Every audio system requires amplification. In a traditional hi-fi set-up, the loudspeakers are always “passive”—which is to say, they don’t produce their own power. Instead, they must receive an amplified audio signal from an external source, aptly called an amplifier, in order to do their thing. Even in a more modern, self-contained audio system (like…
The Insta360 X4 is a great deal at this price. Even at full price, it’s our favorite budget 360 camera thanks to great 1/2-inch sensors, which can capture up to 8K video. The dynamic range is very good compared to everything but the newer Insta360 X5, which is better. The other major thing you give…
“We’re doing some outdoor products, and now we use Wi-Fi,” he explained. “But in an ideal world, these should be Thread products, because it has much better range, and also it’s low power.” Chu hasn’t given up on Thread, though, and said testing version 1.4 is going well. The latest version has made it simpler…
While the Beats Pill used to be a common sight around parties and campfires, it slowly fell out of favor as Bluetooth speakers with better battery life and more advanced features hit the scene. In 2024, Apple decided to update the Pill, and it was a big jump in terms of catching up, or even…
A handheld steam cleaner can’t perform magic, but it should be able to loosen deeply embedded dirt, sanitize surfaces, and get in between grout and around metal grates. Many models come with accessories to remove wrinkles from clothing. I was thrilled to discover that a steam cleaner can even help clean vinyl, plastic, or metal…
The FDA’s announcement follows the administration’s April 2025 pledge to phase out certified color additives from the American food supply by the end of 2026—a commitment that has yet to be backed up by any regulatory directive and relies largely on voluntary industry cooperation. The timeline already appears to be slipping: On its website tracking…
As the birthplace of prestige TV shows like The Sopranos and The Wire, HBO—and, by extension, HBO Max—is best known for its impressive lineup of original series. The network has also been upping the ante with feature-length content that is the stuff of Oscar dreams. Below is a list of some of our favorite films streaming on HBO…
As we get out of the house, the gear-obsessed WIRED Reviews team is writing about our favorite bags and EDCs. Today, reviewer Boutayna Chokrane raves about her love for her Lululemon gym bag. You can also check out other Bag Check stories where WIRED writers share their carryall of choice. I have long had a…
Sleek foam mattresses may dominate in the virtual bedrooms of our social feeds, but innerspring mattresses are far more popular in real life. They account for 53 percent of those purchased new since 2015, according to Consumer Reports’ 2023, 2024, and 2025 Mattress Brand Comfort and Satisfaction member surveys of 75,317 mattresses. (Only 24 percent…
When the light indicator on the handle turns from green to red, it indicates that the blade has reached the bottom of the cup and is finished churning your ice cream, sorbet, milkshake, or slushy. It took about a minute and a half for the button to turn red when I made ice cream and…
