from the creatives-using-tools-as-tools dept

While we’ve taken some issues with his approach to copyright laws and enforcement in the past, there is no doubting that Steven Soderbergh is a filmmaking legend. This is a man who directed films like Traffic and Ocean’s 11. He talks about, and cares about, the art of filmmaking. And he’s apparently beginning to use AI in some limited ways.

You really have to pay attention to Soderbergh’s specific comments on how he’s using it, because I would argue that it’s exactly the right artistic approach to the conversation: limited, targeted uses that help achieve the artist’s vision rather than replace everything in a film with garbage slop. Interestingly, articles like this one from Salon still frame all of this as some betrayal of art on Soderbergh’s part. Here’s how Soderbergh describes how he’s using AI as part of an upcoming film about John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

“AI has been helpful in creating thematically surreal images that occupy a dream space rather than a literal space,” Soderbergh said. “And it’s been really fun because you need a Ph.D. in literature to tell it what to do.” Soderbergh relented that generative programs require “very close human supervision,” before going on to admit that he’s also using “a lot of AI” for an upcoming film about the Spanish-American War, to generate images of archaic warships and God knows what else.

I very much understand Soderbergh’s description of how he’s using this tool for his films, but I have no idea what the hell the commentary from Salon around the quote is on about. “And God knows what else” is perhaps the silliest comment in the post, because that statement only works if Soderbergh himself happens to be God.

I don’t believe he is, to be clear. And I think an artist like this one who finds the tool useful in achieving his overall artistic vision is something we should be paying attention to, not dismissing out of hand. The Salon piece notes that Soderbergh has routinely been a director who has embraced the use of new technology before launching into this diatribe.

But just because Soderbergh jumping at AI could be seen from a mile away doesn’t make it any less disappointing, nor does it excuse his reluctance to thoughtfully engage with others’ criticisms about the technology. If “The Christophers” is to be believed, art that tries to imitate a certain style is little more than hollow, emotionless posturing. Generative AI is the same: mere mimicry, devoid of the humanity that makes art . . . well, art. And by being so willfully averse to acknowledging the ways AI and art conflict — not to mention its ramifications for others in his industry — Soderbergh’s take on an artist losing his touch in “The Christophers” is disappointingly apt.

Of course the art that AI “creates” is mimicry and devoid of humanity. That’s definitionally how the tool works. And anyone who thinks they’re going to rely on an AI tool to “create art” is on a fool’s mission. It simply won’t work because it’s not designed to work that way. Instead, it’s a tool to get you some components of what you need to create an overall artistic vision, which is still led by a very human artist. Will there be work done by an AI on the margins in filmmaking that would normally have been done via paid workers in the industry. Perhaps. Likely, even. But will the limited use of these tools also lower the barrier of entry in terms of skill set needed and budget to produce films, thereby creating even more output of films overall? I’m struggling to see how that would not be the case.

And at the end of the day, there’s still an artist calling the shots. Perhaps fewer overall total artists involved in a single movie, but the limited use of AI tools doesn’t somehow suck the entire soul from a film anymore than the ease of digital footage editing over the use of film does. And just like a movie that is almost nothing other than pretty CGI graphics, but which otherwise sucks, lazy people trying to create entire films with AI are going to fail. And fail hard.

Say it with me now: there is more nuance to this conversation than the hardliners and evangelists are bothering to acknowledge.

In a follow-up chat with Variety, Soderbergh expanded on his initial comments about using AI in future films. “I’m just not threatened by it . . . Ten years ago, I would have needed to engage a visual effects house at an unbelievable cost to come up with this stuff,” he said. “No longer. My job is to deliver a good movie, period. And this tool showed up at a moment when I needed it. I don’t think it’s the solution to everything, and I don’t think it’s the death of everything . . . There are some people that I have absolute love and respect for that refuse to engage with it. That’s their privilege. But I’m not built that way. You show me a new tool, I want to get my hands on it and see what’s going on.”

That’s an artist saying that, folks, not some Silicone Valley tech bro. And, to be clear, he might get it wrong. He may use the tool and his product might suck out loud. But to try to abort the use of a tool before it’s even been explored seems silly.

Filed Under: ai, filmmaking, generative ai, steven soderbergh

If you’re planning to upgrade your TV, OLED is one of the best technologies you can choose today. They offer deeper blacks, better contrast, and more accurate colors because each pixel works independently. This creates a more immersive experience, whether you’re watching movies, sports, or playing games. It’s one of the main reasons why OLED TVs are often recommended by experts.

The only issue has always been the price. However, the situation is different today, as technology allows users to choose models that deliver equal performance but are cheaper. For your convenience, we looked at expert reviews and real-world performance experts and have selected the best budget OLED TV models.

1. Samsung S90F OLED TV

In terms of price-to-performance, the Samsung S90F OLED TV is one of the top recommendations right now. It doesn’t just rely on standard OLED strengths; it pushes things further with its QD-OLED panel. That means brighter highlights and more saturated colors, especially noticeable in HDR content. Instead of the usual “good OLED picture,” this one actually stands out when you’re watching high-quality movies or shows. Bright scenes look punchier, and darker scenes still keep their depth without losing detail.

Where this TV really stands out is in gaming. First, it supports up to a 144Hz refresh rate, and the low input lag helps keep gameplay smooth and responsive. Secondly, the presence of features like VRR can eliminate issues such as screen tearing. If gaming is even a low priority, this is one of the best options.

Another advantage is viewing angles. Even if you’re not sitting directly in front, colors and contrast stay consistent. Compared to something like the S85F, if you watch in a bright room, this makes a noticeable difference over cheaper OLEDs, which makes a real difference in well-lit rooms.

2. LG B5 Series OLED TV

The LG B5 is one of those TVs that doesn’t try to impress with flashy upgrades but gets the basics right. It delivers what most people expect from OLED: deep blacks, strong contrast, and natural-looking colors, but the key difference is how balanced everything feels. Nothing looks overprocessed or exaggerated, making it a safe choice if you watch a mix of content, including movies, sports, and regular TV.

LG’s processing also plays a big role here. Lower-resolution content doesn’t look stretched or blurry, which is useful if you’re not always watching 4K content. It quietly improves the overall viewing experience without making it obvious. That’s something LG has been consistently good at, and this model continues that trend.

For gaming, it covers all the important features without going overboard. You get a 120Hz refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 support, VRR, and low input lag. It’s not as aggressive as Samsung’s 144Hz setup, but for console gaming, it’s more than enough and feels smooth in real use.

3. Sony Bravia XR8B OLED TV

Sony takes a different approach compared to Samsung and LG. If you watch a lot of movies or shows, this TV is best for you. Instead of focusing on brightness or gaming specs, it puts more effort into how the picture actually looks. The XR8B reflects that. Colors feel more accurate, especially skin tones, and motion looks smoother in fast scenes.

One of its biggest strengths is upscaling. Not everything you watch will be in 4K, and this is where Sony usually performs better than others. Lower-resolution content looks cleaner and more detailed, rather than just being stretched to fit the screen. That alone makes it a good option for people who still watch HD channels or older content.

Furthermore, the Google TV interface enhances the experience. It’s easy to navigate, and most apps are readily available, so there’s no learning curve. Everything feels straightforward, which matters for daily use.

That said, it’s not the strongest performer in every area. Brightness is lower than that of Samsung’s QD-OLED models, so HDR doesn’t feel as impactful. It’s also priced a bit higher than it should be for what it offers, especially if gaming is important to you. But if your focus is on accurate visuals and overall picture quality, this TV still holds its place.

4. Samsung S85F OLED TV

The Samsung S85F OLED TV is meant for people who want better color accuracy from an OLED display but are not looking to purchase a premium OLED TV. The advanced QD-OLED screen technology boosts color vibrancy and brightness compared to an ordinary OLED display. Colors look richer, and contrast remains strong, so the overall image quality is still impressive for the price.

In terms of features, the S85F supports the full suite of HDMI 2.1 functionality, including 120Hz refresh rate and VRR. As a result, it is well-suited for gaming, as it ensures smoother gameplay without screen tearing during fast-action sequences. For console users especially, this setup works well and doesn’t feel limited in everyday use.

The main reason to consider this model is price. If you want QD-OLED without stretching your budget too much, this is worth considering.

5. Panasonic Z85 OLED TV

The Panasonic Z85 focuses on a slightly different audience. Instead of pushing picture performance to the limit, it tries to offer a more complete experience out of the box. The display still delivers solid OLED-level contrast and black levels, so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on the core benefits.

One of the main highlights of this TV is the high-quality sound. Unlike most TVs in this range, the built-in speakers are actually good enough for regular use. You don’t immediately feel the need to add a soundbar, which can save extra cost and setup effort. For many users, that makes a practical difference.

It also supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, which gives you more flexibility depending on what you watch. That’s something not all TVs offer, and it helps ensure compatibility across different platforms.

Compared to Samsung and LG models, it feels a bit less dynamic, especially in bright scenes. It’s also not as widely recommended in top-tier rankings, which affects its positioning here. Still, if you want a simple setup with good sound and reliable picture quality, this TV does its job well without overcomplicating things.

Cars race down a nearly vacant stretch of highway. Two drivers grasp their phones tightly as a FaceTime video call continues between them. The speedometer reads 70 mph, but there are no cell bars in sight, nor do any familiar Wi-Fi networks appear. HaLow technology within each vehicle communicates with a handful of little boxes mounted on the dashboards. These units form a private wireless web that connects the vehicles, with each box essentially chatting to the one next to it, effortlessly passing data so the link never fails.

These boxes are referred to as Haven nodes. Each one includes a unique radio chip that can communicate over longer distances than standard Wi-Fi. These chips operate at lower radio frequencies, allowing them to easily penetrate trees, hills, and open spaces. A simple small antenna extends the reach even further – one node may be tucked in a backpack or on a car roof, and if you add a few more, the network reaches across miles of open countryside. Data just jumps from node to node, finding the shortest path downward like water.

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Your phone does not need to attempt to connect to the wider internet, just the nearby node. The nodes all create a mesh and keep everything local. The software inside the nodes determines the fastest route between any two places using well-established mesh connection principles. When a new node joins, it just slots in without requiring any further setup, because the entire group reorganizes itself whenever one node moves or loses power. The device is powered by a small battery pack or even a car outlet, allowing it to operate for hours in the middle of nowhere.

FaceTime works because the app is pre-programmed to allow phones to connect straight when they are on the same local network, something developers added years ago for speedy indoor talks. People quickly forgot about it as apps began relying on remote servers. In this mesh configuration, the phones simply discover each other as they would in a living room, but now that living room is the entire roadway. The call connects without hesitation, and the video streams smoothly enough to hold a typical conversation; the audio remains crystal clear even as the automobiles weave through hairpin corners.

Signal operates in the same way; once all of the phones are connected to the mesh, voice calls can begin immediately. Other apps, such as WhatsApp and Zoom, simply fail since they continue to rely on external servers for authentication. Another open source tool called Mumble can manage voice chats and even broadcast music across the same network without any problems. The mesh has plenty of speed for all of this because the low frequency radios continue to send out consistent data rates across hundreds of yards between nodes.

It only takes a few minutes to set up the nodes; simply place them wherever you need coverage, turn them on, and then connect to the network using your phone, as the name will appear for you to choose. There is no need to create an account or pay a monthly subscription, and you will not be reliant on any towers or wires. Some people have even used this approach to stay in touch with friends when hiking, boating, or anywhere out in the wilderness; simply drop a few nodes and you may continue as usual. The coverage increases as you add additional nodes or replace the antennas with better ones.

The new facility marks a key milestone in GridBeyond’s plans for continued expansion.

Irish founded smart energy company GridBeyond has today (6 May) officially opened the new Dublin-based global headquarters. The new facility is a key element in the organisation’s expansion plans and will serve as the central hub for GridBeyond’s global operations across nine electricity markets on four continents.

Established in 2010 by Michael Phelan and Richard O’Loughlin, GridBeyond uses AI-powered technologies and techniques to optimise energy generation, distribution and storage. The company employs more than 160 people and has seven global locations across Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. 

GridBeyond has stated that the new headquarters has been designed to support both operational scale and future growth, with the aim of creating an environment focused on collaboration, innovation and employee wellbeing as the company continues to attract talent in Ireland and internationally.

Commenting on the announcement, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke, TD said, “GridBeyond is an excellent example of the ambition and capability of Irish companies operating at the forefront of the global energy transition. 

“The opening of their new headquarters in Dublin reinforces Ireland’s position as a hub for innovation in energy and technology and demonstrates how Irish SMEs are developing solutions with real global impact. Supporting companies like GridBeyond to start, scale and succeed internationally remains a key priority for the Government.”

Michael Phelan, the CEO and co-founder of GridBeyond, added, “This new headquarters reflects the scale GridBeyond has reached as a global energy optimisation platform. Managing over 5GW of assets across multiple markets requires real-time intelligence, automation and deep market expertise.”

In March of this year Samsung Ventures invested in GridBeyond as part of a €12m equity round. GridBeyond explained the company will use the funding to accelerate expansion across key strategic markets including in the UK, Ireland, the US, Japan and Australia.

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Apple’s long-delayed Siri upgrade is no longer just an embarrassing AI setback, as the company has agreed to a very real, very hefty settlement. The company is paying $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging it misled iPhone buyers in the US about the AI-powered Siri features announced as part of Apple Intelligence.

According to the Financial Times, the case centers on Apple’s promise of a more personalized Siri that was first shown at WWDC 2024 and promoted alongside newer iPhones.

Why is Apple paying out a quarter of a billion dollars?

Apple originally pitched the new Siri as a major part of its Apple Intelligence rollout. The assistant was supposed to understand more personal context, read what was happening on a user’s device, and take actions across apps. But that version of Siri never really arrived. Apple did roll out some Apple Intelligence features over time, like writing tools, image-generation features, and a decent ChatGPT integration. Meanwhile, the more ambitious Siri overhaul, however, was delayed well beyond the iPhone 16 launch window.

The lawsuit covers US buyers of the iPhone 16 lineup and iPhone 15 Pro models. Those were the devices Apple marketed as capable of running Apple Intelligence features. Over the last couple of years, the company has been trying to convince users and investors that it can seriously compete in the AI race. But the delay was obvious, and Apple publicly acknowledged the Siri delay in March 2025. This came several months after the iPhone 16 launched.

Apple still plans on delivering it

The upgraded Siri is reportedly still on the roadmap. Apple now plans to offer the new version this year, with reports pointing to iOS 27 and a partnership with Google that would let Apple use Gemini models to help power the experience. Two years later, the feature still isn’t fully here, and Apple may be paying hundreds of millions of dollars for the gap between the demo and the delivery.

Summer is right around the corner. We’re headed out on adventures and bringing our stuff with us. Here are all the tech and tips that WIRED Reviews recommends for your travels.

There is a surprisingly robust debate among frequent travelers about whether it’s best to carry on a suitcase or to check it. Sure, checking a bag saves you from worrying about space restrictions and confusing security requirements, needing to tote your suitcase into a bathroom stall with you, and sweating about snagging overhead bin space once you board. But you need only one really bad experience with checking luggage to convince you to avoid doing so whenever possible in favor of being a carry-on purist. My version of that incident occurred at the Delta counter in Dulles International Airport and almost made me miss my flight. (In fact, I’d prefer to not even use a carry-on! But that’s another story entirely.)

I fly more often than I’d like—short work trips, cross-country flights to visit family, and international vacation hauls. I’ve tested countless carry-on suitcases and have now enlisted my family members to help as well. These are the best carry-on suitcases that we’ve found that will fit pretty much any traveler’s needs.

Don’t see anything you like? Check out our buying guides to the Best Travel Totes, the Best Laptop Backpacks, and the Best Toiletry Bags. Here’s our guide to packing your carry-on correctly.

Updated May 2026: I completely overhauled this piece with new picks, new write-ups for existing picks, and updated FAQs. I also checked links and prices to ensure the most up-to-date information.

Best Overall

Does it surprise you that I didn’t pick the iconic Away polycarbonate carry-on, that gorgeous colorful unit that jump-started the whole direct-to-consumer luggage movement from one of the few affluent-millennial–coded companies to have weathered multiple scandals and economic storms successfully since its founding in 2015? Sometimes it surprises me, too. Multiple WIRED staffers own the hard-sided carry-on because it’s good-looking and reasonably priced. However, I prefer the brand’s Softside Carry-On. In general, I prefer soft-sided luggage because it shows scuffs less easily, won’t crack, and is more flexible if I overpack.

With regard to this specific soft-sided case, it also has a little more flexibility than its hard-shelled cousin regarding organization options. It has exterior pockets, but they’re cleverly hidden. The straps compress a back panel over half the suitcase, so your stuff is squeezed down evenly. There’s a proprietary interior stabilizer to help keep it balanced—it never tipped over on its front, even when I was trying to slide tote bags or backpacks onto the handle while rolling it down a rickety aluminum gangway ramp. It has three exterior handles, not just two, so you can fling it about any which way. Also, the bag’s profile and hardware are pleasantly understated. There’s no giant shiny logos or ugly plastic zipper pulls, and all the available colors are attractive.

The nylon is also water-resistant; last year, I sat (sadly) with my Softside in the rain in the Philippines, waiting for a ferry, and it kept its contents dry. Unlike other carry-ons that falsely bill themselves as small enough for international carriers, the Softside’s dimensions are accurate. I’ve flown on multiple international flights with it to Europe and Asia without issue.

Best Value

In all previous versions of this guide, I have recommended a Travelpro suitcase for this category. But this year, Bagsmart’s latest carry-on suitcase shocked me with its strong value. I picked the 20-inch version to test because it comes in a yellow mango color that’s just plain gorgeous. While this one may not pass the requirements for carry-on size on all budget or international airlines, it’s available in a 19-inch version that should work universally.

Both my 8-year-old and my 11-year-old conducted suitcase-racing tests and commented on how smoothly the four-way spinner wheels rolled compared to much more expensive suitcases. The Getaway also never toppled forward off-balance, which Travelpro suitcases have an unfortunate tendency to do, in my experience. The storage options are identical to other, much more expensive suitcases, with several interior zip pockets and a compression panel. It’s expandable and has a TSA-combination lock. It also comes with a few fun accessories, like a luggage tag and a piece of nylon webbing that you can clip to the outside if you end up having to check it.

About my only complaint is that the telescoping handle is a bit wobbly, but its value is amazing for around the $150 mark. (It also comes in a slightly pricier front-opening version ($170) with a padded front compartment for your tech.) If you’re unwilling to ditch Travelpro, I recommend the Maxlite Air V2 ($160), which comes in at around the same price point but weighs about two pounds less. It’s also expandable, the wheels roll smoothly, my hand fits in the handle, and the interior is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled plastic bottles.

Across the world, digital workflows are becoming the default, but few countries have pushed this transition as far, and as fast, as India. With platforms like DigiLocker and Aadhaar-based authentication enabling billions of transactions, entire ecosystems are now operating without physical paperwork.

Which raises a fundamental question: in a system without paper, what replaces the signature?