Gallery: 11 Essential Gifts for Self-Driving Car Passengers of the Future
Journidock0101-JourniDock-(manufacturer-photo)
With your hands off the wheel you can finally use your commute to get some work done, or at least some fantasy lineup fiddling. The [JourneyDock](http://journidock.com/store/ultimate-companion/) ($180) puts an office in the front seat, and its deluxe package comes with a tablet mount, two phone mounts, two cup holders, a clipboard, and of course a miniature desk. It's like turning your car into a cubicle with window views of I-65.
Amazon0202-Heated-Travel-Mug-(manufacturer-photo)
There's no room for tepid coffee in the future. Get them [this mug](http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Electric-Temperature-Control/dp/B000EY5CGO) that keeps hot things hot, for however long it takes. That's real luxury. $22.80
0303-Heated-Steering-Wheel-Cover-(only-image)-(hammacher-schlemmer-photo
Sometimes even the self-driving car passenger wants to take the wheel, or at least take a nap on it. Whether they're can-do or must-snooze, with this [heated steering wheel cover](http://www.hammacher.com/Product/Default.aspx?sku=87921&refsku=87146) ($80), your recipient will be grateful that the steering wheel is comfy and warm should they ever need it.
ThinkGeek0404-R2D2-USB-car-charger-(manufacturer-photo)
What better co-pilot could you ask for than R2-D2? OK, this [car charger](http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/11f0/) ($40) doesn't emit ay charming bleeps and bloops, but it helps make the front seat a little less lonely—and adorable.
ThinkGeek0505-K.I.T.T.-USB-Car-Charger-(manufacturer-photo)
Star Wars not your style? How about turning your car into *Knight Rider* instead? [This installation](http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/iiti/) comes with two USB ports, sure. But that's not nearly as important as the 11 K.I.T.T. catchphrases it spits out. It's not enough to make you David Hasselhoff, but it's close.
Amazon0606-Kindle-Paperwhite-(manufacturer-photo)
Since they're not driving themselves, they'll have plenty of time to read. Instead of stuffing the glove compartment full of paperbacks, just get them a [Kindle Paperwhite](http://www.amazon.com/All-New-Kindle-Paperwhite-High-Resolution-Display/dp/B00OQVZDJM) ($120). It's not strictly speaking the best e-book reader on the market—that honor goes to the Kindle Voyage—but it's definitely the best value.
dodocase0707-DODOcase-VR-(manufacturer-photo)
There's nothing more boring than gridlock. Fortunately, while their self-driving car manages the stops and starts, your friend can whisk him or herself away to countless virtual worlds with just a smartphone and a Google Cardboard viewer. [This one from Dodocase](http://www.dodocase.com/products/p2-virtual-reality-cardboard-pop-up-viewer) comes both pre-assembled and cheap ($17.50).
Brookstone0808-Genuine-Sheepskin-Stretchback-Covers-(manufacturer-photo)
Self-driving cars are basically the perfect nap machines, so might as well make your recipient as comfortable as possible. Forget cloth or leather; it's time to cover those bucket seats in the gentle embrace of [sheepskin](http://www.brookstone.com/set-of-2-genuine-sheepskin-stretchback-auto-seat-covers/835465p.html). ($217 for two)
DOD0909-DOD-LS460W-Dash-Cam-(manufacturer-photo)
It's not every day you get a dash cam with a Sony Exmor sensor, yet [here we are](http://www.amazon.com/DOD-TECH-LS460W-Powered-Technology/dp/B00MTW25IM). Since no self-respecting self-driving car passenger would waste time looking at the road, it's helpful to have a high-quality video record of their travels just in case they want to relive the magic of their commute. ($267.58)
AT&T1010-ZTE-Mobley-(manufacturer-photo)
Not driving frees up a lot of time, and what better way to spend it than on the Internet? OK actually there are lots of better ways, but who are we kidding. The [ZTE Mobley](https://www.att.com/devices/zte/mobley.html) is a Wi-Fi hotspot that plugs directly into your car, letting you share data with up to five connected devices at once. The device itself is free, but it comes with the usual data charges.
Purggo1111PURGGO-Car-Air-Freshener-(manufacturer-photo)
Friends don't let friends dangle some pine-scented abomination from their rear view mirror. The [PURGGO air freshener](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00V4049K2) ($20) doesn't just hide odors, it absorbs and eliminates them thanks to its bamboo charcoal stuffing. Better still? It lasts a whole year, so no need to constantly suffer the humiliation of buying tiny, fake-smelling tree refills.
Spooky New Infostealer Malware Uses AI to ‘Autodox’ Victims
Named “Volta-Autodoxer,” the recently uncovered malware uses AI tools to collect troves of data about victims, from login credentials and credit card numbers to Discord sessions and UberEats receipts.
Lily Hay Newman
There’s a Completely New Type of Whisky. It’s French and Made in Concrete Eggs
The founders of Maison Lineti are, in a world first, making single malt whisky as if it were wine—and the spirit world is mighty impressed.
Jeremy White
Light Up Your Home Like Christmas With These Smart String Lights
Glow up your home indoors or out with these versatile, discounted, full color smart string lights. They’re WIRED-tested and 25 percent off right now.
Simon Hill
Power Outages Are No Match for This Fridge Battery
Backup by BioLite is designed to power your fridge when the grid goes down. It works, but protecting your ice cream doesn’t come cheap.
Christopher Null
Meta’s Muse Could Upend All Kinds of Businesses. It Hasn’t Yet
Companies have spent the past several weeks trying to reassure investors that Muse and other AI agents pose more of an opportunity than a threat.
Paresh Dave
An AI Agent Injected Drugs Into a Live Mouse’s Brain
A biotech startup let an agent choose a gene therapy and successfully inject the treatment, offering a startling glimpse of the future of research labs.
Emily Mullin
Get Bose QC Headphones at Their Lowest Price Ever
They’re a steal at over 40 percent off in multiple colors. Plus, other great Bose deals you should know about ahead of Black Friday.
Harry Rabinowitz
The Keurig Alta Brewer Can Do It All, With No Plastic Pods
This multifaceted home coffee brewer and its new AltaRounds will make you rethink everything you know about Keurig machines.
Louryn Strampe
Are Memories Transferable? Meet the Scientists Replicating an Infamous Study to Find Out
In the 1960’s, an odd experiment showed planarian worms could transfer memories by consuming each other. It was a sensational finding—that is until the worms stopped learning.
Claire L. Evans
Sunrise Alarm Clocks to Help You Adjust to Shorter Days
I’ve never been a morning person. This bedside gadget is the only thing that’s ever changed that.
Nena Farrell
White Dwarfs Aren’t Just White. Scientists Discover Dying Stars Turning Pink and Green
Astronomers find that a white dwarf’s density and the kind of material it absorbed from its surroundings can produce a rainbow of shades in the star’s atmosphere.
Petr Kubala
Wayfair Coupons for November 2026
Get 10% off with Wayfair promo code, up to 80% off furniture, and more top coupons.
Molly Higgins