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The trailer for the Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning sees Tom Cruise returning for the eighth instalment of the action franchise.

2024 has been a banner year for witches on TV, from The Acolyte's Brendok Force users to Agatha All Along's doomed coven. Now, Dune: Prophecy is here to close us out with a look at some of science fiction's greatest witchy figures: the Bene Gesserit from Frank Herbert's Dune.

With their near-supernatural control over their minds and bodies, the Bene Gesserit Sisters are a force to be reckoned with, and one of the most iconic elements of the Dune universe. Traditionally, though, they operate in the shadows, manipulating the politics of the Imperium with a firm touch. That they manage to make such an impact from the fringes in both the original Dune novels and the films speak volumes to their influence. So it should come as no surprise that they shine in the direct spotlight that Dune: Prophecy casts on them. Not only does the show deepen our understanding of the Bene Gesserit, — it also throws us into a meticulously wrought sci-fi world that finds the perfect balance between the palace intrigue and cosmic strangeness that make up Dune's bread and butter.

SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Prophecy' trailer is a treat for Bene Gesserit fans What is Dune: Prophecy about? Charithra Chandran, Yerin Ha, Jessica Barden, and Emma Canning in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBO

Inspired by Sisterhood of Dune by Brian Herbert (Frank Herbert's son) and Kevin J. Anderon, Dune: Prophecy kicks off over 10,000 years before Paul Atreides was born. That means the Imperium — the galactic empire of noble houses — we see in the show is fairly different from what we've come to know from both Frank Herbert's original novels and David Lynch and Denis Villeneuve's films. (And while familiar names like Atreides, Harkonnen, and Corrino do pop up, they aren't quite the families you're used to.) At this point in time, the Imperium is still reeling from the Butlerian Jihad, a war against "thinking machines" that rendered all artificial intelligence forbidden.

Since then, new forms of power have risen to fill the vacuum left by thinking machines. Among them are the Bene Gesserit — known for now simply as "the Sisterhood" — who have yet to grow into the force they are in Dune. These Sisters still wield great influence, serving the Great Houses as Truthsayers. However, abilities like the controlling Voice have yet to become the norm, and the breeding project to create the Kwistatz Haderach is not in motion.

SEE ALSO: Fan who has seen 'Dune: Part Two' 10 times breaks his silence

Leading the Sisterhood is Mother Superior Valya Harkonnen (Emily Watson), who is determined to use her status to push the boundaries of what it means to be human. She also wishes to increase the Sisterhood's power in the Imperium, conspiring with her sister Tula (Olivia Williams) to put a Sister on the throne. What prompted all this scheming? A prophecy from the Sisterhood's founder Mother Raquella (Cathy Tyson), who foresaw the coming of a terrible tyrant who would bring the Sisterhood to its knees.

However, after a brutal attack racks the Sisterhood, Valya finds herself faced with a daunting question. Could all her work to improve the Sisterhood's standing in the Imperium be bringing about the very destruction Mother Raquella warned her of?

Dune: Prophecy is dense, but deliciously epic Jodhi May and Mark Strong in "Dune: Prophecy." Credit: Attila Szvacsek/HBO

Valya's preoccupations with prophecy are only one branch of Dune: Prophecy's sprawling narrative. Elsewhere, Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong) struggles to keep control over the planet Arrakis. (In Dune, there are some things even 10,000 years can't change.) He also welcomes the charismatic, Sisterhood-hating soldier Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel) into his inner circle, causing friction with Valya and his daughter Ynez (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina), who hopes to one day be a Sister herself.

Meanwhile, the young acolytes of the Sisterhood undergo rigorous physical and mental training. Some, like the slippery Sister Jen (Faoileann Cunningham), question the Sisterhood's control over its members. Others, like Sister Theodosia (Jade Anouka) or Sister Lila (Chloe Lea), remain fiercely loyal, even if that means pushing themselves past their limits. But do they make these choices of their own free will? Or are they just pawns of prophecy?

SEE ALSO: How is 'Dune: Part Two' different from the book?

These many intertwining stories are a lot to take in, especially when paired with the deep, strange lore of Dune. Plus, a veritable exposition bomb in the show's first 10 minutes is enough to make it seem like Dune: Prophecy is only accessible for hardcore Dune lovers.

Yet once you get past those initial exposition-heavy scenes (and yes, they are a lot), Dune: Prophecy unfurls into a deliciously varied sci-fi epic with a little something for everyone. If you love political machinations, you'll be blessed with scene after scene of scheming and negotiations. (Truly, this is the closest TV has gotten to the idea of "Game of Thrones...in space!") If you want more insight into what goes into becoming a Sister, brace yourself for the rigorous training acolytes undergo, which feels like Dune's take on the "magic school" trope. And of course, if you're looking for some of Dune's wonderful sci-fi weirdness (we're talking about a series where someone becomes a worm, after all), you're in luck. Dune: Prophecy makes a meal of the Sisters' many strange visions, in some cases even eclipsing Villeneuve's interpretations of the Bene Gesserit's internal powers. Plus, we get the occasional visit from the almighty sandworm, whose appearances never feel like gratuitous Dune Easter eggs but rather a key part of the story to come.

With so much juicy story to unpack, it's almost easy to overlook Dune: Prophecy's greatest flaws. Again, its first few minutes are a barrage of narrative bullet points that barely give you time to sink into the show's world. Elsewhere, the occasional clunky sexposition scene can feel like a dated stereotype about what a 2010s-era HBO sex scene should look like.

Overall, though, showrunner Alison Schapker (Westworld, Lost) deftly navigates the minefields that come with adapting anything related to Dune. Following its early sprint to get us up to speed on all things Sisterhood, Dune: Prophecy steps back from lore overload and instead focuses on the characters — most of them women — who make it tick. Dune as a series is full of complex women, with some, like Chani, gaining far more nuance and agency in Villeneuve's films. But to see the Sisterhood take center stage in Dune: Prophecy is to add more depth to the women who will tread in their footsteps thousands of years down the line — especially since we know how their plans will one day turn out.

It's a treat, too, to wind back the clock on the worlds of Dune, as Dune: Prophecy delivers some of the most stunning sets and costumes on TV this year. Between the sumptuous halls of Emperor Corrino's palace, the austere library of the Sisterhood, and the hazy pleasures of a spice den, each environment is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As harsh as the Imperium can be, there's something alluring about it, too — just as the power the Sisterhood wields can be a double-edged sword. You'll want it, you'll fear it, but above all, you'll just need to keep watching it.

Dune: Prophecy premieres Nov. 17 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

Just last year, the internet was mightily bemused by the discovery that many men are low-key obsessed with the Roman Empire. Decades after Gladiator swept the Oscars, Ridley Scott is back with the highly anticipated Gladiator II, proving there's no historical fixation quite like it. This long-awaited sequel is an extraordinary creation, made up of outrageous action sequences inspired by ancient history, emotional storytelling underpinned by modern ideals of masculinity, and yet joltingly problematic gender norms. But are you not entertained?

Gladiator II stars Paul Mescal as Maximus 2.0.  Pedro Pascal and Paul Mescal face off in "Gladiator II." Credit: Paramount Pictures

Reteaming with Napoleon and All The Money In the World scribe David Scarpa, Scott lays down a story of Lucius Verus, son of Lucilla, who was daughter, then sister, to two successive Roman emperors. In the first film. Lucius was a boy who idealized the revolutionary gladiator Maximus (Russell Crowe). In the sequel, he's all grown up and played by Paul Mescal, a contemporary figure of non-toxic masculinity. 

Like Maximus before him, Lucius is a disillusioned citizen of Rome who's been tossed in the Colosseum as meat for the grinder that is the empire's entertainment. In Gladiator II, he will not only face off against trained warriors — including a decorated Roman general played by The Last of Us' Pedro Pascal — but also an array of wild animals, like a rampaging baboon, a charging rhinoceros, and thrashing sharks. Believe it or not, many of these seemingly ludicrous moments are actually cherry-picked from Rome's heyday. And under Scott's eye for spectacle, these scenes are freshly shocking and, yes, very damn exciting. 

Lucius fights not only to survive, but — also like Maximus — to avenge his wife, who was slain by the command of a cruel emperor, and to bring about "the dream of Rome," meaning an empire not run by reckless, mercurial tyrants. Long dead is Gladiator's villain (played by a squalling Joaquin Phoenix), and in his place are a pair of red-haired, pasty-skinned twins, Emperor Geta (Stranger Things' Joseph Quinn) and Emperor Caracalla (Thelma's Fred Hechinger). Though the framework of this plotline is very similar to the 2000 box office hit that preceded it, Gladiator II brings a fresh vulnerability to its titular hero. 

Mescal has packed on added brawn for the role of a warrior, but the boyish vulnerability radiant in his critically heralded performances in the indie dramas Aftersun and All of Us Strangers shines through. He doesn't just put on a scowl and seek bloody vengeance on those who killed his beloved wife (May Calamawy). He also talks about his feelings to his mother (a returning Connie Nielsen). And even as he battles, he carries with him not just a sword but a woeful expression that violence is his only resort. There's a tragedy even in victory, in part because it's been 20 years since Maximus fought for Rome to be freed, and change has not come, a heavy burden that Mescal carries with every step. 

Ridley makes femininity a failing in Gladiator II.  Connie Nielsen plays Lucilla and Joseph Quinn plays Emperor Geta in "Gladiator II." Credit: Paramount Pictures

Throughout his long and storied career, Scott has delivered movies that are not only critically praised and iconic, but also engaging in terms of gender politics. Sure, on the surface 1979's Alien was Jaws in space. But beneath the creature-feature creepiness, Scott fostered a narrative about the horrors of losing your bodily autonomy that rings all the more horrifying since Roe v. Wade's been overturned. Then in 1991, Thelma & Louise offered a free-wheeling tale of female friendship, liberation, and vengeance for an attempted rape. The hardships of female soldiers in the U.S. military was the center of 1997's G.I. Jane. And most recently in 2021, Scott delivered the double whammy of the scorching rape culture historical drama The Last Duel and the deliciously trashy exploration of a wife's ruthless revenge in House of Gucci. Where does Gladiator II fit into all this? 

Well, on the other side of the gender politics divide, Scott has also explored male egotism, blind ambition, and the paternal urge to protect in warrior-focused films like Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, Robin Hood, The Last Duel, and last year's Napoleon. Here is where Gladiator II fits, building on Scott's keen understanding of the slippery man's world where politics meets corruption and principles meet violence. However, where some elements of Gladiator II build on the original film, others are awkward reworkings, and still others feel like clumsy ideas undeserving of screen time in 2024. 

This is a story of men, men, men, from the gladiators to the emperors to the generals to the senators to the conniving arms dealer Macrinus (Denzel Washington in top form), who plays many of these figures like pawns on a chess board. Women in Gladiator II exist to be cut down (or fridged, to pull from comic book conventions) or suffer in strong-jawed steadiness. Lucilla is not exactly reduced to a damsel in distress, as there's a subplot has her plotting a coup against the sniveling emperor twins. However, her role in the film is chiefly as the mother who disappointed her son, so many of her scenes are about apologizing for being a bad mom. She is a Strong Female Character, reduced chiefly to her roles in the lives of the men around her. 

Meanwhile, the twins are ghastly throwbacks to the lisping, sissy villains of 1960s movies. Surrounded by tanned, brawny men in leather armor, Geta and Caracalla are scrawny, sickly pale, and dress in embroidered robes and gold crowns, rocking excitedly in their thrones like mischievous children. They are not just foils to Lucius and the other traditionally manly men strutting and brawling in Gladiator II. The emperors are queer-coded characters, meant to be repellant not only for their sadistic behavior but also for their mewling femininity, a sign of their weakness. They are an amped-up version of Phoenix's Commodus, not only because there are two of them, but because they are even more visibly effete — as if the root of their evil was their lack of machismo. 

The tropes in this emperor diptych are bizarrely dated, undercutting Gladiator II's exploration of masculinity by leaning into regressive tropes. Would it not have been enough to make them sickly? Or with an ego based on power over nobility? In either case, Washington's Macrinus comes to complicate matters and save this movie from Scarpa and Scott's worst impulses. 

Denzel Washington is glorious as Gladiator II's most compelling figure.  Denzel Washington plays Macrinus in "Gladiator II." Credit: Paramount Pictures

Mescal will rightly win praise for his textured lead turn, and Pascal fans will cheer for his latest portrayal of a world-weary warrior, equally dashing and haunted. (Their face-off is among the movie's most thrilling sequences, and it doesn't even involve shark attacks!) Yet it is no surprise that 10-time Oscar nominee (and two-time Academy Award–winner) Denzel Washington steals this movie. 

Where much of the cast is pitched into the labyrinthine retread of the first film's plotline, Washington forges a fresh path with Macrinus. Introduced as a slave owner who buys Lucius to fight in the Colosseum, Macrinus is bedecked in gold and richly colored fabrics that scream of wealth. But even when Scott cuts to close-ups that clip out these visual cues, Washington's countenance alone conveys the character's comfortable status. His physicality, full of grand, sweeping arm gestures that make dramatic use of his rich robes, suggests this man is comfortable being seen — in fact, he demands to be! And yet, there's a glimmer in his eye that warns he's no fool like Rome's senators and emperors, who relish every cheap thrill of sex, violence, and animal cruelty. He is a force of masculinity, mighty yet terrible, focused on what he can own, not what he might build for others. 

Scarpa bestows upon Washington a monologue of backstory, which the rightfully heralded actor makes a feast of. But even in little moments of smiling threats or whispered villainy, he is utterly compelling. Part of this is Washington's screen presence, which is still that of an absolute movie star. He carries a gravitas that suggests the most powerful man in Rome is not the guy wielding the mightiest sword, but the one who can turn every word into a weapon. 

Make no mistake. Gladiator II is bedecked with action sequences that are awe-inspiring — especially in the IMAX presentation showed to critics. The fight choreography feels as ruthless as the gnarliest matches out of the AEW. There are man-versus-beast matches that are electrifyingly feral, despite Mescal facing off against a clearly CG critter. And there are one-on-one duels that are powerful not only in their violent blows but in their emotional underpinnings. And yet, Washington is the film's most marvelous draw. Whether he is making a plaything out of a dead man's head or flashing his signature smile like a warning, he is marvelous to behold. 

In short, Scott's Gladiator II is an ambitious film, full of action, drama, stranger-than-fiction history, and palpable emotion, but it's also tiresome and riddled with problematic tropes. Still, it's undeniably enthralling, which is more than can be said for his similarly grand Napoleon. For all its faults, Gladiator II is an extraordinary film, the kind that demands to be seen in theaters. 

Gladiator II opens in theaters Nov. 22. 

We're living in the age of AI artists and AI art museums, so the fact that an AI-powered robot just made bank at an art auction shouldn't come as a surprise. But we're talking bank.

Ai-Da, the short-haired, realistic robot whose self-portraits and artworks are now the stuff of modern legend, has become the first humanoid robot to sell a work at auction (though it's not the first AI-generated work sold at auction). Last Thursday, Ai-Da's portrait of scientist, mathematician, and WWII Enigma code-breaker Alan Turing sold for a whopping $1.08 million at Sotheby's.

Part of the auction house's Digital Art Sale, the work titled AI God (first shown in May at the United Nations in Geneva during the AI for Good Global Summit) was estimated to sell between $120,000 and $180,000 and saw 27 bids before an anonymous buyer claimed victory.

SEE ALSO: What is an AI art museum? The world will soon find out.

Ai-Da, the world's first artist robot who was created by Ai-Da Robot Studios director Aidan Meller and his team, has cameras for eyes, a robotic arm, and speaks using an AI language model — we've interviewed Ai-Da and can confirm, she loves a chat. Meller explained that Ai-Da picked Turing as a subject.

"We converse with Ai-Da, using her AI language model, about what she would like to paint," said Meller in a press statement. "In this instance, we had a discussion with her about 'AI for good' which led to Ai-Da’ bringing up Alan Turing as a key person in the history of AI that she wanted to paint."

"AI God" (2024) by Ai-Da. Credit: Ai-Da Robot Studios

Meller said the team then discussed stylistic choices with Ai-Da; what kind of texture, tone, and colour the piece would incorporate. The team showed Ai-Da a photograph of Turing to study, and the algorithm got to work making decisions.

"Ai-Da then uses the cameras in her eyes to look at a picture of Alan Turing alongside her AI drawing and painting algorithms and her robotic arm to create preliminary sketches followed by several paintings of Alan Turing," Keller said.

Of course, Ai-Da also draws from existing art to inform the style of the piece. According to Sotheby's, Ai-Da's art "is inspired by Pablo Picasso’s Guernica and Doris Salcedo’s Atrabiliarios, works that portray human suffering through splintered, distorted aesthetics. In particular, Ai-Da’s fractured visual style, similar to Käthe Kollwitz and Edvard Munch, rejects pure representation, opting instead for a reflection of the technological and psychological fractures that characterize modern life."

Ai-Da's infamous robot arm. Credit: Ai-Da Robot Studios

For the finished work, Ai-Da completed a number of ink sketches of Turing using the robot arm before painting 15 separate A3-sized versions on Turing's face, using up to 10 colours in both oil and acrylic paint, each taking six to eight hours. The team then asked Ai-Da how these paintings should be assembled.

"For AI God, Ai-Da chose three of the 15 portraits of Alan Turing, alongside a painting she had made of Alan Turing’s Bombe machine," Meller explained. The Turing-Welchman Bombe machine was the device used by the team who broke the Enigma code at Bletchley Park during World War II.

"The painting of the Bombe machine can be seen in the background of the finished portrait — note the circular markings which are Ai-Da’s interpretation of the dials on the Bombe machine," said Meller. "The three paintings of Alan Turing and the painting of the Bombe machine, all selected by Ai-Da, were then photographed and uploaded onto a computer where the final image was assembled based on a discussion with Ai-Da (using her language model) about what she wants the final artwork to look like."

The three portraits Ai-Da chose. Credit: Ai-Da Robot Studios

The final artwork that sold at auction was printed onto a giant canvas. But like many an artist over the centuries (from Michelangelo to Hirst), Ai-Da had the assistance of a studio — human assistants added additional texture. "This is because Ai-Da’s robotic painting arm is unable to stretch to a large scale canvas and is limited to A3 size canvas," said Meller. "There is no change to the underlying image in this process. Ai-Da then adds marks and texture onto the final canvas in order to complete the artwork. The positioning and colour of these marks are decided by Ai-Da based on having a conversation about what she wants to do."

It's not the first time Ai-Da's work in the arts has made headlines. In 2022, Ai-Da's solo show "Leaping into the Metaverse" ran during the Venice Biennale, and Ai-Da has exhibited at the London Design Biennale, London Design Festival, the Ashmolean Museum, the V&A, Tate Modern, and has held multiple artist residencies. Ai-Da painted the Queen and the 2022 Glastonbury headliners including Sir Paul McCartney, Diana Ross, Kendrick Lamar, and Billie Eilish. So this kind of press is all in a day's work for the AI artist.

Of course, Ai-Da provided a press statement for AI God:

"The key value of my work is its capacity to serve as a catalyst for dialogue about emerging technologies. AI God, a portrait of pioneer Alan Turing, invites viewers to reflect on the god-like nature of AI and computing while considering the ethical and societal implications of these advancements. Alan Turing recognised this potential, and stares at us, as we race towards this future."

Ai-Da and "AI God." Credit: Ai-Da Robot Studios

AI-generated art has become a touchy subject area, with platforms like Midjourney, DALL-E, Gemini, Stable Diffusion, and others creating controversies over everything from misinformation to historical inaccuracies, copyright infringement, and job threat. But the first AI-generated art dates back to the '70s — and interest from the art industry, researchers, and the public alike in AI artists has been undeniably increasing over the last few years.

In 2019, AICAN, a nearly autonomous AI artist, showed its first exhibition to a packed gallery in Chelsea. Today, a 20,000 square foot museum of AI-generated art is about to open in Los Angeles.

In 2018, Christie’s became the first auction house to offer art created by an algorithm, selling the AI-created Edmond de Belamy, from La Famille de Belamy for $432,500. Today, Ai-Da's million-dollar pay day proves AI artists aren't going anywhere, and neither are their buyers.

Featured Video For You AI robot artist tries to master self-portraits without having an actual self

SAVE $160: As of Nov. 11, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 has dropped from its list price of $329.99 to $169.99. That's a 48% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 44mm Bluetooth Smartwatch $169.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal

As we get closer to the Black Friday shopping event, numerous retailers are sharing some excellent deals for shoppers to check out ahead of the official day. Amazon's chock-full of incredible deals right now, and this new all-time low price on the 44mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 immediately caught our eye. More importantly, it's a limited-time deal so you'll want to act fast to grab it.

If you've been looking to jump into the world of smartwatches, Amazon's offering a limited-time 48% discount on the 44mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 6. This has dropped its price from $329.99 to $169.99, allowing you to pocket $160. This deal also marks the lowest-ever price for this smartwatch according to price tracker camelcamelcamel.

SEE ALSO: The Fitbit Charge 6 is at its lowest price in 2024

Whether you're looking for fitness, sleep, or health tracking, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is here to assist. In our review of the smartwatch, writer Alex Perry said "With a big, eminently useful display, a smorgasbord of fitness and sleep tracking features, and adequate battery life, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 is the smartwatch to get if you’re an Android owner." And at this price there's no better time to scoop it up.

Don't miss out on this new all-time low price on the 44mm Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 at Amazon.

If you're looking for even more smartwatch discounts, you won't have too long to wait with Black Friday on the horizon. Several retailers, from Amazon to Walmart to Target to Best Buy, are celebrating this season of savings with a variety of discounts for shoppers to take advantage of. Have a look at our breakdowns for each retailer to learn more about what to expect from them in the coming weeks.

Ever the innovator when it comes to oddly shaped displays, LG has unveiled a stretchable display that can expand up to 50 percent, the company announced on Sunday.

The display can be "freely transformed into any shape," meaning you should be able to stretch, fold, or twist it as you like without damaging it. LG says that, thanks to usage of a tiny micro-LED light source (up to 40 micrometers), the display has improved durability, allowing it to be stretched more than 10,000 times.

The display opens up the possibility for entirely new types of interfaces. Credit: LG

LG unveiled a prototype with a 12-inch screen that can be stretched up to 18 inches. It's not some crappy display either; it's a true RGB display with a 100 ppi (pixel per inch) resolution.

This is not the first time LG has shown a stretchy display, but the new one is 20-50 percent stretchier than the prototype shown in 2022.

This type of tech isn't something that will just show up on the market on its own. Instead, it will likely be applied to specific use cases, where there's a need of a display that can conform to different shapes and sizes. LG thinks it could be "widely applied" in industries such as fashion, wearables, and mobility.

Via Giphy

For now, it's just something that looks incredibly cool. LG provided a few examples of how it could work in practice. In one short video (above), the display is shown overlaid over a three-dimensional, interactive automotive interface that changes shape as you interact with it.

There's no word when we might see this applied in a real-world, wide-use scenario.

AI is undoubtedly becoming a bigger part of all of our lives, with new tools and ways to use AI emerging every day. Whether you’re an industry professional or a hobbyist, popular creative applications have incorporated AI technologies into their software, offering a breakthrough for preserving our visual history without breaking the bank.

Through AI-powered photo restoration and upscaling, accelerated by NVIDIA RTX 40-Series graphics cards, anyone from creative novice to industry expert can help ensure our shared cultural memory endures, keeping historic photos detailed and vibrant for future generations.

The technology behind AI-powered photo upscaling

So, how does it all work?

In simple terms, upscaling is the process of taking a low-resolution image and converting it to a higher resolution. This isn’t a new concept, as the television industry has long used basic upscaling methods to allow all image resolutions to display in the same size (this is how standard HD images appear at the same size as 4K, for example).

These traditional upscaling methods work by using simple algorithms to duplicate pixels, effectively “filling out” the lower-resolution image to fit a higher-resolution screen. However, this brute-force approach risks leaving the image blurry or muted, as it doesn’t truly analyse the image. Every image receives the same parameters, regardless of type.

Top creative applications have revolutionised this process with AI upscaling methods that perform real analysis of image textures, patterns, and missing details. By using a neural network trained on thousands of images, these new AI models can predict a high-resolution version of the image, then refine it to meet the user’s needs. Available to hobbyist consumers and industry professionals, these technologies are easily accessible to users at all levels, allowing images to be enhanced with just a few simple clicks.

Having worked in collaboration with many of these applications, NVIDIA’s RTX graphics cards, or GPUs, feature dedicated Tensor Cores that optimise AI processing and accelerate performance in upscaling applications like Adobe Photoshop, Topaz Gigapixel AI, and ON1 Resize AI. NVIDIA’s latest RTX 40-Series GPUs accelerate this performance further, reducing the processing time in AI tasks like this. These features are essential for balancing enhanced image quality with authenticity, improving clarity and resolution without sacrificing elements of the original image. 

By enabling real-time upscaling with minimal lag, NVIDIA’s dedicated Tensor Cores transform workflow efficiency for professionals and hobbyists alike, by drastically reducing the processing time. Plus, with hardware acceleration available on RTX 20-Series GPUs and higher, creatives can incorporate these upscaling technologies into their workflow at both entry-level and high-end budgets.

Reviving iconic images: The befores-and-afters 

To highlight the advantages of upscaling in creative workflows, we’ve chosen a number of historical photographs taken across the United Kingdom to enhance. Specifically, these images were upscaled using the aforementioned apps and some then colourised in Adobe Photoshop with just a few clicks, demonstrating the potential of AI in historical preservation. Below, you can see the step-by-step improvements between the original, upscaled, and even some colourised versions:

Cardiff High Street, 1880 Before. Credit: NVIDIA After being upscaled using Topaz Gigapixel AI. Credit: NVIDIA

This image, of Cardiff High Street, was taken in 1880. After being upscaled using Topaz Gigapixel AI, the image is now 400 percent the size of the original resolution, with improved image clarity, such as the details of the tower in the background and its window frames being much more clear. With this huge resolution increase, it’s difficult to really do it justice as an embedded image, but this enhancement could be used to turn older photographs held in your hand into something you could frame and hang on the wall.

Bank of England, 1885-1895 Left: Before. Credit: NVIDIA Right: After being upscaled with Super Resolution in Photoshop. Credit: NVIDIA Credit: NVIDIA After being upscaled using Super Resolution. Credit: NVIDIA

Taken sometime between 1885 and 1895, this image of the Bank of England has been upscaled using the Super Resolution feature of Adobe Photoshop, and as a result is much clearer, notably the text on the right which reads United Kingdom Tea Company.

Castle Place, Belfast, 1907 Left: Before. Credit: NVIDIA Right: After being upscaled in Photoshop. Credit: NVIDIA

This image of Castle Place in Belfast has also been upscaled in Photoshop, and now boasts a 20% improvement in resolution whilst maintaining a crisp image clarity. This took under a minute to setup and export on our RTX-powered system by following Adobe’s online guide.

Edinburgh Castle, 1865 Left: Before. Credit: NVIDIA Right: After being upscaled with Super Resolution in Photoshop. Credit: NVIDIA Left: Before. Credit: NVIDIA Right: After being upscaled with Super Resolution in Photoshop. Credit: NVIDIA

Super Resolution in Photoshop has also been used on this image of Edinburgh Castle, with image noise being drastically reduced, resulting in a much less grainy image — this improvement is especially noticeable when focusing on the townhouses in the centre of the image. In the colourised version, the brickwork in the enhanced image really pops, thanks to Photoshop’s Colourise neural filter. It’s worth noting this is the result with no fine-tuning — it really is that easy to use.

London Underground Escalator, 1930-1940 Left: Before. Credit: NVIDIA Right: After being upscaled using ON1 Resize AI. Credit: NVIDIA Left: Credit: NVIDIA Right: After being upscaled using ON1 Resize AI. Credit: NVIDIA London Underground Escalator, 1930-1940, before and after being upscaled. Credit: NVIDIA

This image of an escalator in the London Underground, taken at some point between 1930 and 1940, has been upscaled using ON1 Resize AI, significantly reducing background blur, allowing the lights near the top of the escalator to stand out much more. The lighting is really brought to life by the Colourise feature even just with the default settings — with a bit more time and editing, this could perfectly resemble the true original scene.

The broader impact of AI on historical preservation

The scope for these tools and the benefits they provide is vast. By breathing new life into old images, AI-powered upscaling can impact numerous industries, from museums and archives to private collections.

For example, galleries and museums can now display historical images and vintage footage in much higher resolution, allowing for larger displays, deeper analysis, and improved overall quality. Historical archives can better restore old and damaged photos and documents, preserving crucial pieces of history—some even thought lost—for many years to come.

This technology isn’t just for businesses and institutions. AI upscaling also allows us to enhance personal archives, like family photos, documents, records, and home videos. Not only does it preserve our shared history, but it also helps us safeguard personal memories for future generations. This development truly celebrates history in ways previously thought impossible.

Getting started with AI photo upscaling

Applications like Adobe Photoshop, Topaz Gigapixel AI, and ON1 Resize AI are transforming historical preservation through their advanced AI-powered upscaling, accelerated by GeForce RTX GPUs, to keep memories alive for future generations. 

Whether you’re working within the industry, or just want to preserve your family photos as a hobbyist, you can check out these new tools at their best with NVIDIA’s range of RTX 40-Series GPUs available here. Enhance your own photo editing projects regardless of your experience, preserve your history, and make low resolution, fading, and damage a thing of the past.

SAVE $100: As of Nov. 11, the Beats Studio Pro headphones are on sale at Target for $249.99, $100 off their list price of $349.99. That's a discount of 29%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro Bluetooth Wireless Headphones $249.99 at Target
$349.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

Black Friday is right around the corner, and several retailers are gearing up for the sale event with some excellent deals ahead of time. Target, in particular, has been dropping great discounts left and right this month. And while not exclusively an early Black Friday deal, this offer on the Beats Studio Pro headphones is one you certainly don't want to miss.

Currently, the Beats Studio Pro headphones are discounted $100 at Target, from their list price of $349.99 to $249.99. This is an excellent offer for such high-quality headphones. If you've been looking for an upgrade, these are worth every penny with their comfortable fit, fully-adaptive Active Noise Canceling and Transparency modes, and rich sound quality.

SEE ALSO: Save $430 on the HP Victus gaming laptop with Best Buy’s Black Friday deals

Even writer Alex Perry raved about these headphones in his Beats Studio Pro review, saying they're "more than worth it." Alex explained that the Beats Studio Pro are "excellent on most of the levels that matter. They sound fantastic, last a long time, and support multiple playback styles. Most importantly, Android users don’t get the shaft, with near-parity between iOS and Google’s mobile platform."

If you've been looking to level up your headphone game, look no further than this deal on the Beat Studio Pro.

There will be plenty more headphone deals to check out as we near the Black Friday sale event at the end of the month, too. During that sale, multiple retailers will have a wide variety of options on offer, so you won't be short on choices. Some retailers are throwing out some early discounts in the lead-up to Black Friday as well, so have a look at our breakdowns of what to expect from Target, Best Buy, and Walmart to learn more.

John Oliver has shared his reaction to the 2024 US election during Sunday's "Last Week Tonight".

TL;DR: Help them preserve cherished photos, videos, and important files with 1TB of Koofr cloud storage for life for just $119.97, with no recurring fees.

We're all pretty much on the hunt for a thoughtful gift that’s both practical and unique. That's why this offer has come at the perfect time.

Give your loved ones the gift of secure, lifetime cloud storage with Koofr’s 1TB plan — just $119.97 through NOv. 21. Because it's made to be user-friendly, it's ideal for parents, grandparents, or anyone who wants to keep photos, videos, and important files safe and may not be all that comfortable with digital files.

Koofr makes digital organization simple and worry-free. Unlike other storage services, Koofr’s one-time payment model means no monthly fees, ever. Once you’re in, you’re set for life.

More than just a place to park files, it’s a thoughtful solution built to make digital storage easy, accessible, and secure. With 1TB of space, you can store up to 250,000 photos, 500 hours of HD video, or millions of documents. And if you’re already using services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive, Koofr lets you connect them all in one place for simplified access to all your files.

One of the more thoughtful features is the Koofr Duplicate Finder. Say goodbye to duplicate files taking up unnecessary space. Koofr makes it easy to keep storage neat and organized. And it's good to know that Koofr takes privacy seriously. It doesn’t track your activity, and all files are encrypted during transfer and at rest, so you can rest assured your data is private.

Koofr is ideal for anyone who wants to keep their digital files safe and accessible, especially those who might not be very tech-savvy. It’s a useful gift for backing up photos, archiving family memories, or securing important work documents.

Grab a lifetime access to 1TB of Koofr Cloud Storage while it's on sale for just $119.97 through Nov. 21.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) $119.97
$810.00 Save $690.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: The ForeverPen is on sale for just $23.99 (reg. $40) and will be the gift of the season for anyone who loves practical, durable, and super-cool gadgets.

Opens in a new window Credit: ForeverPen ForeverPen™ Tiny Inkless Pen & Multi-Tool $23.99 at the Mashable Shop
$40.00 Save $16.01 Get Deal

Looking to win at gifting this year? The ForeverPen can really wow in the unique department. This tiny powerhouse, just under an inch long, is more than just a pen. It’s a mini multi-tool that lets you write, cut, and tackle whatever life throws your way — and it's the perfect unique stocking stuffer.

Ideal for jotting down notes on the go, slicing open packages, or even writing underwater (maybe you like to take notes while scuba diving), the ForeverPen is crafted from durable titanium and built to last a lifetime.

The ForeverPen might be small, but it’s anything but limited. You or your giftee will enjoy inkless, smudge-free writing. The ForeverPen’s solid silver composite nib writes smoothly on almost any surface, from paper and cardboard to plastic and wood, without leaving a mark on your fingers.

Measuring just 26mm long, it's small enough to fit on your keychain or hide on a zipper pull. You’ll always have it within reach for quick notes, box-cutting, or any small task. And since it's built from titanium and tested under extreme conditions, the ForeverPen is fire-resistant, weather-proof, and ready for any adventure.

This tool makes an awesome stocking stuffer for anyone who loves cool, practical gadgets. It’s especially great for those who are always on the go and like to have useful tools at their fingertips. 

It offers long-lasting functionality, making it an excellent investment and a unique gift. Order through Dec. 15 for on-time holiday delivery.

Grab the ForeverPen for yourself, add it to your everyday carry, or slip it into someone’s stocking for just $23.99 (down from $40). 

ForeverPen™ Tiny Inkless Pen & Multi-Tool - $23.99 | Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.