According to Mark Gurmans Power On newsletter, Apple is not working on a new version of its AirPort wireless router. However, they are working on something else that could potentially serve as a wireless access point, so dont give up hope quite yet.Earlier this month, we got some new information regarding Apples in-house wireless networking chip, dubbed Proxima. So far, we know this chip will go in a number of home related products, including the Apple TV and HomePod. Itll also show up in iPhone 17 and Mac models later on.One interesting thing about this new chip is that its apparently sophisticated enough that Apple could choose to turn it into a wireless router:The Proxima chip is so sophisticated that it couldtheoreticallyturn a home device like an Apple TV box or HomePod into a wireless access point. Google has released products like this before, including a mixed Wi-Fi router and smart speaker.Gurman notes that the wireless features of these upcoming Apple TV and HomePods wouldnt be a highlight at all, if Apple even chooses to enable wireless access point functionality at all.Either way, its cool to know that it is possible. If Apple wanted to, we could have an Apple-designed wireless access point, similar to the AirPort Express, in our lives once again. Many have dreamed of this, especially since Apples AirPort lineup was discontinued so long ago. Apple released the last AirPort device in 2013.What do you think of the possibility of new Apple wireless access points? Let us know in the comments.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

In the latest edition of the Power On newsletter, Bloombergs Mark Gurman laid out a couple updates on Apples developments on health features for AirPods. Weve heard reports on this matter in the past, but this provides a little more insight.According to the newsletter, Apple is working on a wide variety of health features, including a heart-rate monitor, a temperature sensor, and new sensors thatll track a slew of physiological measures. Apples primarily focused on developing the heart rate sensor at the moment.In internal testing, Apple is noticing more accurate heart-rate info off of the Apple Watch, but Gurman reports that AirPods arent too far off. We dont have details on the other health features, nor a precise timeline, though Gurman says well see it roll out over the coming years.Apple is also working on cameras for AirPods. This project was previously cancelled, but got revived with Apples sudden interest in developing products for the era of AI. Gurman notes that this is a priority project for both AI teams and AirPods teams, but its still a couple years away:In fact, its now seen asa priority for theteams within ApplesAI and AirPods hardware development groups. That said, I wouldnt expect the technology to hit the market for a couple more years assuming it doesnt get canceled again.Apple released a new firmware update for AirPods Pro 2 earlier this year, enabling hearing health features and the ability to use AirPods as an FDA-certified hearing aid. With the release of these features, its obvious that Apple is moving in a more health-oriented direction, so introducing AirPods health features for users without an Apple Watch is a probable move.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

According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple is working on a new smart home doorbell, to compete with the likes of Ring. Itd offer advanced facial recognition, and integrate wirelessly with smart home locks.Apple already offers many third party HomeKit locks on its online store, but doorbells with facial recognition would be a new venture. Gurman reports that the doorbell will be able to automatically unlock your home by just scanning your face:The idea is that the doorbell could automatically unlock the door for a homes residents by scanning their face just like Face ID lets them into their iPhone.This doorbell will potentially be able to integrate with many of the third party HomeKit locks on the market, although that isnt quite clear. Gurman says Apple may partner with one specific lock maker, and instead just offer a complete package with one purchase.This smart home doorbell is still in early stages, and wont come to the market before the end of next year at the soonest, according to the report. This doorbell will also take advantage of Apples new in-house networking chip.Apple is expected to expand its reach in the smart home market significantly next year, with the release of a new smart home control device, which can reportedly attach to your walls and potentially a speaker base. Think of it as a Google Nest Hub of sorts. Well also be getting a refresh to the Apple TV and HomePod mini next year, as part of these efforts.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

Two US navy pilots were shot down over the Red Sea on Sunday in an apparent case of friendly fire, the US military said, marking the most serious incident to threaten troops in more than a year of the country targeting Yemens Houthis.Both pilots were rescued alive after ejecting from their stricken aircraft, with one suffering minor injuries. But the incident underlines just how dangerous the Red Sea corridor has become amid the ongoing attacks on shipping by the Iranian-backed Houthis despite US and European military coalitions patrolling the area.The US military had conducted airstrikes targeting Yemens Houthi at the time, though the militarys Central Command (Centcom) did not elaborate on what their mission was.The F/A-18 shot down had just flown off the deck of the USS Harry S Truman aircraft carrier, Centcom said. On 15 December Centcom acknowledged the Truman had entered the Middle East, but hadnt specified that the carrier and its battle group was in the Red Sea.The guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg, which is part of the USS Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group, mistakenly fired on and hit the F/A-18, Centcom said in a statement. The incident was being investigated.From the militarys description, the aircraft shot down was a two-seat F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet assigned to the Red Rippers of strike fighter quadron 11 out of Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia.It wasnt immediately clear how the Gettysburg could mistake an F/A-18 for an enemy aircraft or missile, particularly as ships in a battle group remain linked by both radar and radio communication.However, Centcom said that warships and aircraft earlier shot down multiple Houthi drones and an anti-ship cruise missile launched by the rebels. Incoming hostile fire from the Houthis has given sailors just seconds to make decisions in the past.Since the Trumans arrival, the US has stepped up its airstrikes targeting the Houthis and their missile fire into the Red Sea and the surrounding area. However, the presence of an American warship group may spark renewed attacks from the rebels, like what the USS Dwight D Eisenhower saw earlier this year. That deployment marked what the navy described as its most intense combat since the second world war.On Saturday night and early Sunday, US warplanes conducted airstrikes that shook Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, which the Houthis have held since 2014. Centcom described the strikes as targeting a missile storage facility and a command-and-control facility.Houthi-controlled media reported strikes in both Sanaa and around the port city of Hodeida, without providing any casualty or damage information. In Sanaa, strikes appeared particularly targeted at a mountainside known to be home to military installations. The Houthis later acknowledged the aircraft being shot down in the Red Sea.The Houthis have targeted about 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip started in October 2023.The Houthis have seized one vessel and sunk two in a campaign that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by separate US- and European-led coalitions in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have also included western military vessels.The rebels maintain that they target ships linked to Israel, the US or the UK to force an end to Israels campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran.The Houthis also have increasingly targeted Israel itself with drones and missiles, resulting in retaliatory Israeli airstrikes.

Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube789kWatch on YouTube Well folks, we're back with another look at some of the best best games that we (that is, our video team) played in 2024.This time, it's Zion's turn to reveal the goods, and what a selection of games. There are some truly excellent titles here; a couple of smaller, more niche curios (one for my fellow horror fans, too!), but all of them are well worth recommending.Tomorrow, we'll be back for the final time to check out the lovely Alex's picks, and we're confident that those, too, shall be absolute bangers. So please come back and join us for that, and be sure to let us know what your top five games of the year are, if you haven't already! But what are yours?"A unicorn is worth more than riches"See AlsoShare:03 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesToby Fox Shares Another Development Update On Deltarune Chapter 3, 4 & 5"Progress has still been steady"46 Games You Should Pick Up In The Nintendo Switch eShop Holiday Sale (Europe)Every game we scored 9/10 or higher'Switch 2' Is Projected To Be The "Clear Winner" In The Next Console GenerationWhile either Sony or Microsoft will "struggle mightily"

MITHRIDATE Boutique | Vincent WuThe MITHRIDATE Boutique in Guangzhou, China, exemplifies a bold fusion of fashion and architecture. Designed by SLT Design, this retail space transforms shopping into an immersive theatrical experience. Aligning with MITHRIDATEs philosophy of Fashion for Art, the boutique becomes a sanctuary for self-expression, championing authentic style freedom. Through intricate spatial storytelling, SLT Design creates an environment that seamlessly blends reality and illusion, inviting visitors to discover their inner sphere.MITHRIDATE Boutique Technical InformationArchitects: SLT DesignLocation: No. 417, Linjiang Avenue, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, ChinaArea: 159 m2 | 1,710 Sq. Ft.Completion Year: 2024Photographs: Vincent Wu, Free Will PhotographySLT design, resonating with MITHRIDATEs vision of discovering a clear self, has crafted a captivating space inspired by the idea of the Sphere. This environment seamlessly merges reality and illusion, capturing the brands essence and atmosphere. SLT Design ArchitectsMITHRIDATE Boutique PhotographsFacade | Free Will PhotographyInterior | Vincent WuInterior | Vincent WuInterior | Vincent WuInterior | Vincent WuInterior | Vincent WuInterior | Vincent WuInterior | Vincent WuInterior | Vincent WuInterior | Free Will PhotographyInterior | Vincent WuInterior | Free Will PhotographyMITHRIDATE Boutique Spatial Narrative: A Theatrical JourneySituated along Linjiang Avenue on the Pearl Rivers north bank, the boutiques facade and interiors offer a harmonious dialogue between its urban context and the brands avant-garde identity. The design team completed the 159-square-meter space in November 2024. MITHRIDATE Boutiques facade acts as an urban proscenium, framing the space as a stage within the bustling cityscape. The light grey linear stonework evokes the elegance of theater curtains, offering a glimpse of the immersive world within. Upon entry, visitors step across the metaphorical fourth wall, transitioning from observer to participant in a realm where reality and illusion blur.The boutiques interiors unfold as a carefully choreographed sequence of scenes. A muted sand palette forms the backdrop, reminiscent of time-worn theater woodwork, while midnight blue accents punctuate the space with dramatic flair. Flocked metallic wave panels add texture and intrigue, echoing the allure of partially drawn curtains. Mirrors strategically placed throughout the boutique extend and distort perspectives, reinforcing the theme of spatial transformation. This design invites visitors to embark on a journey of self-discovery through the lens of theatrical performance.The Design Grammar: Elements of PerformanceAt the heart of the boutique lies the elevating platform motif, a recurring element that embodies the theatrical ethos. Reinterpreted in various forms, this concept manifests as display pedestals, resting seats, and cashier counters, unifying the space through a cohesive visual language. The semicircular display area, guided by a ceiling track, integrates curved fixtures that evoke theater steps, reinforcing the stage-like ambiance.The material palette underscores this narrative. Blue-toned marble, meticulously arranged, recalls classic theater flooring, while sleek, mirrored metal elements enhance the boutiques avant-garde aesthetic. Contrasting texturesdeep blue curtains delineating zones and sandstone-colored drapes softening nichescreate a dynamic interplay of forms and materials. Lighting, props, and flooring converge to establish a powerful central showcase where MITHRIDATEs intricate prints and innovative techniques come to life.Fluidity defines the boutiques functionality. A ceiling track system, mobile mirrored cabinets, and versatile hanging rods allow for adaptable displays that seamlessly transition between everyday and formal wear. This flexibility ensures the space remains as dynamic as a theatrical performance, catering to diverse needs while maintaining a coherent design language.The Inner Sphere: A Reflection on DesignThe boutique culminates in an intimate area shrouded by deep blue curtains, symbolizing the inner sphere of self-discovery. Circular light films highlight key zones, while inlaid marble flooring anchors the space in sophistication. Adjustable metal panels and curved rods suspended from the circular ceiling track create a flexible layout, transforming the area from open to enclosed. This adaptability reinforces the boutiques theatrical essence, where spaces shift and evolve, mirroring the fluidity of performance.Strategically positioned as a behind-the-scenes experience, the VIP area offers exclusive clientele a retreat for reflection and exploration. The design balances exclusivity with accessibility, ensuring that every visitor feels part of the narrative. SLT Designs meticulous attention to detailfrom rhythmic spatial sequences to material contrastsguides customers through a journey that is as emotional as it is aesthetic.MITHRIDATE Boutique Image Gallery Vincent Wu Free Will Photography Vincent Wu Vincent Wu Vincent Wu Vincent Wu Vincent Wu Vincent Wu Free Will Photography Free Will Photography Vincent Wu Free Will Photography Vincent Wu Vincent Wu Free Will Photography Vincent Wu Vincent Wu Vincent Wu Vincent Wu Vincent Wu Free Will Photography Free Will Photography Vincent Wu SLT DesignAbout SLT DesignSLT Design is a multidisciplinary design studio known for its innovative approach to blending architecture, interior design, and artistic expression. Led by Chen Ling and supported by a talented team, including Shanshan Jiang, Yifei Ouyang, Haomin Gu, and Yuelin Ma, SLT Designs work emphasizes storytelling and spatial narratives. With a philosophy of creating immersive and transformative environments, the studio has garnered acclaim for projects that resonate with its clients ethos. Their design for the MITHRIDATE Boutique showcases their expertise in fusing theatrical inspiration with avant-garde functionality, setting a new benchmark in contemporary retail design.Notes & Additional CreditsDesign Team: Chen Ling, Shanshan Jiang, Yifei Ouyang, Haomin Gu, Yuelin MaClient: MITHRIDATE

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BOSTON, MA - AUGUST 30: Anti-vaccine activists hold signs in front of the Massachusetts State House ... [+] during a protest against Governor Charlie Baker's mandate that all Massachusetts school students enrolled in child care, pre-school, K-12, and post-secondary institutions must receive the flu vaccine this year on August 30, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)Getty ImagesMany less Americans view childhood vaccines as important now compared to previous years, according to a recent Gallup poll.According to the poll, 69% of respondents view childhood vaccines as extremely or very important, down from 94% in 2001. In other words, in the last two decades, there has been a dramatic shift in the perception of vaccines in the United States, with more Americans reluctant to get the vaccines themselves or for their children.Vaccine hesitancy has even found its way into the Louisiana Department of Health, where public health workers are no longer allowed to promote certain vaccines to the public; such as the COVID-19, flu and mpox shots.Why is this occurring and why is it important? The answer is not straightforward but is likely a combination of factors related to the intertwined relationship between healthcare and politics.Vaccine hesitancy has always existed to some extent in society, but vaccines have traditionally been lauded as a major breakthrough in science that have prevented millions of diseases. Take Measles, for example, which was declared eradicated by the US in 2000. Because of international travel and a growing number of parents opting out of vaccinating their children against Measles, there are now nearly 300 cases of the disease in America this year alone, mostly in those unvaccinated. This number should be zero or close to it if herd immunity existed, which refers to the protection conferred onto a community against a contagious disease when a certain percentage of the population becomes immune. For Measles, herd immunity occurs when 95% of the population is vaccinated.Vaccine hesitancy reached unprecedented levels recently during the COVID-19 pandemic, where vaccines became a highly polarized topic. Conservative leaders framed vaccine mandates as an overreach of government power, threatening personal freedoms and bodily autonomy, while more liberal and progressive leaders perceived vaccines as a collective opportunity to promote public health. This lead many Americans to question the safety and efficacy of the vaccines, and ultimately led to a stark divide between Republicans and Democrats on this issue.MORE FOR YOUIt is of no surprise that Republicans and Republican-Leaning Independents were much less likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine or view it positively compared to Democrats and Democrat-Leaning Independents. In fact, according to the aforementioned Gallup poll, 26% of Republican and Republican-Leaning Independents believe it is extremely important to get their children vaccinated, compared to 63% of Democrats or Democrat-Leaning Independents. The two groups now differ by 37 percentage points, but only differed by 4 percentage points in 2001.Politicization has also been compounded by broad misinformation about vaccines. As an example, the false claim that the MMR vaccine that targets Measles was associated with the development of autism was spread and often amplified through social media. Although there is no scientific evidence to support a real association between autism and vaccine uptake, this claim gained traction among some Americans, leading to a decline in vaccine trust.Misinformation campaigns, coupled with inconsistent messaging from political leaders, have led many to question the motives behind vaccine promotion. For this reason, some Americans believed that vaccines were being recommended for political rather than scientific reasons, particularly because of the speed at which the COVID-19 vaccines were developed.The rise in vaccine hesitancy presents a real problem for science and public health at large. When scientific tools like vaccines become entangled in political and ideological battles, it undermines public confidence and hampers broad-scale efforts to control diseases. This is precisely the case with Measles, with cases reported in 30 states and Washington D.C. already this year. Remember, this disease was eradicated and if children were up-to-date on vaccinations, there likely would be zero outbreaks across America.Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort among government officials, public health leaders, healthcare personnel, teachers and parents. Transparent and clear messaging, bolstering educational programs, enhanced research initiatives and improved digital and media literacy can all help in restoring trust in vaccine campaigns.Our health and the future of our children depend upon it.

Legislation slowly wending its way through state capitals and in Washington could mean increased ... [+] payments to drugstore chains like CVS Health, Walgreens and independent pharmacies across the country. In this photo is a sign outside a Walgreens store in San Pablo, California, US, on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg 2024 Bloomberg Finance LPLegislation slowly wending its way through states and in Washington could mean increased payments to drugstore chains like CVS Health, Walgreens, Walmart and independent pharmacies across the country.Though pharmacies didnt get what they wanted last week from Congress in a year-end spending package, the door has been opened wider to legislation to benefit pharmacies while regulating pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, even with Republicans in control of both houses of Congress and the White House in 2025.PBM reform is supported by majorities in both parties, by outgoing President Biden, and by incoming President-elect Trump, said B. Douglas Hoey, the chief executive of the National Community Pharmacists Association after Congress late last week passed a new short-term spending package that did not include PBM reform. It may be the only issue in Washington that they agree on. Every day they delay reform, another small pharmacy will close, or be pushed closer to edge, because of the business practices of big health insurers and their PBM henchmen.Pharmacies are closing across the country in recent years, which their owners blame in part on a reimbursement squeeze from the PBMs that pay them. PBMs, which are considered middlemen between drug companies and consumers when it comes to purchasing medicines, administer drug benefits for employers and government health insurance including Medicaid coverage for poor Americans and Medicare benefits for seniors. In these roles, PBMs decide what pharmacists and pharmacies are paid to dispense prescription medications.Forbes2024 Forbes Healthcare Summit | The Future Of PharmacyMORE FOR YOUBut PBMs have come under fire in recent years as the public, taxpayers and Congress question whether they are passing along as much savings as they should to health plan enrollees. And this increased scrutiny has already led to an increasing number of state legislatures and increasing payments to pharmacies.Executives at PBMs acknowledge that change is coming.We're seeing the regulatory framework change intensely, Jason Borschow, chief executive of Abarca, an independent pharmacy benefit manager, told healthcare executives at the Forbes Healthcare Summit in New York earlier this month. It's already happening in Medicaid, Medicare is on the way and obviously in a free market, kind of that commercial space. The individual market space is probably the last one to be regulated, but our expectation is the regulations will happen and PBM business practices are going to be regulated by the federal in addition to state governments.Among the areas where Democrats and Republicans in Congress have reached common ground include provisions that would require PBMs to reimburse pharmacies at (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) plus the states fee for service dispensing fee for all Medicaid managed care programs in all 50 states, the National Community Pharmacists Association, which represents more than, has said. It would eliminate spread pricing and pay PBMs a flat administrative fee in all Medicaid managed care programs. The provision will save taxpayers approximately $1 billion over the next 10 years.Because CVS also owns a PBM, Caremark, its unclear how much potential reforms would financially hurt that business.But other regulations making progress in states would certainly benefit the thousands of pharmacists and retail pharmacies under CVS ownership as well as other pharmacies.As one example, dozens of states are passing legislation that expands the role of pharmacists to prescribe certain medicines. This so-called test to treat legislation bestows prescribing status on pharmacists.At the Forbes Healthcare Summit, Walgreens chief pharmacy officer Rick Gates, said pharmacists have already been testing for an array of illnesses including Covid-19 and then prescribing medications.You test positive for covid, and we can actually prescribe right then and get you on your medication when you're in the store, Gates said. Same thing comes for flu. It can be UTIs. It can be lots of other things. But that's just the precipice I think of where pharmacy can really play a bigger impact.

Home Aloneis an undeniable Christmas classic, but its also a pretty light, fun movie. Of course, just because it plays like a comedy doesnt mean that Joe Pesci, who played one half of the Wet Bandits who terrorize Macaulay Culkins Kevin while hes home alone, didnt take his job very seriously.Daniel Stern played Marv, the other half of those Wet Bandits, and in a recent interview withEntertainment Tonight, he recalled one scene in particular where Pesci actually bit Culkins figure as his character Harry was trying to be intimidating.Home Alone (1990) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic TrailersI totally forgot about that, Stern said. Joe is hes wonderful, I love him, hes a dear friend, but hes a scary dude, and he was carrying it all. Cause he was we were trying in the first movie to actually be scary to start with, and then you realize were idiots. But there was a fear factor that set up the drama of the thing.Recommended VideosWhile Pesci, who had already won an Oscar when he took on the role, apologized almost immediately for overcommitting to the scene.Yeah, I think he did bite it as he was biting his finger, and then he bit it like, Oh crap, I didnt really mean to,' Stern explained. Joe was like, Ahh, sorry I did that. But only time you might see Pesci break.Please enable Javascript to view this contentCulkin was the first to revisit this incident, saying in a Q&A at the Rosemont Theater that he still bears a scar from the incident.I have a scar, Culkin said. I saw his face and Ive never, ever seen Joe Pesci actually scared because hes like, I just bit a kid!'