When I wrote about Fitbit’s AI health coach, I got feedback from a reader who said that they wished I would acknowledge that AI companions provide services that the real world has not been able to provide. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it, mainly because I feel really strongly that (A) having friends is not a service, and (B) IRL human friends should not be a luxury. It might feel hard and awkward at first, but if you take one thing from me this year, it’s: Go to the thing (if you’re invited). Text the person. I bet most people would like you if they met you or knew you better. It’s built into the hardware.
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I feel weird putting other people’s pics in here, but I will put pics of their amazing glasses. |
Then you, too, like me, can be set loose in a sea of cocktail and karaoke parties for this chaotic holiday week to wreak havoc! It’s a good thing you’re still biking to work … right? Or have a walking pad under your standing desk? Next year will bring more health and tech coverage than ever. Until then, party on and keep sending me your tips at adrienne_so@wired.com. This is Thank Me Later, signing off.
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All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. Learn more. |
I love this adorable, affordable, tiny bike computer. No more mounting your fragile glass pocket computer on the handlebars to get wet and cracked! That waterproof Chrome bag in white also looks hella good. |
My jaw dropped when I saw how much the Kindle Scribe Colorsoft costs. I have been waffling on a color Kindle for comic books for about a year because of the price. Maybe the price on the lower-end models will come down as all Kindles become color Kindles, eventually.
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Hear me out: Ban smartphones for kids and bring desktop computers back! That way, my kid can do her schoolwork and games for a little bit, then be forced to leave the computer behind and go outside! Make friends! Use your limbs! |
Have you checked out our new column, Starter Pack? We have a couple of columns already in the can for 2026, but many people have mentioned that a good pair of over-ear headphones is necessary on a plane or on a bus this time of year. |
Oh my God! Is Christmas really in nine days? |
- Do you still have people left to shop for? Goldbelly has not failed me yet for food gifts. I just keep staring at this blackout cake.
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Alaskan adventurer Dick Griffith died recently. There’s nothing like a hardcore adventurer’s memoir to remind you that your last few work obligations of the year are, in fact, a little bit silly.
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I did not include these pants in our roundup of the Best Travel Pants, because I was embarrassed of how much they cost, but I have worn them every other day since I got them. They’re all wool, they’re warm, you can wear them with ballet slippers to a party or sneakers just around, and they feel like pajama pants when you’re just in your house. Not affiliated, I just love them.
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Browse great deals and find the gear we recommend in this newsletter, like gifts for her and him, robot vacuums, karaoke gear, and kitchen essentials. |
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