The Geekom IT13 Max 2026 mini PC pairs an Intel Meteor Lake Core Ultra 9 processor with 24GB of soldered dual-channel DDR5 RAM. Priced at $799, it offers a well-equipped configuration for users facing high memory costs. …
#Consumer gadgets
This week in Consumer gadgets · updated Mon Oct 05 2026
This week's consumer gadget landscape reflects intense competition across multiple device categories. Google's next-generation Pixel 12 flagship continues development with display enhancements, while rivals like Vivo and iQOO push mid-to-premium smartphone segments with advanced processors and camera systems. The smart home market intensifies as Apple prepares its debut speaker-display hub to challenge established players Amazon and Google. Beyond phones, accessory innovation accelerates through MagSafe power banks and fitness wearables, with Google's unreleased Fitbit Edge suggesting renewed fitness tracker focus. Emerging regulatory scrutiny in Norway over AI-enabled eyewear signals growing privacy concerns around wearable technology, potentially shaping future device development priorities.
AI-written weekly briefing drawn from this topic's recent stories.
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Geekom IT13 Max 2026 Review: Intel Meteor Lake Powers a Compact $799 Desktop
MSI Cyborg 15 Gaming Laptop with RTX 5060 Drops to $949 at Walmart
Walmart is offering the MSI Cyborg 15 gaming laptop for $949, a $350 discount from its regular price. The 15.6-inch laptop is powered by an RTX 5060 GPU, making it a budget-friendly entry into PC gaming. This deal provid…
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Controller Offers Extensive Customization for PC and Switch at a Discount
The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 wireless controller is now available for $57.99, a 17% discount. It features dual triggers, TMR joysticks, adjustable RGB lighting, and full compatibility with both PC and Nintendo Switch. The gamep…
Newegg Bundle Offers Free DDR5 Memory and Cooler with AMD Ryzen 9 and Asus Motherboard
A Newegg combo deal bundles the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X, Asus TUF Gaming X870E-Plus motherboard, and 16GB of Team Group T-Force Vulcan DDR5 RAM for $659, saving $274. The package also includes a free 240mm AIO liquid cooler. T…
Top Cooling Mattresses of 2026 Tested for Heat Relief
Wired tested numerous cooling mattresses to identify those that best dissipate heat. The list highlights models that help hot sleepers maintain a comfortable temperature.
Comparing Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro: Key Differences and Value
A comparison between the standard Pixel 11 and the Pixel 11 Pro highlights the features that justify the price difference, including the HiLight camera capability. The Pro model offers additional enhancements in display,…
Meta Donates Thousands of Smart Glasses to Irish Charity for Visually Impaired
Meta is donating 15,000 Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to Vision Ireland, a charity that supports people with sight loss. The glasses incorporate AI-powered features to assist blind and visually impaired users in daily tasks…
Save Big on Jabra Audio Gear with Verified Discount Codes
Wired offers verified promo codes for Jabra products, including headphones, headsets, and speakers. Shoppers can get up to 30% off through exclusive coupons and limited-time deals. These discounts are currently available…
Hydrogen-powered car sets 406 mph land speed record using two combustion engines
A car powered by two hydrogen-burning engines has set a new land speed record for hydrogen-powered vehicles at 406 mph. The vehicle was built by JCB, a company that has invested heavily in hydrogen technology for its ind…
Grow Your Own Salad Greens at Home with This Discounted Indoor Garden System
The Lettuce Grow indoor garden allows users to cultivate salad greens safely in their living room, avoiding potential contamination from store-bought lettuce. The system is currently available at a 20 percent discount. I…
Sandbar argues voice interaction will dominate AI wearable devices
Sandbar, maker of the Stream ring, believes voice is the key to future AI wearables. The company sees a shift from notetaking hardware to rings that capture spontaneous thoughts.
Guide to preordering Google's Pixel 11 and Pixel Watch 5 with top deals
A comprehensive guide details where to preorder Google's newly announced Pixel 11 phones and Pixel Watch 5. The article highlights the best available deals across carriers and retailers.
T-Mobile launches Pixel 11 preorder deals with trade-ins and free phone offers
T-Mobile is offering various preorder deals for Google's new Pixel 11 series, including trade-in credits and free phones when adding a new line. Customers can choose from multiple promotions to get the latest flagship de…
Amazon offers up to $350 gift card with Pixel 11 preorders
Amazon is providing a free gift card worth up to $350 with every preorder of Google's new Pixel 11 phones. The offer applies to all models in the lineup.
Ergonomist-Approved Tips for Finding Your Perfect Office Chair
An ergonomist offers advice on selecting an office chair that fits your budget, height, and physique. The article highlights key factors such as adjustability and lumbar support to ensure comfort and proper posture. It a…
Google Unveils Pixel 11 Pro Fold with Enhanced Durability and Display
Google has introduced the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, which boasts a more durable design and brighter screens. The foldable smartphone is priced at $1,899.
Google's Pixel Tag Offers Affordable Tracking via Find Hub Network
Google has launched the Pixel Tag, a $29 Bluetooth tracker that competes with Apple's AirTag. It leverages the Find Hub network to help users locate lost items like keys and bags. The device is designed for seamless inte…
Pixel Watch 5 Adds Blood Pressure and Insulin Resistance Tracking
Google's Pixel Watch 5, priced at $399, introduces advanced health monitoring features including blood pressure patterns and insulin resistance tracking. The smartwatch also offers improved sleep tracking and personalize…
Pixel 11 Phones Focus on AI Integration Over Hardware Overhauls
The Pixel 11 series sees a $100 price increase but now starts with 256GB of base storage. Hardware changes are minimal compared to previous generations, with the emphasis placed on deeper Gemini AI integration. The lineu…
Google's 2026 Event Showcases Pixel 11 Phones, a Tracker, and AI Upgrades
At the Made by Google 2026 event, the company introduced the Pixel 11 series, a new item tracker called Pixel Tag, and expanded Gemini AI capabilities. The Pixel 11 lineup features a price increase and larger base storag…
Google's 2026 Devices Prioritize AI and User Experience Over Raw Specs
Google has announced its 2026 hardware lineup, including the Pixel 11 smartphone, Pixel Watch 5, and a new Pixel Tag tracker. The company is shifting focus toward artificial intelligence and curated user experiences rath…
QIDI Plus5 3D Printer Delivers Polished Performance and Tough Filament Support
The QIDI Plus5 3D printer is a large, polished machine that produces excellent prints. It handles some of the toughest technical filaments with ease. This review highlights it as the best model from QIDI so far.
DIY modder transforms Steam Deck into a Game Boy-sized handheld with custom 3D-printed cooling and high-res AMOLED screen
A modder known as 'SteamBoy' is nearing completion of a custom handheld that shrinks Valve's Steam Deck into a Game Boy-like form factor. The build includes a 3D-printed cooling system and plans for a 1200x1080 resolutio…
Acer's 18-inch Predator Helios Neo 18 AI gaming laptop drops to record low price on Amazon, saving buyers over $600
Amazon has slashed the price of Acer's Predator Helios Neo 18 AI gaming laptop by more than $600, bringing it to an all-time low. The large 18-inch machine features an Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti GPU and 32GB of RAM. This deal ta…
Commodore Brings Back TAC-2 Joystick for $49 in Five Retro Colors
Commodore has revived the classic TAC-2 joystick, originally popular with Commodore 64 and Amiga users, after 40 years. The re-release costs $49 and is said to be tougher than the original, now available in five colorway…
TeamGroup 4TB Gen 4 SSD Drops to $106 Off in Newegg Deal
A Newegg coupon deal drops the price of the 4TB TeamGroup T-Force G50 SSD by $106, bringing it to 10.2 cents per GB. This Gen 4 drive offers high capacity at a competitive price, making it one of the cheapest PCIe 4.0 SS…
Engadget Liveblogs Google's Pixel 11 Event, Showcasing New Hardware and AI Capabilities
Engadget is providing live coverage of Google's Pixel 11 launch event on August 12, 2026. The company is expected to unveil new devices and artificial intelligence features during the presentation. Readers can follow alo…
Silicon Valley Pushes Neurotechnology That Could Read Your Mind
Major technology companies are developing neurotechnology products capable of tracking brain activity, raising new privacy concerns. The next frontier of personal data may involve thoughts and mental processes, not just …
Smart water heater startup Reservoir secures $8 million for energy-saving home device
Reservoir has developed an ultra-efficient water heater that uses predictive algorithms to anticipate hot water demand and store energy accordingly. The device also monitors for plumbing leaks throughout the home, offeri…
Score Up to 40% Off on Patagonia Gear for Late-Summer Adventures
Patagonia's past-season sale offers discounts of up to 40 percent on outdoor clothing and equipment. The promotion runs as summer continues, providing an opportunity to stock up for Labor Day trips. Featured items includ…
Unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3 Appears in Marketplace Sale
An unreleased Xbox Elite Controller 3 may have been sold to an unsuspecting buyer on a marketplace, months after leaked images of the controller surfaced. The incident suggests the next-generation controller is further a…
Save Up to 30% on Hoka Footwear with August Discount Codes
Wired has compiled the latest Hoka coupon codes for August 2026, offering up to 30% off select items. Shoppers can also unlock free expedited shipping or an additional 10% discount with today's codes. These deals apply t…
Trump proposes splitting MMR vaccine, industry pushes back
President Trump has called for pharmaceutical companies to separate the MMR vaccine into its individual components. The leading pharma group quickly rejected the recommendation, calling it impractical and unscientific.
Leaked Xbox Elite Series 3 Controller Features Small Embedded Display
A Redditor claims to have purchased a prototype Xbox Elite Series 3 controller for $200 on OfferUp, with photos showing a small built-in screen. The leak follows earlier images from a Brazilian regulator in May that hint…
Sonos Preps Next-Generation Wireless Headphones for Fall Launch
An FCC filing by Sonos reveals a new wireless headphone model with the number S52A, suggesting a successor to the Sonos Ace is imminent. CEO Tom Conrad hinted at the upcoming release during a third-quarter earnings call.…
Razer Unveils Naga V3 Pro Gaming Mouse with 23 Customizable Buttons and Reduced Weight
Razer has introduced the Naga V3 Pro, the latest addition to its Naga series of MMO gaming mice. The device features 23 programmable buttons for enhanced control and customization, while also being lighter than its prede…
MacBook multi-monitor support varies by model, but most handle at least two displays
The ability to connect multiple external monitors to a MacBook depends on the specific model and chip. Most current MacBook models support at least two external displays, though some older or lower-end versions may be li…
Razer's Latest Naga Mouse Defies Trend Toward Lightweight Gaming Mice
The Razer Naga V3 Pro is a bulky, button-heavy gaming mouse that challenges the industry's shift toward lighter peripherals. Despite its weight, the device offers extensive customization for MMO and MOBA players who need…
Block Blast! Joins Apple Arcade in September with No Ads
Block Blast!, the most downloaded mobile game of 2025, will become available on Apple Arcade in September. The move removes all advertisements from the game. Subscribers to Apple's gaming service will get an ad-free expe…
Driving with headphones: A state-by-state legality guide
The legality of wearing headphones while driving varies across U.S. states, with some permitting them and others imposing restrictions or outright bans. Drivers should check their local laws to avoid fines or penalties. …
Top LED Face Masks and Red-Light Therapy Gadgets Tested for 2026
Wired tested numerous red-light therapy masks and LED devices that have become popular on social media. The review includes professional consultations to determine which products deliver real results. The article ranks t…
Red-Light Devices Show Promise for Hair Regrowth, WIRED Testers Report
WIRED testers observed visible hair regrowth using red-light therapy devices reviewed in this guide. The article highlights the best options available in 2026 as an alternative to traveling abroad for hair restoration. T…
Stirling engine drives ultra-low-power ESP32 mod that plays classic arcade games
A hobbyist built a computing device powered by a Stirling engine, using an ESP32-C3 microcontroller running at 80 MHz. The system includes an OLED display and a 16-key keypad, consuming only 150 milliwatts while playing …
Affordable smart home upgrades: seven devices under $100
A selection of seven budget-friendly gadgets can enhance home automation without breaking the bank. These devices offer smart features like voice control, remote monitoring, and energy savings for less than $100 each. Th…
Woot Discount Slashes $350 Off Samsung's 4TB Gen 5 SSD, Boasting 14.8 GB/s Read Speeds
A limited-time Woot sale offers the 4TB Samsung 9100 Pro SSD for $619.99, saving $413 off its regular price. The drive leverages PCIe Gen 5 technology to achieve sequential read speeds up to 14,800 MB/s. This deal provid…
The Top Wireless Earbuds for 2026, Based on Testing Over 100 Models
Wired tested more than 100 wireless earbuds and identified standout models from Apple, Bose, Beats, and Samsung. The recommendations cover a range of features and price points to suit different users.
Apple Watch lineup could expand with new screen sizes and a display-less variant
Apple is reportedly planning future Watch models with additional screen size options beyond the current lineup. One potential model may even lack a display entirely, marking a significant design departure. These changes …
FCC Proposes Prohibition on Previously Approved LiDAR-Equipped Drones
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is proposing a ban on drones that carry LiDAR sensors, even though it had previously approved such devices. The move specifically targets DJI drones equipped with LiDAR technolo…
Step-by-step guide to formatting a USB flash drive in Windows
The article covers common situations where formatting a USB drive becomes necessary, such as file system errors or preparing the drive for a new use. It provides clear instructions for performing the format process on a …
A Guide to Concealing and Revealing Apps on iOS Devices
Hiding apps on an iPhone or iPad can help declutter the home screen and protect privacy. The process involves moving the app to the App Library or using Screen Time restrictions. Unhiding is equally straightforward, requ…
Rechargeable Air Duster Drops to $30.39, Undercuts Smaller Model
The Wolfbox MegaFlow 60 compressed air duster is currently on sale for $30.39, nearly 40% off its regular price. This rechargeable device features a propulsion fan that spins at up to 110,000 RPM, making it more powerful…
DIY Direct-Die Water Cooling on RTX 2060 Super Achieves 28°C Load Temperatures
A modder known as TrashBench tested direct-die water cooling on an RTX 2060 Super using a 3D-printed block, enduring several leaks in the process. Despite the leaks, the setup reduced load temperatures to just 28°C. The …
Noctua's Case Testing Reveals Widespread Inaccuracies in CPU Cooler Clearance Specs
Noctua's internal compatibility team measured over a hundred PC cases and found that more than half had incorrect CPU cooler clearance specifications. The errors ranged from 3.5mm less to 10mm more than what manufacturer…
Turtle Beach's KB5 Keyboard Blends Number Pad with Programmable Touchscreen
The Turtle Beach Command Series KB5 is a full-size, wired, low-profile keyboard that integrates a small programmable touchscreen alongside a traditional number pad. The review examines the keyboard's design, functionalit…
Key drawbacks to consider before moving from iPhone to Android
Switching from iPhone to Android may involve losing access to certain iOS-exclusive features and services. Users should be aware of potential incompatibilities with apps, accessories, and ecosystem integration. The artic…
FCC Proposes Ban on Foreign Drones with LiDAR and Military-Grade Features
The FCC has proposed a retroactive sales ban on foreign-made drones equipped with LiDAR and other technologies classified as 'military-grade.' The rule could affect popular DJI models and also extend to thermal imaging d…
Anime Recommendations for First-Time Viewers
This curated list introduces anime series that appeal to skeptics, focusing on accessible storytelling and diverse genres. Each entry is chosen to challenge common misconceptions about the medium and offer a starting poi…
TCL's Note A1 Nxtpaper Blends Note-Taking and Video Viewing
TCL's Note A1 Nxtpaper tablet combines a digital notebook for handwriting with a standard display for video playback. The review finds it largely successful at balancing both functions, though it may not excel at either …
Top Compression Boots for Muscle Recovery in 2026
Compression boots from brands like Therabody and Hyperice are evaluated for their effectiveness in aiding muscle recovery after workouts or travel. The review highlights models that improve circulation and reduce sorenes…
Micron initially lowballs Crucial RAM warranty claim, then backtracks after customer backlash
A Crucial memory owner detailed a frustrating warranty experience where Micron offered to reimburse only the original MSRP, which was just 37% of the current market value. The chipmaker later reversed its decision and pr…