• WWW.CNBC.COM
    IAC approves spinoff of home improvement marketplace Angi
    IAC on Monday announced that its board approved the spinoff of Angi, the home improvement marketplace.
    0 Σχόλια 0 Μοιράστηκε 91 Views
  • WWW.FASTCOMPANY.COM
    Where do robotics and automation play best?
    If we had an hour together, we could talk about the many ways robotics and automation are rocking our universe, in implementations ranging from manufacturing and fulfillment to food packaging and preparation. But one of the most surprising targets on the list is healthcare.The healthcare industry is at a critical juncture. While healthcare costs are rising to historic levels, the population of individuals whose needs are highest and are aging out of the workforce is growing even faster. Healthcare organizations at all levels are suffering from increased workloads, poor retention, and rising operational costs. In arenas ranging from telehealth to home health and hospital support, robotics can provide new alternatives. Instead of burnout and churning of staff, it can offer more clinical precision, fewer possibilities for human error, and improved efficiency across the spectrum of healthcare delivery.The Healthcare Innovation Framework, provided by Don Capener, Strategy Lead, Chang RoboticsThese innovations span clinical, administrative, and logistical functions from all varieties of operation, signaling a paradigm shift in the ways health services are provided.CobotsThe most familiar realm is the use of surgical robotics to enable minimally invasive procedures with higher precision, and shorter and easier patient recovery times. Meanwhile, collaborative robots (cobots) are gaining traction as essential tools in addressing physical labor burdens and staff shortages.Cobots represent a critical solution to labor shortages and the physical strains on healthcare workers, which is increasingly important: A 2021 survey by the American Medical Association found that nearly 50% of healthcare workers reported significant burnout.Cobots can work alongside humans to handle physically demanding tasks like patient lifting, transporting medical supplies, and inventory sorting. They not only reduce the physical toll on healthcare professionals but also mitigate the risk of injuries, which cost U.S. hospitals more than $20 billion annually in compensation and lost productivity.Based on our recent installations we predict a cobot system could result in in a 15% reduction in workplace injuries and 25% decrease in staff turnover over a 2-year period. Additionally, the automated system reduced the time healthcare workers spent on manual tasks by 30%, allowing staff to prioritize clinical care.Autonomous information systems driven by AI are becoming increasingly important in healthcare administration as well. These systems handle routine but critical tasks such as scheduling, data entry, and inventory management. According to a Medscape survey, 62% of physicians cite administrative tasks as the top contributor to burnout. However, a recent McKinsey & Company report suggests that automation can reduce time spent on administrative tasks by 36%, leading to more efficient healthcare delivery.Financial considerationsOur clients have found that investing in a robotic or cobotic system has immediate payback, which can be additionally enhanced over time with financial optimization around billing and revenue. Early adopters are reporting the ability to achieve a two-year payback.As these technologies become more prevalent, of course, manufacturing efficiencies will drive costs down. Innovative financing models are emerging to make cobots more accessible to smaller healthcare facilities. Governments and healthcare systems can collaborate to develop financing models to make these technologies more widely available as well. Also influencing the payback: New research is showing that cobotic implementations can reduce manual task time by as much as 30%, while also reducing injury costs and turnover.What are the barriers and concerns?Of course, the adoption of robotics and AI in healthcare raises important regulatory concerns. Issues such as patient privacy, data security, and the potential displacement of human workers are vital. The increase in autonomous systems also raises questions of accountability: Who is responsible when a robotic system malfunctions or makes an error? Regulatory bodies are developing frameworks to ensure these technologies are used responsibly and that patient data is safe.As to displacement of human workers, early implementations are showing the displacement of workers to be largely offset by the need for workers more fully able to manage the functions influenced by automation, resulting in career growth opportunities. In all, the integration of robotics and automation into healthcare is not a future prospectit is well underway. By 2030, the healthcare robotics industry across all sectors is projected to reach nearly $45 billion, with significant growth in areas such as robotic diagnostics, AI-driven healthcare management, and precision surgeryareas where these technologies offer practical solutions to some of the industrys most pressing challenges including labor shortages, worker burnout, and rising operational costs.From all indications the successful adoption of these technologies will lead the healthcare industry to increasingly higher success in achieving more efficient, patient-centered care. It will also help operations and practitioners to achieve the financial results they need to succeed in the current healthcare industry, and can lay the groundwork for even greater success in the years (and decades) to come.Matthew Chang is cofounder and principle engineer for Chang Robotics.
    0 Σχόλια 0 Μοιράστηκε 92 Views
  • WWW.YANKODESIGN.COM
    The Nike Air Max Craze: Revisiting a Cult Classic in 2025
    Among Nikes iconic silhouettes making their way back for anniversaries in 2025, the Nike Air Max Craze is a relic of an experimental era. Born during Nikes Alpha Project divisiona pivotal time that saw designs like the Presto and Hyperflightthe Air Max Craze is a bold reminder of what happens when bold ideas meet audacity. Now, as it returns for its 25th anniversary, this cult classic re-emerges to bridge the gap between its futuristic past and a contemporary design ethos.Designer: NikeA Glimpse into the PastThe year 2000 was a revolutionary period for Nike, defined by its Alpha Project division, which sought to dismantle conventional footwear norms. The Air Max Craze, launched during this time, represented the brands pursuit of radical experimentation. Its design language was unlike anything that preceded it, with unconventional features that pushed the boundaries of both form and function.The shoes upper was a visual spectacle, incorporating grid-like patterns and graphic swoops that conveyed a sense of speed and energy. The bold orange detailing and streamlined graphics captured the futuristic optimism of the early 2000s, a time when technology and design seemed limitless. The lacing systemfeaturing a unique toggle mechanismwas a departure from tradition, further emphasizing the shoes experimental appeal. Beneath the surface, Nikes segmented Air Max sole technology provided superior cushioning, ensuring the design wasnt solely visually impactful but performance-ready.2025: A Modern RevivalTo mark its 25th anniversary, Nike is bringing back the Air Max Craze with a renewed focus on its heritage while integrating modern updates. Two notable iterations have been unveiled so far: the reissue of the original Bright Citrus colorway and the debut of the White Gold iteration. Each offers a unique perspective on how the design has evolved.The Bright Citrus retains much of the originals character, including its striking orange accents and signature grid patterns. Modern materials elevate the construction, offering improved durability and comfort without compromising the retro aesthetic. Reflective details enhance its appeal for nighttime visibility, a subtle nod to todays urban lifestyle demands.The White Gold introduces a cleaner, more contemporary palette, blending metallic accents with a minimalist base. While it maintains the originals industrial essence, the muted tones make it more versatile for everyday wear. This iteration reflects Nikes ability to adapt legacy designs to modern sensibilities, ensuring the Air Max Craze remains relevant across generations.Design Elements: Then and NowThe upper of the Air Max Craze has always been a focal point. The 2000 models grid-like graphics were not merely decorative but a statement of the eras futuristic aspirations. The 2025 versions refine these patterns with sharper lines and updated textiles, preserving the spirit of the original while making it more tactile and durable.The original toggle lacing system was revolutionary, offering a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. For the reissue, the laces have been subtly modernized for better adjustability and ease of use. The toggles are sleeker, blending seamlessly with the overall design while maintaining their utilitarian charm.One of the most striking features of the Air Max Craze is its exaggerated heel design. The 2000 version featured exposed spring-like elements that evoked an industrial, almost mechanical aesthetic. In 2025, these design elements will be retained but refined with modern manufacturing techniques, ensuring they balance style with structural integrity. The heel now comThe segmented Air Max sole was a technical marvel in its time, providing superior cushioning and responsiveness. The reissue retains this iconic feature while incorporating advancements in foam and air unit technology, ensuring the shoe delivers on the performance expectations of todays sneaker enthusiasts.Cultural Significance and LegacyThe Air Max Craze is a cultural artifact that highlights Nikes willingness to break boundaries in design during a transformative era. Its inclusion in the Alpha Project underscores its role as a symbol of innovation and boldness. Garnering a cult following over the years, the shoes unique blend of aesthetics and functionality continues to resonate with sneakerheads and design aficionados alike.By tapping into nostalgia and pairing it with modern updates, the 2025 reissue bridges the gap between past and present. It reflects Nikes ability to reinterpret bold designs for todays audience while staying true to its roots. The Air Max Craze demonstrates the lasting impact of daring ideasa seamless blend of art, function, and adaptabilityproving its enduring legacy as a design icon.The post The Nike Air Max Craze: Revisiting a Cult Classic in 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.
    0 Σχόλια 0 Μοιράστηκε 94 Views
  • WWW.WIRED.COM
    With a TikTok Ban Looming, Users Flee to Chinese App Red Note
    Some say they joined Xiaohongshu, which translates to little red book, to spite the US government after a ban on TikTok became more likely.
    0 Σχόλια 0 Μοιράστηκε 103 Views
  • WWW.NYTIMES.COM
    Texas Sues Allstate Over Its Collection of Driver Data
    The lawsuit accuses Arity, an Allstate subsidiary, of collecting data about peoples driving behavior through mobile phone apps, leading to increases in drivers insurance rates.
    0 Σχόλια 0 Μοιράστηκε 108 Views
  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    The A17 Pro iPad Mini sheds $100 off its price for the first time
    MacworldThe newest iPad Mini is starting the year down to an absolutely amazing pricethe best weve ever seen in fact. For the very first time, the A17 Mini is down to $399, a massive $100 under its MSRP. This is a tablet that got a 4-star rating from us, with our review appreciating the new fast CPU and the graphics it delivers, as well as the fact that it supports Apple Intelligence and all the goodies that come with it. In fact, thats the main upgrade were seeing in this new iPad Mini over previous versions. Apple Intelligence is, of course, the primary benefit of getting this new chip, vastly improving Siri, using it to write content and texts, fiddling with images, and so on as it rolls out throughout 2025.The tablets 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display is as gorgeous as always, delivering vibrant colors and sharp details, which is great for reading, writing, streaming content, and so on. We also loved that this new model has a baseline storage of 128GB, but if you need more, the 256GB and 512GB options are also $100 off. If you want to use an Apple Pencil with this tablet, you can do so because it works with both the new Apple Pencil Pro (on sale for $99) and the USB-C Apple Pencil.Whatever you want to use the new iPad Mini A17 for, nows the absolute best time to add it to your cart because such impressive discounts are hard to come by for Apple gear. Go ahead and splurge on yourself and get this $399 iPad delivered ASAP.Buy now at Amazon
    0 Σχόλια 0 Μοιράστηκε 122 Views
  • READWRITE.COM
    MicroStrategy acquries 2,530 BTC for $243 million
    MicroStrategy, a top corporate Bitcoin (BTC) holder, just acquired 2,530 BTC for $243 million.A recent 8-K form filed by MicroStrategy with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reveals that the company paid an average price of $95,972 per Bitcoin with its latest investment. Considering that at the time of writing Bitcoin changes hands at $91,777, this investment is currently losing nearly 4.4%.Still, the document also shows that MicroStrategy currently owns about 450,000 BTC, acquired at an average price of $62,691 per Bitcoin, including fees and expenses. The total purchase price of those assets is approximately $28.2 billion, over 45.5% lower than the current value of Bitcoin, which is $41.04 billion.What is MircoStrategy?MicroStrategy is a publicly traded business intelligence company founded in 1989 that pivoted to acquire as much Bitcoin as possible in 2020. The company now holds well over 1% of all Bitcoin that will ever exist and is now well underway to get its hands on 2%.Through this strategy, MicroStrategy secured its place as the top corporate Bitcoin holder. When investing in Bitcoin was near to impossible for highly-regulated institutional investors the company was also one of the best ways for those players to gain leveraged exposure to Bitcoin.Late November reports highlighted how major Wall Street companieswere accumulating MicroStrategy sharesas a way to gain leveraged exposure to Bitcoin. Benchmark analyst Mark Palmer wrote in a note to investors at the time:MSTRs ability to generate compounding yield on its bitcoin holdings, enabled by leverage accrued through the repeated tapping of the U.S. capital markets, differentiates its stock from alternative means of gaining exposure to bitcoin such as spot bitcoin ETFs.Back in late November when Bitcoin was approaching $100,000 for the first time MicroStrategy shares fell significantly. Major investment firm Citron Research explained at the time that the company decided to short MicroStrategy while going long on Bitcoin:With Bitcoin investing easier than ever [], [MicroStrategy]s volume has completely detached from BTC fundamentals. While Citron remains bullish on Bitcoin, weve hedged with a short [MicroStrategy] position.The post MicroStrategy acquries 2,530 BTC for $243 million appeared first on ReadWrite.
    0 Σχόλια 0 Μοιράστηκε 214 Views
  • APPLEINSIDER.COM
    Apple's iPad mini 7 drops to $399, the lowest price on record
    The best price we've ever seen on Apple's current iPad mini 7 has returned, with numerous storage capacities $100 off.Apple's iPad mini 7 returns to $399 best price - Image credit: AppleBoth Amazon and Best Buy are competing for your business with fresh price drops on Apple's latest iPad mini. You can pick up the 128GB Wi-Fi capacity at Amazon for $399 when ordered in Space Gray. Or if you'd like another color, Best Buy is running the $100 discount on all four colorways.Grab the deal at Amazon Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
    0 Σχόλια 0 Μοιράστηκε 111 Views
  • ARCHINECT.COM
    Hawaii is still undecided on post-disaster building codes amidst challenges
    Hawaii's statewide building code has "absolutely failed to do what it was intended to do when it was created to provide a uniform building code for Hawaii," a local critic of it tellstheHonoluluCivil Beat. Officials there are mulling different changes to the three-year adoption cycle in the wake of the 2023 wildfire catastrophe that claimed 102 lives and 2,200 structures.Some would like to see the timeframe doubled to allow for technological advances that could save lives, but, as another detractor to this plan puts it: "A six-year code cycle denies communities the opportunity to incorporate these advancements safely into our homes, businesses, schools and critical infrastructure."Hawaii, which reports another 6,500 structures to be under the threat of sea level rise, is also currently facing a housing shortage of at least 50,000 units.
    0 Σχόλια 0 Μοιράστηκε 121 Views
  • GAMINGBOLT.COM
    Eternal Strands Everything You Need to Know
    From systemic combat and gigantic boss fights to stylized visuals and more,Eternal Strandsis promising quite a bit that has caught our attention, and ahead of its looming release towards the end of this month, here, were going to go over a few key details that you should know about it.SETTING AND STORYEternal Strandsis set in a mystical realm known as the Enclave. Once a bustling hub of magical advancement, the Enclave has now been quiet and dormant for decades. The game will see players stepping into the shoes of Brynn, a young Weaver, who are warriors just as capable of unleashing magical abilities as they are adept with the sword. Part of a group of several fellow Weavers who entered the Enclave, Brynns goal is to uncover the mysteries surrounding its past, and try and bring it back to its former glory.NOT NARRATIVE-DRIVENEternal Strandsdeveloper Yellow Brick Games boasts talent that has worked on everything fromDragon AgetoAssassins Creedand more, but in spite of that strong link to narrative-driven games, thats not the direction thatEternal Strandsis headed in. Speaking in an interview with GamingBolt, chief creative officer Mike Laidlaw explained that the action-adventure title is first and foremost a gameplay-centric experience.The storys there to provide context, goals, quests and so on that push our players to enjoy and experiment while in combat and exploring the world, he said. With this focus in mind, we decided very early in development that EternalStrands was not going to be a game about tough moral choices or dilemmas, but instead a tale of discovery. A group of competent experts unravelling the mysteries of what happened to the Enclave.OPTIONAL STORY CONTENTThough story isnt the focus inEternal Strands,players looking for deeper narrative context are going to have a decent amount of optional story content to seek out. Laidlaw told GamingBolt that the game has dozens of completely optional dialogs (all of them voiced) that react to Brynns progress through the story, her discoveries, and so on. He added, These arent needed to complete the game, but we feel they add both texture and depth for players who want to dig deeper into the story.ELEMENTAL ABILITIESEternal Strandsmoment-to-moment combat will involve plenty of melee combat, but at the heart of the experience is going to be an elements system. Brynn will be equipped with a magical cloak called the Mantle that will allow her to unleash fire and ice attacks, and every single thing in the world both in and out of combat will reach to heat and cold accordingly, further encouraging players to mix and match and experiment.TELEKINETIC ABILITIESJust as crucial as Brynns elemental abilities will be her ability to unleash telekinetic magic on her foes. That, of course, means you can pick up any number of objects or items in the environments and use them as weapons to be thrown at enemies from a distance (or perhaps to block incoming attacks). Though the elemental systems will remain at the heart ofEternal Strandsgameplay, Brynns telekinetic abilities are also obviously going to have an important role to play.BOSSESEternal Strandshas made several intriguing promises that have captured peoples attention, and high on that list is the games boss encounters. The action-adventure title will see players taking on a number of massive, titanic bosses over the course of their journey. Yellow Brick Games has explicitly mentionedShadow of the Colossusas one of the inspirations for the games bosses, with a total of nine gigantic bosses to seek out, climb over, and defeat.TRAVERSALEternal Strandsis also placing quite a bit of emphasis on its traversal mechanics, with players seemingly being given many different ways to navigate the world. For starters, Brynns elemental and telekinetic abilities will be just as useful for traversal as they will be in combat- like building bridges made of ice to cross vast chasms, for instance. Meanwhile, similar toThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom, the game will also let players freely climb every surface in the world.PHYSICS SYSTEMA particular point of pride for Yellow Brick Games withEternal Strandsis the games physics system, which, according to the developer, is key to its systemic nature. As we already touched on, temperature and elements will play a crucial role- so heat will spread, while ice will, of course, cool things down. Everything in the world will abide by those rules (so fires spreading beyond control will be a possibility, as an example), while the game will also tout real-time destruction mechanics.WORLDNo,Eternal Strandsisnt going to be open world, instead adopting a more linear and compact structure, but players will nonetheless traverse and explore a variety of different locations as they trek through the Enclave. The full extent of that environmental diversity obviously remains to be seen, but Yellow Brick Games has confirmed that players can expect to explore dense urban environments, untamed wilds, and more.INSPIRATIONSEternal Strandsclearly borrows a page or two from more than a few games. Chief among them is obviouslyShadow of the Colossus, with Laidlaw telling GamingBolt, Shadow ofthe Colossus inspired the scale of our foes. [] Like Colossus, theres no way to bring these foes down by just hitting them in the ankle over and over. Where we differ fromColossus, though, is that where its foes had specific weak points that had to be struck to defeat them almost like a puzzle approach to their defeat, we let you find your own solutions by casting and combining magic and weapons.In addition toShadow of the Colossus,the game also takes inspiration from the likes ofDragons DogmaandThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.In terms of tone and visuals, meanwhile, Laidlaw saysEternal Strandsalso takes inspiration fromThe MummyandGame of Thrones.LENGTHEternal Strandsis going to be a pretty substantial experience, by the look of things. Laidlaw confirmed to GamingBolt that the action-adventure title will be about 25 hours long on average. However, it also features a lot of exploration opportunities and side quests, courtesy of which he says the overall play time can vary a lot.MUSICEternal Strandshas plenty of big-name talent working on it, as weve already touched on, and that extends to the games music as well. Its soundtrack is composed by lauded musician and composer Austin Wintory, who is best known for his work onJourney, The Pathless, Assassins Creed Syndicate, Hades 2,and more.PC DEMOIfEternal Strandshas piqued your curiosity but youre still not quite sure about whether you want to fully dive in, luckily for you, the game is going to have a demo on offer soon. On January 21, a week ahead of the full games release, a demo ofEternal Strandswill become available on PC only. Players will be able to play through the prologue, and yes, youll be able to take all of your progress with you into the full games.COMING TO GAME PASSIf you were thinking this looks like the perfect Game Pass game, as it turns out, thats exactly what it is. Yellow Brick Games has confirmed that the game will be available to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers upon release. Continued members of the old base Game Pass tier (which has been replaced for newcomers by the new Standard tier) will also get the game day and date.PC REQUIREMENTSPlayingEternal Strandson PC will thankfully not require a particularly demanding rig. On minimum settings, players will need either an i5-9400 or a Ryzen 5 3350, along with either a GeForce GTX 1660 Supe, a Radeon RX 5600 XT, or an Arc A580, as well as 8 GB RAM. On recommended settings, meanwhile, youll need either an i5-11600 or a Ryzen 5 5600X, along with either a GeForce RTX 3070, a Radeon RX 6800, or an Arc A770, on top of 16 G B of RAM. On either setting, youll also need an SSD and about 24 GB of free storage space.
    0 Σχόλια 0 Μοιράστηκε 129 Views