Topic
review
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.
Trade India seeks review and expansion of 15-year-old free trade pact with Japan
India on Wednesday reiterated its demand for a review of the 15-year-old Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan and signalled willingness to expand the pact's scope, Business-Today reported. Bilateral trade stands at $27.5 billion, with India's trade deficit widening to $15.5 billion from $11 billion in 2022-23.
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 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.
Logistics STB adopts review schedule for Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger, decision pushed to 2027
The Surface Transportation Board removed its hold on the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger filing and adopted a procedural schedule that pushes a final decision into the second half of 2027. Final briefs are due May 28, 2027, while motions for summary denial from BNSF, CSX and shipper groups remain pending.
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 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 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 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.
4 New Camera Tricks on Google’s Latest Pixel 11 Smartphones
Read the full story for in-depth analysis.
Manufacturing GoPro Mission 1 Pro Tops Wired Action Camera Picks as MicroSD Shortage Hits
Wired's updated action camera review picks the GoPro Mission 1 Pro as its top model and drops the GoPro Hero 12 Black on value. The review also reports a microSD card shortage that is pushing up prices for storage accessories, with 512-GB cards ranging from about $110 to $165. Accessories from GoPro, Insta360, DJI, and Yallsame are detailed with prices.
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 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 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.
Manufacturing Plastic-Free Coffee Brewers Sell Out as Manufacturers Rethink Injection-Molded Parts
WIRED's review of the Ratio Eight Series 2 ($799) and Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer ($480) shows a small-appliance niche moving from injection-molded plastic to 304 stainless steel, borosilicate glass, and medical-grade silicone. Simply Good Coffee has sold out production runs more than once since launching its plastic-free machine last year, signalling demand for plastic-free food-contact surfaces. Material substitutions raise production costs but open a differentiation strategy for OEMs.
Manufacturing Shark PowerDetect Speed Named WIRED's Top Cordless Vacuum, Outperforms Dyson Models
WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell selected the Shark PowerDetect Speed as her top cordless vacuum, citing a 350-watt motor that performed best on sand and thin rug tests and matched more expensive Dyson models on thick rugs. The new model is lighter, slimmer, and cheaper than the original PowerDetect, with an optional self-emptying and charging base station.
Nothing Ear (3a) Named Among Best $100 Earbuds in WIRED Review
WIRED's review of the Nothing Ear (3a) finds the $100 earbuds offer stylish design, bass-rich sound, and unique Audio Snapshot recording, though ANC and Spatial Audio fall short. The device, Nothing's eighth earbud, features a 12-mm driver, 32 MB storage, and an LED battery indicator.
The Daisy One Headphones Are a Very Nice First Try
Read the full story for in-depth analysis.
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.
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.
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.
Manufacturing GoPro's Mission 1 Pro Delivers Cinema-Grade 8K Video in a Rugged Action Camera Body
GoPro's latest Mission 1 Pro action camera delivers cinema-quality 8K video with class-leading color accuracy, great dynamic range, and improved low-light performance. Priced at $699, it is the most expensive action camera available, but offers the largest sensor and best overall video quality in the category. While aimed at professionals, it retains the ruggedness and durability expected from GoPro.
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.
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.
Finance HDFC Bank Review Finds No Evidence to Support Former Chairman Atanu Chakraborty's Allegations
HDFC Bank announced that an independent legal review found no evidence to support former chairman Atanu Chakraborty's claims that the bank acted against his ethics and values. The review, conducted by law firms Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and Wadia Ghandy & Co., examined board minutes, interviews, and documents over three months. The bank stated that Chakraborty did not record any concerns through official channels during his tenure.
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.
Manufacturing RGB TV Technology: How Mini and Micro RGB Backlights Are Reshaping TV Panel Manufacturing in 2026
WIRED tested five RGB TVs from Hisense, Samsung, LG, TCL, and Sony. The technology uses red, green, and blue backlight modules instead of white or blue LEDs, producing vivid colors and high contrast. While costs are currently higher than OLED, manufacturers can continue using LCD panels, and prices are expected to drop. The article explores implications for TV panel manufacturing.
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 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.
Manufacturing Dell 14S Review: Aluminum Design, OLED Option, but Budget Pricing Eludes at $1,270
WIRED's review of the Dell 14S highlights its premium aluminum design, thin 0.61-inch profile, and optional OLED display. However, at $1,270 starting price, it challenges budget expectations. For manufacturing executives, the components and material choices signal cost trade-offs in midrange laptop production.
Benchmarking Agentic Review Systems: AI Peer Review Achieves 83% Pairwise Accuracy but Falls Short on Error Detection
A study by Nguyen et al. benchmarks two open-source and one proprietary AI review system on peer review tasks. The best configuration (OpenAIReview + GPT-5.5) achieves 83.0% pairwise accuracy in tracking paper quality but only 71.6% recall in detecting injected errors. User feedback shows a positive-to-negative vote ratio of 1.44:1, with common complaints about false positives. The research highlights both the potential and limitations of current AI agents in evaluation tasks.
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.
Trade India Asks USTR to Reconsider 12.5% Tariffs on Forced Labour Grounds, Cites Lack of Evidence
The Indian government has formally asked the U.S. Trade Representative to withdraw its proposal for 12.5% additional tariffs on Indian products, arguing the move fails to meet legal standards and lacks country-specific analysis. Indian companies including Reliance Industries and Shahi Exports have also petitioned against the tariffs, warning of higher costs for U.S. consumers.
Trade India and ASEAN Assess Progress of Talks for Review of Goods Free Trade Agreement
India and ASEAN assessed the progress of negotiations for the review of their goods free trade agreement during the 13th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee meeting. The Joint Committee urged sub-committees to expedite finalisation of outstanding chapters. Bilateral trade between India and ASEAN reached $128 billion in 2025-26.
Technology TCL RM9L RGB-Mini LED TV: Four HDMI 2.1 Ports and 144Hz, but Picture Requires Tweaks
TCL's RM9L RGB-Mini LED TV delivers four HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 144Hz, Wi-Fi 6, and a well-designed remote, but real-world testing reveals mixed picture quality, requiring Vivid mode for dim scenes and lacking skin-tone accuracy compared to LG and Sony models.
Technology Which MacBook to Buy for Your Enterprise in 2026: A CTO's Guide to Apple's Lineup
Apple's 2026 MacBook lineup includes the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and new MacBook Neo, all refreshed in March 2026. WIRED's Luke Larsen breaks down the options with a decade of testing, noting price increases due to component costs and a memory shortage from AI data center demand. The guide covers M5-series chips, macOS 27 Golden Gate compatibility, and accessories for enterprise buyers.
Technology How 3D Printers for Kids Became Surprisingly User-Friendly: A Review of Elegoo Centauri Carbon, Snapmaker U1, and Toybox
A WIRED journalist and a colleague tested three consumer 3D printers—Elegoo Centauri Carbon, Snapmaker U1, and Toybox—to see if preteens could use them independently. The findings: modern 3D printers are far simpler to set up and operate than many parents fear, with the Toybox being the most intuitive for kids, though space and noise remain considerations.
Technology HP OmniBook Ultra 14: A Strong Windows Alternative to the MacBook Air for Enterprise Professionals
The HP OmniBook Ultra 14 is a standout Windows laptop that rivals the MacBook Air in design and performance. With a beautiful OLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Plus processor, and premium build, it's a strong option for professionals. However, its $1,900 price and limited configurations may give enterprise buyers pause.
Technology Wooting 60HE v2: Hall Effect Keyboard Sets New Standard for Input Precision and Customization
The Wooting 60HE v2, reviewed by WIRED, refines the Hall Effect keyboard formula with a new gummy mount, improved materials, and extensive customization. Features include 8,000 Hz polling, a split spacebar option, and software-defined key remapping, making it a strong candidate for high-productivity workstations and gaming alike.
Technology Amazfit Cheetah 2 Ultra: The Most Expensive Smartwatch Yet—Is It Worth the Price?
Zepp Health's Amazfit Cheetah 2 Ultra is the brand's most expensive model, priced at nearly $600. Aimed at trail runners, it offers dual-band GPS, color maps, and 80-hour battery life, undercutting Garmin and Suunto. The watch competes with the cheaper T-Rex 3, raising the question of whether the premium is justified.
AI and Deep Learning Transform Cattle Identification for Livestock Supply Chain Security
A systematic review of machine learning and deep learning techniques for cattle identification reveals that deep learning methods like CNNs, ResNets, and YOLO outperform classical approaches in detection and recognition tasks. Key features include muzzle prints and coat patterns, while challenges remain in dataset availability and real-time processing.
Technology OneOdio Studio Max 2 Review: Wireless DJ Headphones With Trade-Offs, But a Niche Appeal
TechRadar's review of the OneOdio Studio Max 2 finds them too bulky and poor-sounding for general listeners or professionals, but praises the low-latency wireless transmitter (9ms), 120-hour battery life, versatile connections, and foldable design for amateur musicians and DJs. The main upgrades over the original Studio Max 1 include halved latency and doubled transmitter battery life, though the price has increased.
Technology Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro Review: Garmin Rival Held Back by Bulky, Uncomfortable Design
The Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro running watch delivers top-tier GPS accuracy, AI-driven training, and premium titanium build, but its 15.6mm thickness and large sensor bump cause discomfort. Priced at $499.99, it challenges Garmin on features but lags in comfort and offline map refinement.
Technology Corsair Galleon 100 SD Keyboard Launches Globally at $350, Merging Stream Deck and K70 Lines
Corsair has released the Galleon 100 SD keyboard, merging its Elgato Stream Deck and K70 series into a single unit. Priced at $350, the keyboard is available globally today. The review highlights strong build quality and Stream Deck integration but criticizes the need for three separate software apps and the high price.
Technology Aldi's $14 Earbuds: Imported via Balco from China, They Beat $100 Rivals
TechRadar tested Aldi's $14/£12 Balco Wireless Sports Earbuds and found them superior to $100 alternatives. The earbuds are imported from China via product import company Balco, highlighting a growing trend of discount retailer electronics competing with premium brands.
Technology Razr Ultra, AMD GPU, Honor Foldable Lead Latest Consumer Electronics Trade Cycle
Engadget's recent review coverage spans foldable phones, GPUs, headphones and travel accessories. Products such as the Motorola Razr Ultra, AMD Radeon RX 9070 GRE and Honor Magic V6 highlight ongoing innovation in consumer electronics, with implications for global trade flows and supply chain planning.
Technology Bluesound Pulse Cinema Mini: Global Pricing Strategy and Market Launch Analysis
The Bluesound Pulse Cinema Mini soundbar launched August 27, 2025 at $999/£799, with availability in the US, UK, and Canada but not Australia. The review highlights its versatile features and premium pricing compared to competitors like Bose and Sonos, offering insights for international trade executives on pricing disparities and market entry.
Technology New GSS Model S1 Subwoofer Driver Fits in a Tiny Box Yet Delivers Powerful Bass Comparable to Units Six Times Larger
At the High End Show in Vienna, GSS Audio demonstrated its new Model S1 bass driver, a slim transducer just 62.5mm tall and 299mm wide. When placed in a sealed box with only 1.75 liters of volume, the system delivers bass comparable to a subwoofer six times its size, according to the company. The driver achieves this through extreme excursion of 34mm total movement and a specially designed ridged diaphragm.
SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2 Review: Lightweight Speed with Trade-offs for Enterprise Procurement
TechRadar reviews the SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless Gen 2, a lightweight (68g) wireless gaming mouse with a TrueMove 26K sensor and 4000Hz polling rate. It offers up to 120 hours battery life on 2.4GHz or 200 hours on Bluetooth, but its honeycomb design and mechanical switches may not suit all users.
Technology Budget Majority Bowfell Halo Atmos soundbar offers powerful bass but fails at spatial audio
The Majority Bowfell Halo Atmos is a compact 5.1 soundbar system with a subwoofer and rear speakers priced at £169. It delivers powerful bass and clear dialogue, making it ideal for small spaces. However, its Dolby Atmos performance is lackluster due to virtualized height effects and limited width.
Manufacturing Boox Tappy ereader page turner charms with retro design but fails Kindle compatibility test
TechRadar reports on the Boox Tappy, a uniquely designed Bluetooth page turner with a retro typewriter aesthetic. While it offers satisfying button clicks, multi-device modes, and a 33-foot wireless range, it is incompatible with Kindle and other non-Boox ereaders, highlighting proprietary ecosystem challenges for procurement professionals.
Suunto Spark Open Earbuds Review: Best Exercise Companion for Runners and Cyclists
The Suunto Spark open earbuds are designed for runners, bikers, and hikers. Weighing only 9 grams per bud, they offer a comfortable and secure fit that works with glasses and caps. They are the latest in Suunto's audio lineup, shifting from bone conduction to an open-ear form factor.
Technology Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis is a vivid, high-pace remake of a classic
At Summer Game Fest 2026, Crystal Dynamics and Flying Wild Hog debuted the first gameplay demo of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a remake of the 1996 original built in Unreal Engine 5. The demo featured a Peruvian mountainside, dinosaurs, and a revamped cog puzzle, blending classic action with modern mechanics like a grappling hook and Focus slow-motion ability.
Technology Starfield PS5 Review: Bethesda's Space Epic Delivers a Polished, Content-Rich Experience on PlayStation
Two years after its Xbox and PC debut, Starfield arrives on PS5 with all major updates and PS5-specific features. TechRadar calls it a 'fantastic but flawed' spacefaring adventure that has improved with age, especially on PS5 Pro. The review highlights the refined Bethesda RPG formula, deep customization, and PS5 Pro's sublime performance.
Technology Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus (2nd Gen) Review: Sharper Video and Quick-Release Battery Justify the Premium
TechRadar's review of the second-generation Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus highlights a significant upgrade to 2K Retinal resolution with HDR, a 140-degree head-to-toe view, and a quick-release battery. However, the best features require a Ring subscription, and the device charges via Micro-USB instead of USB-C. The doorbell remains tied to Amazon's ecosystem, raising privacy concerns.
Technology BetterMe fitness app review: a decade-old Ukrainian app that dwarfs rivals in scale and features
TechRadar reviews BetterMe, a comprehensive fitness app from Ukraine that has been on the market for nearly a decade. The app offers a wide range of features including workout tracking, meal plans, meditation, and more, but its pricing and opaque payment information may give some users pause.
Technology I loved the clicky mechanical switches in this HyperX keyboard — but it disappoints in a few areas
TechRadar's review of the HyperX Origins 2 1800 finds that its clicky mechanical switches and hardware customizations are top-tier, but the software is disappointingly basic and the stock keycaps make typing difficult. Priced at $139.99 / £119.99, it offers premium feel but lacks advanced tweaks.
Technology Honor Magic V6 Review: Mechanical Marvel Targets Enterprise Durability and Performance
Honor's Magic V6, launched eight months after its predecessor, focuses on internal redesign to achieve world's thinnest foldable. With IP68/IP69 dust and water resistance, 33% more impact-resistant glass, and a 6,660mAh battery, it offers robust hardware for mobile professionals.