IT General

For decades, Resident Evil has constantly reinvented itself. From fixed-camera survival horror to explosive co-op action to first-person psychological terror. At times, those reinventions pushed the franchise to the brink of losing its identity entirely. But through resets, remakes, and refinement, Capcom rediscovered what truly defined the series: structured vulnerability, spatial tension, and controlled escalation.

With Resident Evil 9, the franchise no longer feels reactive. It feels confident. In this episode of How It Hits, we break down how Resident Evil survived itself, and why it finally feels like everything has come together.

Resident Evil Requiem is now available.

Honda is the most fuel-efficient automaker in the United States, according to the latest U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Automotive Trends Report. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of fuel economy and vehicle technology data across the U.S. light-duty vehicle market from 1975 through 2024, with preliminary 2025 data.

TL;DR: Avoid the dreaded low-battery alert on your devices with this GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable, now just $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

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Sick of keeping up with all the chargers your devices require? From what seems like constantly changing iPhones chargers to requiring a different type for your iPad and laptop, it can feel like a full-time job keeping up with your charging cables. That’s where GoCable comes in, offering an 8-in-1 keyring cable you can take along anywhere.

Right now, you can score a GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable for just $21.99 (reg. $49.99).

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Whether you’re heading on vacation or just trying to stay powered up on a workday, this GoCable 8-in-1 EDC 100W Cable is ready to simplify how you keep your devices charged. This convenient gadget combines eight essential features into one sleek design that you can bring along anywhere.

Packed with 100W ultra-fast charging, the GoCable makes it speedy and simple to supercharge your device efficiently — from laptops to smartphones and everything in between. It also offers high-speed file transfer capabilities. All you need to add is a power bank or wall adapter, and it’s ready to work with everything from Type-C and Type-C+ to Apple Lightning connectors.

If you’re curious about a device’s charging status, an LED power display provides real-time status information. The magnetic cable also ensures you don’t have to deal with annoying tangled cables; just toss it in a bag and rest easy knowing it will be mess-free.

Aside from keeping devices powered up efficiently, the GoCable includes hidden tools for extra convenience. You’ll have quick access to a bottle opener and a hidden cutter for opening packages safely. The included carabiner clip lets you attach this to bags or belts in seconds, so you can always keep it within arm’s reach.

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February has been a turbulent month for DJI. The Chinese tech giant, best known for making drones, escalated its fight against the U.S. drone ban by suing the FCC. Then the internet erupted over an entirely different DJI device: The Romo robot vacuum.

Thousands of Romo vacuums and their live cameras worldwide were hacked — and not by an evil mastermind sitting in a room surrounded by screens, but by a guy trying to get his PS5 controller to control his robot vacuum.

Sammy Azdoufal told The Verge he wasn't trying to hack anyone else's robot vacuum. It was merely a fun project for the software engineer, who alerted DJI about its massive authentication slip-up — while sharing how little work it took to access the ins and outs of a Romo owner's home.

SEE ALSO: Firefox adds AI kill switch for users who are sick and tired of AI-everything

And yes, AI was involved. Azdoufal specializes in AI strategy; he got coding help from AI assistant Claude to change the communication protocol between DJI's servers and his Romo.

After creating a custom app for his PlayStation setup, Azdoufal discovered he was looking at way more than his own robot vacuum's data. He'd accidentally unlocked the data of thousands of DJI robot vacuum owners around the world.

The exposed information wasn't just 3D floor plans of homes, which would be bad enough. But the device's live camera feeds and microphone audio were also accessible.

As of Feb. 24, DJI has patched the problem by restricting access to this authentication loophole, Azdoufal found. Meanwhile, the Romo itself appears to have vanished from the online DJI Store, as of Feb. 26.

New fear unlocked: Your robot vacuum as a spy

Even with this issue fixed, the idea that someone could spy on you via your robot vacuum doesn't exactly boost confidence in the whole category. What if another brand of camera-toting robot vacuum brand has a similar undiscovered security flaw — and what if the person who discovers it isn't as goodhearted as Azdoufal?

We've had glimpses of this kind of vulnerability in the past. In 2024, multiple Ecovacs Deebot X2 robot vacuums across the U.S. were hacked and made to yell racial slurs at owners. Other smart home devices with cameras have faced security breaches, from baby monitors to smart doorbells.

But a robot vacuum is the only kind of device that regularly roves around your home. That gives this vulnerability a unique sense of foreboding, perhaps enough to provide the plot to a found footage horror film.

And of course, there are even more opportunities for bad actors when AI has access to personal info.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft says Copilot was summarizing confidential emails without permission

I test robot vacuums for a living, and I really don't want to have to be paranoid about their camera usage. The livestream camera is an incredibly comforting robot vacuum feature for pet parents who get anxious about leaving pets at home alone.

All of the robovacs I've tested have announced out loud when they're in remote viewing mode. But not all robot vacuums provide that courtesy notification (the DJI Romo, for one, does not).

In any case, if a hacker was able to get to the point that they could control the vacuum's camera, would it be that hard for them to disable the warning? While the issue remains, it might be wise to disable your vacuum's camera, at least when not in use, with the lowest-tech hack of all: putting tape over it.

Big three-row SUVs like the Toyota Sequoia, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Nissan Armada deliver serious space and road presence, but they’re not exactly known for being gentle at the pump. That’s fine for road trips, but it stings a lot more during school runs and grocery hauls.

TL;DR: Let kids learn while having fun with this lifetime subscription to Pok Pok, on sale now for just $44.97 with code PLAY through March 22.

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Looking for a guilt-free way to give your kids a little screen time? Pok Pok is the answer parents have been looking for — offering a Montessori-based approach to learning and fun for kids ages 2 to 8.

Right now, you can keep the learning going with this lifetime subscription to Pok Pok, on sale for $44.97 with code PLAY through March 22.

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Screen time is a controversial topic these days. If you’re looking for a non-addictive way to let kids have a little fun on the tablet, it’s time to meet Pok Pok. This award-winning app keeps kids entertained while serving as a great introduction to screen time with hand-drawn animations, low stimulation, and in-house-made gentle sound effects.

With a Montessori-based approach that emphasizes hands-on learning, independence, and natural development, Pok Pok makes learning fun. This way of learning allows kids to navigate the app on their own as they learn STEM concepts, numbers, and language. There are no rules, levels, objectives, winners, or losers — they just get to have fun.

This app was made in collaboration with early childhood experts, so it has been thoughtfully crafted to made sure each experience in Pok Pok is enriching and supportive your little one’s development. It’s also COPPA certified and GDPR compliant, so you can rest easy knowing your kids won’t be tricked into making any purchases.

Your lifetime subscription includes new content, with seasonal and cultural updates. You’ll also get an exclusive surprise gift mailed directly to your door.

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OpenAI is speaking out about changes and overhauls coming to its safety protocols and communications with law enforcement after a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada, that left nine dead, including the shooter, earlier this month.

The perpetrator of the shooting had their ChatGPT account suspended in June 2025 after OpenAI detected content from the user that presented "an indication of potential real-world violence." OpenAI banned the user and considered alerting authorities. However, OpenAI decided not to inform law enforcement after determining that the user had no credible plan to act out.

OpenAI's decision not to alert authorities has become a major concern of the Canadian government.

While OpenAI did have a protocol to handle credible threats, the company is now saying it will do more. In an open letter to the Canadian government, OpenAI's Vice President of Global Policy Ann M. O’Leary did not offer any specific policy changes, but did mention that changes were already being implemented and more were coming.

In addition, O'Leary also shared another oversight in OpenAI's protocols. According to OpenAI's open letter, the Tumbler Ridge shooter had opened a second ChatGPT account, which the company only discovered after the shooting occurred and the name of the shooter was publicly released. OpenAI did share that account with police after making the discovery.

In its open letter, OpenAI says it will "continue to strengthen" its law enforcement referral protocol. The company said it's working with mental health experts to better assess difficult cases and when conversations cross the line into being a risk.

OpenAI also said they are establishing a direct point of contact with Canadian law enforcement to refer cases with potential for "real world violence."

ChatGPT will also be tweaked to provide help to users who are in distress or are pursuing prohibited behavior by providing them resources to localized support within their communities. 

In addition, OpenAI said it is addressing its protocols that allowed for the shooter to open a second account. The company said it had a system in place to detect repeat policy offenders and is committing to "strengthening our detection systems to better prevent attempts to evade our safeguards and prioritize identifying the highest risk offenders."

Mashable has reached out to OpenAI for additional information regarding these policy overhauls and to find out whether these affect the company's policies in the United States as well. We will update this piece when we hear back.

Streaming has given anime an incredible global reach, and Netflix has been a vital part in introducing the medium to wider audiences. Between distributing series new and old and playing a part in the production of several hits, I feel the service has created an ideal anime gateway for newcomers to dive into a new medium that they may not have considered otherwise. From shonen battles to romantic comedies, there is a varied selection that offers a little something for everyone.

Streaming has given anime an incredible global reach, and Netflix has been a vital part in introducing the medium to wider audiences. Between distributing series new and old and playing a part in the production of several hits, I feel the service has created an ideal anime gateway for newcomers to dive into a new medium that they may not have considered otherwise. From shonen battles to romantic comedies, there is a varied selection that offers a little something for everyone.

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Feb. 28. Indulge in the Darkness, hosted by The Book Club Fest, is offering free dark romance books for your e-reader.

Another Stuff Your Kindle Day is dropping, merely days after the Sapphic Shelf Explosion. We're certainly not complaining. It's very much a case of "the more the merrier" with Stuff Your Kindle Day. We're always greedy for more.

Indulge in the Darkness, hosted by The Book Club Fest, is offering participants the chance to download dark romance books without spending anything. Everything that you download is yours to keep forever, so there's no need to hold back. Dive into the world of dark romance with this limited-time event.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Kindles to help you find the perfect e-reader

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Indulge in the Darkness takes place on Feb. 28. This free giveaway only runs for 24 hours, so you'll need to act quickly to pick up all the titles on your list.

Which ebooks are free?

Indulge in the Darkness offers free dark romance books from a number of sub-genres. Fortunately, The Book Club Fest has created a helpful hub page with links to everything on offer:

• Contemporary

• Poly/Why Choose/Reverse Harem

• Paranormal/Sci-Fi/Fantasy

• MM or FF

Anyone can participate in Stuff Your Kindle Day. Kindle and Kobo readers can download these dark romance books for free.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle (16GB) + Kindle Unlimited (3 Months) $109.99 at Amazon
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These popular e-readers let you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle. Plus, you can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for free with your purchase.

TL;DR: Give your family a more peaceful internet experience with this lifetime subscription to AdGuard Family Plan, on sale now for just $19.97 through March 1.

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For better or worse, we all spend a lot of time on the internet. What if you could change the way you browse and banish online ads for good? AdGuard makes it happen, offering an internet free of pop-ups, videos, and banner ads while keeping you safer online.

Right now, you can score a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan, on sale for just $19.97 for two more days through March 1.

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It’s time to enjoy the internet as it was meant to be browsed — peaceful and ad-free. AdGuard is an advanced ad-blocking module that not only blocks ads from appearing on your screen but also keeps you safer online.

Save time closing out annoying pop-up ads and quieting video ads with this tool. It not only makes your time online more enjoyable but also keeps you safer. AdGuard keeps your data safe — it helps block trackers, hides your data, and stops malware, phishing sites, and cyberattacks.

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SD cards and SSDs have one major thing in common: both run on NAND flash memory. Despite that, they're still drastically different in many ways, and that includes failures.

Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary throughout 2026. If we had to pick a date, it would be February 27, when the original Pocket Monsters Red and Green was released for the Game Boy back in 1996. You can join the celebration with Google's hidden Doodle mini-game that you can play right now on your phone or PC.

If you're on the hunt for critically acclaimed titles, old and new, then you don't have to stray too far. Netflix hosts a large collection of award-winning films, shows, and documentaries that span several genres.

If you're on the hunt for critically acclaimed titles, old and new, then you don't have to stray too far. Netflix hosts a large collection of award-winning films, shows, and documentaries that span several genres.

Toyota’s latest suite of Connected Services, managed through the Toyota App, transforms the vehicle into a smart companion. Whether it’s using cloud navigation to shave time off your commute, preconditioning your EV’s battery for a faster charge, or receiving real-time safety alerts while your teenager is behind the wheel, these technologies are designed to work seamlessly in the background.

If you've ever held the power button to shut your PC down, you've done an "unsafe shutdown," and chances are that your SSD wasn't too happy about it. The event was probably logged, adding up to your error count.

March is here, and with it, Disney+ and Hulu have quite the lineup of new and returning movies, TV shows, and specials to get to. And while we wait to see what the House of Mouse will do with the merging of both of them into a single service, or when they'll officially shutter the Hulu app, we still think it's much easier for you if we compile everything that's coming to both services in one convenient place.

Vehicle thefts in the United States fell 23% during the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to the latest analysis from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The organization credits the collective efforts of law enforcement, automakers, and insurers for the drop, yet some common everyday vehicles still top the list of the most stolen vehicles.

NASA will trade the Artemis mission that was expected to land astronauts on the moon for a new plan intended to increase launch frequency of the agency's mega rocket.

At a news briefing on Friday, NASA administrator Jared Isaacman described a vast overhaul to the moon-to-Mars program. The changes scrap the Artemis III lunar landing and instead make it a flight in low-Earth orbit for a crew to practice meeting up with either the SpaceX or Blue Origin-built lunar landers — or, perhaps, both. 

Those efforts also will impact the U.S. space agency's timeline for the future Artemis missions, moving up the revised Artemis III flight to the middle of 2027, which could make way for Artemis IV and Artemis V at the beginning and end of 2028. Under the new direction, Artemis IV would be the first mission to put astronaut boots on the lunar surface. 

The sweeping revisions to the agency's program came during an update on repairs to the Space Launch System rocket, which will launch Artemis II, a 10-day lunar flyby mission with a crew, as early as April. 

"There has to be a better way in line with our history," Isaacman said. "We did not just jump right to Apollo 11. We did it through Mercury, Gemini, and lots of Apollo missions, with a launch cadence every three months. We shouldn't be comfortable with the current cadence. We should be getting back to basics and doing what we know works."

SEE ALSO: These 'avatars' will fly around the moon with NASA's Artemis 2 astronauts

NASA leaders said the shakeup is meant to address a larger underlying problem: the U.S. agency is flying its most powerful rocket too infrequently and repeating some of the same technical issues from one mission to the next.

Isaacman pointed to hydrogen leaks on Artemis I and helium flow problems on Artemis II as signs that a three‑year gap between launches is not sustainable. When teams only fly every few years, he said, they lose "muscle memory" — the routine, hands-on experience required to handle a complex rocket safely and efficiently.

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To fix that, NASA is redefining the Artemis campaign as a step‑by‑step test program. The agency now aims to launch roughly once every 10 months, standardize its rocket configuration, and rebuild in‑house expertise that has withered over time.

Increasing the Artemis launch cadence

A major change is the decision to treat Artemis III as a practice mission in Earth orbit rather than a landing attempt. That mission will let astronauts and engineers test how the Orion spaceship and the landers find each other, fly together, and possibly dock. It will also allow crews to start checking life‑support systems and other hardware inside the landers before sending them all the way to the lunar surface. Officials said they may even try limited tests of the new moonwalking suits in weightlessness, if schedules allow.

NASA leaders argued that it makes more sense to uncover problems and practice operations close to home, in Earth orbit, rather than discovering them for the first time while attempting a landing on the moon. If the faster launch tempo holds, Artemis IV and Artemis V together could give NASA two opportunities in 2028. Officials stressed that the timeline still depends on hardware readiness and safety reviews.

Work toward Gateway, a small space station that would orbit the moon and serve as a staging point for future missions, is not going away, officials said. But they made clear the agency’s priority is getting Artemis flights off the ground more often before building out that lunar outpost.

Not far from their minds is the reality that China is also attempting to land its own crew on the moon before 2030 and may be able to get there before the United States. NASA hasn't sent humans to the lunar surface since Apollo 17 in 1972. And though no other nation has followed in the giant leap for humankind, that won't always be true.

NASA leaders announced an overhaul to the Artemis program's timeline, trying to simplify the missions and created a stepped approach from one launch to the next. Credit: NASA infographic

"[In] the 1960s [it] turned out, in hindsight, we had a near-endless schedule margin there," Isaacman said. "That is certainly not the case today. I'd say this is very, very close from a timeline perspective."

Artemis 2 works toward April launch

The revised campaign comes as engineers work through immediate issues on Artemis II, the first crewed flight of the program. After a successful "wet dress rehearsal" — a full countdown test that loads the rocket with super‑cold fuel — teams discovered that helium was not flowing correctly to the engines in the rocket's upper stage.

Helium is used to pressurize tanks and help push fuel into the engines. Without proper helium flow, the rocket cannot safely fly. Because the upper stage is hard to reach at the launchpad, NASA rolled the stacked rocket back into the Vehicle Assembly Building, the sky-scraping hangar where it was originally put together.

While the rocket is inside, technicians will remove and inspect suspected helium system components, update any faulty hardware, and perform other work. That includes replacing batteries in the flight termination system — the emergency system that can destroy the rocket if it strays off course — swapping out a seal on the line that feeds liquid oxygen into the rocket, refreshing items inside Orion, and giving the closeout crew more practice sealing the capsule.

NASA wants to streamline that work to preserve a chance to launch Artemis II on April 1, April 3 through 6, or April 30. They have not provided potential launch dates beyond April, despite many requests from reporters to do so. 

Technicians are trying to diagnose a helium flow problem in the upper stage of the moon rocket ahead of Artemis II, which could launch as early as April. Credit: NASA Back to the Apollo-era approach

Beyond the near-term, Isaacman said NASA will standardize the current moon rocket configuration instead of evolving the design after only a few flights, as originally planned. The goal is to avoid turning each booster into a bespoke project and instead fly a simpler, repeatable version that industry can achieve quicker.

Isaacman also highlighted a push to rebuild NASA's workforce, shifting some key roles from contractors — who today make up about 75 percent of the agency's technical labor — back to in-house expertise. NASA leaders say that will give them more control over launch preparations, as it did in the Apollo and space shuttle eras.

The White House, Congress, and major contractors support the new approach, he said. The bigger question is whether the American public will get on board. Many people are unaware that NASA is just weeks away from launching astronauts into deep space for the first time in over a half-century.

"It's a different environment than the 1960s. There's more than three channels on a TV, so capturing people's attention at times can be challenging," Isaacman said. "I have no doubt when Artemis II takes flight, the world will take notice to that."