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WWW.FASTCOMPANY.COMWalgreens and CVS drugstores experiment with smaller locationsAmericas drugstores are testing smaller locations and more ways to offer care as price-sensitive shoppers look elsewhere.Customers may see Walgreens stores that are one-fourth the size of a regular location or CVS drugstores with entire primary clinics stuffed inside. If these experiments succeed, the new stores might improve access to care and create a more lasting connection with customers, analysts say.Everyone looks at health care and says, Oh yeah, its a market thats ripe for disruption,' said Neil Saunders, managing director of consulting and data analysis firm GlobalData. But it isnt easy to disrupt.Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth said recently that his company could close a significant portion of underperforming stores in the next few years. CVS Health is going through a round of closings. Rite Aid has filed for bankruptcy. Thousands of independent drugstores have closed over the past five years.The closures can leave gaps: An Associated Press analysis published in June found that urban neighborhoods that are majority Black and Latino have fewer pharmacies per capita than white majority neighborhoods.There are still more than 30,000 drugstores scattered around the country, but even Walgreens executives admit that the market is overbuilt.The stores have struggled with increased competition from Amazon and lower-price options like Walmart or Dollar Tree. Theyre also dealing with theft, growing costs and thinner prescription reimbursement.Some are responding with new looks. Walgreens is testing a store in Chicago that has digital kiosks where customers place orders. A separate desk offers pickup of items ordered at the kiosks or online.The company also has opened about 100 mini drugstores focused on health and wellness and featuring store-brand merchandise. Walgreens started testing these stores in 2019 and plans to add more this year.Walgreens spokesman Jim Cohn said shopper preferences are shifting, and the company aims to meet them where, when and how they want to shop.Saunders notes these stores are less expensive to run and allow the company to serve areas without enough people to support a bigger store.At one of these locations in Indianapolis, only four short aisles separate the front door and the pharmacy counter in the back. Healthy snacks, vitamins, first aid supplies, and the usual mix of antacids and Advil fill its shelves.But there are no magazines and only small selections of greeting cards and beauty products at the store, which is closed on Sundays and sits about a half mile from a vacant Walgreens.Customer Leonard King has visited several times. He says his prescriptions are ready on time, and the store seems to have decent supplies.Being a diabetic, sometimes medicines are hard to get, the 67-year-old Indianapolis resident said.But King also said he misses being able to shop for things like toiletry items that can be found at bigger stores.The selection of retail items also is smaller at some CVS Health stores that include Oak Street Health primary care clinics. The company plans to open about 25 of these combinations this year and 11 more next year, with either full-sized or smaller clinics in the stores.The clinics can have primary care doctors, social workers and people to help with insurance coverage. They specialize in treating patients with Medicare Advantage plans, which are privately run versions of the governments coverage program mostly for people age 65 and older.CVS Health says it is putting the clinics in areas that need primary care. It is targeting big cities like Chicago, New York and Dallas with its initial rollout.If we can invest more upfront for the patients who need it, by increasing access, improving quality of care, we can keep patients healthier, company executive Mike Pykosz said.Making things easier for patients helps build relationships between store staff and customers and can lead to repeat business, noted Arielle Trzcinski, a principal analyst at Forrester who covers health care.Independent drugstores also have been polishing their health care reputations. They are expanding immunizations and testing, spurred partly by increased business they saw during the COVID-19 pandemic, said Kurt Proctor of the National Community Pharmacists Association.Some also are adding doctors offices or specializing in diabetes care. Proctor said they are doing what they have always done: adapting to community needs.There are 19,000 (independent) stores across the country and no two of them are exactly alike, he said.Diving into health care isnt new for drugstores. They started adding small clinics more than 20 years ago. CVS Health has been on a health kick since it quit selling tobacco in 2014.As many as a quarter of drugstores could eventually wind up with big health clinics, especially those located in densely populated areas, said Jeff Jonas, a portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds who follows the industry.But he cautioned that the idea is still unproven.Walgreens has closed VillageMD primary care clinics just a few years after it launched plans to add hundreds to its stores. Analysts say companies are still learning what makes money and resonates with customers.One thing they know for certain: Drugstores are no longer Americas convenience destination like they used to be, Saunders said.That really, over the past 10 to 15 years, has unwound, he said.The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.Tom Murphy, Associated Press health writer0 Comments 0 Shares 277 Views
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WWW.DEZEEN.COMWorld's tallest residential skyscraper approved in BrazilAccording to reports, the city of Balnerio Cambori in Brazil has approved plans for the world's tallest residential tower, which will reach over 500 metres in height.Led by Brazilian developer FG Empreendimentos, Triumph Tower will reportedly have100 floors and reach 544 metres tall (1,785 feet), approximately 72 metres (236 feet) higher than the world's current tallest residential tower, Central Park Tower in New York.According to regional news outlet NSC Total, the municipal government of Balnerio Cambori approved the project in mid-June but has not yet released construction details.Its height will constitute the tower as a supertall skyscraper massive skyscrapers that reach over 300 metres.City of skyscrapers"FG Empreendimentos, with great pleasure, announces that the Triumph Tower project has been approved by the Balnerio Cambori City Hall," said the developer. "With this in mind, we continue with next steps."The tower is set to be located on a 150-thousand-square-metre site in the Barra Sul neighbourhood of Balnerio Cambori, which is a thin peninsula along the city's southern coastline.The Brazilian city is known for its skyscrapers. It contains a number of the tallest skyscrapers in South America, several of which were developed by FG Empreendimentos, including Epic Tower and One Tower.Completed in 2024, the Yachthouse Residence Club by Pininfarina, which is also located in Barra Sul, features Latin America's third tallest skyscrapers, after Torres Obispado in Mexico and Gran Torre Santiago in Chile.Read: Nine recently completed skyscrapers in Latin AmericaLocated along the southern coast of Brazil, Balnerio Cambori contains the country's "highest residential property prices per square meter" according to the Rio Times.Its development has accelerated due to city-sponsored grants in "exchange for compensation" according to a local news outlet.National tourism to the city as also been increasing, with a 79 per cent increase in those arriving by bus documented from 2022 to 2023."The future is great and we are ready to build it," said president of FG Empreendimentos Jean Graciola.According to FG Empreendimentos, renderings circulating the internet of the skyscraper "are not official" and images and more details are forthcoming.The photography is courtesy Prefeitura Balnerio Cambori via FlickrThe post World's tallest residential skyscraper approved in Brazil appeared first on Dezeen.0 Comments 0 Shares 284 Views
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WWW.YANKODESIGN.COMIs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Worth It? In-Depth Review and User ExperiencePROS: Exceptional Audio Quality: The Buds 3 Pro delivers clear highs and deep bass, enhanced by features like 360 Audio for an immersive listening experience. Advanced Noise Cancellation: Effective ANC, Adaptive Noise Control, and Ambient Sound modes provide a customizable listening experience that is ideal for various environments. Seamless Samsung Integration: They integrate smoothly with Samsung devices, offering features like real-time translation and enhanced audio quality through the Scalable Codec. Durability and Comfort: With an IP57 rating, the earbuds are water and dust-resistant. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit during extended use.CONS: Awkward Case Design: The charging case requires twisting the earbuds into place, which can be inconvenient and lead to accidental drops. Battery Life Limitations: Real-world usage shows shorter battery life than advertised, especially with all features enabled. Feature Limitations Outside Samsung Devices: Some features are optimized for Samsung products, limiting the full benefits for users with non-Samsung devices.RATINGS:AESTHETICSERGONOMICSPERFORMANCESUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITYVALUE FOR MONEYEDITOR'S QUOTE:Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deliver stellar sound and noise cancellation, redefining what wireless earbuds can achieve in any environment.Samsungs Galaxy Buds3 Pro has made a strong entrance with its stylish stem design and practical features. These earbuds offer a powerful audio experience thanks to a dual-driver system that delivers clear highs and deep bass, making them perfect for music lovers. The ergonomic silicone tips ensure a snug fit, providing comfort during long listening sessions, and their IP57 rating adds protection against water and dust, making them great for active users.Designer: SamsungPacked with smart features, these buds include AI-powered sound adjustments that adapt to your environment, enhancing your listening experience. The real-time translation feature is a handy tool for travelers and language enthusiasts. While some features work best with Samsungs latest devices, the Buds 3 Pro offers a strong mix of style, technology, and sound quality. Whether youre on a call, streaming music, or navigating through your day, these earbuds are built to meet the needs of everyday life.Design and AestheticsThe Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro embraces a design that marries functionality with elegance. The stem-style structure enhances usability and audio performance by incorporating advanced components like control sensors and batteries within the stems, contributing to superior sound quality and call clarity.The customizable blade lights on the stems offer a neat and stylish feature, but they may not appeal to everyone looking for simplicity. While the lighting adds flair, my focus remains on sound quality, comfort, and overall performance. The lights are a nice touch but not a critical factor in choosing these earbuds.The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit, with silicone tips that improve noise isolation and enhance sound quality. With an IP57 rating, these earbuds are reliable for various environments, whether youre at the gym or exploring outdoors. Well explore the performance aspects further down, diving into how these features impact real-world use and contribute to the overall listening experience.From a design perspective, there are limited ways to create Bluetooth headsets. They can fit directly in the ear or include a stem, as seen in the Buds3 Pro. This design is practical, enhancing usability by allowing better placement of components like microphones and batteries.While the Buds 3 Pros design draws inspiration from other successful models, the inclusion of unique features like customizable lighting and advanced audio technology sets these earbuds apart. They offer a compelling combination of high performance and style, making them attractive for those who value both aesthetics and functionality in their wireless audio gear.ErgonomicsFrom my perspective, the design of the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro case has its pros and cons. I like that the case is lightweight and features practical additions like a USB-C charging port and an LED indicator for charging status. The transparent lid is also a nice touch, allowing me to see the earbuds without opening the case.However, inserting and removing the earbuds can be awkward. They require a specific twist to fit properly, which isnt the most user-friendly experience, especially when Im on the go. Ive actually dropped the earbuds a couple of times, twice on an airplane while fumbling around in the dark. Its definitely not ideal. This is an area where the design could use some improvement to make handling the earbuds more intuitive and prevent such mishaps.The earbuds are offered in two colors, white and black, with small red and blue dots to help indicate the correct placement in the case. While this color coding is helpful, it doesnt completely resolve the awkwardness of fitting the earbuds into the case.One thing I wish was smaller is the case itself. While its compact enough to fit in the coin pocket of my jeans, similar to the AirPods Pro case, it does bulge out more than Id like. A smaller case would be more convenient for carrying around when Im out and about.Despite these concerns, the overall design remains stylish, and the case complements the sleek look of the earbuds. It supports wireless charging, which is a plus, but streamlining the handling and size of the case would greatly enhance the overall experience.PerformanceThe Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro delivers exceptional audio quality, particularly when paired with newer Samsung devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 or S24 series. Featuring a two-way speaker system with a planar tweeter and dual amplifiers, these earbuds provide crisp, airy sound with robust bass. The 360 Audio feature enhances the soundstage, creating an immersive experience, although it can sometimes emphasize higher frequencies.A key feature that enhances the audio experience is Samsungs Scalable Codec. This codec adjusts the bit rate dynamically to ensure stable audio quality over Bluetooth connections. It provides near-lossless sound when the connection is strong, making it ideal for high-resolution audio playback on compatible Samsung devices.The noise-canceling capabilities are impressive, offering Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Adaptive Noise Control, and Ambient Sound modes. ANC effectively reduces background noise, making it easier to enjoy music without distractions. Ambient mode is handy for staying aware of your surroundings while listening, and adaptive mode adjusts noise cancellation based on the environment. During my flight to Tokyo from Dallas and back, the active noise cancellation canceled out nearly all the humming from the engine, making the journey pleasant. Just note that for long-haul flights, you might need two pairs of earbuds. In my case, I had a pair of AirPods Pro to swap out. That said, I dare say the Buds3 Pro is competitive when it comes to sound quality and noise cancellation.The sound quality of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro truly shines across various musical genres. In Hotel California by the Eagles, the earbuds reproduce the intricate guitar work with remarkable clarity, allowing you to hear every detail as if youre right there at the performance. The Buds3 Pro handles Michael Jacksons Billie Jean with precision, capturing the sharpness and detail in his vocals and ensuring the instrumental elements are delivered with crystal clarity. When it comes to bass-heavy tracks like Royals by Lorde, the earbuds provide a strong yet balanced bass response that complements the vocals without overshadowing them. The complex musical arrangement in Take Five by The Dave Brubeck Quartet showcases the Buds3 Pros ability to maintain clarity and balance across a wide range of frequencies, with the piano and saxophone lines coming through with excellent definition and depth.The Buds3 Pro excels in call quality as well. The triple-mic array ensures clear voice transmission even in noisy settings, while the transparency mode allows ambient noise to enter naturally during calls, enhancing the conversation experience.Battery life is an area where expectations might differ. Samsung claims up to 6 hours of playback with ANC on and up to 30 hours with the charging case. However, real-world usage often shows battery life closer to 5 to 5.5 hours with ANC, 360 Audio, and high-resolution streaming enabled. Wireless charging and quick charging capabilities add convenience, but for extended listening sessions, having a backup or access to charging is advisable.The Buds3 Pro also impresses with its sweat-proof performance. Ive used them to mow the yard in 100-degree weather, and they remain in my ears exceptionally well without any issues with performance. Their IP57 rating ensures they can handle both sweat and dust, making them a reliable choice for outdoor activities and workouts.Compared to the standard Galaxy Buds 3, the Buds 3 Pro offers enhanced audio quality, more advanced noise control options, and longer battery life. While the non-Pro model provides good sound and basic ANC, it lacks the Pro versions premium features and audio experience.Overall, the Buds3 Pro is impressive in performance, making it a top choice for anyone in search of high-quality wireless earbuds with a rich, immersive sound experience.SustainabilitySamsung has integrated sustainability into the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro by using post-consumer materials in their construction, which helps reduce the environmental impact of new plastic production. The company is committed to increasing the use of recycled materials across its product line, aiming to incorporate them into every component by 2030 as part of its goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.The packaging for the Buds3 Pro is also made from recycled paper, which aligns with Samsungs sustainability initiatives and helps further reduce waste. These efforts demonstrate Samsungs dedication to creating products that combine advanced technology with environmental responsibility.Value and VerdictFor anyone within the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is an easy recommendation. These earbuds integrate seamlessly with a wide range of Samsung products, including smartphones like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and S24 series and Samsung tablets, laptops, and other smart devices. They offer features like adaptive noise cancellation and enhanced audio quality through Samsungs Scalable Codec, making them an ideal companion for any Samsung device. This integration allows for smooth transitions between devices and enhances the overall user experience, making the Buds3 Pro a perfect choice for those who rely on Samsungs ecosystem for their tech needs.Even if youre not part of the Samsung ecosystem, the Buds3 Pro is worth considering. They are compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device and deliver exceptional sound quality, noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit, making them a versatile choice for all users. I enjoy having them as part of my everyday gear, whether in my go-bag for travel or daily use. Their performance and reliability make them a great addition to any tech setup, offering high-quality audio and convenience wherever you go.The post Is Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Worth It? In-Depth Review and User Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.0 Comments 0 Shares 278 Views
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WWW.FACEBOOK.COMCygni: All Guns Blazing reviewCygni: All Guns Blazing is a rollicking bullet hell-inspired blockbuster that never lets off the gas.An accessible shoot 'em up with some clever twists and adrenaline to spare.0 Comments 0 Shares 294 Views
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WWW.CREATIVEBLOQ.COMThe best rebrands of the 1990s, as picked by the prosOur experts review the best rebrands of the 90s.0 Comments 0 Shares 284 Views
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Unity-powered water shader in VR on Quest 3
Technical Artist and Developer Shahzod Boyhonov shared a demo of a water shader with realistic waterline and underwater effects, running in VR on the Meta Quest 3 headset at 72 FPS. It was set up with Unity Universal Render Pipeline (URP) without post-processing, and its "waterline and underwater fogs are just two quads in front of the camera with special shaders".
Details: https://lnkd.in/gHEpeAue
#unity #unity3d #madewithunity #gamedev #indiedev #3dart #gamedevelopment #3dart #shaderUnity-powered water shader in VR on Quest 3 🌊 Technical Artist and Developer Shahzod Boyhonov shared a demo of a water shader with realistic waterline and underwater effects, running in VR on the Meta Quest 3 headset at 72 FPS. It was set up with Unity Universal Render Pipeline (URP) without post-processing, and its "waterline and underwater fogs are just two quads in front of the camera with special shaders". Details: https://lnkd.in/gHEpeAue #unity #unity3d #madewithunity #gamedev #indiedev #3dart #gamedevelopment #3dart #shader0 Comments 0 Shares 3K Views 2 -
WWW.FACEBOOK.COMCreate Pixar-Styled Street Fighter Chun Li Using Character Creator & Blender [$, promoted]Learn how talented artist Amelia (Prompt Muse) creates lively Pixar-styled Chun Li and brings her to life with poses with Reallusion Character Creator & Blender.https://www.blendernation.com/2024/05/24/create-pixar-styled-street-fighter-chun-li-using-character-creator-blender-promoted/#b3dLearn how talented artist Amelia (Prompt Muse) creates lively Pixar-styled Chun Li and brings her to life with poses. The process involves leveraging user-friendly tools Character Creator 4 (CC4) and0 Comments 0 Shares 307 Views
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WWW.FACEBOOK.COMAvoiding Initial Rigify MistakesAvoiding Initial Rigify Mistakeshttps://www.blendernation.com/2024/04/28/avoiding-initial-rigify-mistakes/#blender #blender3d #b3d0 Comments 0 Shares 287 Views
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WWW.FACEBOOK.COMA Study in Black and WhiteA Study in Black and Whitehttps://www.blendernation.com/2024/04/26/a-study-in-black-and-white/#blender #blender3d #b3d0 Comments 0 Shares 286 Views