Hisense is pushing big-screen boundaries again at CES 2025, building on the momentum from its impressive showings in prior years. In 2024, the manufacturer highlighted its NBA Championship Edition TV with groundbreaking brightness and numerous dimming zones, setting a high bar for this years lineup. That much is clear from its focus on Mini LED, Micro LED, AI-driven advancements, and updated audio systems. The brand has poured years into expanding its presence in the ultra-large screen category, and its moving forward with a level of determination that continues to intensify its position among the top premium TV makers. The new series spans from an RGB Local Dimming behemoth measuring 116 inchesknown officially as the 116UXto a massive Micro LED at 136 inches called the 136MX to an upgraded ultra-short-throw laser projector that can stretch from 100 inches up to 150 inches. Alongside these, Hisense is rolling out a new wireless home theater system designed to match bright visuals and bold contrast with equally immersive audio. Each device is built on deeper chipset integration and AI-driven enhancements, a stance that places the brand in a prime spot to challenge well-established rivals.Designer: HisenseHisenses 2024 growth numbers underscore why it steps into 2025 with such confidence. People inside the organization point to expanded color accuracy and AI upscaling as core factors in its recent jump to the number two global share position for premium TV. That progression came after surpassing brands like Samsung and LG; its presence in the US market for screens 87 inches and larger soared as well. That focus on big sizes has been a constant for Hisense, with a 150% year-over-year increase in unit share for 75-inch sets. While countless companies stick with the typical 55- or 65-inch range, Hisense has made an aggressive leap toward screens that let a home theater dominate the entire room. Its argument is that it can offer more accessible routes to advanced display technologies, unlike competitors that reserve such innovations for their most exclusive products.Beyond pushing size boundaries, Hisense is heightening brightness across its new displays. With a peak luminance of 10,000 nits, the flagship models show the brands commitment to HDR performance. Reaching those brightness levels, even if briefly for highlights, requires advanced backlighting. Thats where the company insists its differentiating itself. In 2024, Hisense released a 110-inch NBA Championship Edition that achieved 10,000 nits and 40,000 dimming zones. Now, in 2025, the brand is taking Mini LED another step forward with an RGB backlight containing tens of thousands of miniaturized LEDs. Rather than stick with the usual white or blue LED approach, each module packs red, green, and blue chips inside an optical lens. Hisense says this approach increases color control and reduces harmful blue light output.The 116-inch ULED with TriChroma LED TechnologyThe 116UX, which is the manufacturers official name for its 116-inch TriChroma LED TV, stands as a bold achievement in RGB Local Dimming Technology. Its the only consumer TV on the market with this approach, and Hisense claims it covers about 97% of the BT.2020 color space. Unlike traditional Mini LED systems that rely on filtered white or blue backlights, RGB Local Dimming units use separate red, green, and blue diodes to generate color directly. This results in richer reds, deeper greens, and vibrant blues without the brightness loss that conventional filters can introduce.Tens of thousands of these RGB optical lenses operate as independently controlled clusters, handling multi-level dimming at both the LED and cluster levels. This design supports brightness accuracy and color reproduction while reducing blooming. By generating color directly, the television avoids the efficiency issues often tied to filtered systems, delivering a peak brightness of up to 10,000 nits. It also reduces harmful blue light by nearly 40%, making longer viewing sessions more comfortable.Driving these feats is the Hi-View AI Engine X, which analyzes each frame through AI-driven features like AI Peak Brightness, AI RGB Local Dimming, and AI Banding Smoother. This platform makes real-time adjustments to contrast, brightness, and color, bringing lifelike depth to every scene. Audio gets a boost from a 6.2.2 channel surround system that includes Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual X. AI Sound Optimization tailors the audio on the fly, so dialogue stands out and effects fill the room.The 116UX also includes an ultra-low glare panel and low-reflection engineering, giving a sharp image even when ambient light creeps in. The wide viewing angle keeps color and detail consistent from every seat. At under 40 mm thick, it remains relatively sleek despite its huge footprint. This model ships with Google TV, so streaming apps and voice-activated controls are built right in. Owners can use Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit for further smart home integration. The set also supports IMAX Enhanced modes, giving home cinema buffs extra flexibility for specialized content.A major theme for Hisense is mini LED excellence. Over the last year, the brand has rolled out Mini LED across its flagship models and plans to keep expanding. Company figures show that this approach has already helped it grab a huge share of the large-screen market. While many manufacturers treat Mini LED as a pricey add-on, Hisense believes it can push it at broader price levels. The 116UX is a prime example of that direction.The 136-inch Micro LEDSide by side with the 116UX, Hisense is unveiling a 136MX Micro LED that takes self-emissive technology even bigger. Micro LEDs core idea is that each pixel is made of microscopic red, green, and blue clusters. The 136MX uses over 24.88 million sub-LEDs in total to create 4K resolution with perfect black levels and minimal halo effects. This approach avoids the burn-in risk seen in OLED, and it can reach 10,000 nits, just like top LCD-based HDR sets.Hisense also specifies that the 136MX achieves a contrast ratio near a million to one, partly due to a special nano-crystal black coating on each panel segment. Reflectivity is much lower than what standard LCD or glass-based displays encounter, so the picture stays clear even in bright conditions. According to the manufacturer, color coverage is around 95% of BT.2020. This set relies on the same Hi-View AI Engine X platform for pixel-level adjustments, analyzing each scene to enhance clarity and color transitions. Because the 136MX is self-emissive and inorganic, the brand sees it as a durable alternative to OLED. While cost has long been an obstacle, Hisense is investing in manufacturing and vertical integration to find ways of narrowing that gap. Unlike the 116UX, the 136-inch model runs on the VIDAA OS platform, which is the companys in-house interface.The L9 Cube TriChroma Laser TVNot everyone wants a 100-plus-inch panel, so Hisense is covering another angle with the L9 Cube TriChroma Laser TV that can go from 100 inches up to 150 inches. This new model adds flexible focus, making it easier to match the displayed size to your space. The brand provides ALR screens at multiple diagonals, giving the owner a range of options. The L9 Cubes brightness can reach 4,000 lumens, around 33% higher than last years version, and contrast is up to about 3,000:1. The triple-laser engine covers 110% of BT 2020, and it uses an automatic alignment process once the screen is mounted, taking much of the hassle out of calibration.The audio has been upgraded to a 6.2.2 channel system that puts out more than 116 watts, tuned by Harman Kardon for a broader theater-like experience. Because of its ultra-short-throw design, the projector can sit close to the wall, producing a massive image without swallowing your living room. Like many of Hisenses premium releases, this model comes with Google TV. People who want a projector but dont want typical clutter or fuss might find it appealing.The HT Saturn Wireless Home Theater Audio SystemIf the integrated audio in the L9 Cube or in the giant TVs isnt enough, Hisense has a new wireless speaker system named HT Saturn. It consists of four speakers and a subwoofer that all connect wirelessly to the TV via a small central hub. Each speaker only needs power, so you dont need to run wires under carpets or through walls. Once theyre in place, the system emits tones and calibrates for your seating arrangement. Dolby Atmos and DTS-X support places sounds above or behind you, and the brand includes a feature called Hi-Concerto to merge the TVs built-in drivers with the HT Saturn. This approach can widen the overall soundstage, especially if the television includes additional speakers.Hisense sees a strong market for an easy-to-set-up, multi-channel audio solution that doesnt require extensive home installation. The HT Saturn system seems like a logical partner for either the 116UX, 136MX, or even the L9 Cube. Its a way to move beyond soundbars without resorting to old-school wiring or external receivers.Vertical Integration and the Hi-View AI EngineHisenses drive toward deeper vertical integration continues in 2025. The company now offers three tiers of its chipset technologyHi-View AI Engine, Hi-View AI Engine Pro, and Hi-View AI Engine Xand the top-tier version powers its premium sets. This integration fuels faster, more capable processing for local dimming, motion smoothing, upscaling, and AI-driven color enhancements. The brand points out small performance gains of around 1.4% to 2.2% in CPU, GPU, and neural processing this year. Even if that sounds minor, the company says those improvements help with minute on-the-fly adjustments that keep fast-paced scenes looking sharp. AI features under the Hi-View umbrella handle picture, sound, scenario detection, and energy management.Face recognition algorithms keep skin tones from looking unnatural while banding smoother eliminates streaks in gradients. Noise reduction is handled separately to minimize streaming artifacts while retaining detail. On the audio side, AI Sound lifts voices above the background noise and adjusts EQ for a more balanced output. Game modes reduce latency and tweak brightness or shadow detail to help players spot whats lurking in dark corners. AI Energy reads ambient lighting and dims the backlight where possible, saving power and easing eye fatigue.Hisense sees this AI integration as a big step because it simplifies operations. Instead of burying menus, the sets adapt automatically. Another new feature is Customized Picture Mode, which shows you a series of images and asks which you prefer. The TV then determines your color and brightness preferences and applies them. Less fussing with manual settings might appeal to mainstream viewers.Design, Setup, and Audio EcosystemHisense is mindful that a 116-inch or 136-inch display can dominate a space. The 116UX has been slimmed to under 40 mm thick. The Micro LED panels skip extra glass layers, which cuts reflection. The L9 Cube appeals to those who prefer a projector in a low console instead of a massive black rectangle on the wall. Every set includes some version of a built-in streaming platform, but the 116UX and L9 run on Google TV, while the 136MX relies on VIDAA OS. Either way, Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ come preloaded.The manufacturer hasnt forgotten about sound. The big 116-inch TriChroma includes a robust 6.2.2 channel setup, while the L9 Cubes internal system has expanded power output. The new HT Saturn system goes further for those who want a bigger soundstage without permanent wiring. It wirelessly coordinates four satellites and a sub, then integrates them with the TV. Each speaker is measured with a calibration tone so the system can adjust levels and timing automatically.A Deeper Look at AI UpgradesHisense insists its doing more than tossing in marketing buzzwords. AI-based backlight control, local dimming, and color smoothing rely on real-time machine learning, scanning each scene and each cluster of LEDs or pixels. Faces get an extra pass for skin tone accuracy and detail. Color banding in skies or water scenes is smoothed out, and compression artifacts common on streaming platforms are minimized, though not entirely erased. Motion smoothing blends with black frame insertion for those who want an extra-fluid look, and the television can dial that down if you switch to Filmmaker Mode.The same approach applies to AI audio, scanning the audio feed to pick out dialogue and separate it from background noise or intense music. The brands gaming features make adjustments for latency, brightness, and color profiles. AI Energy tracks ambient light so the set can keep HDR brightness when necessary but conserve power when scenes or rooms go darker.Implications for the TV MarketHisense doesnt hide its premium ambitions. Its jump from 14% to 24% of the global premium TV market over the past year shows the payoff of its broad-based Mini LED strategy. By covering Mini LED, Micro LED, and laser projection, the brand aims to attract a broad range of big-screen enthusiasts. Now it adds a multi-channel wireless audio system, tying together the whole home cinema picture. If it can keep costs below rivals, the new lineup might reshape consumer expectations for large-format TVs.Still, distributing displays 100 inches or larger isnt simple. Hisense must handle advanced manufacturing and complex shipping logistics. Competition with established high-end names will be intense, and image critics may question motion, black levels, color uniformity, and build quality. The company, though, hopes its vertical integrationespecially in chip design and backlight engineeringgives it an edge. Its gambling that simpler user experiences and AI-driven refinements will satisfy even demanding buyers.Looking Past CESCES 2025 is the grand stage for these show-stopping introductions, but the real challenge comes once the final prices hit the market. The 116UX might disrupt the segment if it matches or beats the cost of smaller OLED sets. The 136MX could raise the bar for self-emissive displays, assuming Hisense reins in the typical Micro LED price premium. The L9 Cube depends on how well the auto-calibration features adjust to average living rooms and whether viewers embrace a short-throw system over a traditional TV. If the HT Saturn setup truly delivers easy, immersive audio without cable clutter, it might attract those whove been stuck with soundbars.Hisenses unified Hi-View AI Engine and expanded wireless features shape a more interconnected 2025 product line. Tighter integration should enable better reliability and smoother updates across different models. With a solid year behind it, the brand seems positioned to continue its rise. Whether that path leads to more aggressive pricing or alternative sizing options remains to be seen. For now, at CES, Hisense is betting on bigger screens, deeper color accuracy, and user-friendly extras. If the prototypes live up to the hype in the real world, it could mark a turning point for how many people view premium home entertainment.The post Hisense Showcases 136-inch Micro LED Breakthrough, Advanced Sound System, AI, and Chipset Innovations at CES 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

A mindset of preparedness and proactive action is crucial for maintaining our health effectively. By taking appropriate precautions and staying ready, we can manage medical emergencies to the best of our abilities. The medical industry continues to introduce groundbreaking innovations that are revolutionizing healthcare.Designers are developing new and improved life-saving medical devices that not only enhance patient care but also alleviate some of the burden on our dedicated healthcare professionals. And, we have curated a collection of the top 5 medical innovations and designs that you need to know about. Dive in!1. Transcutaneous Oxygen SensorSay hello to the Transcutaneous Oxygen Sensor a cutting-edge wearable medical device that seamlessly combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. This innovative gadget is designed to provide precise and reliable detection of blood oxygen levels, focusing on both the skin tissue and the underlying vessels and capillaries. Developed by ASON Co. Ltd., the Transcutaneous Oxygen Sensor is poised to revolutionize personal health monitoring as it targets the mass consumer market, with an anticipated release in the coming years.The device employs advanced luminescent gas sensing technology, which allows it to measure oxygen levels with remarkable accuracy. This is teamed up with soft electronics, ensuring that the sensor is not only highly effective but also comfortable to wear for extended periods. The incorporation of these technologies makes the Transcutaneous Oxygen Sensor a versatile tool for individuals seeking to monitor their health in real time.2. Cast21 CastChicago-based startup Cast21 has developed an innovative sleeve designed to fit any hand comfortably. This unique cast takes the perfect shape around your hand by using a patented gel that hardens once applied. The process begins by selecting a sleeve size appropriate for the patient, whether a child or an adult.The sleeve is then slipped onto the hand and filled with a proprietary resin mixture that transforms into a malleable gel over time. This allows the doctor to adjust the gel for a precise fit, ensuring optimal comfort and support for the limb. Additionally, patients have the option to choose from a variety of gel colors, adding a touch of personalization and making the cast appear less clinical.3. ApollonCalled Apollon, this award-winning wearable reduces some of the inconvenience experienced by hospitalized patients. It features a wrist-worn module and a ring-type sensor that measures some important health indicators. It can take automatic and periodic measurements of your oxygen level.It can also track irregular pulse, pulse rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, and skin temperature and, if needed, take body temperature measurements. It is designed to be comfortable and not too intrusive. It resembles a regular wearable device, but it is larger than a smartwatch.4. S1This compact device, resembling an eyepatch (though its not meant for your face), may not immediately appear as a high-tech marvel. Shanmu, a micro-medical robot company based in Shenzhen, has infused the S1 with enough innovation to make your smartwatch jealous.It is equipped with a digital microfluidic chipset and AI, it analyzes just one microliter of urine to provide insights into ten crucial health indicators, all within approximately ten minutes. Its like having a personal lab technician stationed in your bathroom. It features an IPX7 waterproof rating and a medical-grade anti-fouling coating and is designed to handle the unique challenges of its environment while remaining clean and fully operational.5. MediScan ProCalled the MediScan Pro this pocket-sized conceptual device revolutionizes personal health monitoring with its futuristic design. This innovative gadget combines specialized functionality with a retro-futuristic aesthetic, featuring a boxy and angular aluminum body that captures attention.The MediScan Pro ensures easy control and operation. It is equipped with a large fingerprint scanner, a compact display, and intuitive buttons and wheels. Its portable design allows users to track their health conveniently without relying on bulky equipment. It offers immediate access to healthcare, which is great for people who travel a lot or are on the move always.The post Top 5 Cutting-Edge Medical Innovations That Are Enhancing Patient Care & Health Solutions first appeared on Yanko Design.

We take a first look inside the Flow electric travel trailer, which the company says will ship in the first half of 2025. And yes, you can tow it with your Cybertruck.

This years crop of robot vacuums can climb stairs and pick up dirty socks that are in their way. Soon they will be able to play with your cat. Good luck to us all.

MacworldThe Apple Magic Trackpad is one of the must-have Mac accessories and has been available for nearly 15 years without any real competition. However, thats about to change as Hyper is at the Consumer Electronic Show demonstrating its HyperSpace Trackpad Pro.Hyper is showing the device with PCs, as it plans to ship with Windows compatibility at the end of the second quarter of 2025. On Windows, the device will have software that can assign sections of the trackpad for tasks (like gestures) as well as how the click feels. According to The Verge, Hyper will provide basic compatibility with macOS later this yearwe dont know what basic compatibility means, but it sounds like it will stop short of offering Magic Trackpad features like those you find in the More Gestures section of the Trackpad settings.Macworlds sister publication, PCWorld spent some time with the HyperSpace Trackpad Pro and called the experience less than auspicious. During their demo, the Hyper rep showing the device was practically leaning on the trackpad to enable clicks and repeatedly clicking to perform basic actions, like moving icons around on a screen. PCWorld points out that the product is in its beta period, so hopefully Hyper will work out the kinks before it ships.The HyperSpace TrackPad Pro measures 6.29 by 3.85 inches (160 by 98 mm) and about half an inch thick.That makes it about as wide as the Magic Trackpad but not as deep; Apples device measures 6.3 by 4.52 inches (160 by 115 mm). The HyperSpace TrackPad Pro is priced at $130, which is about $20 cheaper than the Magic Trackpad. So if you want a trackpad thats a little smaller and less expensive than Apples, the HyperSpace TrackPad Pro could be what youre looking for, if you can deal with its compromises.HyperSpace TrackPad Pro

MacworldAt a glanceExpert's RatingProsCompact dimensionsFast connectionsVery good performanceConsStill few applicationsNo synchronization software for the MacStill small bugs in the softwareNot all possible functions fully integrated yetOur Verdict The NASync DXP480T Plus is a network-attached storge device that is quiet, offers many connections and acts as a DLNA server. What it lacks is a selection of applications, though that could change with updates.Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayPrice When Reviewed999,99 EuroBest Prices Today: Ugreen NASync DX480TRetailerPrice0.01View Deal999.99View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from BackmarketThe compact Ugreen NASync DXP480T Plus network-attached storage device is built practically. This starts with the fast 10-gigabit ethernet port, which is particularly useful for large amounts of data such as videos and images. The processor is a 12th-generation Intel Core i5 processor with 10 cores and 12 threads. The 8GB or RAM can be expanded to a maximum of 64GB with DDR5 modules. 128GB of storage is standard, and it has four M.2 NVMe slots so you can upgrade it with your own NVMe cards to a maximum storage capacity of 32TB.The small NAS also has a lot to offer in terms of interfaces, which is rarely found in a network storage device. For example, it has two Thunderbolt 4 ports for fast drives. This allows the storage of the DXP480T Plus to be expanded very easily. There is also a 3.5 mm headset port and a USB3 port (10Gbps) on the back. Theres also a HDMI port with support for 8K video, though its not in use at the moment.Easy assembly and setupAssembly is easy and is clearly explained in the instructions. The four NVMe SSDs can be accessed under a flap and Ugreen supplies thermal paste, which is also recommended for NVMe SSDs.Before integrating the DXP480T Plus into your own network, you should think about your ethernet switch. Inexpensive 10Gb switches are in short supply, so we used the tried-and-tested Zyxel XGS1250-12 for our practical test. When we tested the DXP480T, we measured an impressive 596MBps for writing and 741MBps for reading on an M1 Max Mac Studio.The look of the Ugo Pro operating system is familiar from other competitors, so its easy to find your way around. Important applications such as a storage manager for managing and setting up drives are also available, as are user management and folders with individual authorizations.If you use the DXP480T Plus as a media server, it comes with basic features: a DLNA server and special apps for managing photos, videos, and music. However, this is exactly where the inconsistencies of an early software version begin. For example, the media apps have access to the DLNA servers folders, but the DLNA server does not have access to the media apps personal folders. Other problems are the Mac-specific .X files that are displayed as files in the media apps, or that you cannot manually assign a folder to the photo app. However, these are problems of an early software version. The corresponding menu items are already visible, but not yet fully implemented. As Ugreen is working diligently on improvements, this should be fixed soon.What is still missing is an app for synchronizing data with the Mac. However, the DXP480T Plus can be set up as a Time Machine backup server.For specialists, Ugreen integrates Docker to integrate Unix applications without porting. However, the whole thing is not self-explanatory and requires intensive work. Applications from other providers, such as the Plex media server or the Minim Server 2 music server, are also missing.The Ugreen NAS appThe Ugreen NAS app for iOS and iPadOS is important for operation. Instead of individual applications for specific functions, the Ugreen NAS app integrates all features. For example, you get access to the storage manager, files, photos, and music. The interface is pleasantly clear and, above all, the start page can be customized. For example, you can place the hardware temperature display or music application here.There are still some issues with the Ugreen NAS app. For example, music artists are not sorted alphabetically and the album/artist section is missing. We are also missing an output via DLNA to a streaming client. But here, too, we have seen significant progress in recent months with many updates.Should you buy the Ugreen NASync DXP480T Plus?The NASync DXP480T Plus fulfills basic tasks such as providing media and data servers. It lacks specialized media servers such as Minim Server or Plex, but the simple DLNA server supplied is a start. Unix specialists will be pleased to have Docker so that they can install applications. As a Mac user, you would wish for easy-to-use synchronization softwareperhaps Ugreen will provide such in a future update. The Time Machine backup works fine.The hardware is fully convincing, from the proper cooling to the connections and processor performance. It looks stylish and is also quiet. These are all important points for a network storage system that should provide many years of unobtrusive and reliable service. Its $1,000 price doesnt make it look like a bargain, but it does have its technical features such as the 10Gbit LAN and Thunderbolt 4 for expansion.

Christmas Eve (and Christmas Day) are arguablythemost important time-frame for transportation companies. So it was a big deal when an American Airlines system glitch forced the airline to ask the government for a full shutdown on Christmas Eve. And it was an even bigger deal the next day for Bane NOR, which runsthe Norwegian rail systemand had to shut down all trains in Norway.Both involved IT issues and both were mostly if not entirely caused by third-party firms. Now, third-party risks are nothing new. But few CIOs truly internalize that one error from a vendor can shut down all enterprise operations. Thats a lot of trust to offer an outside company that typically undergoes minor due diligence, assuming it was subjected to any meaningful due diligence at all.What happened with these Christmas nightmares? Lets drill into each and note how the two transportation giants differed in their approach.The more interesting of the two was the Norwegian train shutdown, which lasted 13 hours on Christmas Day, from roughly 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. The problem: trains couldnt communicate with any traffic control centers, which meant they couldnt operate safely. The cause: a bad firewall setting.Let that sink in. Because systems today overwhelmingly run through the internet, firewalls can and will block anything. Until this incident, how many IT managers atBane NOR realized a firewall setting could shut down every train everywhere?That was a key reason for the long delay in getting the trains back online. When communications stop, managers think the communications gear is somehow failing.It took us a while before we could trace it to a firewall issue. It was not one of the obvious causes to look at, Strachan Stine Smemo, the Bane external communications manager, said in an email toComputerworld. It was tricky to find the problem.Banes team opted against changing any firewall settings and instead as a temporary measure switched communications to a different firewall. (They later changed the impacted components, Smemo said.)Arild Nybrodahl, Banes information and communications technology director, said his team detected system instability on Christmas Eve, which is when troubleshooting efforts were initiated. Things didnt get bad enough to shutdown operations until 8 a.m. the next day, he said.The fault affected the railways closed mobile network (GSM-R) and other critical communication systems, Nybrodahl said. When any emergency calls and other communication between the train and the train conductor do not work, we cannot operate trains. We have located where the error lies in our own nationwide IT infrastructure and we are now working on a solution to correct the error. We have not yet corrected the root cause, but have taken measures so that the part of the network where the error was located is isolated from the rest of the infrastructure.Unlike American Airlines, Bane did not identify the relevant third-party and even praised that vendors efforts. Bane received good help from our supplier, Smemo said.American Airlines, however, not only identified the vendor at issue as DXC, but went out of its way to tell reporters that the problems it ran into were that vendors fault. This is known as throwing a partner under the bus.Its not clear precisely what happened between the two companies, as neither have discussed the particulars. But American made those comments shortly after the one-hour outage ended. That means emotions were at play, and someone at at the airline was very unhappy.(DXC is likely unhappy, too, since its stock price has taken a hit.)Though DXC has been a longtime supplier to American the DXC websitesays more than 20 years but its not precisely clear what role it had in the shutdown. The company has some role in the airlines flight operations systems and has been working to modernize Americans systems, including moving legacy code to the cloud.The airlineblamed a network hardware issue, without being specific, that forced the airline to ask the US Federal Aviation Administration for a nationwide group stop that ended up lasting about an hour.According to areport on MSN ,the incident delayed more than 900 flights affectingaround 900,000 passengers across 200 US airports, leaving many stranded and sleeping in terminals.Given that both of these incidents happened on major holidays, one obvious factor is that the companies had only skeleton crews on duty. Though its unlikely that holiday staffing caused either situation, it likely slowed down the responses.One other wrinkle in the DXC situation: the company on Christmas Eve was already in the middle of an IT leadership change. CIO Kristie Grinnell had given notice about her move to a new job as CIO of TD SYNNEX. Thatwas announced on Dec. 19; two weeks later DXCannounced its new CIO wouldbe Brad Novak.The problem with throwing a vendor partner under the bus aside from the fact you havent done a full investigation or determined whos at fault is that it leaves important questions unanswered. Did this third-party firm have the appropriate skills and personnel to deliver what it was supposed to deliver? If not, then shouldnt the fault lie with whoever hired that firm?Lets say the selection process was appropriate. The question then becomes, Who was supposed to oversee that vendor? And was the vendor given everything needed to do the job?From the perspective of shareholders, the fault is more often going to lie with the people who overseeing and bringing in the outside firm. Unless the third-party company ignored instructions or engaged in bad behavior, most mishaps are going to be blamed on the enterprise.Put bluntly, an enterprise that is quick to blame a contractor is likely trying to change the subject before its own failings are examined.

Announced at CES 2025, Lockly's latest smart home devices combine AI, sleek design, HomeKit, and Apple HomeKey integration to make home security smarter and safer.Lockly Expands Smart Home LineupLockly's newest smart home solutions bring enhanced compatibility with Apple HomeKit and other smart ecosystems, making them a top choice for connected households. The lineup includes advanced products like the Duet Series locks, the stylish Styla Designer Deadbolt, and the AI-powered Sightline security cameras.The Duet Series, featuring dual motorized and manual thumb-turn mechanisms, offers reliability and improved battery life. With built-in Wi-Fi, these locks pair directly with Apple HomeKit, enabling voice controls through Siri, as well as integration with Google Home and Amazon Alexa. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Smart home device maker Aqara has introduced many sensors and controls at CES 2025, including a new wall panel for controlling an entire smart home on one interface.Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus - Image Credit: AqaraLaunched on Monday, the new collection of Aqara smart home devices is headed up by a selection of new in-wall panels and smart switches. The main attraction is the Panel Hub S1 Plus, which has a 6.9-inch touchscreen for managing everything from cameras to locks, thermostats to curtains.The idea is that, instead of heading to the Home app on an iPhone all the time, you can instead control your smart home devices from this central point in your home. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Satechi has revealed the release date of its Mac mini Stand & Hub for the M4 Mac mini, with it available starting in February.Satechi Mac mini 4 Stand and Hub - Image credit: SatechiShortly after the introduction of the M4 Mac mini, Satechi announced it will roll out a new version of its Mac mini Stand & Hub for the pint-sized model. At CES, it finally revealed more information, including pricing and availability details.The Mac mini Stand & Hub is a compact addition designed to fit underneath the Mac mini. The plinth connects to one of the Thunderbolt ports using USB-C, and provides users a selection of extra ports, on top of the Mac mini's existing selection. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums