James Austin

New York, United States

Associate Staff Writer, Games and Hobbies at Wirecutter

Staff Writer for @wirecutter, covering hobbies and games. Let's talk about dice and meeples! Tweets self-destruct regularly. He/Him @[email protected]

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Articles

The Best Solo Board Games

2 weeks ago | flipboard.com | James Austin

6 hours agoThere is no shortage of first-person shooters out there, to the degree that some of them can start to blur together. Mouse: P.I. For Hire, however, has one of the most unique art styles I’ve ever seen in the genre. Think Cuphead, but with more explosive action — and way more mice to kill. The …
Solo Board Games Aren’t Just for Lonely People. Here Are Four of Our Favorites.

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | James Austin

I want to make it perfectly clear, here at the top, that I do in fact have friends. Tabletop gaming is — generally speaking — a group hobby. Games are fantastic at facilitating interesting and exciting interactions between people, even strangers. It’s why I fell in love with them and why I continue to play them. But the older I’ve gotten, the harder it’s become to get my friend group to spend hours building ancient civilizations or pretending to be a 19th-century British industrialist.
Illinois Takes Aim At Artificial Intelligence In Employment

Feb 14, 2025 | mondaq.com | James Austin |John Litchfield

In a significant move to regulate artificial intelligence (AI)in the workplace, the Illinois Legislature amended the IllinoisHuman Rights Act (IHRA or "the Act") to address thegrowing use of AI at various points throughout the employmentprocess.
Illinois Takes Aim at Artificial Intelligence in Employment

Feb 11, 2025 | natlawreview.com | James Austin

In a significant move to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace, the Illinois Legislature amended the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA or “the Act”) to address the growing use of AI at various points throughout the employment process.
The Wirecutter Show Episode 16: Last-Minute Thanksgiving Tips

Nov 27, 2024 | nytimes.com | Christine Cyr Clisset |Caira Blackwell |Rosie Guerin |Abigail Keel |Hannah Morrill |Rose Maura Lorre | +7 more

Listen and follow The Wirecutter ShowApple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio | Other platforms Thanksgiving is (almost) here, and this week Wirecutter experts share their best last-minute tips to make your holiday a success.
The 5 Best Telescopes for Beginners of 2025 | Reviews by Wirecutter

Nov 7, 2024 | nytimes.com | James Austin |Signe Brewster |Colin Rosemont

We’ve tested 17 top-rated telescopes over the years, and we’re certain the Celestron NexStar 5SE provides the best image quality and ease of use for beginners.
The Best Vlogging Cameras and Gear

Nov 4, 2024 | nytimes.com | Geoff Morrison |Arriana Vasquez |James Austin

Vlogging, or video blogging, is a way for you to share your life and interests with the world, potentially making money while you do it. From cooking to travel, from makeup to hair care, from pugs to parakeets—whatever you’re into, someone else probably is, too. The most popular platform for vlogging is YouTube, at more than 2 billion users. With enough viewers, you can monetize your videos, which gives you a share of the advertising profits.
The Best Walkie-Talkies for Everyday Use

Aug 23, 2024 | nytimes.com | James Austin

Even in this modern, hyper-connected era, basic walkie-talkies can be vital in situations when cell service fails. The easy, clear communication that these simple handheld radios provide can improve activities such as backwoods camping, rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and other adventures far from a cell tower.
5 Offline Games We Love for Camping (That Are Also Great for the Backyard)

Jun 3, 2024 | nytimes.com | James Austin

Growing up mostly as an indoor kid, I found playing board games at the kitchen table more enjoyable than sleeping outside in the soupy heat of Central Florida. Not until I reached adulthood and ultimately moved to Colorado did I appreciate the appeal of spending time with friends and loved ones outside of climate-controlled rooms. But even then, I didn’t want to leave my games behind.
Major changes to paternity leave and flexible working laws loom from April

Apr 5, 2024 | lcf.co.uk | James Austin |Heather Pritchard

Home / Media Centre / News / Major changes to paternity leave and flexible working laws loom from April With significant changes to the legislation surrounding both paternity leave and flexible working coming into force during April 2024, we set out the key differences for both employers and employees.