Whether you're going off-grid or safeguarding against blackouts, these beefy, WIRED-tested batteries can keep the lights on.

The odd discovery provides new insights into ancient dairy practices and the origin of kefir.

Probably the best way to play Sony’s games — here’s why, plus some caveats.

Microsoft is planning to combine its Xbox Game Pass and Xbox mobile apps into a single application soon. The software maker is testing a new version of the Xbox app for iOS and Android this week that includes features from the separate Xbox Game Pass app. You’ll soon be able to explore the full Game Pass library and manage memberships within the Xbox mobile app. Game Pass Ultimate members will also be able to claim perks within this updated Xbox app. “These updates will be available for Xbox beta members on mobile and will be coming to everyone soon,” says Microsoft in a blog post. “As part of these changes, we will no longer support new downloads of the Xbox Game Pass app, starting in November.” The new Xbox app will now include the...

Resharing a post on Facebook, Instagram, or another social media platform is not how you legally protect your data or opt out of anything.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Phone-Free School Act into law this week, requiring every school district, charter school, and county office of education statewide to implement rules limiting cellphone use by July 1st, 2026. There are exceptions to the rule, including using phones for emergencies or with permission under certain circumstances. “We know that excessive smartphone use increases anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues — but we have the power to intervene,” said Newsom in a statement. This comes as other states like New York consider pursuing legislation for a total ban on phones in schools. It’s part of a wave of laws targeting tech-related child safety at the state and national level, including the...

Google has filed an antitrust complaint to EU regulators, accusing Microsoft of unfair licensing contracts for its Azure cloud services. CNBC reports that Google, which is third behind Microsoft and Amazon in the cloud market, alleges that Microsoft uses licensing terms that make it difficult and expensive to use Windows Server and Office products on non-Azure cloud infrastructure. Reuters reports that Google Cloud vice president Amit Zavery told reporters Microsoft made customers pay a 400 percent markup to continue using Windows Server on rival cloud providers but that this fee doesn’t apply on Azure. Google’s complaint comes just months after Microsoft reached a settlement with an industry group backed by European cloud infrastructure...

Enlarge Google has filed an antitrust complaint in Brussels against Microsoft, alleging its Big Tech rival engages in unfair cloud computing practices that has led to a reduction in choice and an increase in prices. The US search giant has accused Microsoft of leveraging its Windows software to lock customers into its Azure cloud services, preventing them from easily switching to alternatives. In a complaint sent to the European Commission, seen by the Financial Times, Google said Microsoft is “exploiting” its customers’ reliance on products such as its Windows software by imposing “steep penalties” on using rival cloud providers.

Rock your inner jock with a pair of sturdy, sweatproof, and tangle-proof headphones. Here are our favorites.

The employees at an Apple Store in Oklahoma City voted on Tuesday to ratify their union contract, making it the second retail location to reach a collectively bargained agreement with the company. The store’s 78 employees, who are represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), shared the details of the contract, which includes wage increases of up to 11.5 percent over the next three years and guaranteed paid time off. The contract also ensures employee involvement in scheduling, job protection in case of a store closure, and health benefits. The Apple Store workers in Oklahoma City voted to unionize in 2022. They later reached a tentative agreement with Apple after holding an informational picket outside the store. In...

The Marvel Studios hit arrives on digital next week—plus, we've got all the details on the Blu-ray release coming October 22.