PopSockets founder David Barnett talks about building a viral business

David Barnett has learned a lot since first launching PopSockets more than a decade ago.  As the tale goes, the former philosophy professor was looking for an easy way to hold his headphones and went on to create one of the most viral phone accessories of all time: A device…

72 ‘Buy It for Life’ Products: Cast-Iron, Tools, Speakers, Chairs, and More

We’re all tired of spending money on stuff that breaks. Whether it’s a tool that wears out instantly or a pair of pants that gets a hole too soon, it seems like more things in this world should be something you buy for life (or for a very long time).…

5 iPhone changes you can make right away to help you sleep better

If you’ll allow me to get personal for a moment, as of this writing, I’ve been struggling with a long stretch of insomnia. I find it hard to get to sleep in anything less than 45 minutes, and if I wake up in the middle of the night, there’s a…

OpenAI delays ChatGPT’s ‘adult mode’ again

OpenAI has delayed the launch of “adult mode,” a ChatGPT feature that will give verified adult users access to erotica and other adult content. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman first announced the feature in October, writing, “In December, as we roll out age-gating more fully and as part of our ‘treat…

Marley Spoon Meal Kit Review 2026: Less Martha, More Moroccan

This included a Persian turmeric chicken with dill-currant rice that fits seamlessly into Marley Spoon’s repertoire, deglazing with lemon juice instead of wine. The rice was toasted, then cooked with currants and spinach. It was simple, elegant, and kind of a treat. Among the pan-Asian dishes, this was the most…

Best Mid Layer for Hiking, Backpacking, and Travel (2026)

Arc’teryx’s Delta Jacket is an ultralight fleece made of Octa Fleece, one of the newer, high-tech fleeces to hit the market in the past couple of years. The name comes from the octopus-like weaving which creates air gaps, which help trap warmth while also allowing moisture to escape. It’s very…

CBP Used Online Ad Data to Track Phone Locations

The United States and Israel launched a war in Iran last week that has already killed more than 1,200 Iranians and spilled out across the Middle East. There are many unknowns about US president Donald Trump’s goals as the conflict enters its second week and the situation seems poised to…

The WIRED Guide to Wires: How to Manage the Mess of Cables Around Your Desk

There’s a reason we’re called WIRED. If there’s one thing most of today’s gadgets have in common, it’s that they typically need to be plugged in from time to time. But all those cables, cords, and wires can be tough to manage. They don’t have to end up in a…

I took over 10,000 photos on 13 different flagship phones, and here’s what I found

Over the past year, I’ve shot more than 10,000 photos across 13 different flagship smartphones, and having put each device through the full spectrum of real-world use, I’ve had the chance to look at the smartphone landscape beyond our typical review period windows. This won’t be an exhaustive list, but…

The Best MIDI Controllers for Synths, Guitars, and More (2026)

One needn’t enjoy the music of Rush to respect the multitasking that happens while the Canadian prog trio (RIP Neil Peart) was onstage spinning impeccable note-for-note re-creations of their studio work. A key component of bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee’s workflow was the Moog Taurus, which is an archaic monophonic synthesizer that’s…