Blogroll

QR codes are one of those things that became so normal so fast that most people stopped thinking about them entirely. You see a square, you point your phone at it, and you go wherever it sends you. That's normally how it works. That automatic trust is exactly what makes them worth understanding better. That blind trust is a big issue, and you need to break the habit.

I can’t believe we’re already knee-deep in summer listings with another month of premieres and library additions. Paramount+ has released its August lineup, and while it features a massive lineup of live sports, there is also a stacked lineup of TV and movies hitting the service.

Even old and tiny SSDs can find a new job if you give them the chance to, and in this economy, it's much better to get creative than to open up your wallet.

Software is one of the easiest business expenses to underestimate. Between Windows, Microsoft Office, VPNs, and creative tools, costs can add up quickly, especially for small businesses and freelancers.

These are some of my trusty community plugins Obsidian that I use daily on my phone and my computer. For readers who don't know, Obsidian is a markdown app where you can take notes, build knowledge libraries, draft and publish your writing, etc. You can use it vanilla too, but it's missing some critical features out of the box, which I patch with open-source plugins developed by the Obsidian community.

This week on Amazon Prime Video, we continue to explore some of the platform’s critically acclaimed movies. From gripping true stories to searing character studies, each of our selections pulls you into its authentic world and, at just the right time, releases you with its indelible impression, showcasing its cinematic commitment.

We all use our phones for navigation when we need to get from one place to another, and that includes places we probably should know how to get to on our own. As a result, I have started using contact integration in Google Maps whenever I visit family and friends. It's so much easier than typing.

TL;DR: Roborock has launched the Qrevo 2 Pro in the UK with a limited-time launch discount. Right now it's available for £529.99 (£120 off its £649.99 list price) through Aug. 9 at Amazon UK and Roborock's official store.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo 2 Pro £529.99 at Amazon UK
£649.99 Save £120   Get Deal

Roborock's Qrevo 2 Pro robot vacuum just launched in the UK with a limited-time deal — until Aug. 9, it's £529.99 (£120 off its £649.99 list price) with Amazon UK and Roborock's official store.

The Qrevo 2 Pro runs on 25,000 Pa HyperForce suction, strong enough to lift embedded dirt from hard floors and automatically ramps up power when it hits a carpet. If you've got pets, the Dual Anti-Tangle System pairs a rubber-and-bristle main brush with a side brush that guides hair inward instead of letting it wrap around the roller, which Roborock says results in zero tangling and full hair pickup.

Credit: Roborock

It's also designed for homes with mixed flooring. There's an Auto Mop Removal feature that detaches the mop pad before it hits carpet and reattaches once it's back on hard floors, so you don't end up with damp carpet spots. The side brush reverses direction in corners to sweep more thoroughly, covering up to 30% more corner area, and the mop can extend to within 1.85mm of the wall for full edge coverage.

SEE ALSO: I found the best robot vacuums for every floor, budget, and level of laziness

As for maintenance, the dock is designed to take most of it off your hands. It self-cleans the mop with 75°C hot water, dries it with warm air, refills the water tank automatically, and can go up to 65 days without needing the dust bin emptied manually. The whole system runs on Roborock's SmartPlan 3.0, which learns your home's layout and floor types over time and adjusts its cleaning approach accordingly.

Grab the Qrevo 2 Pro on Amazon UK while it's still £120 off.

SAVE $350: As of July 27, the DJI Power 1000 Portable Power Station is down to $348.98 at Amazon. That's a 50% discount off its $699 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 1000 $348.98 at Amazon
$699 Save $350.02   Get Deal

The DJI Power 1000 portable power station just dropped to its record-low price. It's now $348.98 at Amazon, down from $699 — a 50% discount. This power station deal is worth a look if you've been eyeing a portable backup for storm season or camping trips.

Power stations in this capacity range don't often see discounts this steep, and with outdoor trips picking up over the summer, now's a good time to grab one before prices climb back up.

SEE ALSO: Vtoman just dropped new power stations that prioritize speed — score the best launch deal at Amazon

The DJI Power 1000 can run most of what you'd throw at it — it puts out up to 2,200W continuously, which covers high-drain devices like power tools and larger camping gear, not just small electronics. When it's time to recharge, plugging it into a wall outlet gets it fully charged in about 70 minutes, and if you're off-grid, solar charging can get you there in around 1.35 hours at max input.

Battery-wise, it uses LFP chemistry, rated for around 4,000 charge cycles, so realistically, you're looking at close to a decade of use before it starts to wear down. There's also a built-in battery management system that monitors for overcharging or overheating, and it's passed 26 separate safety certifications.

It's also quiet — DJI says it runs at around 23 decibels while charging, which is quieter than most refrigerators. And it comes backed by a five-year warranty, so you're covered if anything goes wrong down the line.

Grab the DJI Power 1000 on Amazon before this deal powers down.

I use local LLMs on a daily basis, but in my personal setup, they're only really useful for a limited selection of tasks. I wanted to see how a local LLM could handle everyday tasks. My most powerful device for running LLMs is my M2 MacBook Air with only 8GB of RAM, so while more powerful hardware could do much more, these results should broadly match what you can do on similar hardware.

The motherboard is the most important component in your PC. It's the massive PCB (Printed Circuit Board) that literally brings all of your components together. It allows your components to communicate with one another, and it contains the firmware that your computer needs to start up before the operating system takes over.

A24's Onslaught trailer is a pretty rattling experience.

Directed by Adam Wingard and written by Simon Barrett (the team behind You're Next, The Guest, and Blair Witch), the horror-action-thriller sees a bunch of genetically engineered super soldiers on the loose, with dramatic monikers like The Butcher, Crybaby, and Cockroach. In the trailer, these "human equivalents of a heat-seeking missile" are introduced, before they terrorise an Army sniper (Adria Arjona), her young daughter, and their neighbours in the desert.

And it's all set to an overtly 28 Years Later-style remix of Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1941 "Day of Infamy" speech — delivered by the U.S. president after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, and effectively signalling America's entry into World War II.

Cast-wise, Arjona is joined by Dan Stevens, Rebecca Hall, Eric Wareheim, Reginald VelJohnson, Michael Biehn, Drew Starkey, and Alex Pereira.

Onslaught hits cinemas Sept. 4.

You may be in a rush to replace or get new power tools, but you really shouldn't try to buy everything you can. Manufacturers tend to add in things that help you pick their kits. It's better to just grab all the tools you need as extra additions. It's like buying your loyalty to a battery platform because you should never buy off brand, and everything else follows from that one decision.

I tested the Oura Ring 5 for two months to see if its smaller design lives up to the hype and whether it's worth the higher price.

The Recycle Bin was introduced in Windows 95 to replace clunky file-recovery methods and provide a safety net in case you delete something by mistake.

Gene.01 is the new humanoid robot from Generative Bionics, featuring "smart skin" embedded with touch sensors and proximity sensors to unlock a new level of awareness in how it interacts with the world.

SAVE $18: As of July 27, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 Flipsuit Phone Case is down to $41.99 at Amazon. That's a 30% discount off its $59.99 list price — timed right after the Z Flip 8's launch at Samsung's latest Unpacked event.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 Flipsuit Phone Case $41.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $18   Get Deal

Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip 8 officially launched at Unpacked in London on July 22, coming in 13% thinner than last year's Z Flip 7. If you're planning to grab one (or pre-ordered it the moment it dropped), this Flipsuit case deal is a good one to pair with it: right now it's $41.99 at Amazon, a 30% discount off its usual $59.99.

This case is one of those rare accessories that does more than just protect your phone. Double-tap the cover screen to activate FlexWindow, letting you play Brick Breaker from the outside of your phone — no need to flip it open; just tilt it side to side to control the paddle.

SEE ALSO: How to pre-order Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8: See preorder deals

The bigger draw is the interchangeable LED Flipsuit Card. Insert it, and you get LED lights on the case that match visuals and animations, so it's a lot more fun than a plain case. There's also a photo frame card option, letting you display one of your own photos on the FlexWindow when your phone's closed.

Grab the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 Flipsuit Phone Case on Amazon — your Flip 8 deserves better than a bare back.

So you've accrued a bit of a reputation at your local for being unbeatable at darts? Netflix is looking for you.

Announced on X on Monday, the streaming giant is offering amateur darts players the chance to take on English champion Luke Littler. Successful applicants will try their hand against the 19-year-old record-breaker and youngest world champion in darts history, in a match to be streamed live on Netflix on Oct. 30.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The prize pot is a staggering £501,000 ($667,189), with true-aimed hopefuls encouraged to sign up on the dedicated website beatlukelittler.com.

If you're reflecting on your darts skills and want to sign up, you need to be over 12 (though anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian present). You'll also need to legally live in or be able to travel to the UK for production, and you can't have ever been a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Tour Card holder.

Netflix's application includes questions like "Why do you think you could beat Luke Littler?" which is a damn good question considering the champion has been absolutely thrashing the competition, defending his title, and breaking records at the 2026 World Matchplay in Blackpool, England in July. Other questions include "What is your darts nickname or what would it be?" so make sure you stay on target; may I suggest "Dart Garfunkel," "Napoleon Bonadarte," or "The Museum of Modern Dart," as starter points.

SEE ALSO: Apple TV's August Friday Night Baseball schedule has arrived: Key matchups, how to watch live, free access

It's the latest live event on Netflix, with the streamer leaning more and more into WWE, football, concerts, boxing, and more. It's a crowded, competitive space, with the likes of Apple, Amazon, and Disney+ also focused heavily on live sports streaming.

So, if you're the undisputed champ of your local pub's crumbling dartboard, this could be your five minutes of fame.

Featured Video For You How F1 became a global obsession

SAVE $300: As of July 27, the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $1,499.99 at Amazon. That's $300 cheaper than the list price of $1,799.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame Matrix10 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop $1,499.99 at Amazon
$1,799.99 Save $300   Get Deal

Released just last year, Dreame's Matrix10 Ultra is a premium robot vacuum pick for those who want a cleaner that can handle both vacuuming and mopping. If it's something you've had on your radar but have been waiting for the price to dip before buying, now is a great time to make a move.

Amazon has knocked $300 off this cleaner's price tag, dropping it from $1,799.99 to $1,499.99, though it won't be discounted for long. The retailer has slapped a "limited time deal" tag on it, so the countdown has begun to take advantage of this offer.

SEE ALSO: Pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 from Amazon and get a free $100 gift card

If it's felt too much to keep on top of cleaning this summer, the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra is a mighty helpful machine to have around. In terms of vacuuming power, it boasts 30,000Pa Vormax suction to clear up your carpets and harder surfaces. Plus, it has a HyperStream detangling DuoBrush that keeps hair from clogging it up and slowing it down.

When it comes to mopping, this cleaner also has a Multi-Mop Switching Dock. According to the store page, this auto-selects the right mop for each area in your home, helping to prevent cross-contamination. On top of that, navigating your home is a breeze for this model. Not only does it feature obstacle-avoidance technology, but it also has dual retractable legs that can push through up to 3.15-inch steps.

Mashable's Leah Stodart experienced this system with a different model and wrote: "The use case felt quite limited. Actual stair climbing is still out of the question, but it could be helpful if your floors have any height changes, or if you need a robot vacuum to cross sliding door tracks."

If the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum and mop has caught your attention, don't miss out on this great deal at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE $1,300: As of July 27, the LG C5 Series 65-inch OLED evo 4K Smart TV is down to $1,399.99 at Best Buy. That's a 48% discount off its $2,699.99 value.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch C5 OLED evo Smart webOS TV $1,399.99 at Best Buy
$2,699.99 Save $1,300.00   Get Deal

The 65-inch LG C5 OLED is down to $1,399.99 at Best Buy right now, a 48% discount off its $2,699.99 value — that's $1,300 in savings on one of LG's OLED TVs.

Even though the C5 is technically last year's model, it's still one of LG's better OLED TVs, and this Best Buy deal makes it an easy recommendation. If you've been holding off on an OLED because of the price tag, this is about as good an entry point as you'll find.

The C5 runs on LG's Alpha 9 Gen8 AI Processor, which handles picture and sound, and it uses AI to analyze whatever's on screen and adjust picture and sound settings accordingly — so a sports broadcast and a dark movie scene each get tuned differently instead of using one generic setting for everything.

You're also getting over 8.3 million individually lit pixels, which give OLED its signature deep blacks and accurate color, plus a Brightness Booster feature that helps the screen hold up even in rooms with a lot of ambient light — something OLEDs have historically struggled with.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Design-wise, the bezel is nearly invisible, so the screen blends into your wall, and LG's built in some useful extras, like the ability to display art or photos when you're not actively watching something, turning the TV into something of a design piece.

For movies, you get Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Filmmaker Mode, which strips out the usual "TV enhancement" processing so you're watching things closer to how they were actually shot and edited. This TV also comes stacked for anyone who games — a native 120Hz refresh rate, 0.1ms response time, VRR support, and four HDMI 2.1 inputs — more gaming-focused hardware than you'd typically expect from a TV at this price point, discount or not.

Deals this good don't wait around — grab the LG C5 OLED at Best Buy.