The Federal Communications Commission has extended a key waiver allowing certain foreign-made routers, drones, and drone components to continue receiving software and firmware updates in the United States until at least January 1, 2029.

The move comes after growing concerns that millions of already-deployed devices could become cybersecurity risks if manufacturers were suddenly blocked from issuing security patches and compatibility updates. The decision was announced through the FCC’s Office of Engineering and Technology (OET), which also expanded the scope of the waiver to cover additional software-related changes needed to maintain device functionality.

Security concerns forced a regulatory rethink

The extension follows a broader FCC crackdown that added certain foreign-produced routers and unmanned aerial systems to the agency’s “Covered List” in late 2025 and early 2026 over national security concerns. Those restrictions effectively blocked new approvals and limited post-certification modifications for affected devices.

Initially, existing waivers would have allowed updates only until 2027. However, regulators later acknowledged that cutting off software support entirely could create a bigger problem by leaving devices exposed to vulnerabilities, cyberattacks, and compatibility failures.

The updated waiver now permits critical firmware and software updates for previously authorized devices, even though the products themselves remain subject to broader restrictions. The FCC emphasized that the policy does not reverse the bans or remove affected products from the Covered List.

Why consumers should pay attention

For everyday users, the decision matters because routers and drones depend heavily on ongoing software support to remain secure and functional. Routers in particular act as gateways for home networks, connecting phones, laptops, smart TVs, cameras, and other internet-enabled devices. Without security patches, known vulnerabilities can become easier targets for hackers.

The FCC’s extension effectively gives consumers more time before worrying about their devices becoming unsupported or obsolete. It also reduces the risk of millions of products suddenly losing compatibility with future operating systems, networks, or connected services.

What happens next

While the waiver offers temporary relief, it also highlights the growing tension between national security policy and practical cybersecurity needs. Regulators are now expected to spend the next few years developing a more permanent framework governing foreign-made networking equipment and drones.

For manufacturers, the message remains mixed: existing products can continue receiving critical updates, but future approvals for foreign-made devices will likely face tighter scrutiny and more restrictive oversight in the years ahead.

While Artemis II was primarily a demonstration flight of the architecture NASA plans to use for future lunar missions, it was also an excellent excuse for the crew to snap some photos of the Moon and Earth with the benefit of modern camera technology. If you’ve been looking forward to seeing more of the crew’s images, you’re in luck, as thousands of new images have recently been released.

Now we don’t mean to beat up on the folks at NASA, but browsing through these images, we couldn’t help but be reminded of an article we saw on PetaPixel that discussed the space agency’s haphazard approach to sharing images online.

It’s really more like an unsorted file dump than anything, made worse by the fact that you have to access it through a government website that looks and performs like it was designed in the early 2000s. There’s even a prominent button that attempts to load a gallery feature that relies on the long-deprecated Adobe Flash. It would be nice to see the situation improved by the time astronauts actually touch down on the lunar surface, but we wouldn’t count on it.

Speaking of old tech, we’ve been following the resurgence of keyboard-equipped smartphones with great interest, as we imagine many of you have been. A recent CNBC article addresses the trend, although it didn’t quite take the nerd contingent into account. We want physical keys so we can work in the terminal and write code without fighting an on-screen keyboard, but of course, that’s not exactly what your average consumer is looking for.

It’s quite the opposite, in fact. A 20-something user referenced in the article explained how the younger generations see the physical keyboard as a way to be less connected to their phones, describing it as “an extra barrier of inconvenience that adds more steps into the thinking process.” If you need us, we’ll be collecting dust in the corner.

As regular readers may know, we’ve also taken an interest in plug-in solar panels recently. So-called “solar balconies” have become quite popular in Europe, but regulatory friction in the United States has prevented them from achieving similar success here. An article in the MIT Technology Review talks about the process of bringing solar balconies to the US, and we’re not overly thrilled with some of the developments it highlights.

As the key hurdle appears to be safety, UL Solutions recommends that balcony solar panels be plugged into a specialized outlet. If putting a regular AC plug on the end of a solar panel can lead to potentially dangerous situations, they believe the solution is to require a different plug that no one could mistake for anything else, with built-in safety features to reduce the risk of electric shock.

That might not seem unreasonable at first, but it actually represents a pretty serious hurdle for many users. Consider that the whole advantage of these panels is the convenience: you can simply open the box, plug them in, and start collecting energy. But if you need to install a special outlet, potentially requiring an electrician, the whole concept falls apart. Expect to hear more from us on this particular subject as it develops.

Finally, Spirit Airline customers weren’t the only ones running into issues this week — a Southwest flight in California was delayed due to complications with a robotic passenger. The bot actually had a ticket, but the flight crew said it still violated the airline’s rules for large carry-on luggage and had to be moved to a different seat. Then somebody realized the robot’s relatively large lithium-ion battery was also in violation of carry-on limits, and it had to be removed and confiscated by authorities. Important details to keep in mind if you happen to be a robot planning your summer vacation.

See something interesting that you think would be a good fit for our weekly Links column? Drop us a line, we’d love to hear about it.

A leader in almost everything tech and home-office related for over 40 years, Swiss-founded Logitech offers a vast array of products, including keyboards, consoles, webcams, and tech gear made especially for education, business, and gaming. We at WIRED know the company’s wares well (obviously), so we’ve found the latest Logitech promo codes and deals to save on any type of tech purchase.

Logitech makes seriously great Bluetooth keyboards, keyboard cases, and smart pencils that made our Best iPad Accessories list. We also named the Logitech Pro X 2 the best gaming headset in our wireless headphones guide. If you want to keep the spirit of playfulness alive, fellow F1 enthusiast (and senior editor of product reviews) Parker Hall raved about Logitech’s high-tech wheel, pedals, and seat racing simulation set to help you become the Lewis Hamilton of your gaming fantasies. Check out these Logitech discounts we’ve found to help you ball (technologically) on a budget.

Get a Free Gift With Select Purchases at Logitech

Right now, Logitech wants to reward you for choosing them, with tons of free gifts with select purchases at Logitech. These Logitech deals include major savings, like a free Logitech Desk Mat when you buy any two Ergo Products, ($23 value), or a free Logitech Accessory Case when you purchase a Crayon & Combo Touch Case ($30 value). There are tons of savings on accessories, like a free Wooden Headset Stand when you buy a qualifying Logitech Zone Headset, ($40 value), or a free MX Keyboard Sleeve when you purchase a qualifying MX Mini Keyboard ($30 value). Plus, you can claim a free 6-month Perplexity Pro membership, worth $120, when you buy an eligible MX Series, Ergo Series, or iPad Keyboard case over $119.

Save up to $100 On Refurbished Premium Gear

The Logitech outlet is one of the best ways to save big on your important tech purchases on premium gear with exclusive gear. With the outlet, you’ll find like-new refurbished devices and limited-time favorites to shop before they’re gone forever (so be sure to check often and act soon!). Some of the best deals we’ve seen so far include: $50 off a refurbished X56 HOTAS VR flight simulator controller, $60 off a refurbished G715 wireless gaming keyboard, and $20 off a refurbished Folio Touch for iPad Air and Pro models.

Tips and Tricks for More Logitech Discounts

Even if you don’t have a promo code on hand, Logitech has plenty of ways to save, with free shipping on orders of $29 or more (a super-easy mark to hit). Many products also qualify for a gift with purchase, so take advantage of a free MX travel case, keyboard sleeve, or 1 month of Adobe Creative Cloud. And for a limited time, when you buy one product, you can get a second for 25% off.

With an array of helpful products for students, Logitech is making it easier to get all this game-changing tech. Students can get a 25% discount on products after registering and verifying their student status with UNiDAYS.

{​Logitech 20% Off: Students & Heroes

Logitech wants to benefit as many people as it can, with a 20% discount for some of our most valuable community members who can benefit from this important, but sometimes pricey tech. That’s why Logitech is offering a 20% Logitech promo code discount of 20% off for heroes and students—this includes students, teachers, medical professionals, military, and first responders. Just verify your status to get the Logitech discount code.

25% Off Logitech Gaming Gear

Logitech G Play Days sales event is a celebration of all things gaming. During the Logitech G Play Days sales event, you’ll save with exclusive promotions and score 25% off select gear for a limited time. So whether you (or a friend) is in need of a new gaming headset or wants to upgrade your keyboard, there’s gear (and discounts) for every type of gamer.

Shop Trending Logitech Products

As mentioned, Logitech has nearly every type of tech product needed for productivity in your office or school, but also has some really innovative tech products for home and gaming. Looking to get serious about your WFH (or gaming) setup? Logitech’s MX Keys S Advanced Wireless Illuminated Keyboard is a bestseller because of its portability, ergonomic design, and cheap price point. The bestselling MX Vertical Advanced Ergonomic Mouse is occasionally discounted, so save your hand the cramps and carpal tunnel (while saving some coin, too).

Good morning! Let’s play Connections, the NYT’s clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you’ve finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I’ve also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc’s Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

Strands is the NYT’s latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it’s great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc’s Wordle today page for the original viral word game.