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tech
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.
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 Hot or Not Built the Internet We’re Still Swiping Through, 26 Years Later
Hot or Not, launched in 2000, converted human judgment about attractiveness into structured data at web scale, according to WIRED. Its mutual-opt-in mechanic became the basis for Tinder's swipe, and two decades later Bumble and Match Group are retreating from the format amid dating app fatigue.
Technology Z.ai GLM 5.3 open-weight model arrives with near-frontier hacking skills
Chinese AI company Z.ai announced GLM 5.3, an open-weight model it says automates coding and cybersecurity tasks almost as well as Anthropic and OpenAI's best models. It also launched OpenVuln for code scanning. Z.ai is staging access to security partners before full release in two weeks.
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.
Finance Anthropic's $200 billion 2028 revenue forecast shapes record IPO valuation
Anthropic is preparing for one of the world's biggest IPOs, with investors and bankers using 2028 revenue projections of $190–200 billion to assess its valuation, according to Business Today. The forecast far exceeds the $47 billion revenue run rate disclosed in May and the $10.9 billion projected for Q2 2026. Investors are benchmarking the AI firm against Palantir, Cloudflare and SpaceX.
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.
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 Mark Zuckerberg’s AI Manifesto Is 6,500-Words—and Barely Says Anything
According to WIRED, Mark Zuckerberg's roughly 6,500-word AI manifesto 'The Future is for Everyone' argues for broad access to AI models while criticizing rivals OpenAI and Anthropic. The WIRED podcast 'Uncanny Valley' says the essay rings hollow. The episode also covers bot-run job interviews and security findings from Black Hat and Defcon.
4 New Camera Tricks on Google’s Latest Pixel 11 Smartphones
Read the full story for in-depth analysis.
Technology Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and the Misreading of Science Fiction
In a WIRED book excerpt, Jill Lepore argues that Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and other Silicon Valley billionaires are constructing an 'Artificial State' by misreading science fiction as corporate strategy — from Musk's AI-generated Odyssey to Altman's data-center predictions. She warns that no democratic structures were built to govern AI, and that cautionary tales are being treated as instruction manuals.
Technology AI Promises Shorter Workweeks, but Tech Staff Report 90-Hour Weeks
Tech leaders have long promised AI will shorten working hours, but a BBC report found employees at OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta report weeks up to 90 hours. A former OpenAI employee said the firm never trialled the four-day week it recommended, and described a culture of weekend work and intense sprints.
Technology MySpace Comeback Hinted as Fans Demand Raw Images, No Filters
MySpace, once the world's biggest social network, is planned for relaunch by owners Tim and Chris Vanderhook, according to the BBC. Fans and creators recall its unfiltered, customisable pages as a contrast to today's algorithmic platforms. Experts say the comeback's success will hinge on balancing personal connection with usability.
Technology AI Barons Pledge Fortunes to Charity, but Critics Question Philanthropy's Limits
David Silver, founder of AI lab Ineffable Intelligence, will donate all proceeds from a future company sale. WIRED reports on a wave of AI founders making binding charitable pledges, with Founders Pledge growing from $400M in 2023 to $4B this year. Critics question whether philanthropy addresses inequality.
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.
Technology The Hottest New AI Chatbot Is Just a Guy Answering Your Questions
WIRED reports on ChatTJB, the viral chatbot that is actually Tucker Bryant answering prompts by hand. The project has drawn 30,000 queries and a peak of 5,000 per hour, and highlights the concept of 'cognitive surrender' to AI.
4 of Google’s Top AI Brains Are Leaving—and Launching Their Own AI Startup
Read the full story for in-depth analysis.
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 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.
Technology Claire Stapleton's Account of the 2018 Google Walkout: How a Google Group Started It All
In an excerpt from her book 'Don't Be Evil' published by WIRED, Claire Stapleton recounts how she used a Google Group to organize the 2018 Women's Walkout at Google. The account details her initial email, the rapid decision to walk out on November 1, and the hub-and-spoke plan built with project manager Tanuja.
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.
Technology WIRED Names Bitwarden, Proton Pass and Keeper as Top Password Managers for 2026
WIRED's updated 2026 guide finds dedicated password managers like Bitwarden, Proton Pass, and Keeper more secure and feature-rich than browser-based storage. The report highlights Bitwarden's open-source design, auditability, and passwordless login support as key enterprise advantages.
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.
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 See Major Discounts of Up to $100 Off
Apple's latest AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Max 2 are on sale with discounts of up to $100. The AirPods Pro 3 are priced at $200 ($49 off), and the AirPods Max 2 are $449 ($100 off). Deals are available at Amazon, Target, and Walmart for a limited time.
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 Silicon Valley's Next IPO Billionaires Are Coming. Nonprofits Are Ready for Them
As AI companies Anthropic and OpenAI prepare for IPOs, nonprofits worldwide are ramping up efforts to capture a share of the anticipated philanthropic windfall, which could total $15 billion annually. Founders and employees have pledged significant portions of their wealth, but competition for donations is fierce.
Manufacturing Motorola Growth and Smartphone Features: What Manufacturing Buyers Should Know
Motorola is among the fastest-growing mobile companies, with Razr foldables leading US sales. Its phones offer 256GB standard storage, microSD expansion, headphone jacks on Moto G models, and compatibility with major US carriers. Software update policies vary by model, and prices frequently drop after launch.
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 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 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 OpenAI Appoints Uber's Prabhjeet Singh as Managing Director for India
OpenAI has appointed Prabhjeet Singh, currently Uber's president for India and South Asia, as its managing director for India. He will oversee consumer growth, enterprise adoption, and partnerships, reporting to Kiran Mani, managing director for Asia Pacific.
Business Heatwaves, Pension Reform, and Tech Turbulence Dominate Global Business Outlook
A BBC Business Daily panel examines how extreme heatwaves are affecting productivity and energy demand globally. Germany's proposed pension system reforms raise questions for Europe's largest economy. Meanwhile, a dispute over custard apple imports heightens China-Taiwan tensions, and tech stock volatility, including sharp movements in SpaceX, suggests investor nervousness.
Technology Zoho's Arattai Disables Username Feature to Comply with Indian Government Directive Amid WhatsApp Scrutiny
Zoho-owned messaging app Arattai has disabled its username feature to comply with a regulatory change, following the Indian government's notice to WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram directing them not to roll out username features until consultation. The Internet Freedom Foundation has questioned the legal basis of the government's action.
Technology LastPass Users Had Their Data Stolen Again via Third-Party Breach at Klue
LastPass informed customers of a data breach exposing names, phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses, support case data, and sales-related data. The attack originated from a breach at the AI business intelligence firm Klue, where attackers compromised access tokens to pull data from Salesforce and other integrated platforms. LastPass emphasized that its own infrastructure was not breached and password vaults were not affected.
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.
Business Kunal Shah: Indian Fintech Founder Appointed to Lead WhatsApp After Meta's $900m Cred Investment
Meta has appointed Kunal Shah, founder of Indian fintech start-up Cred, as the new head of WhatsApp. The appointment follows Meta's $900m investment in Cred and comes as WhatsApp seeks to expand beyond messaging into payments, business services, and AI. Shah, who built FreeCharge and Cred, brings deep startup ecosystem experience.
Logistics Executives Discuss Tech, Port Drayage, and Capacity Strategies on FreightWaves Today
During a FreightWaves Today episode, executives from Evans Network, Transportation Equipment Network, Steam Logistics, and Fura discussed critical topics including port drayage optimization, Midwest logistics visibility, API-driven booking, and collaborative capacity networks for mid-sized shippers.
Technology Why Buying Used iPhones Is Now a Smarter Enterprise Procurement Strategy
With Apple facing unavoidable price hikes due to a memory shortage and tariff uncertainty, buying used iPhones offers significant cost savings and environmental benefits. New iOS 27 software updates extend the life of older models, making them a viable option for enterprise device fleets. Battery replacements are cheaper, and expert sources confirm the value proposition.
Snap Launches $2,195 AR Glasses 'Specs' for Consumer Market, Available for Preorder
Snap has unveiled its first consumer augmented-reality glasses called Specs at the AWE tech conference. Priced at $2,195 with a $220 deposit, the glasses offer a 51-degree field of view, dual Qualcomm Snapdragon processors, and hand-tracking cameras. Preorders are open now for shipping in fall 2026 in the US, UK, and France.
Technology 2026 Razer Blade 18 Review: Blistering Performance, Premium Build, and a Steep Price Tag
TechRadar's review of the 2026 Razer Blade 18 finds it delivers excellent gaming and AI workload performance in a slim CNC-milled chassis, with a dual-mode UHD+ 240Hz / FHD+ 440Hz display. However, top configurations are expensive, and the slim design leads to thermal issues under load.
Technology Samsung Galaxy Book 6 Edge with Snapdragon X2 Elite Brings 80 TOPS AI to Mobile Computing
Samsung announced the Galaxy Book 6 Edge, a new model in its Book 6 series powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite chipset. The laptop delivers up to 80 TOPS of AI performance, features a 16-inch 3K Dynamic AMOLED 2X touch display, 16GB RAM, 1TB storage, and costs $2,100. It runs Windows 11 Copilot+ and offers up to 22 hours of video playback.
Technology Instagram expands algorithm personalization, but not for accounts you follow
Instagram has expanded its algorithm personalization feature to the main feed, allowing users to control which topics they see more or less of. However, the feature does not support requests to see more posts from accounts the user follows, a limitation that frustrates creators and businesses. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri explained that the change is powered by large language models and aims to give users more agency, but acknowledged that the decline of the 'following' feed was a consequence of shifting user behavior.
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 Honor 600 Pro Molly Limited Edition Blends Gen Z Fashion and Tech, Apple Could Never Match Its Charm
Chinese smartphone maker Honor has unveiled the 600 Pro Molly Limited Edition, a collaboration with Pop Mart's popular character Molly. The phone features a glittery golden white design, exclusive photo watermarks, and deep customization options targeting Gen Z consumers. The character, created by Hong Kong artist Kenny Wong in 2006, is Pop Mart's top-selling mascot.
Technology Bambu Lab H2D 3D Printer Gets Major Price Cut, Smashes Workshop Tests
The Bambu Lab H2D flagship 3D printer has been reduced to $2,119.99 (from $2,429.99) and £1,649 in the UK. TechRadar's extensive testing rated it the top-performing model, praising its IDEX system, large build volume, optional laser modules, and AI Spatial Alignment. The price cut is part of Bambu Lab's 4th anniversary sale.
Technology Semiconductor stocks lose $1.3 trillion in worst week since 2020 amid chip rout and external shocks
Semiconductor stocks suffered their worst week since 2020, erasing $1.3 trillion in market cap. While triggered by Broadcom's softer AI chip guidance, external factors including a strong US jobs report, renewed US-Iran conflict, and upcoming mega-IPOs from SpaceX, Anthropic, and OpenAI compounded the decline. Chip demand remains strong but investor skittishness may affect AI infrastructure financing.
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 Apple's WWDC 2026 Showcase Wins Over a Self-Described Apple Hater: Is a Switch from Android Coming?
TechRadar senior staff writer Hamish Hector, known for his criticism of Apple, reports that WWDC 2026 changed his mind. Features like Spatial Reframe, privacy tools, and spatial computing have him considering a switch from Android. He highlights Apple's focus on safety, privacy, and the influence of Vision Pro across its product line.
Manufacturing Justin Bieber's SKYLRK brand teases two Bluetooth speakers and headphones, entering audio market
Justin Bieber has teased new Bluetooth speakers and over-ear headphones under his SKYLRK brand, according to TechRadar. The products include two speaker sizes and a headphone set, with no pricing or specifications yet. For manufacturing executives, the entry of a high-profile celebrity brand signals potential new OEM sourcing and production lines in consumer audio.
Technology Board, the new game startup from Mirror founder Brynn Putnam, raises $20M, has already sold thousands
Board, a New York-based startup building physical-digital board games, has raised $20 million in Series A funding led by Union Square Ventures. The company reports strong traction with tens of thousands of units sold across all 50 states and plans to launch an AI-powered game creation platform later this year.
Technology Quick-commerce FirstClub doubles valuation to $255M in 9 months on quality-first grocery bet
FirstClub, an Indian quick-commerce startup focused on curated quality groceries, raised $55M in Series B funding co-led by Peak XV Partners and Sofina, doubling its valuation to $255M in nine months. The company plans to expand beyond Bengaluru and into new categories.
Technology Apple WWDC 2026 Keynote: Performance Boosts and UI Updates for Enterprise Users
Engadget covered Apple's WWDC 2026 keynote, detailing software updates including performance improvements across iOS, macOS, and iPadOS. Key upgrades: AirDrop transfers up to 80% faster, apps launch 30% faster, and a revamped search infrastructure. The company also introduced design changes with Liquid Glass opacity and macOS Golden Gate, and announced CEO Tim Cook's transition to John Ternus.
Technology Apple Bets on New Siri to Get AI Right This Time, Partnering with Google
At WWDC 2026, Apple revealed a rebuilt Siri powered by Google's Gemini models, aiming to recover from delayed AI features. The company prioritizes user experience and privacy over building frontier models, a strategy analysts say is distinct from rivals Google, OpenAI, and Microsoft.
Technology Supabase Raises $500M at $10B Valuation, Doubling in 8 Months on Vibe-Coding Boom
Supabase, the open-source Postgres database platform, raised $500 million at a $10 billion pre-money valuation, doubling its valuation in eight months. The company attributes its growth to the rise of vibe-coding tools like Claude Code and Codex, which have driven database launches up 600% year-over-year, with over 60% launched by AI tools. Supabase also launched Multigres, an operating system for Postgres, to ease scaling complexity.
Technology Founders from Goldman and Meta build voice AI for Africa and Middle East markets
AethexAI, a startup founded by former Goldman Sachs and Meta employees, has raised $3 million in pre-seed funding to build voice AI for customer service in Africa and the Middle East. The company uses its own small models (Kora series) to handle local dialects of English, French, and Arabic, addressing latency and accuracy issues plaguing larger models in these regions. It currently processes over 17,000 calls per day.
Technology Startups Building In-Person Games and DIY Computers to Counter Phone Addiction
TechCrunch's Equity podcast explores a growing wave of startups focused on getting users off their phones, including Brynn Putnam's Board for in-person games and viral Cyberdeck DIY computers. The trend is framed as a human-centric counterbalance to the massive AI fundraising boom.
Technology Apple's Siri Falters Ahead of WWDC 2026 as AI Competitors Race Ahead
Ahead of WWDC 2026, a TechRadar author found Siri unable to provide expected AI insights, underscoring Apple's lag in voice assistant intelligence versus competitors like Google Gemini and ChatGPT. The article criticizes Apple's cautious AI strategy and calls for a bolder release approach.
Manufacturing Logitech G512 X 98 Keyboard Combines Analog Speed with Mechanical Feel
The Logitech G512 X 98 gaming keyboard attempts to merge analog switch speed with mechanical tactile feedback. It features hot-swappable switches with tactile rings and a built-in switch case. WIRED's review critiques the overloaded design but highlights its innovative approach to analog-mechanical hybridity.
Technology Meta Platforms Hit by Major Outage: Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram Down
On June 12, 2026, Meta's social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger – experienced a significant outage starting around 9 AM ET. Down Detector reported over 120,000 user complaints for Facebook alone. Meta's VP of Communications confirmed the company is aware and working on the issue.
Technology Why Enterprise Tech Leaders Should Care About AirPods and Pacemaker Interference
A 2022 study found that magnetic fields from Apple AirPods and other consumer electronics can trigger magnet-safe mode in cardiovascular implants, potentially preventing detection of heart irregularities. Cardiologists advise keeping devices at least six inches from implants, a consideration for enterprise device procurement and workplace safety policies.