The best Alexa speakers tested and ranked in 2026
Wired tests and ranks the top Alexa-enabled smart speakers, from the Echo Dot to the Echo Studio, helping users choose the best option for their needs.
#Daily archive
Tech News for Saturday, September 5, 2026
24 stories from 31 outlets. Times show when each story first broke, in UTC.
Top stories
Marvel assigns 42 hours of homework before Avengers: Doomsday, releases official catch-up list
Marvel released an official catch-up list of movies to watch before 'Avengers: Doomsday' in December. Wired provides easy links to stream all the required films.
#Scientists Put Caterpillars in an Ultraquiet Chamber to Learn How They Hear Without Ears
The research could do more than help unlock the mystery of caterpillar hearing. It could also help make microphones better.
#Watch world sees major activity at Geneva Watch Days with 10 notable releases
Geneva Watch Days featured the biggest action, but other brands also participated remotely. Wired highlights the 10 most notable watches from the event.
#Clucky launches alarm app that wakes users with a rooster crow and missions to turn it off
Clucky's new alarm app features a rooster crowing sound and requires users to complete a mission to turn off the alarm, adding a gamified wake-up experience.
#The day's tech news, in one email
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Business 4
Jump Trading expands office space in Hong Kong's IFC building
Jump Trading is adding office space in Hong Kong's IFC building, according to sources. The expansion signals growing confidence in the city as a financial hub amid global trading firm growth.
#Hon Hai sales climb 52% on AI server demand as Europe lines up orders
Hon Hai (Foxconn) reported August revenue of NT$921.8B, up 52% year-on-year, driven by AI server demand. The results beat expectations, and Europe is now lining up its own orders, signaling global AI infrastructure buildout.
Also covered by The Next Web
#China's 26% earnings boom fails to ignite stock market rally amid weak economy and AI doubts
Profits at onshore-listed Chinese companies rose 25.7% in Q2, the fastest in years, but the CSI 300 fell 9% and the Star 50 fell 29%, as AI capex and weak economy weigh on sentiment, per The Next Web.
Also covered by The Next Web
#Japan says progress made on $550B pact, with AI and chips weighing heavily on the next round
Japan's trade minister said discussions on AI and semiconductors will carry significant weight in the third tranche of its $550B US investment pact, after progress was made in earlier rounds.
#AI 3
Seattle Times and Newsday sue Microsoft and OpenAI over copyright infringement in AI training
Two more news organizations join legal action against AI giants. The Seattle Times and Newsday accuse OpenAI and Microsoft of using their content without permission to train AI models, per Engadget.
Also covered by Engadget, GeekWire, The Next Web
#xAI fails to block Minnesota law banning AI-generated nudify apps
A court has ruled against xAI's attempt to block Minnesota's law banning AI-generated nudification apps, with the legal battle continuing.
Also covered by TechSpot, Gizmodo
#Two camps emerge in AI safety debate as CEOs warn of extinction risk and call for slowing development
In the AI regulation debate, two opposing camps have formed: Trump and Huang oppose new laws, while Amodei, Altman, and Musk call for a slowdown citing extinction risks.
Also covered by Bloomberg Technology, CNBC Technology, The Guardian Tech, Platformer, Axios
#Gadgets 2
A look at the weird and wonderful headphones showcased at CanJam 2026
The Verge's headphone reviewer finds inspiration at CanJam 2026, highlighting unique and characterful headphones that break from mainstream options.
#Insta360 Luna Pro launches as single-lens Osmo Pocket rival available in the US
The Verge reports that Insta360 launches the Luna Pro, a single-lens compact steadicam that shoots vertical 4K video, positioning it as a more affordable and available alternative to DJI's Osmo Pocket series.
Also covered by The Verge, CNET, Engadget, Android Authority, TechRadar
#Big Tech 2
Apple may not release an iPhone 18 this year, skipping the annual update cycle
Apple is expected to announce several products at its September event, but the iPhone 18 might not be among them, marking a potential first for the company's annual release cycle.
#iPhone 18 Pro, Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra: release date, price, specs, and latest rumors
Rumors ahead of Apple's September 9 event include that the iPhone 18 Pro could charge 25% faster, alongside details on charging speeds, preorder dates, and pricing for the lineup.
Also covered by AppleInsider, Macworld, TechRadar
#Science 2
Isar Aerospace launches first spacecraft to orbit from European soil
Isar Aerospace's second flight reaches orbit and deploys payloads, marking the first spacecraft launched to orbit from Europe. The historic launch took place from European soil.
Also covered by The Verge, The Next Web, Hackaday, Hacker News
#Isar Aerospace founder discusses need for massive rocket cadence after reaching orbit
Isar Aerospace reaches orbit on its second launch and outlines plans for up to 40 launches per year, with founder emphasizing the need for a massive rocket at massive cadence to remain relevant in the European space market.
Also covered by Ars Technica, Quartz, Slashdot, Hacker News
#Security 2
LG TVs caught spying even when offline or on standby, YouTuber investigation finds
A YouTube investigation claims that LG smart TVs eavesdrop on users even when turned off or on standby, raising serious privacy concerns.
Also covered by The Register, AppleInsider, Mashable Tech, XDA Developers, TechRadar
#Trump backs Flock license plate cameras as 47% of US public oppose them and 3 police officers arrested for misuse
Trump publicly supports Flock license plate recognition cameras amid growing backlash, a new survey finds 47% of Americans oppose the technology, and three police officers have been arrested for alleged misuse of the system.
Also covered by TechRadar, TechSpot, Techdirt, Decrypt, Hacker News
#Everything else 4
A look at Fantasy Footballers cohost Andy Holloway's zero-inbox productivity approach
The Verge profiles Andy Holloway, cohost of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, and his dedication to maintaining a zero-inbox.
#Earth Garden offers field recordings for exploring the globe through sound
Earth Garden is a collection of field recordings from around the world, suitable for background ambience while working or sleeping, as well as active listening to the nuances of natural and urban environments.
#Apple Labor Day deals offer up to $500 off MacBook Pros, plus discounts on AirPods Pro 3, Studio Display, Mac mini, and more
Apple Labor Day deals include up to $500 off MacBook Pros, discounts on AirPods Pro 3, Studio Display, Mac mini, AirTag 4-pack, and more.
Also covered by MacRumors, AppleInsider, Mashable Tech
#Nitter continues to operate after legal advice, gains more working instances despite X Corp cease-and-desist
The Nitter project, which provides alternative Twitter front-ends, continues to operate after taking legal advice, and has gained more working instances.
Also covered by The Next Web, Hacker News
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