This week on “Uncanny Valley,” we dig into a former Anthropic researcher’s AI doomsday warning, the latest upgrades from Apple’s event, and the census report that claimed Trump won the 2020 election.
Most Recent Articles
August 2026 Was the Hottest Month Ever Recorded: Copernicus Data
While the strengthening El Niño helped boost temperatures, climate change is the main culprit for making August so hot.
Which iPhone 18 Model Should You Buy?
Apple’s new folding iPhone Duo is finally here, alongside refreshed Pro models. Our primer has all the details you need to choose the iPhone 18 that’s right for you.
Best Robot Lawn Mowers (2026): 12+ Models Tested Over 3 Years
Smart mowers are an expensive alternative to old-fashioned yard work, but they’re finally good enough to consider if you’d rather sip an iced tea and watch a robot tame your lawn.
Charlie Kirk Was Shot a Year Ago. The Conspiracy Theories Are More Rampant Than Ever
Experts say conspiracy theorizing about the identity and motive of Charlie Kirk’s killer will likely continue for a long time to come.
Coway Airmega Halo Review: Is Your Air Really Clean?
Coway’s new Airmega Halo runs quietly and clears visible smoke quickly, but its air-quality readings weren’t always reassuring.
Best Bluetooth Speaker (2026): JBL, Sonos, Marshall, and More
I tested portable speakers of all shapes and sizes, from pocket to party-sized.
‘Killmonger Locs’ Are Everywhere in Video Games. This Artist Is Sick of It
The Black Panther villain’s hairstyle has become a default for Black video game characters because it’s easy to code. Danielle Udogaranya is changing that.
9 Windows Laptops That Give MacBooks a Run for Their Money
Windows laptops have never been so good, and they’re only going to get better as we move through 2026.
Everything New You Can Do With Siri AI
When iOS 27 arrives, it will bring with it a fully revamped assistant for your iPhone.
Book Excerpt: Emily St. John Mandel’s ‘Exit Party’ Imagines a Future Where a Spy Could Disappear
In Emily St. John Mandel’s new novel Exit Party, becoming a “ghost” means running afoul of the state. In this excerpt, a secret agent discovers it doesn’t take much.
Vari Electric Standing Desk Review (2026): Form and Value
The Vari Ergo electric standing desk is compact, easy to assemble, affordable, and gently sloped to fit my natural posture and shape.
Clearview AI Is Testing an AI Tool That Would Let Cops Unearth Your Life Online
InquiryIQ, a previously unreported prototype, tested a model from xAI, maker of Grok, to surface associates, social accounts, and other information about people identified through Clearview.
A Teen Girl’s Death Is Prompting Calls to Ban Choking in Porn
Despite the many health risks, sexual strangulation has become popular among young people—with some experts blaming adult content for normalizing it.
Want to Get Off Your Phone? Mina Kimes Suggests Having a Baby
“I think that's been the most helpful thing,” says the ESPN journalist. “So there you go, Zoomers. There's a reason to have children.”
A Satellite Falling Out of Orbit Embarks on Its Final Mission
Before reentering our atmosphere, the telescopes onboard NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory have been restarted to take their last observations.
Our Favorite GoPro 360 Camera Is Now 40 Percent Off
The GoPro Max 2 is almost half off at Amazon and other retailers, along with other great action camera deals.
Trump Probably Won’t Give $5,000 to Every US Adult if Republicans Win the Midterms
The eyebrow-raising proposal, delivered during the president’s speech at the midterm convention, would cost $1.2 trillion and would need congressional approval.
Govee Discount Codes and Deals: 30% Off
New to Govee? Get a $5 coupon on your first purchase just for signing up.
NZXT Discount Codes: 50% Off in September 2026
Save 50%, plus up to $250 with NZXT promo codes and discounts.
Hungryroot Coupon Codes: 30% Off This September 2026
Get up to 30% off your first order and free gifts using a Hungryroot promo code today. Discover our best coupons and discounts to let you save on your healthy groceries as a new or returning customer.