A filmmaker made a Sam Altman deepfake—and got unexpectedly attachedPLUS: The best stocking stuffers. View in browser | Your newsletter preferences12.18.25 CULTURE A Filmmaker Made a Sam Altman Deepfake—and Got Unexpectedly AttachedBY JASON PARHAM | 2-MINUTE READ The director of Deepfaking Sam Altman created a “Sam Bot” when he couldn’t get an interview with the OpenAI CEO. Watch an exclusive trailer for the documentary, which comes out in January. SECURITY Border Patrol Bets on Small Drones to Expand US Surveillance ReachBY DELL CAMERON | 3-MINUTE READ Federal records show CBP is moving from testing small drones to making them standard surveillance tools, expanding a network that can follow activity in real time and extend well beyond the border. POLITICS The Most Powerful Politics Influencers Barely Post About PoliticsBY DAVID GILBERT | 4-MINUTE READ New research shows that social media creators have enormous influence over their audiences' politics—especially those who don't normally share political content. GEAR Phone Updates Used to Be Annoying. The Latest iOS Is AwfulBY SLOANE CROSLEY | 4-MINUTE READ Is the latest iPhone operating system aesthetically appealing? No. But is it useful? Also no. At least I have company among the disgruntled.ADVERTISEMENT UNCANNY VALLEYWicked Director Jon M. Chu on ‘What Makes Art Beautiful’ in the AI Era BY ZOË SCHIFFER AND MANISHA KRISHNAN In this episode of Uncanny Valley, we bring you our conversation with Jon M. Chu from WIRED’s Big Interview event, fresh on the heels of directing Wicked: For Good. ► LISTEN NOW SCIENCEPumped Hydro Energy Storage Is Having a Renaissance BY CHRIS BARANIUK | 6-MINUTE READAs the world looks to incorporate more renewables into energy grids, centuries-old systems that can balance supply and demand are being reappraised and innovated upon. SCIENCEHow to Watch the Ursids Meteor Shower—the Last of the Year BY GRETCHEN RUNDORFF | 6-MINUTE READConditions in the US should be perfect for the final meteor shower of 2025, with no moonlight present to interfere with spotting shooting stars. ► LIVESTREAMWhat You Need to Know About Agentic AI Agentic AI is dominating the enterprise tech conversation — but not all noise is signal. So what’s hype, and what’s reality? Join our livestream to find out. GEARThe Best Stocking Stuffers for Small, Sometimes Practical Gifts BY LOURYN STRAMPE | 2-MINUTE READStart off on the right foot (and buy the grown-ups some time to make coffee) with these excellent, tiny gifts. ✚ Plus: Give the gift of WIRED this Christmas! 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.
