For decades, the Star Wars Holiday Special was a misbegotten artifact of a specific era of network TV variety-show thinking, and Lucasfilm seemed content to pretend it never happened. Fans considered it a black mark on George Lucas franchise, and made it the butt of endless fandom jokes. But thats changed over the past decade Lucasfilm has been quietly honoring the holiday special and bringing elements from it into the canon. Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, the best thing Lucasfilm has done in the Star Wars galaxy since Andor, is the latest proof that the company is no longer so embarrassed about the whole thing.The Star Wars Holiday Special aired on CBS on Nov. 17, 1978. It presented a mix of skits, musical numbers featuring Bea Arthur, Jefferson Starship, and Diahann Carroll, and an animated short that introduced the world to bounty hunter Boba Fett. At nearly two hours in length, and full of cringeworthy moments, the Star Wars Holiday Special was a so-bad-its-bad event. Star Wars fans who have seen it often caution those who havent to skip it; its not worth the time investment. (Others think differently.) Even Star Wars actors Harrison Ford, Anthony Daniels, and Carrie Fisher were known to trash it.For a long time, the only way to watch the Star Wars Holiday Special was on bootleg VHS tapes. But thanks to uploads on YouTube and the Internet Archive, its easier than ever to subject yourself to it. As its become more accessible, Lucasfilm has seemed increasingly willing to incorporate it into the current Star Wars canon.As Star Wars authority and Lucasfilm Story Group creative executive Pablo Hidalgo wrote in 2023 on StarWars.com, some of the earliest adopters of Star Wars Holiday Special lore were video games. Online games Star Wars Galaxies, Clone Wars Adventures, and Star Wars: The Old Republic incorporated Life Day, the Wookiee celebration of family and togetherness introduced in the holiday special, as in-game events.Life Day became fully entrenched in modern, post-Disney-acquisition Star Wars canon thanks to The Mandalorian. In the first episode of that Disney Plus series, Din Djarins bounty The Fledgling Mythrol announces that he was hoping to be free for Life Day, indicating that the Wookiee holiday is a galaxy-wide celebration not just for folks on Kashyyyk.The concept of Life Day has since appeared in Marvels Star Wars comics and the comedic, non-canon one-off The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special. Star Wars theme parks have also gone all in on Life Day. Since 2022, Disneylands and Disney Worlds Star Wars: Galaxys Edge parks have held Life Day celebrations on Nov. 17 the anniversary of the Star Wars Holiday Special with special food and merchandise offerings. Effectively, Life Day has become a second annual Star Wars-themed holiday, comfortably six months away from May the Fourth.Life Day isnt the only aspect of the Star Wars Holiday Special to resurface in recent years. The animated short that marked Boba Fetts first appearance was officially rereleased by Lucasfilm in 2011 as part of the Star Wars: The Complete Saga Blu-ray set the only time a segment from the holiday special was officially released on home video. The original Boba Fett cartoon was added to Disney Plus under the name The Story of the Faithful Wookiee in 2021.Other elements from the Star Wars Holiday Special have crept into modern canon, including the four-armed alien chef Gormaanda. In the holiday special, Chewbaccas wife, Mallatobuck, prepares for Life Day celebrations by watching a cooking show starring Gormaanda (played by Harvey Korman). Gormaanda has since made small but canon-level appearances in short-story collections (Tales from a Galaxy Far, Far Away: Aliens: Volume I) and multiple official cookbooks.Most recently, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew paid homage to the Star Wars Holiday Special, confirming that children across the galaxy love watching hologram circus performances. Chewbaccas son Lumpawaroo (Lumpy) becomes entranced by a holo kids show in the holiday special, and a re-creation of that program appears in episode 2 of Skeleton Crew. Neels brothers Jobo, Jorko, and Tuloo sit around the family room glued to a holo-projection thats lifted straight out of the holiday special. Then, in episode 4, Jod Na Nawood discovers a hologram puck that features a clip of those same circus performers.That level of deep Star Wars reverence isnt unusual for Skeleton Crew, which has also winked and nodded at Lucasfilms Captain EO and the 1985 made-for-TV movie Ewoks: The Battle for Endor. But it is nice to know that kids of all alien species across the Star Wars galaxy are consuming that good hologram circus content and looking forward to holding glowing orbs at the next Life Day.

JFrog report uncovers alarming security vulnerabilities in popular machine learning tools

The U.S. has made great progress in getting more people insured since the Affordable Care Act took effect in 2014. The share of uninsured Americans ages 18 to 64 fell from 18% before the ACA to 9.5% in 2022. And preexisting conditions no longer prevent coverage or lead to an increase in premiums.Yet even for those with health insurance, coverage does not ensure access to care, much less high-quality and affordable care. Research shows that 1 in 3 Americans seeking care report delaying or forgoing treatment because of the administrative burdens of dealing with health insurance and the health care system, creating additional barriers beyond costs.Some of these are basic tasks, such as scheduling appointments. But others relate to strategies that health insurers use to shape the care that their patients are able to receivetactics that are often unpopular with both doctors and patients.In addition, more than 40% of Americans under 65 have high-deductible plans, meaning patients face significant upfront costs to using care. As a result, nearly a quarter are unable to afford care despite being insured.As scholars of health care quality and policy, we study how the affordability and design of health insurance affects peoples health as well as their out-of-pocket costs.Wed like to unpack five of the most common strategies used by health insurers to ensure that care is medically necessary, cost-effective or both.At best, these practices help ensure appropriate care is delivered at the lowest possible cost. At worst, these practices are overly burdensome and can be counterproductive, depriving insured patients of the care they need.Claim denialsThe strategy of denial of claims has gotten a lot of attention in the aftermath of the killing of UnitedHealthcare chief executive officer Brian Thompson, partly because the insurer has higher rates of denials than its peers. Overall, nearly 20% of Americans with coverage through health insurance marketplaces created by the ACA had a claim denied in 2021.While denial may be warranted in some cases, such as if a particular service isnt covered by that plan amounting to 14% of in-network claim denials more than three-quarters of denials in 2021 did not list a specific reason. This happens after the service has already taken place, meaning that patients are sent a bill for the full amount when claims are denied.Although the ACA required standardized processes for appealing claims, patients dont often understand or feel comfortable navigating an appeal. Even if you understand the process, navigating all of the paperwork and logistics of an appeal is time-consuming. Gaps by income and race in pursuing and winning appeals only deepen mistrust among those already struggling to get appropriate care and make ends meet.Prior authorizationPrior authorization requires providers to get approval in advance from the insurer before delivering a procedure or medicationunder the guise of medical necessity as well as improving efficiency and quality of care.Although being judicious with high-cost procedures and drugs make intuitive sense, in practice these policies can lead to delays in care or even death.In addition, the growing use of artificial intelligence in recent years to streamline prior authorization has come under scrutiny. This includes a 2023 class action lawsuit filed against UnitedHealthcare for algorithmic denials of rehabilitative care, which prompted the federal government to issue new guidelines.The American Medical Association found that 95% of physicians report that dealing with prior authorization somewhat or significantly increases physician burnout, and over 90% believe that the requirement negatively affects patients. The physicians surveyed by the association also reported that over 75% of patients often or sometimes failed to follow through on recommended care due to challenges with prior authorizations.Doctors and their staff may deal with dozens of prior authorization requests per week on average, which take time and attention away from patient care. For example, there were nearly two prior-authorization requests per Medicare Advantage enrollee in 2022, or more than 46 million in total. Smaller networksHealth insurance plans contract with physicians and hospitals to form their networks, with the ACA requiring them to ensure a sufficient choice of providers.If a plan has too small of a network, patients can have a hard time finding a doctor who takes their insurance, or they may have to wait longer for an appointment.Despite state oversight and regulation, the breadth of plan networks has significantly narrowed over time. Nearly 15% of HealthCare.gov plans had no in-network physicians for at least one of nine major specialties, and over 15% of physicians listed in Medicaid managed-care provider directories saw no Medicaid patients. Inaccurate provider directories amplify the problem, since patients may choose a plan based on bad information and then have trouble finding care.Surprise billingThe No Surprises Act went into effect in 2022 to protect consumers against unexpected bills from care received out of network. These bills usually come with a higher deductible and an out-of-pocket maximum that is typically twice as high as in-network care as well as higher coinsurance rates.Prior to that law, 18% of emergency visits and 16% of in-network hospital stays led to at least one surprise bill.While the No Surprises Act has helped address some problems, a notable gap is that it does not apply to ambulance services. Nearly 30% of emergency transports and 26% of nonemergency transports may have resulted in a surprise bill between 2014 and 2017.Pharmacy benefit managersThe largest health insurance companies all have their own pharmacy benefit managers.Three of themAetnas CVS Caremark, Cignas Express Scripts and UnitedHealthcares Optum Rxprocessed almost 80% of the total prescriptions dispensed by U.S. pharmacies in 2023.Beyond how market concentration affects competition and prices, insurers owning pharmacy benefit managers exploits a loophole in how much insurers are required to spend on patient care.The ACA requires insurers to maintain a medical loss ratio of 80% to 85%, meaning they should spend 80 to 85 cents of every dollar of premiums for medical care. Pharmaceuticals account for a growing share of health care spending, and plans are able to keep that money within the parent company through the pharmacy benefit managers that they own.Moreover, pharmacy benefit managers inflate drug costs to overpay their own vertically integrated pharmacies, which in turn means higher out-of-pocket costs based on the inflated prices. Most pharmacy benefit managers also prevent drug manufacturer co-pay assistance programs from counting toward patients cost sharing, such as deductibles, which prolongs how long patients have to pay out of pocket.Policy goals versus realityDespite how far the U.S. has come in making sure most Americans have access to affordable health insurance, being insured increasingly isnt enough to guarantee access to the care and medications that they need.The industry reports that profit margins are only 3% to 6%, yet the billions of dollars in profits they earn every year may feel to many like a direct result of the day-to-day struggles that patients face getting the care they need.These insurer tactics can adversely affect patients health and their trust in the health care system, which leaves patients in unthinkably difficult circumstances. It also undercuts the governments goal of bringing affordable health care to all.Monica S. Aswani is an assistant professor of health services administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.Paul Shafer is an assistant professor of health law, policy and management at Boston University.This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

The new yearand the return of the Trump administration to the White Housecould bring all kinds of changes to the workplace. The president-elect is likely to reverse some of the wins of the Biden administration, which included expanding legal immigration to embracing pro-labor policies that help promote organizing efforts. Many people fear that Trump will reinstate some of the anti-immigration measures he introduced during his first term, which restricted all kinds of immigration and also impacted highly skilled workers. While Bidens pick to lead the National Labor Relations BoardJennifer Abruzzohas taken significant steps to bolster labor rights and strengthen workplace protections over the past four years, Trumps appointees are likely to undo much of that work.Then there are the proposals laid out in Project 2025, which take aim at workplace safety standards and organizing rights and even suggest eliminating public sector unions. (Trump has already selected several people for his administration with ties to Project 2025after spending the campaign trying to distance himself from the initiative.) Should Trump choose to pursue many of those recommendations, his second term could prove even more damaging to workers rights.Still, despite the looming uncertainty, there are a number of laws and policies that have already been enacted and will go into effect in 2025many of which will benefit rank and file workers in the new year.Minimum wage increasesStates across the U.S.and the political spectrumhave boosted the minimum wage over the last decade, partly in response to the Fight for $15 movement and other worker-led campaigns. Fourteen states have since passed a $15 hourly minimum wage, though some of them are still phasing in the new pay floor. In 2025, workers across 23 states and 65 localities will see their wages rise; by the end of the year, the minimum wage will exceed $15 in nine states and cross $17 in 51 cities and counties.In states such as California and New Jersey, some healthcare workers will benefit from significant pay bumps, putting their hourly pay above $18. Across a handful of localitiesincluding Washington, D.C., and Chicagotipped workers will also get a raise, as those regions work toward phasing out the subminimum wage. This year, Michigan became the first state to eliminate the subminimum wage, which means tipped workers there will also see a wage increase in 2025.Pay transparencyFourteen states and several localities have now passed laws mandating that employers share some measure of pay transparency, whether that means posting salary ranges in job listings or providing that insight during hiring negotiations. As of 2025, the majority of employers across five of those statesIllinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Vermontwill have to provide salary data when posting job openings, arming candidates with more information as they navigate discussions of compensation. A pay transparency law passed in Washington, D.C., also took effect earlier this year.While some companies have sought to get around the law, usually by posting overly broad salary ranges, these measures have continued to gain traction and are catalyzing more pay transparency across the private sector. (Early data also suggests that these laws are closing the gender pay gap more quickly in states like Colorado, which was the first to implement pay transparency.) A number of other states, such as Michigan, are considering putting a similar law in the books, while others have introduced bills that failed to progress through the state legislature.Paid sick leaveWhile paid family leave legislation has stalled at the federal level, many states have found a way to secure coverage for workers who need time off for health reasons or caregiving responsibilities. Some of the broader paid leave laws are only slated for enforcement in 2026, but starting next year, workers in Alaska, Missouri, and Nebraska can reap the benefits of access to paid sick leave if they need to take sick days for health reasons or to care for an ailing family member.As of 2025, certain states with existing sick leave laws will extend coverage to include experiences including pregnancy loss or adoption or have expanded the definition of family members who are typically covered. In New York, a new amendmentand the first of its kindwill grant pregnant workers another 20 hours of paid prenatal leave (in addition to the states existing sick leave policy), which can be put toward doctors appointments and other prenatal care as needed.Retail worker protectionsIn a handful of states, retail employees will gain new protections due to legislation that aims to prevent workplace violence. The Retail Worker Safety Act, which passed in New York, requires that all retailers have a clear workplace violence prevention policy and training program; larger workplaces are even required to install panic buttons. (While the law will be enforced in the new year, employers do have until 2027 to put a panic button system in place.) A similar law was enacted in California, though it does not mandate the use of panic buttons. Both measures are partly a response to the increased violence and harassment retail workers often face on the job, which has only worsened since the pandemic.Beyond protections against violence, retail employees have also notched other wins that could improve their working conditions. This year, city officials in Ann Arbor, Michigan, approved a law that will enable workerswhether in retail or hospitalityto sit while on the job, as long as that doesnt interfere with their duties. Similar right to sit laws have already been enacted in California, Florida, and Wisconsin, and in some states, there are still dated laws on the books that only grant women the right to sit. While pregnant workers, for example, are eligible for accommodations that would allow them to sit on the job as needed, these laws are largely modeled after norms in European countries, where retail workers are often seated.Overtime eligibilityEarlier this year, the Biden administration finalized a rule that seemed like a boon for millions of salaried workers, making them newly eligible for overtime pay. It was the first time in decades that overtime eligibility had been expanded significantly; unlike hourly workers, salaried employees are typically not entitled to overtime pay unless their salary is below a certain threshold. Under the Trump administration, employers were only required to pay overtime to workers whose salary was $35,568 or less; after the rule took effect in July, however, workers were eligible if they earned up to $43,888, and the salary cap would have increased again to $58,656 by 2025.But in November, a federal judge struck down the rule, revoking overtime pay for workers who had qualified for it this yearand blocking a new group of workers from eligibility in 2025. (An estimated four million workers would have been impacted in the first year of implementation, according to the Labor Department.) Its not clear whether eligibility could change again under Trump, who has said he is opposed to the idea of overtime pay and already took steps to limit overtime during his first administration. Some of the recommendations in Project 2025 suggest that Trump might go even further when he assumes the presidency, by chipping away at existing overtime benefits or offering loopholes to employers who want to avoid paying up.

Flooding is one of the deadliest and costliest natural disasters in the U.S., causing billions of dollars in damage each year. In 2024 alone, floods destroyed homes in over a dozen states and claimed more than 165 lives.Southeast Texas was hit by flash flooding repeatedly in the spring, and then hit again by Hurricane Beryl. In one heartbreaking moment, a 4-year-old boy was swept away after his familys car was submerged during a thunderstorm near Fort Worth.In the Upper Midwest, days of rainfall in May caused flooding along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. A slow-moving storm in the Northeast in August caused catastrophic flooding in Connecticut.The mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee saw some of the years most devastating flooding as the remnants of Hurricane Helene hit in September. Heavy rain poured down mountains, turning creeks and rivers into torrents that washed away homes and vehicles. More than 100 people died in North Carolina, and six workers drowned when their plastics factory was inundated in Tennessee.Storms like these are intensifying faster, weakening more slowly and producing more extreme precipitation that the land cant absorb fast enough. While many coastal areas are becoming more prepared for hurricane and tidal flooding, inland flood risk is less understood or easily anticipated.These disasters underscore the importance of fast, accurate flood warnings. Theyre also a reminder that extensive gaps still exist in the systems that monitor U.S. stream levels.Current coverage is less than 1% of waterwaysThe National Weather Service uses advanced models to issue flood warnings. These models rely on historical trends, land cover information and a network of over 11,800 streamgagessensors that provide near-real-time data on precipitation, streamflow and water depthto simulate water flow. Much of that data is available online in real time.However, the streamgage network covers less than 1% of the nations rivers and streams.Deploying a single sensor costs over US$25,000 for permanent federal gauges, and nearly 70% of these costs can fall on communities. These high upfront costs, combined with rising operational expenses, significantly limit sensor coverageparticularly in small and urban watersheds prone to flash floods. The U.S. Geological Survey acknowledges that these sensors alone do not provide enough data at fast enough intervals to fully address flood risk.Without data, risk is often underestimatedFlood risk can be estimated in waterways without streamgages, but not as accurately.In these areas, computers use data from similar waterways to estimate stream flow. However, these assumptions, along with limited data and the evolving effects of climate change, introduce uncertainty.The resulting models often underestimate flow in smaller creeks and overlook the effects of urbanization. In particular, they can miss new risks in fast-developing areas, where changes to the landscape and more pavement can quickly funnel water in risky ways.These flood models are used for more than warnings. They also guide risk assessments for development, insurance and decisions on building protective infrastructure, so accuracy is important.A case study in PhiladelphiaA July 2023 flash flood in Lower Makefield, a suburb of Philadelphia along the Delaware River, highlights the challenges of insufficient data coverage in urbanizing watersheds.On July 15, heavy rain transformed Houghs Creek, a small tributary of the Delaware River, into a deadly torrent, washing out Washington Crossing Road and trapping multiple vehicles. Survivors recalled the chaos:All of a sudden, 3 inches of water, 4 inches of water, a foot of water just coming at us, Chloe Weissman said.This huge gush of water just came down from . . . down a hill, added Eli Weissman. As it was coming down, cars were starting to float. [We] just tried to survive, laid on our back, feet heading down, grabbing trees, grabbing vines, grabbing whatever we could to stay afloat.A map of rainfall totals and flash flood warnings shows how important locally targeted information can be. The flash flooding in Upper Makefield (pink) that washed away cars occurred outside the zones listed in the warning. [Image: Julie Arbit/University of Michigan]The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning at 5:18 p.m., but a phone alert wasnt triggered until 6:09 p.m.after the flooding had begun. While the Delaware River has a nearby streamgage, flood models did not predict the rapid flooding along this small tributary.Urbanization around Houghs Creek has made these events more dangerous and less predictable, as impervious surfaces quickly funnel the water into low-lying areas. The flash flood underscored the need for hyperlocal data to improve predictive models and allow earlier, more accurate warnings.Expanding coverage of stream flood levelsAddressing data gaps is essential for improving weather forecasting and emergency management.One promising solution is expanding the streamgage network through public-private partnerships and encouraging state and local governments, small businesses, academic institutions and nonprofits to build and operate their own sensors. Greater coverage enables more accurate and timely flood forecasts, leading to improved warnings, more prepared communities and more effective emergency responses when disasters strike.Engineers at the University of Michigan Digital Water Lab created one example of a low-cost, easy-to-deploy solution for flood monitoring. At its core is a controller connected to an ultrasonic sensor that measures water levels in a way similar to how bats navigate using sound. The data can be transmitted in real time for fast analysis.The simplicity and affordabilityaround US$800 per sensorof this system allows for widespread deployment, providing critical information to communities. Techniques such as validating readings against precipitation measurements, calibrating sensors with federal monitoring stations and using supervised machine learning can build confidence in the value of this third-party and citizen-generated data.Eventually, nonfederal sensors like these may be integrated into federal flood models.In the meantime, researchers have created open-source databases that consolidate all known gauge data and allow the public to supply information. These combined datasets allow more advanced and robust flood models, such as Googles flood forecasting model, which covers large portions of the country.Future of flood monitoringSeveral universities are working together in a collaboration called FloodAware to develop a system that integrates floodcams, social media posts, smart city sensors and more to detect and warn residents of flash floods. Bringing these tools together could greatly expand the data available to meteorologists and emergency managers, improving flood risk assessments and warnings.Combining diverse sources of data on a shared platform would establish a more comprehensive, accessible flood monitoring system. We believe that would empower communities with the information they need to advocate for protective measures, ultimately enhancing resilience in the face of climate change.Julie Arbit is a researcher at the Center for Social Solutions at the University of Michigan.Brad Bottoms is a data scientist at the Center for Social Solutions at the University of Michigan.Branko Kerkez is an associate professor of Civil Engineering at the University of Michigan.This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Apple's work to create its own networking chips will lead to updated and new home products, including an updated Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini, and more.Netatmo and other home security cameras are already compatible with HomeKit Secure Video image credit: NetatmoAs AppleInsider has previously reported, the company has developed its own wireless networking chip, called Proxima, that would replace networking technology currently supplied by Broadcom. The chips will debut in updated home products across 2025.In addition to connecting new and updated devices to an existing home network, the Proxima chip could potentially serve as a wireless access point itself, according to Bloomberg. The company plans to use the chip in both new and refreshed home devices, possibly including its own line of security cameras. Rumor Score: Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple's push into smart home tech could see it take on Ring with a smart doorbell equipped with Face ID, one which could unlock the door by recognizing the visitor's face.Logitech Circle View HomeKit smart doorbellReports about Apple's smart home plans have involved displays on robotic arms and the alleged development of a camera. That latter part may not just be for typical video-based security, as it could end up offering more functionality.In Sunday's "Power On" newsletter, Bloomberg reports Apple is also working on a smart doorbell. It is believed to have an advanced facial recognition system, so it could detect the identity of whomever is on the doorstep. Rumor Score: Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Amazons Prime Video had a bunch of strong releases in 2024, ranging from a surprisingly great video game adaptation to a visually pleasing fantasy spinoff. Theres even an update to the raunchiest superhero show in streaming. It had plenty of other series worth watching, too even with the pesky commercial breaks Prime Video started showing during shows and movies. Heres our list of some of the best shows that came out on Prime Video this year.Its hard to find a television adaptation of a video game that stays true to the source material, but Prime Videos Fallout does just that. The first eight episodes take place in the aftermath of a global nuclear disaster, and the show stars Ella Purnell as Lucy MacLean, who emerges from Vault 33 one of the many shelters for survivors with a mission to track down her kidnapped father. As she traverses the postapocalyptic wasteland, she encounters Brotherhood of Steel squire Maximus (Aaron Moten) and a ghoul bounty hunter (Walton Goggins). Hijinks ensue.The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power returned for a second season this year, and its just as impressive as the first. The series set thousands of years prior to the events in J.R.R. Tolkiens The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings picks up at a more peaceful time in Middle-earths history. The show goes over the origins of the Rings of Power, introducing you to some familiar characters like Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) and Elrond (Robert Aramayo), along with some new names created for the series.Prime Video has released a fourth season of The Boys, the brutally bloody series that shows what happens when the worlds most powerful superheroes get out of control. The latest season builds on the story laid out in the first three seasons, which has the non-superpowered Hugh Campbell (Jack Quaid) working with Billy Butcher (Karl Urban) and other misfits to expose corruption within The Seven, an elite group of heroes closely managed by a multibillion-dollar corporation.The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy is sort of like what youd get if you crossed Futurama with Greys Anatomy. Set in the year 14002, this animated comedy series follows two alien surgeons, Dr. Sleech (Stephanie Hsu) and Dr. Klak (Keke Palmer), who deal with a range of strange and often silly conditions, while also managing their relationship with each other and their coworkers. You might hear some other recognizable voices throughout the show, as it features appearances from Natasha Lyonne, Maya Rudolph, and singer Sam Smith.Prime Video has released yet another video game adaptation this year: Like a Dragon: Yakuza. The series is loosely based on the Yakuza game franchise, which is known for its goofy take on Japanese gangster life. However, Prime Videos Yakuza takes on a more serious tone and features a lot more violence. The six-episode series centers around Kazuma Kiryus (Ryoma Takeuchi) evolution as a yakuza member across two timelines: 1995 and 2005.Cross is the latest take on James Pattersons Alex Cross book series, with Aldis Hodge playing the titular forensic psychologist and detective. At the start of the series, Cross is ready to take a break from police work following the murder of his wife, but a new case involving the death of a Black Lives Matter activist draws him back to the job, where he must unravel a string of murders across Washington, DC.If youre a fan of animated shows and superheroes, you might want to check out Batman: Caped Crusader. The series, made by Batman: The Animated Series producer Bruce Timm, places a young Batman (Hamish Linklater) inside a version of Gotham City thats inspired by DCs classic comic books. The series showcases the rampant criminal activity from across the city over the span of 10 episodes, with appearances from well-known villains like Harley Quinn (Jamie Chung) and Harvey Dent (Diedrich Bader).Mr. & Mrs. Smith offers a twist on the 2005 movie of the same name, following a couple who must pose as a husband and wife despite being complete strangers. While under the guise of John (Donald Glover) and Jane Smith (Maya Erskine), the duo must carry out a series of missions, all while navigating a fake relationship that starts turning into the real thing.Just like the novel My Lady Jane, Prime Videos adaptation offers an alternative look at 16th-century England, in which Lady Jane Grey (Emily Bader) and her husband Lord Guildford Dudley (Edward Bluemel) were never beheaded and live under the rule of King Edward VI (Jordan Peters). The series, which also features some fantasy elements, was unfortunately canceled after the first season but its still worth a watch if youre into historical dramas.With The Legend of Vox Machina reaching its third season (and with a fourth on the way), nows a good time to binge-watch the show if you havent yet. Its based on the first campaign played out during the Dungeons & Dragons web series Critical Role, expanding on the story behind the eclectic seven-member group known as Vox Machina as they traverse the world of Exandria. All the voice actors who starred in the original web series, including Matthew Mercer, Marisha Ray, Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe, and others, take on their original roles.

Apple is working on a new smart doorbell camera that uses Face ID to unlock your door, according to Bloombergs Mark Gurman in todays Power On newsletter. The camera could be released by the end of 2025 at the soonest, Gurman writes.The lock would work just like your iPhone, automatically unlocking your door when you or another resident looks at it. Like biometric login info on other Apple devices, the camera would be equipped with the companys Secure Enclave chip that stores and processes Face ID information separately from the rest of the systems hardware.RelatedGurman writes that this device will likely work with existing third-party HomeKit smart locks and that the company may also partner with a smart lock company to offer a complete system on day one. He expects the camera will make use of Apples in-house Proxima combination Wi-Fi / Bluetooth chip thats rumored for new HomePod Mini and Apple TV devices next year.This doorbell camera joins a broader collection of rumors surrounding a renewed Apple push into the smart home thats centered around Apple Intelligence. Those include another new smart home camera, a possible Apple-branded TV, and new smart home displays one a simple iPad-like device that magnetically attaches to wall mounts or speaker bases, while another display sits on the end of a robotic arm attached to a larger base.

From now through December 24th, Apple will be offering free two-hour delivery from your local Apple Store for last minute holiday gifts. This offer went live yesterday. Of course, you have to live close to an Apple Store in an eligible area in the US & Canada to take advantage of this offer, and your nearest store would need to have the products in stock. This free delivery offer is only available on iPhone, iPad, Mac, AppleWatch, AirPods, AppleTV, and Beats, which should cover most peoples needs. Normally, this 2 hour delivery service costs an extra $9. Apple partners with local couriers such as DoorDash and Uber to make this service possible.If you want to pick up an Apple gift for a loved one, now would be the time to do so! Apple doesnt offer the best deals most of the time, but this is a surefire way of making sure your gift arrives in time for the holidays.Ive also gathered a list of good Apple deals on Amazon that should deliver before Christmas at the time of writing, though your mileage may vary. These prices will be lower than what Apple currently offers:Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel