Motorola’s Edge 60 family is apparently still missing one member – the Edge 60 Neo. This is seemingly coming soon, as official-looking renders showing it have been leaked today.
There are no specs to go with these unfortunately, the only thing that’s clear from the images is that its design is fully in line with the rest of the series. Hopefully more details will be outed soon.
Motorola Edge 60 Neo leaked renders
The oft-rumored Moto G06 has also made an appearance, smiling for the camera in its own set of official-looking renders.
Moto G06 leaked renders
Interestingly, it looks like Motorola will also launch the G06 Power alongside the G06. We assume this one will come with a bigger battery.
Moto G06 Power leaked renders
According to past leaks, the G06 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G81 Extreme SoC, paired with 4GB of RAM (though more options could be offered). It sports a 5,100 mAh battery with support for 10W wired charging and will run Android 15 when it launches. It will be available in Pantone Tapestry, Arabesque, and Tendril colorways.
Bounty Packs, new boss battles, seasonal events, and the return of Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode provide challenging content ahead of the first Story Pack: Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned
Today, during the Gearbox Main Theater Show at PAX West, 2K and Gearbox Software shared a detailed look at the endgame and post-launch content coming in Borderlands® 4, the next entry in the iconic looter-shooter franchise. Borderlands 4 will launch on September 12, 2025 on PlayStation®5 (PS5®), Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Steam and the Epic Games Store. It will also be coming to Nintendo Switch™ 2 on October 3, 2025.
Endgame
Borderlands 4 does not end when the story concludes, as players can look forward to a comprehensive endgame experience focused on obtaining the best loot possible on Kairos. Players will experience progression through weekly challenge missions, unlockable Specializations to further customize their loadout, and the return of Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode.
Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode has been reimagined for its return. This post-game difficulty option will challenge players through five unlockable levels that increase in difficulty. Additionally, applying lessons learned from past franchise entries, this mode no longer requires players to replay the campaign to gain new ranks. Instead, players will move up ranks through curated mission challenges that put their chosen build to the test, growing more difficult through progression and removing the need to re-farm the same gear.
Each rank of Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode includes exclusive Firmware, which are set bonuses for gear that players will first experience throughout the campaign. The more firmware a player acquires results in a higher stat bonus. These powerful Firmware bonuses can be transferred once to another item, at which time the original item is destroyed and the Firmware bonus cannot be re-transferred.
Multiple incentives will be provided to allow players to continue their search for the best loot: Weekly Wildcards offer rotating missions with a guaranteed Legendary reward. In the Weekly Big Encore Boss, Moxxi’s Big Encore selects one boss for the week that can be unlocked with Eridium for a larger iteration with increased drop rates. Maurice’s Black Market Machine sends players across Kairos in search of its spoils, with varied loot for every player’s game. Each of these activities is available for online matchmaking by intent, encouraging players to group up with friends, or find new ones whose interests align.*
Post-Launch Roadmap
Players can look forward to a robust roadmap of free content and paid DLC rolling out following the launch of Borderlands 4 so they can continue their adventures on Kairos. The paid DLC includes two types of major offerings: Story Pack** and Bounty Pack.***
The first of two announced Story Packs features the return of the indomitable fan-favorite Ellie in Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned. Featuring a cosmic horror theme with a bloodier, darker tone, this Story Pack includes an all-new region of Kairos to explore, multiple engaging main and side missions, all new legendary gear, and the introduction of the first post-launch playable Vault Hunter. In addition, this pack brings 4 new Vault Hunter Skins, 2 new Vehicle Skins, 3 ECHO-4 Drone Skins as well as attachments, and 1 ECHO-4 Frame.
With the launch of the first Bounty Pack, players will experience narrative-based missions that expand the Borderlands universe. These missions will reveal more about the new characters players encounter on Kairos, starting with Rush, the gregarious leader of the Outbounders. Each Bounty Pack includes new Main Missions, a new boss, new Legendary Gear, 1 Player Skin, 1 ECHO-4 Drone Skin, 1 new Vehicle, and a Vault Card, allowing players to unlock 24 Cosmetics and 4 pieces of rerollable Gear.
Additionally, available as free content to all players, Seasonal Mini-Events kicking off in October with Horrors of Kairos offer new Legendary Weapons, new Cosmetics, and a new Weather Variant. Also available during post-launch at no extra cost to all players, Invincible Bosses return to test players’ skill and build inside of high-level new boss arenas that integrate the new traversal mechanics. Powerful new Legendaries serve as tantalizing rewards for players that are able to defeat Invincible Bosses. Additionally, a new Ultimate Vault Hunter Mode level will release alongside each Invincible Boss.
Be sure to check out the full Gearbox Main Theater Show at PAX West for additional detail on post-launch and endgame Borderlands 4 content, along with insights from the development team.
Borderlands 4 is just around the corner, launching on September 12, 2025 for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S and October 3, 2025 on Nintendo Switch 2. That means there is still time to pre-order the game on consoles or pre-purchase on Steam and Epic to get the Gilded Glory Pack*—and we just sweetened the deal with an injection of extra loot, including four pieces of Legendary Gear and an additional Vault Hunter Head cosmetic! Check out the full details here.
Borderlands 4 is rated M for Mature by the ESRB. For the latest information on Borderlands 4 and to pre-order the game, visit www.borderlands.com, and follow the game across YouTube, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok.
Gearbox Software is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).
*Online play requires an Internet connection and a SHiFT Account. Console online play requires a separate paid subscription. Terms apply.
**Story Packs included with the Borderlands 4 Vault Hunter Pack, and included in Borderlands 4 Super Deluxe Edition. They will also be available for separate purchase (base game required). Exact release timings of each Story Pack to be announced at a later date and will be subject to change. Terms apply.
***Bounty Packs included with the Borderlands 4 Bounty Pack Bundle, and included with the Deluxe and Super Deluxe Editions of Borderlands 4. They will also be available for separate purchase (base game required). Exact release timings of each Bounty Pack to be announced at a later date and will be subject to change. Terms apply.
To users that haven’t already locked down your personal accounts in light of massive data breaches: It’s never too late.
That’s why Google is once again urging its Gmail subscribers to protect their accounts, following a series of data attacks on corporate systems that could eventually threaten users’ personal security. Google sent notifications to its 2.5 billion Gmail users in late July and then again on Aug. 8, warning them that hackers were ramping up phishing activity intended to fool users into giving up their log-in credentials.
SEE ALSO:
OpenAI and Anthropic teamed up to safety test each other’s models
Google specifically referred to a group known as “ShinyHunters,” which the company says has launched a data leak site (DLS) in an effort to escalate extortion pressure levied at users. Google notes the extortion emails include “shinycorp@tuta. com” and “shinygroup@tuta. com” domains.
Mashable Light Speed
In May, cybersecurity researcher Jeremiah Fowler reported that some 184 million passwords were potentially exposed in an open database, with many of the passwords tied to email providers like Google and social media platforms. One month later, Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) reported that one of its corporate Salesforce server clusters (known as instances) was breached and exposed publicly available business information, such as business names and contact details, Google explained. The breach was continued activity from an online threat group known as UNC6040, which uses voice phishing to impersonate IT agents, steal data, and extort money. This week, GTIG issued another advisory to Salesforce clients about a large data breach by hacker group “UNC6395.”
To prevent users getting bested by future phishing attempts, Google has encouraged its users to set up two-factor authentication and update their passwords. The company has also warned users never to click on emails with alerts such as “suspicious sign in prevented,” which are commonly used by hackers during periods of increased cybersecurity warnings. Instead, users should check security alerts on their own — more on how to do that below.
How to check your Google security activity
What You Need
Google account access
desktop or mobile app.
Step 1:
Log into your Google account.
Go to myaccount.google.com
Step 2:
Navigate to “Security”.
For desktop users, find this on the left side of the screen next to the padlock icon.
Step 3:
Go to “Recent security activity”.
Any security alerts in the last 28 days, including new sign-ins, should be visible here. Users can click for more information.
How to change your Gmail password
What You Need
Google account access
desktop or mobile app
Step 1:
Log into your Google account.
Step 2:
Navigate to “Security.”
Step 3:
Scroll to the “How you sign in to Google” section.
Step 4:
Click “Password”.
Users can also see the last time they changed their password.
Step 5:
Log in using your current password one more time.
How to set up 2-Step verification for Google
What You Need
Google account access
desktop or mobile app
Step 1:
Log in to your Google account.
Step 2:
Navigate to “Security.”
Step 3:
Scroll to “How you sign in to Google”.
Step 4:
Click “Turn on 2-Step Verification”.
Step 5:
Follow the steps on-screen.
In order to enable multi factor authentication, users will need to use an on-device passkey, the Google authenticator app (or other third-party authenticator), link a personal phone number, or set up a backup code.
One of the web’s biggest social media management apps has just removed Elon Musk’s X, formerly known as Twitter, from its platform.
Later, which boasts millions of users, including hundreds of big brands ranging from GoPro to the Dallas Mavericks, officially dropped support for X on its Later Social platform on Thursday.
The social media company stopped its customers from connecting new X accounts late last month as it prepared for the change. Yesterday, August 28, Later sunset its X support entirely. Later Social customers were previously able to schedule X posts, monitor conversations on X, and view their X analytics.
“Yes, we’ve deprecated support for X on Later Social,” the company said in a statement provided to Mashable. “We are focused on driving results for our customers through influencer marketing, and doubling down on the social platforms that best support that mission.”
X is the only platform that Later has removed. Later Social customers can continue to manage their accounts on supported social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Snapchat.
Mashable Light Speed
X’s API changes continue to drive companies away
The timing of Later’s removal of X comes shortly after Musk’s company began reaching out to third-party developers and other companies using its API (application programming interface) to announce yet another change to its pricing scheme.
Before Musk’s acquisition, then-Twitter offered a robust API offering free of charge to its healthy third-party developer ecosystem. Shortly after Musk’s takeover, the company changed gears and knee-capped its free offering. Many developers utilizing X’s API were forced to drop their integration with the platform or sign up for an Enterprise API subscription, with prices ranging from a whopping $42,000 to $210,000 per month. X later introduced additional fees, such as charging developers $1 for every account connected to the API through their third-party app.
Now, X is switching up its subscription model and informed existing API customers that Musk and company intend to take a cut of their revenue instead.
Mashable originally reported on the changes back in June, shortly after the popular no-code automation platform Make announced that it was dropping X integration due to “X’s revised API policies and pricing.”
SEE ALSO:
The X API costs developers $42K per month. Now X wants a cut of their revenue instead.
Later now joins a growing list of companies that have removed X after Musk’s API pricing changes, which include Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo.
Threads is now testing a new “text attachment” feature, allowing users to embed longer posts and formatted text directly in their posts. This change promises to strike a balance between expressiveness and readability without resorting to fragmented threads or screenshot workarounds.
A Seamless Shift from Notes to Longer Posts
Users with the feature will see a new page icon in the post composer. Tapping it opens a custom editor reminiscent of a mini blog, complete with rich text styling. Once posted, the long-form content appears as a gray expandable box within the update, keeping the feed clean while offering depth just a tap away.
Text-Based Expression: A Step Forward
This update addresses a long-standing gap. Threads has long capped posts at 500 characters, prompting users to post screenshots instead of text. With text attachments, the app edges closer to being a hybrid between microblogging and full article platforms, without leaving its social roots.
Unlike X’s Articles feature, which is behind a paywall, Threads appears to be testing this feature for all users, bypassing added subscription layers at least for now.
A Creator’s Tool and Meta’s Strategic Play
For writers, content creators, and communicators, this feature can streamline storytelling with no more juggling platforms or losing context. Threads’ aspirations become clear: it wants to be a space that values longer narrative, not just punchy updates.
In context, the addition aligns with Threads’ pivot toward utility as well as creativity. Recent updates include DMs, fediverse compatibility, and AI tools. The platform, now with over 400 million monthly active users, is doubling down on versatility to differentiate itself from competitors.
What Creators Should Do Now
Watch for the new page icon in the composer. If you see it, you can test the feature immediately.
Experiment with longer posts but keep them concise, such as news highlights, book excerpts, or short essays.
Use formatting like bold or italics to make content skimmable.
Monitor performance versus traditional Threads updates to see if engagement improves.
Threads’ introduction of text attachments marks a nuanced shift. It is not abandoning its fast-flow style but creating space for deeper conversations.
Threads was launched by Instagram in January 2023, right after Elon Musk took over Twitter. It’s a text-based platform designed to rival Twitter while also building on Instagram’s commitment to creators and fostering positive connections.
Meta Ray-Bans have often been very difficult to find in stock at both retailers and online stores for the past two years — and they rarely go on sale. But one of the best ways to not only get a 20% discount but also find some of the styles that have been discontinued or are rarely ever in stock is to use the little-known Meta Refurbished AI Glasses online store.
I recently ordered a pair of Meta Ray-Bans in the Skylar style with the Shiny Caramel finish with Polar Brown lenses. If you’ve followed Meta Ray-Bans, then you’ve probably seen these before because they are in a lot of the Meta promotional materials. The frames themselves are semi-transparent, so you can see a lot of the technology inside. And the lenses have that amber tint that’s popular in lots of sunglasses because it gives the world a bit of warm orange glow.
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
I was able to buy these for $263, even though they normally retail for $329. Other configurations, like the black with blue transition lenses, were as much as $76 off. As of the writing of this article, Meta’s refurbished store was selling the Wayfarer, Headliner, and Skyler styles. The Wayfarer is the most common style, while the Headliner and Skyler can be more difficult to find.
Also: 5 Meta Ray-Ban upgrades I want to see on September 17
When my transparent brown Meta Ray-Bans arrived, they were in the original box and it was unopened, with the perforated pull tag still in perfect condition — no different than the box of the original pair of black Meta Ray-Bans I bought when the product first launched two years ago.
Jason Hiner/ZDNET
When I opened the box, everything was in perfect order, just like a new pair. All the accessories, booklets, polishing cloth, and even the paper protectors over the arms of the glasses were all just as they are in the packaging of a brand new pair of Meta Ray-Bans that you’d buy at retail or online.
I pulled the little protective tab inside the case to activate charging and plugged the case into a USB. After about 30 minutes, I opened the Meta AI app, tapped the glasses button on the far right, hit the plus sign in the upper right corner, and tapped on the Ray-Ban | Meta button.
Also: I tried Meta’s new Oakley smart glasses in my production studio – my verdict as a content creator
The software immediately recognized that a pair of glasses was in a case nearby. I accepted the prompt and tapped through the menus.
I pulled the glasses out of the case and examined them, and they were in perfect condition. I put them on and immediately started using them like the other pairs of Meta Ray-Bans I’ve been testing and using for the past couple years.
Jason Hiner/ZDNET
What does refurbished actually mean for a tech product?
So if these are just like new and sold at a discount, then what does it mean when you buy a refurbished tech product? These are typically products that have been lightly used and a customer returned or traded in for another product, or that originally had small defects. They go back to the manufacturer for inspection, cleaning, repair (if needed), and another round of quality assurance.
Also: Google’s upcoming AI smart glasses may finally convince me to switch to a pair full-time
They are then repacked, often in the same original packaging as new products. However, both the US and the European Union have regulations that require refurbished products to be marked and sold as refurbished, and can’t be passed off as new products. That’s why they are typically discounted, even though in many cases they are as good as new.
In the case of refurbished Meta Ray-Bans, when you buy through the Meta Refurbished AI Glasses online store, then Meta offers a 30-day return policy and a 1-year warranty. Based on my experience, I have no problem recommending that you buy a refurbished pair of these smart glasses, if one of the styles you like is available.
ZDNET’s buying advice
Keep in mind that Meta is likely to unveil its next-generation Meta Ray-Bans Smart Glasses on September 17 at its Meta Connect event. These could have new features like longer battery life and better cameras — two of the items on my wish list. It’s unclear if they will be more expensive, but it appears possible if they are integrating better technology and there’s also the uncertain US tariff situation that could impact the cost of parts.
The recently released Oakley Meta Smart Glasses have some nice tech upgrades and retail for $400-$500. That could be an indication of where the prices of the new Meta Ray-Bans are going to land. If that’s the case, the deal on these refurbished Meta Ray-Bans could look even better.
Support for the virtual key has gone live on Cupertino’s end, just ahead Apple’s “Awe dropping” launch event in September where the iPhone 17 is expected to be announced.
33 total automakers worldwide have pledged support for Apple’s Car Key since it was announced in 2020.
For so many folks, their cell phone is such a key component of their life. It’s their social connection, their camera and even their wallet where they store all of their credit cards. Soon it will be their car key, too.
Apple first announced Car Key all the way back in 2020. Manufacturers have been sluggish to adopt since then, but that hasn’t kept iPhone owners from getting excited for the day the feature finally comes to their car. A new report from MacRumors reveals that Rivian’s release will be coming very soon.
Photo by: Rivian
The upcoming support for Rivian’s R1 vehicles was noticed after a configuration file was spotted containing information about the feature’s activation in Apple Wallet, an app on iPhone which stores sensitive information like credit card details and even digital drivers licenses behind Apple’s Secure Enclave cryptoprocessor.
According to MacRumors, Rivian says that the feature has been pushed live on Apple’s side. However, the automaker has yet to officially launch the feature on its side, meaning that the building blocks are in place, but aren’t yet connected together for Rivian owner to take advantage of it. The automaker reportedly told MacRumors that the feature is “coming soon.”
Apple’s Car Key feature allows iPhone and Apple Watch owners to use the device’s NFC radio to act like a digital key to a supported vehicle. When the device communicates with the car, it acts similar to a key fob—meaning you can lock, unlock, start or perform other vehicle actions when in proximity to the vehicle and even remotely. It also supports Apple’s Express Mode, which allows the device to act as a key without being unlocked (meaning the phone can remain in your pocket and still function as a key). Automakers can choose which specific features of Car Key to implement, and how it can interact with the car.
Today, select models across Audi, BMW, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Lotus, Mini, Mercedes, Polestar, Ram and Volvo’s lineups support Car Key functionality. Apple notes that support for Acura, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Lucid, Porsche, and Smart vehicles is also coming soon (plus Rivian, of course). That makes 33 total automakers across the globe with Car Key currently supported or pledged across the globe.
No hard date is set on when the feature will go live on Rivian’s side, but the automaker reportedly confirmed that it would be coming soon.
The feature will reportedly only be compatible with Gen 2 R1 vehicles for now, meaning that early Gen 1 owners will be left without it. The good news is that the early models already support Phone as a Key using the Rivian app, so it’s not like they’ll be left completely unsupported. Hopefully, the feature also extends to the upcoming Rivian R2.
Google states that AI Max for Search can run in low-volume accounts, confirming there’s no minimum conversion recommendation.
However, you must use a conversion-based Smart Bidding strategy for search-term matching to work.
The clarification was provided during Google’s Ads Decoded podcast, where product managers discussed recent launches.
What Google Said
In the “Ads Decoded” podcast episode, Ginny Marvin, Google’s Ads Product Liaison, addressed whether low-volume accounts can use AI Max.
Marvin stated:
“In earlier testing, we’ve seen that AI Max can be effective for accounts of varied sizes… And there’s no minimum conversion recommendation to enable AI Max, but keep in mind that you do need to use a conversion-based smart bidding strategy in order for search term matching to work.”
This smart bidding requirement ensures the system has signals to work with, even if conversion volume is low.
Hear hear full response in the video below:
Where Smaller Accounts May See Gains
Google says advertisers “mostly using exact and phrase match keywords tend to see the highest uplift in conversions and conversion value” after enabling AI Max.
Keywordless matching can help smaller advertisers find opportunities without extensive research. AI Max identifies relevant search terms based on landing page content and existing ads.
For local campaigns, advertisers can use simple keywords instead of creating separate ones for each location. AI Max handles the geographic matching.
How AI Max Works In Search
AI Max pulls from more than just landing pages. It also uses ad assets and ad-group keywords to expand coverage and tailor RSA copy.
For English content, it’s capable of generating ad variations within brand guardrails.
Product manager Karen Zang described AI Max as an enhancer to existing work:
“I would view AI Max as an amplifier on the work that you’ve already put in… we’re just leveraging that to customize your ads.”
Product manager Tal Kabas framed AI Max as bringing Performance Max-level technology into Search:
“If you’re using all the best practices with AI Max… then it is PMax technology for Search. We wanted to basically bring that value to advertisers wherever they want to buy.”
Implementation Considerations
Small advertisers considering AI MAX should take these preparation steps into account.
First, ensure landing pages are current, as the AI uses them to generate ad variations. Poor or outdated landing page content can negatively impact the output, regardless of account size.
Second, use conversion tracking even if volume is low. While there are no minimums, having any conversion data helps. Smart bidding strategies, such as Target CPA or Target ROAS, must be in place for full functionality.
Third, start with campaigns that use exact and phrase match keywords, as Google’s data shows they benefit the most from AI Max.
Looking Ahead
AI Max is accessible to advertisers of all sizes.
The one-click implementation allows you to test AI Max without restructuring your campaigns. If results don’t meet your expectations, the feature can be disabled.
Google indicated this is the first phase of AI Max development, with more features planned.
