Topic
Hardware
Technology Best Apple Watch Models for Enterprise Buyers: Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3 Compared
Apple's latest Apple Watch lineup includes the Series 11, SE 3, and Ultra 3, each with distinct features and price points. For enterprise buyers considering wearable deployment for employee wellness or field operations, the choice hinges on battery life, durability, and health sensors.
Technology Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 Review Reveals Passport-Style Design Ahead of Apple's Folding iPhone
Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Galaxy Z Fold 8 with a radically shorter, wider build reminiscent of a passport, aimed at improving video viewing and one-handed use. The $1,900 device, shipping Aug. 7, 2026, precedes Apple's first folding iPhone expected in less than two months. Early testing reveals trade-offs in information density but a charming form factor.
Top Smart Rings Reviewed: Oura Ring 4, RingConn Gen 2 Air, and Samsung Galaxy Ring Compared
WIRED's review of the best smart rings highlights the Oura Ring 4 as the top pick, with competition from RingConn Gen 2 Air and Samsung Galaxy Ring. Prices range from $199 to $499. The article also mentions the Leep Ring as an honorable mention.
Technology CXMT Surges 470% on Debut to Become Mainland China's Most Valuable Listed Firm
Shares in CXMT, China's largest memory chipmaker, surged more than 470% on its debut on Shanghai's STAR Market, pushing its valuation to about 3.3 trillion yuan ($487.3bn) and making it the most valuable listed company in mainland China. The IPO comes amid a global tech selloff and a recent slump in Chinese stocks. CXMT manufactures Dram chips used in AI data centres, mobile phones, and PCs, and plans to use IPO proceeds to boost production and R&D.
Technology Subscription-Free Security Cameras Offer Local AI and Privacy for Enterprise Surveillance
Subscription-free security cameras are closing the gap with cloud-based systems, offering local AI detection and storage. WIRED's Simon Hill tests top models from Eufy, Synology, and IC Realtime, highlighting cost savings and data privacy for enterprise use.
Technology The Best Smart Cutting Machine for You Depends on What You’re Making—and How Many
A detailed comparison of Cricut Explore 5 and Siser Romeo smart cutting machines, evaluating their features, ecosystem, and cost for different user needs. Cricut's Explore 5 is ideal for casual crafters, while Siser's Romeo targets high-volume production. The review helps decide when to upgrade from a hobby machine.
Technology 3 Clever Things You Can Do With an Old Amazon Kindle
Old Amazon Kindles can be repurposed into versatile devices. WIRED outlines three projects: turning a Kindle into a Spotify controller, a smart home display, or a literary clock. The hacks require varying levels of effort and are documented online.
Technology Aurora Races Toward Scale with New Driverless Hardware, Removing Last Observer
Aurora Innovation launched its second-generation autonomous truck hardware, designed for a 1-million-mile life and volume production. The new fleet operates without any human observer, deployed across 10 Sun Belt routes. Manufacturing partner Roush targets 1,000 trucks per year by year-end, and one customer plans to purchase 500 Aurora-powered trucks.
Technology Samsung's New Galaxy Z Fold8 Adopts Passport Shape to Match Mobile Video Viewing Habits
Samsung revealed a new passport-shaped design for the Galaxy Z Fold8 at its second Galaxy Unpacked event, targeting the shift to mobile video consumption. The phone features a 10:16 aspect ratio cover screen and a 4:3 inner display, priced at $1,900, with a new Flex Titanium layer to minimize the crease.
Technology Samsung Unveils Three Galaxy Z Foldable Phones with Improved Durability and Performance
Samsung has launched three new foldable smartphones — the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Fold8, and Flip8 — each with distinct form factors. All models feature Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processors, Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays with 120-Hz refresh rates, and improved durability through Flex Titanium layers on the two larger models.
Technology How Enterprise Buyers Should Evaluate Fitbit’s Latest Wearables for Corporate Wellness Programs
Google's Fitbit acquisition has yielded the Google Fitbit Air and Charge 6, offering affordable, user-friendly health tracking for corporate wellness. The Air, at $100, is the lightest Fitbit with a week-long battery, while the Charge 6 adds ECG and gym equipment connectivity.
Technology Former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger Joins VC Firm to Revive Moore's Law Using Light-Based Chips
Former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger has joined venture capital firm Playground Global as a general partner, taking a board seat at xLight, a startup developing novel lithography techniques using light. Gelsinger believes that advances in nanometer-scale light etching can revive Moore's Law, which has stalled due to physical limits of transistor shrinking.
Nvidia Positions Vera Rubin CPU-GPU System as All-in-One AI Data Center Solution
Nvidia is expanding beyond GPUs with its Vera Rubin system, offering a combined CPU and GPU platform for AI data centers. The company claims a tenfold increase in tokens per watt and a "cable-free" design that reduces installation time from hours to minutes. OpenAI has deployed one Vera Rubin rack.
Technology The Light Flip Is the Stylish Dumb Flip Phone of YouR Dreams
Light Phone, maker of the minimal Light Phone III, has announced the Light Flip — a $299 dumb flip phone with no front screen, physical buttons, and a subscription plan with AT&T and T-Mobile. The device targets Gen Z consumers who reject smartphones for a durable, distraction-free alternative.
Technology Halliday's G2 Smart Glasses Skip Camera, Target Professional Meeting Use
Halliday has announced the G2 smart glasses, designed without a camera to address privacy concerns in workplace and professional settings. The glasses feature AI-powered voice recording, transcription, and translation for meetings, with a display for subtitles and notifications. Priced at $599 with subscription tiers, they aim to compete with other camera-less wearables like Even Realities' G2.
Technology Top 8 Smartwatches for 2026: WIRED's Expert Picks After a Decade of Testing
WIRED's expert reviewers have tested smartwatches for a decade and narrowed down the top 8 models as of July 2026. The guide covers Apple, Google, Samsung, Garmin, and more, with detailed specs, prices, and compatibility notes. Rising component costs and supply chain pressures have driven up prices, but options range from $79 to $799.
Smart Home Gadgets That Boost Curb Appeal Without Sacrificing Style
WIRED's Nena Farrell reviews outdoor smart home gadgets that blend functionality with design. Products include the discreet Level Lock Pro, sleek Nest Doorbell, Birdfy Nest Duo birdhouse with solar cameras, and Govee smart string lights.
Technology How Consumer Fitness Trackers Are Quietly Predicting Pregnancy Earlier Than Tests
Fitness trackers like the Oura ring are alerting users to pregnancy through changes in heart rate, temperature, and HRV, days before standard tests. The phenomenon raises questions about data privacy and the predictive power of wearable biometrics.
Technology After Testing More Than 100 Power Banks, These Are the 6 I’d Recommend: A Deep Dive into Portable Charger Performance
WIRED's Simon Hill tested over 100 portable chargers to find the six best power banks for different needs. The guide covers key features like capacity (mAh), charging rates (watts), and standards (PD, PPS, QC), along with specific model recommendations and those to avoid.
Technology Privacy-First Sensor Technology: Enterprise Alternatives to Security Cameras
WIRED tested privacy-first alternatives to home security cameras, including a radar system and the Kini motion sensor. These technologies offer reliable detection without video feeds, suitable for enterprise facilities concerned about privacy and data security.
Technology WIRED Recommends MacBook Neo and Asus Zenbook A14 as Top Student Laptops for 2025
WIRED's Reviews team has tested top consumer tech for students, selecting the MacBook Neo as the best overall college laptop for its premium design and high-resolution display, and the Asus Zenbook A14 as the lightest option at just 2.18 pounds. Both offer strong value for students and professionals alike.
Technology WIRED's Best Smart Speakers for 2026: Google Home Speaker Leads the Pack
WIRED's Nena Farrell tested nearly every smart speaker from Amazon, Google, and Apple. The 2026 Google Home Speaker (8/10, WIRED Recommends) leads with its Gemini AI assistant, but many advanced features require a subscription. Amazon and Apple remain strong ecosystem contenders.
Valve's Steam Machine Brings the Best and Worst of PC Gaming to the Living Room
Valve's Steam Machine aims to bring PC gaming to the living room with 4K 120Hz support via AMD FSR. Testing on multiple games shows variable performance depending on resolution and settings, with best results at 1080p. Poorly optimized games struggle.
Technology $10K Bounty Challenges Sony's PS5 Lockdown, Aims to Restore General-Purpose Computing
Consumer advocacy group Fulu has announced a $10,000 bounty for hackers who can disable Sony's proprietary locks on the PlayStation 5, allowing users to install alternate operating systems like Linux. The initiative aims to reclaim device ownership amid concerns over digital rights and hardware repurposing. Previously, Fulu paid bounties for fixes on Google Nest thermostats and Molekule air purifiers.
India to Take Equity Stakes in Semiconductor Startups Under Semicon 2.0
The Indian government has approved Semicon 2.0 with a Rs 1,27,500 crore outlay, moving from one-time grants to milestone-linked funding and equity investments in semiconductor startups. The India Semiconductor Mission CEO Amitesh Kumar Sinha outlined a phased funding model where the government will generally keep its equity stake below 50%, avoid board representation, and allow founders to buy back shares. The policy addresses the challenge startups face in raising capital after the design stage.
Technology Xgimi Titan Noir Max Projector Offers Premium Home Theater at Sub-$6,000 Price
The Xgimi Titan Noir Max is a $5,999 home theater projector that supports IMAX Enhanced mode, features a 10,000:1 native contrast ratio, 7,000 lumens brightness, and a dual intelligent iris system. It raised $19 million on Kickstarter and beats competitors like the Epson Pro Cinema LS9000 and Leica Cine Play 1 in benchmarks.
Technology OnePlus, the 'Flagship-Killer' Smartphone Brand, Is All but Dead
OnePlus, once a disruptive 'flagship-killer' brand, is effectively shutting down in North America and Europe. The company has laid off staff across multiple regions, with employees moving to parent Oppo or sub-brand Realme. Smartphone shipments globally fell 11% year-over-year in Q2 2026, and OnePlus faced tariff-driven price hikes and lost T-Mobile partnership.
Technology Rising Cost Fuels Rush for Refurbished Devices as New Shipments Decline
India's refurbished smartphone and laptop market is projected to grow significantly in 2026, driven by soaring component costs that have pushed up prices of new devices. Counterpoint Research expects 12% year-on-year growth in refurbished smartphones, while new smartphone shipments are set to decline 11%. Major brands like Samsung are expanding certified refurbished programmes.
Technology Skylight Touchscreen Calendar’s AI Sidekick Offers Lessons for Enterprise Schedule Management
A WIRED review of the Skylight touchscreen calendar reveals AI-driven schedule extraction from photos and emails, multi-platform calendar sync, and shared task lists. While consumer-focused, these features parallel enterprise needs for digitizing paper-based workflows and coordinating cross-department schedules.
Technology MagSafe and Qi2 Power Banks: Enterprise IT Guide to Wireless Charging
This article explains the technology behind MagSafe and Qi2 power banks, comparing charging speeds, efficiency, and device compatibility, based on WIRED's testing. It provides key considerations for enterprise IT procurement teams managing mobile workforces.
Technology Portable Power Stations for Enterprise Off-Grid Operations: A Technical Review
WIRED's Simon Hill tested several portable power stations for camping, but their specs—capacity up to 2.1 kWh, solar charging, and AC output—make them relevant for enterprise off-grid needs like remote monitoring, field equipment, and backup for logistics hubs. This review covers key models from Jackery, Bluetti, and BioLite.
Technology I Test and Take Apart Keyboards for a Living. These Are the Very Best for Work and Play
A WIRED expert who tests and takes apart keyboards for a living shares the very best keyboards for work and play, focusing on comfort, efficiency, and build quality. The curated list includes models from Logitech, Keychron, Wooting, and Happy Hacking Keyboard, with prices ranging from $55 to $300.
Technology The Eight Sleep Pod 5 Smart Mattress Cover Blends AI, IoT, and Sleep Optimization — But at What Cost?
Eight Sleep's Pod 5 smart mattress cover combines temperature regulation, sleep tracking, and AI automation via Autopilot. While offering refined sleep optimization, it raises concerns over subscription costs, data privacy, and a history of security issues. The product has been adopted by DOGE engineers in the Office of Personnel Management, signaling enterprise interest.
Flipper's Busy Bar: A $249 Hardware Button to Physically Signal 'Do Not Disturb'
Flipper Devices, known for the controversial Flipper Zero hacking tool, launches the Busy Bar—a $249 hardware clock with an LED screen that displays 'BUSY' to signal to people around you that you are occupied. The device also works as a Pomodoro timer, integrates with smart home via Matter, and can be controlled remotely. It goes on sale today.
Technology Samsung OLED Monitors See Deep Prime Day Discounts, Offering Enterprise Procurement Opportunity
Samsung's Odyssey OLED monitors, including the G6 and G5, are discounted by up to 38% for Amazon Prime Day. The G6 (G61SH) 27-inch model is $385, the lowest price ever, while the G5 is $334. These deals make premium OLED technology accessible for enterprise IT procurement for design and engineering teams.
Eufy E340 Floodlight Camera Combines Dual-Lens AI Tracking with No-Subscription Local Recording
The Eufy E340 floodlight security camera offers a dual-lens design with 3K wide-angle and 2K telephoto lenses, AI tracking, and up to 2,000 lumens of illumination. It records locally without a subscription, with a cloud storage option from $3 per month. Currently available at its lowest price during Prime Day, according to WIRED.
Technology Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow: The Prime Day Robot Vacuum to Buy for Smart Homes
The Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow is the recommended robot vacuum for Prime Day, beating the more expensive Saros 20 in real-world tests. It offers 20,000 Pa suction, a self-cleaning spinning mop, and superior obstacle avoidance at a lower price.
Technology Form Smart Swim 2 LT Goggles Offer Affordable Connected Eyewear for Swimmers
Form has launched the Smart Swim 2 LT goggles at $149, its most affordable connected swim eyewear. While cheaper, it still requires a subscription for full features and makes some hardware compromises.
Surface Laptop Discounted by 38% for Prime Day: A Standout Deal in 2026
According to WIRED, the Surface Laptop is discounted by 38% for Prime Day, now priced at $835. The 2024 model offers 16GB RAM, 256GB storage, a 3:2 aspect ratio display with 120Hz refresh rate, and long battery life. This deal is highlighted as the best value laptop in 2026, despite limited configuration options.
Technology MSI's $1,800 Claw 8 EX AI+ Handheld Gaming Console: Price, Specs, and Market Impact
The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ is an $1,800 portable gaming handheld powered by Intel's new Arc G3 Extreme chips, with 32GB RAM and an 8-inch 120Hz display. According to WIRED, the price is driven by component costs and the AI bubble constraining supplies, making it more expensive than rivals like the ROG Ally X and Lenovo Legion Go 2.
Technology There’s Only One Google Smart Speaker Worth Buying Now
Google has streamlined its smart speaker lineup to a single speaker and two displays, introducing the new Home Speaker and the Gemini AI assistant. WIRED's Nena Farrell explains why the Home Speaker is the only one worth buying now, but notes the Nest Hub Max remains a solid smart display.
Technology Xbox Layoffs Cut 3,200 Jobs as Microsoft Resets Gaming Strategy
Microsoft's Xbox division has laid off 3,200 employees (20% of staff) as part of a 'reset' led by new CEO Asha Sharma. The cuts follow a broader industry downturn that has seen nearly 58,000 video game job losses since 2022, driven by over-hiring during the pandemic and rising production costs.
Technology Samsung reclaims top spot as memory shortage squeezes smartphone market, shipments hit 2013 low
Samsung Electronics regained the global smartphone market lead from Apple in Q2 2026 as industry shipments fell to their lowest since 2013, driven by a severe memory shortage. DRAM and NAND supply constraints, fueled by AI data center demand, pushed memory costs up four- to five-fold year-on-year, squeezing margins on budget models and prompting price increases across brands.
Technology Oura Ring 5: Smart Ring Upgrade Targets Health Tracking and Privacy for Corporate Wellness Programs
Oura's fifth-generation smart ring introduces GLP-1 medication tracking, enhanced privacy controls with time-based data deletion, and support for multiple rings on one account. WIRED's review finds it an easy recommendation for first-time buyers or those upgrading from older models, but Ring 4 owners may not see dramatic gains. The subscription remains at $6 per month for full functionality.
Technology Wi-Fi 8 Shifts Focus from Speed to Ultra High Reliability and Seamless Roaming
The eighth generation of Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.11bn, moves away from speed improvements to focus on Ultra High Reliability (UHR). Key features include Multi-Access Point Coordination (MAPC), Seamless Roaming Domain (SRD), and Low Latency Indication (LLI) to reduce dropouts and interference. Backward-compatible but requires new devices for full benefits, Wi-Fi 8 aims to enhance connectivity in dense environments.
Technology Spain's Submer Invests $2 Billion in Madhya Pradesh Semiconductor Sector, Eyes 5,000 Jobs
Spain's Submer Group announced a $2 billion investment in Madhya Pradesh's semiconductor industry at the MP Tech Growth Conclave 3.0, expected to create nearly 5,000 direct jobs. The state government allotted 15 acres in Acharpura for a data centre project. Submer also plans to expand its liquid cooling solutions manufacturing and skill development programmes in India.
Technology Back Up Your Whole Life With the Best External Hard Drives
The rising cost of SSDs, driven by AI data center demand, has made traditional spinning hard drives a compelling choice for backups. WIRED's guide recommends the Western Digital Elements and My Passport series, as well as Seagate Expansion drives, highlighting their affordability and reliability.
Technology WIRED Tests Best Pet Cameras: AI, 360° Views, and Treat Dispensing for Remote Pet Monitoring
WIRED tested multiple pet cameras, including the Furbo Mini 360° and Petcube Cam 360, evaluating features like AI tracking, 360-degree pan-tilt, treat dispensing, and cloud storage. The article compares resolution, angle view, storage options, and audio capabilities across models.
Technology Beatbot AquaSense X Robot Cleans Pool and Then Cleans Itself, Ending Dirty Filter Burden
The Beatbot AquaSense X pool-cleaning robot, paired with the AstroRinse self-cleaning station, eliminates the chore of manually cleaning the robot's filter. The system uses a separate station that also charges the robot. Setup involves multiple steps and hose connections.
Technology Samsung's New R95H Micro RGB TV Falls Short Against LG's Superior Picture Quality
Samsung's Micro RGB R95H television delivers good performance but cannot match the picture quality and controls of LG's Micro RGB Evo. Priced at $3,200 for the 65-inch model, the R95H suffers from anti-glare tech that dulls images, while LG offers superior size and features at a comparable price point.
Technology Apple Sues OpenAI for Allegedly Stealing Hardware Trade Secrets and Prototypes
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its hardware chief, Tang Tan, alleging the theft of trade secrets including unreleased parts, prototypes, and confidential designs. The complaint accuses OpenAI of encouraging former Apple employees to bring proprietary technology, with Tan coaching recruits on evading security protocols. The case echoes the Waymo-Uber IP dispute, which settled for $245 million.
Technology Save Nearly Half on Amazon's Top-End Fire TV Stick 4K Max During Prime Days
Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K Max is $35 during Prime Days, a $25 discount. The second-generation model offers double the storage (16GB) and Wi-Fi 6E support for faster streaming. It integrates deeply with Alexa smart homes and Prime Video.
Technology The Best Amazon Prime Day Headphone Deals for Every Kind of Listener
Amazon Prime Day 2026 brings significant discounts on top-rated headphones and earbuds. WIRED's curated list covers noise-canceling cans, wireless earbuds, and sport headphones from Sony, Bose, Apple, Nothing, Google, and Beats. For enterprise technology leaders, these deals offer opportunities to equip teams with premium audio for productivity or employee perks.
Technology Prime Day Router Deals: Upgrade Your Wi-Fi with Discounted Mesh Systems and Routers
WIRED highlights the best Prime Day deals on Wi-Fi routers and mesh systems, including the Netgear Orbi 770 Series, Eero Pro 7, and TP-Link Deco BE63. The article provides recommendations for home and travel use, with notes on features like Wi-Fi 7, Ethernet ports, and FCC restrictions.
Technology Jackery 2000 Plus Power Station Discounted for Prime Day Provides Home Backup Against Summer Storms
The Jackery 2000 Plus portable power station is currently discounted for Prime Day 2026, as reported by WIRED. It provides 2,042 watt-hours of capacity, expandable, and can power 3,000-watt devices. It serves as home backup during weather-related outages.
Epilogue's SN Operator Brings Super Nintendo Cartridges to Modern PCs
Epilogue's SN Operator is a USB-C device that allows users to play original Super Nintendo and Super Famicom cartridges on modern computers. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi, and offers visual filters and speed modifiers. The device is the second in Epilogue's Operator line, following the GB Operator for Game Boy cartridges.
Technology Data Centers Are Quietly Taking Over Texas. The Pollution Could Be Catastrophic
A WIRED investigation reveals that AI data centers in Texas, including OpenAI's Stargate project, are exploiting a regulatory loophole to build gas-powered plants with minimal public notice. This risks catastrophic pollution and threatens communities like Abilene.
Technology Why Enterprise IT Should Consider Older Microsoft Surface Devices Over New Models
The 2024 Surface Laptop (7th Edition) remains the best value for enterprise buyers facing the newly announced 2026 models. With lower pricing, proven performance, and sufficient capabilities for standard office workloads, it outperforms the new Snapdragon X2-equipped devices on cost efficiency. Enterprise procurement teams should prioritize the older model while monitoring the upcoming Surface Laptop Ultra for future needs.
Technology Europe Faces Air-Conditioning Revolution as Heat Waves Intensify and Demand Soars
As Europe swelters under record heat waves, demand for air-conditioning is surging, sparking a debate about sustainable cooling. With only 20% of Europeans owning ACs, compared to 90% in the US, the continent faces a critical choice: invest in efficient, equitable cooling or lock into high-energy consumption. The IEA predicts that electricity demand for cooling could more than triple by 2050, while existing units already contribute 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Oura Ring 4, WIRED's Best-Tested Smart Ring, Now Nearly Half Off in Prime Day Deal
The Oura Ring 4, named the best smart ring by WIRED, is currently discounted by nearly 50% for Prime Day 2026. The deal includes both standard and Ceramic models, with savings over $100. The article highlights the ring's accuracy, comfort, and battery life, and compares it to the newer Ring 5.