Gear

Google just added a new customization tool for the viral AI podcasts in its NotebookLM software. I got early access and tested it out using Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis as the source material, spending a few hours generating podcasts about the seminal novella—some of them more unhinged than others.

Released by Google Labs in 2023 as an experimental, AI-focused writing tool, NotebookLM has been enjoying a resurgence in user interest since early September, when the developers added an option to generate podcast-like conversations between two AI voices—one male-sounding and one female-sounding—from uploaded documents. While these audio “deep dives” can be used for studying and productivity, many of the viral clips online focused on the entertainment factor of asking robot hosts to discuss bizarre or highly personal source documents, like a LinkedIn profile.

Ferrari’s hypercars have always moved the needle—and not just the ones in the instrument display. With Formula One and World Endurance Championship (WEC) racing cars doing the hard yards, the technology transfer from track to road is for real in Maranello. Enter the F80, the latest in a bloodline that spans 40 years and some of Ferrari’s most revered cars. Collectors are spending big on the 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and the LaFerrari. A new arrival is a once-in-a-decade event.

Everybody wants to talk to their pet. Or to try to get them to listen, anyway. So it’s no wonder that some startups think the way to break through the communication barrier between you and your pooch is with a nice big helping of technology. Welcome to a world with AI-enabled dog and cat collars that try to interpret a pet’s needs and then share those wishes with their human. The only problem with these devices is that the pet won’t actually be a part of the conversation, as the collar is just guessing at what the pet is thinking—but still doing all the talking anyway. It’s less like the audio collar worn by the dog from the movie Up, and more like shouting at a chatbot strapped to your dog’s neck. Meanwhile, your dog or cat might just be trying to figure out where that new voice is coming from.

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KitchenAid’s strategy is one that maybe we should all live by—if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Remaining nearly unchanged since its introduction in 1914, KitchenAid’s stand mixer has become such a legendary kitchen staple that we called it an “everlasting” kitchen must-have and put it on our Buy It For Life guide. Right now (until October 31st - spooky!), you can get 15% off select items at KitchenAid—using the link above—by using the code FALL15.

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A virtual private network (VPN) is like a protective tunnel, keeping your data safe from prying eyes. Whether you’re worried about the open network at your local coffee shop or want to get around geo-restrictions when you’re traveling, NordVPN can help. VPNs aren’t perfect protection (you need to trust your VPN provider), but they’re always going to be better than nothing when you’re using a public hotspot. They also make it easy to continue to watch your favorite shows even when you’re on vacation. If you want to learn more about how to protect yourself online, see our guide to The Best VPNs.

This story originally appeared on WIRED Italia and has been translated from Italian.

“We are witnessing the beginning of a new era, as the internet was in the 1980s. Today access to space is still something for the few, but just as in computing, in a few years prices will come down. Everyone should indulge in the beauty of an adventure.” So said Lorenzo Bertelli, chief marketing officer of Prada, today at the International Astronautical Congress 2024 in Milan, Italy. Yes, that’s right, Prada at the International Astronautical Congress.

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Amazon’s humble Kindle has had a bit of a resurgence, partly thanks to #BookTok—the community of TikTok users who discuss literature, book lists, and, among other things, ways to deck out Kindle ebook readers with accessories. Amazon says Kindle sales have grown in double-digit percentages for the past two years, which probably explains why the company is announcing four new Kindles today—the first time it has unveiled this many new models in a single moment.

Humans have been trying to talk to animals ever since we figured out how to form words. In modern times, we turn to technology for the solution—giving our dogs talking buttons to paw at, or trying to use artificial intelligence to help us understand whales.

The latest and perhaps most direct approach at human-animal communication is a voice-activated collar that gives your pet the power to talk back to you. Or at least, that’s the idea.

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The seventh generation of Apple’s tiniest iPad is finally here, three years since its last refresh. There was no fancy pretaped or live event—the company quietly announced the new tablet through its online newsroom. The headline feature encapsulating this device? Apple Intelligence. Apple’s artificial intelligence features still aren’t available for the iPhone 16, but they’re due to arrive this month via iOS 18.1.

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It’s been a few years since the Xbox Series X and Series S launch, and while the console hasn’t broken sales records, there’s a respectable number in the wild. It’s about time for a refresh, and Microsoft is delivering new all-digital versions of its consoles (say goodbye to the optical drive). You can order themright now.