Our Tech Predictions for 2021

This week, we try to guess what the year ahead has in store. We also look back in shock at how wrong we were about 2020. Can't win em all.

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A New Field Guide for Earth’s Wild Microbes

The most massive database of microbial gene sequences so far shows that the tree of life is much larger than we knew.

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Cyberpunk 2077 Revives the Dystopian Fears of the 1980s

Putting aside the game's bugs and issues, the underlying themes speak to the fears and worries of a time gone by—not that we've moved past them all.

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The Future of Work: ‘ars longa’ by Tade Thompson

“It’s all well and good for an android to take a position and shut down motor functions. There’s no art in that. I want the old ways. That’s why I’m on Earth.”

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Discord Gaming Parties Are Better Than Zoom Meetings

You're probably using it to chat with friends, but if you're not using it to stream, play games, and chat with friends too, it's time to start.

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Airlines’ Pandemic-Driven Cargo Business Will Keep Flying

As Covid-19 shut down air travel, the industry quickly pivoted to hauling more stuff. It won’t be pivoting away anytime soon.

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Wildfire Smoke Is Loaded With Microbes. Is That Dangerous?

Researchers are putting out a call to study the potential effects of bacteria- and fungi-filled haze on human health.

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Russia's Hack Wasn't Cyberwar. That Complicates US Strategy

To evaluate whether cyber security tactics are working, you need to first establish what the SolarWinds hack really was.

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Wildfire Smoke Is Loaded With Microbes. Is That Dangerous?

Researchers are putting out a call to study the potential effects of bacteria- and fungi-filled haze on human health.

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Uber Faces a Fine for Refusing to Give Details on Assaults

The California Public Utility Commission demanded details on sexual assault cases involving drivers. But Uber says complying would compromise victims’ identities.

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Our Fave Smartwatches Do Much More Than Just Tell Time

These little wearables reduce your reliance on a phone—all while helping you stay connected.

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These Are the Gifts Teens Actually Want

Teenagers can be scary, but these adolescent-approved gifts are sweet.

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A Clever Strategy to Distribute Covid Aid—With Satellite Data

The small nation of Togo used image analysis algorithms to target economic support for its most vulnerable residents.

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The Best TikToks of 2020

The social media platform, which gained enormous popularity this year, served as a mirror of these often dystopian times.

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18 Passive-Aggressive Gifts for Your Terrible Roommate

If you're obligated to give a present, you may as well send a thinly veiled message behind it.

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Vaccines Are Here. We Have to Talk About Side Effects

Disinformation could thwart distribution before government messages have a chance to push back. Debunking might turn out to be everyone’s job.

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How Restaurants Retooled for Takeout—and Survival

Chefs tinkered with food chemistry, while dining apps reengineered logistics. Those changes will endure even after the pandemic is over.

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Texas Accuses Google and Facebook of an Illegal Conspiracy

A new antitrust case against Google alleges that the two companies made a deal to reduce competition in online advertising.

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Russia's Hacking Frenzy Is a Reckoning

Despite years of warning, the US still has no good answer for the sort of “supply chain” attack that let Russia run wild.

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How to Pick the Right Roku for Your TV

The company has a dizzying array of streaming sticks, boxes, TVs, and speakers to choose from, but don’t worry—these are the ones to buy.

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