The Yamaha True X Bar 50A is a low-profile, elegant soundbar that'll look good under any TV. Jack Wallen/ZDNETZDNET's key takeawaysThe Yamaha True X Bar 50A is available now at a discount, with surround speakers sold separately (and individually).The sound produced by these speakers is rich, deep, well-blended, and spacious.I just wish the setup process was more seamless and simple.For months, I was one hundred percent certain the JBL Bar 1000 soundbar couldn't be beat. It offers incredible clarity of sound, rich bass, and brilliant surround via two wireless speakers.When Yamaha sent me the True X Bar 50A to review, I assumed it wouldn't be able to stand up to the sound the JBL delivered. Given that the Yamaha sells for roughly half the price of the JBL, that assumption was a fairly safe bet. And even though my audiophile ears could easily tell the difference between the two (with the JBL coming out on top), for the money, the Yamaha True X Bar 50A is hard to beat. Also: One of the loudest Bluetooth speakers I've tested is not made by Sonos or BoseOne thing to remember is that I was also sent aTrue X Speaker 1A, which is sold separately and runs for $150 each. If you want surround (which you should), now you're talking about $850 for the whole kit. Another thing to keep in mind is that I only reviewed this connected to my television and didn't opt to test how music might sound via this speaker. For me, a soundbar serves a single purpose to replace built-in TV speakers that rarely offer sound of much quality.With that in mind, let's dive into the review. details View at Amazon The specsDrivers - Front L/R: 4.6 6.6 cm (1-3/4 2-5/8") cone 2, Height L/R: 5.2 cm (2") cone 2, Built-in Subwoofer: 7.5 cm (3") cone 2, Wireless Subwoofer: 16 cm (6-1/4") coneOutput power - 280 W (Front L/R: 30 W 2-ch, Height L/R: 30 W 2-ch, Built-in subwoofer: 30 W 2, Subwoofer: 100W )Dimensions - Center unit: 1,015 63 112 mm (40" 2-1/2" 4-3/8"), Subwoofer: 187 407 409 mm (7-3/8" 16" 16-1/8")Inputs - HDMI, digital opticalSound technology - Dolby Atmos with stereo, standard, movie, and game modes.Bass extensionWireless streaming The Yamaha sub is on the left and the JBL Bar 1000 sub is on the right. Jack Wallen/ZDNETMy experienceThe first thing to note about this soundbar is that the setup can be a bit finicky. It took me several attempts to connect the subwoofer and surround speakers. The issue with the surround speakers turned out to be a low battery -- they needed to be fully charged via USB-C before they would connect. Even then, the setup process is somewhat confusing, requiring you to download a manual on your phone using a QR code for guidance. Also:This stereo amp made me feel like I was hearing my favorite band for the first timeFor some reason, the subwoofer wouldn't connect right out of the box either. I had to go through the manual setup a few times before it finally linked with the main speaker. But once everything was connected, the difference was impressive.Many soundbars in this price range (without the additional surround speakers) tend to overemphasize midrange frequencies, which makes sense since that's where vocals sit. However, too much focus on the midrange can result in tinny or harsh sound. That's not the case with the True X Bar 50A. Instead, it delivers a well-balanced mix that adds richness to the sound. When the subwoofer kicks in, it adds depth and punch for a more immersive experience.Once everything is set up, the True X Bar 50A is easy to use, thanks to a well-designed remote that lets you switch between modes (Standard, Movie, Music, Game, and All), adjust the bass, and control surround levels.While this soundbar does advertise Dolby Atmos for a more immersive sound experience, mid-range systems like this aren't quite capable of delivering the full effect. The True X Bar 50A gets close but doesn't fully achieve the true Atmos experience. That said, it still fills the room with sound beautifully, and when you add the surround speakers, the sound really comes to life.Also:Philips Fidelio FB1 soundbar is just for audiophilesMy only gripe with the surround speakers is that they lack the volume power of a JBL system. With JBL, the sound is so immersive that you sometimes wonder if it's coming from the speakers, somewhere in the house, or even outside. In comparison, the Yamaha is more subtle. Even with the surround speakers set to max, the effect is more understated. However, the All mode, which sends sound to both the main and surround speakers, is a great solution -- especially for watching TV or movies where dialogue can be hard to hear. These surround speakers are small but they produce impressive sound. Jack Wallen/ZDNETHit the All button, and you'll have no trouble understanding dialogue. There's also a Clear Voice option that enhances vocal clarity. I tested it with a few films where the dialogue is notoriously hard to hear, and the Clear Voice feature easily solved that issue. In particular, Oppenheimerwhich is known for its challenging dialogue -- sounded crisp and clear with Yamaha's Clear Voice technology.You'll likely find yourself using this feature often, especially with more films leaning into complex sound design.The only downsideAs I mentioned earlier, setting up the True X Bar 50A isn't as straightforward as it should be. With JBL, it was as simple as unpacking, plugging in, and getting started. The Yamaha setup, on the other hand, requires a bit of patience and luck. But once it's up and running, you're good to go.Also:This is the soundbar I recommend if you have limited space at home (and it's $100 off)Here's a tip: if you purchase the surround speakers, keep the soundbar on once everything is connected. When you turn the soundbar off, you'll have to manually switch each surround speaker back on. While the speakers offer around 12 hours of battery life, I recommend keeping them plugged in via USB-C, especially if you mount them on the wall. If you choose to use them wirelessly, be sure to charge them regularly. Otherwise, you risk losing sound mid-movielike during Prometheusand ruining the experience.ZDNET's buying adviceIf you don't have the budget for a $1,000+ soundbar, but you still want high-quality sound, the Yamaha True X Bar 50A is a brilliant option, especially with Amazon's current discount. And if you can afford it, add the surround speakers for a much more immersive experience.Just make sure to give yourself plenty of time for setup, and don't be surprised if you have to go through the steps a few times before everything connects properly.If it weren't for the exceptional sound of the JBL Bar 1000, the Yamaha True X Bar 50A would easily be my top pick. With its deep, rich bass, well-balanced mids, and crisp highs, this soundbar is a significant upgrade from your TV speakers and will likely outperform any midrange soundbar you're currently using.When will this deal expire?Deals are subject to sell-out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We're sorry if you've missed out on this deal, but don't fret -- we're constantly finding new chances to save and sharing them with you atZDNET.com.Featured reviews

With a simple text prompt, creators will be able to change outfits, backgrounds, and more. (Meta's Mosseri turned himself into a puppet.)

The tragic death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has intensified discussions about the U.S. healthcare system's challenges. This incident has brought to light several systemic issues:Public Perception of Health Insurers: Thompson had previously acknowledged UnitedHealthcare's public relations challenges, noting that many Americans view health insurers as obstacles to care as cited by The Washington PostIndustry Criticisms: Under Thompson's leadership, UnitedHealthcare faced scrutiny over policies like denying payments for certain emergency room visits and increasing prior authorization denials, which some argue restrict patient access to necessary care.Public Outcry: The assassination has garnered a controversial following, with some individuals expressing support, viewing his actions as a stand against perceived injustices in the healthcare system. This sentiment is particularly notable among younger demographics, highlighting deep-seated frustrations with the current state of healthcare in the U.S.Medical Symbol Caduceus on Crash Hole - Color Background - 3D RenderingGetty ImagesThe U.S. health insurance industry is a massive market, with a projected market size of approximately $1.4 trillion in 2024. This industry is driven by major players such as UnitedHealth Group, CVS Health, Anthem, and Humana, which collectively dominate nearly three-quarters of the market. The sector includes a diverse range of services, from private insurance plans to government-sponsored programs like Medicare and Medicaid.MORE FOR YOUSpecifically, technology advancements like Web3 technology, including but not limited to blockchain, cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence are poised as foundational drivers for improving the current state of the healthcare system with accessibility and affordability as its mission. With bitcoin democratizing the financial industry and the ability to bank the unbanked, its a no-brainer that Web3 can democratize access and affordability of healthcare, challenging the current status quo of health insurers as gatekeepers.This robust revenue generation highlights the scale of healthcare spending in the U.S. and underscores the critical role that health insurance companies play in shaping healthcare access and affordability. It also explains why the industry is a key focus for policy discussions and technological innovations aimed at reducing costs while improving patient outcomes.Web3 built on decentralized blockchain systems, presents a groundbreaking solution to the challenges raised in his vision for healthcare reform.How Can Health Insurance Thrive in a Web3 Ecosystem? Life and Health Insurance continually rank as Top 3 industries globally by revenue. The global health insurance market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2024 to 2034, reaching $3.63 trillion by 2034 partly due to growing demand for medical services and treatments, especially post-pandemic and a growing market concentration among fewer insurance companies. With growing revenues, Web3 introduces transparent pricing mechanisms through tokenized ecosystems supported by healthcare focused cryptocurrency exchanges.Healthcare Cryptocurrency Exchanges2025 is the year for the Web3 industry to prove a stronger data economy and individual control over data [sic]. More control and opportunity over their data can result in new types of business models across industries. Althea is a good example of an incentivized payment systems where participants benefit by receiving a bill credit by connecting their routers to the network.- Rene Barton Manager of Impact Research at Crypto Council for InnovationAs data ownership increases in healthcare, healthcare-focused cryptocurrency exchanges have the potential to drive liquidity and affordability in healthcare through several mechanisms:1. Incentivized Payment SystemsBlockchain-based exchanges can facilitate faster and cost-effective transactions for healthcare services by using healthcare-specific tokens. This reduces reliance on traditional payment systems, which often come with high transaction fees, enabling cost savings for providers and patients. Smart contracts can automate billing, insurance claims, and payments, eliminating inefficiencies.Benefits: Lower administrative costs and greater cost transparency for patients.Example: Token-based systems allow patients to directly pay for services, avoiding opaque billing practices.2. Enhanced Liquidity for Healthcare FundingBy tokenizing healthcare services or providing a marketplace for healthcare funding, these exchanges can attract a global pool of investors. This model enables easier access to capital for healthcare providers, particularly in underfunded areas, and provides a liquid marketplace for healthcare-specific financial instruments.3. Transparency in Pricing and PaymentsCryptocurrency exchanges built for healthcare can offer transparent pricing structures through smart contracts. Patients and providers can clearly see service costs, reducing hidden fees and foster trust in transactions.4. Affordable Cross-Border PaymentsFor international healthcare services, such as medical tourism, cryptocurrency can eliminate currency exchange fees and delays, making it easier for patients to access affordable care globally.5. Improving Data Monetization ModelsHealthcare-focused exchanges can enable individuals to tokenize and monetize their anonymized health data. Pharmaceutical companies and researchers could then purchase this data, creating an additional revenue stream that can be reinvested in healthcare affordability initiatives.6. Rewards Programs and Health IncentivesExchanges can enable incentive models where patients earn tokens for healthy behaviors (e.g., maintaining fitness goals, attending preventive care visits). These tokens can be redeemed for healthcare services, lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients.7. Integration with Decentralized Insurance ModelsCrypto exchanges can also support decentralized insurance platforms where premiums and claims are handled via blockchain. These models can provide lower-cost insurance alternatives and improve access to healthcare coverage.Decentralized FinancingCryptocurrency loans have the potential to enhance affordability and liquidity in the healthcare sector by leveraging decentralized finance (DeFi) mechanisms. Heres how:1. Improved Access to Capital for Healthcare ProvidersHealthcare providers, especially small clinics and startups, often struggle to secure traditional loans due to lengthy processes and strict requirements. Crypto loans, which use blockchain to automate and decentralize lending, provide quicker and more accessible funding. These loans can help providers invest in new equipment, expand facilities, or enhance service quality.2. Lower Interest Rates Through DeFi PlatformsDecentralized finance platforms eliminate intermediaries, reducing the cost of borrowing. Patients or providers can access loans with lower interest rates compared to traditional financial institutions. This affordability in funding can lead to more competitive healthcare pricing.3. Flexible Payment StructuresCrypto loans often offer more flexible repayment terms, such as income-share agreements or collateralized lending models using crypto assets. For patients, this means manageable financing options for expensive treatments, reducing immediate financial burdens.4. Cross-Border AccessibilityCryptocurrency loans transcend borders, enabling patients from underserved regions to finance medical procedures globally. This is particularly impactful for medical tourism, where affordable loans can make high-quality care accessible internationally without currency exchange challenges.5. Micro-financing Healthcare ServicesCrypto loans can be scaled down to microfinance levels, allowing patients to take out small, affordable loans for basic healthcare needs. This is particularly beneficial in low-income regions where traditional financing is inaccessible or unaffordable.6. Tokenized Health Insurance PremiumsPatients can use cryptocurrency loans to pay insurance premiums, while insurance providers tokenize policies for increased liquidity. This ensures continuous coverage and reduces the risk of care interruption due to lapsed premiums.7. Transparent and Efficient Loan ProcessesBlockchain technology ensures that all loan transactions are immutable and transparent. This builds trust between borrowers (patients or providers) and lenders, encouraging participation in the healthcare financing ecosystem.8. Community-Driven FundingCrypto loans can enable peer-to-peer lending where communities directly support healthcare funding. These models can foster affordable care solutions driven by decentralized, community-backed initiatives.Challenges and ConsiderationsWhile promising, challenges include:Regulatory Risks: Crypto loans may face compliance issues in healthcare.Volatility: Cryptocurrency price fluctuations could impact loan repayments and overall affordability.Adoption: Both patients and providers need education on using cryptocurrency solutions effectively.By providing decentralized, accessible, and cost-effective financial solutions, cryptocurrency loans can alleviate the financial pressures of healthcare, driving both liquidity and affordability. This innovation holds the potential to bridge funding gaps and make quality care more accessible worldwide.

StrandsNYTLooking for Wednesdays Strands hints, spangram and answers? You can find them here:After a series of pretty hard puzzles this week, this one was sort of a speed run in my opinion, but we will see if you feel the sameHow To Play StrandsThe New York Times Strands puzzle is a play on the classic word search. Its in beta for now, which means itll only stick around if enough people play it every day.Theres a new game of Strands to play every day. The game will present you with a six by eight grid of letters. The aim is to find a group of words that have something in common, and youll get a clue as to what that theme is. When you find a theme word, it will remain highlighted in blue.Youll also need to find a special word called a spangram. This tells you what the words have in common. The spangram links two opposite sides of the board. While the theme words will not be a proper name, the spangram can be a proper name. When you find the spangram, it will remain highlighted in yellow.Every letter is used once in one of the theme words and spangram. You can connect letters vertically, horizontally and diagonally, and its possible to switch directions in the middle of a word. If youre playing on a touchscreen, double tap the last letter to submit your guess.MORE FOR YOUIf you find three valid words of at least four letters that are not part of the theme, youll unlock the Hint button. Clicking this will highlight the letters that make up one of the theme words.Be warned: Youll need to be on your toes. Sometimes youll need to fill the missing word(s) in a phrase. On other days, the game may revolve around synonyms or homophones. The difficulty will vary from day to day, and the puzzle creators will try to surprise you sometimes.What Is Todays Strands Hint?NYT hint first and then I will give one of my own to help further. The official hint is:Morning morselsAnd my hint is:With milkWhat Are Todays Strands Answers?Spangram first and then I will post a full list of answers underneath thatCEREALAnd here is where you find that on the board:StrandsNYTThe answers are:CHEERIOCRUNCHPUFFFLAKESMACKPEBBLECHARMLOOPStrandsNYTSo, I think you get the idea here, different kinds of cereal uh, particles? Not sure what to call them. Shapes maybe. Cheerio feels like the only one that is probably copyrighted. Maybe Smacks? Otherwise we have thinks like Corn Flakes, Fruity Pebbles, Corn Puffs, Fruit Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and so on.Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

Rumor mill: The Nintendo Switch 2 rumor mill is in full gear. Many reports and leaks align, which is typical as a launch nears and third-party vendors get information they can use to create accessories. While the company has still not revealed the device, one company claims to have built a mockup based on official Nintendo's specs. On Wednesday, The Nerd Nest Podcast showcased what could be the most accurate mockup of the Switch 2 we have seen so far. The dummy unit comes from the case maker Ivoler. Ivoler doesn't have a record for accuracy. However, case and accessory makers generally get their guesses accurate since manufacturers cooperate with them to have accessories ready on launch day.Over the weekend, a maker of hard protective cases called Dbrand released 3D renders of the Switch 2 that are likely millimeter precise since such cases are form-fitting. Ivoler took its mockup beyond rendering and 3D-printed a dummy unit that matched Dbrand's images aside from minor details like the kickstand, JoyCon eject buttons and color scheme.The mockup has detachable controllers like its predecessor, but they are affixed to the screen magnetically, confirming a leak from earlier this week on Reddit. The Redditor, who goes by the handle NextHandheld, claims he got ahold of a physical unit. He also said the rumors of Hall Effect joysticks are valid and that Nintendo has officially named it the Switch 2.Moderators on the NintendoSwitch2 subreddit and The Verge's Sean Hollister vetted NextHandheld's claims. Both say the Redditor provided enough "proof" to deem the claims credible.On the back of Ivoler's mockup is a non-functional kickstand that goes the width of the screen, making it more stable when standing on a table. This element jives with previous leaks but differs from Dbrand's version of the kickstand, which is shaped more like a handle.Interestingly, the Ivoler mockup has two USB-C ports (also confirming NestHandheld's claims) one on the top and one on the bottom. Nerd Nest host Bill Fairchild speculates that the Switch 2 has two ports to charge from the dock (bottom) or a charging cable (top or bottom). It tracks, but others, including NextHandheld, have suggested that the top USB-C port could be used for accessories like a camera or headphones.I don't want to talk about the Switch 2's new magnetic Hall-effect JoyCons because Fairchild demonstrates them well in the video and I'll just end up ranting about how I have replaced the thumbsticks on my JoyCon's three times because of drift. See? There I go. the only thing I have to say is that I believe that Nintendo will go with the classic red and blue color scheme. The white ones that Ivoler dummied up are likely just to simplify the 3D printing. // Related StoriesIt's worth mentioning that Ivoler also sent Nerd Nest a Nintendo Switch 2 carrying case, indicating that it is already producing the accessory to have it ready for release. Yes, the relatively plain case could fit anything with the Switch 2's overall dimensions. However, coupled with Dbrand's precise design, including button placement, it seems safe to say third-party providers know what they are doing at this point.Nintendo still hasn't hinted at a release date, but the consensus is that the company will reveal it in January and release it in March 2025. Notebook Check says this guess is based on information provided by a "major third-party developer" and on Nintendo's reveal/release schedule for the Switch in 2017, but take it with a full dose of salt.

A hot potato: A month after its release, the PlayStation 5 Pro is proving popular among gamers worldwide. This mid-generation upgrade to the original PS5 lacks a Blu-ray disc drive, doesn't include a vertical stand, and comes with a hefty $700 price tag. Despite these omissions, console enthusiasts seem eager to spend nearly a grand to enjoy enhanced ray tracing effects and improved performance. According to Circana (previously The NPD Group) analyst Mat Piscatella, PlayStation 5 Pro sales are off to a promising start. The much-debated hardware upgrade launched on November 7, 2024, with a price tag of $699. In the US alone, the PS5 Pro accounted for 19 percent of total PlayStation 5 units sold in November and contributed to 28% of the month's PlayStation 5 revenue.Piscatella noted that the PS5 Pro's launch-month revenue was more than 50 percent higher than that of the PlayStation 4 Pro, although unit sales were 12% percent lower. The PS4 Pro debuted in November 2016 under very different market conditions and geopolitical challenges.Early sales figures suggest a comparable level of interest among gamers upgrading from the base PS5 to the PS5 Pro as those who considered upgrading to the PS4 Pro during its lifecycle. Regional performance further underscores the PS5 Pro's appeal: in the UK, the console made up 26 percent of all console sales in November, while in Japan, it accounted for an impressive 63 percent of all PS5 sales.The PS5 Pro's price tag is significantly higher than the PS4 Pro's ($400, inflation aside). According to Rolling Stone, the PS5 Pro's introduction was met with an "overwhelmingly negative" response due to the console's perceived limitations and the modest increase in graphics performance.Despite this, early sales suggest that many gamers are still willing to invest heavily in the latest and greatest gaming hardware. Sony president Hiroki Totoki recently stated that the PS5 Pro's pricing strategy has not negatively impacted sales, as the console is intentionally aimed at "hardcore" users. // Related StoriesWhile PS5 Pro sales are off to a strong start, it is still too early to draw definitive conclusions about its long-term success. Even the Wii U initially saw strong sales before it became one of Nintendo's biggest flops.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsWhat makes the Sansui IPS Eye Care Monitor a game changerWhat makes the Sansui Gaming Monitor a game changerDont worry about buyers remorseIn the market for a new gaming monitor? Sansui has two great options for you to choose from, and for a limited time, theyre on sale! The is $77.99 40% off right now on Amazon. It was $129.99. The is $139.99 26% off right now also on Amazon. It was $189.99. Dont sleep on these savings if you are ready to upgrade your home setup with a new, quality monitor.What makes the Sansui IPS Eye Care Monitor a game changerThe can enhance your home setup whether your primary use is for work, gaming, or streaming. Its Full HD 1080p resolution provides vibrant and sharp visuals that are ideal for watching your favorite shows and movies, playing your favorite video games, or even doing video or photo editing. The IPS panel serves a wide 178-degree viewing angle, so colors stay true from every direction. The monitors 75Hz refresh rate showcases smooth performance for a range of activities (think: sports and action movies).Beyond those features, this monitor stands out because of its eye-care technology, which is said to reduce eye strain during long hours of use. Those Netflix binges will be as comfortable as they are engaging. The monitors ergonomic design also includes a tilt range of -5 degrees to 22 degrees to hit just the right angle.RelatedAnd if youre mounting this lightweight monitor instead of setting it on your desktop, its VESA compatible. Connectivity will also be hassle-free with the standard HDMI and VGA ports, plus an included HDMI cable for immediate setup.Lastly, youll appreciate the frameless design, which is as modern-looking as they come.What makes the Sansui Gaming Monitor a game changerThe is a powerhouse display built for gamers who demand exceptional views. Its stunning WQHD resolution delivers sharp, vibrant visuals, while the 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time ensure buttery-smooth gameplay with no lag.This monitors Adaptive Sync technology also provides tear-free and seamless motion, whether youre in an intense FPS match or a high-speed racing game. Your eyes will thank you!Youll also appreciate its IPS panel, which provides excellent color accuracy. For you content creators, this can enhance your work beyond game play. The monitors HDR compatibility also enhances contrast and detail, while its anti-flicker and low blue light features protect your eyes during extended use. Gamers will also love the customizable CrossHair and timer tools for enhanced precision.Connectivity options in this gaming monitor includes two HDMI 2.0 ports and two DP 1.2 ports, plus an audio jack.Use the tilt adjustments in its metal stand to optimize your viewing. Its also VESA mount compatible, so you have different setup options.Dont worry about buyers remorse For whatever reason, if you need to return either Sansui monitor after purchase, you have options. Its backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to send it back. While we believe youll want to keep it because its awesome, you never know what life has in store. Rest assured, youll also have lifetime technical support should you need help with setup or fixes long after purchase.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsThis is a serious threatExpensive is not always goodJust over a year ago, a study published in the Advances in Infectious Diseases journal detailed that 95% of the wearable straps for smartwatches and fitness bands were infected with different kinds of harmful bacteria.Now, another research published in a reputed journal has revealed an even more sinister trend in straps sold for wrist-worn smart wearables. The paper, published in the ACS Environmental Science & Technology Letters, highlights the presence of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) in fluoroelastomer bands offered by various top brands.Recommended VideosThe bands tested as part of the chemical analysis include those offered by big names like Google, Samsung, Apple, Fitbit, and CASETiFY. Interestingly, Samsung and Apple both sell watch bands made out of fluoroelastomers, the core problematic chemical at the center of the research, and even mention its benefits on their websites.Please enable Javascript to view this contentThe research paper raises concern about the very high concentration of PFHxA that can be readily extracted from the surfaces of watch bands made from fluoroelastomers. The more worrisome part is that people wear these smart devices for more than daytime activities.RelatedNOTE: The American Chemical Society (ACS) provided Digital Trends with a copy of the research paper and the supporting information covering the test protocol and analysis methodology for their assessment.As features like sleep-quality monitoring and sleep apnea detection enter the mainstream, people are supposed to wear them even while sleeping. Wearing these items for more than 12 hours per day poses an opportunity for significant transfer to the dermis and subsequent human exposure, surmises the research team.Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsThe research highlights how multiple straps were advertised to sports and fitness enthusiasts, which means they are worn during exercise. It could lead to increased sweat contact and open skin pores.Apple, Samsung, and Google sell bands made out of fluoroelastomers.Thats concerning because related research suggests that a staggering 50% of PFHxA exposure is absorbed through the skin, and over a third enters the bloodstream. One study reported PFHxA was the third highest PFAS concentration measured in whole blood samples, says the research team.PFHxAs fall in a particularly dangerous class of chemicals known as forever chemicals, and have gained the infamous name because they persist and avoid the regular cycle of environmental breakdown. Whats worrisome is that their detrimental impact is yet to be explored fully.Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsA frequent presence in everything from cosmetics and cookware to clothing and electronics, they have been used for decades in consumer as well as industrial items, particularly owing to their resilience against heat, water, oil, and grease exposure. However, in recent years, their destructive impact has gained widespread recognition.A significant percentage could pass through human skin under normal conditions.Forever chemicals have been linked to a wide range of health issues, including cancer, and their presence has been documented in potable water supplies, soil, and even food items. As per the United States Environmental Protection Agency, PFHxA is one of the breakdown outcomes of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).Apple sells watch bands made out of fluoroelastomers. Nadeem Sarwar / Digital TrendsAs part of the research, the team focused on fluoroelastomers, which are essentially a class of synthetic rubbers made from PFAS, looking for the presence of fluorine and over a dozen other harmful chemicals. Interestingly, the more expensive bands exhibited a stronger presence of harmful chemicals than the cheaper ones.Of the 22 bands and straps analyzed by the team, all the fluoroelastomer bands showed the presence of fluorine. Interestingly, bands that were not even explicitly made out of fluoroelastomer revealed the presence of fluorine, which is a strong sign of PFAS presence.A subsequent chemical extraction process revealed the presence of PFHxA as the most common forever chemical in nine out of the 22 straps. On average, the PFHxA concentration came in at 800 parts per billion (ppb), which is four times higher than cosmetics. In one case, the concentration was as high as 16,000 parts per billion (ppb).As per the research team, the high levels of PFHxA detected in the wristbands may be due to the use of this compound as a surfactant during the fluoroelastomer manufacturing process.A high portion of these chemicals pass through the skin, and enter the bloodstream.Alyssa Wicks, co-author of the research paper, recommends that customers should focus on lower-priced bands for their smartwatches and fitness bands if they seek to avoid PFHxA exposure.If the consumer wishes to purchase a higher-priced band, we suggest that they read the product descriptions and avoid any that are listed as containing fluoroelastomers, Wicks was quoted as saying. She suggests that the next time you go shopping for straps and bands, look for the word fluoroelastomer and avoid them, if possible.Editors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsHow QuickBooks can help you with your small businessWho should use QuickBooks?Right now, you can save 50% on QuickBooks Online. That means, instead of $35 per month, youll pay $17.50 per month for the first three months of service. The powerful accounting software from Intuit can streamline your small business financial tasks. If you dont have an accountant or bookkeeper on retainer, its your next best thing to use for invoicing, expense tracking, and tax prepjust to name a few. The platform, which is available in desktop or cloud-based versions, can also help you get organized while assessing where your business stands. No shoebox of receipts and spreadsheets that require manual upkeep required!How QuickBooks can help you with your small businessIf you havent used QuickBooks yet, here are the different ways it can enhance your business operations:Bookkeeping: QuickBooks can automate many of the manual processes involved in bookkeeping (like recording transactions, categorizing expenses, and reconciling accounts).Tracking Cash Flow: The software offers real-time tracking of income and expenses, so you can monitor your cash flow as if you have a finance team on staff. You can also connect your bank accounts and credit cards directly to QuickBooks so transactions can be logged automatically (and accurately!). It can also provide financial reports (such as profit and loss statements).Invoicing: QuickBooks allows you to create and send invoices and estimates to clients, partners, and customers. It can also track payments, so you can follow up with customers if they need a nudge.Handling Payroll and Taxes: The payroll feature on QuickBooks simplifies paying employees and contractors, calculating wages, and filing taxes. Compliance and tax regulations are woven through the platform, so you can accurately calculate, collect, and file sales tax when the time comes. to use QuickBooks if you need the above accounted for in your business operations. In addition to the tasks it can perform, you can also use the reports and insights it provides to make informed decisions.RelatedWho should use QuickBooks?If you have your own small business and need to streamline accounting tasks but dont have the skill set to do it or a budget to hire an accountant, QuickBooks is a great solution for your financial needs.Freelancers, consultants, and entrepreneurs who work on their own can also find a lot of use for QuickBooks.And overall, whether youre operating a small business or working a solo contributor, if you want to stay compliant with tax laws and get ahead of the game come tax season, a comprehensive tool like QuickBooks can be beneficial.Editors Recommendations

The aviation services company, which obtained profits of nearly $24 million as a result of the schemes, entered into an 18-month non-prosecution agreement with the Justice Department.