With all the talk of “AI laptops” (and, well, AI everything), it’s natural to wonder how much these advancements will cost you. The first laptops to include Intel’s new Core Ultra CPU and neural processing units, which help accelerate AI tasks, haven’t been cheap, with some models like the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra hitting as much as $3,000.
There’s good news though. The Acer Swift Go 14 (I tested the model SFG14-73T-75FA) is the least expensive Intel Core Ultra laptop I’ve tested to date, and at just $800 it’s the first to break the $1,000 barrier. Clearly, some sacrifices have been made to get there. The question is, are they dealbreakers?
The new Swift Go covers the basics at least. Its 14-inch touchscreen at 1,920 X 1,200 pixels is about the bare minimum acceptable resolution I’d consider today. The screen is moderately bright, though there are plenty of more eye-searing laptops on the market. Processing is courtesy of the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU—a healthy step up from the pokier Core 5 entry-level chip. There’s 16 GB of RAM and a 1-TB solid state drive to back it up—acceptable specs.
Photograph: Acer
A tour around the device reveals a surprisingly robust collection of ports considering the smallish size of the laptop: two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, a full-size HDMI output, two USB-A ports, and a microSD card slot. All ports are located on the sides of the device, as the screen hinge is designed such that the back of the lid folds backward to cover the rear of the laptop’s base, eventually hitting the desk and raising the keyboard a couple of millimeters at an angle.
Performance is better than expected considering the Swift Go 14’s specs, turning in above-average benchmarks on general productivity and graphics work. For a laptop without a discrete graphics processor, it even performed well on AI-based benchmarks, besting other laptops with more advanced CPUs at the same tasks. How excited you’ll be then that the Swift Go 14 includes a dedicated Copilot key on the keyboard, making it easy to quickly jump into Microsoft’s new (and still in beta) “everyday AI companion.” As for battery life, I achieved exactly 11 hours of rundown on a full-brightness YouTube test, a bit above average for the field.
Another innovation on the laptop is its new “multi-control touchpad,” which is made from Gorilla Glass and features backlit media controls that activate whenever you’re playing audio or video— such as when you’re in Windows Media Player or on YouTube in a browser window. It’s a handy way to interact with pause/play and volume controls if you’re using your laptop to watch a movie at arm’s length, but note that these controls don’t pop up for every website—including video previews that may play in the Chrome or Edge browser when you’re not actively in YouTube or another streaming platform.
The Alienware m16 R2 uses a 2,560 X 1,600-pixel resolution IPS display that’s decent for its price but not particularly remarkable. The display lacks HDR support, instead opting for a basic sRGB color gamut. This isn’t a huge deal, but when similarly priced laptops like the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 pack vibrant OLED panels, it’s hard to ignore.
It peaks at 300 nits of brightness, which is slightly lower than some gaming laptops I’ve recently tested. Sitting next to a window during the day, I could still easily make out what was on the screen, but I started to struggle while outdoors in broad daylight.
The m16 R2’s display does have one advantage: It has a 240-Hz refresh rate, which is especially welcome in fast-paced games that can take advantage of it. While playing Doom Eternal on medium settings, I got an excess of 200 frames per second, which made jumping around and shooting demons a buttery-smooth experience.
Many other gaming laptops at this price (like the Zephyrus G14) are limited to 120 Hz, so that makes the m16 R2 an attractive alternative if you’re looking for extra-smooth gameplay. It’s worth noting that the refresh rate is useful only if games can take advantage of it, which means you’ll need to consider your spec options carefully.
For Work and Play
The base model of the Alienware m16 R2 comes with an Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU, but it can be upgraded to an RTX 4070, which was in the model I tested. With the RTX 4070, I played Overwatch 2 on medium settings while hitting well over 200 fps. In a competitive game where split-second decisionmaking matters, this is a huge benefit.
In more modern, graphics-intensive single-player games like Starfield, I reliably got 50 to 60 fps in crowded areas like New Atlantis, with higher frame rates in less-demanding areas of the game. Cyberpunk 2077 fared similarly, regularly maintaining 70 to 80 fps during combat, dipping to 50 to 60 fps while driving through crowded parts of the city.
Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft
All of these tests were done while plugged in, but it’s important to remember that if you plan to play on battery, more frames means more power drain. The m16 R2 has a substantial 90-watt-hour battery, which is among the largest you’ll find in a laptop. But cranking graphics settings to their maximum will burn through that fast. Performing normal tasks on the m16 R2, I achieved roughly nine to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge. Gaming dropped that number substantially, but I was able to get an hour and a half to two hours of continuous gaming if I was careful to optimize my graphics settings and not push the machine too hard.
Overall, the Alienware m16 R2 balances power with everyday needs. You can use this laptop as your daily driver for work and get a full day of battery life out of it, then plug it into a dock at the end of the day to do some pretty robust gaming.
Concessions to modernity include sapphire crystal instead of plastic for the dial covering on these new models, and high-grade rubber straps instead of the plastic of old. The range includes five versions with stainless steel cases (two of which have black PVD coatings to match their bezels), and five featuring cases in the original Arnite, in fun colorways designed in partnership with New York-based Kith.
Ronnie Fieg, Kith’s founder and an influential figure in today’s streetwear and sneaker world, is also a passionate collector of vintage TAG Heuer Formula 1s. The all-plastic versions, plus two steel versions with bright blue and green bezels respectively, are exclusive to Kith—find them in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Toronto, Hawaii, Tokyo and Paris, or on its website.
But expect to move fast, because if the MoonSwatch is any precedent, the scalpers will move faster—notwithstanding the fact that at $1,350, the new Formula 1s are five times the price of a MoonSwatch.
But they are rare: there are only 250 examples each of the Kith exclusive all-Arnite models, and 350 of the two steel Kith exclusives. The two models with black-coated steel cases, also with green or blue bezels and straps, are exclusive to TAG Heuer stores (and will not be online), and limited to 825 pieces each.
Finally, the version with a stainless steel case and bracelet, and black bezel, is shared between both brands, and limited to 1,350 pieces. All models feature quartz movements and 200-meter water resistance, just as the originals did. There is also, according to TAG Heuer’s press release, a boxed set featuring all ten watches, though the brand has yet to confirm how and where it is available.
As well as featuring Kith’s “Just Us” slogan on the dial, the watches are also co-branded, with “Kith” replacing “TAG” in the watchmaker’s logo—the first time TAG Heuer has ever co-branded a watch, and reflective of the company’s keenness to speak to the Gen Z consumers that are meat and drink to brands like Kith.
Indeed, modern TAG Heuer, owned by LVMH, the luxury conglomerate, since 1999, has been going through its own series of rebirths in recent years. These have included the development of its high-end Connected smartwatch; the introduction of lab-grown diamonds for high-end models; attempts (ongoing, but as yet unsuccessful) to revolutionize hairspring production with nano-technology; a recent reintroduction of its long-dormant eyewear business; the introduction, with Citizen’s help, of solar-powered models; and multiple changes in both management, product and pricing strategy.
Just under 5,000 watches will be available in total from this pimped F1 reissue, spread across 10 limited editions. However, unlike the MoonSwatch, some will be available online.
If you save a lot of articles using Pocket, you can read them on Kobos. The Pocket integration was supposed to go away in 2023, but Kobo updated its system to enable them to work, and this is no longer an issue. You can’t write on Pocket articles no matter where you’re reading them, but you can import documents you want to mark up to the Libra as PDFs. As a writer, it’s fun to break out my old proofreading marks again.
I also tested Kobo’s SleepCover ($40), which can be folded into a stand. I usually go coverless when using e-readers because they’re pretty durable, but I liked this one too much. It keeps the device steady even when I write notes.
Right to Repair
How colors appear on the Libra screen versus how they appear when exported to a computer.
Photograph: Medea Giordano
Reading on the Libra Colour was a largely problem-free experience, but I had some “ghosting” (where you can see faint traces of menus or erased text) in the notebooks. This usually remedied itself after a few seconds, but it was more noticeable than other e-readers I’ve tested of late. Occasionally I’d have to turn the page and go back to fix it.
The Libra is waterproof and made from recycled plastics, and the battery should last a month or so, depending on how much you read and write. I am of the mind that the page-turn buttons included here should be standard across all e-readers. That said, the Libra Colour is expensive at $220. Add in the $70 stylus and it’s even more of a steep price for a color screen.
If it’s any consolation, the Kobo Libra Colour is repairable, so your money can go a long way. Kobo has partnered with iFixit to make kits for repairing the display, battery, and motherboard, plus the front and back covers. This extends to the Clara Colour and the original black-and-white Clara. More details on this are coming soon.
Kobo e-readers may lack the Amazon Kindle’s large library, but if you’ve been trying to move away from all things Amazon, it’s a perfectly great e-reader. And with this new Libra, reading and writing in color is just plain fun.
I am, by nature, a skeptic. When something generates a lot of hype, I often reflexively cast doubt on it. Few effects pedals in recent memory have created more buzz than the Mercury X from the audio wizards at Meris, which has built its reputation making high-end guitar pedals. But after using it, I can’t even try to pretend that the Mercury X doesn’t live up to the hype. It’s pretty expensive at $599, but it’s the best reverb pedal on the market, full stop.
That could be the end of the review, honestly, but I know I can’t make a statement that bold without backing it up. The Mercury X feels every bit like the high-end pedal it is and I have no doubts it would easily survive the rigors of tour life.
On the Floor
Let’s start by talking about the build: It’s rock solid. The four footswitches, four potentiometers and three push encoders are sturdy and have a good amount of resistance. The screen is bright and viewable from any angle, and the Mercury X has basically all the connectivity options you could ask for. It has stereo ins and outs, 5-pin MIDI in and out, an expression pedal jack and USB-C, though the latter is strictly for firmware updates right now.
Obviously, the hardware is secondary. It’s the variety and incredible quality of the reverb algorithms (“structures” in Meris’ terminology) packed into the pedal that make it the best available. There are eight in total, ranging from your standard spring and hall reverbs, to more exotic fare like “Ultraplate” and “Gravity”. Regardless of whether they’re more restrained or truly out there ambient washes, they sound incredible.
Photograph: Terrence O’Brien
Familiar Favorites
I am picky about my spring reverbs. I often find that emulations are thin and obviously artificial compared to the sound of a traditional Fender amp. Even the real deal can sound cheap and toy-like when not properly implemented. But Meris knocks it out of the park with a spring algorithm that is convincing and lush at subtler settings, and when you crank it feels like your guitar is running through an impossibly large spring tank without seeming unnatural.
The 78 Room, 78 Plate and 78 Hall algorithms are borrowed from Meris’ collaboration with Chase Bliss (another relentlessly innovative guitar pedal company), the CXM 1978. That pedal is, in turn, modeled on the Lexicon 224, an iconic digital reverb unit from the late ‘70s used by the likes of Vangelis, Brian Eno, Kate Bush and Talking Heads. The difference here is that the CXM has three different versions of each of those algorithms, while the Mercury X only has the “hifi” rendition. These are all incredible sounding as well, but not super realistic. Instead, they mimic the unique character of early digital rackmount units. With the peripheral effects that Meris includes you can really lean into the lofi and imperfect nature of their inspiration.
Ultraplate and Cathedral come from Meris’ modern classic reverb pedal, the Mercury 7. These are epic, in the truest sense of the word. Sure, you can dial things down and get large, but not uncontrollable, reverb tails from them. But they come into their own when you embrace the vast voids of their extremes. The Ultraplate in particular rings out almost for an eternity even with the decay set to halfway.
The last two algorithms, Prism and Gravity, are unique to the Mercury X. They’re the two most out there options. Prism is a “dual tank that allows you to build your own geometric rooms.” That description doesn’t really give you an idea of what it sounds like. I would describe it as dense with reflections, and somehow simultaneously claustrophobic and massive. Gravity is almost granular in nature, it takes small chunks of your sound and smears them out over an infinity. If you want to play big ambient emo melody lines these two are probably going to be your best friend (along with Ultraplate).
This standard rates masks based on filtration, breathability, and an optional leakage ratio. The CDC has a list of masks here, and it tells which masks pass enough of these criteria to qualify for either of the Workplace Performance labels (as of writing, there are only three that earned the label), but this is all based on data reported by suppliers and manufacturers. If you can’t find N95 masks but don’t work in a high-risk setting, these are also decent masks to pick up.
Also, note that ASTM refers to the agency that classifies standards, but this workplace standard is not the only ASTM standard that governs masks. This standard is technically ASTM F3502-21, which only has the two Workplace Performance levels mentioned above. You may also see other masks that use labels like “ASTM Level 3,” which refer to different ASTM standards for medical masks. For our purposes, all of this means that if you’re looking for low-risk masks for the office, look for the Workplace Performance labels.
N95 Respirator Face Masks
The CDC has a giant list of approved N95 masks. Unfortunately, the supply of many brands is constantly fluctuating (even in 2024), so you may need to check back regularly to see which are in stock. Many stores also have regional stock based on in-store supply, so be sure to check your local zip code at different sites where applicable.
Kimberly-Clark N95 Respirator Mask.
Photograph: Kimberly Clark
If you need a large number of N95s on the cheap, this pack from Kimberly-Clark is one of your best bets. While these are NIOSH-approved N95 respirators, they’re not intended for medical use. If that’s not an issue for you, then the horizontal-fold pouch and bendable nosepiece should provide a solid seal on your face, while still costing less than a dollar per mask.
This fold-style mask uses two over-the-head straps to keep the mask snug on your face, while still allowing a fair amount of breathing room in front of your mouth and nose. These are among the pricier masks on our list, but members of our team have used these and found them comfortable and sturdy.
3M Aura N95 Respirator Mask.
Photograph: 3M
3M’s N95 respirators are individually wrapped and have two horizontal folds that create a decent-sized cup in front of your nose and mouth. The masks come with two straps that go over your head and neck to keep a tight seal. This is one of the smaller packs on our list, but you may have an easier time finding it in stock at some stores.
Honeywell Safety DF300 N95 Mask.
Photograph: Honeywell
The DF300 N95 from Honeywell is a more affordable option on this list. With this mask, you’ll get multilayer absorption (including a humidity- and moisture-resistant filter), a soft inner lining, and latex-free head straps. The nose clip is also adjustable and hidden underneath the mask. It comes complete with a soft foam nose cushion as well, which should make it more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.
KF94 Masks
Vida Adult KF94 Mask.
Photograph: VIDA
Vida’s KF94 mask is both protective and stylish. It’s FDA-listed, CE-certified (and manufactured in South Korea), and offers a 94 percent filtration efficiency. The four-layer mask comes in adorable colors including Blush, Seafoam, and Glacier Blue. It’s also available in a variety of pack sizes, from 10 to 10,000.
BOTN KF94 Mask.
Photograph: Amazon
The BOTN KF94 masks only come in large and extra-large for adults, so those with smaller faces should look into the youth size, which also comes in a variety of color options including beige, dark gray, pink, and yellow. The mask has ear loops and a nosepiece that are both adjustable, so it should help ensure a tight fit if you go for the bigger size. I (Brenda) prefer these when wearing makeup, because the nosepiece stays put and doesn’t ruin my foundation as much as other masks do.
LG Airwasher KF94 Mask.
Photograph: LG
This one dips in and out of stock. LG’s Airwasher mask is a standard KF94 with a three-dimensional design, four-ply fabric, an adjustable nose clip, and rounded ear loops. If you want a slightly more elevated option, it also comes in a Black Style design that’ll likely pair well with fancier outfits for more formal occasions.
KN95 Face Masks
Evolvetogether Rio de Janeiro
Photograph: EvolveTogether
Evolvetogether’s masks are trendy among celebrities because they’re both protective and stylish. The Rio De Janeiro is made of six-ply fabric (complete with activated charcoal to reduce odors), double filtration, and a water-resistant exterior. Each mask also has an adjustable nose bridge and gentle ear loops, making it ideal to wear for long periods of time. Of all the KN95s we’ve tested, this is our favorite one for smaller faces. While pricey, these masks are not only lightweight and comfortable but super durable as well.
This mask from Halidodo comes in several color sets—one of the options includes eye-catching orange—and is similarly affordable.
Wwdoll Foldable KN95 Masks.
Photograph: WWDoll
We’ve tested this mask and found that, while comfortable and super durable, the size is best for those with smaller faces.
Bona Fide KN95 Mask.
Photograph: Bona Fide Masks
The white Powecom masks come with a multi-filtration system and an adjustable metal nosepiece. You can also choose between the standard KN95 ear loops or the N95 headband style, depending on what you find more comfortable.
Masks for Kids
Once kids are over the age of 2, you can consider putting a face mask on them. We recommend anything they’ll actually wear. We have a suggestion below, and our Best Face Masks for Kids guide has more.
AirPop Kids Reusable Mask.
Photograph: AirPop
Kids’ masks are a bit more difficult since health agencies don’t regulate them in quite the same way, but this pack of KN95s is one of our favorites. It’s reusable and can be worn by children 3 to 12 years old. It comes in blue, white, or pink. It has been independently tested by several international product-testing and quality-assurance companies, and it is the mask that WIRED editor Adrienne So’s kids used for school.
Dr. Puri KF94 kids’ mask
Photograph: Getty Images
Our mask reviewer, Adrienne So, had her kids test these. She said they fit them well, and well-fitting masks for kids are hard to find. They come in three sizes, for different ages, and should provide protection similar to a KN95—more protection than a standard surgical-style mask. There’s frequently a coupon on the page you can clip to knock a few dollars off.
If You Can’t Find a Mask, Try Project N95
Project N95 isn’t a specific mask but rather a nonprofit devoted to connecting personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies with the people and health care organizations that need them. During the height of the pandemic, it offered the ability to browse the organization’s marketplace to find more masks and respirators as well as testing kits and other protective gear.
Now that the national and public health emergency has ended, Project 95 still offers access to previously vetted authentic and highly protective masks. But now each mask links to a third-party website (that isn’t controlled or operated by the nonprofit) to purchase them. The organization says these links are up to date as of January 31, 2024.
Network amplifiers are springing up everywhere these days, and why shouldn’t they be? A single device that facilitates everything from your favorite streaming services to TV content over HDMI ARC is fantastically convenient and shouldn’t be reserved for A/V receivers or powered speakers. For listeners after a versatile, high-quality stereo experience, it can make a lot of sense to get everything you need in one refined device.
With a wide field of available options, choosing a heritage audio brand like Rotel also seems to make good sense if you have the cash, and Rotel’s newish RAS-5000 is well stocked for the task. After testing the amplifier for several weeks, I’m happy to report the sound quality is as excellent as you’d expect. Its Hulkish frame provides a similarly Hulkish punch for clear and dynamic sound, muscular bass, and enough wattage to get the most out of high-end speaker pairings.
The RAS-5000 is a capable workhorse with plenty of playback options, but some of the tech is clunkier than I’d expect at this price. Options like Technics’ SU-GX70 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) provide a better user experience for less, with a much handier app. Still, the Rotel has all the tools, and its mix of tactful clarity and brute-force power is formidable. For those with speakers that crave serious power, this amp has plenty to spare.
A Big Ol’ Block
The RAS-5000 arrives in a very large box because it is a very large amplifier. Standing nearly 6 inches tall and 17 inches deep, it easily dwarfs my pint-sized Naim Uniti Atom (8/10, WIRED Recommends) reference amp, and its weight of almost 35 pounds officially requires back support for setup. The overall vibe leans industrial but its rounded edges and shimmering metallic finish add a touch of elegance.
The aesthetic is similar to predecessors like the Rotel RA-1572 MKII, save for the big color screen at the block’s center, which adds a lot of personality. The screen lacks touch controls, a complaint I raised about the Naim Uniti Atom HE headphone amplifier (8/10, WIRED Recommends), but it’s less of an issue here since the RAS-5000 sits on a console, not a desk, and there aren’t that many settings to adjust anyway (more on that later).
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
I like the trend toward flashy screens for previewing album artwork, but the audio nerd in me is more enamored with the Rotel’s constant sampling and bitrate display for everything you play. It’s all the more handy since the RAS-5000’s ESS DAC supports hi-res audio files up to 384-kHz/24-bit when connected to a PC over USB-B with “any supported format by the PC Software.”
How high you fly depends mostly on the source—audio resolution is limited to 192-kHz/24-bit over optical/coaxial input, while Airplay 2 tops out at 48 kHz/24 bit. The system also supports streaming over Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon’s high-resolution music management software for those looking to build an accessible hi-res library.
The RAS-5000’s monstrous enclosure leaves room for a similarly monstrous custom toroidal transformer, which will dramatically dim your lights when you fire it up. The hefty powerplant feeds an A/B amplification system that delivers up to 140 watts per channel at 8 ohms and 220 watts per channel at 4 ohms. That should be enough to suitably power virtually any high-end speaker pairing you’ve got (within reason).
You do, however, need to pay a monthly subscription fee to get accurate notifications and to be able to see the timeline of when the door is locked and unlocked, and by who. Otherwise, you’ll just get a notification that the lock was used without specifying what exactly it did. The app will show you if the lock is currently locked or unlocked, but vague notifications and lack of a history aren’t exactly helpful. I also had a connection drop at a random hour of the night. Seeing a vague notification that something happened at 12:30-something in the morning completely scared me that my home had been robbed overnight. It hadn’t, but I didn’t know that until I signed up for a subscription to see my history.
Photograph: Nena Farrell
After that incident, I chose the Standard Plan ($7 a month) that’s designed for self-monitoring my home. There’s also the Pro Plan ($25 a month) that includes a professional monitoring service, but that’s designed for Abode’s larger smart-home systems rather than just the lock.
Speaking of, while you don’t need to use the Abode Lock with Abode’s other security setups and hubs, it can add onto those as an accessory. Abode has three security hubs and starter kits to choose from: the basic Abode Kit ($140), the Smart Security Kit ($280), and the Iota All-in-One Security Kit ($330). Each of these has a different type of hub—the main differences are that the cheapest hub doesn’t work with Apple HomeKit, and the iota has a built-in camera. All three work with the same accessories, though, so you could upgrade down the line and reuse any accessories you received. Adding a hub lets you create automations within the Abode app, so I could set up the Abode Lock to unlock when I arrived home.
You can also use the Abode Lock with smart home systems without needing a hub, but you’ll still need one of the subscription plans. Amazon’s and Google’s ecosystems work with all three hubs, as do Sonos and Bose products, but you’ll need one of the more expensive hubs if you want it to work with Apple HomeKit.
Door Stoppers
Photograph: Nena Farrell
The Abode Lock, for all it can do, can’t tell you whether your door is closed–just if the lock is in the locked position. Some smart locks come with door sensors so you can see whether your door is both locked and closed in one place.
Abode’s lock can’t do this, but all of its hubs come with a Mini Sensor ($25) that can be used on doors and windows, so any hub package could help solve this issue to a certain degree. It certainly isn’t as seamless as being a single device that can do both, though, if it’s something you’re worried about. My door, crappy rental that it is, has a loose knob that sometimes doesn’t believe in closing until we re-screw it together, so this missing feature is a bigger issue for me than most folks with better (or just normal) doors.
Since Abode’s main business is its full security system, it makes sense to have some features you can access only by going all-in on Abode. Still, you can enjoy several features right out of the box with just the Abode Lock alone, and no one outside your home will be the wiser.
With all the chatter about the artificial intelligence features of Intel’s new Core Ultra CPUs, it’s easy to forget that AMD has been busy doing AI too. AMD has outfitted many of its Ryzen processors with neural processing units (NPUs) since mid-2023, and it’s continued to expand its AI offerings ever since.
Acer’s latest Nitro 17 gaming laptop (model number AN17-42-R9TH) is built atop an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, which sits near the top of AMD’s product line. If you’re engaging with AI on the desktop, you’ll probably bypass the CPU altogether. With the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics processor in the Nitro 17, everything from gaming to AI image generation gets a significant boost. Aside from the processors, Acer hasn’t exactly pushed the specs to the limit here: 16 GB of RAM and a 1-terabyte solid-state drive are more or less entry-level options today.
That’s just what’s under the hood. On the outside, the Nitro 17 is every bit the beast you are probably expecting, with a 17.3-inch screen (resolution limited to 1,920 X 1,080 pixels), a daunting 34-millimeter thickness, and a weight that tops 6.3 pounds. It is the heaviest and thickest laptop I’ve tested since 2018, and that’s without the power brick (another full pound).
Photograph: Acer
This laptop has been tricked out for gamers—arguably gamers from the ’90s, but gamers all the same. Sharp, angled corners abound from every angle. The screen is spaced away from the back of the laptop by about a centimeter and propped up on a small riser that feels like a separate device bolted on top of the chassis. It’s largely the same design as 2023, minus a few graphical flourishes.
The responsive keyboard rests in a beveled tray, and it’s color-backlit with four tunable zones and a variety of modes that let colors roll across the keys in various patterns. There’s a numeric keypad and full-size arrow keys along with custom keys, like a Copilot button and a Nitro key that launches Acer’s NitroSense software, which lets you tune every aspect of the laptop experience. Above the keyboard is a stand-alone button that cycles through four power modes, from Quiet to Turbo, all exactly what they sound like.
A tour around the sides and back of the laptop reveals plenty of ports, including two USB-C ports— one USB 3.2, one USB 4—an HDMI jack, a microSD card slot, a full-size Ethernet adapter, and three USB-A ports—one USB 3.2 and one USB 2.0. Why there’s a crusty old USB 2.0 port on the device I can’t fathom, but with this many connectivity options, it probably doesn’t matter much. Much of the rest of the space around the edges features various vents and grilles for the dual exhaust fans. When they run, which is any time there’s a moderate load on the machine, they can get a bit noisy, though I’ve encountered plenty of louder machines in recent years. I expected more from the speakers on the unit, though they’re fine for casual entertainment and gaming use.
Everything reminds me of Her. While ChatGPT is not as powerful as the artificial intelligence from Spike Jonze’s sci-fi romance movie, OpenAI’s experimental memory tool for its chatbot seems to suggest a future where bots are highly personalized and capable of more fluid, lifelike conversations.
OpenAI just rolled out a new feature for ChatGPT Plus subscribers called Memory, where the AI chatbot stores personal details that you share in conversations and refers to this information during future chats. Announced back in February, ChatGPT’s Memory feature was available only to a small group of users to test until late April.
While it’s expected to be available for OpenAI’s Enterprise and Team customers eventually, the feature is available first to Plus subscribers. Though, subscribers in Europe or Korea are not currently able to use ChatGPT’s Memory. It’s also not yet integrated with the GPT Store.
WIRED received early access to the feature from OpenAI, and I’ve spent some time trying it out to better understand this new functionality and to collect some advice you can use to get started. While a few specifics may change about this nascent feature, here’s what you can expect as you’re getting started with ChatGPT’s Memory.
How to Navigate ChatGPT’s Memory Feature
When ChatGPT’s Memory arrived on my paid account, I received a pop-up notification explaining the fresh tool and how it can be used for remembering certain details across conversations. It’s worth noting that Memory is enabled automatically. You can easily opt out if you’d prefer by opening Settings, then Personalization, and toggling the Memory option by moving the slider to the left.
While there is some overlap, ChatGPT’s Memory is not expected to replace the “custom instructions” feature.
OpenAI via Reece Rogers
Adding facts about yourself to ChatGPT’s Memory is simple: Just chat with the bot. As you use OpenAI’s software, ChatGPT gleans personal insights from the conversations, like your name and where you live, as well as more niche observations, like your favorite movies and least favorite foods. Each time some nuggets of information is added by the chatbot, you might see a Memory updated notification. Tap on that notification to check out what was included.
