Wired has curated a list of 28 top-rated STEM toys designed to make learning engaging for children. The selection spans a wide range of activities, including assembly, baking, and hands-on experimentation. The toys are aimed at encouraging interest in math and science from an early age. Some options even allow kids to disassemble and rebuild, promoting problem-solving skills.
A group of researchers has demonstrated how quantum computing combined with AI can be used to generate new peptides with potential therapeutic applications. The work was carried out with limited funding and time, reflecting a grassroots scientific effort rather than a well-resourced institutional project. The study focused on addressing medical needs of underserved populations and finding treatments for rare diseases. By leveraging quantum computing, the team aimed to accelerate and improve the drug discovery process beyond what classical computing methods allow.
Wired has compiled a curated list of the best external hard drives available in 2026 to suit a range of user needs. The roundup covers options from ultrafast SSDs designed for demanding tasks like video editing to rugged drives built for outdoor or field use. The guide aims to help users find the right storage solution whether they are professionals or casual users backing up personal files. Each recommended drive was selected based on its performance, durability, and suitability for specific use cases.
Pet cameras have become popular tools for owners who want to keep an eye on their animals while away from home. Leading brands such as Furbo, Petcube, and Enabot feature among the top-rated options for 2026. These devices allow pet owners to monitor their animals in real time, whether they are nearby or traveling far. The cameras are evaluated and recommended based on performance, features, and reliability. Choosing the right pet camera can offer peace of mind and help owners stay connected with their pets.
Beatbot has introduced the AquaSense X, a pool-cleaning robot that features self-cleaning technology, marking a first for the category. The device represents a significant step forward in automated pool maintenance by eliminating the need for manual filter cleaning. However, the AquaSense X comes at a steep cost, priced at nearly double that of Beatbot's own flagship pool cleaner. The premium pricing raises questions about whether the added convenience of self-cleaning functionality justifies the substantial extra expense for consumers.
The Skylight is a touchscreen calendar device designed to serve as a central organizational hub for households. It displays family schedules and activities in a shared, easy-to-access format. The device is particularly intuitive for children who have grown up using touchscreen technology. By giving kids visibility into family plans, it also helps them feel more involved and independent in managing their time.
Samsung has released the R95H, a new TV model featuring micro RGB display technology. The television is part of a broader wave of new TVs adopting mini and micro RGB display innovations. Despite the advanced technology it employs, the R95H has failed to deliver the level of performance reviewers anticipated. According to Wired's assessment, the Samsung R95H does not live up to the potential of its underlying display technology.
An artificial intelligence tool has discovered a long-standing security vulnerability in the Linux kernel that had gone undetected for 15 years. The bug, present at the root level, had been overlooked by human developers and security researchers throughout that period. In other cybersecurity news, the Pentagon is reportedly training civilian volunteers to join its ranks as amateur hackers. Separately, an error by Flock's automated license plate reader system caused police to wrongly surround a car reviewer, highlighting concerns about the reliability of such surveillance technology.
A growing number of dog owners are choosing to prepare home-cooked meals for their pets rather than relying on commercial dog food. This trend has gained momentum in recent years as owners seek greater control over their dogs' nutrition and ingredients. One dog owner joined this movement after their pet became ill, prompting a shift toward preparing food at home. The experience reflects a broader pattern of owners treating their dogs' dietary needs with the same care applied to their own meals.
Wired has published its 2026 roundup of the best hiking boots and walking shoes for outdoor enthusiasts. The guide covers footwear suited to a range of activities, from casual park walks to demanding backpacking trips and mountain summits. Boots were evaluated based on their performance across varying trail conditions and levels of exertion. The recommendations aim to help hikers of all experience levels choose the right footwear for their outdoor adventures.
China's Tianwen-2 space probe has successfully rendezvoused with Kamo'oalewa, an asteroid that orbits near Earth and is classified as a quasi-moon. The spacecraft has transmitted the first-ever close-up images of the asteroid back to Earth. The mission's next phase involves landing on Kamo'oalewa's surface to collect physical samples. Those samples are ultimately intended to be returned to Earth for scientific study.
The ongoing El Niño climate event is significantly impacting fishing industries across the Pacific Ocean. The phenomenon is driving unusually warm water into the eastern Pacific, disrupting marine ecosystems that many fisheries depend on. Some fishing communities and industries are experiencing serious losses as a result of these shifting ocean conditions. However, the effects are not uniformly negative, as certain regions are actually recording unexpected gains in their catches.
Jay-Z marked the 30th anniversary of his debut album Reasonable Doubt with a major concert at Yankee Stadium in the summer of 2026. The event featured surprise appearances from several high-profile artists, including Beyoncé, Nas, and Alicia Keys. The show was held in New York City, paying tribute to the landmark album that launched Jay-Z's career in 1996. The concert was widely noted for its scale and the caliber of guest performers who joined the rapper on stage.
OpenAI's head of safety, Johannes Heidecke, is leaving the company. His exit comes at a time when OpenAI is working to more closely integrate its research and safety divisions. The departure raises questions about the company's internal approach to AI safety oversight. OpenAI has been under increasing scrutiny over how it balances rapid product development with safety considerations.
Microsoft has reported a significant 25 percent increase in its greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new disclosure. The rise is being driven primarily by the company's expanding data center operations, which require substantial amounts of electricity. Greater energy consumption at these facilities has directly translated into higher carbon pollution for the tech giant. The development is notable given Microsoft's previously stated ambitions to become carbon negative by 2030.
Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the AI company of stealing confidential hardware information. The iPhone maker alleges that OpenAI encouraged employees it recruited away from Apple to bring along sensitive internal materials. These materials reportedly include confidential presentations, secret hardware prototypes, and details about key suppliers. Apple claims this constitutes deliberate misappropriation of its proprietary business secrets.
A battery startup is positioning itself to compete against China's dominant battery manufacturers by focusing on solid-state battery technology. Solid-state batteries are considered safer and more energy-dense than conventional lithium-ion batteries currently mass-produced by Chinese firms. However, the technology presents significant manufacturing challenges that have slowed its commercial adoption. The difficulty of scaling production is seen as both an obstacle and an opening for non-Chinese companies to carve out a competitive position in the global battery market.
A recent scientific study monitored the physiological responses of hundreds of soccer fans as their favorite team advanced to a tournament final. Researchers found that reaching the final stage caused a significant spike in fans' stress levels. Heart rate elevations were also recorded among the participants during this period. The findings highlight how high-stakes sporting events can have measurable physical effects on spectators, not just players.
The Hiboy P6 is a fat tire electric bike designed to handle challenging off-road conditions. The bike is built to navigate a variety of tough surfaces, including sand, snow, mud, and gravel. Its wide tires are the key feature enabling stability and traction across these demanding terrains. Wired reviewed the P6 as a capable option for riders seeking an all-terrain electric biking experience.
Meta is pursuing ongoing legal action against Sarah Wynn-Williams, the author of 'Careless People,' over alleged violations of a non-disclosure agreement. Wynn-Williams, a former Meta executive, agreed to a confidentiality deal but reportedly breached its terms by publishing and speaking about her time at the company. Critics argue that Meta's aggressive legal pursuit highlights a significant power imbalance between the tech giant and a lone former employee. The relentless campaign against Wynn-Williams has drawn widespread criticism, with many observers saying it reinforces the perception of Meta as a corporate bully. Rather than protecting legitimate interests, Meta's actions are seen by many as counterproductive, drawing more public attention to the book and its claims.
