Gallery: Tech Toys for Kids, From Tots to Teens (and Grown-Ups, Too)
01hasbro-furby
Hasbro Furby ------------ The secret to the original Furby wasn't its fun factor (which is questionable); it's that the critter was insanely hackable. Fourteen years later, the high-maintenance robotic tribble is back—screeching, singing, and crying with updates like LCD eyes, capacitive touch sensors, and an app. Gentlemen, start your soldering irons. __$60__ | [Hasbro Furby](http://www.furby.com/en_US/)
02hot-wheels-terrain-twister
Hot Wheels Terrain Twister -------------------------- An augerlike drive system replaces old-school "wheel" technology to let this RC screw its way over just about any surface—from sloppy puddles to slushy snow. And lest you think you'll be buying pallets of C batteries to fuel this thing, it's rechargeable! __$100__ | [Hot Wheels Terrain Twister](http://www.hotwheels.com/toys/terrain-twister-vehicles)
03knock-knock-clump-o-lump
Knock Knock Clump-o-Lump ------------------------ What proto-biologist can resist plush toys that are able to mutate into new species? Each Clump has three interchangeable, zipped pieces, so kids can mix and match to create a tiger-squid-bee or shark-frog-bird. __$25__ | [Knock Knock Clump-o-Lump](http://www.knockknockstuff.com/clump-o-lump/)
04chris-wares-building-stories
Chris Ware's Building Stories ----------------------------- The hugely inventive Chris Ware, whose art has graced many a *New Yorker* cover, brings us a graphic novel Happy Meal. Inside the oversize cardboard carton you'll find 14 goodies including pamphlets, newspapers, hardcover booklets, posters, a story about a soda-besotted honeybee, and a children's book. It all paints a sprawling portrait of an old apartment building and its grimly funny residents. __$50__ | [Chris Ware's *Building Stories*](http://www.amazon.com/Building-Stories-Chris-Ware/dp/0375424334)
05nerf-n-strike-elite-hail-fire-blaster
Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire Blaster ------------------------------------- Pro: The highest-capacity Nerf gun ever, with eight clips that hold up to 144 foam slugs you can shoot as far as 75 feet. Con: postbattle cleanup. (Will somebody invent a foam-dart Roomba, already?) __$40__ | [Nerf N-Strike Elite Hail-Fire Blaster](http://www.hasbro.com/nerf/en_US/shop/details.cfm?R=C8031F5A-5056-900B-10C6-EE6360B5B0E3:en_US)
06nintendo-wii-u
Nintendo Wii U -------------- Nintendo brought videogames back to the living room with the family-friendly Wii console. Its successor, the Wii U, ups the ante with a touchscreen-equipped GamePad controller that lets you join forces with friends—or sabotage them mercilessly—in multiplayer games. __$300 and up__ | [Nintendo Wii U](http://www.nintendo.com/wiiu)
07paper-punk
Paper Punk ---------- The love child of Lego and origami, these punch-and-build kits let you create desk or tree ornaments, sans scissors and glue. __$10-19__ | [Paper Punk](http://paperpunk.com/store/)
Chipotle Is Working With Palantir to Track Food Safety Risks
The burrito chain has enlisted Palantir for a platform that monitors pest incidents, employee illnesses, and other factors. The partnership comes after a nightmare summer for food safety across the US.
Kate Taylor
The iPhone 18 Pro Is for the Shutterbugs
Fun camera features help make these candy bar iPhones stand out from the dazzle of the folding iPhone Duo.
Julian Chokkattu
Don’t Buy an Android Phone Until You Read Our Guide
Shopping for a phone can be an ordeal. That’s why we’ve tested almost every Android phone, from the smartest to the cheapest—even phones that fold—to find the ones worth your money.
Julian Chokkattu
Introducing the WIRED App
The app is the best way to read, watch, and listen to WIRED’s journalism.
WIRED Staff
Hackers Got Inside a Flock Camera. Its Data Shows How the System Really Works
A hacker collective pulled down a Flock camera and dumped its data. The files included thousands of videos and logs showing that the device captured 1.6 million images of 50,000 vehicles in 21 days.
Dhruv Mehrotra
The EU Plans to Ban Social Media For Under-13s
The bloc wants to curb Big Tech’s grip on children with its new EU KIDS ACTS, but age checks, parental oversight, and privacy concerns could make its plan difficult to implement.
Isabella Ward
I Made Robot Vacuums Clean Up Cherry Juice and Cheerios. These Won
My hands-on tests reveal which models can scrub stains, reach difficult corners, and navigate a chaotic home.
Nena Farrell
Self-Driving Cars Might Change Crash Testing Forever
Lie down in a car, and you’re more likely to get seriously hurt in a crash. But a driverless future is forcing governments to revisit long-standing safety issues.
Aarian Marshall
Boox Just Announced the Palma 3 E-Reader
The e-paper device maker also launched two new color digital notebooks last night, the Note Air6 C and Mini C.
Nena Farrell
China Isn’t Buying Silicon Valley’s Call for an AI Slowdown
The US and China agree that advanced AI poses serious risks. But Beijing is deeply skeptical of a deal that prioritizes keeping US companies ahead.
Louise Matsakis
Why It Seems Like Great White Sharks Are Overrunning Maine
While a bunch of sharks cruising the Maine coast may seem ominous, it’s actually a sign of a conservation success story.
Molly Taft
It’s a Tablet! It’s a Laptop! It’s a 2-in-1—and Here’s What We Recommend
These portable computers balance tablet and laptop functionality, whether you want a screen that detaches or spins.
Luke Larsen