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ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and other tools like them are making artificial intelligence available to the masses. We can now get all sorts of responses back on almost any topic imaginable. These chatbots can compose sonnets, write code, get philosophical, and automate tasks.

However, while you can just type anything you like into ChatGPT and get it to understand you, there are ways of getting more interesting and useful results out of the bot. This “prompt engineering” is becoming a specialized skill of its own.

Sometimes all it takes is the addition of a few more words or an extra line of instruction and you can get ChatGPT responses that are a level above what everyone else is seeing—and we’ve included several examples below.

While there’s lots you can do with the free version of ChatGPT, a few of these prompts require a paid ChatGPT Plus subscription. Where that’s the case, we’ve noted it in the tip.

Get ChatGPT to Critique Your Ideas Like Your Kid Would

We know that AI chatbots can be obsequious and sycophantic at times, but a little prompt engineering can stop that: Tell ChatGPT to act like a curious, inquisitive 10-year-old who wants to help and has a lot of questions, then get the AI to offer feedback on whatever you’re discussing.

Whether you’re trying to plan a vacation or a side hustle with AI, this childlike interrogation will quickly help you spot weak points and potential problems, rather than simply saying everything you suggest sounds great. It’ll often throw up questions you wouldn’t have otherwise thought of.

Use Your Phone Camera for Prompting Help

If you’re using the ChatGPT app on a phone, you can utilize the device camera and include snapped photos as part of your prompt. Some examples might be “How tall is this landmark,” “What type of insect is this,” or “What does this sign say in English?” Just tap the + (plus) button on the prompt box, then Camera to send photos with your prompt.

Ask for the 80-20

Ask for the 80-20 on a topic.

Courtesy of David Nield

ChatGPT can be a useful learning resource for just about any topic—as long as it has devoured enough training data on it—but it can tend to return an overwhelming amount of information on occasion. One way to make it more efficient is to use the “80-20 rule” in your prompt.

Known as the Pareto principle, the 80-20 rule posits that 20 percent of the work results in 80 percent of the outcome. In ChatGPT world, that means you can learn 80 percent of a topic from 20 percent of the key information about it.

The next time you need to brush up on something through AI, try asking ChatGPT for “the 80-20 on …” whatever it happens to be. It should get you up to speed quickly on historical periods, bands, scientific concepts, movies, and more.

Get ChatGPT to Improve on Your Doodles

Turn your sketches into something more real.

Courtesy of David Nield

As well as generating AI images from scratch, ChatGPT will happily remix existing pictures too. Tap or click the + (plus) button on the prompt box, then pick Add photos & files (desktop) or Files (mobile) to select one or more existing images. You can then use the prompt itself to explain what you want next.

If you’ll excuse the pun, skillets seem to always be a hot topic.

More than in other sections of cookery, there is a continual quest to find the best one, or at least the best one you can afford. I’ve seen cycles of fetishization come and go for copper, cast-iron, and carbon steel.

At the Mall of New Hampshire in the 1980s, I remember watching a miraculous cooking-store demonstration of omelettes effortlessly sliding out of a Teflon pan. Then, only a few years ago, the industry pretty much dropped the whole Teflon category like a hot potato due to the pans’ propensity to give off harmful fumes if they get too hot. Less durable ceramic immediately filled the void, and we’re already realizing how quickly it can lose its nonstick magic.

All this time, stainless-steel pans have been waiting in the wings. They are durable, and lighter and less fussy than cast iron and carbon steel. They’re not nonstick, but that’s often fixed with a pat of butter. They sear well, and with a bit of TLC, they’re built for a lifetime of hard work.

All-Clad has been one of the great brands in stainless for years, but I wondered if other slightly more expensive skillets were worth a look, particularly as some are new to the market and others have been flying under the radar. Along with a 10-inch All-Clad, I called in similar-sized pans from Hestan, Viking, and Heritage Steel. Testing all these sounded like fun at first, but things got weird and stayed weird for a while, and only with a bunch of hands-on data gathering and time at the stove did I understand which pans I could recommend.

Pans Labyrinth

A smart and easy cheat for someone like me is to use All-Clad’s 10-inch D3 Fry Pan as a baseline. (“Fry pan” and “skillet” are used interchangeably in this category.) The D3 has been an America’s Test Kitchen and Wirecutter darling for years, with advocates seeking out traits like uniform heating across its surface, a comfortable handle, and cladding (layers of different metals). It’s $170 with a lid and $150 without, which is a good chunk of change, but it feels like a fair price for buy-it-for-life durability.

I own and love one of All-Clad’s 4-quart D5 Essential Pans, which is like a high-sided skillet, and it has a perfectly flat cooking surface. But the cooking surface on the D3 skillet All-Clad sent to me for this story was a bit domed–high in the center and low around the outside—not horribly so, but surprising to me, and among the dozen or so pans I called in, it was among the furthest out of whack. I also noticed that the rivets that hold the handle to the pan weren’t fully squished on there. It felt fine and didn’t wobble, but an All-Clad representative confirmed this wasn’t right. They sent another pan, and the rivets were as they should be on that one, but the bottom was pretty much the same. I learned that this amount of doming is within All-Clad’s tolerance range, but not within mine. What can I say? I like flat pans, I thought, looking wistfully at my perfect D5.

I had a similar level of trouble with another pan I had high hopes for. The new 10-inch Viking Pure Glide Pro, which I had seen at my favorite trade show, has a textured titanium layer for the cooking surface above an aluminum core and stainless-steel bottom layer. Impressively, this combination of materials created a capable nonstick competitor that I’d be a lot more excited about if it was part of a better, sturdier pan. The Viking had some temperature management issues that I’ll get to in a moment, and it either warped or arrived warped to the point that heating oil would form a moat around the center of the pan. If Viking fixes this, the Pure Glide Pro has the potential to be a hell of a pan, but it’s not there yet.

The most controversial feature is Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Direction (SOCD) customization. This allows one key to override another rather than registering both simultaneously, which is ideal for strafing in tactical shooters like Counter-Strike 2 and Valorant. The difference in reaction speed is immediately noticeable, making quick peeks far more consistent. However, because of the distinct advantage it provides, the feature has been banned in some competitive games because it reduces the delay between directional movement to near-zero levels without requiring any additional skills.

Testing these features across a variety of shooters and racing games, I was consistently impressed by the level of fine-tuning Wootility offers—something not possible on a traditional mechanical keyboard.

The gaming experience of this keyboard is simply impressive. The switches are incredibly smooth and consistent, offering granular control with near-instantaneous, low-latency inputs. While older Hall Effect keyboards from competitors like Keychron and Asus often lacked the tactile feel of traditional mechanical designs, Wooting’s Lekker switches easily bridge the gap.

The RGB lighting also looks great and is deeply customizable. Like most LEDs, it tends to lean slightly blue, but this is easily corrected in the software (I set mine to 203/192/180 for a true white). It is a minor quirk in an otherwise impressive lighting setup.

Peak Repairability

Photograph: Henri Robbins

The 60HE v2’s simple internal design makes repairs easy, allowing the keyboard to be disassembled in seconds. Despite this ease of access, Wooting’s solid construction ensures everything stays securely in place. Inside, you will find a plate, switches, a silicone layer, a PCB with rubber feet on the underside, your choice of sound dampening layer, and the case.

Switch compatibility is often a weak point for analog keyboards, but the 60HE v2 easily outpaces competitors from Keychron, Razer, and ROG, which typically only support two or three options. By adopting the widely used KS-20 design, the 60HE v2 works with switches from Gateron, Geon, and several other manufacturers, giving users a constantly growing range of options.

My only real complaint is the adherence to the standard GH60 form factor, which places the USB-C port directly on the left side of the PCB. While I would prefer a centered port on a separate daughterboard for convenience and repairability, I understand the choice. The benefits of standardization for both consumers and manufacturers ultimately outweigh this minor design gripe.

I’m impressed by how well this keyboard performs across every metric. The build quality is robust, the switches are smooth and consistent, and nearly every aspect can be tailored to the individual player. Aside from the lack of wireless connectivity, it leaves nothing to be desired.

The 60HE v2 is easily one of the best gaming keyboards available today. While it is currently backordered, if you are willing to be patient, it is absolutely worth the $240 price tag.

There were already plenty of good reasons to consider buying a used iPhone instead of constantly upgrading. It’s both more environmentally friendly and more cost-effective, an increasing rarity these days. But a few recent developments have converged that suddenly make buying used even more appealing.

Starting this fall, older iPhones will last longer than ever. Some Apple products will be more expensive. And while buying used—or holding onto your own device an extra year or two—means you may miss out on certain features, for many people it’s simply the best option.

“Buying used has never made more sense,” says Kyle Wiens, CEO of the repair advocate service iFixit. “The phones from the last few years are really good.”

Apple Core

If it feels like everything is getting more expensive lately, that’s probably because it is. Even big tech behemoths like Apple are feeling the financial squeeze. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal this week, outgoing Apple CEO Tim Cook said that price increases for the company’s products would soon be “unavoidable.” He did not specify which Apple products would be affected, or when the price hikes might occur.

The culprit, as Cook and many other tech titans have framed it, is the ongoing memory shortage, a supply chain-wide dearth of critical storage and memory components that consumer tech companies like Apple rely on to build their devices. The shortage is the result of the overwhelming demand for those same components to develop AI data centers across the world. It’s hindering everyone from gamers to, well, Apple. Apple did not respond to a request for comment.

This economic uncertainty also comes after a year of wildly fluctuating markets in the wake of the Trump administration’s tariff implementation and ongoing conflict with Iran. Getting the stuff to make your new iPhone is just going to get harder, and Apple and every other company is bound to pass those costs along to their customers.

Apple has already been preparing for this. At Apple’s WWDC keynote in early June, the company detailed upcoming changes to its iOS 27 that aim to help iPhones last longer by improving its CPU scheduler—whichmanages software resources on the device—in a way that will apparently even keep the iPhone 11 humming. That means you can soon buy a used iPhone with more confidence than ever that it’s not going to be left behind by an upcoming firmware update.

Maintaining an older iPhone is also often cheaper than trying to fix a new one if you need to, and battery replacements for older phones tend to be cheaper than the newer options. (Apple charges $119 to swap out the battery of a shiny new iPhone 17; an iPhone 13 battery upgrade is $30 cheaper.)

“You can save a lot of money buying a year-old phone and putting a new battery in it every six months,” Wiens says.

Apple has likely tried to hold out increasing prices as long as it could, says Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager at IDC. He noted that until now Apple has mostly absorbed these extra costs. It even released the MacBook Neo, its cheapest MacBook ever at $599, in March, when the specter of the memory shortage was already well underway.

“The company has also built up meaningful goodwill in recent months,” Ubrani wrote in an email to WIRED. “I do not see Apple squandering that by raising prices broadly.”

The price increases will most likely affect Apple’s newer, already more expensive devices more than its older models. The place to look for price hikes will be the company’s upcoming hardware announcements, likely in its Pro models. Apple is expected to announce a new iPhone later this year, possibly along with a refreshed MacBook and, eventually, a folding phone. Those premium devices are bound to be more expensive for Apple to make, and may have higher price tags as a result.

Price Point

If you’re willing to give up a little bit of camera quality, or not have onboard access to the latest AI features on a phone, buying something used might be a better bet for the immediate future.

(Keep in mind what to think about when buying a used smartphone or any other refurbished electronics.)

The company pretty much invented the hardware superstore when it began in 1978, just by being so big. They inflated the neighborhood tool shop into a whole city of lumber, hammers, caulk, power saws, and big rolls of wire. I would know I’m in a Home Depot blindfolded, because of a distinct quality to the air—crisp and particulate, smelling like wood dust and paint and the oiled metal of power tools. The Home Depot smell is buried deep in my childhood, filed somewhere between “building a deck” and “first day of spring.” Anyway, the Home Depot website is just as big. And while it doesn’t smell like sawdust, it’s easier to find stuff. Our roundup includes Home Depot promo codes from 20% to $100 off, new customer coupons, free shipping offers, and Pro discounts to drop prices by as much as 50% when you buy online.

Unlock Home Depot Promo Codes for 10% Off or $5 Off With Sign up

If you register for Home Depot’s Style and Decor newsletter, you get a special code for 10% off on furniture and home accents. Otherwise, you can sign up for the Home Depot coupon newsletter or text alerts to get an immediate $5 off the next in-store purchase of $50 or more. Another easy way to save sitewide at Home Depot is to set up a subscription for your go to products and automatically get 5% off and free delivery on your order.

Join the Home Depot Text Program for $5 Off

If you already shop a lot at Home Depot and are looking for other ways to save, signing up for The Home Depot’s Promo Text Program is a good idea. You’ll receive text messages with special promotions, offers, how-to guides for projects, and great design ideas. Plus, you’ll get $5 off your next purchase when you sign up.

Save Up to 50% With These Home Depot Coupon Codes and Discounts

Home Depot deals are in full swing with huge discounts on a myriad of gifts and home project-related items, like 10% off flooring for Pro members with promo code SAMPLESAVE10, or 20% off Electrolux handheld electronics with code ELECTROLUX20, like the ever-popular Electrolux handheld garment steamer. There are also offers for free tools with battery kit purchases, and buy one get one free deals from top names like Milwaukee, DEWALT, and RYOBI.

Power tools and hand tools are discounted up to 50% this season, as well as extremely handy lawn and outdoor power equipment that can help with shoveling and general pesky snow removal and home upkeep.

Home Depot Online Coupons: Up to 30% Off Air Conditioners

Summer’s here and that means rising temperatures, longer days, and higher heat index. Don’t be caught in the next heat wave without being prepared. With this Home Depot coupon, you can get up to 30% off air conditioners, plus everything else you need to stay cool like fans, smart thermostats, and more. This means saving hundreds on potentially lifesaving (and house-cooling) devices from top air conditioning brands like Midea, Windmill, LG, GE, Frigidaire, and more.

Up to 15% Off Grills at Home Depot

The best grills now offer a fair amount of tech to measure and control temperature (think: temperature probes and fans to modulate airflow). The WIRED Reviews team has been testing grills for more than a decade—searing, smoking, grilling, and even baking on them in all kinds of weather—to find the best choice for everyone. And Home Depot has a wide selection of grills for up to 15% off online right now. Get ready for outdoor summer grilling for less with Home Depot’s discounted grills—there’s something for every type of home chef, including gas, charcoal, pellet, portable, and kamado grills, plus smokers.

Shop Top Home Depot Sale Deals for up to $1,400 Off Appliances, Bath Items, and Tools

And as it turns out, the hardware giant also goes hard on discounts, slashing grills and garden and outdoor power tools by up to 50%, not to mention smokers like the new Traieger Woodridge (8/10, WIRED Recommends) also sold at Home Depot.

But that’s not all; Home Depot is covering the whole house! There are appliance deals of up to $1,400 off appliances, $1,000 off washer and dryer sets, and bathroom deals of up to 40% off vanities, 25% off bathtubs, 20% off on toilets, and 15% off showers.

Plus, Home Depot has appliance bundle deals where you can get major discounts when you purchase multiple appliances at once.

Get 40% Off With Home Depot Deal of the Day Coupons

Home Depot coupons of the moment include whopper deals like 15% off storage solutions, and 35% off washers and dryers. Explore more deals on kitchen and other furniture too, by checking out the deals of the moment here. Like we’ve stated, there are so many ways to save at Home Depot, even when you’re shopping online. Special Buy of the Days include steep price drops on certain products or entire brands—but the significant price drops only last for 24 hours. That’s a whole lot of savings for one of the most expensive home renovations you can do. Another saving hack? Ensure you jump on products marked with “New Lower Price” to find them at their lowest price yet.

Winter is a great time to stay inside and focus on home improvement projects. Home Depot has everything you need for remodels (including bulk buys). Right now, vinyl plank and tile flooring is up to 30% off, with options starting at 99 cents per square foot. Plus, power tool kit combos to save even more, with bundle deals of up to 70% off—including Deals of the day flash sales on tools, and appliances with rebates of up to $1,000. Deals include smart home items WIRED has covered extensively, like Nest learning thermostats (9/10, WIRED Recommends). Need advice on setting up a smart home? WIRED has your back. Not only do Deals of the Days (and over 1 million products) qualify for free shipping, but you can also get free delivery to your local Home Depot store or straight to your door with online orders over $45.

Save 20% With Home Depot Pro Xtra Discounts

Home Depot also offers a loyalty program called Pro Xtra for frequent flyers, whether you’re a contractor or just undergoing a serious remodel this year. This means exclusive prices up to 20% off, 10% discounts on bulk buys, a rewards point system, and occasional $50 off $250 coupons too. Painting the house? The program also nets you 10 to 20% off paint and primers. Pro Xtra offers multiple tiers, from basic membership to Elite and VIP.

Special Buys of the Week are bargains that are worth checking out, and pros can get discounts with the Pro Special Buy of the Week—and that’s on top of exclusive coupons, bulk product discounts up to 20% off, and everyday discounted pricing on items. Hot offers this week include: free tools or batteries with your purchase of tools from Milwaukee, RYOBI, and more premium brands, plus 20% off flooring. Also grab 40% off bathroom products like Kohler showers, tubs, vanities, faucets, tubs, and toilets, including luxury upgrades like Horow smart toilets and bidets.

Get 10% Off With the Home Depot Military Discount

Home Depot has long maintained a program offering discounts to active service members, veterans, and their spouses, offering 10% off all eligible purchases. You’ll need to register to verify your military status through SheerID, and from then on you can just scan your virtual ID or enter your phone number at checkout, same way you do at the grocery store. Note that military discounts are limited to $400 each calendar year, and this resets each year. Some commodity products are excluded, including lumber, wire, and building materials. Appliances are also out in the cold, but military families may still find special deals or tax-free shopping through Home Depot’s Military Exchange Program.

Get $100 Off With Home Depot Coupon Codes for Credit Cardholders

If you haven’t opened a credit card at Home Depot, now is a great time. If you have a new account, when you place your first order using your credit card, you can save up to $100 dollars (on qualifying purchases).

Plus, you can also get up to 24 months financing on special order and installed blinds, shades and shutter purchases with Home Depot promo code YU8QTSVQ3. You can also get up to 24 months financing on installed custom closet purchases with Home Depot coupon code 7MD4H2YQ2.

Give More With Home Depot Gift Cards

Not sure what to get for your dad, the grad, or the newlyweds in your life? That’s where Home Depot gift cards come in. Home Depot gift cards are the perfect present for the person in your life who’s always starting a new DIY project, or new homeowners who can use all the help they can get. It’s a great way to say ‘thank you’ or ‘congrats,’ and the giftee can choose what they want to invest in, so you can ensure it’s their perfect present. Plus, Home Depot gift cards come in both physical, plastic cards and eGift Card options, with a variety of designs available for even more gift personalization. You can redeem a Home Depot gift card in-store or online, and the gift card value never expires.

At Ulta Beauty, you can stock up on skincare, makeup, and haircare, then head to the salon to get your brows shaped, your hair styled, and your ears pierced, all in a single visit. You’ll find brands like Dior, Estée Lauder, and Gucci alongside more affordable favorites and drugstore staples. Many locations house a Benefit Cosmetics BrowBar, so you can sample products and book an in-store brow service in the same visit. Ulta’s return policy is very forgiving, allowing you to bring back “gently used” products within 30 days for a full refund. Add in its weekly sales, the 21+ Days of Beauty Event, and stackable Ulta coupons, and you’ll rarely pay full price.

I’ve tested a wide range of beauty products that are sold at Ulta, from hair tools and LED devices to pimple patches and lip balms. Here’s how to shop smarter, with the best Ulta promo codes and Ulta coupons to keep on your radar.

Don’t Miss 15% Off at Ulta Beauty

If you already shop at Ulta often, downloading (and using) the Ulta app is one of the best ways to save money on purchases you were planning to make. All you need to do is download the Ulta app (fo’ free), by texting “Beauty” to 95637. From there, you’ll get an Ulta promo code APP15 sent to you to use for 15% off your next purchase. Plus, with the Ulta app, you’ll be able to virtually try on thousands of beauty products with GLAMlab, use the Ulta Foundation Matcher to virtually match your skin tone to find your best shade match, and an AI-powered analysis of your skin to get customized skin care recommendations.

Plus, Ulta app members get exclusive in-app features, offers, and deals. You’ll also be able to monitor your membership rewards status and points, and get notified of app-exclusive deals, discounts, brand offers and more. And with the handy bar code scanner, shopping has never been easier—you can scan any product’s bar code to see information on ingredients and product reviews. When you’re an Ulta member, you’ll get 1 point for every $1 spent and birthday perks.

Ulta Promo Code: Get 10% Off When You Sign Up

You can instantly score 10 percent off your order when you sign up for text alerts. Text “ULTA” to 95637, and you should receive a one-time use discount code for online purchases only. There are a couple of brand exclusions, like Chanel, and you can’t use the discount on Black Friday deals, so make sure to read the fine print.

Use Ulta Beauty Rewards for Ulta Discounts

The Ulta Beauty Rewards program is free to join and offers many perks with minimal effort required from you. First, you earn points for every dollar you spend. The program has multiple tiers: as a standard member, you earn 1 point per dollar; platinum members earn 1.25 points, and diamond members earn 1.5 points. To qualify for platinum status, you need to spend $500 per year, and diamond members must spend $1,200 annually.

These points can be redeemed for discounts, and the best part is that they do not expire. (To activate your rewards, you need to download the Ulta Beauty app.) Here’s how the points translate into savings: 100 points gives you $3 off, 250 points offers an $8 discount, 500 points saves you $17.50, and 750 points grants you $30 off.

During your birthday month, you get even more special perks. These include earning extra points on every qualifying purchase, a free gift, and a $10 coupon exclusively for platinum and diamond members. Some other benefits include exclusive beauty deals, early access to sales, and full-size gifts for diamond members. Diamond members also get a $25 discount on beauty services and free shipping on orders over $25.

Score Trending Beauty Tech at Ulta

Always check Ulta’s Featured Deals and Sale pages, as they regularly update with new offers. In addition to makeup and skincare products, Ulta also provides discounts on hair care tools and wellness technology that we have tested and recommended.

Look out for Dyson products, which frequently go on sale. Some of my favorites include the Supersonic Nural, the Airwrap i.d. Multistyler, and the Airstrait Wet-to-Dry Straightener. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Shark’s FlexStyle Air Styling System and SpeedStyle Pro Flex Hair Dryer (currently on sale) are also often discounted. Other hair stylers we’ve noticed on these pages include the L’Oreal Professionnel AirLight Pro, T3 Aire IQ Intelligent Hair Dryer (currently on sale), Ghd Duet Style 2-in-1 Hot Air Styler (currently on sale), and the Bio Ionic Smart-X Dryer.

Supplements are “like a religion” for Pachi Paris, a 29-year-old from Miami who works in finance. So when he and his wife started trying to conceive last year, it felt only natural that he started taking pills meant to boost his fertility, to the tune of $250 per month.

Six months later, “we found it odd that she’s not pregnant yet,” Paris said. “We both got a workup done, and it turns out that I was one that had some health issues going on with my sperm.” That came as a surprise, given Paris is young, works out, and has a healthy diet—but he’s hardly alone.

Beyond taking fertility supplements, men are going to increasingly extreme lengths to optimize their sperm health. They’re icing their testicles, avoiding pornography, and monitoring their semen’s “vitality scores” as part of the so-called sperm-maxxing trend.

While many sperm-maxxing influencers offer classic wellness misinformation—no, you don’t need to replace all your briefs with organic cotton boxers to keep cool down there—and many biohackers are relying on unproven metrics, the trend has an unexpected upside: a large male audience is newly interested in their reproductive health. It comes just as researchers are making the case that men’s well-being plays a key role in fertility—as well as pregnancy health and early child development.

“I’m encouraged anytime the spotlight shifts to male fertility,” says Michael Eisenberg, a professor of urology at Stanford University. “I think it’s been underappreciated for a long time … [and] fertility is a team sport.”

Infertility, or the inability to conceive after a year of trying, affects about one in six people worldwide. Reproductive health has long been seen as women’s territory, given women bear the physical burden of pregnancy. While some studies suggest male factors cause an estimated 30 percent to 50 percent of infertility cases, men are not evaluated in roughly one in four cases.

Men’s health plays a role in whether a pregnancy ends in miscarriage, the mother suffers from preeclampsia—a potentially life-threatening pregnancy complication—or the baby is born with birth defects, though the overall risks are low. Sperm carry epigenetic marks that are sensitive to a man’s environment before conception, meaning lifestyle choices can affect sperm health.

That’s where sperm-maxxers come in, tracking their sperm count, motility (the sperm’s ability to swim to the egg), morphology (the sperm’s shape and size), and DNA fragmentation. It takes roughly two to three months for a new sperm to fully mature, so lifestyle changes to improve sperm health can quickly yield results.

While some viral accounts suggest men eat lots of beef, butter, and raw milk, studies show that diets high in saturated fats are tied to lower sperm count, which makes pregnancy less likely. The Mediterranean diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber, is associated with better sperm quality, including sperm count, motility, and morphology.

Research also points to environmental toxins, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals and microplastics, as potential culprits of male infertility. Prolonged exposure may cause oxidative stress—an imbalance in the body between antioxidants and unstable molecules known as free radicals, leading to cell damage—which can reduce sperm motility and viability.

Longevity influencer Bryan Johnson famously (or infamously, depending on your perspective) posted last month about allegedly ridding his semen of microplastics and the steps he took. Some of them are just good environmental advice—getting rid of plastic cutting boards, for example—but for fertility-minded men, there are other steps that are likely more important.

I had every intention of reading when I got into bed, but my e-reader wouldn’t power up. Instead, I launched Instagram because I’m Gen X and that’s where we watch TikTok. After 20 minutes, I was nearly done, except the last video wasn’t funny enough, so I needed one more.

By the time my gaze shifted two centimeters up to check the itty-bitty clock on my screen, a full 65 minutes had passed. Like everyone else on the planet, I was deeply disappointed in my lack of restraint against ye mighty smartphone and pledged to leave it in another room every night thereafter, which I did precisely zero times.

A few weeks later, a little white puck arrived in the mail. A representative from ScreenZen had sent me Halo, a $49 app-blocking device that creates a geofence (or “halo”) around any space you choose. Halo is the device, and ScreenZen is the app used to manage it, as well as the name of the company. The app is free with no upsells and no subscription required, and you can use the app without a Halo, though you’d miss out on the geo-fence feature.

My expectations were low because other app blockers I’ve tested (Brick, Unpluq Tag, Opal) didn’t work in a way that matched my lifestyle, or they were too easy to defeat. The costs are not trivial either, particularly for app blockers that don’t do much unless you also pay an annual subscription fee. Honestly, some of the things you can buy to stop you from using a device you spent hundreds of dollars on are truly bizarre.

Halo is different, not only in how it works but also how it framed my mindset.

Go the Frigg to Sleep

Courtesy of ScreenZen

Halo works by creating a geo-fence that blocks apps on your phone once you cross into the designated space around the device. You can set it to block apps 24/7 or during certain hours only, and you can choose which apps it blocks or allows. The radius of the geo-fence is adjustable, so it works for large and small bedrooms alike. You can even set it up to work across multiple rooms, as long as your walls aren’t solid concrete. I found one YouTuber who put a Halo in his car.

The marketing angle is part of Halo’s brilliance. Blocking apps in the bedroom when you should be sleeping (or doing other bedroom activities) gets at a specific problem people have when it comes to exercising temperance with their devices. Brick, which I’d argue is the most well-known app blocker, promises to block your most distracting apps until you physically go to your Brick and tap your phone to it—a fine idea, and one that many people have found valuable, but it doesn’t hit the same nerve.

Rover, rover, send those coupons on over—especially since doggie daycare and pet sitting can add up quickly. If you’re like me, you often need an extra set of eyes on your pets, especially when last-minute travel, social, or work plans arise. I want someone responsible to guard over my dogs in my absence, but who is also just as obsessed with them as I am. As summer travel plans come up on the horizon and you’re getting ready to book, let’s get your fur kids squared away first with a Rover promo code.

Score Your Rover Promo Code for 2026

Last-minute weekend away, or need someone to pop in while you’re out to check on your pets? Make sure to check on Rover’s seasonal discounts, especially if you’re new to the platform. You can get up to $30 on your first booking this month, especially if you opt for dog-walking services or boarding.

There’s also a Rover referral code that you can share, so if you’re loving it and want others to join in, you get $20 off Rover services. The credit you receive doesn’t expire, and there’s no cap on how many people you can share it with; so come one, come all!

Get a $50 Gift Card When You Refer a Sitter

We all have a friend who loves animals. We also have a friend who is considered the “responsible adult” of the group. Bonus points if both attributes describe the same person, who is more than qualified to be taking care of pets as if they were their own. Had I known about this Rover discount code pet-sitting promo in the past, I would have jumped on the opportunity.

It’s simple: Rover gives you a unique referral link within the platform, and then you share it with your qualified candidate. Once your nominee for Rover has their first successful go-around with either sitting or dog walking within the first 90 days of joining the platform, ultimately, you both win. They get a little money, and so do you: a $50 Amazon gift card. If you have pets of your own, you can put this money towards restocking their supplies—like their toys that never seem to last very long.

Give $20, Get $20: Save With the Rover Friend Referral Program

Give a little, get a little, too. The Rover Friend Referral Program helps everyone (and their pets!) win. With this Rover referral code, $20 is up for grabs once your referred friends complete their first booking. They’ll get 20 bucks off and peace of mind that their pet is in good hands, and you get a $20 credit to use on Rover. Use this Rover reward towards dog walking, getting a house sitter, boarding, doggy day care, quick drop-in visits, or even dog training.

Love Dogs? Become a Dog Walker With Rover

If you’re a gig worker or looking for a part-time job, or a full-time job that gets you outside and hanging with Man’s Best Friend, look no further—become a dog walker with Rover. As a Rover dog walker, you get freedom with scheduling, the ability to be your own boss, and a huge selection of clients to choose from. With Rover, you have a nationwide community of pet parents who have dog walking, overnight sitting, boarding, and training needs.

Enjoy Peace of Mind With the Rover Guarantee

Consider meeting your new Rover sitter in a panel interview, where you and your pet get a vibe check with your potential sitter. But to really help all parties and pets feel secure, the Rover Guarantee is available for emergencies, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You never want it to come to that, but preparedness is key! Plus, Rover reps are on standby should you need them.

Sam’s Club is a warehouse club owned by the same parent company as Walmart. You can expect the same advantages you get from buying in bulk in a no-frills retailer like Costco, but Sam’s Club is also leveraging Walmart’s market power and vast network of suppliers. While there is a membership fee to join, it’s easy to earn it back in a single trip, given the savings you get when buying in bulk. Sam’s Club is a great option for large families or homes with shared resources, because Sam’s Club not only carries items in larger quantities, but also offers perks like discount fuel prices, free delivery, and cash-back rewards through Sam’s Cash. If you want to save even more, be sure to check out our Sam’s Club coupon and Sam’s Club promo codes.

Get up to 60% Off Top Products at Sam’s Club

As mentioned, you’ll find some of the lowest prices on all your everyday needs at Sam’s Club, but they’ve made it even more affordable with up to 60% off clearance items. Be sure to check back often for rotating deep discounts on essentials from electronics to clothing and home goods. Plus, no additional or specific Sam’s Club coupon or Sam’s Club promo codes are required to get these slashed prices.

Earn Sam’s Cash for Extra Savings Sitewide

Not only will you get slashed prices on everyday essentials and bulk items, but you can also get extra savings and perks with the Sam’s Cash Loyalty Rewards Program. This rewards program allows all members (including U.S. and Puerto Rico) to earn Sam’s Cash on qualifying purchases made both inside and outside of Sam’s Club. Once you earn Sam’s Cash through your Plus membership, the Sam’s Club Mastercard, and the Bonus Offers Program, you can redeem for savings or cash out.

Once you’ve earned Sam’s Cash, you’ll see it as “pending” in the dashboard. If you earn through your Sam’s Club Mastercard, it will be issued on your cycle date each month, and Sam’s Cash earned from Plus Membership and Bonus Offers is issued on your monthly membership anniversary. When rewards are loaded to your account, you can use them to make purchases at Sam’s Club, cash them out, or renew your membership. There are tons of ways to use it, depending on your needs, and tons of ways to save.

Select Customers Can Save up to 60% on a Sam’s Club Membership

Sam’s Club wants to reward some of the most valuable members in our community with more ways to save, offering 60% off new membership fees for healthcare workers, like nurses, medical providers, and hospital employees, who will qualify for a discounted $20 Club membership or $60 Plus membership.

Plus, Sam’s Club also offers 60% off new memberships for military and first responders, including active duty military, veterans, and their spouses, and first responders can join for just $20 (a $30 discount from the standard annual fee).

Get Sam’s Club Student Membership Discount: 60% Off

College students who join Sam’s Club online for the first time (new member status) can get a 60% discount on a Club membership, or $50 off a Sam’s Club Plus membership. Although there are discounts for both types of memberships, when you join as a Plus member, you’ll get free Curbside Pickup, early shopping at select locations, and free delivery and shipping on eligible orders of $50 or more. To get this Sam’s Club student discount, you need to be at least 18 years old and actively enrolled in an accredited, government-recognized public or private university or college. (This includes college, university, community college, junior college, vocational, and technical students.)

This deal also applies to new members only, meaning you must not have had an active Sam’s Club membership in the last 24 months. To confirm your status, digitally verify your identity through ID.me.

Free Shipping on Orders $50+ for Plus Members at Sam’s Club

On top of perks like Sam’s Cash back and fuel savings, Sam’s Club Plus members get free shipping on eligible items when they spend $50 or more. (This deal only applies to orders shipped within the lower 48.)

If you’re considering a virtual reality headset, Meta is the first place to stop. The Quest headsets have become the de facto choice for casual and even some enthusiast VR adventurers, thanks to their appealing price point, respectable performance, and wide digital catalogue of titles. While you can often find discounts on software, markdowns on the actual hardware are relatively uncommon, and rather than finding a Meta Quest promo code, you’re more likely to get a direct discount or bundle from Meta and other retailers. I’ve got a few coupons that will save you money on a new headset, accessories, and, of course, the best games and apps to check out.

Get $50 Off the Meta Quest 3 With Today’s Promos

There are two models to choose from: Quest 3 and Quest 3S. The more budget-friendly of the two is the Meta Quest 3S (8/10, WIRED Review). It has a slightly lower resolution screen, and the pass-through isn’t as sharp, but most people will be happy with it. It’s currently marked down by up to $50, taking the price as low as $250. If you want to spend those savings accessorizing, some of the extra add-ons are marked down by 20%. I’d recommend picking up the Elite Strap with a battery, which will improve the comfort and make up for the limited battery life.

If you’re looking for an extra game to go with your new headset, you can also use our links to score $30 in Quest Cash with the purchase of a new Quest 3 or Quest 3S headset. You can use that Quest Cash in the store to buy games or apps, and it’s good for DLC as well, if you want to pick up some extra courses for Walkabout Mini Golf, for example, one of my favorite games. You’ll get the cash for your account once you’ve activated the device—make sure to click here to buy the Quest 3, or use this link for the Quest 3S.

As a frequent Quest 3 user, a Quest+ subscription has been well worth the price. You typically get access to at least two free games every month, yours to play as long as you claim them during the month and keep your subscription active. There are a ton of games in the included library too, and regular discounts on DLC and big releases. If you pick up a Quest 3 bundle, you can score three months of Quest+, plus Batman: Arkham Shadow, one of the best single player immersive story games for the platform. That gives you a chance to try tons of games and titles, and is a great place to start diving into virtual reality head first.

Shop Refurbished For Meta Quest 3 Deals and Ray-Ban Glasses From $239

While “refurbished” might be a dirty word to some folks, to me it sounds like savings. Particularly when a product is coming from the manufacturer refurbished, you can usually trust that it’s been properly cleaned, checked for any issues, and reset to factory settings. Scuffs and dings can happen, but generally if they go back to manufacturers, they can replace cosmetic parts easily, and you’ll get warranty support if any problems arise.

Save $50 on a Like-New Meta Quest 3

If you’re looking to pick up the more powerful Quest 3, and still want to save some cash, there are refurbished units available for just $380. That’s a $50 discount from a new model, and you get the same great hardware, cleaned and checked by Meta directly. The refurbished units have one year of warranty support, a pair of Touch Plus controllers, plus a charging cable and power adapter.

Ray-Ban Meta Certified Refurbished AI Glasses–Starting at $239

Alongside the Quest virtual reality headsets, refurbished pairs of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses are also discounted as low as $239. There are various styles and colors available of the Gen 1 glasses (6/10, WIRED Review), including the classic Wayfarer. If you pick up any of the refurbished smart glasses, you’ll get free shipping and a 30 day return window, in case you don’t end up liking the fit or style.

Unlock up to 50% Off Meta Quest Games With Coupons

If you already have a headset, and you’re looking to pick up some games, we spotted some great discounts on new and classic titles. The excellent Batman: Arkham Shadow is marked down by 10% when you purchase through our link, and you can also grab Metro Awakening for 10% off, both of which are dark and immersive single player experiences. Perennial VR favorite Beat Saber is also marked down by 10% when you use our link, and really should be in every headset owner’s library.

For the more competitive gamer, we found some special discounts when buying add-ons for some popular multiplayer games. You can redeem an offer for 50% off your first add-on purchase in Gorilla Tag, to make sure you stand out while swinging from tree to tree. Similarly, you can score 50% off your first add-on purchase in the serious shooter VAIL.

Students and Teachers Can Score 10% Off at Meta

Students or teachers in higher education can also qualify for an extra meta discount code. You’ll have to verify your information with Meta on the Education Purchase Program (EPP) page first using your .edu email, and then you’ll get a link for a 10% off at checkout, no actual code required. The discount is good for Quest products like headsets, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, and some accessories. While that program is meant for personal use folks in education, there’s a separate program called Meta for Education you can check out if you’re interested in using Meta to educate, with programs for manufacturing and non-profit sectors.

Refer a Friend, Score a $30 Meta Store Credit

For existing headset owners looking to draw friends into their virtual worlds, Meta has a program for personal referral links that will score you both store credit. In the Meta Horizon app on your phone, tap the “Menu” button, and then go down to “Referrals” in the “Payment and Subscriptions” section, and you’ll be able to copy your code to share with friends. If they use that code to purchase and activate a Quest 3 or Quest 3s headset, you’ll both get $30 added to your Quest Cash account. Check out the Meta official page on referrals for more info, or the help page for sending and redeeming codes.

Level Up Your Gaming: the Meta Quest 3S Xbox

Meta teamed up with Xbox to bring the Meta Quest 3S Xbox Edition. This is a limited edition bundle with a custom 128GB Meta Quest 3S in signature Xbox Carbon Black and Velocity Green with matching Touch Plus controllers, a limited edition Xbox controller, an Elite Strap, and a 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership.

With this, you’ll put your Meta Quest on 3S Xbox Edition, where you’ll be able to play hundreds of Xbox games on a huge screen, thanks to the combination of Meta Quest and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, as well as a bevy of other immersive experiences from the Meta Horizon Store.

In the midst of our reporting on Nike’s turbulent year, we failed to emphasize one fact: Even as Nike’s corporate leadership flails in a post-Covid world, the company’s shoes and athletic apparel still make up a huge market segment and are still the leading performance models in the industry. Every marathon shoe is just a copy of the iconic Nike Vaporfly, and the Air Force 1 is still one of the top-selling sneakers in the world. You can restock on your own iconic styles with a Nike promo code. Here’s how.

Score 15% Off App Orders With Our Nike Promo Code

Members get rewarded for shopping directly on the Nike app. Once you log on to the app, you’ll automatically become a member. And if you use Nike promo code APP15, you’ll get 15% off your first app purchase and free shipping on orders of $50 or more. So whether you’re in the market for a new pair of Air Jordans or some new leggings for training for your next Marathon, you’ll want to take advantage of this deal.

Celebrate With Nike Coupons For Your Birthday and Member Discounts Everyday

Nike offers a 10% birthday discount when you sign up on the website. You must be a Nike member and logged into your Nike account in order to redeem the discount. The minimum purchase is $100 and applies to the first $500 of a qualifying purchase. You can use it in combination with the Nike free shipping promo codes only. Nike members also receive exclusive access to certain products and member-exclusive sales and discount codes.

Remember earlier when I said Nike members get rewarded? Be sure to become a Nike Member before your birthday month to receive a special birthday Nike discount. Not only will you get that birthday perk, but as a Nike member you’ll also get free shipping on orders of $50 or more, a free 60-day Wear Test to ensure the purchase is right for you, and returns with receipts.

Nike Student Discount Code: 10% Off

All students over 16 in the US, whether you’re in high school, college, or a university, get 10% off at Nike, Nike.com. and in the Nike app. To get the Nike discount code, you’ll just need to verify your student status. To do this, you need to fill out a verification form, verify age, and you may need to provide documentation to verify your status. Once your status is successfully verified, you’ll be sent a single-use Nike promo code for 10% off most items. You’ll just need to make sure you’re signed in to your Nike Member profile while using your Nike promo code. This 10% Nike discount code can be used on all sorts of the best Nike apparel and shoes, including the bestselling Nike Vomero Plus men’s running shoes that are full-stack, with ultra-soft max cushioning for enhanced comfort while running.

Nike Discount Programs: Teachers, Military, and Healthcare Works Get 10% Off

There are also other Nike discounts, like 10% off for military and spouses, first responders and medical professionals, and teacher discounts after verification. Check to make sure the items you’re shopping are covered by the discount; certain products, like Nike By You, gift cards, select launch and SNKRS products, and Apple products, are not valid.

Teachers get rewarded with 10% too, just follow the steps for verification status. All military personnel, including active, reservist, veteran, retired US military, and spouses and dependents of active personnel also get 10% off at Nike as a thank you for service. Plus, medical professionals and first responders are also eligible for 10% discounts; that means doctors, nurses, technicians, medical researchers, EMTs, firefighters, and law enforcement.

To get any of these discounts, you’ll need to verify with SheerID, where you’ll receive a single-use promo code that can be used once every seven days. Just be aware, the code expires after two weeks, but you can re-verify your identity to receive a new one.

Support the US Soccer Team With Official Nike Gear

Show off your soccer pride this season with the Team US Soccer x Nike collab. Merchandise from this showy collaboration includes solid, striped, and patterned jerseys for women, men, and children, as well as replica shorts and jerseys from a multitude of favorite players.

Not a US fan? Nike has the fan gear for you too, so you can rep your team, including merch and design collabs from top soccer teams like Norway, France, Brazil, Netherlands, Uruguay, and England.

Get 15% Off the Nike V5 RNR

The Nike V5 RNR just may be the hottest everyday shoe of the season. Stylish enough for streetwear, tough enough to withstand the daily grind, this Y2K inspired shoe has a chunky and lightweight foam midsole. So whether you want a Nike Men’s V5 RNR, women’s, or kid’s, the metallic details and a 3D Swoosh logo blend retro styles with modern sensibilities for an all-around solid shoe.

Trending Nike Styles to Score on Sale Today

Nike still outfits some of the top athletes in the world. If you’re a basketball player, I would say skip the Nike Dunks and get a pair of Kobe Protros like Caitlin Clark. If you’re a runner, Nike recently updated the classic running shoe, the Pegasus. If you’re looking for a low-key street shoe that’s not an Adidas Samba, get the Nike Blazers.

There are tons of Nike’s bestselling shoes on sale right now, including: Nike Dunk Low and Dunk Low Retro SE at 24% off (including multiple under $100 options), 24% off Zoom Vomero 5, 32% off Nike Free Metcon 6, and custom Metcon 10 for as low as $155. Plus, classics are also on sale, with Air Max 270 for up to 30% off, up to 33% off Air Force 1 Low Retro, or Air Force 1 ‘07 LV8 for under $80. Be sure to check out these heavy discounts on tons of Nike styles, from classic to contemporary.

Other Nike Products on Our Radar

Nike got its start as a running company and it still makes the best running apparel on the market. My particular favorites are the firm support, high-waisted ⅞ running leggings (because I’m short) and the running rain jacket, which is also understated enough to wear as an everyday rain jacket.

Be sure to check Nike often, with tons of upcoming launches soon to be released. One we’re most excited about is the Team US Collection, inspired by the upcoming Olympic games, with tons of sick US team Olympic apparel. Another hot new release is the Nike SB Dunk Low Pro x Bronx Girls Skate, a cool design inspired by urban landscapes and skate culture.

I don’t know if you’re like me, but one of my favorite ways to treat myself is with products that I know will help me better my body or ease any pain. Therabody has a slew of truly great products to help with everything from sore muscles, to aches and pains, and even has a full-on total body recliner, eyemasks to relieve headaches, and a LED skincare mask to keep you looking your best. Although these wellness products can be expensive, they are a truly invaluable way to keep yourself looking and feeling good (plus, this helps to avoid even more expensive hospital visits down the line). Not sure where to start? We have a Therabody tools guide to help you find which product is right for your needs.

Unlock 15% Off Bestsellers With a Theragun Discount Code

Been eyeing a trendy TheraFace Pro or popular Theragun Pro, but getting cold feet about the price? I have good news for you. You can get 10% off with a Therabody discount code when you sign up for email and a 15% off coupon when you sign up for texts. First, input your information and sign up to receive emails. You’ll receive a discount code for 10% off in your inbox. Enter the discount code at checkout to receive 10% off, and watch the price melt away (just like your aches and pains!). The Therabody promo code expires 30 days following receipt of the discount code, so don’t forget to use it once received. If you want to maximize your discount, just enter your phone number to receive a unique code for 15% off your next order.

Therabody Promo Code: Up to $120 Off Our Favorite Theraguns

Therabody has great rotating sale offers, with recent offers including up to 50% off sitewide and up to 35% off with a promo code. While Therabody promo codes are only for existing customers are rare to come by, you can find an assortment of more wallet-friendly products under $300.

Although the holidays have passed, Therabody still has the party goin’. Theragun has special Holiday Sale offers for a limited time, to help you save big on presents you may have missed this season, or to use on those gift cards burning a hole in your pocket. Some of the best holiday sales include: $80 off Theragun Prime (6th gen), $90 off Theraface PRO, and $120 off Theragun Sense.

Therabody also has a current promotion for free shipping sitewide, meaning you won’t have to pay any shipping fees on some of their most-anticipated new arrivals, like TheraFace Mask Glo, Theragun Prime, Theragun Mini Plus, and more. We love the TheraFace Mask. (Read our full review here.) While it doesn’t give overnight results, we liked that it combines red, near-infrared, and blue light therapy with gentle vibrations. Plus, it has a cordless, rechargeable design with an easy auto-cycle, and is FDA-cleared.

Experience the Comfort of Thermback

The Therabody ThermBack LED is one of the newest innovations in the lineup, which is clinically proven to reduce lower back pain by using four advanced therapies, including LED, far-infrared, heat, and vibrations. These therapies work together to promote faster healing, improved mobility, and have customizable treatment options for quick relief. Although the Therabody ThermBack LED is not on sale very often, I’d check back during Therabody sales events for discounted pricing.

Get 30% Off Therabody With Outlet Discounts

If you’ve been wanting to try these health-forward trendy devices, but don’t know where to start, shop at the Therabody Outlet, where you can get huge discounts on certified refurbished devices. They also have tons of last chance offers on a select few iconic early gen devices. At the outlet, you can find discounts of up to 30% off, including certified refurbished products like the Theragun Prime Plus, TheraFace, SmartGoggles, RecoveryAir Jetboots, RecoveryPlus sleeves, and more top bestsellers.

Great discounts on these bestselling wellness products include $120 off the TheraFace PRO, $200 off the TheraFace PRO Plus, $120 off the Theragun Prime Plus, and $200 off TheraFace Mask. As an added bonus, all of these machines come with a 30 day guarantee and a 1 year warranty when customers register their product, for added peace of mind.

Military, Students, Healthcare Discounts Can Get a Therabody Promo Code for up to 20%

There are additional ways to save on Therabody products. You can even use your FSA/HSA card or dollars on some qualifying products. Military personnel, healthcare workers, and first responders all get a 20% off Therabody discount code; you’ll just need to verify your status through ID.me as an extra step in their checkout portal. Students and teachers also qualify for 10% off.

Score up to 20% Off With Therabody Promo Codes and Holiday Deals

While Therabody promo codes and coupons are rare, the best time to find discounts is during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and December holiday sales. They also occasionally have seasonal flash sales, particularly in their beauty category, with discounts like coupon codes for $50 off TheraFace masks and 35% off accessories. But often the best deals you will find are Therabody’s sitewide promo codes and free shipping promotions that don’t require an order minimum. With these, you can expect to get free accessories and attachments when you purchase select products from their Therabody gift guide, with tons of deals under $200.

There are also Theragun promo codes for 15 to 20% off bundle deals when you purchase bundles of 2 or more products, including limited edition products like: The On-The-Go bundle, The Complete mini bundle, Beauty Sleep bundle, and The Complete TheraFace bundle.

10% Off TheraFace Mask Glo

We at WIRED love Theraguns and Therabody devices, and LED masks, for their ability to act as a restorative and regenerative tool for all sorts of body ailments. We think the upgraded TheraFace Mask Glo is a smart purchase if you’re in the market for a red light therapy mask with red, infrared, and blue light wavelengths, plus the signature vibration therapy that made the first-generation mask stand out. Treatment sessions range from four to 12 minutes, and we love the cordless design. Right now, you can get the TheraFace Mask Glo for 10% off when you sign up for Therabody’s email newsletter.

What do you need to make a good espresso? Ground coffee, of course; a machine capable of generating pressure; and hot water, preferably heated to between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. And that’s it. But could one perhaps do without that last element? No, not the water itself, but the need to heat it.

The Colombian researcher Francisco Trujillo led a team at Australia’s University of New South Wales that claims to have invented what it calls “ultrasonic espresso.” As Trujillo explains, it is “a room-temperature brewing process that uses high-frequency sound waves to extract the flavor, oils, aroma, and caffeine from ground coffee.”

Although the process takes longer than the conventional method (three minutes versus 30 seconds), it consumes 75 percent less energy—a considerable benefit for coffee shops and restaurants, but especially for businesses that produce industrial quantities of coffee, such as those making ready-to-drink products.

Sonic Brew

The experimental system directs ultrasonic waves directly into the filter containing the ground beans in water. Instead of relying on heat, the technology harnesses a phenomenon known as acoustic cavitation. This involves the formation and collapse of tiny bubbles that generate microcurrents which, in this experiment, facilitate the extraction of soluble compounds from the coffee.

To generate those microcurrents, the scientists designed a device capable of transmitting ultrasonic vibrations throughout the entire filter basket, transforming it into a sort of acoustic reactor. This design allows the waves to hit multiple points simultaneously and accelerate the movement of liquids around the coffee particles. “Ultrasound helps us replace heat with mechanical energy,” explains Trujillo.

The goal of this entire process, described in greater detail in this month’s issue of the Journal of Food Engineering, is to achieve a concentration comparable to that of an espresso. To do so, the researchers adjusted variables such as grind size, ultrasound power, and brewing time. Using a fine grind and 100 watts of power, they obtained beverages with levels of dissolved solids and extraction yields equivalent to those considered ideal by the Specialty Coffee Association.

When the experiments were repeated under the same conditions but without ultrasound, it was not possible to achieve these values. The ultrasonic system made it possible to produce coffee with an intensity similar to that of espresso in just a few minutes—the researchers found the optimal time to be between two and a half and three minutes—using water at room temperature.

The team also analyzed various chemical parameters. The concentrations of caffeine and chlorogenic acid were similar to those obtained by conventional methods. No significant differences were observed in pH or in the overall composition of the volatile compounds responsible for the aroma.

Taste Test

A group of 100 people participated in sensory tests in which they compared ultrasonic espresso with conventional espresso. Ultimately, the participants showed no notable preference for either method. The scores for aroma, flavor, bitterness, and overall acceptance were virtually equivalent.

They also compared filtered coffee prepared using the conventional method and with ultrasound. “In the case of filtered coffee, the ultrasonically processed version was generally preferred, and participants rated its bitterness as more pleasant,” noted Trujillo.

In addition to replicating the sensory characteristics of espresso, the new technique could offer environmental benefits. Measurements taken by the researchers indicate that, to produce beverages of the same intensity, the ultrasonic system used just 24 percent of the energy consumed by a typical espresso machine.

The authors emphasize that coffee produced using ultrasound is not identical to traditional espresso. However, the results suggest that it is possible to produce beverages with comparable chemical and sensory characteristics without heating the water.

The research opens up the possibility of developing new coffee makers capable of preparing everything from espresso to filtered coffee and cold brew using the same technology. If these systems are ever brought to market, the characteristic sound of an espresso machine could be replaced by the inaudible vibrations of ultrasound.

This story was originally published by WIRED en Español and has been translated from Spanish.

Meta is testing face-recognition software built by the United States military and regional police department supplier Rank One, WIRED found in an investigation this week. Meta has been exploring the possibility of adding face recognition tech into its smart glasses, and WIRED previously reported that the app for the glasses contained code—now deleted—that would have enabled the company to activate face-recognition features on the devices.

Anthropic is still negotiating with the Trump administration, after apparent White House concerns about the safety of new public model Claude Fable 5 resulted in Anthropic pulling the product off the market entirely. But security experts point out that AI models with advanced capabilities for discovering and exploiting software vulnerabilities—in other words, creating potentially dangerous hacking tools—will be ubiquitous soon around the world.

A leak exposed the identity of members of Peter Thiel’s secretive ‘Dialog’ society this week, revealing more than 200 prominent names registered for a retreat that includes panels on building a cult, sex, and prepping for World War III. WIRED also revealed the society has a secretive way of ranking its members.

The United Kingdom will soon begin scanning the faces of asylum-seekers as part of age checks in spite of evidence that such age evaluation and verification tools are deeply flawed and can make mistakes with life-altering consequences.

In more uplifting uses of surveillance tech, Knicks fans around the world had a chance to watch Thursday’s ticker tape parade in New York City on traffic surveillance cameras thanks to livestreams from the artist Morry Kolman.

And there’s more. Each week, we round up the security and privacy news we didn’t cover in depth ourselves. Click the headlines to read the full stories. And stay safe out there.

The hacking and extortion group ShinyHunters has been loudly proclaiming a slew of high-profile victims in recent months: including the education tech firm Instructure, causing disruption in thousands of schools in the process; the photography firm Kodak; and a key European human rights organization. This week, it also published data allegedly stolen from Madison Square Garden, according to reporting by 404 Media.

The published data, allegedly comprising millions of records across 45GB of files, includes potential personal information from customers and references players and coaches from the Knicks. The data was published not long after the Knicks won their first NBA championship since 1973. A sample of the data reviewed by 404 Media included one file purporting to include the names of “talent,” including Knicks members.

WIRED has recently reported on Madison Square Garden’s extensive use of surveillance technologies, including face recognition systems. Alleged emails in the stolen data viewed by 404 Media include one man complaining about face recognition technology. MSG did not respond to the publication’s request for comment and after the story broke, a federal class action lawsuit was filed over the alleged data breach.

At least three bars in San Francisco’s Castro district, the well-known LGBTQ region of the city, have been using face scanners at their entrances to collect detailed information on customers. The bars are using tech from Patronscan, an ID verification company, to collect facial images, names, genders, according to Gazetteer SF, which went to bars using the technology. As well as the data collection, if staff at the bars spot customers fighting, being involved in theft, or other negative behaviors, they can log this in the system. Face recognition can then identify the person the next time they are at the bar. The recorded information can be shared as part of a “safety network” between other firms using the tech, creating a widespread surveillance network.

For months, governments and companies in Europe have been ditching US technology, citing surveillance and security risks. This week France’s domestic spy agency, the Direction générale de la Sécurité intérieure (DGSI), announced it would stop using Palantir’s data and AI tools in the coming years, replacing them with software from French firm ChapsVision. “We must use our own AI models,” French prime minister Sébastien Lecornu said. “We cannot rely on tools developed by foreign powers. France must have its own tools.”

While France has been particularly proactive in trying to remove US technology from its public institutions—going as far as building its own open source equivalents to Zoom and Microsoft Office—it is not the first European intelligence agency to snub Palantir for ChapsVision. Last month, Germany’s intelligence agency BfV said it would use the French technology instead.

Apple’s ‘Hide My Email’ tool allows you to generate a random email address that you can use to privately sign-up to new websites and apps, avoiding you handing over personal info to even more websites. However, the company is set to change the way it creates these email addresses. At present, they all use the @icloud.com domain. Going forward, as TechCrunch reported this week, Apple plans to use the domain: @private.icloud.com. The not-so-subtle change could make it easier for firms to detect people are using the privacy-preserving service and demand sign-ups with an alternative email address.

Bloom Nutrition Superfood Greens PowderCompact packaging. Many flavors. Wide availability.Very sweet.Calories: 20. Carbohydrates: 4 g. Dietary fiber: 2 g. Iron: 0.5 mg. Sodium: 8 mg. Fiber blend: 1.606 g. Green Superfood Blend: 1.367 g. Pre and Probiotic Blend: 648 mg. Fruit and Vegetable Blend: 572 mg. Antioxidant Beauty Blend: 550 mg. Digestive Enzyme Blend: 150 mg. Adaptogenic Blend: 100 mg. (May vary slightly by flavor.)1030+$1.33YesPlant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free.Groove Greens PowderDelicious. Doesn’t taste like greens.Scoop is messy.Calories: 20. Carbohydrates: 5 g. Dietary Fiber: 2 g. Vitamin C: 90 mg. Vitamin D: 20 mcg. Vitamin B12: 10 mcg. Calcium: 30 mg. Iron: 1.6 mg. Sodium: 50 mg. Potassium: 110 mg.321$2YesNo dyes, no artificial flavors, no artificial sweeteners.Live It Up Super GreensNeutral flavor.Vague instructions may not be ideal for some people.Calories: 30. Carbohydrates: 3 g. Dietary Fiber: 3 g. Protein: 2 g. Vitamin A: 135 mcg RAE. Vitamin K: 84 mcg. Thiamin: 0.05 mcg. Riboflavin: 0.078 mg. Niacin: 0.39 mg NE. Vitamin B6: 0.04 mg. Folate: 40 mcg DFE. Vitamin B12: 3.84 mcg. Calcium: 49 mg. Iron: 3.6 mg. Phosphorous: 25.76 mg. Iodine: 52.5 mcg. Magnesium: 17 mg. Selenium: 41.5 mcg. Copper: 0.04 mg. Manganese: 0.45 mg. Chromium: 28 mcg. Molybdenum: 3.6 mcg. Chloride: 46 mg. Sodium: 22 mg.228$1.33YesSugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free. Vegan. No preservatives, GMOs, artificial flavors, stevia, artificial sweeteners, or caffeine.Athletic Greens AG1Tastes healthy in a good way. Upscale packaging. NSF Certified for Sport.High price tag.Calories: 40. Carbohydrates: 6 g. Dietary Fiber: 2 g. Protein: 2 g. Vitamin A: 550 mcg RAE. Vitamin C: 500 mg. Vitamin E: 20 mg. Thiamin: 3 mg. Riboflavin: 2 mg. Niacin: 16 mg NE. Vitamin B6: 5 mg. Folate: 680 mcg DFE. Vitamin B12: 400 mcg. Biotin: 330 mcg. Pantothenic acid: 4 mg. Choline: 25 mg. Calcium: 120 mg. Iron: 1 mg. Phosphorous: 130 mg. Magnesium: 30 mg. Zinc: 20 mg. Selenium: 22 mcg. Copper: 0.2 mg. Manganese: 0.4 mg. Chromium: 25 mcg. Molybdenum: 45 mcg. Sodium: 35 mg. Potassium: 250 mg. Vitamin K2: 90 mcg. Benfotiamine: 25 mg. Myo-Inositol: 100 mg. Boron: 500 mcg. Coenzyme Q10: 60 mg. Alpha-lipoic acid: 100 mg.383$3.30YesVegan, paleo, keto. Halal. Free from GMOs, artificial sweeteners, gluten, dairy, lactose, eggs, and peanuts.Athletic Greens AG1 FlavorsHealthy-tasting (in a good way). Upscale packaging. NSF Certified for Sport.High price tag.Calories: 40. Carbohydrates: 6 g. Dietary Fiber: 2 g. Protein: 2 g. Vitamin A: 550 mcg RAE. Vitamin C: 500 mg. Vitamin E: 20 mg. Thiamin: 3 mg. Riboflavin: 2 mg. Niacin: 16 mg NE. Vitamin B6: 5 mg. Folate: 680 mcg DFE. Vitamin B12: 400 mcg. Biotin: 330 mcg. Pantothenic acid: 4 mg. Choline: 25 mg. Calcium: 120 mg. Iron: 1 mg. Phosphorous: 130 mg. Magnesium: 30 mg. Zinc: 20 mg. Selenium: 22 mcg. Copper: 0.2 mg. Manganese: 0.4 mg. Chromium: 25 mcg. Molybdenum: 45 mcg. Sodium: 35 mg. Potassium: 250 mg. Vitamin K2: 90 mcg. Benfotiamine: 25 mg. Myo-Inositol: 100 mg. Boron: 500 mcg. Coenzyme Q10: 60 mg. Alpha-lipoic acid: 100 mg.383$3.30YesVegan, paleo, keto. Halal. Free from GMOs, artificial sweeteners, gluten, dairy, lactose, eggs, and peanuts.Athletic Greens AG1 ProPleasant taste. Supports muscle and gut health.High price tag.Calories: 50. Carbohydrates: 8 g. Dietary Fiber: 2 g. Protein: 2 g. Vitamin A: 550 mcg RAE. Vitamin C: 500 mg. Vitamin E: 20 mg. Thiamin: 3 mg. Riboflavin: 2 mg. Niacin: 16 mg NE. Vitamin B6: 5 mg. Folate: 680 mcg DFE. Vitamin B12: 400 mcg. Biotin: 330 mcg. Pantothenic acid: 4 mg. Choline: 25 mg. Calcium: 240 mg. Iron: 2.5 mg. Phosphorous: 130 mg. Magnesium: 30 mg. Zinc: 20 mg. Selenium: 22 mcg. Copper: 0.2 mg. Manganese: 0.4 mg. Chromium: 25 mcg. Molybdenum: 45 mcg. Sodium: 40 mg. Potassium: 250 mg. Vitamin K2: 90 mcg. Benfotiamine: 25 mg. Myo-Inositol: 100 mg. Boron: 500 mcg. Coenzyme Q10: 60 mg. Alpha-lipoic acid: 70 mg.186$3.30YesVegan, paleo, keto. Halal. Free from GMOs, artificial sweeteners, gluten, dairy, lactose, eggs, and peanuts.Primal Harvest Super Greens PowderNeutral flavor.Slow to dissolve.Calories: 35. Fat: 0.6 g. Carbohydrates: 6 g. Dietary Fiber: 2.5 g. Protein: 1.4 g. Vitamin C: 110 mg. Vitamin E: 10 mg. Vitamin B12: 25 mcg. Zinc: 7.5 mcg. Copper: 0.06 mg.154$1.66YesNo added gluten, dairy, soy, or sugars. No eggs, gluten, or gelatin.Organifi Green Juice PowderMinty flavor is good (if a little weird).Pouch is hard to close.Calories: 30. Carbohydrates: 6 g. Dietary Fiber: 3 g. Protein: 1 g. Calcium: 31 mg. Iron: 2 mg. Sodium: 15 mg.111$2.66YesGluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, plant-based. Vegan, organic, non-GMO.Zena Nutrition Greens Organic Supergreens Fruits & VegetablesHigh fiber content.Grassy flavor.Calories: 20. Carbohydrates: 4 g. Dietary fiber: 3 g. Protein: 2 g. Calcium: 36 mg. Iron: 1 mg. Sodium: 6 mg. Potassium: 143 mg.470+$1.17YesVegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free. Non-GMO.BrickHouse Nutrition Field of GreensSeveral options to choose from. Pleasant taste.Chalky texture.Calories: 25. Sodium: 15 mg. Carbohydrates: 4 g. Dietary fiber: 2 g. Protein: 1 g. Vitamin D: 4 mcg. Calcium: 1 mg. Vitamin A: 233 mcg. Vitamin C: 19 mg. Vitamin E: 3 mg. Vitamin K: 26 mcg. Thiamin: 0.3 mg. Riboflavin: 0.3 mg. Niacin: 3 mg. Vitamin B6: 0.4 mg. Folate: 86 mcg DFE. Vitamin B12: 0.5 mcg. Biotin: 6 mcg. Pantothenic Acid: 1 mg. Iodine: 3 mcg. Magnesium: 9 mg. Selenium: 1.2 mcg. Chromium: 1 mcg. Molybdenum: 1 mcg.1038+$3YesGluten-free, lactose-free. Natural flavors.Sips Club Veggie SipsVery tasty. Stick format.Inclusion of prunes may be a blessing or a curse.Calories: 5. Carbohydrates: 3 g. Dietary fiber: 2 g.421$1.83YesGluten-free. No added sugars or artificial dyes.Factor Form Daily GreensBright, juicy taste. Packets are convenient. No excess vitamin content.Made me burp!Calories: 20. Carbohydrates: 4 g. Dietary fiber: 2 g. Protein: 1 g. Vitamin C: 90 mg. Vitamin D: 20 mcg. Thiamin: 1.2 mg. Riboflavin: 1.3 mg. Niacin: 16 mg NE. Vitamin B6: 1.7 mg. Folate: 400 mcg DFE. Vitamin B12: 2.4 mcg. Biotin: 30 mcg. Pantothenic Acid: 5 mg. Calcium: 20 mg. Iron: 0.5 mg. Zinc: 11 mg. Sodium: 20 mg. Potassium: 50 mg.127+$2.30YesNo added sugars. Keto-friendly.Grüns Superfood GummiesAll the goodness of greens powders in a palatable gummy. Easy to take on the go because no water is required. A great option for picky eaters.Not the best value for what it is. Website aggressively pushes subscriptions and upsells.Regular Grüns: Calories: 50. Carbohydrates: 15 g. Dietary fiber: 6 g. Sugars: 8 g. Vitamin A: 900 mcg RAE. Vitamin C: 93 mg. Vitamin D: 20 mcg. Vitamin E: 15 mg. Thiamin: 1.2 mg. Riboflavin: 1.3 mg. Niacin: 16 mg. Vitamin B6: 1.7 mg. Folate: 400 mcg DFE. Vitamin B12: 2.4 mcg. Biotin: 30 mcg. Pantothenic Acid: 5 mg. Iron: 4.5 mg. Iodine: 38 mcg. Zinc: 2.75 mg. Selenium: 14 mcg. Copper: 0.22 mg. Manganese: 0.57 mg. Chromium: 9 mcg. Molybdenum: 11 mcg. Vitamin K2: 120 mcg.2 (with 2 sweetness options apiece)60$2.39YesVegan. Low-sugar options.Quince Daily Superfood GreensBalanced taste. Pleasant texture. Affordable.Can be gritty.Calories: 30. Carbohydrates: 5 g. Dietary fiber: 1 g. Protein: 2 g. Sodium: 20 mg. Vitamin A: 550 mcg. Vitamin C: 429 mg. Vitamin D: 50 mcg. Vitamin E: 26.6 mg. Thiamin: 3.9 mg. Riboflavin: 2 mg. Niacin: 20 mg. Vitamin B6: 3.3 mg. Folate: 675 mcg. Vitamin B12: 22 mcg. Biotin: 330 mcg. Pantothenic Acid: 3.7 mg. Iron: 800 mcg. Phosphorus: 110 mg. Magnesium: 30 mg. Zinc: 15 mg. Selenium: 20 mcg. Copper: 194 mcg. Manganese: 400 mcg. Chromium: 25 mcg. Posassium: 230 mg.178$1.34NoSoy-free. Stevia-free. Free from preservatives, GMOs, fillers, artificial ingredients, and the top 12 major allergens. Vegan, paleo, keto.Daily Elements Microgreens PowderSimple ingredients. Taste is subtle.Stinky.Calories: 524$2.50YesVegan, paleo, keto. Halal. Free from pesticides, GMOs, artificial sweeteners, gluten, dairy, lactose, eggs, and peanuts.Nuzest Good Green VitalityPleasant taste. Packed with vitamins and minerals.Clumps readily.Calories: 30 Carbohydrates: 3g Fiber: 2g Sugar: 1g Protein: 2g Vitamins: too many ingredients to list175+$3.17Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, non-GMO

With electricity costs soaring, home batteries have never looked so attractive. Whether you want to store the excess generated by your solar panels or simply buy electricity at the cheapest possible rate to use later when power is most expensive, a home battery can help. It’s never been easier to get a home battery installed, but this rapidly expanding market can be confusing, and there are several things to consider before you buy.

I’ve spent months researching home batteries, chatting to folks who use them, and then having one installed myself, and I have tips for anyone interested in getting a home battery of their own.

Why Would You Want a Home Battery?

There are several reasons you might want to invest in a home battery, and they are not mutually exclusive:

• You want to store excess power from your solar panels.
• You want to live off-grid.
• You want to guard against power outages.
• You want to buy electricity at a cheap rate and store it for use later.

Home batteries are a win-win, potentially benefiting power companies too, because battery storage is an essential part of grid balancing and can help manage and make the most of the intermittent power generated by renewables (solar, wind, waves).

How Do Home Batteries Work?

Photograph: Simon Hill

A home battery is like a big power bank for your home. But rather than lithium-ion, they tend to be lithium iron phosphate (LFP or LiFePO4), because it is safer, more durable, and less prone to thermal runaway. In other words, less likely to overheat and burst into flames. There are a few manufacturers working with sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries, which are potentially cheaper, more environmentally friendly (they don’t require lithium), and perform better in the cold, but they are also larger and don’t last as long.

Home battery technology is often the same as you’ll find in electric vehicles. Some folks have even suggested employing EV batteries as home batteries. But there are potential issues with that, not least finding your car battery drained in the morning. EVs are also driving the technology forward toward solid-state batteries, which are smaller for the same capacity, safer as they don’t have liquid electrolytes inside, and longer lasting.

Many home batteries come in modular systems, so you can add the capacity you want, but they require an inverter to convert the DC (direct current) power stored to AC (alternating current) power you can use. Folks with solar panels, or those who plan to add them in the future, should opt for a hybrid inverter, which can also convert the power from the panels for use or storage.

Inverters have different power ratings in kilowatts (kW) that dictate how much power you can draw at any given moment. Households with modest needs may get by with a 3.6-kW inverter, but that limits your continuous draw to 3.6 kW. They usually have a peak load capability that goes higher, enabling you to pull more for a brief period. If you have high-demand appliances like an EV charger or heat pump, you will want at least 5 kW, and folks with larger demands or larger batteries will want to go higher (6 to 10 kW).

What Should I Look For?

There are several things to watch out for when buying a home battery:

• Capacity: Measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), this tells you how much total energy the battery can hold.
• Power output: Measured in kilowatts (kW), this shows how much energy the battery and inverter can deliver at any moment.
• Depth of discharge: This is how much of the battery’s capacity you can safely use without damaging it.
• Efficiency: This is the percentage of the power you put into the battery that you can actually use, because some energy is always lost in the storage process.
• Warranty: This is a guarantee about the minimum performance you can expect before a battery degrades (they all degrade over time), and it’s often stated in years and charging cycles (whichever comes first). For example, EcoFlow promises at least 70 percent capacity after 15 years or 6,000 charging cycles.

How Much Home Battery Do You Need?

EcoFlow via Simon Hill

It can be tricky to calculate how much battery capacity you need, and it depends on your use case. If you want to guard against outages or live off-grid, you must consider how much power you use over time and also the sum of your maximum power usage at any given moment to ensure your capacity in kWh and output in kW are enough. If the output is not high enough you may not be able to run power-hungry appliances at the same time, so you’ll have to think about how you use your power.

For folks like me, simply looking to buy at a cheaper rate to use when power is more expensive, any capacity will benefit you. But if you have a cheap six-hour rate overnight, for example, then you ideally want it to last for the other 18 hours. It makes sense to get as much as you can up-front because the installation costs are high. Even adding to modular systems later often requires professional installation to avoid voiding your warranty.

Do You Need Upgrades or Permission?

The home battery will connect to your main electrical panel via a cable, and it may require some upgrades. There was no room on my fuse board when I got a home battery installed, so they had to install a second breaker box.

Some inverters may require permission from your electric distribution utility or local distribution company. Here in Scotland, the distribution network operator must approve your inverter, but you can install and then notify up to 3.6 kW, whereas larger inverters require prior approval.

I quickly found that Siri AI’s bite-sized replies don’t drone on endlessly like many contemporary AI assistants, often sticking to a single paragraph. When I verbally asked for a nice beach hike route to see the sunrise near the Golden Gate Bridge, it succinctly recommended a popular trail in the Presidio neighborhood as well as an option in the Marin Headlands. Siri bolded key words in the text answer that appeared alongside the audible response for easy scanning. Since I wanted more info before heading out, I swiped down on the text answer to read additional details about each option.

Apple’s partnership with Google is a core driver behind this Siri overhaul. Google’s Gemini now helps power the voice assistant’s underlying model, Apple Intelligence. Siri’s output with this new model felt more attuned to what I was looking for, rather than just suggesting a couple of website links for me to dig through. When I asked generic questions, like “What should I do today,” Siri combed through my recent messages and highlighted recent plans I started discussing with friends but never finalized.

Another key aspect of Siri AI is hyper-personalization based on what you have on your device, whether that data is in your photos or messages. It also doesn’t keep you locked into Apple-only services; when I asked Siri to draft a text, the voice assistant confirmed if I wanted to send it through Apple’s Messages or Meta’s Messenger service.

This style of AI search requires Siri to index your phone, which means scanning and cataloging its data for easy reference. When I updated my iPhone to the developer beta for iOS 27, it took a little over a week for the device to fully index.

At WWDC 2026, Apple repeatedly referenced its privacy-preserving approach to Siri AI. As part of the company’s Private Cloud Compute, Apple claims it doesn’t store data from users and only pulls from it when you ask Siri a question. Similar to the previous version of Apple’s assistant, users who aren’t interested can turn off Siri AI in their settings.

I tested Siri AI on an iPhone 16 Pro Max, which will have many but not all of Siri AI’s features. Based on what’s been publicly released, only the iPhone Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and the iPhone 17 Max will have all the fixings, like more varied voice options. As for the rest of the lineup: Every iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 model will be able to run the new Siri, while only the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max will be compatible. Older models will not support this voice assistant.

Siri, Let’s Take a Hike

Like any good tourist, I started my morning off with a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge, where there are plenty of nearby hiking trails to wander around and soak up the views. Since Siri AI is also integrated with the iPhone’s camera app, I decided to open it up and snap a quick photo of the foggy path ahead of me to see how Siri would respond.

I didn’t ask Siri any questions; I just showed it a snapshot of what I saw at the moment, and the AI tool responded with a short history of the Cypress Tree Tunnel located at Point Reyes National Seashore. Siri was right to clock the Monterey cypress trees. But the tunnel it referenced is an hour drive from where I was, potentially confusing for someone not familiar with the area.

Despite this apparent flub, the more I chatted with Siri while walking around, the more impressed I was at other functions, like helping uncover images from past adventures hidden among the thousands of photos in my camera roll.

Whoop’s bracelet-style trackers deliver exhaustive activity tracking and biometric data compared to standard fitness trackers. The Whoop band is also an excellent tool for monitoring sleep and overall health. Our WIRED testers have been reviewing Whoop trackers since the Whoop 3.0, and have watched as the product has evolved into an AI-enabled personalized service.

But for most people, the Whoop may feel like an overinvestment, which is why Whoop is particularly popular among elite athletes. The company’s tiered subscription model can also be quite expensive for devices that are not medical instruments. Nonetheless, in the realm of biohacking, the gamification of health tracking is quite appealing. If you’re on the fence, we have a Whoop promo code and Whoop discount here, including a free trial before you commit to a purchase.

Whoop Promo Code: 1 Month Free

Whoop offers a free trial membership to new customers, no Whoop promo code needed, for anyone not sure about committing. It’s a one-month subscription to Peak, the company’s mid-tier plan that includes core features such as readiness scores and advanced features like health and stress monitoring. The Whoop free trial includes a pre-owned Whoop 5.0 device and wired charger, along with a brand-new band of your choice. According to Whoop, the pre-owned device is thoroughly tested to ensure it works, but it may have slight cosmetic flaws.

Once the trial ends, your membership will automatically renew for $239 per year unless canceled beforehand. Monthly financing with a one-year commitment is available, and you can also switch to a One or Life plan—just make sure to do so before your free trial ends. If you do decide to cancel, you’ll have to return your device and battery pack for the cost of shipping ($6).

Redeem Your Whoop Coupon Code for Free Trials

Whoop’s annual memberships are not cheap. Fortunately, Whoop’s referral program lets you earn free months to offset future membership fees. For each friend you refer, you receive one month of membership credit, and your friend receives one free month when they join. If you have a month-to-month plan, referral credits apply to the next monthly charge until fully used. If you have a 12- or 24-month prepaid plan, credits will extend your renewal date. Referral credits are applied only after your friend has passed their return window or made their second payment, whichever occurs first.

Get the Whoop Military Discount Today: 10% Off

Active and retired military members, as well as first responders, are eligible for a 10 percent Whoop discount code on Peak ($239/year) and Life ($359/year) memberships. You must verify your status through ID.me to receive the Whoop promo code.

Unlock 10% With the Whoop Student Discount

Like the above discount, students can save 10% at Whoop. This 10% Whoop student discount applies to Peak, Life, and One memberships. All you need to do is verify your student status through StudentBeans to get the Whoop promo code for 10% off.

Give the Gift of Better Health With Whoop

Say what you will about gift cards, but in the world of biohacking, a Whoop gift card is practically a love language. Instead of purchasing a Whoop device outright, which involves personal preference for both the membership and band, a gift card is a thoughtful alternative. The available amounts are $25, $50, $75, $100, $250, or $1,000. The gift card numbers are delivered by email along with instructions for redeeming them at checkout. You can either choose a specific gift recipient or send it to yourself to print and give in person. Please note that gift cards cannot be returned or exchanged, so I recommend this only if you know your friend has been dying for a Whoop.

Save More With the Whoop Family Plan

Whoop offers a Whoop family plan to help everyone reach their goals more affordably. The Whoop family plan helps with multiple people’s daily accountability, competition, or motivation, with plans for up to keep costs down. When you choose a Whoop family plan, every member gets their own device and access to the app; each also comes with a complimentary band and a charger that keeps devices juiced for 14 days. With this, you’ll also get a lifetime warranty and 24/7 support. The Whoop Family Plan is for two to six people, and instead of members each paying an individual membership, each family has a single annual bill. Be sure to check out Whoop family memberships and see if it’s right for your clan.

L.L. Bean is famous for its outdoorsy appeal, ranging from outerwear and supplies to withstand the elements to laid-back lifestyle products. The company was established in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean in Maine. It remains headquartered there today, continually rolling out revered classics and updated essentials for today’s nature lovers. Take the Bean Boots: what started as L.L. Bean’s premier product ultimately helped shape the brand into what it is today. This definitive shoe, which can be worn on hiking trails and rain-slicked city streets alike, has remained true to the original version. If you’ve ever wanted to capture the essence of being a rugged Mainer or recreate a cozy cabin at home, here are plenty of L.L. Bean promo code options at your fingertips.

Get 10% Off Your First Order With an L.L.Bean Promo Code

You may bemoan email updates, but in terms of sales, this L.L. Bean coupon is a pretty low lift. Sign up for email updates from the company, and you get 10% off your first order. This offer is valid only once per email address, so choose your purchase wisely.

Take Up to 75% Off Outdoor Gear in the L.L.Bean Sale Section

Sales mean stocking up, especially on outdoor equipment and camping supplies ahead of your next adventure. Whether you’re about to take up fishing and need supplies, or have Noah Kahan concert tickets in sight and want extras from his L.L. Bean collaboration collection for the event, all of that is available to you. You can save 75% off these L.L. Bean sale items, no promo code needed.

This is a different sort of two-for-one special: twice a day, L.L. Bean posts new sales at 6 AM and 2 PM sharp, Eastern time. While the two-a-day daily markdown is not super expansive in terms of inventory up for grabs, what is posted for sale usually comes at a heavily discounted price akin to deals you’d see on Black Friday.

This L.L. Bean sale is like an online treasure hunt. The daily markdown sale involves a new deal posted daily from 6 AM to midnight Eastern time. Inventory leans toward gear, such as backpacks, blankets, and shoes.

Military, First Responders, Medical Workers, and Students Can Save an Additional 10%

Being in the medical field or a first responder can often be a tough, thankless job. But, there’s a special L.L. Bean sale for medical workers and first responders so that you can stock up on supplies for when you rest and recharge in your down time. Use the L.L. Bean first responder discount for 10% off—be sure to verify your license status through SheerID.

L.L. Bean military discount offers 10% for military personnel, current or former. This discount also applies to family members—if you or a family member would like to partake, verify your status via SheerID.

Teachers deserve their (wild)flowers. To make sure you have what you need for your next outdoor adventure and say thanks, you can get 10% off with the special L.L. Bean teacher discount. College students, there’s also the L.L. Bean student discount where you 10% off, too. To redeem either of these discounts, make sure to verify your teaching or student (or both!) status via SheerID.

10% Off L.L Bean Legendary Canvas Totes

We love a tote bag. It doesn’t collapse under pressure, doesn’t mind getting dirty, and, most importantly, carries your baggage. No matter what you need a good tote for, you’ll need something spacious, wipeable, and tough enough to survive TSA. You’re in luck, L.L. Bean has durable canvas totes handmade in Maine. Plus, you can customize your bag with a personal monogram or bag charm to make sure it stands out on the conveyor belt or on the beach. When you sign up for the L.L. Bean newsletter, you can save 10% on a custom L.L. Bean boat and tote bag.

Chirp reinvented the wheel—or at least one type, the yoga wheel. Chirp Wheels are effective in relieving upper and lower back pain, sciatica, and tension headaches. WIRED contributor Hannah Singleton has said the Chirp Wheel XR-3 Pack has even helped undo her tech neck and alleviate her brain fog.

Recently, the wellness brand has expanded beyond its flagship wheels into recovery gear. The lineup now includes powered rolling massagers (which I’ve been using a lot lately for back pain relief), TENS units, and even a full massage table (Chirp Contour) that I’m currently testing (stay tuned for the full review). Where Chirp stands out from heavyweights like Hyperice and Therabody is in its simplicity and value. The products tend to focus on doing one thing well rather than piling on features you may never use. Chirp promos and discounts run frequently on the Chirp website, and we have Chirp discount codes, so you can get an even better deal on recovery gear that’s already reasonably priced.

Save up to 67% on Chirp Products With Daily Deals

I like checking Chirp’s Daily Deals page because the exclusive offers rotate frequently, and you can save as much as 67%. I’ve spotted the Chirp Wheel XR 3-Pack on there, but you’ll also find different versions of the wheel, along with storage accessories. Some wheels skip the pressure-point nodes, which can feel better if you’re focusing on improving spinal mobility and flexibility rather than digging into stubborn knots. If the Chirp RPM Mini pops up at a special discount, it’s worth considering for your first purchase. It’s essentially an electric roller that kneads muscles more gently than most percussive massage guns; it also comes with a carrying case, so you can toss it in a bag and take it with you.

Get a Free Chirp Wheel+ Deep Tissue 2-Pack When You Spend $99 or More

Spend $99 or more, and Chirp will throw in a complimentary Chirp Wheel+ Deep Tissue 2-Pack, which retails for $75. The bundle includes two wheels: a 6-inch Deep Tissue Wheel designed for larger muscle groups and a 4-inch Focus Wheel meant to target trigger points in the neck and other small areas. You’ll need to sign up for the email newsletter to claim the freebie before adding it to your order.

Get Free Shipping on Chirp Orders Over $75

Chirp customers receive free shipping on U.S. orders over $75, and the perk stacks with the brand’s daily deals and most codes. If you time it right, you can shave a decent chunk off the final price. No promo code at checkout required.

Chirp Discount Code: Select Customers Can Get 15% Off

Chirp offers a 15% discount to certain groups through an online verification process. That includes: active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their dependents; first responders and law enforcement officers; medical professionals and healthcare workers; and teachers and academic administrators at any grade level.

Like other popular services like Netflix and Max, Hulu is a streaming service that has exclusive series, current-season episodes, hit movies, Hulu Originals, kids shows, and more. There’s also a Hulu plan for nearly every kind of watcher, including streaming content with ads for a service on the cheap, or bundles for additional platforms like Disney+ and ESPN+ to get even more content at reduced prices. I have a Hulu plan to watch some of my favorite shows like critically-acclaimed Atlanta or my current fave wholesome comedy, Abbott Elementary. We at WIRED stay glued to our devices and round up the best movies and the best TV shows currently being streamed on Hulu. Right now, we have outlined various ways to save while streaming on Hulu, including the chance to pay just $1.99 per month with the Hulu student discount.

Get this Hulu Student Discount: $2 Per Month

Students can stream a bevy of shows and movies with Hulu for just $2 per month. This deal saves you 80% off the original monthly subscription price, and is valid for new and existing Hulu subscribers enrolled in an accredited college or university who meet verification qualifications. All you need to do to get Hulu for less than two bucks is verify your student status through SheerID to save.

Enjoy a Hulu TV + Live TV Free Trial

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Watch the Latest Hulu TV Shows for Less

One of the things I love most about Hulu is that they are constantly adding both new original shows and old favorites. They truly have something for every type of watcher and mood. As a true crime lover (I know it’s problematic, I’m sorry), I’ve been excited to see the Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox.

Here’s what I’m also excited to watch this season. Classic crime drama The Rookie stars perennial heartthrob Nathan Fillion centers on a small-town man becoming the oldest rookie in the LAPD. I always look forward to the feel-good comedy Abbott Elementary, which focuses on a quirky cast of misfits in the public education system in Philadelphia. In R.J. Decker, the titular character is a conman and disgraced newspaper photographer who begins entering the dark underworld of private investigating in South Florida.

Plus, there’s something for everyone, from trash reality TV like The Bachelorette, to intriguing Paradise, to quirky comedy High Potential, to the classic boy cartoon-comedy Family Guy.

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A report from Canada’s Transportation Safety Board has highlighted regulatory failures that allowed OceanGate’s unregistered, unflagged, and uncertified Titan submersible to operate out St. John’s, Newfoundland, for years before it imploded on a tourist trip to the wreck of the Titanic in 2023.

“When it came to the Titan, critical information existed across multiple federal government organizations, but no one was responsible for connecting the dots,” says TBS chair Yoan Marier in a statement. “Without a complete picture of the operation, the Titan continued to operate in Canada without regulatory oversight.”

OceanGate first interacted with the Canadian government while Titan was still undergoing final assembly in Everett, Washington. In May 2021, Fisheries and Oceans Canada laid out plans to pay the company $25,000 to support deep-sea ecosystem research during missions to the Titanic the following year. But Global Affairs Canada denied OceanGate a research permit after the company claimed, inaccurately, that Fisheries and Oceans would act as its sponsor.

The Titan’s maiden voyage to the Titanic the next month was unsuccessful after one of its titanium domes fell off, and the ship carrying the sub, the Horizon Arctic, returned to St. John’s. But before any of the disappointed passengers who had paid over $100,000 to see the wreck could disembark, the ship was directed to a secure lockdown area of the harbor. There, a team of armed officers from Canada’s Border Security Agency boarded the Horizon Arctic. They interrogated the passengers about Covid-19 precautions and their role in the dives.

“They were extremely intimidating,” passenger Gary Philbrick tells WIRED. “I couldn’t get off the ship fast enough.”

The agents also asked why OceanGate was operating without a research permit. David Concannon, a lawyer who had worked with OceanGate in the past, told them that the Titan would only be diving in international waters, and the agents left. “They had zero interest in the sub. Absolutely none,” he tells WIRED. “They were there to look at paperwork.”

That was correct, says Etienne Seguin-Bertrand, an investigator with the Transportation Safety Board: “As long as the sub had been imported properly and any applicable duties paid, it wasn’t part of their mandate to make sure that it was properly registered and safe.”

Another agency, Transport Canada, is responsible for overseeing compliance with regulations for all vessels, including submersibles. These include requirements that vessels are registered, flagged, or certified, particularly if they are carrying passengers. It can inspect vessels and, if necessary, carry out enforcement. But Transport Canada had decided that the Titan was actually part of the Horizon Arctic’s cargo and therefore not a vessel subject to inspection.

In July 2021, a researcher from Fisheries and Oceans Canada traveled on a subsequent OceanGate mission as an observer. They reported back that the carbon fiber Titan had not been approved or certified by any regulatory body and was not carrying insurance. Their concerns never made it to Transport Canada’s team that oversees marine safety, though the report doesn’t make clear where the disconnect was. Fisheries and Oceans never followed through with its plan to fund Titan missions.

As OceanGate continued to operate from St. John’s in 2021 and 2022, the Titan made successful dives to the Titanic and several sites within Canadian waters. The company eventually interacted with a total of 10 Canadian federal agencies, including Parks Canada, the Department of National Defense, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. But the company’s operations were never directly reported to the team responsible for marine safety. “In terms of the actual people that were responsible for marine oversight, their focus was on the Canadian support vessel,” says TSB investigator Jason Melvin.

On Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Iran, a deal that sets off a 60-day ceasefire and longer-term nuclear talks between the two nations. It also, critically, reopens the Strait of Hormuz, that narrow waterway between Iran and Oman that usually serves as one of the globe’s vital energy shipping routes, with 20 million barrels of oil moving through daily.

By Thursday morning, 10 vessels that had been stranded for all 110 days of the US-Iran war began moving out of the area, according to Windward, a maritime intelligence firm. The Strait of Hormuz seems open for business.

But experts say that US consumers shouldn’t expect gas prices—which have jumped more than 35 percent nationally since late February—to recover soon. Shippers are still nervous about the tenuous peace in the Strait, which remains seeded with an indeterminate number of underwater mines. It doesn’t help that Trump continues to threaten violence in the area. “We will bomb them” if Iran doesn’t permanently shut down its nuclear program, the president told reporters Wednesday. “It’s amazing what bombs can do.” Meanwhile, the machinery of oil production is only just grinding back to a start.

“For the consumer, the big thing to realize is that there’s no sign that prices are heading back to February levels just yet,” says Jason Miller, a professor of supply chain management at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business. “The global oil supply-demand balance, big picture, has been incredibly disrupted.” Right now, he says, people who buy gas, food, fertilizer, and anything else dependent on oil-based products shouldn’t count on a rapid recovery.

Though crude oil prices have fallen since the memorandum’s announcement, consumers would be wise to budget for the higher wartime prices for the longer haul.

“This is an incredibly fragile situation,” Miller says. “None of these things would have happened if you had not had the war.”

The Shipping News

Jakob Larsen, the chief safety and security officer at BIMCO, the world’s largest international shipping organization, said in a written statement Thursday that the industry still views the Strait as a safety risk for vessels. Its central part is “mined and un-navigable,” he wrote, which means ships’ safest routes right now are likely in narrower channels closer to Iran or Oman. The memorandum did not include important details that will determine how the next weeks and months will look, shipping-wise: which routes are safest, how and when ships might move in opposite directions, whether militaries will get involved with standard operations, or whether Iran might impose tolls.

“We advise shipowners to continue doing thorough risk assessments and appeal to all parties to put the safety of seafarers first,” Larsen wrote. “Credible assurances from both sides of the conflict must be given before traffic can resume fully to pre-conflict levels.”

Part of the issue is that no one knows exactly how long it will take to make the Strait safe enough for shippers and their insurers. Routes “have got to be de-mined,” says Michelle Wiese Bockmann, a senior maritime intelligence analyst at Windward, and “nobody knows how long that will take—six weeks or six months.” Earlier this week, Trump said the effort to clear mines is already underway. The effort could include several countries, minesweeping ships, underwater drones that use sonar emitters to locate seafloor anomalies, military divers, and even US Navy-trained mine-detecting dolphins (though CNN reported last month that dolphins are unlikely to be currently operating in the area).

On June 11, Kalshi released a buzzy ad featuring noted New York Knicks fan Timothée Chalamet. It was a zeitgeist-capturing moment for prediction markets, akin to the 2022 Super Bowl, when seemingly every commercial featured a celebrity shilling crypto.

Yet when I brought Chalamet’s spot up with attendees at Manifest, a recent festival for prediction markets, I was mostly met with blank stares. These conference goers—a mix of academics, startup founders, job seekers, and players in the markets—hadn’t even heard about it. They were too busy thinking about the bigger picture and the risks facing markets.

Their confusion was the perfect encapsulation of a battle that I observed again and again that weekend: The way forecasting philosophers see the markets (tools for the greater good) is very different from how the vast majority of the world sees them (a way to bet on sports).

“We were all waiting for so long to be in the world we’re in now,” Dan Schwarz, the cofounder and chief executive officer of FutureSearch, an artificial intelligence research and prediction startup, tells me. But the platforms have run into problems, from insider trading to sports contracts that, Schwarz worries, are fueling addiction. To outweigh these harms, “prediction markets would have to deliver a lot more value than they are now.”

The prognosticators, it turns out, are concerned that the very thing that’s made prediction markets a global phenomenon could be their undoing.

This year’s iteration of Manifest took place at Lighthaven, an idyllic compound in Berkeley, California. The campus, which takes up about half a city block, also functions as the epicenter of the rationalist movement, which, among other things, prioritizes the safe development of AI and effective altruism.

The vibe skewed heavily male but was still eclectic. Clusters of twenty- and thirty-somethings huddled over laptops in the Tudor-style main house, and someone told me I looked like a guy who would have a stick of gum. Talks about markets jostled for attention alongside sessions about the odds that AI will kill us all and lessons on how to optimize your sex life. There was a furry meetup and watch parties for the first US World Cup match and game 5 of the NBA Finals. (I couldn’t find anyone who had put money on either event, though a few attendees told me they knew of folks who had made bank.) There were markets on play-money platform Manifold about the festival itself, like whether someone would break a bone (still unresolved) and whether Caroline Ellison would show up (yes).

Still, the broader background conditions were wildly different from previous years. Though Kalshi and Polymarket had sponsored the event in past years, they were AWOL this year. Both companies declined to comment on the change. Last year, Kalshi held a session on sports markets, which it had launched just six months earlier. This year, the companies are facilitating billions of dollars in sports trades during an especially friendly political era at the national level.

Sports were also conspicuously absent during a session on strategies for mastering markets around world events and politics. I caught up with David Bensoussan, the session’s organizer, who has made $1.6 million in profits on the platform, under the boughs of one of Lighthaven’s trees.

“The truth-seeking mechanism that prediction markets can have in terms of predicting things and making the population more informed—what on Earth does that have to do with sports?” he asks, wrapped in a blanket to ward off the chill of Bay Area shade.

An average visitor is expected to spend around $5,400 in the US—far above the $720-$2,500 visitors to Qatar spent in 2022.

Transport at this year’s tournament is fundamentally different from that of the one-city tournament in Qatar, or in Russia in 2018, which provided free public transportation and an additional 500 trains to help people get around.

This year, because of the vast distances, the only option for fans and teams is flights, which airlines have been adding to accommodate potential World Cup travelers.

“Teams and fans now must factor in flights, not metro rides, and the carbon and cost implications are real,” Anagnostopoulos says.

The need to book flights, not trains or taxis, may also be decreasing demand for hotels simply because the travel costs are too high for some people. “US hotels are already reporting bookings below expectations,” Anagnostopoulos says. “Scale doesn’t guarantee the crowds will show up.”

Security

For organizers and host cities, the scale of the tournament demands a massive investment in security, including against threats that would have barely crossed the minds of previous hosts.

The US federal government has issued $625 million in grants for host cities to address security issues. On top of that, the Department of Homeland Security has made over $200 million worth of grants available to states to buy anti-drone technology, with the US State Department highlighting hostile actors’ increasing access to drones and other technology.

In Canada, federal authorities have issued around $104 million worth of grants to host cities Vancouver and Toronto. That brings total public grants in Canada and the US alone to nearly $1 billion—likely just a fraction of the real costs of securing the tournament.

The size of the tournament, and the fact that it crosses borders, has pushed the price tag higher.

“Qatar 2022 benefited from a highly compact geography, with venues operating within a relatively unified environment. The 2026 World Cup will involve multiple cities, jurisdictions, agencies, and technology ecosystems across the United States, Canada, and Mexico,” says Leo Levit, chair of Onvif, a membership body focused on standardization of physical security products.

“The challenge is not simply the number of systems involved, but whether those systems can exchange information efficiently,” he adds.

The Future of the World Cup

The numbers tell a story of a tournament straining under its own ambition. It’s not yet clear whether these investments will pay off in terms of tickets bought and advertising slots sold. Why, then, is FIFA pursuing growth at all costs?

According to Simon Chadwick, professor of sport and geopolitical economy at the international SKEMA Business School, the reason may be growing competition from other sports.

“What [FIFA president Gianni] Infantino is trying to do is to ensure that football remains robust, relevant, prominent and that it doesn’t begin losing market share—to the NBA, which is in China, India, Africa, and the Gulf region; to the NFL, which is making moves on Europe; and to Formula One, which has grown hugely in popularity, particularly in North America,” Chadwick says.

Buried deep inside everything announced at WWDC this year was something I, an Apple Shortcuts enthusiast, can’t wait to try: the ability to make Apple Shortcuts using generative artificial intelligence. In macOS 27, you’ll be able to just type what you want a shortcut to do, and the app will build it.

Anyone who builds shortcuts regularly knows the process of doing so can be tedious, even if the end results save you a lot of time. So I’m excited about the idea of describing what you want in plain language and ending up with a working shortcut. Even if it doesn’t work perfectly (let’s face it, AI-built things rarely do), it’s a starting point that you can tweak to meet your needs.

The only downside: This feature doesn’t launch until autumn, when version 27 of Apple’s operating systems come out.

What if you want to try it now? It turns out that Federico Viticci, who founded and runs the fantastic blog MacStories, also couldn’t wait—so much so that he went and built his own version. It’s called Shortcuts Playground, which runs in either Claude Code or OpenAI’s Codex. (OpenAI’s Codex is free for now; Claude Code requires at least a Pro plan, which starts at $20 per month.)

To get started you first need to install the Shortcuts Playground agent; there are instructions on GitHub. Basically you will need to copy and paste a command into the Terminal. (I am not going to include the command here in case it changes.)

I tested this in Claude Code, but the tool works the same way in Codex. Once you’ve installed Shortcuts Playground you can trigger it by typing / followed by “shortcuts.” You’ll see a list of options pop up:

The different options for using the agent.

Courtesy of Justin Pot

If you’re starting from scratch, I recommend using the shortcuts-playground:build option, followed by a rough description of what you want the shortcut to do. (The other option, shortcuts-playground:remix, is for making changes to existing shortcuts.)

The agent will get to work building a shortcut for you. Sometimes it will stop to ask you for more information, or to explain what is and isn’t possible to build in Apple Shortcuts.

While exploring this tool, I asked for a shortcut that compiled today’s weather, my calendar appointments, and my to-do list for the day, then read the entire thing out loud. The agent happily went to work.

Would you run into a crowded university lecture hall, fart into a megaphone, and bellow “fartcoin” at the top of your lungs? If so—and should you have the means to document this stunt on video, preferably capturing the audience’s reaction—you may claim a reward of approximately $1,000.

The money, of course, will be dispensed in fartcoin, a meme cryptocurrency trading at a little over 10 cents at time of publication, with a total market capitalization hovering around $130 million.

Such is the promise of Pump.Fun GO, a new feature on Pump.Fun, one of the fastest-growing crypto businesses of the past few years. It supposedly allows users to “pay anyone to do anything.” Crypto bounties are put up by individuals—or pooled from multiple wallets—and held in escrow by Pump.Fun until a countdown clock runs out. Finishing a task is supposed to net you the prize payout; creators get a refund if nobody completes the mission.

Pump.Fun, whose legal department did not return a request for comment, has said without clarifying its process that it moderates and approves the submissions of bounties as well as relevant collection claims. An initial wave of GO bounties included enticements to parachute into a World Cup game in a memecoin-themed costume and a prompt for a Black person to cover themselves in watermelon and repeat the phrase “I’m your friend, the watermelon man.”

Terms of service state that GO users are responsible for their own “actions, decisions, wallet security, submissions, communications, and compliance with law.” They also warn that the platform may remove content, suspend accounts, and cooperate with third-party authorities in cases of “fraud, scams, market manipulation, infringement, hacking, scraping, abusive or illegal content, stolen property, unlawful financial activity, or other harmful or prohibited conduct.” Crypto transfers and rewards are “not guaranteed,” according to these terms.

The GO feature, arriving just as the platform is contending with a massive crash in user engagement, seems to promise further accusations of lawlessness and deceptive practices for Pump.Fun, already a lightning rod for controversy. Many of the bounties, such as one requesting footage of a memcoin-themed car exploding in a ball of flame, are flooded with AI-generated imagery presented as evidence of a completed task. People who actually carry out a challenge have no apparent recourse if someone else’s submission is selected as a winner by Pump.Fun according to some unspecified backroom criteria.

Fine print can also complicate the picture: a $215 bounty titled “Go to McDonalds and get a burger” specifies that the payout will be split between the first 20 valid entries, coming out to $10.75 in crypto each—less than what most paid for their meal.

While that bounty is rather mundane, others still open at the moment are strikingly dystopian, exploitative, or harmful. There are multiple requests for users to get the names of various cryptocurrencies tattooed on their body, and a man in India has already had his forehead tattooed for the equivalent of $3,000. (Video replies depicting people completing more degrading tasks frequently come from users in countries outside the US.) You can record yourself begging a gas station attendant for a pill to help with your flaccid penis for about $100, interview multiple homeless people and ask who they voted for ($700), or quit your job on camera ($3,000). “Bonus points for style, creativity, and chaos,” the last prompt reads. “This is your severance package.”

Andrew Ford Lyons, a technologist who works on digital security and safety projects for human rights groups and other organizations, tells WIRED that GO is incentivizing coercion, harassment, and significant physical and legal risks, “leveraging inequality” for online entertainment. “This is essentially what the digital economy is boiling down to,” he says.

• Intuitive new OS.
• Excellent contrast and picture quality.
• Massive number of art images.
• Anti-glare coating actually works.
• High refresh rate for gaming.

TIRED

• Monthly subscription required to access most artwork.

I still remember the moment I realized Samsung’s The Frame Pro 2026 is the best art television around. I loaded Van Gogh’s The Starry Night painting with its various shades of blue. The masterpiece came alive with texture and realism thanks to the contrast ratio and clear picture quality. I marched friends and family members down to my office to gaze in wonder.

Installing The Frame Pro is a bit of a process, though. I ended up watching a YouTube video for help. About an inch thin, this model sits mostly flush to the wall. Rather than connecting your streaming boxes directly to the TV, Samsung’s Wireless One Connect breakout box acts as a bridge. I connected my Xbox Series X and PC to the HDMI ports (there are four total) on the breakout box, which then connects to The Frame Pro using Wi-Fi 7 from across the room. Navigating The Frame Pro was also easy, thanks to the intuitive UI and the lightweight, long-lasting remote.

Free users have access to Samsung’s rotating catalog of 30 free images, but subscribers willing to pay $4.99 monthly will have access to 5,000 pieces of art. The Frame Pro 2026 has the widest variety of artwork, including hundreds of masterpieces, but I preferred Amazon’s Ember Artline “moving artwork” feature better.

At $2,000, The Frame Pro is the most expensive option on our list, and it’s worth its price. Even though most manufacturers, Samsung included, don’t list specs for their art TVs, The Frame Pro 2026 displayed artwork and photos with the best contrast and picture quality.

I was blown away by the picture quality for movies. When viewing Netflix’s Awake, which displays a lot of night scenes, I was able to still see all of the action. In comparison, the same scenes looked muddy and dull on the TCL NXTVISION and Amazon Ember Artline.

The 2026 model now supports high-fidelity gaming with a 240 Hz refresh rate when connected to a gaming computer (though it does lower the resolution). I played Crimson Desert and the main character—wearing a black suit of armor—moved realistically and responded quickly to my controller nudges.

For AI features, you have a few options. Samsung lets you pick from Alexa+ or Samsung’s Bixby to control the volume by voice or ask about which thrillers came out this month. You can also use Microsoft Copilot or Perplexity. However, the Amazon Ember Artline was the only art television that let me generate AI artwork by voice.

The Frame Pro 2026 is my top pick for art TVs because paintings looked the most realistic. If you want the best quality and are willing to pay a higher price, it’s a phenomenal choice.

Best on a Budget

WIRED

“We thought that’s probably the one that’s least likely to pop up,” Geisbert says. “We guessed wrong.”

Concerned by that knowledge gap, in 2011 he decided to modify a vaccine, which led to the crab-eating macaque study. In the same study, he also finally tested a blend of existing ebola vaccines on the Bundibugyo strain, but they didn’t provide 100-percent protection.

If the 2012 outbreak had occurred after the major Zaire outbreak, Geisbert says, it’s possible pharmaceutical companies might’ve been more keen to commercialize a vaccine that protects against the Bundibugyo strain.

But with the present outbreak rivaling the 2013 to 2016 one in terms of scale and scope, efforts to play catch-up are going into high gear. Geisbert suspects WHO’s experience with Ervebo is one of the reasons they favor his vaccine candidate, which is basically “Bundibugyo Ervebo,” he says.

WHO also noted the success of a similar rVSV-based vaccine targeting the Sudan strain of ebola in a ring vaccination trial in 2025.

The rVSV-based Bundibugyo candidate’s suitability for ring vaccination was backed by a 2023 study showing most of the monkeys were protected from the virus even after they were exposed if they had been vaccinated. That is crucial for ring vaccination to work. While the researchers vaccinated the monkeys an unrealistically quick 20 minutes after exposure, the proof of concept sets it apart from Moderna and the University of Oxford’s candidates under development.

“There hasn’t really been much development since that 2023 study, because we weren’t really expecting to see that strain and also because historically it’s been associated with lower-rate mortality as well,” said Courtney Woolsey, the lead author on the paper (Geisbert was a coauthor) and an assistant professor within the University of Texas Medical Branch.

“Nobody really makes money off these vaccines,” she adds, “so there are funding barriers as well to advance these vaccines where people likely aren’t going to make money.”

The nonprofit Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has offered funding of up to $3.2 million to prepare and start testing the material needed to manufacture Gesbert’s vaccine, which would be the first step towards human trials.

The “extensive safety data and prior regulatory experience” from the rVSV-based vaccines used to combat the Zaire strain “could help expedite approval pathways if it is shown to be successful,” Rachael Bonawitz, filovirus disease programme lead at CEPI, tells WIRED over email, adding that developers would also be able to build on existing manufacturing processes.

“Even if it’s not used in this outbreak, hopefully there will be clinical material that can be used in humans available for the next outbreak,” Geisbert says, “because it will probably pop up again.”

Even as it shows promise, there is still a chance his vaccine won’t work. Scientists have not been able to obtain a live Bundibugyo virus sample for testing due to stretched resources in the DRC and the logistical and bureaucratic complexity of obtaining and transporting refrigerated blood back to the US. While scientists believe the current strain is around 98-percent similar to the strain that caused the previous outbreaks, that unknown 2 percent presents a risk the vaccine won’t be as effective as it was against the previous strain.

“When you look at the sequences it’s not different enough that I would predict that there would be a problem, but nothing’s foolproof,” Geisbert says.

The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative in New York will prepare the vaccine candidate for production. The nonprofit biomedical research organization focuses on developing vaccines for global diseases where there is little financial incentive for development.

“The baton has been handed off, and I just sit back and hope that it works, whether it’s the vaccine, whether it’s somebody else’s vaccine,” Geisbert says.

Which Apple Pencil Should You Buy?

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

The Apple Pencil is a must-have for any iPad owner who takes a lot of notes or likes to draw. (You can even use it to sign documents.) iPadOS also has handwriting support within certain search fields and apps (like Notes), so you don’t need to switch to the keyboard every time you want to type. Apple debuted a new Pencil in 2024, so now there are four to choose from. Here are the differences:

Apple Pencil (1st-gen) for $99: The first-generation Pencil is quite old but still functions well, offering pressure sensitivity (lines become thicker as you press down harder on the screen) and tilt sensitivity (for shading). Unlike the other two Apple Pencils, this one has a glossy finish instead of matte (if that matters), and it is also completely rounded, meaning it will roll off surfaces. There are no magnets, so you can’t stick it to the tablet for safekeeping. It has a Lightning connector, so to charge it, you’ll have to remove the cap and plug it into the iPad’s charging port. If your iPad has a USB-C port, you can buy an adapter. It’s only compatible with the iPad (6th gen and later), iPad Air (3rd gen), iPad Mini (5th gen), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st and 2nd gen), iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad Pro 9.7-inch.

Apple Pencil (USB-C) for $69: Apple’s USB-C Apple Pencil is a bit perplexing. It doesn’t come with pressure sensitivity, so it’s better suited for note-takers rather than artists. It can attach magnetically to the sides of an iPad, so you don’t need to find a place to store it, but it doesn’t support wireless charging, so you’ll have to pair and charge it via USB-C. It does support Hover Mode, which allows you to preview what will happen before touching the display, but this is exclusive to the select iPad Pro and iPad Air models. It’s compatible with iPad (10th gen and A16), iPad Air (4th, 5th gen, M2, M3, and M4), iPad Mini (6th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and later, including M4), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd gen and later, including M4 and M5).

Apple Pencil (2nd-gen) for $129: The second-generation Apple Pencil comes with all the same capabilities as the 1st-gen and USB-C versions, plus wireless pairing and charging (it’ll charge when it magnetically sticks to the top edge of supported iPads). It also adds a double-tap feature that lets you quickly switch between tools by tapping on the Apple Pencil twice. It’s compatible with the iPad Air (4th gen and 5th gen), iPad Mini (6th gen), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st gen and later), and the 12.9-inch (3rd gen and later). Unfortunately, Apple has officially discontinued it, so newer iPads don’t support it, including the iPad Air (M2, M3, and M4) or iPad Pro (M4 and M5).

Apple Pencil Pro for $129: Apple’s Pro Pencil is the most feature-packed of them all. It looks identical to the second-generation model, complete with a matte finish, but it also has a few new tricks. A “squeeze” feature opens up a tool palette (in addition to the double-tap feature), and a new haptic engine gives feedback as you squeeze. A built-in gyroscope sensor allows you to change the orientation of the tools as you twist them (for finer control), and it supports Apple’s Find My network to track the stylus when you lose it. It’s only compatible with the iPad Air (M2, M3, and M4), iPad Pro (M4 and M5), and 7th-gen iPad Mini. (C’mon, why isn’t it backward-compatible?)

Great iPad Accessories

iPad accessories are endless. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our favorites to round out your tablet experience, and you can find more in our Best iPad Accessories guide.

Photograph: Luke Larsen

Twelve South Curve Mini for $50: iPads can be great tools to use in conjunction with your MacBook or PC, but they need a proper stand with lots of adjustments. The Curve Mini is simple, but it’s stable and attractive, especially in this Dune color that I sampled.

Zugu Case for $50+: This is our favorite folio case for the iPad for multiple reasons. It’s not only durable (complete with a rigid bumper), but it also has a magnetized cover that stays shut and a flap that allows you to position the screen at eight different angles. The case is magnetic, allowing you to stick it on the fridge securely. It’s also reasonably priced, comes in an array of colors, and has a spot for your Apple Pencil.

Satechi M1 Wireless Mouse for $25: We’re already big fans of Satechi’s accessories at WIRED, and this mouse didn’t disappoint. It has a comfortable ergonomic design, a sleek aluminum finish, and smooth scrolling. It has great battery life too—with a built-in lithium-ion battery, I’ve been using it for the past four months and have yet to charge it.

Mageasy CoverBuddy Case (iPad Pro) for $70: This case allows you to magnetically connect it to Apple’s Magic Keyboard case without having to take off the case each time. It feels durable and doesn’t add too much bulk to the iPad. There’s also a slot for the Apple Pencil Pro or the USB-C version. The company also offers the CoverBuddy Lite for the iPad Air (M2).

Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

Logitech Combo Touch (10th-Gen) for $220: The Combo Touch (8/10, WIRED Recommends) comes with a built-in keyboard, trackpad, and kickstand, making it ideal for getting work done on your iPad. It’s also detachable, so you can easily remove the keyboard when you don’t need it. It connects via Apple’s Smart Connector, meaning you never need to tinker with Bluetooth or bother charging it. It’s also available for the iPad Pro (M4) and M5 (although it does add a bit of weight to such a thin tablet) and the iPad Air (M2).

Casetify Impact Screen Protector for $56: If you’re worried about damaging your iPad screen, I recommend this protector from Casetify. It’s super thin, has excellent touch sensitivity, and is mostly fingerprint-resistant (I’ve wiped some smudges here and there). It’s painless to apply—the company supplies a microfiber cloth, a de-dusting sticker, and wet and dry wipes.

Paperlike Charcoal Folio Case for $70: Paperlike is known for its screen protector, but the company also offers a great case. It’s designed to feel like a sketchbook, complete with a polyester fabric cover that feels lightweight and high-quality. You can also prop your iPad up at two different levels. It doesn’t come with an Apple Pencil slot, but there is a large flap closure that keeps it from falling out. I tested it with the iPad Air, but it’s also available for the iPad Pro (both sizes).

StayGo Mini

Courtesy of Twelve South

Twelve South StayGo Mini USB-C Hub for $60: Ports are limited regardless of the iPad model. This hub from Twelve South has an 85-watt USB-C port with passthrough charging, a USB-A port, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. If you have trouble fitting it on an iPad with a case, the included socket-USB-C-to-plug-USB-C cable will fix this.

Twelve South HoverBar Duo 2.0 for $80: The HoverBar serves two purposes. You can mount it to the side of your bed, kitchen counter, or shelf (to view content comfortably and hands-free), or you can use the included stand at your desk. With the 2nd-gen version, you can now remove the arm from the clamp and attach it directly to the stand, making it easier to swap between both modes.

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Netgear Orbi 970 (2-Pack) for $1,300: There’s no denying that the tri-band Wi-Fi 7 Netgear Orbi 970 is an impressive quad-band mesh. This mesh system is incredibly fast, reliable, and provides expansive coverage with plenty of high-speed Ethernet ports. However, the astronomical price makes it hard to recommend. You can get similar performance for less, and full parental controls now require a separate subscription from the security software. Ultimately, this system is only worth considering if you have a large home, a multi-gig connection, and a generous budget.

More Wi-Fi 6 or 6E Mesh Systems I Liked

TP-Link Deco XE70 Pro

Photograph: Simon Hill

TP-Link Deco XE70 Pro (3-Pack) for $250: Support for Wi-Fi 6E, which operates on the 6-GHz band, is common, but with Wi-Fi 7 rolling out, 6E routers and mesh systems like this are falling in price. A two-pack of this tri-band mesh system is relatively affordable and enough to cover most homes, making this perhaps the best Wi-Fi 6E mesh for most people. I also tested the XE75 ($270 for a three-pack), which is almost identical, but has three Gigabit ports and no multi-Gig. There is also the XE75 Pro ($400 for a three-pack), which features the 2.5-Gbps port and theoretically offers slightly more bandwidth but is far more expensive. Since TP-Link frequently discounts its products, the standard model is the best choice for most people—though multi-gig users should opt for the Pro.

TP-Link Deco X50 Outdoor for $150: This was our previous outdoor pick, and it’s still a good dual-band Wi-Fi 6 router that will form a mesh with any Deco system (I tested with the Deco X50 4G). It’s a solid performer, but with the Wi-Fi 7 BE25 Outdoor coming in around the same price, I’d pick that instead.

TP-Link Deco X55 (3-Pack) for $150: This affordable Wi-Fi 6 mesh delivers decent coverage and performance, with optional parental controls and antivirus protection, making it ideal for a modest family home. This is a dual-band system (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz). There are two gigabit Ethernet ports on each router. Coverage and speeds are solid, falling short of the Asus XT8 but beating systems like the entry-level Eero 6.

Google Nest Wifi Pro

Photograph: Simon Hill

Google Nest Wifi Pro (3-Pack) for $400: Mesh systems don’t come much simpler than this. Google’s Nest Wifi Pro is a tri-band (2.4, 5, and 6 GHz) Wi-Fi 6E system that works via Google Home, and each router sports two 1-gigabit ports. The setup is super simple, coverage and performance were solid and consistent, and my testing was refreshingly free from glitches and buffering, though WIRED editor Julian Chokkattu had issues that Google’s customer support could not fix. The Nest Wifi Pro came mid-table in raw speed at short, mid, and long range, and settings in the Home app are very bare-bones. Disappointingly, it is not backward compatible with older Nest routers.

TP-Link Deco X20 (3-Pack) for $130: The Deco X20 is an affordable Wi-Fi 6 mesh that delivers decent coverage and performance, with optional parental controls and antivirus protection, making it ideal for an average family home. This dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) mesh was our budget pick for a long time, and there are two gigabit Ethernet ports on each router. Coverage and speeds are decent, falling short of the Asus XT8 but beating systems like the entry-level Eero 6. The app is straightforward, and it’s easy to set up a guest network. Originally released with the free HomeCare software, this has since changed to a HomeShield system, so it’s not as good a bargain as it once was.

Linksys Velop Pro 6E

Courtesy of Linksys

Linksys Velop Pro 6E (2-Pack) for $280: Once up and running, this tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) Wi-Fi 6E system offers impressive range and decent speeds. It is competitively priced with quite a few dips in cost (don’t pay full price), comes with basic parental controls, and offers handy features like device prioritization and a guest network. But I had a terrible time with the installation. The app continually failed partway through the process, and I had to factory reset the routers. Even then, it took multiple attempts to add the nodes. It’s also not backward compatible with older Velop “Intelligent Mesh” systems, because this is a “Cognitive Mesh” system.

TP-Link XE200 (2-Pack) for $290: This tri-band Wi-Fi 6E mesh system (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz) was fast, offered consistently wide coverage, and blew away the Wi-Fi 6 competition at close range. I downloaded a 50-GB game in 20 minutes and didn’t encounter any issues during testing. As it uses the 6 GHz band for backhaul, you have to think about placement and try to keep routers in sight of each other and within 50 feet (or better, connect them via Ethernet cable). While the XE200 is better than the XE70 Pro above, it’s simply too expensive, though it has seen some deep discounts recently, so keep an eye out for deals.

Like every piece of gear you wear on your body day in and day out, fitness trackers are incredibly personal. The right tracker for you should be comfortable, accurate, and tailored to your lifestyle, including your preferred workouts and health goals. Do you bike, row, or strength train? Do you run on trails for hours at a time, or do you just want a reminder to stand up every hour? Do you want to wear it on your wrist or your finger, or tuck it into your sports bra?

No matter what your needs are, there’s never been a better time to find a powerful, sophisticated tool to help optimize your workouts or jump-start your routine. We test dozens of fitness trackers every year while running, climbing, hiking, or just doing workout videos on our iPads at night, to bring you these picks.

Our top choice for most people is the Garmin Vivoactive 6 ($300), which works well with Android and iOS, but we also vouch for the latest Oura Ring 5 ($399) and the budget-friendly Google Fitbit Air ($100). For more wearables, check out our guides to the Best Smartwatches, Best Smart Rings, and Best Sleep Trackers.

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Best Fitness Tracker Overall

Garmin makes some of the most accurate fitness trackers on the market, and the Vivoactive 6 is the best midrange option for most people. It strikes a solid balance between smartwatch features and fitness tracking, with support for both iPhone and Android users.

Why WIRED recommends: The Vivoactive 6 is accurate, comfortable, and packed with useful wellness features without feeling overwhelming. It uses Garmin’s proprietary algorithms to power features like Morning Report and Body Battery, which provide daily insights into your sleep, recovery, and readiness. It also has built-in satellite connectivity and GPS, so you can track outdoor workouts without bringing your phone along. There’s also incident detection, which alerts emergency contacts if it detects a serious fall.

Garmin’s biggest advantage remains its free Connect platform, which enables health and fitness tracking without requiring a subscription. The company also continues to add new software features through regular updates without putting them behind a paywall.

The trade-offs: Garmin launched Connect+, a $70-per-year subscription with extras like live tracking and access to Garmin’s AI-powered Active Intelligence. Former editor Adrienne So doesn’t think most people need it, but it’s worth noting if you’re looking for a completely subscription-free experience. The Vivoactive 6 may also feel like overkill for casual users who only want basic activity and sleep tracking.

If you don’t know where to start—and use—your HP coupon code, there’s a wide variety of options available at HP.com in terms of budget and use case, but my eye goes first to the high-end HP Omen gaming monitors, like the fantastic HP Omen Transcend 32. This 4K 240Hz monitor is a favorite among PC gamers, even among the huge amounts of OLED options out there. It can hit a peak brightness of over 1,000 nits in HDR, bringing scenes in games to life in vivid detail.

Or if you’re on the other side of the budget spectrum and just need something basic, we recommend checking out one of HP’s 27-inch 1080p monitors, such as the HP V27i G5, which typically retails for $209. It even comes with a 75Hz refresh rate, a small but appreciated bump over the standard 60Hz. We have HP coupon codes to help you save on all this tech and even more below.

$20 Off Your First Order With Our HP Promo Code

HP offers a $20 discount right off the top of your order if it’s your first time buying from HP.com. While you can’t use it in addition to the other coupons, it might be a better discount if you’re purchasing something less expensive. To get this HP promo code, your order has to be $65 or more though (before taxes and shipping), and it requires signing up for the HP newsletter.

This HP promo code is valid for a month after subscribing to the newsletter and is restricted to one per customer. If you aren’t planning to spend too much and it’s your first time buying from HP.com, this could be the way to go.

Top HP Coupons: Laptops for Work, School, and Everyday Use

One of the best laptops for work is the HP ProBook 4 G1, which is now only $501, a whopping 78% discount. We love the HP ZBook Fury 16 G11 Mobile Workstation PC for school, now $1,509 at 63% off, and a great laptop for everyday use is the HP Laptop 17t-cn300, now only $300 (66% off).

HP Instant Ink: Get 50% Off With This HP Deal

Printers are super handy, but one of the most annoying and expensive investments you make for it is the upkeep of ink and toner. Well, the good news is that you can save up to 50% on ink right now! With HP Instant Ink, you can save time and money with this subscription service that automatically delivers ink only when you’re running low, with plans starting at less than $2 a month.

Join the HP All-In Plan Printing Subscription to Save

We all know printing is somehow one of the hardest at-home tasks we still have to do, with printers oftentimes not keeping up with the leaps and bounds contemporary technology has made. HP is hoping to change all of that. The HP All-In Plan is a convenient, stress-free printing subscription that fulfills your printing needs with just a monthly payment. The subscription includes a brand-new printer, automatic ink delivery, an option to add automatic paper delivery, and with live support. Plus, if your printer breaks or has an issue that support can’t fix, HP will send you a replacement the next business day for free. You can try the service for 30 days for free.

Save More: HP Smart Ink

At-home printers are such a huge headache. When all other home office tech seems to be living in 2087, clunky, difficult printers seem to be stuck in 1987, with constant jams, errors, and finicky ink. The HP Smart Tank printers are refillable, cartridge-free ink tank printers that deliver reliable, low-cost, high-volume printing that lasts for years. With these HP Smart Ink printers, you’ll no longer have to worry about refilling cartridges or constant low ink notifications. Welcome to the future.

Save 40% on Tech With the HP Student Discount

If you’re a student—or a parent to a student, teacher, school faculty, or university staff member—you’re in luck. HP is offering a serious 40% off discount on all kinds of tech, including laptops, desktop PCs, printers, and accessories. All stuff you’ll need for school, of course.

HP rebranded its laptops in 2024, introducing the OmniBooks into the world, including the premium HP OmniBook Ultra Flip. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X chips and a killer OLED display, the OmniBook Ultra Flip would be a great laptop for college thanks to its long-lasting battery life, especially with a 40% discount for students or teachers.

It’s not just laptops though. The HP Education Program discount applies to desktop PCs, printers, and tons more qualifying products.

HP Military Discount: Get 40% Off the Latest Tech

HP offers more than just a standard military discount. The company’s exclusive military discount is extended to support active service members, veterans, and their families, but also healthcare workers and First Responders.

If you belong to any of those groups, the HP military discount will drop the retail prices significantly, whether you’re searching for a new laptop, PC, mouse, and many more select products at HP.com.

More HP Discounts on Gaming PCs and Free Games

HP’s high-performance gaming laptops and PCs are also included in this coupon code. HP has two brands of gaming laptops to choose from: the more affordable Victus and the higher-end Omen (both of which have been reviewed by me here). Finding a gaming laptop under $1,000 can be tricky, especially since you’ll want something that doesn’t use a 5-year old GPU and only 8 GB of memory. That’s why I’d avoid the cheapest Victus laptop here, and bump up to at least the Victus 16t-r100. That gets you an RTX 4050 and 16 GB of RAM, despite costing only $150 more.

Meanwhile, the higher-end Omen models get you access to the new RTX 50-series graphics cards, and the new multi-frame generation feature that’s got everyone talking. They also come with a 16-inch 1920 x 1200 screen with a 240Hz refresh rate, such as the Omen Max gaming laptop.

A clinic in London, run by a former maker of artisanal ice cream, is treating patients with stage 4 cancer using a method that involves sealing them, naked from the neck down, in a plastic bag while gassing them with the oxidizing industrial bleach chlorine dioxide—a treatment that even the person administering it admits is “dangerous.”

Alastair Jessel, who operates the Battersea Park Clinic in south London, spoke earlier this month on a podcast popular among those who believe that chlorine dioxide is a miracle cure that can be used to treat everything from cancer and HIV to Covid-19 and autism.

“Having people naked in a bag, which in a clinic situation is probably what a lot of doctors have to face, but as an entrepreneur sitting in front of a naked person in front of me is something I hadn’t sort of planned on doing in the last few years, but what it’s achieving has been really quite incredible,” Jessel told a podcast focusing on chlorine dioxide earlier this month.

The typical “protocol” sees users ingest several drops of chlorine dioxide solution daily. Jessel is administering a different, little-used “protocol” first posited by Andreas Kalcker, a German man who has been one of the main boosters of the bleach-like solution in recent decades. The treatment includes sealing people naked in a plastic bag from the neck down before exposing them directly to the undiluted gaseous form of chlorine dioxide.

Jessel said in the podcast that he had asked a private messaging group of other chlorine dioxide influencers if anyone had ever tried Kalcker’s so-called Protocol G, and no one responded.

“Protocol G, obviously, is probably the most dangerous protocol out of all of them,” Jessel said, adding: “Nobody’s ever done it. So I don’t know whether I’m the first person in the UK to do it, but I’m definitely a rarity.”

Writing about Protocol G’s uses on his website, Kalcker does not mention cancer treatment. “Properly applied, with the straightforward precaution of avoiding vapor inhalation, it is a well-tolerated procedure,” Kalcker tells WIRED, dismissing Jessel’s description of the treatment as dangerous. While he will not comment on the efficacy of this treatment for all cancers, he says that in relation to skin cancer, Protocol G would be “directly relevant.”

“Currently there is no scientific evidence that chlorine dioxide gas exposure is a safe or effective treatment for people with cancer,” says Caroline Geraghty, senior specialist information nurse at Cancer Research UK. “Taking unproven treatment or remedies for cancer instead of those that are medically approved could affect how well the treatment works and have dangerous side effects. It’s incredibly important that people speak with their cancer doctor, GP, or specialist nurse before trying any alternative remedies.”

Jessel did not respond to a detailed list of questions, simply writing, “I can only refer you to protocol G in Dr Andreas Kalcker’s book Forbidden Health. That is all I do.”

For decades, pseudoscience grifters have peddled chlorine dioxide solutions—sold under a variety of names such as Miracle Mineral Solution—as “cures” for a wide variety of illnesses and disorders. There is no credible evidence to back up any of these claims.

However, over the last year, there has been a resurgence of interest in chlorine dioxide after US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. mentioned chlorine dioxide when questioned about President Donald Trump’s Operation Warp Speed during his Senate confirmation hearing in January 2025. Then, a year ago, the Food and Drug Administration removed a warning about the substance from its website. While the agency says the removal was part of a routine process of archiving old pages on its site, it has had the effect of emboldening the bleacher community.

Long before we had Amazon or Facebook marketplace, or thousands of other online retailers, we had eBay. And now, we have an eBay coupon to help you save on basics like vacuums and phones, to even your most niche need—because eBay has everything from haunted objects to ironic landline phones to retro gaming consoles. One of the first and most enduring online shopping platforms, eBay has stood the test of time, providing us with the old-school feel of estate sales, complete with bidding wars and gently used items of quite literally every type.

Save up to 60% on Your Next Purchase at eBay

eBay has rotating deals, like 20% off up-and-coming brands, so be sure to check their page often to know which deals are next. They have huge savings on essentials, like Dyson vacuums—an enduring titan in the home cleaning realm. There’s also discounts on like-new refurbished Apple MacBooks and iPads so you can work or study for so much less. It’s not only office tech they have deals on, but even kitchen essentials, like the forever-popular KitchenAid Stand Mixer. eBay has deals on everything from clothing and jewelry to power tools, so check eBay’s deals page often.

How to Use an eBay Coupon (If you Have one Handy)

Once you’ve perused the nearly endless options of items on eBay, here’s how you can redeem the eBay discount code or offer at checkout: first, make sure your code isn’t expired (I know it sounds like a no-brainer, but you don’t want to be disappointed when that dreaded ‘invalid’ pop-up comes on the screen). Enter the code in the ‘Add coupons’ section, or check the box if the coupon is displayed. When you select ‘apply,’ you should see the discounted total, and then you’ll be prompted to pay.

Save More With Free Shipping

Once you find the special item of your dreams, go to the “shipping and pickup” search filter and check the “free shipping” box to get free shipping. Make sure you choose eBay free shipping on a multitude of items like motor parts, books, golf clubs, Pokemon cards, haunted objects, tech, and virtually anything else you can imagine.

Shop These Rotating eBay Deals

eBay has rotating deals, like 20% off up-and-coming brands, so be sure to check their page often to know which deals are next. They also have spotlighted, trending, and featured deals for huge savings on a myriad of products like auto parts, golf clubs, shoes, and more. eBay has a money-back guarantee to ensure you get the item you ordered or you get your money back.

Shop With eBay Mastercard to Get More Rewards

Have you heard of an eBay Mastercard? I hadn’t either, but if you’re a collector or frequent eBay shopper, an eBay Mastercard is a smart way to save on purchases you were already planning to make. You’ll earn five times the amount of points for the rest of the year after you spend $1,000 on eBay in a calendar year. Until then, you’ll earn three times the points per $1 spent, up to $1,000, on eBay in a calendar year. You can also earn twice as many points per $1 spent on gas, restaurant, and groceries, and 1 times as many points per $1 spent on all other Mastercard purchases.

Get Daily Deals With the eBay App

If you’re someone who shops or sells on eBay often, I’d suggest downloading the eBay app for even more perks. The eBay mobile app makes it easy to find the best rotating deals on various items and access to the hottest deals and discounts of the day before they leave. Through the app, you can browse everything from trendy items, to power tools, to tech gadgets, and then choose whatever price looks best. There’s also app-only discounts and special offers exclusively for eBay app users. Plus, eBay will help you figure out when’s the best time to buy, with price notifications to let you know when the price has dropped.

Try an eBay Gift Card

If you don’t know what to get the quirky fashionista or vintage collector in your life? Rather than a run-of-the-mill present, get them an eBay gift card so that they can use it to expand their rare baseball collection or get a discounted Nintendo Switch. eBay gift cards can be used to pay for almost any item online. You can get a digital gift card on eBay, or you can buy a physical eBay gift card at CVS, Walgreens, and other retailers.

Don’t Miss the Ebay Auction Hub

eBay has expanded considerably, but it first gained popularity by being the first online auctioneer, expanding the world of trading and rarities globally. Today, it’s even more streamlined, with the eBay auction hub, where folks can catch the rarest weekly collectible drops from top vendors. Some of the most popular auction items include Pokemon, baseball cards, basketball, and football cards. If you’re looking to upgrade your collectibles collection, this is where you want to start.

Shop Car and Truck Parts at Ebay

You probably don’t think of eBay when you think of car parts and accessories, but eBay has a wide range of everything you need for car additions and maintenance for way less than if you bought new at a chain retailer. On eBay, you can shop by popular car and truck parts categories, like racks, cargo carriers, towing parts, exhaust and emission systems, brakes, starters, alternators, and more.

10% Off With This eBay Coupon Code

Summer is the time to get out in the wide open and get exploring while the sun is out later and temperatures rise. eBay is a great place to shop for powersport parts like wheels and tires for ATVs, UTVs, and motorcycles. And right now, you can get 10% off powersport parts with eBay coupon code Adventure10 (until June 30). There’s no minimum on this eBay coupon code, and the discount applies to the purchase price and excludes shipping, handling, and taxes.

For the first time in 53 years, New York Knicks fans will be celebrating the team’s NBA championship win, and this time, they’re getting a parade through lower Manhattan. Many New Yorkers will be showing up to party in person on Thursday morning, but not everyone will be able to make it to the event. For those who are celebrating from afar (or begrudgingly stuck at the office while the procession takes place), artist Morry Kolman has an option for you: watching via several traffic cameras along the parade route and surrounding City Hall, where the parade will end.

Kolman is livestreaming the camera feeds as part of his project, GardenCam, which has been streaming and archiving traffic camera footage of street revelers throughout the Knicks’ historic finals run against the San Antonio Spurs.

A native New Yorker, Kolman and his friends have suffered through many seasons of tragedy and loss. After an ecstatic game 2 win, Kolman felt like he wanted to do something to capture the “bigger energy rippling through the city,” he tells WIRED. After polling friends for ideas, a “handsome lawyer friend” suggested that he start pulling traffic camera footage from around Madison Square Garden, where fans had been gathering to watch the game.

Kolman, who describes his artistic practice as “high-effort shitposting,” says he was interested in how many people were posting videos of themselves and others watching the games outside of MSG, and wanted to give fans another angle to capture the experience from.

His initial game 3 coverage took a darker turn than he expected. Not only did the Knicks face a devastating loss, but President Donald Trump’s attendance meant that the traffic cameras suddenly became a way to witness the increased surveillance around the Garden.

“Instead of showing off all the celebrations happening around MSG, it was actually a way to watch the live imposition of a perimeter and police state around midtown,” says Kolman.

GardenCam is a successor of Kolman’s 2024 art piece, Traffic Cam Photobooth, which tapped into NYC’s vast surveillance network of traffic cameras to let people take selfies. The piece garnered a cease-and-desist letter from the New York City Department of Transportation. At the time, the NYC DOT argued that the project “encourages and promotes the unauthorized use of New York City (NYC) traffic cameras” and that people taking photos of themselves in the middle of the road was “inherently unsafe.”

Kolman was directed to “remove and disable all portions” of the Photobooth website that related to NYC traffic cameras, and remove all URLs to city-owned webpages, including any links captioned “camera map.” In response, he took a photo of the letter with a traffic camera and later exhibited the project at Art Basel in Miami.

A NYC DOT spokesperson tells WIRED in an email that the agency “has no objection to the GardenCam project” but did not elaborate further. Several streets and subway stations will be closed for the parade, and bikes and scooters will be prohibited, perhaps mitigating concerns about pedestrian safety.

Kolman says of the agency’s stance, “I think they’ve learned to let me have my fun, and I think that’s a good decision.”

WIRED

A faucet for Amazon content: If you subscribe to Amazon’s Prime service, you can consume all the included movies, music, TV, and books; shop for all the items you can get with its free two-day shipping; and browse your free Amazon photo storage. You can do most of the same things from an Android tablet or iPad, but the Fire OS interface is crafted specifically to deliver Amazon goods, with swipeable pages for each type of media Amazon sells.

Built “good enough”: Physically, Amazon’s Fire tablets are made of cheap-ish plastic, but they’re designed with enough care that the build quality won’t bother you too much. Wi-Fi reception is excellent, and the front-facing cameras have improved considerably in the past couple releases. The Kids Editions are also some of the best-quality tablets for kids, encased in a rugged bumper, and all have microSD slots so you can add extra storage. (We recommend this 128-GB microSD card for $33.) It used to be that you could improve things by hacking Amazon’s tablets to install the Google Play Store on your Fire device. Unfortunately, installing the Play Store has become increasingly difficult and is something I no longer recommend for most people. It’s not worth the hassle when there are other reasonable cheap Android tablets available.

Cheap: Did we mention the price? They all cost $200 or less, save the new Max 11. If you stick to the cheaper models though, they’re a great value. You can also get them with Amazon lock-screen ads, which will lower your price by $15.

TIRED

Non-Amazon content is lacking: The greatest strength of these tablets is also their greatest weakness. If you aren’t an Amazon Prime subscriber and don’t plan to get your video, audio, or books from Amazon, the Fire tablet line is far less compelling. They do have Alexa, so that could be a plus, but again, that’s tied deeply into Amazon’s content library. You can download third-party apps like Netflix on Amazon’s Appstore, but the selection is far more limited than what’s available on Apple’s iPad or the Google Play Store on standard Android tablets. Rumor has it this will be changing this year as Amazon improves Fire OS, but so far, that’s just a rumor.

Old tech: The tech inside these tablets is old. The processors aren’t the fastest, and you’ll likely notice small fits of lag and a general lack of power compared to more expensive Android tablets. The touchscreens aren’t as responsive or sensitive as more expensive tablets. Since many of the apps for Fire OS are built with weak processing power in mind, you don’t notice it too much. The operating system is also dated (depending on which Fire tablet you’re buying), which could hide some of the weaknesses. Amazon’s latest Fire OS is a modified version of Android 11, which came out in 2020. Amazon keeps updating its tablets to some degree, but not nearly as often as it should.

Short warranties: Aside from the Amazon Kids two-year, no-questions warranty, Fire tablets don’t have great backing from Amazon. Only the Fire HD 10 comes with a full one-year warranty. The smaller devices have 90-day warranties.

Special offers: Over time, Amazon’s Special Offers ads have gotten more overt and annoying. We recommend you pay the extra cash to buy a Fire tablet without them.

Dialog, the private network cofounded by Peter Thiel, grades its event attendees on a hidden scale, ranking them by wealth and fame, tracking their relationships, and using algorithms to help decide who they should meet, who they should sit with, and who no longer belongs, WIRED has learned.

The records are part of a trove of internal data received by WIRED from a confidential source, containing the personal information of nearly 200 prominent people scheduled to attend the group’s annual retreat this summer. The data includes home addresses, private phone numbers and email accounts, dates of birth, photos, and emergency contacts, as well as food allergies and the political leanings volunteered by some members.

The records are distinct from a list of people affiliated with Dialog that was left exposed on the organization’s website and has been circulating online since earlier this week—a looser directory that appears to include nonmembers, such as Maryland governor Wes Moore, a former event speaker, and other outside guests who passed through Dialog’s orbit, in some cases years ago.

Founded in 2006 by Thiel and data broker Auren Hoffman, Dialog is a private club that convenes politicians, investors, entrepreneurs, military leaders, executives, academics, and journalists for invitation-only, off-the-record retreats. According to a Dialog document shared by a past participant, it has “over 1,000 paying members,” and more than 2,500 people have attended its annual retreats.

The document, which describes Dialog as an “invite-only community,” distinguishes between two products: membership and retreats. The former allows members—the group calls them “dialogers”—to access private dinners “hosted in members’ homes and private spaces around the world,” as well as “member-led global treks,” concierge services, a private group chat, and more. Retreats convene groups of 200 or more people—who are not necessarily members—for three- to four-day meetings. This August, for example, members, speakers, and guests are scheduled to gather outside Dublin, Ireland, for two days of discussions on artificial intelligence, geopolitics, and modern warfare—from NATO’s future and battlefield tech to the war in Iran—led by current and former lawmakers, diplomats, and national security officials.

(Disclosure: A former editor in chief of WIRED, Nick Thompson—currently the CEO of The Atlantic—is among those in both the public list and unreleased records. He declined to comment.)

Dialog assigns people grades before they join. Of the 192 dossiers examined by WIRED, 130 are tagged as members. The rest are prospects with files bearing markings like “First Time Dialoger” or “Warm.” Everyone—members and prospective invitees alike—is assigned a grade of A, B, or C. The “C” grade appears reserved for the most famous and influential; only one in seven received it. Most people—141 of 192—received a “B.” The final tier, “A,” appears primarily assigned to older, established members whom the graders consider less notable.

Actor Josh Brolin—who, according to the records, has never attended a Dialog retreat—is categorized as a VIP largely based on the strength of his fame: ”His portrayal of Thanos in the Avengers series and his involvement in high-grossing films like Avengers: Endgame, which grossed over $2.79 billion, contribute to his prominence,” reads one note, with staff further citing his Instagram following of over 3.4 million.

The economist Tyler Cowen, by contrast, was initially denied a VIP “C” rating after the group’s AI tool described him as “widely recognized within his field” but not a leader of “an organization that is a household name to the average person.” (Dialog staff overruled the AI tool, which was used to assemble dossiers on at least 26 people included on the group’s list.)

Brolin did not respond to WIRED’s request for comment. One of his representatives told The Hollywood Reporter that he wants “to know what the fuck he got himself into.” Cowen did not respond to a request for comment.

There are basically two good times to buy an espresso maker: Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday.

That’s when the most popular, top-line espresso and latte machines go on the biggest sales of any given year—including the two most popular espresso machines on earth, according to Amazon sales figures. The Breville Barista Express and the Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro—each No. 1 in sales in their respective categories—are on massive early Prime Day sales this week, up to $200 off list price.

Both of these are also happen to be among my favorite espresso machines for most people—the devices I often recommend to espresso beginners who’d like to stop paying $7 a drink at Starbucks. That makes these two of the best early Amazon Prime Day Deals of 2026.

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

Breville’s Barista Express is a semiautomatic espresso machine, which means that the grinder and steaming wand are included in the machine—a one-stop shop for milk-frothy drinks. It’s been the top-selling espresso maker of its kind for so long I don’t even remember when this wasn’t true.

This $200 discount during Amazon Prime Day 2026 makes for the lowest price I’ve seen on the Barista Express in about a half-decade—a deal good enough I had to double- and then triple-check it to make sure it was true.

WIRED has been recommending the Express as one of our favorite espresso makers for about a decade for its mix of value, reliability, precision, and ease of use. Breville’s Barista Express semiautomatic espresso machine has been Amazon’s best-selling espresso machine for years—so long it’s hard to remember a time when it wasn’t the top-selling pick.

Why’s it so popular? It’s a Goldilocks thing—a mix of accessible price, Breville’s excellent reputation for customer service on high-ticket items, and beautiful ease of use. While the built-in grinder isn’t as good as on Breville’s top-tier Oracle Jet, the Express will make full-flavored, consistent, well-extracted espresso on medium and dark roasts. Breville’s excellent reputation for honoring warranties and offering excellent customer service doesn’t hurt—a big deal on a device that’ll hopefully be with you for years.

Besides, we can attest to this longevity: WIRED senior gear editor Julian Chokkattu has been pulling shots from his Barista Express for seven years, and it’s still going strong.

• Photograph: Matthew Korfhage

• Photograph: Matthew Korfhage

Ninja’s flagship semiautomatic espresso machine is also on a great sale for Prime Day 2026, in a deal that already started this week. The Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro is on sale for $150 off, matching the lowest price I’ve seen it.

It’s been nearly a week since the Trump administration sent an export control directive to Anthropic, forcing one of the world’s leading AI labs to pull its most advanced models offline. After days of negotiations between Anthropic and the White House, the two still remain at odds about how to bring Claude Mythos and Fable 5 back. Why? Well, it depends whom you ask.

Throughout this entire debacle, Anthropic doesn’t believe it violated any concrete procedures or rules laid out by the Trump administration, according to a person close to the company. But the White House contends that Anthropic behaved recklessly, demonstrating that it can’t be trusted to safely roll out frontier technology.

This saga proved to me that we’re now officially in the Wild West era of American AI regulation. While there are few laws on the books governing frontier AI development, that doesn’t mean companies won’t end up in trouble with Trump’s White House when they cross unspoken lines.

“The problem here is that the White House has been in this extreme anti-regulatory posture, and they’re now faced with the real AI capabilities that people have been predicting for many years,” says a former White House technology official, who asked to remain anonymous to avoid jeopardizing their professional relationships. “There should have been preparation and policies to systematically deal with this, managing the benefits and risks, but instead it’s just this slap-dash approach that puts the AI industry in a real quandary.”

The Trump administration has repeatedly blocked efforts to impose guardrails on the AI industry, often arguing the rules could hamper US innovation and lead the country to fall behind rivals like China. Since he returned to the White House, President Trump has signed executive orders that reversed a Biden-era effort to create a national AI framework and created a federal task force to challenge state laws that could be deemed onerous.

While WIRED and other publications have made details of the negotiations between Anthropic and the White House public over the last week, the dispute is still defined by its opaqueness. At no point has the US government clearly stated what Anthropic did wrong—the best we have is a post on X outlining the general situation from White House technology adviser David Sacks.

Ironically, the White House’s actions have likely hampered the very kind of innovation it wants to protect. The Trump administration demanded that Anthropic prohibit all foreign nationals from accessing Mythos and Fable 5, preventing many of the AI lab’s own employees from accessing its most cutting-edge models, which the company says have sped up its research and development in recent months. All of Anthropic’s customers are locked out, too, including Apple, Meta, and much of the Fortune 500.

The White House may have had legitimate reasons to be concerned about Anthropic’s models. As my colleagues and I reported on Wednesday, US officials grew concerned when they learned earlier this month that Anthropic shared Mythos with SK Telecom, a South Korean telecom giant they allege has ties to China. Separately, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy raised concerns to US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent that some of the guardrails on Claude Fable 5, a safeguarded version of Mythos, could be circumvented.

Even if these worries are legitimate, that doesn’t mean the White House handled them adequately. In the first case, Anthropic says it coordinated with the US government on the rollout of Mythos, suggesting there may have been a chance for officials to raise alarm about SK Telecom ahead of time. Anthropic has also been working with the Korean company for years, and the arrangement seemingly never caused it to run into national security problems before. And when the White House raised concerns about SK Telecom to Anthropic, it revoked access to the model immediately, we reported.

What’s better than reading in a beach chair in the shade? Reading on a beach chair in the shade using the Kobo Libra Colour (8/10 WIRED Reccomends), which is waterproof, has color e-ink, and has a mode for doodling down ideas with a stylus. Compared to Kindles, this device feels more like a productivity tool, as it’s easy to import articles to read and draw up ideas and lists.

OluKai

Mea Ola Nu’u Men’s Leather Sandals

Men’s sandals are a hot-button topic, but I have no qualms about this leather pair from California brand OluKai. The shoes get more comfortable with every wear.

Fjällräven

Vardag Foldsack

I’m naming this the Official Backpack of Pool Days 2026. Swedish brand Fjällräven is known for its retro-styled backpacks, which I’ve always found a little fussy. But this bag is so practically designed for stuffing gear and securing it all with a zipper that I have become a huge fan. The padded straps are comfortable, and a zippered side pocket is perfect for holding pool passes and credit cards.

For the Car Dad

• Photograph: Martin Cizmar

• Photograph: Martin Cizmar

The Nokian Surpass AS01’s are some of the best-reviewed tires on the road, drawing praise from the automotive press as well as on message boards. I’ve only put about 100 miles on my set, but I’ll already add myself to the list of fans. These tires are grippy, quiet, and ride with supreme confidence. They also come with a 55,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is not typical for an ultra-high-performance tire like this. Nokian is a Finnish tiremaker known for its winter shoes. This model features the highest proportion of silica the brand has ever used, providing the benefits of the compound, which is better for braking distance, longevity, and grip in wet conditions. (The downsides of a silica-heavy tire compound are faster wear in hot weather and higher cost). If your dad has been making noise about needing new tires, head him off at the pass this Father’s Day and have a stack of four new tires delivered—most shops will be happy to mount them if you leave on the stickers.

• Photograph: Martin Cizmar

• Photograph: Martin Cizmar

Portable tire inflators and jump starters are both great things to have, and I have both. The AX65 from Noco is a high-powered combination of the two, and the best version of either I’ve encountered. The tire inflator is extremely quick—as fast as a gas station air compressor in my testing—and advertises that it’ll take a tire from flat to 40 pounds per square inch (psi) in two minutes. It holds 2,150 amp-hours of power, enough to jump a regular passenger car multiple times. It jumped my Dieselgate-era Jetta with ease (I’ve had the device for a month and already needed to jump my car thanks to its lack of alarm when you leave on the lights—VW was apparently dedicating its software engineering resources to other projects at the time). It’ll also recharge a phone or laptop via a 60-watt USB-C port, so it’s not just taking up dead space on road trips until disaster strikes.

BlueDriver

Pro Next Gen OBD2 Scanner

There are dozens of OBD2 (on-board diagnostic) scanners out there, and I’ve owned three or four models. The BlueDriver stands out for having lots of powerful features without requiring a subscription or credits to unlock its functions, unlike many of its competitors. This device connects to your car’s port and pairs to a phone app via Bluetooth so you can read—and in many cases clear—trouble codes. It plays pretty well with my VW, though it’s not a full VCDS (VAG-COM diagnostic system) system, which is the software system for VW.

Decked

Halfrack 32

Decked makes the sturdiest of the many car storage systems I’ve used over the years, and what the medium-sized Halfrack lacks in size, it more than makes up for in sheer toughness. It’s gasketed so it doesn’t leak. It’s also strong: Not only can it handle you standing atop it, but you can also supposedly drive a truck over it, and it won’t crack. (I have not driven my truck over it.) It has a locking lid that can be opened with one hand and a convenient carry handle that folds down flush when not in use. This is the gateway to a full system of boxes and drawers, so if your dad likes it, you’ll have gift ideas for years to come.

For the Yard Dad

• Photograph: Martin Cizmar

• Photograph: Martin Cizmar

My childhood neighbor Don Elmerick had the finest lawn I’ve ever seen. Elmerick, who lived across the street from my mother’s house for nearly 50 years before he passed in 2019, spent every summer meticulously tending to his acre of bright green grass, getting tan while mowing shirtless in jeans. His lawn was so nice that, as legend had it, the groundskeepers from the modest public golf course behind our house would come by to admire it. Every dad I know, including myself, would love to have a lawn like that. Unfortunately, I do not have the spare 10 to 20 hours a week it takes to do the research and labor required.

I won’t say that the Lawnbright plan has my more modest patch of lawn looking like Firestone Country Club after six months of treatment, but it does look better than any lawn I’ve kept in my adult life. That’s thanks to this service, which uses data from your lawn to create a custom treatment plan and then sends different treatment bottles at strategic times. All you do is open the box, attach the bottle to a hose, and spray. I applied the Green Machine formula in the fall and then Weed Wipeout in the spring. If your dad is always talking about how nice another man’s grass looks, this is the gift for him.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos sought to ingratiate themselves with President Donald Trump after he won the 2024 election, and in return he mocked their efforts behind their backs, according to a new book by The New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan.

Zuckerberg once texted Trump a photo of a letter written by one of his grade-school-age children, who wrote that they “looked forward to the golden age of America,” a slogan Trump had repeated at rallies during the presidential campaign.

And over dinner at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, Bezos denigrated The Washington Post to Trump and essentially described the newspaper as one of his worst financial investments, months before he unsuccessfully sought a business favor from the president.

These episodes are detailed in the book Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, a copy of which WIRED obtained ahead of its release on June 23. They illustrate the extraordinary scramble by some of the most powerful men in Silicon Valley to curry favor with Trump before the start of his second term.

Weeks after they met with Trump, he was still regaling associates with stories of how Zuckerberg and Bezos were “kissing my ass,” according to the book. “You would not believe the texts I got from these tech guys. I’ve got to show you,” Trump is quoted as telling some guests.

The episodes also show how Trump reveled in the genuflections of the titans of Big Tech—Google’s Sundar Pichai and Apple’s Tim Cook also met with the incoming president—before relentlessly deriding their efforts.

“Think of where these guys were in 2016,” Trump is quoted as saying of Zuckerberg and Bezos in a conversation with Elon Musk recounted in the book. “They hated me. They were doing everything they could to knock me down. And look at them now.”

Musk seemed delighted in the humiliation of his rivals, according to the book. “First-class groveling,” Musk is quoted as replying.

Presented with the book’s reporting, White House spokesperson Kush Desai did not directly respond. “President Trump is committed to working with every American business and business leader to cement America’s innovative dominance, re-shore critical manufacturing, and accelerate economic growth,” he said.

A person familiar with the Bezos episodes said the Amazon founder has been working with Trump in the same way that he has worked with every president since Bill Clinton, including donating $100 million to Barack Obama’s presidential library, and intended to work with whoever next occupies the Oval Office. A spokesperson for Bezos’ Blue Origin did not respond to requests for comment. Musk and spokespeople for Meta also did not respond to requests for comment.

The book shows Trump frequently mocking Zuckerberg and Bezos as they attempted to win his favor following the 2024 election—revealing, for example, text messages he received from the Meta CEO to various guests.

When Zuckerberg arrived shortly after Thanksgiving 2024, the authors write, Trump played the national anthem over the speakers. It soon became clear that this was no ordinary rendition, but one by a group of detained January 6 rioters known as the J6 Prison Choir.

Weeks later, according to the book, as Trump showed guests and visitors some of the ingratiating texts that Zuckerberg had sent, he stopped on a photo of the “letter to the president” written by one of the Meta CEO’s three children, the oldest of whom would have been 8 or 9 at the time.

Trump was also unsparing with Bezos, who is portrayed by Haberman and Swan as transactionally obsequious in indulging and doubling down on Trump’s criticisms of The Washington Post, as well as sending Trump a selfie featuring himself and his then-fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, over text.

If anyone in tech has already started their Hot IPO Summer, it’s Silicon Valley’s elite wealth advisers.

Two private wealth managers who work with high-net-worth techies told me they’ve seen an uptick in activity from their client base, some of whom are expecting a big liquidity event this year. We’re talking, of course, about the employees and early investors at SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic who are coming into mind-boggling riches. (These wealth managers agreed to speak on the record but wouldn’t name specific companies, so any such references are my words, not theirs.)

Visions of super-yachts, air-cooled Porsches, and vacation homes with closets full of Loro Piana probably come to mind. But elite advisers say most of their clients are pretty strategic about their newfound wealth before purchasing big-ticket items, snapping up real estate, or plunging their money into meme stocks. (Some go big anyway.)

Ashley Velategui, the head of wealth strategies at Bernstein Private Wealth Management, who has been offering guidance to high-net-worth individuals in Seattle and the Bay Area for nearly 20 years, says she’s encouraging tech clients to figure out how much “core wealth” they need to feel financially independent before making any hasty moves. They should also consider that a balance sheet largely made up of one stock—like, say, SpaceX—can shift dramatically in value over time.

Brittany Boals Moeller, who heads up Goldman Sachs’ West Coast wealth management division and who moved to the Bay Area last year to cater to the tech crowd, says that overall the “pace and the scale of wealth creation seems faster than before.” As she sees it, “a lot of what we’re doing is pre-IPO planning now.”

A few insights I gleaned from my conversations with them:

The definition of wealth has changed. Velategui says that there’s more ambiguity now around how people in tech define high or ultra-high net worth. The mega rich used to be anyone with a pot of $25 million to $30 million, but these days her average client tends to be worth somewhere between $20 million and $100 million.

Velategui adds that clients are considering forming a “family office”—a small private company that manages a family’s wealth and assets—much earlier than they have historically. Her ultra-high-net-worth clients are now setting aside $25 million for family office formation alone, which means their total wealth extends far beyond that.

“Lock-up periods” can be tricky to navigate. “Hot IPO Fall” doesn’t sound as vibe-y as “Summer,” but the reality is that most employees and early investors won’t be able to sell their stock until the lockup period following an IPO has ended. This is to protect the market from a destabilizing oversupply of stock; typically, the lockup period lasts 180 days.

Even in the case of “staged” lockups, employees are urged to proceed with caution, Velategui says. These phased tranches introduce more complexity because there are more points at which the stockholder can sell, and the liquidation process requires more management.

Tax minimization is still the goal. Selling shares can come with a hefty tax liability, and wealth managers are coming up with all kinds of sophisticated ways to let their tech clients spend their money without selling their shares.

Velategui ticks off a few of her clients’ strategies, including variable prepaid forwards, short box spreads, or borrowing money against their brokerage firm.

“The one that seems to be coming up within this community most frequently is variable prepaid forwards,” she says. With this strategy, the seller enters a contract with a financial institution to receive an upfront, tax-deferred payment for their shares, and agrees to hand over those shares to the bank at a future date. These strategies are not without risk—and they’re still subject to tax scrutiny—but what is Silicon Valley if not insanely risk-tolerant?

Earlier this month, five current Amazon employees publicly urged Seattle City Council to regulate data centers. It was an unprecedented act of advocacy by tech workers, and now, three of the staffers say they are now under internal investigation for what they understand to be allegedly representing themselves as spokespeople for the company without prior approval. “It’s a totally ridiculous claim,” says one of the affected employees, Patrick Schloesser. “It’s patently absurd.”

The three software engineers, who work in different divisions of Amazon and all live in Seattle, believe they are being unfairly targeted for expressing their political beliefs. They filed a joint complaint on Thursday to Seattle’s Office for Civil Rights, according to the employees and a filing seen by WIRED. They accused Amazon of illegally attempting to intimidate and retaliate against them for expressing their personal opinion outside of work about the need to regulate the environmental and social impacts of data centers.

“Seattle is one of just a few jurisdictions in the country that prohibits private employers from discriminating against their employees based on the political beliefs they hold and the organizations they belong to,” says Abby Lawlor, an attorney at Barnard Iglitzin & Lavitt who is advising the employees. “Here, we have legal tools to fight back and ensure that tech workers can be full democratic participants in these important local discussions. We hope the city of Seattle will do its part to ensure that this vital Seattle law is enforced.”

Amazon and the Seattle civil rights office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Margaret Callahan, an Amazon spokesperson, previously told WIRED that the company respects employees’ right to voice their opinions and that it tries to be a responsible steward in the communities where it operates.

The Amazon employees took to the city lectern to advocate for various regulations that Seattle is considering imposing on data centers. Amazon doesn’t have a current or proposed data center in the city, but several other companies have put forth plans for new projects.

The employees who say they are under investigation—Darius Irani, Liesel Wigand, and Schloesser—tell WIRED they were each separately called into virtual meetings with an Amazon employee relations staffer last Wednesday. They were told an investigation may take one to two weeks and have received no updates so far, besides being directed to use a speaker registration form that they don’t feel applies to the personal comments they made. Schloesser recalls being told the probe could lead to being fired.

The three workers contend Amazon has a pattern of trying both to silence collective action by workers, including at its warehouses, and dodging public criticism of data centers by using confidentiality agreements and other tactics to shield the projects from some scrutiny. The affected workers say they have received numerous messages of support from colleagues and no internal criticism, aside from in the meetings with HR.

In remarks during public comment periods at three city meetings this month, the workers identified themselves as members of Amazon Employees for Climate Justice, a collective of thousands of current and former workers at the tech giant that has long advocated for the company to better address its role in contributing to climate change.

The employees did not say they were speaking on behalf of the company, which to their knowledge didn’t make any formal comment about the data center measure at issue. Two other Amazon workers who spoke at later city council meetings say they have not received notice that they are under investigation.

Schloesser, who has been at Amazon for about six years, and Irani, who has more than five years at the company, say they felt compelled to join the growing nationwide movement against unfettered data center construction for their own reasons and believe no reasonable person could have interpreted their remarks as representing Amazon.

On the Netflix show Legends, AI processing was used to enhance a dimly lit office scene to bring up the contrast. I had a similar experience watching scenes from Awake on Netflix, which takes place mostly at night. I could still see the main characters even in darker areas of the scene. YouTube videos of WIRED interviews looked clear and colorful as well. In comparison, low-cost televisions seem more like a computer display with stark bright colors playing the same clips.

Samsung also leveraged AI to improve sound quality. In time for the World Cup, Samsung’s new AI audio feature helps enhance the volume of the broadcaster voices while lowering distracting crowd noises when watching soccer matches. For movies, the AI Sound Controller Pro sliders can help boost voices and reduce the volume of background music, but the experience is still buggy. While I could adjust the sliders, they’d always revert back to the default settings. Still, with Dolby Atmos support, I found myself immersed in the experience as audio emanated from around the room when watching Unbroken.

There were also several glitches I’ve noticed in testing. AirPlay worked fine, but when trying to use Google Cast to stream Alien: Romulus on HBO Max from my Android phone, an error occurred. Cloud gaming on GeForce NOW also presented with a bug that prevented me from authenticating with the service. Samsung reps are looking into these issues.

Despite the bugs, I’m convinced that The Frame Pro is a capable gaming display. Gamers looking to connect a console or gaming PC can use the Mini HDMI port on the rear of the television or the Wireless One Connect box. Both support refresh rates up to 240 Hz. I’m not a competitive gamer, so I stuck with the breakout box to connect my PC. I was amazed at Crimson Desert’s stutter-free performance. Everything looked rich and vibrant—there were also no delays using an Xbox controller.

I also tested the Aphelion using the Xbox Cloud Gaming app for console-free gaming. Other than slight stuttering due to lag, it all worked fine. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, a game that typically looks washed out on some competing TVs and projectors, appears vibrant on the screen.

The Frame Pro 2026 is an exceptional art television, and it’s among the best I’ve tested. Improvements to the Tizen OS, matte finish with anti-glare coating, and AI enhancements make it even more appealing. My only slight pause is the price. The Amazon Ember Artline also looks stunning and costs about $900 less. But The Frame Pro is the one you want for absolute realism and vivid colors.

Waymo has filed its fourth safety recall since February 2024, after its driverless cars were caught entering closed freeway construction zones.

The recall, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on June 17, appears to affect Waymo’s entire US fleet, covering 3,871 vehicles running Waymo’s 5th Generation automated driving system (ADS).

NHTSA estimates 100 precent of the affected units carry the defect, which is outlined in the filed safety recall report as “under certain circumstances, the AV may enter and drive at speed in freeway construction zones due to inappropriately prioritizing the avoidance of other freeway hazards and/or failing to recognize the construction zone.”

Waymo started offering highway rides in late 2025, and the underlying problem appears to be a failure of priority logic. According to the NHTSA filing, the ADS sometimes failed to recognize construction zones, and in other cases actively chose to drive through them because it was busy avoiding other hazards on the freeway. Both conditions can produce the same outcome: a driverless car at highway speed moving through a closed work zone.

The events that triggered the recall apparently began earlier this year. On April 11 and 19, Waymo vehicles in Phoenix drove past ramp closure signs into pre-planned construction zones. Waymo’s Field Safety Committee responded by restricting freeway operations.

Then, on May 18, seven Waymo vehicles in the San Francisco Bay Area drove between construction cones into active lane closures. Though no collisions or injuries were reported from these events, it was this second cluster that prompted a broader freeway ban by the company. Waymo’s Safety Board reviewed the issue on June 1, and on June 8 decided to issue a formal recall.

“Waymo’s mission is to be the world’s most trusted driver, and the data shows that we’re making roads safer in the communities in which we operate,” said a Waymo statement emailed to WIRED. “We identified an area of improvement regarding performance around freeway construction zones. We voluntarily restricted freeway operations last month while making improvements, proactively notified state and federal regulators, and decided to file a voluntary software recall with NHTSA.”

Crucially, a software fix for this potentially dangerous fault does not yet exist. Indeed, the NHTSA filing notes that a permanent remedy is “currently under development.”

Waymo’s interim response is to restrict all its vehicles from entering freeways entirely, a significant operational restriction for a company that previously offered freeway rides in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Miami.

However, because Waymo owns every vehicle in its fleet, there are no owners to notify. The fix, when it is programmed, will be pushed out as an over-the-air ADS software update.

This is the fourth time in roughly 28 months that Waymo has had to issue a safety recall. In May 2025, Waymo recalled 1,212 robotaxis over collisions with stationary roadway barriers following a NHTSA preliminary evaluation citing at least seven incidents between December 2022 and April 2024. In May this year, Waymo recalled 3,791 vehicles after a robotaxi drove into a flooded, impassable road in San Antonio and was swept into a creek.

This latest recall does not affect Waymo’s newest 6th Generation vehicles, apparently, and the company’s cars will continue to operate service on surface streets in the US.

I first learned about Pura from a friend whose house always smelled like a high-end boutique under every circumstance. Cooking project, water leak … no matter what was going on in her house at the time, I only ever smelled berries. I have two cats and a multi-sports-playing teen—I knew I needed this. Now, after having owned multiple Puras for over two years, I have some thoughts.

While my Pura journey began with the now-discontinued Pura 3, I have also since tested the Pura 4 and large-room Pura Plus, both of which have dual bays for two of Pura’s proprietary oil cartridges, as well as the Pura Mini. The Pura 4 and Mini both plug into an outlet and can only be controlled through the accompanying app (or Alexa or Google Home). This is convenient for setting schedules and timers, switching fragrances (or using the handy new auto-alternate feature), and changing the color of the optional night-light, but there have also been numerous occasions where I’ve wanted to stop or start or change a schedule but have been unable to because I forgot my password or the diffuser couldn’t connect to Wi-Fi. In the moment, it was infuriating. Mercifully, the stand-alone, cylindrical Pura Plus has on/off manual control buttons on the front. The smaller Pura 4 and Mini are best for enclosed spaces, like a long entryway for the former or a small bedroom for the latter (note that all Puras only work with 2.4-Ghz Wi-Fi). If you have high ceilings or any kind of open floor plan, you’ll get better results from the Pura Plus. Just note that, unlike the silent Pura 4 and Mini, the Plus emits an audible whooshing sound—32 decibels, about as loud as a fan on low.

Perhaps the best feature of the Puras, however, is the brand’s extensive library of scents from companies like Anthropologie, Nest, Capri Blue, and more. (Including luxe seasonal releases—spring offerings include Studio McGee Violet Fig, Brooklyn Candle Studio Tulum, and Otherland Chandelier, among many, many others.) The quality and duration can vary quite widely, and they’re not cheap—$11 all the way up to $34, for 0.33 ounces—but most of them smell better than cartridges from any other diffuser brand I’ve tried, and all come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Because of the small size and price of the cartridges, Pura might not be the best choice if you want to smell diffuser all day, every day, as you’ll end up spending a small fortune. However, if you love unique luxury scents and only need them occasionally and/or on demand, Pura is the way to go. —Kat Merck

TypeNebulizerAdditional FeaturesSmart features (requires 2.4-GHz Wi-Fi), night-lightOil TypeProprietaryRemote?No

For the first time in World Cup history, eight Arab nations have qualified for this year’s tournament, including Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iraq, and Jordan—double the number of teams that qualified for Qatar in 2022.

Yet, the tournament is taking place at an unprecedented moment of heightened geopolitical tension. The US-Israel war with Iran, which began in February of this year, has caused ripple effects across Gulf states and neighboring countries in the Levant, including Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan, reshaping the security around travel and mobility for fans and players hailing from the region.

The US State Department has fully suspended visa issuance for nationals from countries with teams that qualified, including Iran and Haiti—despite it being the first time Haiti has qualified for a World Cup since 1974. Just a week before the tournament began, the Iranian Football Federation, according to Reuters, reported that thousands of fans had their tickets revoked; before that, the US ruled that Iranian players and staff would have to commute to the US from Mexico on days the team has matches on American soil.

Iran is the most visible example, but it is far from the only one. The head of the Palestinian Football Association was denied entry into the US, while fans in Morocco have had their visas denied, with many losing money spent on travel costs.

​“For other Middle Eastern countries, while they may not be outright banned, they face a steeper hill to climb depending on the country,” says Talib Visram, an independent reporter who has been closely covering this year’s World Cup through his Substack “America’s Cup,” where he has spent months interviewing experts and tracking the build-up to the tournament.

​“Fans of nations like Jordan—one of the debutants—had to apply for visas many months in advance. While those wait times were later expedited, there was a reported denial rate of more than 40 percent,” he adds.

​Similar barriers have emerged across Africa. Fans from the Ivory Coast and Senegal have been met with reported visa rejections, while a Somali referee with an approved US visa was denied entry when he landed in Miami, underscoring how official approval to travel does not necessarily guarantee admission at the border.

In addition to visa barriers, fans from Ivory Coast, Senegal, Tunisia, and Algeria also faced the possibility of US entry bonds as high as $15,000 going into the tournament. In May, the State Department moved to waive the bond requirement for visitors coming into the country for the World Cup, but only if they’d purchased official tickets and applied for FIFA’s Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS) by April 15. That cutoff date means the waiver may not help many fans.

​What sits behind these outcomes is a complex system. While obtaining a US visa is formally the same for all applicants, State Department guidance says applicants can be subject to expanded screening and vetting, including review of social media and online activity. Some cases are then pushed into administrative processing, an open-ended security review that can last weeks or months with no clear timeline. Layered onto that are biometric checks at both the visa and border stage, which can include fingerprinting and facial-comparison technologies, which can add further delays or lead to additional screening even for those with approved visas.

​“We have seen examples of visa-triaging algorithms, automation, all sorts of decisions being made by artificial intelligence kind of behind the scenes, and this is changing the ways that people can enter countries,” says Petra Molnar, a lawyer and anthropologist at the Refugee Law Lab at Toronto’s York University who specializes in the impacts of technology on migration and border crossings. “It’s changing the immigration, detention, and deportation regimes as well.”

While the Home Office says face scanning is designed to be an “additional” tool for border officers and won’t “replace or overrule human judgment,” it did not answer questions about how it plans to use the technology in real-world environments. “In cases of uncertainty,” the spokesperson says, “individuals will always be treated as children until a further assessment is conducted.”

Expanding Estimates

The UK government first announced its plans to use face age estimation alongside border staff judgments to assess migrants in July 2025. Since then, the Home Office has delayed the rollout of the systems until 2027, saying it will use the “cutting-edge AI tech” to “crack down on fake claims” with the aim of stopping “adults attempting to game the system.”

Over the past five years, AI face scans have emerged as a key component of controversial online age verification programs, as lawmakers have mandated social media platforms, porn websites, and some retailers check their users’ ages. It has also been trialled at some bars and shops in the UK. Face age estimation works by analyzing the features of someone’s face—with the underlying systems trained on millions of age-labeled faces—to produce an estimated age. In controlled laboratory tests, the best algorithms can predict a person’s age to within around 2.5 years.

However, the results can vary wildly depending on the algorithm, a person’s gender, demographic details, and other factors. Poor-quality images, such as those with bad lighting, can drastically reduce the performance of the systems. (A case in point: People have tricked some systems using images of characters from video games.) The Home Office appears to have been aware of potential problems with the technology and still pushed ahead with its program.

The leaked Home Office report produced in April 2025, which was completed before the government purchased face-scanning technology, details the testing of seven FAE algorithms against more than 2.5 million images. However, the internal report says that the unnamed “best performing algorithm” had “substantial deviations” when tested on images of Sub-Saharan Africans. On average, that system also tended to predict that a 17-year-old would be over 18, and it performed worse on females.

Tens of thousands of people make asylum claims in the UK each year, with many arriving in the country after dangerous, physically demanding journeys in small boats crossing the English Channel. Currently, border staff who doubt the age of someone claiming to be under 18 can assess their physical appearance, answers to interview questions, and general demeanor, to make an initial decision about their age. These initial age estimations are made upon the “first encounter,” the Home Office says in guidance. Since 2010, 40 percent of people who have faced age assessments have been classed as adults, according to official statistics.

The leaked Home Office report says that its findings are based primarily on testing that uses high-quality images taken of documented people, and that may mean that the algorithms’ accuracy rates would be even worse in practice. The Home Office has indicated that FAE technology would help immigration officers who are making age assessments while working at the point of first encounter.