Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender, a free antivirus tool within Windows Security that automatically scans for threats and logs its findings under Virus & threat protection. Users can review allowed threats and protection history, run a deeper Full scan, or use an offline scan via Windows Recovery Environment to catch malware that hides from standard scans. The Firewall & network protection settings should also be checked to ensure all three connection types are protected.
A linguistics researcher's new book, 'Beyond Words: How We Learn, Use, and Lose Language,' reports that learning a second language engages multiple cognitive processes simultaneously—memory, pattern recognition, and grammar processing—which can strengthen neural connections in older adults. The research points to bilingualism and language study as effective tools for maintaining cognitive function later in life, alongside activities like puzzles or music.
Amazon has confirmed its second major sale event of the year, Prime Big Deal Days, will run October 6-7, though discounts on tech and home products are already appearing ahead of the official start. Highlighted deals include the Google Pixel 10a, WIRED's top pick for Android phone, priced at $424, down from $499.
Apple has launched new Silicone and TechWoven MagSafe cases for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max, priced at $49 and $59 respectively, in colors like Burgundy, Mulberry and Taupe. Third-party makers including ESR, Spigen, Nomad and Burton Goods have also released their own iPhone 18 Pro case collections, ranging from budget options starting at $14 to premium leather and stand-equipped designs.
A retrospective critique revisits the 1986 animated Transformers: The Movie, praising its opening act — the Autobot City battle, Devastator's formation, and Optimus Prime's climactic duel with Megatron — as nearly flawless filmmaking. The piece also notes a missed opportunity: some scripts reportedly included the giant Autobot Metroplex defending the city, a scene cut for budget or production reasons.
Best Buy is offering a limited-time deal on Lenovo's Yoga Slim 7X, a 14-inch laptop with a 2K OLED touchscreen, Snapdragon X2 Elite 12-core processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB storage, for $1,000. The deal undercuts comparable Windows machines like Microsoft's Surface Laptop, which costs significantly more for less storage.
WIRED's latest roundup of open-ear headphones tests options across price points, including the Nothing Ear (Open) at $99, JLab Epic Open Sport at $100, EarFun Clip at $70, Shokz OpenFit Pro at $250, and the Suunto Wing 2 at $179. The reviewer is also currently testing the newer, cheaper Shokz OpenRun Air 2 as a potential budget alternative to pricier models.
AMC Theatres has introduced a novelty popcorn bucket tied to the upcoming 'Street Fighter' movie, continuing the trend of elaborate, gimmicky concession merchandise tied to blockbuster releases. The design leans into the game's over-the-top aesthetic, drawing attention for being both absurd and oddly appealing to fans.
Amazon is selling the 40mm Bluetooth version of Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 for $259.99, a $40 cut from its $299.99 list price. The watch runs Wear OS 6 with One UI 8 Watch, offers up to 40 hours of battery life, and includes health tracking features tied to Samsung Health and Galaxy AI.
Zach Cregger's new Resident Evil film, opening September 18, has earned a 97% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes ahead of release, with several critics calling it the best video game movie ever made. The film reportedly leans harder into horror than past franchise entries, drawing praise for its faithfulness to the source material despite dropping familiar characters like Leon S. Kennedy and Claire Redfield.
This month's streaming slate blends vintage titles with new releases: John Carpenter's The Thing arrives on Prime Video, The Fifth Element lands on Netflix, and an R-rated director's cut of the second X-Files film hits Hulu. Newer additions include Disney+'s The Mandalorian and Grogu, Netflix's Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway, and Edge of Tomorrow streaming on Paramount+.
Amazon has discounted the recently released Garmin Vivoactive 6 fitness smartwatch by 23% off its list price, marking the lowest price the device has seen since launch. The deal applies to Garmin's latest wearable, which tracks fitness and health metrics.
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