The iconic action RPG introduced a world of gamers to Japanese fashion. Now with a sequel on the way, its influence has only grown.
Secretlab’s Titan Evo Raises the Bar for Gaming Chairs
One of the best gaming chairs just got better, but it’s not for everyone.
TikTok a Year After Trump’s Ban: No Change, but New Threats
The popular short-video app survived a plan to block it on US phones. Now, it’s mistrusted by both the US and Chinese governments.
The Incredible Physics of Simone Biles’ Yurchenko Double Pike
Calculating angular velocity and the moment of inertia isn’t quite as hard as competing in the Olympic gymnastics tournament—but it’s pretty darn tough.
How to Share Your Wi-Fi Password
Help your guests connect to your network without typing a thing.
The Best Sunglasses for Every Outdoor Adventure
Protect your eyes in style while you lounge, run, paddle, or work on your computer outside.
DNA Has Four Bases. Some Viruses Swap in a Fifth
Dozens of viruses don’t use the same four nucleotide bases found in all other life. New work shows how this is possible—and perhaps more common than we think.
Hit the Road With These Travel-Planning Apps and Tricks
Let your phone be your guide. Even default map apps have handy features to help you plan an awesome itinerary.
Trucks Move Past Cars on the Road to Autonomy
Money is pouring into autonomous trucking startups, just as many are souring on the short-term prospects for self-driving cars.
Porn Showed Up on Legit News Sites Thanks to Internet Rot
Plus: China’s pipeline probing, a Chromebook debacle, and more of the week’s top security news.
How AI Will Help Keep Time at the Tokyo Olympics
Omega, the official timekeeper of the Games, is now using computer vision and motion sensors for events like swimming, gymnastics, and beach volleyball.
Cities Aren’t the Wildlife ‘Deserts’ Scientists Once Feared
As more animals are spotted in urban areas, researchers recognize how cities can play a significant role in fostering biodiversity.
The 16 Best Weekend Deals on Headphones, Soundbars, and More
We found discounts on a MacBook Pro, an Instant Pot, and the newest Amazon Fire tablet.
Space Jam and the Fury of an Algorithm Scorned
The reboot—along with Netflix’s The Mitchells vs. the Machines—portray vengeful AIs as jilted geniuses. That revolution shouldn’t be televised.
Biden Has to Play Hardball with Internet Platforms
The president needs to prioritize Americans’ wellbeing over Big Tech’s whims to begin a path to restoring democracy, privacy, and competition.
The Activision Blizzard Harassment Suit Feels Painfully Familiar
A complaint filed this week alleges corrosive behavior that seems increasingly endemic to the video game industry.
The Pandemic Olympics, Vaccine Misinformation, and More News
Catch up on the most important updates from this week.
Romeo and Juliet Needs More Zombies
Scott Edelman’s “A Plague on Both Your Houses” is a tale of the undead written in iambic pentameter.
Please, a Moment of Silence for Comic-Con
No, it’s not dead. But fans around the world mourn the loss anyway.
How Mockingbirds Compose Songs Just Like Beethoven
The birds aren’t producing sounds at random. Some of their strategies are surprisingly similar to ones used by humans.
The FAA Brings Jeff Bezos Back Down to Earth
Plus: New Shepard’s dildo design, my seat on a private space flight, and the hearing that broke Fauci.
What Bezos’ Big Day Means for Commercial Spaceflight
This week, Steven Levy fills us in on the Blue Origin launch, its implications, and why so many billionaires are obsessed with space travel.
Nike’s Sustainable Gear Heads to the Tokyo Olympics
The apparel and shoes for team USA were designed for peak performance—ecologically and athletically.
The Olympics Could Be a Covid-19 ‘Super-Evolutionary Event’
In a warped version of international cooperation, the Games could provide a place for variants of the virus to spread and then return home with athletes.
The Kaseya Ransomware Nightmare Is Almost Over
A decryption tool has emerged, meaning any victims whose systems remain locked up can soon breathe easy.
Scientists Just ‘Looked’ Inside Mars. Here’s What They Found
InSight and Perseverance have sent back unprecedented data on everything from marsquakes to the Red Planet’s inner layers.
Playdate, the Pocketable Game Console, Prepares for Preorders
The long-awaited tiny gaming device will be available to purchase next week, with shipments beginning before the end of the year.
The Stunning New Dune Trailer Begs You to See It in Theaters
It might be available on HBO Max, but come on.
An Explosive Spyware Report Shows the Limits of iOS Security
Amnesty International sheds alarming light on an NSO Group surveillance tool—and the gaps in Apple’s and Google’s defenses.
The Best Time Travel Movies of … All Time
From Groundhog Day to Interstellar, filmmakers love messing with timelines. Thankfully, that makes for mind-bending entertainment.