Author: Elon Mark
My personal daily driver is the AOC Q27G4ZD (8/10, WIRED Review). A 1440p screen is a very manageable resolution for modern systems, and a great target for a new build. This AOC is a premium version, with the latest panel tech, at a very reasonable price. It quickly took the place of a less impressive 4K screen, which I think is a testament to how much of an improvement QD-OLED is over most other panel types.It has a 240-Hz refresh rate, which is among the highest you’ll find on gaming screens, with only a few options at 300 Hz or…
A fire broke out Thursday morning at a data center in Hillsboro, Oregon, leased by Elon Musk’s X, forcing an extended response from emergency crews, according to multiple sources who spoke to WIRED. The sources required anonymity as they aren’t authorized to speak publicly about the company.Firefighters arrived at the Hillsboro Technology Park, in a suburb west of Portland, at 10:21 am, according to Hillsboro Fire and Rescue spokesperson Piseth Pich. They found a room with batteries that were deemed to be involved in the fire. Pich noted that the fire had not spread to other parts of the building,…
Investing in employee training and development is more than a workplace benefit; it’s a strategic decision that shapes your organization’s future. Research shows that companies experience a 17 percent increase in productivity and a 21 percent boost in profitability when employees receive targeted training. Employee learning’s effects extend far beyond the numbers. When equipped with the right tools and knowledge, teams feel valued, empowered, and motivated. This sense of purpose fuels a culture where growth, collaboration, and innovation flourish. High-quality training programs not only enhance individual performance but strengthen your entire organization. From deeper engagement to better employee retention, the…
Honorable MentionsThe following sleeping pads didn’t impress us as much as the ones above, but we’d still recommend them if none of the others strike your fancy.Kelty Kush Queen Airbed for $100: This PVC-free queen-sized airbed from Kelty includes a pump that makes inflating a snap (make sure you charge it before you go), and the 6-inch-thick pad is plenty comfortable. It is not an insulated air mattress like the REI above, so it’s best for warmer months, but it can double as a spare bed at home.Sleeping Pads to AvoidNot every sleeping pad is a winner. We’ve tested and…
Attached to the PencilVac are four conical brush bars called Fluffycones. With two brush bars on each side, the front cone rotates in one direction while the rear brush goes the opposite way. The four bars jut out at the sides too; that way, it cleans in all directions with every pass on the floor.It also shoots out green lasers from both the front and back of the cleaner head to illuminate dust, making it easier to spot particles that aren’t as visible to the naked eye. But unlike Dyson’s Detect line, which also includes lasers, it doesn’t have a…
Microphones are common on most headphones and earbuds, but on gaming-specific headsets you’re more likely to find boom mics sticking out from one of the ears. These tend to provide better audio quality, as well as a few other features you may want to consider when buying a new headset.The first is a visual indicator for whether your mic is muted. I know that sounds a little funny, but it serves a dual purpose of letting you know that you’re being heard when you’re talking, and also ensuring your friends don’t hear you snacking. This might be a light, or…
Some of these Gemini features will be coming to users of Android and Google’s web apps for free, but others (and the more powerful feature sets) will be available via paid subscription. Google’s $20 a month AI Premium service has been renamed to Google AI Pro, and the cost stays the same, though it now comes with more limited features. Google AI Ultra, the company’s full suite of AI services, has increased to $250 per month. That’s $50 per month more expensive than OpenAI’s similar full-suite plan, ChatGPT ProGemini Is an Artist, ActuallyCreative professionals and programmers take note: Google’s enhancements…
Let’s cut to the chase—Samsung’s latest QD-OLED computer monitor is absolutely awesome, and I’ve loved having it at my desk for the past month or so. Every game I play on it looks incredible, and it has quickly become the centerpiece of my battle station.Even so, I’m still having trouble recommending 4K high-refresh monitors to people who have to buy and build their own systems. Having a monitor with some room to grow is the right choice, but the gap between performance and capability can be frustrating if you’re on otherwise budget-friendly hardware. If you’re thinking of making an upgrade,…
It’s nearly summer. The flowers are in full bloom, the birds are well north, and REI is kicking off its annual anniversary sale, the outdoor company’s biggest sale of the year. This year’s REI sale starts May 16 and runs through Memorial Day, May 26. Many items are up to 30 percent off, but REI Co-op members save up to 20 percent off any full-price item of their choice and an extra 20 percent off any REI Outlet item. To get the discount, add the promo code ANNIV2025 at checkout.Several other retailers have also launched early Memorial Day sales, including…
Other Good MagSafe AccessoriesThe accessories below aren’t as great as the top picks in this guide, but they’re still good options if you’re looking for more MagSafe gadgets.Photograph: Julian ChokkattuBelkin iPhone Mount With MagSafe for $30: Using Apple’s Continuity Camera feature, you can wirelessly use your iPhone as a webcam for a MacBook. It supports various video calling apps too, from FaceTime to Zoom. This circular silicone puck magnetically sticks to the back of your iPhone and can be used as a phone grip or kickstand, but you need to keep your screen close to a 90-degree angle, or else…