Year In Search 2018
The year has nearly come to an end. Before you put 2018 behind you completely, take a look back at the events that shaped it through Google's most searched topics.
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Rooftop Skiing in France
Some people start their day off with a jog, others shred the rooftops of France. Richard Permin is the latter. In this sport short, the ski pro shares his morning routine gliding and flipping across the powder-coated rooftops of Avoriaz 1800.
Home Alone Games with Macaulay Culkin
Home Alone has entered the cultural lexicon as a holiday classic, but the same can't be said for the franchise of games spawned by the movie. Angry video game nerd James Rolfe already cost himself a few brain cells reviewing both of the NES games, but a chance knock on the door reveals an unexpected guest — with every Home Alone game on a variety of systems, from the Gameboy to the 2006 Europe-only Playstation 2 version.
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PLQR Smart Sticky Note
Private Label QR turns ordinary household labels into dynamic digital reference points, using durable QR stickers that link physical objects to editable information accessible from any smartphone camera. Once attached to a box, appliance, container, suitcase, or keepsake, each label can store notes, photos, instructions, contact details, or organizational data that can be updated anytime without replacing the sticker itself. The system feels especially useful for the kind of real-world friction most smart-home products ignore, from labeling moving boxes and organizing pantry goods to leaving appliance instructions for Airbnb guests or preserving the stories tied to family heirlooms. With no app required and built-in controls for private, public, or group visibility, the platform lands somewhere between modern inventory management and a digital memory layer for everyday objects.
Presented by PLQR.
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Camino Gummies
Camino gummies offer a refined alternative to the traditional summer cooler, delivering precision-dosed, hemp-derived THC in terpene-tailored formulas designed to match the moment. Whether it's a backyard barbecue, a beach day, or an evening on the patio, the collection lets users choose everything from low-dose 2mg servings to standard 10mg options for a more controlled, clear-headed experience. Each blend pairs specific botanical terpenes with predictable dosing to complement different social settings, providing a lighter way to unwind without the next-day hangover. For those looking to rethink summer entertaining, Camino makes a compelling case for leaving the six-pack behind.
Presented by Camino.
Consult a physician before consuming any new supplement or medication. Any health claims made are solely those of the brand and not those of Uncrate.
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Ready Player One VFX
Ready Player One was a box office hit in 2018, with director Steven Spielberg taking Ernest Cline's 2011 novel of future nostalgia to the big screen. The visual effects-heavy film used the latest in computer animation to completely recreate the cast as avatars in a living virtual reality world, along with futuristic cityscapes and scenes from classic movies. Industrial Light and Magic takes you behind the scenes to see how Ready Player One's digital world was created.
Every Spider-Man Explained
Spider-Man has long history on the screen. From the 1967 animated series to blockbuster big-screen films, the character has been successful on both the page and the screen. Comic superfan Kevin Smith sat down with WIRED to go over all of Spider-Man's history of appearances onscreen from the late 70s to the present.
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Brexit
Benedict Cumberbatch transforms into Dominic Cummings for HBO's retelling of Brexit. Based on the actual events, the film follows the leader of the Vote Leave campaign and the efforts used to push the United Kingdom to withdraw from the European Union. It premieres January 19, 2019.
DIY SpaceX Rockets
No longer the sole province of huge government organizations or private defense companies, getting into space is being revolutionized by private companies. SpaceX is leading the charge with their reusable rockets, but in a sign of how far technology can filter down, Joe Barnard is building his own — albeit on a smaller scale. While Joe hasn't successfully landed a rocket yet, he's getting closer every day, along with learning a lot in the process.
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Nike Ava X
Running has become more than training for the next finish line. It's sunrise run clubs, destination marathons, and post-run coffee stops that turn a workout into a community. From early coffee meetups in Austin to race weekends across the country, Nike's Ava X is built for the lifestyle surrounding every mile. A lightweight textile upper with synthetic leather accents delivers breathable comfort in a sleek, packable silhouette, while a Cushlon 3.0 midsole provides soft, responsive cushioning for everything from recovery walks to morning shakeout runs. A supportive fit and durable outsole with textured grip round out a sneaker designed to move effortlessly between the run, the café, and wherever the rest of the day leads.
Presented by Nike.
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Nike Air Force 1 Vibram
The Air Force 1 has spent more than four decades proving it belongs almost anywhere. Now Nike takes the iconic silhouette back to one of the ideas that helped shape it. Originally inspired in part by the Nike Approach hiking boot, Bruce Kilgore's legendary design returns with a rugged update featuring a durable textile upper and a Vibram outsole built to tackle terrain beyond the pavement. Nike Air cushioning preserves the everyday comfort that made the AF1 a cultural icon, while the trail-ready sole adds dependable traction for mountain hikes, weekend escapes, and everything in between. It is a fitting evolution for Nike's best-selling sneaker, reminding us that the Air Force 1 has always been built to explore beyond the court.
Presented by Nike.
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The Art Deco Treasures of Shanghai
Shanghai is known for is modern towers but if you look below its skyline, there's a wealth of Art Deco treasures. Defined by its geometric forms and gold accents, the architectural style rose to fame in the 1930s and was the epitome of glamor and luxury. Take a tour of two of the city's most notorious Art Deco buildings, the Grand Theatre and the Paramount.
Beer Taste Test
Although we all might think we're beer experts, Garrett Oliver actually is. While sampling a variety of pilsners, IPAs, and dark Lagers, the Brooklyn brewmaster uses his particular set of skills the decipher between cheap brews and the expensive stuff.
