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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.

BOGO BOOK DEAL: As of Nov. 11, Target Circle members can save on a selection of books with this Buy Two, Get One Free deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Target Circle Members: Buy Two Books, Get One Free Shop Now

The holiday season is fast approaching, and that means a variety of sale events are starting to kick off. The main event of this sale season is Black Friday, but several retailers like to drop their own deals ahead of the official launch date. If you're a book lover looking to build out your library, Target has an excellent BOGO offer for Target Circle members at the moment.

Right now, Target's offering a Buy Two, Get One Free deal for Target Circle members on a wide variety of books. Not only does this include new releases like Sally Rooney's Intermezzo, but there are also some massive box sets included in the sale, like the A Game of Thrones leather-Cloth Boxed Set or Frank Herbert's Dune Saga 3-Book Boxed Set.

SEE ALSO: Save $50 on the Apple iPad (10th Gen) ahead of Black Friday

This deal is only for Target Circle members, but thankfully, it's free and easy to sign up for it. Especially with Black Friday fast approaching, having a membership like this can score you even more discounts throughout the holiday season, which is always welcome. And Target has plenty more deals planned in the lead-up to the shopping event, too.

While Target's early Black Friday sale event has come and gone, its "Deal of the Day" program is still going strong and running until Dec. 24. It's worth keeping an eye on the store throughout the month to score even more discounts, but it's not the only one with sales to have a look at before Black Friday. Walmart and Best Buy have their own Black Friday plans in motion, so have a look at our breakdowns of each to learn about what they've got planned for this season of savings.

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Prime Video is offering live coverage of Monday Night Hockey this season, with Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames next up. Both sides have made positive starts to the season. This showdown is expected to be a real battle between two strong teams.

If you want to watch the Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames?

Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames takes place at 8:30 p.m. ET on Nov. 11. This fixture will be played at Scotiabank Saddledome.

How to watch Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames for free

Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames is available to live stream on Prime Video in Canada, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this game. Fans in Canada can watch Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames (plus more Monday Night Hockey fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the NHL for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in Canada

5. Watch Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the NHL without actually spending anything. This is obviously only a short-term solution, but this gives you enough time to watch select NHL fixtures before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free live streams from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the NHL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NHL, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, saving you 49% on list price. This deal includes a bonus three months of coverage, a year of unlimited cloud backup, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $60: As of Nov. 11, the Fitbit Charge 6 is on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. This deal saves you 38% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 6 $99.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $60.00 Get Deal

Fitbit is among the most recognizable names when it comes to fitness trackers, and if you've had your eye on one, you don't need to wait until the end of the month for Black Friday deals. There's plenty of deals to consider already at Amazon, including on the Charge 6.

As of Nov. 11, you can find this model for under $100 at Amazon ($99.95), saving you $60. This deal covers several colors so you can pick what suits you best. Choose from black, red, or white. This is also the lowest price this smartwatch has been in a year, so you're really getting a great deal.

SEE ALSO: Save $50 on the Apple iPad (10th Gen) ahead of Black Friday

The Fitbit Charge 6 is a great option if you're looking for a reliable health and fitness tracker. It's designed for everyday health monitoring and activity tracking and can monitor anything from runs, cycles, and general workouts. It also tracks lifestyle features such as your heart rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and sleep tracking.

It has a seven-day battery life and is water resistant up to 50 meters. It also has a slim and lightweight design, so it’s comfortable to wear throughout the day and while sleeping.

This model comes with a six-month Premium membership which will give you access to deeper insights and guidance, workouts, mindfulness sessions, and more.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, November 11, 2024:

AcrossChopped down

• The answer is Axed.

___SmithKline, pharma giant shortened to GSK in 2022

• The answer is Glaxo.

Luxury car line owned by Toyota

• The answer is Lexus.

Banish from a country

• The answer is Exile.

N.L. division for the Phillies and Mets

• The answer is East.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for November 11 DownAmazon "assistant" you might ask for help to solve a puzzle

• The answer is Alexa.

Horizontal graph line

• The answer is X-axis (without the -).

Be of good cheer

• The answer is Exult.

Amount of medicine to take

• The answer is Dose.

Extreme delight

• The answer is Glee.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

TL;DR: Explore a hidden world with a portable handheld pocket LCD Microscope with a 4-inch screen, on sale for just $69.97 (reg. $100) and available for holiday delivery.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay Portable Handheld Pocket LCD Microscope with 4-inch Screen $69.97
$100.00 Save $30.03 Get Deal

Looking for a unique gift that will pull someone away from their regular devices and into the outdoors?

This portable handheld pocket LCD Microscope with a 4-inch screen is a science lover’s dream. For just $69.97 (reg. $100), it opens up a whole new world of exploration, whether it’s the intricate details of a leaf, the fine print on a coin, or even a fun soldering project. This could be an ideal gift for anyone with an adventurous spirit.

No need to peer into a tiny lens — this handheld microscope features a 4-inch LCD screen that clearly displays all the little details of your subject. Its high-resolution 2MP camera and 80x magnification bring the hidden to life with vivid 1080p quality. And with eight adjustable LED lights, every tiny feature is illuminated beautifully.

Compact and lightweight at only 220g, this microscope is easy to bring along on any adventure, thanks to its built-in 2,000mAh battery and included wrist strap and carrying bag. From outdoor nature walks to cozy explorations at home, it’s designed for portability and fun.

Children will love discovering hidden textures and patterns, while adults can enjoy it for everything from plant studies to coin collections. Plus, it’s compatible with both PC and Mac, so you can connect it to your computer to capture, save, and share images.

Give the gift of discovery this season and help someone you love explore the world in a whole new way. Don't miss this portable handheld Pocket LCD Microscope with a 4-inch screen while it's on sale for just $69.97 (reg. $100) through November 21.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Unlock calm, confidence, and relaxation for life with the Harmony Premium Plan, on sale now for only $99.99 (reg. $199).

Opens in a new window Credit: Harmony Hypnosis Harmony Premium Plan Lifetime Subscription $99.99
$199.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal

The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most stressful time of the year. As the holiday season picks up, finding moments of calm can feel difficult. The Harmony Premium Plan can help.

A lifetime subscription to Harmony — an app designed to help you unwind, reduce stress, and boost your inner confidence — is only $99.99 (reg. $199) for a limited time.

This easy-to-use app offers guided hypnosis and meditation sessions on everything from relaxation and anxiety reduction to self-confidence and goal achievement, ideal for winding down from the holiday chaos or starting the new year with a fresh mindset.

Harmony offers a unique, personalized experience. The app uses dual vocal delivery for an immersive experience, with soothing suggestions sent to each ear, enhancing the hypnotic effect. Plus, its brainwave entrainment feature uses sound pulses that sync with your brain’s natural rhythms to help you achieve deeper relaxation more quickly.

Led by award-winning hypnotherapist Darren Marks, Harmony brings decades of professional expertise directly to your phone. If you’re looking for better sleep, improved focus, or simply want to feel more centered, this app is a solid choice.

So, if you’re ready to unwind, recharge, and kick off the new year with a clear mind and renewed focus, Harmony might just be the self-care tool you’ve been looking for. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting it to someone who deserves a little extra relaxation, this lifetime subscription is an investment in calm and confidence that will last long after the holiday season ends.

Get a lifetime subscription to the Harmony Premium Plan while it's only $99.99 (reg. $199) for a limited time.

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TL;DR: For just $49.99, gift 12 months of Xbox Game Pass Core. Get online multiplayer action, a rotating game library, and stackable codes to purchase this deal for up to three years.

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Xbox Game Pass Core: 12-Month Membership - Stackable & Global [Digital Code] $49.99
$59.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

Looking for the perfect gift for a gamer that keeps the fun going all year?

The Xbox Game Pass Core 12-month membership on sale for $49.99 is a winning choice, letting your recipient dive into online multiplayer action, a rotating collection of top games, and even the option to extend access with stackable codes. Each code provides a year of gaming thrills, and since you can stack up to three codes, that means you can purchase up to three years of gaming adventures.

This membership is a passport to over 25 curated games, including everything from high-stakes adventures to strategic challenges — with new games rotated in regularly. It’s a great way for players to try something new or revisit classics they love, all while staying connected with friends and players around the world.

Whether you’re shopping for the holidays, a birthday, or just because, this 12-month stackable Xbox Game Pass Core is a gift that any Xbox fan would be thrilled to unwrap.

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SAVE $80: As of Nov. 11, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $119.95 at Amazon. That's a 40% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $119.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $80.00 Get Deal

If you're eagerly awaiting the arrival of Black Friday to upgrade your smartwatch, there's no need to wait any longer. You can find a plethora of deals already live at Amazon. From fitness trackers for serious athletes to stylish smartwatches that suit everyday use, you'll find something perfect for you.

And as of Nov. 11, you can treat yourself to the Fitbit Versa 4 for just $119.95 at Amazon. This deal can be found in all color options, so you can choose from black, pink sand, or waterfall blue.

SEE ALSO: Save $50 on the Apple iPad (10th Gen) ahead of Black Friday

The Versa 4 is a great all-rounder fitness tracker, especially so for those who enjoy lifestyle features and a colorful user interface. There are over 40 sports tracking modes that include running, swimming, cycling, and general workout features. However, it's worth noting that the battery life isn't as long-lasting for long-distance activities as brands such as Garmin or Coros.

It monitors your heart rate, tracks sleep, and has built-in GPS so you can head outside for activities without your phone.

Style-wise, the Versa 4 has a bright AMOLED display with vibrant colors and images. It's controlled by a touchscreen so it's easy to use as well as stylish on your wrist.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

SAVE $430: As of Nov. 11, the HP Victus 15.6-inch gaming laptop is available for $449.99 at Best Buy as part of its Black Friday promotion. That’s a massive 49% discount off its usual price of $879.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Victus 15.6-inch Gaming Laptop $449.99 at Best Buy
$879.99 Save $430.00 Get Deal

It’s a great time to kickstart your gaming adventure without blowing your budget. Best Buy’s Black Friday deals bring the HP Victus 15.6-inch gaming laptop down to just $449.99 — a hefty 49% off its original price of $879.99. Packed with power and a stylish compact design, this deal is an ideal entry into high-performance gaming laptops without the usual high price tag.

The HP Victus is built to handle the action. Its 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor allows you to seamlessly multitask and switch between heavy-duty applications. And thanks to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card, you get serious GPU power, with real-time ray tracing, AI-enhanced graphics, and optimized gameplay, all powered by NVIDIA’s Ampere architecture.

SEE ALSO: These 3-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Memberships are only $36.49

If you’re looking for smooth visuals, the Victus won’t disappoint. Its Full HD 15.6-inch display offers a crisp 1080p resolution, complemented by a 144Hz refresh rate that reduces lag and image ghosting. Plus, with its IPS panel and 178-degree wide-viewing angles, you’ll get a clear, vivid picture no matter where you’re sitting. Gamers who crave immersion will also appreciate the dual HP speakers and custom-tuned audio by Bang & Olufsen, delivering dynamic sound for an elevated gaming experience.

This gaming powerhouse also doesn’t compromise on storage and connectivity. The Victus features a 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, providing fast load times and ample space for your game library. With Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3, your online sessions will enjoy faster, more stable connections, whether gaming solo or connecting with friends. HP’s Fast Charge technology, which takes your battery from 0 to 50% in 30 minutes. Plus, the laptop includes three months of free access to PC Game Pass, opening up a massive library of games right out of the box.

At $449.99, this HP Victus Black Friday deal at Best Buy lets you dive into high-quality gaming at nearly half the regular price. With plenty of power, a high-refresh-rate display, and solid graphics, it’s a steal worth grabbing while it’s still in stock.

SAVE $154: As of Nov. 11, the Google Pixel 9 is on sale at Amazon for $645. This deal saves you 19% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 9 $645.00 at Amazon
$799.00 Save $154.00 Get Deal

There are still a few weeks until the Black Friday sales really kick off, but there are still many early deals to be had at Amazon. And if a phone upgrade is in your plans, you'll love this deal on the Google Pixel 9.

As of Nov. 11, it has been reduced to its lowest-ever price at Amazon. Now just $645, this is a great discount so soon after its release. This price is across all colorways, so you can choose from obsidian, peony, porcelain, and wintergreen.

SEE ALSO: The best self-emptying robot vacuums to shop on Black Friday 2024

This smartphone includes a 6.3-inch OLED display with vibrant colors as well as the latest Google Tensor chip for fast, non-laggy performance. It has dual rear cameras to take incredible pictures, both in bright and low light.

This model also features Gemini, Google's next-generation AI technology. It offers assistance with tools including advanced photo editing such as Magic Eraser and Face Unblur, enhanced voice recognition for dictation, and Google Assistant capabilities. It also uses real-time translation to allow for seamless language support in messaging or live conversations, and it even powers predictive text.

The Pixel 9 is a great upgrade option, just check out our review to see our favorite features.

SAVE $50: As of Nov. 11, the Apple iPad 10th Gen is on sale at Amazon for $299. That's a 14% saving off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 10th Gen $299.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Black Friday sales are just around the corner, but if you can't wait to snag some deals, Amazon has some early discounts you won't want to miss — including a great discount on the Apple iPad (10th Gen).

As of Nov. 11, you can save $50 on this model at the reduced price of $299.

SEE ALSO: Score $300 off this HP Envy 2-in-1 laptop with Best Buy’s Black Friday deals

The newest model currently available, the iPad 10 boasts a sleek, modern design, perfect for work or entertainment on the go. It has a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display and the A14 Bionic chip which delivers a super powerful performance for multitasking, whether you're browsing, gaming, or working.

The battery life is seriously impressive and will keep you going all day. And let's not forget the cameras, the 12MP Ultra Wide front camera is ideal for video calls — it keeps you centered during video calls, so you always look your best. The back camera is also 12MP and can shoot 4K video.

The iPad 10th Gen also supports the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio, so it's a versatile option for note-taking and sketching.

Head to Amazon to grab this great deal.

SAVE $300: As of Nov. 11, the HP Envy x360 14-inch 2-in-1 laptop is down to $449.99 at Best Buy as part of Black Friday deals. That’s a 40% discount off its usual price of $749.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Envy x360 14-inch 2-in-1 Laptop $449.99 at Best Buy
$749.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

If you’re on the hunt for a laptop that can keep up with you, HP’s Envy x360 14-inch 2-in-1 might be your new best friend. This versatile device is perfect for anyone juggling work, creativity, and entertainment. With a hefty $300 Black Friday discount, it’s now $449.99 at Best Buy, offering you 40% in savings on a device that’s made to travel and adapt as much as you do.

This Envy x360 packs plenty of power, starting with an Intel Core i5 processor ready to handle all the tabs, streams, and apps you throw at it. And with 8GB of memory and a speedy 512GB SSD, you can trust this laptop to store your files and keep your projects running smoothly. The edge-to-edge Full HD touchscreen display means you get vivid immersive visuals when catching up on Netflix or sketching out ideas in tablet mode.

SEE ALSO: Here's everything you need to know about TunnelBear

HP’s thoughtful design also shines here, with a 360-degree hinge that lets you seamlessly switch between laptop and tablet modes. Need to catch up on emails, dive into creative mode, or chill with a movie? Just flip to your preferred position and get going. And with HP Fast Charge, you can get back up to 50% battery in just 30 minutes, keeping you powered through a busy day.

Worried about keeping things secure? This laptop has you covered with a built-in fingerprint reader and camera shutter for easy logins and extra privacy when needed. Plus, with Intel’s Unison technology, your laptop syncs smoothly with your phone, allowing for easy file transfers, notifications, and more, making it an ideal pick for anyone who needs tech to keep up on the go.

With its sleek, durable design, backlit keyboard, and eco-friendly build, the Envy x360 checks all the boxes. Plus, it includes a free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, letting you dive into a massive library of PC games right out of the box. This Black Friday deal takes the price down to $449.99 at Best Buy, making now a perfect time to grab a deal that’ll keep you connected and productive wherever you set up shop.