The blurred truths of SoraPLUS: Are hybrid vehicles all hype? View in browser | Your newsletter preferences10.17.25 BUSINESS How ByteDance Made China’s Most Popular AI ChatbotBY ZEYI YANG | 4-MINUTE READ An AI chatbot developed by TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, is now more popular than DeepSeek. The feat proves that user-friendly design often matters more than having the most advanced AI model. BUSINESS ByteDance’s Other AI Chatbot Is Quietly Gaining Traction Around the WorldBY ZEYI YANG | 2-MINUTE READ ByteDance is paying for ads and partnering with influencers to promote its AI chatbot app Cici in countries like the UK, Mexico, and Indonesia. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE The Blurred Truths of SoraBY JASON PARHAM | 5-MINUTE READ Many will assume that OpenAI’s Sora app represents a new era of social media. But that’s wrong—all it does is reanimate our current one. CYBERATTACKS AND HACKS Why the F5 Hack Created an ‘Imminent Threat’ for Thousands of NetworksBY DAN GOODIN, ARS TECHNICA | 2-MINUTE READ Networking software company F5 disclosed a long-term breach of its systems this week. The fallout could be severe. ADVERTISEMENT SECURITY One Republican Now Controls a Huge Chunk of US Election InfrastructureBY KIM ZETTER | 9-MINUTE READ Former GOP operative Scott Leiendecker just bought Dominion Voting Systems, giving him ownership of voting systems used in 27 states. Election experts don't know what to think. Hybrid Cars: Smart Investment or Just Hype? Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular—in some regions even outpacing EV adoption. But there are questions over cost savings and longevity, and confusion over the different types of hybrids available. So, is it all just hype? Or is buying a hybrid a smart move? INNOVATION The Bourbon Industry Is in Turmoil. Could Tech Provide the Shot It Needs?BY CHRISTOPHER NULL | 7-MINUTE READ The software-driven approach pioneered by a new Kentucky distillery runs counter to the low-tech methods of whiskey's old guard. Its mix of data and automation might help pave a way forward. AUGMENTED REALITY Niantic’s Peridot, the Augmented Reality Alien Dog, Is Now a Talking Tour GuideBY BOONE ASHWORTH | 2-MINUTE READ Niantic is giving its cute AR cartoon companions a voice that will let them guide you around in the real world and point out interesting facts. The feature is being demo’d first in Snap Spectacles. DEAL OF THE DAY These High-End Earbuds Are Cheaper Than Ever Right NowBY BRAD BOURQUE | 1-MINUTE READ The Beyerdynamic Amiron 300 hit their lowest price yet. ADVERTISEMENT Thanks for reading. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up here. Plus, browse more newsletters from WIRED. You’re receiving this email because you signed up for the Daily newsletter from WIRED. Manage your preferences | View our Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe Have questions or comments? Send us a message. Need help? Contact us. Copyright © Condé Nast 2025. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.
