What's New

Last week, I spent two days holed up in a drab Sheraton hotel just outside of downtown San Diego. My only company came from Alexa, in the form of Amazon's new Echo Spot. This is the company's newest Echo device, yet another way to bring Alexa inside your house. It's also the second Echo with a screen and a camera, after the Echo Show. The Spot is a similar thing, only a lot smaller and a lot better-looking. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

I know there's one big reason you're reading this review, so I'll get right to it: The Google Home Max sounds just fantastic. It's a big speaker, powerful and dramatic. It's deep and weighty on the bottom, clear everywhere else, and well-rounded overall. It's voice is better than I expected, and also much louder. As much as I wanted to turn it up while I was testing it, I kept nervously nudging the volume down because it puts out such a wallop. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The best smart home gadgets are the ones that you can set and forget: A scheduled robot vacuum comes in the night and picks up all your crumbs while you’re sleeping, like a magical crumb fairy. A microwave’s internal sensors defrost a hunk of frozen pork without scorching. To wit: A great device is one that lets you be as stupid as you want. Here’s how effective the August Smart Lock Pro is: I keep forgetting my car keys. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

When the Ford GT won its class in the famously grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race last year, it wasn't just a celebration for the team which developed the all new supercar. It was a relief. The victory in the GTE Pro class came 50 years after Ford's historic 1966 win with the GT40, when the American automaker proved (mostly to spite Ferrari) that it could dominate the track in Europe as well as the US. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Who can even manage to get into the holiday spirit considering the whirlwind week that just passed? Not only was Southern California on fire, but several politicians resigned amidst sexual harassment claims while others continued to run for office despite facing their own sexual abuse allegations. Yes, time continued to speed up last week, but what else happened? Just a few small things. Keep reading. What Happened: The President of the United States wants Americans to own America. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

There are plenty of reasons for outrage coming out of Washington, DC, these days, but this week the divided region found a common enemy. The express lanes on Interstate 66 near DC, previously reserved for vehicles carrying two or more people, opened up to solo travelers. Except those single-occupancy vehicles have to pay a toll, one that fluctuates according to demand. The world watched, aghast, as tolling prices hit $40 for folks headed into the capital on Tuesday morning. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The largest and most destructive fire burning in California continues to grow, consuming dry brush as it races not just through but across the canyons north of Los Angeles. Strong winds and dry conditions mean flames can leap large distances, prompting thousands to evacuate their homes. The Thomas Fire has now spread from Ventura County into Santa Barbara County, burning up 230,000 acres—an area larger than New York City and Boston combined. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

If you’re getting bored with pounding out the miles on a treadmill or a track, or if you’re anticipating a crowded gym once everyone makes their New Year’s resolutions, you should try trail running. It’s recreational hiking at high velocity. You get fresh air, scenic views, and a great workout, all in one. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Everybody loves a good #thread. You know the type: those long strings of related messages designed to tell a story or make a point that can't be expressed in a single tweet. They used to be called tweetstorms; now they're just threads. The Trump era has spawned many threads, and you can find good ones on everything from Starbucks zombies to Olive Garden fights to the deeply personal ramifications of health-care policy. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

My daily coffee routine goes something like this: I arrive at the office, drop my bag next to my desk, grab my mug, and head to the kitchen. I fill it to the brim with the delicious Stumptown brews WIRED provides and bring it back to my desk. Then begins a careful countdown: I have to wait a few minutes for the joe to cool, then drink it as fast as possible before it gets cold. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices