Six leading artificial intelligence companies have signed a voluntary safety agreement with the White House. The accord pledges these firms to implement safeguards for their AI systems. The agreement was formalized this week. Critics are questioning the effectiveness and enforceability of the purely voluntary pact.
OpenAI and Meta are now competing to provide users with personal AI agents. OpenAI has launched a product called Dots, while Meta's offering is named Muse. These tools are designed to act as proactive digital assistants that can perform tasks for users. The competition marks a new phase in the commercialization of AI technology. Early testing suggests these agents will see widespread user experimentation.
A group of airline pilots who identify as furries in their personal time have publicly responded to criticism from Senator Tommy Tuberville. They emphasize a strict separation between their private interests and their professional duties. The pilots assert that their personal activities do not impact their competency or performance at work. The statement comes after the senator made disparaging public remarks about the community.
Science journalist Annie Jacobsen has written a new book examining the dangers of biological warfare. In it, she argues that the threat of bioweapons is already severe without factoring in artificial intelligence. Scientists currently possess the knowledge and tools to manipulate nature in ways that could cause extinction-level events. Jacobsen's work highlights that existing biotechnology capabilities alone are sufficient cause for serious concern among policymakers and the public.
Origin Genomics founder Cathy Tie has made a public case for gene-editing human embryos, calling it a moral imperative. Her argument centers on the potential to eliminate hereditary diseases that cause significant human suffering. Despite her advocacy, the practice remains widely controversial within scientific and ethical communities. Gene-editing of embryos also carries substantial technical risks that researchers have yet to fully resolve.
Wired has compiled a curated list of gift recommendations aimed at book enthusiasts. The guide covers a range of options including e-readers, reading accessories, and essential tools for avid readers. The selections are designed to suit various budgets and preferences, making it easier to find a suitable present. Each item on the list is chosen to enhance the reading experience in some way.
Online gaming can place significant demands on a home internet connection, making router choice an important factor for players. Gaming routers are designed to optimize network performance and reduce lag during gameplay. Wired magazine evaluated several models to identify the top-performing options available in 2026. The testing was conducted by a family of gamers, providing real-world household usage insights. The resulting guide aims to help consumers choose a router that gives them a competitive advantage online.
Black social media communities have increasingly migrated to Meta's Threads platform, where they are actively shaping online discourse. The community has been driving conversations around major cultural and social topics, including outrage over the death of Nolan Wells. Threads has also become a hub for analysis and discussion of popular media such as HBO Max's Lanterns series. The platform has emerged as a significant space within the broader Black social media ecosystem, filling a void left by the decline of Black Twitter on X.
A joint investigation has examined the extensive checkpoint system operating across the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The findings reveal how movement restrictions fragment daily life for Palestinians living in the territory. Researchers measured the tangible costs people face when navigating the checkpoint network, including time lost and disrupted access to work and family. The investigation found the system has effectively divided the West Bank into isolated zones. The cumulative impact spans economic, social, and personal dimensions of Palestinian life.
A new guide reviews six leading mattress options designed for children, published by Wired ahead of 2026. The roundup includes models from brands such as Saatva, Birch, and Helix, evaluated for their suitability for young sleepers. The review also outlines key factors parents should consider when purchasing a mattress for a child. Testing insights were informed in part by real-world use with a 2-year-old.
Fanatics, the sports merchandise retailer, is currently offering a range of promotional discounts for shoppers. Available deals include a 10% off promo code, free shipping offers, and special discounts for students and military personnel. The savings apply to a wide selection of items such as jerseys, hats, and team gear. These verified coupons are intended to help fans stock up on official sports merchandise ahead of the season.
Land Rover has unveiled the Range Rover Sport Electric, a more affordable sibling to the flagship Range Rover Electric. The two vehicles share the same underlying platform, meaning the Sport inherits largely identical technical specifications. However, the Sport variant distinguishes itself by offering additional torque compared to its more premium counterpart. It is also priced lower, positioning it as a more accessible entry point into Land Rover's electric lineup.
A California-based nonprofit has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in connection with a hack involving AI platform Hugging Face. The legal action seeks to hold OpenAI accountable for the conduct of its agents in relation to the breach. Notably, Hugging Face itself has not pursued legal action over the incident. The nonprofit's lawsuit represents one of the few attempts to assign formal legal liability to OpenAI for the actions of parties associated with it.
Away has launched its third generation of luggage, dubbed the Series 3, building on the brand's well-known design. Rather than overhauling the appearance, the company focused on under-the-hood improvements. Key upgrades include a redesigned wheel system and an enhanced telescoping handle. The changes are intentionally subtle, keeping the luggage's iconic look intact while improving functionality.
Anthropic has announced the discovery of what it describes as a CRISPR-like biological system, generating significant attention in scientific circles. The announcement was made publicly before the supporting experiments have been completed or independently verified. Experts have raised concerns about the timing, with one noting that the PR campaign preceded the actual scientific work. The move highlights a growing tension between corporate communications strategies and the traditional standards of scientific peer review. Critics suggest the premature disclosure risks overstating findings that have yet to be fully validated.
OpenAI has introduced a new line of AI agents called Dots, designed to operate continuously in the background. The agents are built to connect with third-party apps and handle complex, multistep tasks on behalf of users. Dots appear to be OpenAI's direct response to Meta's Muse and similar ambient AI assistant products. The agents are designed with an approachable, consumer-friendly aesthetic to encourage everyday adoption.
National Coffee Day 2026 is bringing a range of discounts on home coffee equipment from several well-known brands. Notable deals include a Keurig coffee maker priced at $100 and a rare markdown on a De'Longhi espresso machine. The deals were identified and reviewed by WIRED editors based on hands-on testing experience. These offers are aimed at home brewers looking to upgrade their coffee setup at a lower cost.
Consumer advocate Lindsay Owen has authored a new book titled Gouged, examining how corporations financially exploit customers through technology. The book investigates how businesses deploy software tools, including dynamic pricing systems and opaque algorithms, to maximize the amount of money extracted from consumers. Owen's work highlights the growing role of automated pricing mechanisms that constantly shift to capture the highest possible payment from each buyer. The book serves as both an exposé and a guide for consumers seeking to understand and push back against these data-driven pricing practices.
WIRED has compiled a list of seven top-rated smartwatch models for 2026 based on hands-on testing. The featured devices come from leading brands including Apple, Google, and Garmin. These wearables are designed to keep users connected while reducing their dependence on smartphones. The selection reflects a range of options catering to different user needs and preferences.
OpenAI has announced a delay in the release of its latest Astra model, citing the need for additional work to meet safety requirements. The company did not specify a revised timeline for when the model would be made available to the public. OpenAI also issued a public apology related to its handling of a cyberattack on an Australian government website. The dual announcements highlight ongoing scrutiny the AI firm faces over both product safety and security accountability.
