Hitman studio IO Interactive is making a fantasy RPG game

Now that IO Interactive (IOI) has wrapped up Hitman: World of Assassination, it’s moving on to the next logical step: a James Bond game. But the studio is also moving in a more surprising direction, as it announced today that it’s making an online fantasy RPG. “This idea — that a diverse group of individuals with different skills and strengths can work together and become more than the sum of their parts — is what inspires us,” the studio wrote in a blog post.

Of course, IOI didn’t go into much detail about the project, which it describes as “just the start of our journey into this new world we are making.” However, it did say memories of tabletop fantasy RPGs influenced the decision. “From the Fighting Fantasy books compelling you to choose your path, alone, against wizards, lizards, and thief kings. To the togetherness, camaraderie, agony, and delight found around the tabletop. For some it meant taking the role of a game master: Part storyteller, part AI opponent, part guide, part villain. For everyone around that table it meant creativity, imagination, building a world together, and a shared goal in creating a great game experience.”

The indie studio says the game will be a new IP designed to “entertain players and expand for many years to come.” It says all of its studios, including locations in Copenhagen, Malmö and Barcelona, will work together on the project.

IO Interactive

IOI will develop the RPG alongside its upcoming James Bond game, codenamed “Project 007,” which it’s working on with license holders MGM and Eon Productions. It seems a natural fit for the studio, as it could take the beloved core Hitman gameplay, create a new story with new maps, add a James Bond coat of paint and have a game many people would love to play. (It could change its formula more than that, but it won’t need a radical departure.) IOI has said its title would be its own Bond story that won’t use the likenesses of any established Bond actors; the studio even said it could become another spy trilogy. The title doesn’t yet have a release date.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://ift.tt/R0ELxgH
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Learn to train your puppy or dog like the pros with this $40 bundle

TL;DR: As of Feb. 28, you can sign up for the 2023 Complete Professional Puppy and Dog Training Bundle for just $39.99 — that's just $4.99 per course.

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Bringing a dog into your life is a huge decision, and there’s a lot more to caring for them than just making sure they have food, water, and fun toys. Making sure your dog is well-trained is part of raising one, but it’s not easy if you haven't done it before. Instead of shelling out for an expensive dog trainer and missing precious time with your pup, you could do the training yourself, but first, you may need some training of your own.

World Spay Day is February 21, and you can celebrate by learning to take care of the new pup in your life. The 2023 Complete Professional Puppy and Dog Training Bundle is an 8-course guide to training and raising puppies and dogs, and it’s only $39.99 for lifetime access. 

Learn the trick to training dogs 

There’s a lot to consider when you’re welcoming a new best friend/fur baby into your family. Different breeds of dogs have different personalities, and some dogs might not mesh with your lifestyle as well. Learn what the right dog would look like for you and your family and how to take care of them once they’re in their new home. Puppies: A-Z Guide To Puppy and Dog Training goes over all that and more. 

Dog behavior expert Sharon Bolt from the BBC documentary Britain’s Most Embarrassing Pets leads each of these courses, and she may be able to help you learn more about starting your own dog grooming business in Become A Dog Trainer. That’s also where you can learn more about training an adult dog. 

If you just want to learn more about taking care of your own dog, be sure to check out the courses on leash training, bark management, and stopping dog attacks. With time, you could train your dog to truly be your best friend. 

Dog training lessons from a pro

Whether you’re looking to adopt an older, established dog or a brand-new and bright-eyed puppy, make sure you can train them to suit you and your family. Get the 2023 Complete Professional Puppy and Dog Training Bundle for $39.99 (reg. $1,600). 

Prices subject to change. 

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Credit: Sharon Bolt

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Where to watch 'Triangle of Sadness', a film about privilege and puke

What: Triangle of Sadness

Where to watch: Hulu

Premiere date: March 3, 2023

The 2023 Oscar nominations are here, and while Everything Everywhere All At Once garnered 11 nominations, there are other standouts in the mix–including Triangle of Sadness. The satirical eat-the-rich comedy won rave reviews and received an eight-minute standing ovation at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival (where it also bagged the place of Palme d'Or winner). Now, the offering by Swedish filmmaker Ruben Östlund is a contender for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.

Which means, if you haven't watched it already, this is a great time to.

Where can I watch Triangle of Sadness?

Triangle of Sadness will be available to stream on Hulu starting March 3.

What is Triangle of Sadness about? 

Triangle of Sadness follows a trend of dark comedies unpacking privilege and the lives of the absurdly rich. Like White Lotus and Knives Out, the film explores the pinnacle of human flaws — greed, envy, selfishness — through instances of uncomfortable humor and uneasy interactions.

SEE ALSO: 'Triangle of Sadness' review: The "eat the rich" comedy goes gross-out, and it's great

The focus is placed on Yaya (the late Charlbi Dean Kriek) and Carl (Harris Dickinson), a couple who happen to be in the spotlight, one as a model and the other as an influencer. They are given a free trip on a luxury yacht, where they encounter other socialites and high-society figures, alongside a crew waiting to look after them. The yacht also results in a whole lot of projectile vomiting, in a shocking scene that truly captured audiences.

What are people saying about the film?

Triangle of Sadness was one of 2022's most talked about films, finding a comfortable spot on multiple "Best Films of the Year" lists including Mashable's. Now, with three Oscar nominations including Best Picture, it's continuing to find high praise.

Mashable Film Editor Kristy Puchko called the film "outrageous, ruthless, and hilarious" in her review, praising the ensemble, one that the audience will not tire of watching no matter what insufferable the characters may be.

"Dark humor abounds amid a frightful fish-out-of-water scenario, which strides assuredly and unnervingly toward a climax that is perfectly fitting in that it too won't let you off the hook," Puchko writes.

"Packed with performances that'll make you shudder, gross-out gags that spark guffaws, and an unflinchingly embrace of social awkwardness that'll have you cringing so much you might cramp, Triangle of Sadness is not just a viewing experience but a physical one."

To stream Triangle of Sadness, click that button below to subscribe to Hulu for just $7.99/month with your first month free.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger promises action in Netflix's 'FUBAR' teaser

He's back and better than ever. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger returns to our screens in Netflix's first look at the star's first television project, FUBAR.

Starring Schwarzenegger as a CIA operative, FUBAR follows Schwarzenegger's character as he forgoes his retirement and returns to the CIA after discovering a family secret. What looms ahead? Exhilarating action and hilarious hijinks and the return of the action legend. 

In a statement from Netflix, Schwarzenegger says of the show, "Everywhere I go, people ask me when I’m going to do another big action comedy like True Lies. Well, here it is. FUBAR will kick your ass and make you laugh — and not just for two hours. You get a whole season." 

FUBAR premieres on Netflix May 25.

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The dos and don'ts of Hinge audio notes

With voice features finding a spotlight on dating apps, scrolling through profile pictures isn’t the only way to find the perfect match online. 

If you’ve dipped your toe into the online dating pool, chances are you’ll be familiar with Hinge, a dating app claiming it’s "designed to be deleted". Back in Nov. 2021, Hinge introduced audio prompts, allowing users to liven up their profiles by adding voice recordings. In 2022, researchers at Hinge found that matching over a voice prompt was 80 percent more likely to lead to a date than matching over other prompts.

A study from 2017 states that the importance of voice as an indicator of attractiveness has been underplayed, as opposed to visual indicators. Certain users have chosen to showcase their singing abilities, while others have opted to share memorable or  embarrassing stories. Some of these audio notes are guaranteed to make you laugh, while others are downright cringeworthy.

SEE ALSO: How to record voice notes and voice prompts on Hinge

From rants about serving soup in bread bowls to ideas about a table made completely of coasters, Hinge users are getting creative with these audio prompts. Instead of judging someone solely on photos and a few facts, hearing their voice can change the game. It can take someone from "Wow this guy seems booooorriinnnggg" to "Okay, this guy has a sexy voice and he has a killer Spongebob impression."

With TikTok users dissecting some of the more, err, notable audio notes out there, we have to wonder: what are the dos and don’ts when it comes to Hinge audio prompts? Mashable asked the dating experts, including Logan Ury, director of relationship science at Hinge, to get some advice on how audio can make or break a profile. 

Showcase your authentic self

If you're not sure where to start, we've got you covered. Logan Ury is the director of relationship science at Hinge and author of the book How to Not Die Alone, a guide for modern dating using behavioral science.

Ury says that researchers at Hinge were trying to make viewing profiles as close as possible to meeting someone in real life, which is how the Hinge audio feature was born. Hinge research found that 75 percent of users said assessing chemistry was the hardest part of dating. Hinge research also found that 65 percent of Hinge daters wanted to hear the voice of someone they were potentially matching with. 

SEE ALSO: What does 'casual dating' mean these days?

Hinge research reveals that the following are its five top voice notes:

1. "How to pronounce my name…": Bonus points if your name is "Josh" or "Sam".

2. "A quick rant about…": About anything! The more obscure, the better, in my opinion. 

3. "All I ask is that you…": Share what you want from a partner, or characteristics you’re looking for. 

4. "Dating me is like…": What are your personal green flags? What types of dates do you like to go on? 

5. "Guess the song…": Even more impressive if you can actually hold a tune.

Here are some dos and don'ts from Ury: 

DON’T: Keep rerecording looking for a perfect take. You will start to sound less like yourself.

DO: Walk around while recording yourself. It’s a great way to sound more natural. 

DON’T: Be creepy. Just don’t. 

DO: Be funny. Tell jokes. Show your silly and playful side. 

DON’T: Leave the heavy breathing for your cardio, please. 

DO: Get creative! Sing or play music. 

Don’t sexualize others or make offensive jokes

The Hinge audio feature helps to humanize the people behind the profiles, according to Alison Marie, a dating and relationship coach. She believes that the audio feature is a great way to almost feel the energy of the other person, something that was much more difficult to do before you could hear their voice. It’s also a great way to see if you are actually attracted to someone’s voice. We’ve all been on Tinder dates and thought That is not what I thought they would sound like… Plus, an extra sexy audio clip might make you second guess before you press that "X". 

SEE ALSO: People are using voice notes to pre-screen their date's personality

Marie's tips for using Hinge audio: 

DO: Create an intentional answer to match what you’re looking for.

DON’T: Some jokes or sexualizing others can be a big turn off.

DO: Put your passions in your profile to show others what you love and who you are.

DON’T: Use something that would cause others to not take you seriously, especially if you are looking for something serious. 

DO: Include what you want from a partner, what "must-haves" you need in a relationship, or what some of your top values are. 

Marie recommends putting energy into the people who are putting energy back into you, and we totally agree with her. Start trying for some genuine conversation to see if the effort being given is mutual. If you’re getting ghosted, call it quits! There are other fish in the sea (or in the Hinge-o-sphere). 

Want more sex and dating stories in your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's new weekly After Dark newsletter.

Be corny and keep it real 

It’s hard to gauge how much effort to put into an online match, which is why some experts believe the online phase of a relationship should be brief. Stefanie Marianne, a dating coach from Indianapolis, recommends taking connections "off the apps" as soon as possible so that you can form a genuine relationship IRL. Marianne pushes her clients to keep it real, and believes that building real relationships takes work.

Marianne's dos and don'ts for using the Hinge audio feature: 

DO: Get real, be corny.

DON’T: Avoid trying to appeal to the masses.

DO: Say whatever the heck you want.

DON’T: Be someone other than yourself.

DO: Use prompts that show off who you are. "What is love to you?" "What makes you feel the most alive?" "What’s the most romantic thing you’re willing to do for someone else?" 

Marianne pushes her clients to be vulnerable. It’s great advice for people who are truly looking to get deep with another person, something that can be difficult to master in an age where everyone is trying to find love from behind a phone. 

There you have it! Hopefully, when it comes to Hinge, you can use these ideas to express yourself and find some genuine connection. Best of luck, Hinge users. We’ll be rooting for you!

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Feast your eyes (and ears) on Apple AirPods for $99

SAVE $50: As of Feb. 27, a pair of Apple AirPods (2nd generation) costs $99 at Amazon, down from $159. That's a discount of 38%.

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A great pair of earbuds can make all of the difference during phone calls, workouts, and long trips. If you've been looking for a pair of earbuds that have substance and style, why not check out the pair that set the standard? Especially while they're on sale.

As of Feb. 27, Apple AirPods (2nd generation) are on sale for only $99 at Amazon. That's a discount of $50 over the listed price, or 38% off. They're also on sale at Best Buy for the same price, and Best Buy's deal includes a free 4-month subscription to Apple News and Apple Music, as well as a 3-month subscription to Apple TV (for new or returning subscribers only).

SEE ALSO: The AirPods Max are finally back on sale, plus more of the best Apple deals this week

These AirPods were designed for high-quality sound and superior comfort. They're decked out with quick voice access to Siri and an Apple H1 headphone chip that improves connectivity to your devices. Plus you can share audio between multiple AirPods to stream together on the go.

You can expect a battery life of up to five hours depending on settings and volume levels. And the charging case allows you to get up to 24 hours of continuous sound, which is great for back-to-back meetings and hours of listening bliss. Known for their compact fit, they fit snugly in your ears so you don't have to worry about them falling out while you're on the move.

Check out this great deal while it's still around.

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$99 at Amazon (save $50)

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Love HBO's 'The Last of Us'? Here's where you can buy the video game that inspired it.

UPDATE: Feb. 27, 2023, 10:00 a.m. EST This story has been updated with the latest availability info. Here are some quick links:

• The Last of Us (2013) — $72.96 at Amazon

• The Last of Us Remastered (2014) — $19.99 for a new copy in the PlayStation Store

• The Last of Us Part II Standard Edition (2020) — $24.79 $39.99 in the PlayStation Store (save $15.20), $9.59 for PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers (save $30.40)

• The Last of Us Part II Digital Deluxe Edition (2020) — $34.99 $49.99 in the PlayStation Store (save $15), $19.99 for PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers (save $30)

• The Last of Us Part I Standard Edition (2022) — $49.99 $69.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart (save $20), free two-hour trial for PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers

• The Last of Us Part I Digital Deluxe Edition (2022) — $79.99 in the PlayStation Store

• The Last of Us Part I for PC (2023) — $59.99 for a preorder through GameStop, Steam, and Epic Games

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Translating a beloved video game franchise to TV or film is a famously dicey move. But HBO has done the almost-impossible with its adaptation of Naughty Dog's 2013 masterpiece The Last of Us, churning out an outstanding show with a stellar cast while staying true to the soul and mechanics of its source material. (Read Mashable entertainment reporter Belen Edwards' review for the full scoop.) In fact, the show has been such a hit that HBO decided to renew it for a second season.

SEE ALSO: 'The Last of Us' episode 8 trailer teases a chilling human threat

If you're itching to boot up a PlayStation ahead of the first season finale on March 12, you're not alone: Some versions of the acclaimed third-person survival horror game and its sequel are selling out at major retailers. Here's a quick rundown of all your remaining buying options (in order of release date) and their online availability at the time of publication.

The Last of Us (2013)

Meet Joel and Ellie. Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Computer Entertainment

A PS3 release, the original TLOU earned a slew of awards and quickly solidified itself as one of the greatest PlayStation exclusives to date. (Read our review from the Mashable archives.) It's best as a collector's item nowadays, since there are better-looking remasters and remakes available, but you can still play it if you've held onto an old console.

A few used copies were available on Amazon for around $73 when we last checked; you can also try your luck on eBay.

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$72.96 on Amazon

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The Last of Us Remastered (2014)

*clicker squawks* Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Computer Entertainment

Naughty Dog gave the game a minor facelift for the PS4 a year after launch in the form of TLOU Remastered. This one includes the single-player campaign in full 1080p with improved visuals, higher-res character models, and several gameplay updates, plus an expansion pack called The Last of Us: Left Behind that adds several chapters about Ellie's backstory. There are also two bonus maps for the game's Factions multiplayer mode — Reddit says it's still alive and kicking, for what it's worth.

PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers can download TLOU Remastered for free. Otherwise, you can snag a new copy through the PlayStation Store for $19.99. (It's completely sold out online at Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart.)

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$19.99 in the PlayStation Store

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The Last of Us Part II (2020)

Stealth skills are essential for survival in "TLOU2." Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment

Set five years after Joel and Ellie's original post-apocalyptic journey out west, TLOU's grueling but gorgeous sequel lived up to players' astronomically high expectations, nabbing over 300 Game of the Year awards to become the most-awarded game in history. (It was only just dethroned by Elden Ring.) Note that the first season of the HBO series has already started dipping into its storyline (minorly) so consider grabbing a copy ASAP.

There are two editions available for the PS4, with a free performance patch for PS5:

Standard Edition

The base game of TLOU2 retails for $39.99, but you can get it on sale through the PlayStation Store for $24.79 until Thursday, March 2. (PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers will pay just $9.59, which is a new record-low price for this title.) It's currently sold out at Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart.

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Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment

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$24.79 in the PlayStation Store (save $15.20), $9.79 for PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers (save $30.40)

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Digital Deluxe Edition

Upgrade to the Deluxe Edition through the PlayStation Store for a digital soundtrack, a mini digital art book, a dynamic theme for your console, and a set of six exclusive PSN avatars. It's on sale there for $34.99 until Thursday, March 2, which works out to a 30% savings. PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers save an additional $15.

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$34.99 in the PlayStation Store (save $15), $19.99 for PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers (save $30)

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The Last of Us Part I (2022)

Re-meet Joel and Ellie. Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment

Naughty Dog re-revisited the first TLOU game last year for a PS5 remake that features a complete visual overhaul and modernized gameplay with new controls, new enemy AI, enhanced combat, haptic feedback, 3D audio, and more accessibility options. (Psst: It's coming to PC on March 28, with preorders now available.) Like TLOU Remastered, it also includes the Left Behind single-player DLC.

Choose from two editions:

Standard Edition

You can score a free two-hour trial of the base game with a PS Plus Premium subscription, or buy it on sale through Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, or Walmart for $49.99. (That's $20 off its MSRP.)

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Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment

"The Last of Us Part I" Standard Edition (opens in a new tab)

$49.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and Walmart (save $20)

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Digital Deluxe Edition

This version sets the player up for success with early unlocks of skill upgrades, weapon upgrades, weapon skins, a gameplay filter, and a speedrun mode. It's up for grabs in the PlayStation Store for $79.99.

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Credit: Naughty Dog / Sony Interactive Entertainment

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Anker Soundcore noise-canceling headphones are up to 33 percent off right now

'The Last of Us' episode 7 ending tragically links to key scene in episode 4

We really should have come to expect it by now, shouldn't we? After the heartbreak of episode 3 and the agony of episode 5, everything was pointing to episode 7 of The Last of Us being another lesson in emotional torment.

And, sure enough, it didn't disappoint.

Ellie's (Bella Ramsey's) backstory about her childhood best friend and first love, Riley (Storm Reid), was a tragic gut punch, yet it also came with a crucial throwback to an earlier episode you might have missed — a throwback that likely tells us what exactly happened to Riley after the final flashback ended. Let's break it down.

SEE ALSO: People are still eating bread in 'The Last of Us,' and I don't understand why

What happens with Ellie and Riley in episode 7?

The main bulk of episode 7 is a flashback that shows us Ellie's life in a FEDRA training compound before she met Joel (Pedro Pascal). At the start of the episode we learn that Ellie's best friend Riley has been missing for three weeks. Ellie assumes she's dead, but she's wrong — in the middle of the night Riley sneaks in through her bedroom window and explains to Ellie that she's actually been recruited by rebel organisation the Fireflies.

The two sneak out together and visit an old mall which has been reconnected to the power grid without FEDRA's knowledge. They play around in the arcade, talk about FEDRA and the Fireflies, Ellie goes for it and kisses Riley to both of their delight, and their bond is tested by Riley's revelation she's leaving the next day for a Firefly post in Atlanta. And then, right at the end, tragedy strikes: the pair are blindsided by an Infected which they manage to kill, only to then realise they've both sustained bites while fending it off.

Exploring abandoned buildings post-cordyceps is never a great idea. Credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO

In the final shot of the flashback, Ellie and Riley sit huddled together in tears, promising to go on until they can't go on anymore.

The thing is, we already know what happens to Ellie after this — she's immune from the cordyceps infection, and the bite she sustains that day is nothing but an old scar by the time she meets Joel further down the road.

But what happens to Riley? The answer may lie in a conversation that takes place between Ellie and Joel back in episode 4.

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Does The Last of Us finally get video game adaptations right?

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Ellie's final moments with Riley link back to a scene in episode 4.

Remember when Joel and Ellie get ambushed in the Kansas City QZ by Kathleen’s militia on episode 4 and have to team up to kill that guy Brian who's trying to kill Joel? Yep, it's a while back, but stick with us for a moment.

After they've escaped to relative safety, Joel and Ellie have the following exchange:

Joel: "The thing is I didn't hear that guy coming. You shouldn't have had to...you know..."

Ellie: "But you're glad I did, right?"

Joel: "You're just a kid. You shouldn't know what it means, to...It's not like you killed him, but shooting...I know what it's like. First time that you, er, hurt someone like that. If you, er...when...I'm not good at this."

Ellie: "Yeah, you really aren't."

Joel: "I mean it was my fault. You shouldn't have had to. And I'm sorry."

Ellie: "It wasn't my first time."

Joel doesn't ask anymore questions, so in episode 4 we're left wondering what exactly Ellie means by this. She's hurt someone before? Killed someone before? Was it a living person or an Infected?

Ellie hints to Joel in Episode 4 that she's killed someone before. Credit: Liane Hentscher/HBO

We don't know for certain, but it seems likely that episode 7 gives us the horrible answer to this question. Ellie wouldn't have had many opportunities to kill between the FEDRA training compound, being found by Marlene and the Fireflies, and her meeting with Joel, so it's probable that she's referring to Riley in this exchange.

The tragic implication? Ellie watched her best friend succumbing to infection before ultimately being forced to kill her when Riley finally turned.

The Last of Us is now streaming on HBO Max. New episodes air every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.

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Lenovo ThinkPad Z13 and Z16 Gen 2 hands-on: Slick updates for hybrid work

Back at CES, Lenovo showed off a huge portfolio of new devices including a true dual-screen laptop and a desk lamp that doubles as a webcam. But now, Lenovo is back at Mobile World Congress with a few more refreshed notebooks and tablets headlined by two interesting updates to the ThinkPad Z family.

Designed to be ideal companions for hybrid workers, the new ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 and Z16 Gen 2 feature an all-AMD setup. You’ll be able to choose from a range of Ryzen 7000 processors and even an optional Radeon 6650M graphics card on the larger Z16, along with up to 64GB of RAM and 2TB of SSD storage. However, for people who are constantly hopping on and off video calls, the ThinkPad Z13 and Z16’s new communication features might be the bigger draw.

That’s because in addition to new full HD webcams, you’ll also get support for Wi-Fi 6E and Dolby Voice-enabled microphones, so you should look and sound good on Zoom meetings. But my favorite new feature is the TrackPoint Quick Menu that can be summoned by simply double-tapping the company’s signature red nub. This opens a window that lets you quickly adjust things like camera settings, mic volume, voice dictation, noise suppression and more. You can even customize which settings you want to see so you have fast access to the things you tend to change most often and I think it’s a great way of adding new functionality to a classic component like the TrackPoint.

Other specs include up to a 13.3-inch 2.8K OLED display on the Z13 Gen 2 or a larger and higher resolution 16-inch 4K OLED panel on the Z16 Gen 2. Lenovo has also retained handy features like an electronic shutter for the webcam, in addition to dual speakers with Dolby Atmos, two or three USB ports depending on the system, and a dedicated SD card reader on the Z16.

Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Meanwhile, to help improve your mousing experience, both the Z13 and Z16 Gen 2 feature a Fusion FX touchpad from Sensel, which adds more sophisticated haptics, better palm rejection and more. On top of being physically larger (120mm across), long-time Trackpoint fans will also appreciate that Sensel’s touchpad supports three virtual haptic buttons that run across the top of the touchpad, so you’ll still have easy access to left and right mouse clicks without having to reach too far.

Finally, the last big change for the Z13 is that alongside the default aluminum finish, as part of its commitment to sustainability, Lenovo is also introducing a new flax fiber lid which is made from waste material collected during the harvesting process. This material is something we’ve seen before on a handful of concept cars from companies like Porsche and Polestar, but Lenovo says this is the first time this reinforced flax fiber material will be available on a consumer electronic device.

Sam Rutherford/Engadget

Admittedly, this isn’t for everyone, but I kind of like it because it looks almost like a futuristic take on wood paneling. Not only does this add a bit of warmth to the laptop’s appearance, just like a nice piece of furniture, each flax fiber lid features a unique grain, which gives the whole system a bit of added personality. On top of that, Lenovo says the lid is bonded to a top cover made from 75 percent recycled aluminum.

While their designs aren’t changing a ton (aside from that new lid option on Z13), the addition of speedier components, larger touchpads and better conferencing features should make the second-gen ThinkPad Z-series laptops even better at getting work done – both at home or in the office. And thanks to its optional flax fiber lid, the Z13 Gen 2 might be the most stylish and sustainable ThinkPad yet.

Sam Rutherford/Engadget

The ThinkPad Z13 Gen 2 is expected to go on sale sometime in July starting at $1,249, with the ThinkPad Z16 Gen arriving a bit later in August starting at $1,749.

via engadget.com

Twitter has reportedly laid off product manager Esther Crawford

For at least the fourth time since he said the company was done with layoffs, Elon Musk is reportedly cutting more of Twitter’s workforce. According to The Information, the social media website laid off “dozens” of employees on Saturday evening. The outlet put the number of affected staffers at approximately 50, a number Platformer’s Zoë Schiffer later said was likely much higher.

“Hearing that the Twitter layoffs last night were well above 50 and hit multiple departments including engineering,” Schiffer tweeted on Saturday, subsequently adding that product manager Esther Crawford was among those Twitter let go on over the weekend. Crawford’s departure is notable for a few reasons. Outside of Musk himself, she was one of the most recognizable faces at “Twitter 2.0.” She led the company’s Twitter Blue redesign and oversaw work on its upcoming payments platform. At one point, she even shared a photo of herself sleeping on the floor of Twitter’s office.

Look, you're gonna feel pretty silly about this once you get canned with 0 severance.

— cliff@leaninto.it on mastodon (@moonpolysoft) November 2, 2022

The company’s latest cuts claimed at least one other prominent employee. On Saturday morning, Revue founder Martijn de Kuijper tweeted he was among those who had lost their job. “Waking up to find I’ve been locked out of my email,” he said. “Looks like I’m let go.” Twitter shut down Revue at the start of this year. Musk did not address the cuts on Twitter. “Hope you have a good Sunday,” he tweeted early Sunday afternoon. “First day of the rest of your life.” Since his takeover of the company last year, it’s believed Twitter has cut more than 80 percent of its full-time staff. As of January, the company’s daily revenue was reportedly down 40 percent year-over-year.

via engadget.com

The Xiaomi 13 Pro with Leica cameras is coming to Europe

It's been a long time coming, but Xiaomi is finally bringing its Leica-endorsed smartphones to the international market. Following their China launch back in December, the Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro are going global at MWC, with Germany, France, Spain and Italy being some of their first markets in the west. As you'd expect, both Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 flagships now come with Google services pre-installed, but they are otherwise identical to their China counterparts.

The Xiaomi 13 and 13 Pro share similar-looking Leica camera islands on the back, but only the 13 Pro offers the much-hyped Type 1-inch sensor (Sony's IMX989; 1.6um pixel size) — arguably the industry's most powerful camera sensor at the moment — for its 50-megapixel f/1.9 OIS (optical image stabilization) main shooter. You also get a 50-megapixel 3.2x telephoto camera (75mm equivalent) with OIS and a 50-megapixel f/2.2 ultra-wide camera (14mm equivalent).

As for the lesser Xiaomi 13, it comes with a 50-megapixel f/1.8 OIS main camera with a smaller sensor (IMX800; 1um pixel size), a 10-megapixel 3.2x zoom OIS zoom camera and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide (15mm equivalent) camera.

Both models share the same 32-megapixel f/2.0 punch-hole selfie cam on the other side. On a similar note, both phones offer two modes of capture — Leica Authentic and Leica Vibrant — along with Google's Magic Eraser tool.

Xiaomi 13 Pro and 13

Xiaomi

The Xiaomi 13 series also comes in two designs. The 13 Pro comes with a curved 6.73-inch 3,200 x 1,400 AMOLED screen with vegan leather or ceramic back versions. On the other hand, the 13 packs a flat 6.36-inch 2,400 x 1,080 AMOLED display, which is surrounded by iPhone-like aluminum sides and complemented by either glass or leather back options. Both screens support a refresh rate of up to 120Hz for a slick scrolling experience.

Other noteworthy features include the 13 Pro's 120W charging (from zero to 100 percent in just 19 minutes for its 4,820mAh battery), the 13's 67W charging (38 minutes to fully charge its 4,500mAh cell), and 50W wireless charging, Dolby Atmos dual speakers and IP68 ruggedness for both Android devices. The 13 Pro starts from 1,299 euros (around $1,370), whereas the 13 starts from 999 euros (around $1,060).

Xiaomi

As a surprise for MWC, Xiaomi also announced the 13 Lite, which appears to be a variant of the selfie-centric Civi 2 sold in China. And no, there's no Leica involvement here. This model starts from 499 euros (around $530) and boasts dual front cameras (32-megapixel + 8-megapixel depth sensor) plus dual "Selfie Glow" LEDs for supposedly better selfies. It's powered by a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 processor, and it also packs a 50-megapixel main camera (IMX766), a 20-megapixel ultra-wide camera, a 2-megapixel macro camera, a 4,500mAh battery with 67W charging, and a 6.55-inch Full HD+ 120Hz display. This is all tucked into a 171g-heavy, 7.23mm-thick body, which obviously goes well with its "Lite" branding.

via engadget.com

Save 70% on a lifetime subscription to an AI tool that converts your words into art

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to the Dream by WOMBO AI Art Tool is on sale for £41.38, saving you 70% on list price.

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The popularity of AI-related programs, software, and apps seems to be increasing by the day. AI is sweeping its way through various industries and solving even the most complex of problems. How would you feel if there was an AI-based app that could transform your artistic ideas and style into a beautiful piece of artwork? 

The lifetime plan of WOMBO’s Dream Premium AI Art Tool can do just that as it uses the capabilities of AI to make your ideas into reality. For a limited time, it's on sale for 70% off the original price, so you only have to pay £41.38.

Once you’ve downloaded the app, you will input up to 200 characters in the prompt box. Say you want the app to depict a serene beach on a sunny day you can type in something like, “white sand beach with the sun shining and water a bright sparkling blue,” and within seconds, the WOMBO Dream produces a variety of selected styles for you to pick from. It’s like magic. Except it’s not…It’s artificial intelligence.

With the premium plan, you get access to exclusive art styles, gain an exclusive “supporter role” if you join the official WOMBO Dream Discord server, and generate multiple outputs by making up to four designs at a time. You can also perfect your best output with three different alternative options and save the final products as a generation video. The app even earned a mention in Google Play’s “best of” list under “Best overall app and game” category.

For 70% off, you can turn text into art, photos into art, and show off the final product to anyone on social media. Get the WOMBO Dream Premium AI Art Tool for £41.38 — the best price you'll find online.

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Credit: Wombo

Dream by WOMBO AI Art Tool (Lifetime Subscription) (opens in a new tab)

£41.38 at the Mashable Shop

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via IFmashable.com

Wordle today: Here's the answer, hints for February 26

You made it to Sunday! Congrats, friends. Celebrate with today's Wordle. You're in the right place for fresh hints and tips to help you figure it out.

If you prefer to just be told the solution, you can jump to the end of this article for February 26's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather work through it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans have even sprung up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

Not the day you're after? Here's the Wordle answer for February 25.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that brings joy to your heart. But if what brings you joy is strategy, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Why are there two different Wordle answers some days?

Though usually Wordle will only accept one correct solution per day, occasionally it will rebel against the norm and deem two different answers acceptable. This is due to changes the New York Times made to Wordle after it acquired the puzzle game.

The Times has since added its own updated word list, so this should happen even less frequently than before. To avoid any confusion, it's a good idea to refresh your browser before getting stuck into a new puzzle.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

It's delicious.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

Nope, not today!

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL.

What's the answer to Wordle today?

This is your last chance to get your guesses in before we reveal today's answer!

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Wordle #617 is...

SYRUP.

Don't be sad if you didn't get it this time. The beauty of Wordle is that there's always a new one to try the next day, and we'll be here again with more helpful clues and hints.

via IFmashable.com

Microsoft mistakenly offered Windows 11 upgrades to users with unsupported PCs

Earlier this week, Windows 10 mistakenly prompted some users to upgrade to Windows 11, despite the fact their computers did not meet the operating system’s minimum requirements. Twitter user PhantomOcean3 was among the first to notice the error after Windows 10 displayed a full-screen notification telling him he could install the software on a system that only had 2GB of RAM.

Windows 11 free upgrade being offered to unsupported Windows 10 devices/VMs?

Screenshots from a Windows 10 22H2 VM that does not meet the Windows 11 system requirements, big ones being TPM (none) and RAM (2 GB) pic.twitter.com/VNNswgMLiC

— PhantomOcean3💙💛 (@PhantomOfEarth) February 23, 2023

“Some hardware ineligible Windows 10 and Windows 11, version 21H2 devices were offered an inaccurate upgrade to Windows 11,” Microsoft states in a support document spotted by The Verge. “These ineligible devices did not meet the minimum requirements to run Windows 11. Devices that experienced this issue were not able to complete the upgrade installation process.” Microsoft adds it resolved the issue the same day it was detected.

As The Verge notes, this isn’t the first time Microsoft has erroneously prompted some Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11. Last year, hundreds of Windows Insider beta testers were able to install the operating system, even though their machines didn’t meet the minimum requirements. The incidents highlight an ongoing frustration with Windows 11. Microsoft requires that a PC feature a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) before you can install its latest OS on your computer. Ever since Microsoft first revealed that requirement, there’s been confusion about what PCs can run Windows 11.

via engadget.com

Apple’s latest hire could mean more ads are coming to TV+

An ad-supported Apple TV+ tier is starting to look all but inevitable. According to The Information, Apple recently hired Lauren Fry, a former ad tech executive, “to help build a video advertising business” for its streaming service. Before her most recent stint at digital advertising firm Simulmedia, Fry held ad sales roles at AT&T and Comcast. 

Bringing more ads to Apple TV+ would fall in line with some of Apple’s more recent actions. Toward the end of last year, the company began displaying additional ads within the App Store, a move that could be a precursor to search ads appearing in Apple Maps and other first-party software. It’s worth noting before Fry’s hiring, Apple was already showing ads alongside Major League Baseball games. In November, Bloomberg also reported Apple was building a live tv ad network to support its 10-year deal with Major League Soccer. As The Information points out, an ad-supported tier would be the most straightforward way for Apple to bring more ads to TV+. A handful of other streaming platforms, including Netflix and Disney+, already offer such tiers to customers as they’re an easy way for those services to broaden their subscriber base.

via engadget.com

Warner Bros. Discovery to sue Paramount over 'South Park' streaming rights

HBO Max's parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, is suing Paramount for allegedly failing to honor part of their $500 million deal over the streaming rights to South Park, Variety reports.

The Warner/HBO and Paramount deal was sealed in 2019, when it was determined the popular animated comedy would stream exclusively on HBO Max. In 2021, however, MTV (a Paramount subsidiary) made a separate deal — for $900 million — with show creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone for at least five more seasons of the show for Comedy Central, and 14 original movies for Paramount+. Four of those “movies” have already run on Paramount+: South Park: Post Covid, South Park: Post Covid: The Return of Covid, South Park The Streaming Wars Part 1 and Part 2.

SEE ALSO: HBO Max and Discovery+ merger may not happen as planned

Now, Warner/HBO filed a suit on Friday that alleges that Paramount undermined their deal in attempts to bolster their own streaming service. "When Paramount decided to launch a new streaming platform of its own ("Paramount+"), its priorities changed drastically," the suit alleges, "and [Paramount] embarked on a multi-year scheme to unfairly take advantage of Warner/HBO by breaching its contract and stealing its content."

A Paramount Global spokesperson told Variety:

We believe these claims are without merit and look forward to demonstrating so through the legal process...We also note that Paramount continues to adhere to the parties' contract by delivering new South Park episodes to HBO Max, despite the fact that Warner Bros. Discovery has failed and refused to pay license fees that it owes to Paramount for episodes that have already been delivered, and which HBO Max continues to stream.

South Park is currently airing on HBO Max for its 26th season, with Warner Bros. Discovery considering the show an "anchor" that's "central to branding and marketing."

via IFmashable.com