Mashable

Syndicate content
Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
URL: https://mashable.com
Updated: 46 min 58 sec ago

First look at Narwals new robot vacuum: The Freo Z10 Ultra is millennial gray and makes game-time decisions

Thu, 09/04/2025 - 14:29

ORDER AND SAVE ON SEPT. 12: Narwal announced the Freo Z10 Ultra robot vacuum and mop combo on Sept. 4. It will be available to purchase at early bird pricing of $899 starting Sept. 12, but will eventually retail for $1,299 after Sept. 28.

Opens in a new window Credit: Narwal Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra $899 at Narwal
$1,299 Save $400 Learn More

A gray self-emptying robot vacuum is huge news for anyone who's trying to match stainless steel appliances. But the new Narwal robot vacuum and mop combo is advertising more than living space cohesion. Officially announced on Sept. 4 (less than a month after Dreame unveiled several new robot vacuums), the Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra will be available to buy for $899 on Sept. 12. That price will bump up to its true MSRP of $1,299 after Sept. 28. My test unit arrived the night before the announcement — here are my first thoughts to spark your consideration until then.

The self-empty dock can hold four months' worth of debris — the largest capacity I've ever seen in a robot vac. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Aside from one cheap Shark robot vacuum I tested last year, I rarely come across robot vacuums that aren't white or black — Narwal was smart to bet on millennial gray. The rotundness of the dock is mostly due to massive water tanks for extended self-maintenance, but that probably takes this model out of the running for the best robot vacuums for small spaces (and because it'd take herculean effort to drag up a walk-up). The touchscreen on the lid is a nice touch for those who don't want to use an app all the time.

SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Roomba: Comparing top-rated robot vacuum lineups

The Z10 Ultra seems to focus heavily on adaptive cleaning, a theme I first appreciated about the last Narwal robot vacuum I tested: the CleanTok darling Freo X Ultra. One of my favorite tips to make a robot vacuum work better is to send it for two cleaning passes instead of one. This might seem obvious, but many apps require too much toggling to find that setting. However, the Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra shouldn't even require that. Its whole thing is game-time decisions, calling on dual RGB sensors and dual AI chips to read the room in real time and approach messes and obstacles accordingly. For instance, if a liquid spill is detected, the Freo Z10 Ultra will allegedly alter its mopping and water flow strategy.

I'm particularly intrigued by the triangular spinning mopping pads here. They extend out from under the vacuum like several other mopping robot vacuums out there, but will this wonky shape actually mop corners better than, say, the Roborock Saros 10R?

Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The Freo Z10 Ultra's 18,000 Pa of suction power isn't groundbreaking, but it is in line with the other best robot vacuums of the $1,000+ price range. The Roborock Saros 10 and Saros 10R that I always recommend hit 22,000 Pa and 20,000 Pa, respectively, and both retail for $300 more than the Freo Z10 Ultra. It also beats the regular Freo Z10's 15,000 Pa and destroys the Freo X Ultra's 8,200 Pa. To me, a vacuum doesn't need the absolute best stats on paper to be a worthwhile purchase. Consistent attention to detail is just as crucial to the automated experience, and the Freo Z10 Ultra could be a pretty value-packed vacuum cleaner for picky people like me.

Categories: IT General, Technology

007 First Light preorder guide — whats included with Standard and Legacy editions?

Thu, 09/04/2025 - 13:11

I grew up on Bond movies, so seeing a video game tackle the character’s early years has me more than a little curious. IO Interactive, the team behind Hitman: World of Assassination, is stepping into the world of MI6 with 007 First Light.

Instead of the seasoned spy we all know, this game gives us a young James Bond who is still rough around the edges. He is cocky, reckless, and just starting to find out what kind of agent he will become. The game launches March 27, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.

SEE ALSO: 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Mirror Edition' comes to PS5 and Xbox Series X: Release date and price info

Preorders are open now, and there are a couple of different editions depending on how far you want to go with this game.

Standard Edition

The Standard Edition is priced at $69.99 across every platform. On PlayStation and Xbox you can choose between physical discs or digital downloads. PC players can pick it up on Steam or the Epic Games Store. The Switch 2 version is a little different. Like a lot of third party games on Nintendo’s new system, it comes as a card that serves more like a key. You insert the card, download the game, and you need that card in the system when you want to play. It is not a traditional cartridge but it still works like a physical copy in that you can lend it to a friend or trade it in.

Preordering the Standard Edition still comes with a few extras. Digital versions include 24 hours of early access, so you can start playing on March 26 instead of March 27. Every preorder also gets the Deluxe Edition upgrade, which adds four outfits, one weapon skin, and a pack of shiny gadget cosmetics. Two bonus skins are part of this too, the Golden Gun and the Obsidian Gold Suit.

Legacy Collector’s Edition

The Legacy Edition is the premium option. It costs $299.99 and is available physically for PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. It comes with the game itself, a steel case with a magnetic closure, a certificate of authenticity, and most notably a Golden Gun figurine complete with a display stand and secret compartment. The same preorder bonuses that come with the Standard Edition are included here as well.

That Golden Gun replica is clearly the draw. Bond fans will recognize it as one of the most iconic weapons in the franchise’s history. It is a collectible piece that makes this edition more about having something to display than just what is on the disc.

What kind of game is 007 First Light

IO Interactive is calling First Light a narrative action adventure. You play as a rookie James Bond chasing down a rogue MI6 agent known only as 009. From what we have seen, the story takes Bond across varied locations that range from mountains and waterfronts to nightclubs, rooftops, and public squares. There are also boat chases and cars to drive. Missions seem to allow for multiple approaches. You can lean on stealth and gadgets to slip through quietly or go loud with gunfire if you want to embrace the license to kill. If you have played IO’s Hitman games, you will probably recognize that philosophy of choice.

What makes this game stand out is the focus on a young Bond. He is talented but unrefined, confident but untested. It is less about the unshakable professional and more about how he becomes the character we recognize. That angle makes First Light feel fresh compared to the many other Bond interpretations we have seen over the years.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Where to pre-order Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 — Standard and Vault editions explained

Thu, 09/04/2025 - 13:01

I’ve been playing Call of Duty long enough to remember when the biggest preorder bonus you could expect was a poster from GameStop. Now the landscape has changed entirely.

With Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 dropping Nov. 14, 2025, across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and launching day one on Game Pass, figuring out which edition to grab is its own kind of tactical mission. Here’s a rundown on the Standard and Vault editions, preorder bonuses, gameplay details, and why this Black Ops feels different from the rest.

Standard Edition and Cross-Gen Bundle preorders

The Standard Edition is your entry point into Black Ops 7, but it still comes with a lot. On consoles it is sold as a Cross-Gen Bundle, which means one purchase works across PS4 and PS5 or Xbox One and Series X|S. On PC, it is available digitally through Battle.net, Steam, or Xbox PC. When you preorder the Standard Edition you get the full game at launch on Nov. 14, early access to the Open Beta from Oct. 2-5 if you preorder or have Game Pass, and access to the public beta beginning Oct. 5.

Physical editions can be found below, with Walmart currently offering the cheapest rate at $69. That's $0.99 cheaper, for those keeping score:

Digital preorders also include the Reznov Challenge Pack, which immediately unlocks the Reznov SOG Operator Skin in Black Ops 6 and Warzone, and lets you work toward unlocking the Reznov Stalingrad and Reznov Memory skins. The Standard Edition is priced at $69.99 whether you choose digital or physical. Physical copies have some quirks worth noting. The Xbox disc works for both Series X and One. The PS5 disc is PS5 only. The PS4 disc includes a PS5 digital code, though the disc must still be inserted to play the PS5 version.

Vault Edition preorders

The Vault Edition is the fully loaded digital option. It contains everything in the Standard Edition plus a large collection of extras that will matter if you play Call of Duty throughout the year. This includes the Operator Collection with four exclusive skins, the Mastercraft Weapon Collection with animated blueprints across weapon classes, and one season of the BlackCell Battle Pass, which delivers COD Points, tier skips, and exclusive content.

On top of that you get the Ultra GobbleGum Pack for Zombies, as well as a Permanent Unlock Token to bypass progression on one item of your choice from day one. The Vault Edition costs $99.99 and is digital only. If you already preordered Standard digitally, you can upgrade for $30 through your platform store or in-game. Game Pass subscribers also have the option to buy the Vault upgrade while keeping the base game via their subscription.

Preorder bonuses and Game Pass

Every preorder, whether digital, physical, or through Game Pass, grants early beta access starting Oct. 2 and full open beta access from Oct. 5-8. Digital preorders and Game Pass users also receive the Reznov Challenge Pack, which is playable in Black Ops 6 and Warzone immediately, with all skins available in Black Ops 7 at launch.

SEE ALSO: 'Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Mirror Edition' comes to PS5 and Xbox Series X: Release date and price info

If you're looking to play Black Ops 7 day one on Game Pass, you'll need an Ultimate Membership. There's plenty of options available, including a Amazon Firestick and controller combo that includes Game Pass Ultimate. Here's some options to get you ready for Black Ops 7:

Gameplay, setting, and what’s new in Black Ops 7

This year’s entry is aiming to push the series forward while still staying true to its roots. Set in 2035, Black Ops 7 continues the threads of Black Ops 2 and Black Ops 6. Raul Menendez has resurfaced with a chilling message, while David Mason leads a JSOC team into the Mediterranean city of Avalon. The Guild, a global tech giant, emerges as the new antagonist force, wielding psychological warfare instead of just brute military power. The story leans heavily into paranoia, deception, and the resurfacing of personal ghosts, all staples of the Black Ops formula.

For the first time since Black Ops 3, the campaign is fully co-op for up to four players. You can still play solo if you prefer, but the shared design is a significant shift. Treyarch has not confirmed full splitscreen support for campaign, but multiplayer and Zombies do support splitscreen on consoles, which will please couch co-op players. A new Endgame mode also enters the picture. It blends open-world gameplay with extraction shooter elements, turning Avalon into a sandbox of escalating challenges and objectives that are designed to be endlessly replayable.

SEE ALSO: 'NBA 2K26' early access has tipped off: Release date, editions, and VC guide

On the multiplayer side, Black Ops 7 launches with 18 maps and a completely reworked movement system featuring wall-jumping, grappling, wingsuits, and omni-directional mobility. A new Skirmish Mode introduces 20-player large-scale battles with vehicles and aerial combat tools. Equipment overclocking adds another twist, allowing gadgets and streaks to evolve as you use them. Zombies remains a pillar, bringing back classic round-based survival on maps inspired by Black Ops 2’s TranZit, along with new Wonder Vehicles for traversing larger environments. Dead Ops Arcade 4 returns for pure chaos sessions.

Progression has been overhauled. It is now unified across campaign, multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone, meaning XP, weapon levels, and challenges carry over no matter which mode you play. Only Double XP tokens and Gobblegums carry forward from Black Ops 6. Everything else resets, a choice Treyarch says was made in response to player feedback.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Inside the Royal Shakespeare Companys first ever video game

Thu, 09/04/2025 - 12:39

"Fair is foul, and foul is fair." Can a quote from Shakespeare’s Macbeth become a hacker's motto? This question haunted the Cannes Film Festival in May, and now, the Venice International Film Festival, two major launchpads for the first-ever video game produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Lili is a neo-noir rendition of Macbeth set in modern-day Iran, where the main character is Lady Macbeth (referred to as Lili). For this ground-breaking project, the RSC teamed up with Brooklyn-based indie game developer iNK Stories (1979 Revolution: Black Friday), known for its immersive storytelling. Lili debuted in May as part of Cannes’ second-ever Immersive Competition for VR installations and video games, demoed at the RSC's Festival of Ideas in July, and is currently in competition in Venice's Immersive program.

SEE ALSO: How 'Grand Theft Hamlet' evolved from lockdown escape to Shakespearean success

Festival-goers have been able to experience a short preview of Lili — and we were lucky enough to catch the 30-minute 'prologue' at Cannes. But what's involved in such a game?

Lili plays with ethics and surveillance by making you a voyeur Zar Amir as Lady Macbeth in "Lili." Credit: Ellie Smith

In Lili, one must enter a hacker’s den with a USB stick in hand, don headphones, and follow the poetic instructions of the Hecate collective — Macbeth’s three witches, reimagined here as hackers. Lili stars Holy Spider actor Zar Amir as Lady Macbeth, and in this interpretation, she's an Iranian woman battling authoritarian gendered oppression.

Lili begins as an initiation, where the player is asked to take a vow and accept the hacker persona, giving you agency within a moral grey zone. One assumes control of the game's surveillance technology to the fullest, as you have access to Lili’s personal documents like her marriage certificate, photos, and passport, and can tune into one of the three different CCTV cameras placed in her house as well as her phone and computer screens. The game’s live-action cinematics were developed with RSC production designers, cinematographers, and costume designers, creating a fully-fledged domestic space for Lili on a set. Within that setting, the player can choose which surveillance angle suits each task, while also effectively spying on the main character.

'Lili' begins as an initiation, where the player is asked to take a vow and accept the hacker persona, giving you agency within a moral grey zone.

Speaking to Mashable, iNK Stories co-founder Navid Khonsari shares that the desktop layout and cameras create a framing that is both intimate and cold, to invite engagement. "Some angles allow you to spot that she's hiding a makeup kit in the kitchen, under a tile. Others, like the hacked phone screen, allow you to follow her gaze," he says. "There's an element of using the cinematography to create levels of intimacy, but also to push curiosity, which in itself is conflicting to the audience."

That ambiguity in how the player relates to their own actions sits at the core of Lili’s game dramaturgy. While you can choose where to look, you are still complicit in surveillance. Vassiliki Khonsari, iNK Stories co-founder and co-director of Lili, refers back to Shakespeare's original play to relate it to surveillance authoritarianism and the contemporary zeitgeist. "In it, Macbeth says, "I have eyes in every castle," which prompts us to look at technological surveillance as a tool for oppression, and to ask: How are we, the voyeur, watching her? How are we also complicit in this surveillance?"

Lili has the player making hard choices "Lili" shown at the RSC's Festival of Ideas. Credit: RSC

Sarah Ellis, Royal Shakespeare Company’s director of digital development and executive producer of Lili, has been working with iNK Stories on this project for seven years. Ellis, who initiated the 2016 RSC motion capture production of The Tempest, told Mashable, “What great theatre does is get you to imagine the different choices that characters make, as well as their fallibility. Similarly, Macbeth is a play that makes you think about how you would behave, the challenges you face, and the choices you make."

Lili translates this double entendre through screens and prompts, providing a meeting ground between theatre and gaming — a union also explored in the groundbreaking film Grand Theft Hamlet. "The unintended consequences of what you do become very similar to the unintended consequences of a character in a play. However, in Lili you are faced with the ways the world [of the game] can respond to that. I think that’s what Lili does brilliantly: situating you in the complexity and the fallibility of choices that you might make in the moment, but with those unintended consequences that come later," Ellis adds.

Featured Video For You Say More: Bob the Drag Queen, plus 'Karate Kid: Legends' stars play Choose Your Squad

In relation to the game’s dramaturgy of suspicion, iNK Stories co-founder Navid Khonsari says that the most important thing is every player’s unique process of discovery. In the case of Lili, the player (i.e. the hacker) can both witness and impose limitations on internet access. At one point, you are prompted by the Hecate witches to shut off Lili's access to a YouTube makeup tutorial, just like the Iranian government can do it at any time. You can then control Lili’s VPN connection and, with that, the flow of information.

"In the original text, the witches control the flow of events in a supernatural way, testing one’s free will," says Vassiliki Khonsari. "In our version of Macbeth, the witches control the actual flow of information as internet hackers, which is the ultimate power in the end."

Lili provides a new look at Lady Macbeth Zar Amir as Lady Macbeth in "Lili." Credit: Ellie Smith

Working with Professor Emma Smith of the Royal Shakespeare Company helped ground Lili in the actual text and, according to Navid, to "cultivate centuries of research into something that is not only contemporary, but also viable for players." Players' agency in this case correlates with the agency of Lady Macbeth and Lili, the character played by Cannes Best Actress winner Amir. By giving Lili non-linear backstories, the creators can propose parallel narratives that you feel like they could actually have existed for Lady Macbeth, but in the game, you can actually explore them, alongside the effects of technological domination, misinformation, and deep-state surveillance.

Ellis remarks that, however maligned the character of Lady Macbeth was, she never gets a verse about her death in the play. "You just don't hear from her again," she says, "and then what the game does is it makes you participate in those choices with her."

Defined by her actions as villainous, Lady Macbeth is often framed as the catalyst for Macbeth’s downfall, but what emerged through iNK Stories' pre-production research were the limitations put on her gender. Navid Khonasari says the developers "came to see a real powerful character whose ambitions, if she was a man, would have made her one of the greatest kings that the country had ever had." What compelled them to explore this side of Macbeth was, according to Vassiliki, “this iconic, timeless archetype of a female and this opportunity to look at who she is after 400 years. How do we resuscitate this character that is so relevant today, who is still fiercely fighting against female oppression?" 

Placing this 400-year-old story as one of emancipation within the context of surveillance and oppression is a gateway into understanding the world today, adds Ellis. "In order to disrupt it effectively with the story of Lady Macbeth, it is really important we place culture in multiple meeting points now."

What's next for the future of Lili? "Lili" shown at the RSC's Festival of Ideas. Credit: RSC

The creators behind Lili are hoping to keep the momentum going to raise funds for the full version of the game, which is currently in competition as part of Venice Immersive and is still in development. The final release will be accessible across gaming platforms, though the RSC hasn't specified which.

"Our goal with the larger project is to follow Lili outside of her home," adds Navid, "and we'll be using cell phones and GPS tracking to follow her and her phone." Expanding the world of Lili means expanding the world of Shakespeare, which aligns with the RSC’s mission and the work of Ellis, according to whom it "feels right" to play Shakespeare, in the sense of playing a video game.

"I'm sure if he was still around he would be curious and probably even working in this space,” Ellis says. “He was an innovator and he was someone that looked outward in the world to share those stories on the stage he had at the time. Now, video games like Lili can be the stage of our times."

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 85-Inch TCL QM7K TV is $1,000 off right now at Amazon. Yes, really.

Thu, 09/04/2025 - 12:24

SAVE $1,000: As of Sept. 4, the TCL 85-Inch QM7K QD-Mini LED 4K TV is on sale for $1,499.99 at Amazon. This is 40% off its list price of $2,499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 85-Inch Class QM7K Series QD-Mini LED 4K UHD TV $1,499.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $1,000.00 Get Deal

The arrival of Fall means the start of the new football season, new shows to binge-watch, and new movies dropping on streaming services. If you're planning on staying inside and hoping to pick up a new TV to enjoy everything on, there are still some great deals available post-Labor Day. And if you're looking to go big, this deal on the TCL 85-Inch QM7K QD-Mini LED 4K TV at Amazon is worth a look.

The TCL 85-Inch QM7K QD-Mini LED 4K TV is usually listed for $2,499.99, but right now it's enjoying a $1,000 discount down to $1,499.99. This is only a couple of dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $1,497.99, so now is a great opportunity to score this huge TV at a great price.

SEE ALSO: TCL's version of The Frame is 50% off for Labor Day — get the 65-inch NXTVISION TV for under $1,000

Thanks to 4K resolution and its QD-Mini LED display, alongside its massive 85-inch size, you can feel completely absorbed in what you're watching with a high-quality picture that'll make every detail jump out. Its CrystGlow HVA Panel also blocks any reflections from getting in the way, so no matter how bright it is outside, what you're watching will always come through clear without any glare.

Your ears will get the red carpet treatment as well, thanks to audio by Bang & Olufsen and Dolby Atmos that can further immerse you in whatever is on the screen. And for those with plenty of streaming services, this smart TV can help you keep everything organized in one location.

Considering that it's listed as a limited-time deal, this heavy discount may not last long. Act fast to save $1,000 on the TCL 85-Inch QM7K QD-Mini LED 4K TV at Amazon. And if you're hoping to find a smaller TV, you can still save on Samsung's 55-Inch QLED Q8F 4K TV at Amazon right now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Quick! The Dreame L50 Ultra robot vacuum and mop is $500 off right now at Amazon.

Thu, 09/04/2025 - 12:19

SAVE $500: As of Sept. 4, the Dreame L50 Ultra robot vacuum and mop is on sale for $1,099.99 at Amazon. This is 31% off its list price of $1,599.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame L50 Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $500 Get Deal

Fall is right around the corner, and if you're feeling like it's time to give your home a little post-Summer refresh, a robot vacuum can help you get the job done. Even with Labor Day deals starting to disappear, there are still plenty of offers to explore on different models. One of the best that's crossed our radar is over at Amazon, where you can score the Dreame L50 Ultra robot vacuum and mop for $500 off its list price right now.

This discount has dropped the price of the Dreame L50 Ultra robot vacuum and mop from $1,599.99 to $1,099.99. Both the black and white models are marked down to this price.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 25+ robot vacuums. Here are 6 I'd actually recommend buying in 2025.

The Dreame L50 Ultra robot vacuum and mop gives an efficient clean thanks to 19,500Pa Vormax suction and Dual Flex Arm technology that can reach tricky corners in your home. It even features a HyperStream Detangling DuoBrush, so there's no need to worry about hair getting tangled up in the vacuum while it's cleaning.

Paired with the mop, your floors will get a deep clean. And the Dreame L50 Ultra works to avoid obstacles with the help of AI action and 3D structured light that detects objects in your home that might be in its way.

There's no better time than now to pick up the Dreame L50 Ultra robot vacuum and mop while it's $500 off at Amazon. And if you're looking for a slightly less expensive robot vacuum deal, the Roborock Qrevo Edge is still discounted at Amazon after Labor Day.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The JBL Tune Buds are some of the best earbuds Ive tried — get them for under $60 at Amazon

Thu, 09/04/2025 - 12:03

SAVE $40: As of Sept. 4, JBL Tune Buds are on sale for $59.95 at Amazon. That's a 40% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune Buds $59.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $40 Get Deal

Not everyone wants to fork out over a hundred dollars on earbuds, especially when the market is so saturated with options of all price levels. But how do you know when price equates to quality? Every now and then, you'll find a pair that delivers on both counts, and that's the JBL Tune Buds.

The JBL Tune Buds are some of the best earbuds I've ever used, and if budget is your main concern, they should top your list. And as of Sept. 4, they're on sale at Amazon. Right now, you'll get them for $55.95, down from their usual price of $99.95.

SEE ALSO: Long-term review: I've used my Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds for 2 years and still think they’re a category best

Although they're a great budget option, they still deliver incredible sound and advanced features. They boast 10mm drivers and JBL’s Pure Bass Sound, making sure every song, podcast, and phone call sounds super clear. And if the fit isn’t quite right, not to worry, they come with several size options to adjust to your needs. This also bodes well if you plan to use them for high-intensity sports, like running or gym workouts.

Active Noise Cancelling blocks distractions, while Smart Ambient and TalkThru modes let you stay aware or chat easily without taking them off. You’ll get up to 40 hours of battery life (or 32 hours with noise cancelling), plus a quick 10-minute charge gives you two additional hours of playtime. Not to mention, these earbuds are IPX4 water- and sweat-resistant, making them ideal for workouts or rainy days.

Get this limited-time earbuds deal from Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

eXTReMe Tracker