Techin' Geek – Page 18

The Most Comprehensive Image of the Milky Way’s Core to Date

June 28, 2026sparta

The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid space telescope has captured the most extensive and intricate visible-light image of the Milky Way’s galactic bulge, the core region of our galaxy. This image is a composite of over 60 million stars, along with nebulae and star clusters, assisting scientists in verifying exoplanets and measuring their masses with enhanced accuracy. Although Euclid was designed for studying distant galaxies, its camera manages to image the Milky Way’s luminous, dense core, achieved in just 26 hours on March 23, 2025. The mosaic, created from nine exposures, encompasses an area larger than that of the full moon, with Euclid’s imaging area being 270 times that of Hubble’s field of view and significantly quicker—Keck Observatory would need roughly 2,000 hours for the same coverage. This latest image of the Milky Way in a star-laden region is perfect for exoplanet investigation through microlensing. Jean-Philippe Beaulieu remarked that almost 300 exoplanets have been identified using this method over two decades; the Euclid image features 51 known planetary systems and is expected to aid in discovering many more. Although Euclid’s brief observation period couldn’t identify new microlensing occurrences, it remains beneficial for assessing known planetary masses. Natalia Rektsini emphasized that Euclid supplies the essential historical data for upcoming microlensing occurrences that the Roman space telescope will observe. Euclid’s findings will serve as a benchmark for future missions, enabling comprehensive studies and accurate mass assessments of exoplanets. Valeria Pettorino pointed out that Euclid’s distinct data regarding the Milky Way’s center, offering a wide and clear perspective, also serves purposes for examining brown dwarfs, binary stars, stellar movements, and dust in our galaxy. This article, originally from WIRED Italia, was translated from Italian.

62 Last-Minute Prime Day Weekend Offers: Save Up to 45% (2026)

June 28, 2026sparta

These open earbuds provide exceptional audio with clear precision and detailed instrumentation. Their flexible design guarantees a comfortable fit with minimal irritation, although securing them might take a few attempts. They boast a battery life of about seven and a half hours and have an IPX4 rating, safeguarding them against water splashes and light rain. Moreover, they feature advanced Bose capabilities such as multipoint pairing, Bose Spatial Audio, and push-button controls for playback, calls, and volume management. —Boutayna Chokrane

Our top choice for a Bluetooth speaker is on sale for Prime Day. Reviewers commend the JBL Flip 7 for its impressive combination of portability and audio quality, delivering surprisingly strong sound for its size. It’s designed to withstand outdoor conditions, with drop-tested durability and water resistance. Additionally, it supports Auracast for synchronization with other JBL models. —Nena Farrell

Jump to Section: Best Tech Deals, Best Amazon Device Deals, Best Apple and Apple Accessory Deals, Best AV Deals, Best Home & Kitchen Deals, Best Beauty & Wellness Deals, Best Mobile & Wearable Deals

Best Home & Kitchen Deals

Google’s third-gen Nest Cam Indoor is the most intelligent indoor security camera on the market today. It offers 2K resolution at 30 fps, along with HDR and night vision. It also provides two-way audio, enforced two-factor authentication, and accurate detection for individuals, animals, or vehicles. While the Google Home Premium subscription costs $10 monthly ($100/year) for 30 days of event video history and familiar face alerts, it encompasses all Nest devices. —Simon Hill

Duer’s Multipurpose Trousers Available at Discount This Weekend

June 27, 2026sparta

With Amazon Prime Day now past, it’s time to gear up for Fourth of July discounts. Although many leading retailers adjusted their summer sale timelines to rival Amazon, fantastic deals can still be found, particularly in the active and outdoor categories.

According to the WIRED Reviews team, REI is hosting the best sale of the weekend. Yet, you can also explore midsummer discounts at popular shopping spots like Backcountry, Home Depot, and Lululemon. And remember Duer.

The Canadian brand, renowned for its outdoor apparel, features classics enhanced with performance specifications such as Tencel fabric and triple-stitching. The No Sweat Relaxed Taper pants, a fixture in my wardrobe for years, are as cozy as sweatpants but fashionable enough for business meetings and tough enough for camping excursions.

Duer rarely has sales, and pants generally retail for around $100, with shirts costing about $50. Nonetheless, in the lead-up to July 4th, you can enjoy approximately 20% off select pants and up to 35% off certain shorts and long-sleeved shirts.

In recent months, I’ve been alternating several Duer items: Performance Denim+ Straight, Live Lite Traveller Pant, Air Flow Pique Polo, PurePima Only Tee, and my top pick, No Sweat Relaxed Taper.

The pima cotton tee is another standout. It stays soft and well-fitted even after two washes, emerging as a strong contender for my new favorite black T-shirt. It would be excellent if Duer marketed it as the world’s best T-shirt to enter our men’s shirt comparison.

The pique polo is equally noteworthy (with the Hazy Mauve color currently marked down), offering breathability, a perfectly designed collar, and shape maintenance through laundering.

For your upcoming summer adventures or camping getaways, this apparel is certainly worth considering.

Top 28 Offers Below $100 Before Prime Day Concludes

June 27, 2026sparta

Amazon Prime Day in 2026 has an unmistakable vibe, even as it wraps up the final day of the week-long event. It’s an excellent chance to grab high-value items, with a multitude of Amazon Prime Day TV Deals, Prime Day Apple Deals, and Prime Day Tech Deals ideal for those aiming to enhance their lifestyle.

Nevertheless, this year has posed challenges for many, so I’m keeping my spending in check. Therefore, I’ve put together a selection of fantastic Amazon Prime Day Deals under $100, allowing you to acquire essentials, upgrade products, or small indulgences without future remorse—consider a budget-friendly Kindle or a solid-value Fitbit. With just hours remaining, this is your final chance to grab these items at such a low cost.

For the very best bargains, explore WIRED’s Absolute Best Prime Day Deals. To stay updated on current lightning deals, visit our Amazon Prime Day live blog.

Updated 9 PM ET on Friday, June 26: This post now features a final refresh of deals as Prime Day comes to a close.

**WIRED Featured Deals**

**The Top Fitbit for $85 ($75 off)**
Even after three years, the Charge 6 remains the Fitbit WIRED suggests for the majority. The AMOLED touchscreen is vibrant and easy to view, covering all the critical aspects of a fitness watch, such as monitoring blood oxygen, heart rate, skin temperature, sleep patterns, and indicating stress or irregular heart rhythms. While not perfectly precise, it meets the needs of most enthusiasts, particularly at its current price.

**WIRED’s Preferred Power Bank for $91 ($29 off)**
A reliable power bank can change the game, removing the desperate hunt for charging outlets. This sleek model is our favorite power bank for a reason: with a 25,000-mAh capacity, it supports fast charging for both phones and laptops, as well as charging two devices at once. Additionally, it features a retractable flat 2-foot USB-C cable and another 1-foot USB-C cable that can also function as a carrying loop.

Samsung’s Outstanding OLED Displays Are Discounted by Up to 38% for Prime Day

June 26, 2026sparta

Samsung manufactures some of the best OLED monitors, and several of its premier gaming monitors are enjoying significant discounts for Prime Day.

The top offer on the market is on the Odyssey G6 (G61SH). This 27-inch monitor represents one of the newest additions from Samsung, boasting a 240-Hz refresh rate at a resolution of 2560 x 1440. It’s currently available at a 36 percent discount for Prime Day, priced at $385 (down from $500). While it has seen price reductions in recent months, this marks its lowest price yet.

We assessed a previous model of the G6 in late 2024, but the key difference lies in the reduced refresh rate of the latest iteration. It was significantly more expensive back then, with even the 360-Hz variant now marked down to $600 (from $900). Each option delivers an impressive gaming monitor experience. In SDR, it reaches merely 250 nits, yet in HDR gaming, it can achieve up to 1,000 nits of brightness.

OLED technology ensures rapid response times and exceptional motion clarity in gaming compared to conventional IPS screens.

One of the standout aspects of Samsung’s OLED monitors is their elegant and contemporary design, highlighted by their thin profiles and flat bases, which help to minimize desk space usage.

The Odyssey G5 is also discounted. Last updated last year, it shares numerous qualities with the G6, offering OLED technology with the same resolution. The main distinction is a lower refresh rate of 180 Hz, complemented by a different base and stand design. It’s priced at $334, representing a solid choice at $50 less than the G6.

The significant drop in OLED monitor prices over recent years is worth noting. Once considered a premium choice for buyers spending upwards of $1,000, OLED is now more reachable for mainstream PC gamers. Samsung’s polished design is additionally appealing to content creators or anyone wanting a high-end display for professional use.

Although not personally evaluated, Samsung’s ultrawide G75F is also available at $630, which is its lowest price in months. This 49-inch monitor, while not OLED, features a curved design and a 180-Hz refresh rate. Finally, Samsung’s budget-friendly Odyssey G30D, providing 1080p resolution, is on offer for under $200.

Be sure to check out the complete list of the best Amazon Prime Day deals we’ve been curating all week.

Observing the Colossal Asteroid Approaching Earth This Weekend

June 26, 2026sparta

The European Space Agency (ESA) revealed that asteroid (152637) 1997 NC1 will approach Earth at its nearest point in 400 years this weekend. While there is no risk of it hitting Earth, it can be viewed through commercial telescopes and astronomical binoculars globally.

On Saturday, June 27, the asteroid will come within 2.56 million kilometers (1.59 million miles) of Earth—6.6 times the distance between Earth and the moon. Its size is estimated to range from 700 meters to 1.6 kilometers in diameter. It will not approach this closely again until 2133, according to the ESA.

The closest encounter will occur on June 27 at 11:14 UTC. Viewing times depend on the region:

– Europe: Night of June 26-27, particularly early morning
– Mexico: Night of June 26-27
– US: Night of June 26-27, prime before sunrise
– Argentina and Southern Cone: Night of June 27-28, as it moves south

The asteroid will be observable for several days afterward, although its luminosity will decrease and its position will shift. Chances to view it extend for a few days following the approach but become less favorable in the northern hemisphere.

Even though it is larger than a skyscraper, the asteroid will not be visible without assistance. It will exhibit a brightness comparable to Neptune, about magnitude 10, according to the ESA.

Through a telescope or binoculars, the asteroid will show as a small light point moving at 40 arc seconds per minute against the backdrop of stars—easy to detect movement over a few minutes.

Your eyesight alone will not suffice, as the asteroid’s dimness exceeds naked-eye visibility by 40 times, and the brightness of the moon reduces sky contrast.

As it approaches closest, the asteroid will be positioned in the constellations Ophiuchus and Serpens Cauda, below the star Vega. Astronomy applications such as Stellarium and SkySafari can assist in finding it by searching for “1997 NC1.”

Astronomers recommend using a commercial telescope with at least a 100mm aperture, though models in the 150 to 200mm range offer improved viewing. It is also visible with 15 x 70 or 20 x 80 binoculars mounted on a tripod, away from light pollution.

For those who cannot observe in person, the Virtual Telescope Project will broadcast the event on June 26 and 27.

Originally published on WIRED en Español, translated from Spanish.

We’re Live Updating for Genuine Amazon Prime Day Buyers

June 25, 2026sparta

Glow Recipe’s Hue Drops are multifunctional beauty products. They function as a primer, a tinted face serum, and a liquid highlighter. Blending it with your foundation can enhance your glow. When not wearing makeup, it can be used after moisturizer and sunscreen during the summer months. Important ingredients include niacinamide for dark spot reduction and refining pore visibility, centella asiatica for calming effects, hyaluronic acid, and watermelon for moisture. Free from synthetic dyes, sulfates, and parabens, it’s suitable for sensitive skin. Additionally, it features a delightful watermelon fragrance. While not the most affordable option, a 20 percent discount makes it more attractive.

The Best Breville Espresso Machine Is Currently 30% Discounted (2026)

June 24, 2026sparta

There are typically just two occasions each year when espresso makers or latte machines see genuine price cuts: Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. Indeed, Prime Day promotions on coffee or espresso machines frequently represent the finest discounts of the year.

Breville, a leading kitchen appliance brand, is providing significant markdowns on its coffee machines and popular smart ovens. The Breville Barista Express is reduced by nearly $200, marking the lowest price in five years, and has been our suggested espresso machine for the majority of that time. Breville’s Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is the toaster oven air fryer endorsed by kitchen and coffee writer Matthew Korfhage—and it’s now 20 percent off, the best rate this year.

Visit our deals page to find the top savings we’ve discovered on nearly everything. Additionally, explore our compilation of the Absolute Best Prime Day Deals and our Amazon Prime Day live blog, where the Gear team shares real-time updates.

### The Best Espresso Machine for Most

Breville’s Barista Express is a semiautomatic espresso machine, perfect for beginners in home brewing. It comes with a grinder and steaming wand for crafting milk-frothy beverages. We’ve been recommending this Breville model for almost a decade due to its worth, dependability, and user-friendliness. Now nearly $200 off on Prime Day, it’s the lowest price recorded all year. The Express produces rich-flavored espresso, especially on medium and dark roasts, and Breville’s solid warranty and outstanding customer service enhance its appeal.

Personalize your Breville Barista Express with choices like Black Truffle, Black Sesame, and Brushed Stainless Steel, which are also on sale.

### The Best Oven-Air Fryer Combo There Is

The Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, alongside the Joule version with enhanced software, is arguably the best of its category. In compact apartments, it’s often more suitable than large ovens that warm up the entire area. This combo delivers remarkable precision, even toasting, and the capability to air-fry nuggets to crispy perfection, dehydrate fruits, and roast sweet potatoes. It’s currently available at its lowest price before the holidays at just over $300.

For those on a tighter budget or in a smaller space, the Compact Smart Oven still accommodates a 12-inch pizza and is only $124 on Prime Day.

### A Barista on Your Countertop

This is the pricier, touchscreen Barista Express, perfect for anyone seeking café-quality espresso at home with minimal effort. Its integrated touchscreen provides step-by-step guidance, pre-programmed drink choices, and automatic milk frothing—the steam wand operates by itself. It combines features like automatic water-pressure adjustment, a precision conical burr grinder with dose control, and a thermoblock heating system.

### Our Pod Espresso Pick

For an uncomplicated espresso and coffee solution (without pretentiousness), this flexible machine utilizes Nespresso Vertuo and Starbucks capsules for effective brewing. It’s an eco-friendly alternative, delivering espresso with single or double shots, along with iced or milk frothing functionalities. This compact machine enables you to prepare cold brew, iced or hot coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos year-round, at a significant discount.

Best Dyson Prime Day Offers: Vacuum Cleaners, Hair Styling Tools, and Additional Items

June 24, 2026sparta

I don’t know anyone who is enthusiastic about a traditional upright vacuum these days, but if you happen to, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 is your top pick. Its Extra model is on sale for Prime Day, featuring more attachments than the regular version.

Best Dyson Hair Tool Offers

When you think of Dyson hair tools, the Airwrap probably comes to mind. The Airwrap i.d. has a distinct look but operates in a similar way, utilizing air for styling and drying. There are options for straight/wavy hair and curly/coily hair, but only the straight and wavy option is available on sale for Prime Day at a nice discount.

The Dyson Airstrait provides what many desire: converting wet hair to dry and straight at the same time without heated plates, claiming to cause no heat damage. It’s not ideal for every hair type and requires some practice, but it performed well on former reviewer Brenda Stolyar’s wavy hair during testing.

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14 Walmart Offers We Favor More Than Current Competitor Promotions

June 23, 2026sparta

Prime Day is in full motion, but Amazon isn’t the sole venue for bargains. Walmart is hosting a rival sale dubbed “Walmart Deals.” Paralleling Prime Day, Walmart’s event features markdowns on headphones, tablets, kitchenware, and various tech gadgets. The highlight is the absence of member-exclusive offers, enabling you to shop without needing to register. I’ve gathered all the top deals on WIRED-approved products.

If nothing catches your eye, browse our selection of the Absolute Best Prime Day Deals.

Best Tech Offers

Our preferred portable Bluetooth speaker, JBL’s Flip, strikes an ideal balance between portability and audio performance. The Flip 7 includes additional features such as water resistance, a convenient release strap, and a two-hour battery enhancement (four hours with reduced bass).

The optimal streaming device for the average user, this Roku stick is compact, speedy, and easily connects to your TV’s HDMI port. It’s user-friendly and comes with a useful remote that supports voice searches.

Equipped with the same H2 chip found in the AirPods Pro 2, the PowerBeats Pro 2 wowed our reviewer with its snug fit and impressive sound quality. It features ANC, transparency modes for safe outdoor and gym usage, wireless charging, IP57 protection, bass-enhanced audio, and integrated heart rate monitoring.

The basic iPad fulfills all essential tablet requirements, showcasing the latest model updated in 2025 with an A16 chip and 6 GB of RAM. Perfect for casual gaming, reading, and watching films in bed, it’s a fantastic offer akin to Amazon’s Prime member promotion.

These compact trackers are among the top choices for keeping tabs on your keys or luggage if you own an iPhone. They employ Bluetooth and Apple’s U1 location-finding chip for precise tracking in the Find My app.

The premier wireless outdoor security camera for Google users, the Nest Cam Outdoor boasts a convenient magnetic mount, a 130-degree field of view, and captures clear 1080p video with HDR and night vision. Although you receive just three free hours of event history, a Home Premium subscription provides 30 days and facial recognition features.

Even later in the console generation’s lifespan, Microsoft’s flagship Xbox Series X continues to be available and may be the finest way to maximize its Game Pass library.

Worried about your children’s screen time? This interactive gaming console will motivate them to stay active in your living space. The Nex Playground was enjoyable during my tests, and the company has since introduced more games.

Just in time for summer, the top slushie machine is now on sale. It creates icy beverages for kids and frozen margaritas for adults, featuring user-friendly controls, a dependable drip tray, and easy maintenance.

The Charge 6 might be dated, but it remains our top Fitbit and may hold that title until Fitbit integrates with Google. It features a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen and tracks heart rate, blood oxygen, and skin temperature with ECG and electrodermal activity scans for heart rhythm and stress level assessment.

Typically budget-friendly, the TCL QM6K becomes a steal with this price cut. The 65-inch model utilizes QLED display technology for bright colors and solid contrast, even from angled views. Gamers will appreciate the 144 Hz refresh rate for low-lag gaming, all driven by Google TV’s intuitive interface.

Keep an eye on your pets with this AI-enhanced smart pet camera featuring 1080p HD video, night vision, and two-way audio. The built-in AI recognizes your pets and uploads photos for enhanced smart capabilities.

Previously a sensation on TikTok, this remains a superb upholstery or carpet cleaner at its regular price. It efficiently tackles spills and can eliminate stains, without the bulk of a conventional carpet cleaner.

Ninja’s premier semi-automatic espresso machine rivals Breville’s Barista Express as a favored choice, providing an exceptional deal on a machine that excels in automatic milk frothing.