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 nena farrell


Keyboard Shortcuts I Learned From My Cat

WIRED

Every time my cat Mira walks across a keyboard, I learn a few new Mac and PC keyboard shortcuts I never knew about. All cats love keyboards (but this is not a photo of my cat). My cat Mira is perfect, and has never done anything wrong. She also loves walking on laptop keys--both my MacBook and my wife Kathy's Windows PC . You might think that walking on laptops is an example of Mira doing something wrong. And, in any case, we've both learned a lot about how our computers work because of this.


Best Robot Vacuum of 2026: Shark, Eufy

WIRED

I've recently introduced a few friends to the power of a great robot vacuum. One of my friends calls hers a marriage saver, while the other was both thrilled and horrified by how many stains the vacuum's AI found on her floors. Personally, my robot vacuums keep me from wanting to set the litter box on fire, since my cat is on a mission to create his own navigational trail of litter through my home. The best robot vacuums these days aren't just vacuuming your floors, nor are they blindly bumping around your house like they used to. These gadgets are mopping, scrubbing away stains, lifting themselves off of obstacles, and even reminding you to clean the dirtier areas in your home more frequently. A good robot vacuum can cost a pretty penny, but it doesn't have to, depending on what you're looking for. I've been testing every new robot vacuum I can in my three-story home filled with three adults, a preschooler, and a cat who's on a mission to get litter all over the house.


Alexa and Kindle Scribe Now Work Together With 'Send to Alexa'

WIRED

The new "Send to Alexa" feature lets you send Kindle Scribe notebooks to your Echo device with just a couple of taps. Alexa+ has been rolling out to users across the board (well, users with Prime, that is) as its Early Access becomes more widely available. Now, there's a new feature to explore if you're also a Kindle Scribe user: Send to Alexa. This lets you send your Kindle Scribe notes to the AI-powered assistant so you can ask questions about them without having to refer back to your Kindle. It won't automatically do this with all your notes.


Level Lock Pro Review (2026): Smart but Stylish

WIRED

You'd never guess this lock is smart by looking at it, and that's my favorite part. No bulk or screen; looks like a regular lock from both sides of the door. Impressive design with the battery hidden inside the lock bolt. App is beautiful and easy to use. Best with accessories that need to be purchased separately.


Automated Holiday Party Ideas (2025): Ninja, HP Sprocket, Cricut

WIRED

I'm testing smart home gear and high-tech party gadgets at every holiday party I host and attend. Here's how to automate the little things so you can actually enjoy the seasonal vibes this year. It's that time of year when calendars are full of Friendsgiving events and white elephant parties . If you're looking for holiday party ideas that will actually make hosting and enjoying your next holiday party easier, this is the guide for you. It's no small task to host a great party, and as a deeply type B person who's more likely to make another Partiful invite than she is to start cooking a recipe on time, I'm always looking for ways to streamline my hosting.


Amazon Echo Studio (2nd Gen) and Echo Dot Max Review: Bigger Sound, Bigger Price

WIRED

The brand's best smart speakers get a new look and more power behind the sound and smarts. Updated design with easier buttons and tap controls. Has Alexa+ right away, no waiting list required. Smart-home hub built into both. Buttons can show oil stains from skin contact.


How Long Do Vacuums Last? (2025)

WIRED

How Long Do Vacuums Last? Here are the signs to look for, and how to help your vacuum live longer. All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Be honest: how long have you been lugging around your current vacuum?


Last-Chance Prime Day Deals, 293 Obsessively Tested Picks--Even 1,200 Off an OLED TV

WIRED

Amazon Prime Day is four days in 2025, and we've reached the final day. The Prime Day deals started dropping last month and end at midnight tonight (Friday, July 11). We have been working in shifts, covering 20 hours a day through the end, in a dangerously caffeinated state--all to help you nab the best Prime Day deals with up-to-date recommendations. The WIRED Reviews team only recommends deals on products we've tested and approved, and which are actually discounted. If you're looking for up-to-the-minute coverage of deals, check out our Amazon Prime Day liveblog, which will run from 5 am to midnight daily. If you're coming to Prime Day looking for something dirt-cheap, I've got one for you. Yes, this device is a Chromebook, but as a "Chromebook Plus" model, it's a big step up from the reputation these laptops have when kids are introduced to them in schools. The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 comes with a 1080p display, a spacious 15.6-inch display, and an Intel Core i3 processor.


Not Just Any Prime Day Deals, 255 Obsessively Tested Picks--Even 1,200 Off an OLED TV

WIRED

Amazon Prime Day is four days in 2025, and we're kicking off day three. The Prime Day deals started dropping last month and will end on Friday, July 11. We're working in shifts, covering 20 hours a day through the end, and are dangerously caffeinated--all to help you nab the best Prime Day deals with up-to-date recommendations. The WIRED Reviews team only recommends deals on products we've actually tested and approved, and which are actually discounted. If you're looking for up-to-the-minute coverage of deals, check out our Amazon Prime Day liveblog, which will run from 5 am to midnight daily. If you're coming to Prime Day looking for something dirt-cheap, I've got one for you. Yes, this device is a Chromebook, but as a "Chromebook Plus" model, it's a big step up from the reputation these laptops have when kids are introduced to them in schools. The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 comes with a 1080p display, a spacious 15.6-inch display, and an Intel Core i3 processor. Don't write off a ...


Prime Day Picks From People Who Obsessively Test Gear & Track Prices

WIRED

Amazon Prime Day began as one day and is now much more of an event, lasting four days this year. The Prime Day deals started dropping last month, and will go on through Friday. We'll be dangerously caffeinated and working in shifts, covering 20 hours a day through the end. The WIRED Reviews team only recommends deals on products we've actually tested and approved, and which are actually discounted. If you're looking for up-to-the-minute coverage of deals, check out our Amazon Prime Day liveblog, which will run from 5 am to midnight daily. Updated July 9, 2025: We've added over two dozen new deals on our favorite laptops, robot vacuums, TVs, security cameras, and more. If you want something hard-wearing and fast charging from the best USB-C cables, this is our pick. It tops out at 240 watts and has a tough, braided nylon exterior made from 100 percent recycled plastic. Anker promises this cable will last a century and it can operate in temperatures from -40 degrees to 176 degrees ...