Claire Downs

Claire Downs is a tech reporter who covers the intersection of the internet and pop culture. A third-generation worker in the Chicago futures industry, she specializes in cryptocurrencies and altcoins. Her work can also be seen in Cosmopolitan, Vice Motherboard, VH1.com, and Merry Jane.

Tweets by Claire Downs

How are Joe Biden’s teeth so blindingly white?

They sure look better than before.

On Sep 29, 2020 by Claire Downs

Tech

It’s time for Pete Buttigieg to claim his status as Short King

Own it.

On Jun 18, 2019 by Claire Downs

Tech

How to use Tor, the network that lets you browse the web anonymously

It’s the best way to surf the internet securely.

On May 25, 2019 by Claire Downs

Layer 8

Scientists figured out a way to implant holographic brain images

The experiment invites comparisons to science fiction—and the fears that this technology will inevitably be used for mind control. But are they valid?

On May 28, 2018 by Claire Downs

Tech

house and car blurred out of neighborhood

You can’t unblur your house on Google Maps’ street view

Think twice before you request to blur a Google Street View image.

On Apr 8, 2018 by Claire Downs

Tech

iPhone with Informed Delivery app in front of a mail truck on the street

The post office will actually email you photos of your incoming mail

This life hack will ensure you never miss another incoming package.

On Apr 6, 2018 by Claire Downs

Tech

All of the lights: Will Li-Fi take over Wi-Fi?

Li-Fi internet is real, and it’s faster than your router.

On Apr 3, 2018 by Claire Downs

Tech

Febreze Scentstories Player in jungle ruins

The forgotten history of Febreze’s scented CDs

In 2004, Febreze released Scentstories, a profoundly weird device that wanted to create a symphony of smells.

On Apr 2, 2018 by Claire Downs

Tech

Everything you ever wanted to know about how vapes work

Science, bro!

On Mar 28, 2018 by Claire Downs

Tech

The shocking history of wireless charging

Wireless charging may seem like a new idea, but it’s existed for decades.

On Mar 26, 2018 by Claire Downs

Tech

How to vape like you know what you’re doing

Here are a few tips for beginners and stoners, alike.

On Mar 21, 2018 by Claire Downs

IRL

What is VoIP? Two businesspeople talking on land lines

The best hacks for VoIP calling you’re not using

If you’re still paying for a landline, you’re wasting your money.

On Mar 21, 2018 by Claire Downs

Tech

How the internet Works : Internet symbol with various internet electronic devices

Everything you wanted to know (but were afraid to ask) about how the internet works

It really is a series of tubes.

On Mar 16, 2018 by Claire Downs

Tech

How does Bluetooth actually work?

Here’s everything you don’t know about Bluetooth.

On Mar 14, 2018 by Claire Downs

Tech

This creepy wiki is keeping track of all your online anti-Trump activity

If you liked a liberal Facebook page, you might have a page here.

On Mar 8, 2018 by Claire Downs

Tech