island can opt-out of Targeted Advertising. California residents may limit Sensitive Personal Information use. Users must toggle "Allow Targeted Advertising" or contact privacy_administration@condenast.com at 1-877-241-4999 to opt-out of other sales.
WIRED tracks Elon Musk’s America PAC spending and AI lobby for 2026 midterms
WIRED is tracking the 2026 midterms, focusing on Elon Musk’s America PAC spending and the AI lobby. David Gilbert showcased the electric Tesla Semi in Nevada. Aarian Marshall will join the WIRED World Fair in Miami on November 4. Additionally, Dell Cameron noted a Lyft and Waymo partnership in Nashville where former drivers maintain self-driving cars.
WIRED editors name Google Pixel 10a as best cheap phone overall for $499
WIRED editors recommend the Google Pixel 10a for $499 as the best cheap phone overall. Other options include the iPhone 17e at $599, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE for around $500, and the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro.
Road Conditions group helps Palestinians navigate 942 checkpoints as delays increase by over 50%
Anas Hattab, a 30-year-old former newspaper driver, launched the Road Conditions Telegram group in 2019 to help Palestinians navigate 942 checkpoints. Nearly 350,000 people follow his data, which informs local radio and apps like A Ween Rayeh. Since October 7, 2023, checkpoint delays increased by over 50 percent, causing commuters to lose 77 hours annually.
Francis Halzen awarded Nobel Prize in Physics for research at IceCube Neutrino Observatory
Francis Halzen was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for research at the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. Located at the South Pole, the facility uses 5,160 sensors in 1 cubic kilometer of ice to detect high-energy neutrinos from sources like TXS 0506+056. The international collaboration of 450 people across 58 institutions utilizes 10,000 CPU cores and 1,000 GPUs.
Center for Humane Technology to lay off 9 of 16 non-founder employees
The Center for Humane Technology, cofounded by Tristan Harris, Aza Raskin, and Randy Fernando, is laying off nine of its 16 non-founder employees, including Julie Guirado and Camille Carlton. Board chair Premal Shah announced the organization will end policy research and litigation to focus on founder-led projects. This shift follows major courtroom victories against social media companies regarding alleged designs to keep kids glued to screens.
Tropical Storm Isaias forecast to become 2026 season’s first hurricane by weekend
Tropical Storm Isaias is forecast to become the 2026 season’s first hurricane before making landfall between Mississippi and Florida by the weekend. The US National Hurricane Center reports winds of 65 mph in the Gulf of Mexico. It could peak as a Category 2 storm with 110 mph winds. Rainfall totals up to 10 inches and storm surge as high as 7 feet are expected.
Karolinska Institute awards 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine for optogenetics nerve cell toggling
The Karolinska Institute awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine to Karl Deisseroth of Stanford University, Peter Hegemann of Humboldt University in Berlin, and Georg Nagel of the University of Würzburg. Their work on optogenetics allows scientists to toggle nerve cells using light. Hegemann studied Chlamydomonas algae, while Nagel verified genes channelrhodopsin-1 and channelrhodopsin-2. Deisseroth used these in 2005 to study brain functions.
Elon Musk’s America PAC spends $3 for every $1 to attack Democrats
Elon Musk’s America PAC is quietly funding the most consequential Senate races this midterm cycle. The organization is focusing its war chest on financing attack ads against Democrats as voters nationwide sour on the Trump administration’s agenda. For every dollar spent supporting GOP Senate candidates, America PAC has spent almost three dollars attacking Democrats during these November elections.
Shaquille O’Neal promotes NordVPN in Times Square after being hacked for first time
Shaquille O’Neal promoted NordVPN in Times Square on Wednesday, emphasizing digital security after being targeted by scammers. The four-time NBA champion and tech investor shared his experience of being hacked for the first time. Marijus Briedis, NordVPN chief technology officer, noted a poll showing 73 percent of Americans overconfidently rely on traditional antivirus software.
OpenAI unveils "Intelligent UI" for ChatGPT to generate diagrams and calculators for billion users
OpenAI unveiled an “Intelligent UI” update for ChatGPT on Wednesday, powered by its GPT-6 model. Rolling out to paid users today and free users tomorrow, the tool generates visual elements like diagrams or calculators for over a billion users. Product manager Aarush Selvan stated the design team ensures visuals add value without cluttering results, similar to Google’s “generative UI.
Residents in 18 states can opt-out of Targeted Advertising via Condé Nast
Residents of Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Montana, Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Minnesota, Maryland, Indiana, Kentucky, and Rhode Island can opt-out of Targeted Advertising. California residents may limit Sensitive Personal Information use. Users must toggle "Allow Targeted Advertising" or contact privacy_administration@condenast.com at 1-877-241-4999 to opt-out of other sales.
Cherrykitten apologizes after backlash over "I Am Jane Doe" apparel sales
The clothing brand Cherrykitten faced backlash for selling "I Am Jane Doe" apparel, eventually apologizing and removing the post. While an anonymous Etsy seller sold 21 sweatshirts to support solidarity, she later stopped sales due to ethical concerns. Justin Kralemann of EQNQ Studio sold 255 shirts, donating 67 percent of proceeds to End Rape on Campus. Thomas P. Giuffra, attorney for Jane Doe, warned that the site I Am Jane Doe Merch is not an authorized fundraising source.
DoD uses 5-minute videos to grant "post-competitive" status to OpenAI, Anthropic and Google
The Department of Defense and its Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) use the Tradewinds program to grant "post-competitive" status to AI contractors based on five-minute videos. This allows faster awards, including other transaction agreements up to $500 million. Participants include OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google. The White House requested $1.5 trillion for the Department of Defense in its 2027 budget.
Tom Cruise stars in Digger, where drilling threatens 100,000 lives and displaces 1,000,000
Alejandro González Iñárritu's film Digger features Tom Cruise as Curtis Markson, an actor portraying oil tycoon Digger Rockwell in a satirical play. The plot involves Digger's drilling causing an iceberg to threaten 100,000 lives and displace over 1,000,000 people. John Goodman plays the US president. Funded by Kenny Rockwell, the play satirizes Bush-era politics and modern climate catastrophe.
Aaron Sorkin's The Social Reckoning depicts Meta failing to remove Donald Trump
Aaron Sorkin wrote and directed The Social Reckoning, a film based on Frances Haugen leaking internal memos to reporter Jeff Horwitz. The movie depicts the 2021 "Facebook Files" exposing harms like hate speech. It features Jeremy Strong as Mark Zuckerberg and Mikey Madison as Haugen. The story culminates in the January 6 Capitol riot, blaming Meta for failing to remove Donald Trump.
NDS members linked to Elon Musk’s SpaceXAI raise federal hiring and transparency questions
The National Design Studio (NDS) was established in August 2025 to redesign government websites. A WIRED investigation found NDS members Amittai Groot and John Cafazza are employed by the America by Design Foundation, run by James Burnham. The foundation is linked to SpaceXAI and Elon Musk. These arrangements raise questions about bypassing federal hiring rules and transparency.
Meta's Muse requests bank and passport details while OpenAI's Dots struggles with captchas
OpenAI and Meta are competing to provide personal AI agents. Reece Rogers tested OpenAI's Dots, which automates tasks but struggled with captchas, and Meta's Muse, which opts users into data collection for AI training while requesting bank and passport details. Additionally, Rabbit is launching OS3, a cross-platform agent designed to live on existing screens.
Meta and Xreal compete in mixed-reality market with $1,299 and $1,279 glasses
Meta and Xreal are competing in the mixed-reality market. Meta announced its VR Glasses at Meta Connect in September, launching early next year with a $1,299 price tag. On Wednesday, Xreal partnered with Google to announce the Xreal Aura, starting at $1,279 for 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB storage. Snap also announced Specs for $2,195.
UK Intellectual Property Office approves thumbprint mark to certify human-authored books
Books by People received approval from the UK’s Intellectual Property Office on Wednesday to distribute a thumbprint mark certifying human-authored books. The startup, cofounded by Esme Dennys, uses proprietary software and manual reviews to verify manuscripts. Five publishers have signed up for the service. This follows scandals involving AI use, including a canceled $2 million deal for author Jerry Falade.
Elon Musk's America PAC spends $26.7 million on midterm races to block Democrats
Elon Musk's America PAC spent $26.7 million on midterm races as of October 6, focusing on seven key US Senate contests to prevent Democrats from taking control. The group spent $7.6 million opposing James Talarico and $1.1 million backing Ken Paxton in Texas. In Iowa, it spent 14 times more attacking Josh Turek than backing Ashley Hinson.
Atoco, an Irvine, California startup founded by Nobel Prize winner Omar Yaghi
Atoco, an Irvine, California startup founded by Nobel Prize winner Omar Yaghi, demonstrated a 20-foot machine harvesting water from air using metal organic frameworks. CEO Samer Taha and R&D VP Benjie Limketkai developed the technology to utilize industrial waste heat from AI data centers. The prototype produces 300 liters daily, with commercial units aiming for 1,000 liters by year-end.
Researcher dies of "unknown" pneumonia after breaking test tube at Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute
A young researcher died from severe pneumonia of "unknown" origin after reportedly breaking a test tube at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute in Siberia. The CDC stated on X Tuesday that there is no indication of a broader threat to the United States. World Health Organization spokesperson Christian Lindmeier and Rospotrebnadzor reported low public health risks, while neighboring nations like Kazakhstan established quarantine protocols.
JLR unveils Type 01 luxury GT with tri-motor setup producing up to 1,030 PS
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) revealed the Type 01 luxury four-door GT in New York City on Tuesday. Following the departure of chief creative officer Gerry McGovern, managing director Rawdon Glover unveiled the production model, featuring a tri-motor setup producing up to 1,030 Pferdestärke (PS). The vehicle offers an EPA range of up to 400 miles and starts at approximately $170,000.
Auk slashes Auk Mini price to $199 lowest ever following Auk Mini 2 release
Auk has slashed the price of its Auk Mini indoor gardening system to $199, its lowest price ever, following the early 2026 release of the Auk Mini 2. The clearance sale includes white- and black-top versions with cork or oak bases. Additionally, the Auk Mini 1 Chili and Tomato Kit is $29, while the Auk Mini 2 costs $239.
Neon acquires Artificial after AmazonMGM drops film following $50 billion OpenAI deal
Luca Guadagnino directed the black comedy-drama Artificial, which premiered at the New York Film Festival. The film depicts OpenAI cofounder Ilya Sutskever as a moral conscience against Sam Altman and Elon Musk. After AmazonMGM dropped the film following a $50 billion deal with OpenAI, Neon acquired it. It features Andrew Garfield, Yuri Borisov, Ike Barinholtz, Mark Rylance, and Jacob Coxon.
Residents in 18 states can opt-out of Targeted Advertising and personal information sales
Residents of Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Montana, Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Minnesota, Maryland, Indiana, Kentucky, and Rhode Island can opt-out of Targeted Advertising. California residents may limit Sensitive Personal Information disclosure. Users must toggle "Allow Targeted Advertising" or contact privacy_administration@condenast.com at 1-877-241-4999 to opt-out of other sales.
Abdul El-Sayed launches ad blitz linking Mike Rogers to Flock camera privacy concerns
Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate in a toss-up Michigan Senate race, launched an ad blitz on Tuesday attacking Mike Rogers. The campaign uses video and billboards to link Rogers' legislative record, including his support for the Patriot Act of 2001 and a 2011 bill, to current privacy concerns regarding Flock cameras. El-Sayed will also rally with Barack Obama in late October.
Apple AirPods Max 2 get 22 percent off at Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy
Apple AirPods Max 2 are currently 22 percent off at Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. The headphones, launched earlier this year, feature an upgraded H2 chip providing 1.5 times stronger active noise-canceling than the original model. These over-ear headphones now include live translation, adaptive audio, and conversation awareness. They are priced at $429, which is $120 off the sticker price.
Bridge Neurotech launches with $13.5 million to build ultrasound-powered brain-computer interface
Bridge Neurotech, led by CEO Will Biederman, launched with $13.5 million in funding from General Catalyst. The company aims to build a noninvasive, ultrasound-powered brain-computer interface to compete with Merge Labs, Neuralink, Synchron, Paradromics, and Precision Neuroscience. Using Butterfly Network chips, the startup will conduct an observational study in Redwood City, California using predictive AI models.
Residents in 18 states can opt-out of Targeted Advertising or limit sensitive information
Residents of Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Montana, Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Minnesota, Maryland, Indiana, Kentucky, and Rhode Island can opt-out of Targeted Advertising. California residents may limit Sensitive Personal Information use. Users must toggle "Allow Targeted Advertising" or contact condenast.com at 1-877-241-4999 to opt-out of other sales.
Mistral releases one trillion-parameter Le Chonk model to compete with OpenAI and Anthropic
French company Mistral released its one trillion-parameter model, Mistral Large 4 (nicknamed Le Chonk), in preview. Co-founder Guillaume Lample stated the model was trained from scratch to compete with OpenAI and Anthropic. Following a $3.3 billion funding round at a $24 billion valuation, Mistral aims to offer an open-weight alternative as the US government restricts access to proprietary models.
Kevin Roose authors The AGI Chronicles after 150 interviews on AI industry rivalries
Kevin Roose, a former The New York Times columnist, authored The AGI Chronicles after conducting over 150 interviews. He and Casey Newton launched Machine Gods Media with an NPR distribution deal to provide "AI realism." The book chronicles the rivalries between OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, detailing how leaders like Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Dario Amodei shaped the industry.
WIRED reviewer gives £99 GamerCard a 4/10 rating as a flawed prototype
WIRED reviewer Matt Kamen gave the GamerCard a 4/10 rating, describing the £99 ($130) handheld as a flawed prototype. Built by Grant Sinclair, the device uses a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W and a 4-inch IPS screen. While it features a slim 100-gram design and solid battery life, it suffers from unresponsive controls, inconsistent inputs, and unreliable emulation performance.
Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen) get 7/10 rating despite $370 high MSRP
Harry Rabinowitz of WIRED reviewed the Bose QuietComfort Headphones (2nd Gen), giving them a 7/10 rating. While weighing 230 grams, they offer excellent active noise-canceling and comfort. However, the $370 MSRP is high compared to competitors like Sony, Nothing, or Apple. Issues include 24 hours of battery life, poor call quality, and a lack of wear detection.
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Over 1,000 people from 100+ countries discuss top-level domains at ICANN86
ICANN is hosting ICANN86 in Seville, Spain, where over 1,000 people from 100+ countries are discussing top-level domains. The application window for new strings closes August 12, with over 1,600 applications expected.
Andrea Bernardi and Diego Portales University researchers identified Elias 2-24b, the youngest confirmed exoplanet
Andrea Bernardi and Diego Portales University researchers identified Elias 2-24b, the youngest confirmed exoplanet, located 450 light-years from Earth. Using 2018 and 2020 data from the W.M. Keck Observatory, they confirmed it orbits at 55 astronomical units with a mass up to 4.0 times Jupiter. This discovery challenges NASA core accretion models, as the planet formed in under 1 million years.
Shivon Zilis, a Neuralink executive, announced on X that Elon Musk unfollowed
Shivon Zilis, a Neuralink executive, announced on X that Elon Musk unfollowed her. In filmmaker Alex Gibney’s documentary Musk, Justine Wilson and Ashley St. Clair share accounts of their relationships with him. St. Clair alleges she rejected a $40 million nondisclosure agreement, while the film covers his rise, MAGA turn, and various children fathered with Claire Boucher, Tiffany Fong, and others.
Withings BodyScan 2 offers $600 scale with six-lead ECG and AI health insights
Christopher Null reviewed the Withings BodyScan 2, a $600 scale featuring a color LCD screen and a six-lead electrocardiogram. The device offers daily scans and weekly 90-second longevity scans measuring metrics like SpO2 and vascular age. Users need a Withings+ subscription costing $10/month or $100/year to access AI health insights and four annual human ECG readings.
Staples highlighted as top choice for affordable holiday gifts like mugs and prints
A WIRED reviewer highlights Staples as a top choice for holiday gifts like mugs, prints, and puzzles. Customers can use online tools or visit local stores to consult print specialists who provide proofs. While Mpix and Printique offer higher quality, Staples provides affordable 11-ounce, 15-ounce, and 17-ounce mugs, plus business cards and posters up to 36 by 48 inches.
Verifact Markets launches on-chain prediction market for wagers on Covid-19 and Epstein's death
Verifact Markets, a startup funded by Positron Capital Management and investor Peter Wokicz, launched Friday as an "on-chain" prediction market for disputed past facts. Chief executive Rodrigo Aquino stated the platform allows users to wager stablecoins on topics like Covid-19 origins, Jeffrey Epstein's death, and State Farm claims. The company currently excludes US residents while seeking a legal path to domestic operation.
Omega launches "James Bond and Spectre" collection as Swatch Group profit collapses 90%
Omega launched a six-watch "James Bond and Spectre" collection despite Amazon not yet choosing a successor to Daniel Craig. The collection includes two non-limited stainless-steel editions at $8,600 each and two limited-edition numbered sets capped at 77 boxes for $89,800 per pair. This follows Swatch Group's net profit collapse of almost 90 percent to $32 million in 2025.
WIRED updates digital gift guide featuring Etsy, Amazon, and Brooklinen gift cards
WIRED updated its digital gift guide in October 2026, featuring various options like Etsy, Amazon, and Brooklinen gift cards. The list includes food from Milk Bar, Omaha Steaks, and Goldbelly, alongside streaming services like Netflix, Paramount+, and Disney+. Other categories feature MasterClass, Rosetta Stone, and fitness apps like Peloton or Strava.
Meta Glasses Nova (Gen 3) get 7/10 rating for slim fit and 3K video
Boone Ashworth of WIRED reviewed the Meta Glasses Nova (Gen 3), which retail for $299. The glasses feature a six-mic system, nine hours of battery life, and 12-MP cameras capturing 3K video. While offering a slimmer fit than Gen 2 models, they lack Conversation Focus and Muse AI integration. Ashworth gave the device a 7/10 rating.
WIRED editors vet gifts under $25 from MoMA Design Store to Le Creuset cocottes
WIRED editors vetted various gifts under $25, including MoMA Design Store accessories, Field Notes notebooks, and Muji pens. Other items include Govee light bulbs, Bonaok microphones, Quince sleep masks, Loop Quiet 2 earplugs, and Diveblues fans. Kitchen gifts feature Jacobsen Salt Co. salt, Kiwi knives, and Le Creuset cocottes. For others, the list offers Ugreen trackers, SmartLabels, Baggu bags, Barista Basics glasses, Hydro Flask mugs, Bestinnkits warmers, CRKD controllers, Dr. Squatch soap, Sand + Fog charms, The Op Games Telestrations, Prank-O puzzles and boxes, Epiphany bellows, Nalgene bottles, Opinel knives, and a WIRED subscription.
SNO+ researchers report first western hemisphere geoneutrino detection at Snolab in Sudbury
SNO+ researchers at Snolab in Sudbury, Canada, reported their first geoneutrino detection in November 2025, adding about 50 to the total count. These are the first western hemisphere measurements, potentially revealing non-uniform mantle structures. Ryan Bayes, Mark Chen, and William McDonough noted that while results vary from Kamland and Borexino, uncertainties remain regarding radioactive element distribution.
Keurig and Phil Drapeau launch Alta system in New York City with compostable pods
Keurig and Phil Drapeau announced the Alta system in New York City, featuring compostable AltaRounds pods to replace the K-Cup. The machine applies 10 bars of pressure, uses QR codes for settings, and includes a milk frother. A US bundle costs $500, while eight AltaRounds cost $10 to $11. The system features coffee from Keurig and Peet’s.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act creates $40.9 billion tax windfall for rural data centers
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act creates a $40.9 billion tax windfall for rural data centers starting January 1. Ways and Means Committee chair Jason Smith stated the program lowers barriers for hyperscale projects. Searchlight identified over 100 eligible projects, while Pew found 67 percent of planned facilities are going rural. Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta denied using these benefits.
Nvidia to hike Shield TV Pro price by $100 due to AI supply constraints
Nvidia announced the Shield TV Pro price will increase by $100 to $299.99 effective October 2 due to rising component costs from generative AI supply chain constraints. Originally launched in 2019 at $199.99, the device remains in stock at Best Buy. This trend mirrors price hikes for Sony's PS5 Pro, which rose from $699.99 to $899.99.
Mosqitter and Dynatrap traps primarily caught moths rather than mosquitoes in WIRED review
WIRED reviewed various mosquito abatement tools, noting that mosquitoes transmit diseases like West Nile and Zika. Thermacell offers the E-Zoneguard, which uses metofluthrin to create a 10-foot vapor shield, and the Fuel-Zoneguard, a butane-powered device using allethrin. The LIV system provides large-scale protection via Wi-Fi and a mobile app. Alternatively, Tiki sells BiteFighter for string lights. Conversely, Mosqitter and Dynatrap traps primarily caught moths rather than mosquitoes. Other tested methods, including chemical buckets and Mosquito Dunks, proved ineffective or impractical. Professional spraying services costing over $2,000 per year were also found to be temporary solutions.
Residents in 18 states can opt-out of Targeted Advertising via Condé Nast
Residents of Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Montana, Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Minnesota, Maryland, Indiana, Kentucky, and Rhode Island can opt-out of Targeted Advertising. California residents may limit Sensitive Personal Information disclosure. Users must toggle "Allow Targeted Advertising" or contact privacy_administration@condenast.com at 1-877-241-4999 to opt-out of other sales.
Residents in 18 states can opt-out of Targeted Advertising via Condé Nast
Residents of Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Montana, Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Minnesota, Maryland, Indiana, Kentucky, and Rhode Island can opt-out of Targeted Advertising. California residents may limit Sensitive Personal Information use. Users must toggle "Allow Targeted Advertising" or contact privacy_administration@condenast.com at 1-877-241-4999 to opt-out of other sales.
Rocha and team retrieve ARMS structures from Palau's mesophotic coral ecosystems
In May, Luiz Rocha of the California Academy of Sciences and a team including Chris Meyer of the Smithsonian Global ARMS program retrieved autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS) from Palau's mesophotic coral ecosystems. Deployed between 2016 and 2018 in Palau, Guam, the Marshall Islands, and French Polynesia, these structures collected nearly 3,000 specimens to study biodiversity and climate change impacts.
HEYDUDE brand faces backlash over Instagram post with University of Florida frat members
A collaborative Instagram post between footwear line HEYDUDE and a University of Florida frat is sparking backlash. The controversy stems from sexual cyberharassment allegations against two former members of the fraternity. While the website uses various cookies for tracking, performance, and audience measurement, the primary focus remains on the public outcry regarding the brand's association with the accused individuals.
DHS and ICE allegedly used Palantir database to track observers during Maine operation
A redacted court filing alleges the US Department of Homeland Security and ICE used a Palantir-built Investigative Case Management database to track observers during Operation Catch of the Day in Maine. Plaintiffs Elinor Hilton, Colleen Fagan, Polyxenia Pantos, and Carlyn Williams claim Agent J.C. intimidated them. Todd Lyons denied maintaining a domestic terrorism watchlist for protesters.
Nurses allege HCA's Palantir-co-developed AI tool causes understaffing and harms patient care
HCA Healthcare rolled out Timpani, an AI scheduling tool co-developed with Palantir, at roughly 130 of its 190 locations since 2023. Nurses like Amber Retzloff and Lee Barker allege the software ignores preferences, causes understaffing, and harms patient care. While Michael Schlosser claims it saves money, Angelique Russell sued HCA for allegedly retaliating against her concerns about data deletion.
NHL "Hot for Hockey" campaign faces backlash over romance-inspired stories and sexual harassment concerns
The NHL launched the “Hot for Hockey” campaign, featuring 60 to 90 second romance-inspired stories starring players like Trevor Zegras, Sebastian Aho, and Jack Eichel. While spokesperson Jon Weinstein called it a "playful nod," authors C.R. Jane, Emily Rath, and Chelsea Curto criticized the move as pandering. Fans like Lacey Conine and Echo expressed concerns regarding sexual harassment, toxic masculinity, and the league's handling of sexual assault allegations.
AI agents may soon flood workforce and engage in complex collusion
Seventy years ago, scientists at Dartmouth College discussed machines capable of human-like thought. John McCarthy suggested the term artificial intelligence, which now yields approximately 7,420,000 results on Google Scholar. While researchers like Timnit Gebru and Will Knight debate existential threats or agentic swarms, reports show AI agents may soon flood the workforce and engage in complex collusion.
Former UC Berkeley students launch Trillium Labs to spend $30 million on AI risks
Nathan Lambert and Tom Zick, former UC Berkeley students, launched the nonprofit Trillium Labs today to promote transparency in AI research. Funded by Schmidt Sciences and Halcyon Futures, they aim to raise $40 to $100 million to spend $30 million on training over 18 months. They will study post-training, reinforcement learning, and recursive self-improvement to mitigate risks.
197 election deniers running for office in 43 states as Turning Point plans ads
David Gilbert, a reporter at WIRED who previously worked at VICE News, reports on the 2024 US presidential election. The article highlights that 197 election deniers are running for office in 43 states. Additionally, Turning Point plans to spend tens of millions on ads in New Hampshire, Arizona, and Nevada. Other stories include Meta failing to catch AI child abuse ads.
Waymo staffers view teens through interior cameras after they allegedly shot water-filled Orbeez
This past summer, Waymo staffers viewed two teens through interior cameras in a self-driving car in San Mateo County, California, after they allegedly shot water-filled Orbeez. Julia Ilina stated the company uses automated technology to identify violations. Additionally, Zoox, owned by Amazon, and Tesla use interior cameras for safety and product improvement while navigating vague privacy regulations.
Tractive Cat 6 Mini offers best historical heat maps and AI-powered health monitoring
The author tested three smart cat trackers on their cat, Basil, to evaluate GPS accuracy and health metrics. The Fi Mini ($99) offers the best battery life of two weeks but had glitchy alerts. The Tractive Cat 6 Mini ($77) provides advanced AI-powered respiratory and heart rate monitoring. For location tracking, the Tractive (or Tractive Cat Mini) is best for historical heat maps.
Amazon CEO Matt Garman pledges $1 billion as company ends NDAs with county officials
Amazon CEO Matt Garman announced on Friday that the company will no longer use nondisclosure agreements with county officials. Amazon pledged $1 billion over five years for community programs and energy upgrades. This follows backlash against data centers, including 100 moratoriums. Rep. Jamie Raskin demanded information from Google, Meta, and Oracle regarding NDAs while Amazon reported its policy change to the Wall Street Journal.
Nurses allege HCA Healthcare's Timpani AI causes understaffing and harms patient care
HCA Healthcare and Palantir co-developed Timpani, an AI scheduling tool deployed at roughly 130 of 190 locations since 2023. Nurses, including Amber Retzloff and Lee Barker, allege the software ignores preferences, causes understaffing, and harms patient care. While Michael Schlosser claims it increases efficiency, former manager Angelique Russell sued for alleged retaliation regarding data deletion.
Trivial flaw in OpenAI ChatGPT macOS app allowed attackers to bypass signature checks
Researchers at the Objective-See Foundation discovered a patched vulnerability in the OpenAI ChatGPT macOS app. The flaw allowed attackers to bypass signature checks, potentially granting access to chat logs and browser sessions. Patrick Wardle noted the exploit was trivial. OpenAI spokesperson Shane Bauer acknowledged the fix on September 25. Wardle will present findings at Objective by the Sea in November.
Residents in 18 states can opt-out of Targeted Advertising via Condé Nast
Residents of Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Montana, Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Minnesota, Maryland, Indiana, Kentucky, and Rhode Island can opt-out of Targeted Advertising. California residents may limit Sensitive Personal Information disclosure. Users must toggle "Allow Targeted Advertising" or contact privacy_administration@condenast.com at 1-877-241-4999 to opt-out of other sales.
Only residents from GDPR countries and certain US states can opt out of tracking
The Privacy Center states that only residents from GDPR countries and certain US states can opt out of Tracking Technologies via the Consent Management Platform. The website uses essential, functional, and audience measurement cookies to facilitate navigation, remember preferences, and measure performance. These cookies are used by advertising partners to build interest profiles based on unique browser identifiers for targeted advertising.
Trump, Musk and Zuckerberg sign voluntary accord requiring four layers of AI audits
Brian Barrett, Zoë Schiffer, and Leah Feiger discussed the "White House Accord on Super Intelligence" signed by tech executives including Donald Trump, Sundar Pichai, Elon Musk, Dario Amodei, Mark Zuckerberg, Jensen Huang, and Greg Brockman. The voluntary accord requires four layers of audits.
Tim Heidecker parodies Joe Rogan on new podcast featuring Rajat Suresh and Jeremy Levick
The Onion and comedian Tim Heidecker launched a streaming program spoofing Alex Jones and Infowars assets. Heidecker is now parodying Joe Rogan on The Tim Heidecker Podcast, premiering at 8 pm ET Thursday. The debut features guests Rajat Suresh and Jeremy Levick discussing pronouns, AI, and "Crab Salts." A representative for Rogan did not return a comment request.
Pennsylvania records 943 measles cases including five deaths by September 30
John Goldman of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center reported dozens of measles patients since April. Pennsylvania recorded 943 cases, including five deaths by September 30. Jennifer Janco of St. Luke’s University Health Network and Robin LaCroix of Prisma Health managed outbreaks in Pennsylvania and South Carolina. Hospitals implemented screening, negative-pressure rooms, and telemedicine to protect vulnerable patients.
Driverless PoliMove car collides with Unimore vehicle during Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League event
At the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Italy, a driverless PoliMove car collided with a slowing Unimore vehicle during an Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) event. Only 2 of 5 cars finished; Kinetiz took first, followed by Constructor Racing. TUM withdrew due to a brake problem. Nicola Palarchi and Alexander Winkler noted the crash highlighted sensor limitations and physics-based delays.
Amazon refreshes Kindle lineup with new Colorsoft, Ube color and aluminum construction
Amazon introduced a refreshed Kindle lineup on Thursday, featuring 6-inch base models, 7-inch Kindle Paperwhite, and 7-inch Kindle Colorsoft versions. These devices feature aluminum construction, weighing 140 grams to 204 grams. Kevin Keith and Chris Green noted double-digit growth and a new Ube color. The lineup includes Signature Editions, Kids versions, a $60 dock, an $80 Page-Turn Cover, and a $35 Kindle Click.
James Dolan backs GOP candidate supporting Flock, ICE and AI data centers
James Dolan is backing a GOP candidate supporting Flock, ICE, and AI data centers. Meanwhile, 197 election deniers are running for office in 43 states this November. ICE plans to spend up to $5 million on a federal voter database. Turning Point will spend tens of millions on ads in New Hampshire, Arizona, and Nevada. The Supreme Court blocked Donald Trump from controlling mail-in voting.
Apple announces foldable iPhone and Meta debuts camera-free smart glasses
Julian Chokkattu, WIRED Senior Editor, reports on various tech updates. Apple announced a foldable iPhone, iPhone 18 Pro models, and Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 with faster chips and Siri AI upgrades during its September event. Additionally, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg introduced camera-free smart glasses at the Meta Connect event to address privacy concerns.
Tractive Cat 6 Mini provides accurate health stats but battery lasts only four days
WIRED reviewer tested the Tractive Cat 6 Mini, a smart cat collar featuring GPS, activity, and sleep tracking plus heart and respiratory rate monitoring. Tested on a 17-pound cat named Basil for one month, the device provided accurate health stats but had a battery lasting only four days. Subscription plans range from $5 to $10 monthly.
Robert A. Pape warns mainstream Americans thinking violence is the answer poses significant risk
Robert A. Pape, a leading authority on political violence, argues that the real threat to the midterms comes from mainstream Americans rather than fringes. He wants people to understand that regular Americans thinking violence is the answer poses a significant risk. The article highlights his perspective on how mainstream views regarding political violence impact the upcoming elections and national stability.
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WIRED curates guide of robot vacuums and smart bassinets to support new parents
WIRED editors and reviewers, many of whom are parents, curated a guide featuring parenting gadgets, smart home gear, little luxuries, and food deliveries to support new parents. The selection includes items like robot vacuums, baby monitors, and smart bassinets to improve daily life. These tried and tested products aim to provide thoughtful gifts that make parenting easier for friends or family members.
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Residents in 18 states can opt-out of Targeted Advertising or limit personal data
Residents of Colorado, Connecticut, Virginia, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Montana, Delaware, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, Minnesota, Maryland, Indiana, Kentucky, and Rhode Island can opt-out of Targeted Advertising. California residents may limit Sensitive Personal Information disclosure. Users must toggle "Allow Targeted Advertising" or contact privacy_administration@condenast.com at 1-877-241-4999 to opt-out of other sales.
WhatsApp alleges Paragon Solutions’ Graphite spyware infected phones of 60+ people in 20 countries
WhatsApp alleged that Paragon Solutions’ Graphite spyware infected phones of over 60 individuals in more than 20 countries, including journalists and activists. Following the December 2024 acquisition by AE Industrial Partners, CEO Andrew Boyd admitted the company lacks a "kill switch" or technical way to monitor customer misuse. Consequently, Paragon Solutions canceled two Italian contracts despite no internal investigation into the allegations.
