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Hardware
Technology Relay Q: London Startup's AI Microphone Puts Hands-Free Voice Dictation on the Desktop
Relay, a London startup founded by two former Nothing employees, is building the Relay Q, a portable AI microphone for high-fidelity voice dictation, with software debuting now and hardware due in early 2027. The macOS-first app, powered by Google's Gemini models, adds contextual Skills that automate Slack messages and calendar entries. WIRED's hands-on found the transcription workable but less polished than Google's Pixel 11 Rambler feature, and flagged privacy trade-offs from screen-access permissions.
Manufacturing Google Pixel 10a Crowned Best Budget Pixel in WIRED's Updated 2026 Buying Guide
WIRED's updated buying guide names the Google Pixel 10a the best smartphone for the money, citing seven years of software support, a 6.3-inch OLED display, and a 48-megapixel camera. The guide, updated in August 2026, also covers the new Pixel 11 series and Pixel Watch 5.
Technology Plug-in solar panels arrive on UK High Street after government rule change
The UK government has changed the rules to allow plug-in solar panels to be sold legally, with Argos stocking kits from Thursday. Prices start at £699, and households could save £70–£110 a year, according to the BBC.
Technology Nvidia sales soar above $96bn as AI data centre buildout accelerates
Nvidia reported Q2 revenue of $96bn, more than double year-on-year, with data centre revenue up 117% to $89bn. CEO Jensen Huang said AI has reached its inflection point, while the company guided to $108bn in next-quarter revenue.
Technology How Ikea and Xbox Turned a Controller Thumbstick Into a Stool for Gamers
Ikea and Xbox unveiled the nine-piece Yxstaby gaming furniture range at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, following a 2024 meeting at Milan Design Week. The collection's centerpiece is a thumbstick stool developed from Xbox controller 3D design files, with additional pieces aimed at integrating gaming into living rooms.
Technology Google’s Pixel 11 Pro Fold Is Better, but Not the Best
WIRED's review of the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold finds a better foldable than last year's, with IP68 dust-tight protection and Qi2 25W magnetic charging. But a $1,900 price bump, heavier chassis, and stiff competition from Samsung and Honor limit its appeal.
Technology Apple Refreshes Mac Mini and Mac Studio With AI-Ready M6 and M5 Ultra Chips
Apple has announced the M6 and M5 Ultra chips in refreshed Mac Mini and Mac Studio desktops. The M6, built on 2-nanometer process, powers a Mac Mini that Apple says is twice as fast as the M4 model. The M5 Ultra, Apple's claimed most powerful chip, enables local inference of trillion-parameter LLMs when four Mac Studios are linked over Thunderbolt 5.
Technology Andery MagSafe Car Mount Tops 12-Mount Road-Trip Test by WIRED
WIRED's Matthew Korfhage tested 12 car phone mounts over hundreds of miles on highways and potholed city roads. The Andery MagSafe suction mount ($36) took the top spot for iPhones and Qi2 phones, while the Andobil mechanical mount ($30) won for Android. Both prioritize secure hold, minimal view obstruction, and hands-free compliance with state laws.
Technology This Projector Is a Hole-in-One as a Golf Simulator, but Subpar for Anything Else
WIRED's John Brandon built a low-cost indoor golf driving range around the Optoma GT2400HDR short-throw projector, saving money by skipping premium peripherals. The projector delivers a convincing 100-inch golf experience but underperforms for movies, TV and fast-paced gaming, and lacks a smart TV platform.
Technology Window-Cleaning Robot Review: Ecovacs Winbot W2S Omni Disappoints in WIRED Real-World Test
A WIRED review by Simon Hill found that the premium Ecovacs Winbot W2S Omni window-cleaning robot, while well-engineered, struggled with handles, bay windows, and corners, leaving residue and smears. Hill concluded that despite outperforming the cheaper Mova N1, window-cleaning robots are not worthwhile for most homes.
Technology Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Neo Side by Side Test: Results Surprised WIRED Reviewer
WIRED's Luke Larsen tested the $699 Dell XPS 13 against Apple's MacBook Neo side by side. The XPS 13 matched Apple's price while adding a touchscreen, 120-Hz display, and keyboard backlighting; the base MacBook Neo omits Touch ID and backlighting.
Technology Joule Thief Circuit Reveals Hidden Energy Still Left in Dead Batteries
Rhett Allain of WIRED explains how a so-called joule thief circuit — a transformer paired with a transistor — can recover residual chemical energy from batteries that appear dead. The circuit can run a 3-volt LED on a single 1.5-volt AA battery, showing that battery depletion is not the same as zero energy.
India's chip story enters next phase: 5-6 semiconductor projects may go commercial by end of 2026
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Technology I've Tested a Lot of Bad, Cheap Laptops—These 7 Are Actually Good
WIRED's latest budget laptop guide, updated August 2026, picks seven affordable models across Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS, plus three more worth considering for specific uses. The list includes the HP OmniBook 5, Apple MacBook Neo, Dell XPS 13, and MSI Cyborg A15.
Technology Retrospec Joe Rev 2 Electric BMX Review: Affordable Cruising, Head-Turning Looks
According to WIRED's Kat Merck, the Retrospec Joe Rev 2 electric BMX is an affordable, unique option for basic cruising and casual riding, though not the smoothest. Merck and her family tested the bike for four weeks, using it for hills, grocery runs, and rides until the battery drained.
Technology The Noware Puff Necklace Hides a USB Drive and a Customizable Screen in Steel
Noware's Puff necklace is a wearable USB flash drive with 128GB of storage, a customizable screen, and a $179 price. Creators Harry Isaac and Sebastian Bidegain are shipping units this October after a viral prototype earned over a million views. WIRED's Reece Rogers tested it at a San Francisco music festival.
Technology Apple Watch Accessories Tested: Bands, Charging Stands, and Cases Worth the Money
WIRED writer Boutayna Chokrane and colleagues tested Apple Watch bands, charging stands, portable chargers, and protective cases to find accessories worth the money. Their picks include the Nike Sport Loop, Nomad Stand One Max, Anker MagGo Power Bank, and a thin TPU bumper case, with a recommendation to buy AppleCare.
Technology India’s Semiconductor Push: PM Modi Says 3 Plants Producing, 7–8 More Coming Up
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India has begun production at three semiconductor manufacturing plants, with seven to eight additional facilities expected over the next several years. The government's second-phase semiconductor mission, Semicon 2.0, has an outlay exceeding Rs 1.27 lakh crore, with 12 approved projects and over Rs 1.64 lakh crore in committed investment.
Technology India launches Semicon 2.0 with Rs 1.27 lakh crore to become global semiconductor hub
India has approved Semicon 2.0 with an outlay of over Rs 1.27 lakh crore to build an integrated semiconductor and AI ecosystem. The plan backs 12 chip projects worth over Rs 1.64 lakh crore, targeting 70-75% domestic demand coverage by 2029 as the global AI-driven semiconductor supercycle accelerates.
Technology WIRED Review: Best Wireless Chargers After 100-Plus Models Tested
WIRED's Simon Hill, who has tested more than 100 wireless chargers over the past decade, names the pads and stands he recommends. The guide spans a $19 recycled-silicone pad to a $475 luxury charging tray, with trade-offs around dust, scuffing, furniture fit, and charging standards. Key alternatives include Qi2-rated models and MagSafe-compatible designs for iPhone 12 and newer.
Technology Electrical Muscle Stimulation Body Suits Promise Faster Fitness, But Doctors Are Divided
WIRED's Christopher Null tested Pepper's $1,400 EMS suit, which claims a 20-minute workout equals an hour's results. Research shows muscle and strength gains — including up to 25% in vertical jump — but no body-fat reduction, and physicians interviewed disagree on value.
Technology The Best Home Office Computer Monitors for Remote Work, According to WIRED
WIRED's monitor buying guide recommends three displays for home office work: the sub-$300 Dell 27 Plus 4K, the workstation-class Dell UltraSharp 32 4K with built-in KVM and 140W USB-C, and the BenQ 27-inch 5K for MacBook-level sharpness. The guide details port tradeoffs, pricing, and image quality metrics.
Dell XPS 13 Beats MacBook Neo on Display and Ports, but Lacks Headphone Jack
WIRED's Luke Larsen compared the $700 Dell XPS 13 with the MacBook Neo. The XPS 13 offers a touchscreen, 120-Hz display, dual 10-Gbps USB-C ports and a 16-GB option, but its base 8 GB RAM and missing headphone jack are trade-offs. Both laptops start at $700.
Technology Best Samsung Galaxy S26 Cases: Drop Protection, Qi2 Charging and Design Trade-Offs
WIRED tested a range of Samsung Galaxy S26 cases, from $20 budget options to a $60 Dbrand Tank, assessing fit, comfort, and button responsiveness without drop-testing. The guide highlights that the S26 lacks native Qi2 support, making magnetic cases necessary, and warns that camera bump design interferes with some magnetic accessories.
Technology Google's Pixelsnap Qi2 25W Charger With Stand Drops to $35 in 50% Deal
WIRED reports Google's Pixelsnap Charger with Stand is being offered at a 50 percent discount. The Qi2 25W magnetic charger with a detachable puck and stand is priced at $35, down from the puck's usual $40 standalone price. It supports up to 25W charging for current Pixel, Samsung, and iPhone flagships and 15W for other models.
Technology Power ministry urges states to accelerate smart meter installation amid RDSS lag
India's power ministry has directed all states and union territories to accelerate smart meter installation, clarifying that the mandate is independent of prepaid or postpaid billing configuration. RDSS data cited by Business Today show 5.7 crore of 20.3 crore approved meters installed as of June 30, while total functional meters exceed 7.2 crore.
Technology Hydroponic Farmstand Lets One Family Skip Store-Bought Produce for Two Years
A WIRED review documents how Kat Merck used a Lettuce Grow Farmstand hydroponic garden to grow vegetables at home for two years, avoiding almost all grocery-store produce purchases for her family of three. The report connects the decision to FDA-flagged cyclospora and salmonellosis outbreaks and traces the culprit to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.
Technology Google Pixel 11 Series Launches with Tensor G6 Chipset, Enhanced Cameras and AI Features
Google unveiled the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, all powered by the Tensor G6 chipset. Pricing starts at USD 899 for the base model, launching August 20. The Pro models add a HiLight LED indicator and up to 120x Pro Zoom.
Technology Google Unveils Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 5, and Pixel Tag at Made by Google 2026
Google unveiled the Pixel 11 family at its Made by Google 2026 event, with higher prices, a Tensor G6 chipset, and a larger primary camera. The Pixel Watch 5 and Pixel Tag were also announced, with preorders open immediately and sales starting August 20.
Technology Google Pixel Watch 5 Breathing Emergency Detection Uses On-Device AI to Call for Help
Google introduced the Pixel Watch 5 with Breathing Emergency Detection, an on-device AI algorithm that detects oxygen saturation drops and calls emergency services. The feature launches in select EU markets pending FDA clearance, and Google expanded its Health Guardian suite with blood pressure and insulin resistance trends.
4 New Camera Tricks on Google’s Latest Pixel 11 Smartphones
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Technology Honor's Robot Phone Has a Gimbal-Powered Camera for Vloggers
WIRED reported Honor launched the Robot Phone in China, a handset with a motorized gimbal camera that pops out of the chassis for stabilized video. The phone combines a 200-MP gimbal main camera, telephoto and ultrawide shooters, and a 7,060 mAh battery. It remains China-exclusive for now, with pricing not yet confirmed.
Supply Chain Violent Cargo Thefts Target AI Hardware: 'Worst I've Ever Seen', Experts Say
According to WIRED, cargo thieves are using coordinated, violent tactics to steal AI data center hardware, immobilizing private security escorts on two Silicon Valley-to-Southern California runs. Investigators describe the situation as the worst they have seen, and escort firms are beefing up security in response.
Manufacturing Razer Naga V3 Pro Keeps Iconic Shell, Adds Third Button and Updated Internals
WIRED's review of the Razer Naga V3 Pro details how the gaming peripheral preserves the Naga line's long-standing shell while adding a third mouse button and updated internals. The review highlights the mouse's comfort-focused design and Razer's strategy of maintaining silhouette and upgrading components.
Technology I Tested Portable Solar Panels for Years to See Which Models Best Deliver Free Electricity
WIRED's Simon Hill tested portable solar panels over several years and found the Jackery Solar Saga 200 the most effective, delivering up to 170 watts and charging a 4,085Wh power station in two days. Bluetti's 350-W and 500-W panels provide higher output but with more finicky setup. The review details efficiencies, IP ratings, and connector standards.
Technology Best Wireless Earbuds of 2026: WIRED's Top Picks After Testing Hundreds
WIRED's Reviews team tested hundreds of wireless earbuds to identify the best models for most users. The guide, updated August 2026, names Google Pixel Buds 2a as the best overall, Apple AirPods Pro 3 as the top iPhone choice, and Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro as the best for Samsung owners.
Technology TCL Note A1 Nxtpaper Review: Hybrid Tablet Blends Note-Taking with Video on a Matte LCD
WIRED reviewed TCL's Note A1 Nxtpaper, a hybrid tablet with a proprietary matte LCD that mimics E Ink for note-taking while retaining video playback. The device mostly works but cannot fully replicate paper feel and has interface quirks.
Technology Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Top WIRED's Sweatproof Workout Earbuds After Hundreds Tested
WIRED's review of hundreds of headphones and earbuds names the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 as the top workout pick, with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 for over-ear and the JLab Go Air Sport as budget options. Testing covered weightlifting, swimming, trail runs, hikes, and cycling.
Technology Falcon 9 to Crash Into the Moon on August 5 in Possible Visible Debris Plume
A spent SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage is expected to crash into the Moon's sunlit limb on August 5 at 6:34 am UTC, according to WIRED. New simulations from the University of Texas at Austin forecast a debris plume that could briefly be visible from Earth with a small telescope.
Technology WIRED Names Best Gaming Laptops After a Decade of Testing
WIRED's Luke Larsen, after a decade of testing gaming laptops, highlights the Razer Blade 16 and 14, Asus ROG Zephyrus G14/G16, and Lenovo Legion 7i Gen 10 as top picks, noting the shift from bulky, underpowered machines to sleek, powerful alternatives. The August 2026 update added budget options including the Alienware 15 and Lenovo LOQ 15 Essential Gen 11.
Technology This Mini E-Reader Makes Reading Fun, but Finding Books Can Be a Chore
Xteink launched the X4 Pro micro e-reader last month, adding a touchscreen, home button, and dual-tone front light. WIRED's review found the device easy to navigate but noted the lack of a built-in book shop means users must supply EPUB files or article URLs. At 4.3 inches, it is the smallest e-reader the reviewer has seen.
I Tested a Pile of Solar Generators to See Which Are Worth the Money
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Manufacturing WIRED Names Insta360 Link 2C Pro Best Webcam After Testing 15 Models
WIRED's Luke Larsen tested more than 15 webcams side-by-side and named the $200 Insta360 Link 2C Pro the best overall, citing superior low-light performance, a magnetic aluminum mount, and natural contrast. It surpassed the $200 Logitech MX Brio and the $349 Obsbot Tiny 3. The review was updated in August 2026 with Dell Pro 5 and Dell Pro 7 webcam testing details.
Manufacturing Cheap Gaming Laptops Mostly Poor; Three Models Stand Out as Worth Buying
WIRED's August 2026 testing found that most cheap gaming laptops are not worth buying, with prices rising $400–500 over older models. Only three systems — Lenovo LOQ 15, MSI Cyborg A15, and Alienware 15 — earned recommendations. The review also flags power-adapter and display-quality compromises in other budget options.
Technology Smart Glasses Outgrow the Gimmick Label: WIRED Tests RayNeo, Viture, and Engo
WIRED reported that Meta and Ray-Ban sold more than 7 million pairs of smart glasses in 2025, with Google, Samsung, and Apple preparing their own versions. The publication's latest guide names the RayNeo Air 3s Pro, Viture Luma Pro, and Engo3 as honorable mentions, testing everything from 201-inch virtual screens to sports-focused heads-up displays. Despite real progress, WIRED's testing highlights persistent drawbacks in field of view, software stability, and ergonomics.
Technology Best Android Chargers Tested by WIRED: USB-C PD Picks for Fast, Reliable Power
WIRED's Reviews staff tested the latest Android chargers and identified top picks ranging from a 45-watt wall charger to a 25,000-mAh power bank. All recommended chargers support the USB-C Power Delivery standard, which now unifies Apple, Google, and Samsung smartphones. The guide also details maximum charging speeds for Google Pixel 10 and Samsung Galaxy S26 models.
Technology Microsoft Quantum Chief Says He Doesn't Care Scientists Doubt His Majorana Results
Microsoft's quantum chief Zulfi Alam says he is not concerned by scientists' skepticism over the company's Majorana particle results, citing commercial sensitivity and slow peer review. The firm still targets a useful quantum computer by 2029, while D-Wave's Trevor Lanting argues transparency is essential for the field.
Technology WIRED Review Finds Most PCs Can't Handle Samsung's 6K Gaming Monitor
According to WIRED's review, Samsung's 32-inch Odyssey G8 G80HS delivers dramatic 6K sharpness, but most PCs cannot drive it at playable frame rates. Even top-tier GPUs like the Nvidia RTX 5090 struggle in demanding games, and older titles face UI scaling issues.
Technology MagSafe Accessories Meet the Qi2 Standard as Android Compatibility Expands
WIRED's Reviews team has tested hundreds of MagSafe accessories, from wallets to charging docks. The Qi2 wireless charging standard now brings Apple's magnetic attachment system to Android devices, with the Google Pixel 10 series as the first fully Qi2-supported range. This means magnetic accessories can work across iPhone and compatible Android phones.
Technology US Army to Add Laser Weapons to Arsenal in Landmark Deal
The US Army is set to acquire the Enduring High Energy Laser, a directed-energy weapon designed to defend bases from drone swarms. According to WIRED, the landmark deal marks the first large-scale commitment to laser weapons by the US military, after years of failed experiments. The system's cost-effectiveness against cheap drones and its successful test demonstrations clinched the case.
Technology WIRED's Updated Gaming Mouse Guide Names Top Picks From Corsair, Logitech, Razer, and SteelSeries
WIRED's Henri Robbins tested dozens of gaming mice for an updated 2026 guide. New picks include the Razer Viper V4 Pro and AngryMiao .97 Infinite, alongside alternatives from Corsair, Logitech, and SteelSeries.
Alienware's $350 QD-OLED Monitor Delivers Top Color but Low Brightness, WIRED Test Finds
WIRED's test of the $350 Alienware AW2726DM QD-OLED monitor found near-flagship color accuracy (98% DCI-P3) but notable trade-offs: 202 nits SDR brightness, 398 nits HDR peak, and 1440p resolution at 110 ppi. The review positions the display as a color-focused choice for buyers who can accept lower brightness and text sharpness.
Is It Possible to Make Smart Glasses That Aren’t Creepy?
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Technology Apple iPad Air OLED display, M5 chip and biggest redesign expected in 2027
Apple's iPad Air is expected to receive its biggest design overhaul since 2020, with an OLED display and M5 chip reportedly arriving in early 2027, according to Mac Rumours, as reported by The Hindu BusinessLine. Samsung Display is reportedly supplying single-stack LTPS OLED panels, and the iPad mini 8 may preview the design direction.
Technology Alienware 15 Gaming Laptop Review: Balanced Price and Performance as Hardware Costs Rise
A new WIRED review by Luke Larsen finds that Alienware's entry-level 15 gaming laptop offers sufficient performance and quality to justify its price at a time when gaming laptop prices are increasing. The review also details the device's restrained design, 0.9-inch thickness, and typing experience.
The Daisy One Headphones Are a Very Nice First Try
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Technology Headphone Jack Phones Dwindle as Samsung Cuts Port and Asus Exits Market
Samsung removed the headphone jack from its Galaxy A-series in 2025, and Asus is exiting the mobile business, leaving fewer options for wired audio fans. WIRED now points to the Moto G Stylus 2026, while $9 USB-C adapters and $31 USB-C earbuds offer a fallback for newer phones.
Technology Defcon Badge's Open Source Chip Doubles as an Inspectable Hardware Security Key
WIRED reports this year's Defcon badges contain Baochip-1x, a mostly open source microcontroller designed by Andrew 'bunnie' Huang that can be removed and used as a hardware security token. The chip is packaged so infrared light can shine through the silicon, allowing physical inspection against its published design — addressing supply-chain trust issues in chip manufacturing.
Technology Friend AI Pendant Gets Voice Response, Higher Price, and a Random Personality
Friend CEO Avi Schiffmann announced the second iteration of the AI companion pendant, now with a speaker for voice responses and running OpenAI's latest models. The device costs $249, up from $129, with an optional $10/month memory subscription. The pendant comes with a random, unchangeable voice and personality.
Technology TCL’s Tab A1 Plus: Budget Tablet with Premium Display and Smart Compromises
TCL’s new Tab A1 Plus is a budget tablet that prioritizes display quality over other features, offering a 12.2-inch 2400x1600 LCD with 120Hz refresh rate at an affordable price. The device keeps costs down by using less cutting-edge components, making it a solid second device for users who value screen quality.