Recommended Reading: Behind the wheel of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
The week's best writing on technology and more.
2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV first drive: Better because it's bigger?
John Beltz Snyder, Autoblog
Our colleagues at Autoblog have some in-depth analysis of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV via Snyder's first drive experience. While it's similar to the EQS sedan, Snyder argues the SUV variant will likely be more popular.
Your smart thermostat isn’t here to help you
Ian Bogost, The Atlantic
A recent study found that smart thermostats don't really save you money because you're more likely to use the convenience of quick adjustments on your phone. So why are energy providers subsidizing them for customers? They're gathering that sweet data and maybe even throttling your power consumption (with permission). Bogost argues that convenience is still worth it, especially when you don't have to get out of bed to make yourself comfy.
America's throwaway spies
Joel Schectman and Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, Reuters
This in-depth report examines how the US intelligence failed its informants in Iran while it fought a covert war with Tehran. "A faulty CIA covert communications system" made it easy for Iranian officials to find sources, even if they had been otherwise careful about their work.
