AllYouCanTech

North Carolina Facility Reinitiates Manufacturing During Continued IV Fluid Scarcity in Medical Facilities

### North Carolina IV Fluid Plant Resumes Production Following Hurricane Helene, Yet Shortages Remain

In a crucial move aimed at addressing the nationwide intravenous (IV) fluid deficit, Baxter Inc. has resumed operations at its primary manufacturing line at the North Cove facility in western North Carolina. This plant generates 60 percent of the IV fluid supply across the nation and was significantly affected by the flooding instigated by Hurricane Helene last month. Although this is an important achievement in the recovery journey, hospitals and healthcare providers are anticipated to face shortages for several additional weeks.

#### An Essential Facility for the Nation’s Healthcare System

The North Cove facility serves a vital role in the U.S. healthcare system by producing the majority of the IV fluids utilized in hospitals and clinics nationwide. These fluids are critical for various medical treatments, such as hydration, medication administration, and dialysis. The disruption caused by Hurricane Helene has intensified an already strained supply chain, causing healthcare providers to struggle with limited inventories.

Baxter Inc. announced on Thursday that the revived production line has the capacity to generate up to 25 percent of the plant’s overall production and around 50 percent of its one-liter IV solutions, which are the most frequently utilized products in medical settings. This development is encouraging; however, the company warned that the earliest batches of IV fluids might not be ready for shipment until late November.

#### The Journey to Recovery

Baxter’s CEO and President, José Almeida, conveyed optimism regarding the advancements made in restoring the plant. “The recovery progress at our North Cove site remains very promising,” Almeida stated. “In just a few weeks, our team has shifted from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s effects to restarting our highest-output manufacturing line. This represents a key milestone, but further efforts are essential as we aim to restore the plant to full production.”

Initially, Baxter had estimated that the facility would reach production levels of 90–100 percent for some products by the year’s end. Nonetheless, the company is now ahead of its expected timeline, partially due to the swift restoration of crucial infrastructure, including a temporary bridge that has facilitated the movement of over 885 truckloads of existing inventory from the plant. A second temporary bridge, slated for completion in early November, will enhance access to the site, allowing for the transportation of equipment and additional resources.

#### Federal Support and Regulatory Adaptability

The recovery initiative has gained momentum thanks to the assistance from federal and state organizations. The North Carolina Department of Transportation and the federal Administration of Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) have played essential roles in re-establishing access to the plant. Furthermore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided temporary regulatory leniency, enabling Baxter to import IV fluids from international sources to help mitigate the shortage.

Health Secretary Xavier Becerra commended the advancement in a recent statement, emphasizing that the output from the revived line would be carefully monitored to guarantee the quality and safety of the products. “This recent development advances us another step closer to ensuring that partners and patients have access to the necessary quality supplies,” Becerra remarked.

#### Hospitals Battling Shortages

Despite the progress at the North Cove facility, hospitals nationwide are still contending with serious IV fluid shortages. A recent survey indicated that over 86 percent of healthcare providers have been impacted by the deficit, leading to delays in surgeries and procedures, as well as the adoption of conservation measures.

In response, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been collaborating closely with healthcare providers to offer guidance on managing the shortage. Some of the suggested strategies include:

– **Oral Hydration**: For patients not needing IV fluids, oral hydration solutions such as Gatorade or Pedialyte can serve as alternatives.
– **Minimizing Unnecessary Usage**: Hospitals are being urged to restrict IV fluid use to only the most critical situations.
– **Inventory Oversight**: Healthcare facilities are encouraged to revise how they store and distribute IV fluids to ensure efficient utilization of supplies.

Some hospitals have also faced the necessity to cancel or postpone elective surgeries due to the shortage, further placing stress on the healthcare system.

#### Future Outlook

While the recommencement of production at the North Cove facility represents a positive development, the journey to complete recovery remains lengthy. Baxter’s initiatives, along with federal backing and regulatory flexibility, are assisting in alleviating the effects of the shortage, yet healthcare providers must persist in implementing conservation techniques for the foreseeable future.

This scenario highlights the vulnerability of essential healthcare supply chains to natural calamities and other disturbances. As climate change heightens the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the healthcare industry may need to invest in more resilient infrastructure and diversified supply chains to avert similar crises in the future.

For the moment, the emphasis remains on reestablishing full production at the North Cove facility and ensuring that hospitals and clinics have access to the intravenous fluids essential for patient care.

“Starlink Enters National Radio Quiet Zone, Reportedly Limits Access for Some Users”

### Starlink’s Growth in the National Radio Quiet Zone: A Complex Issue

#### Introduction

Starlink, the satellite internet service from SpaceX, has broadened its network to include the National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ), an area in the United States with stringent restrictions on radio transmissions to safeguard essential scientific research. Following a multi-year engineering partnership with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO), Starlink is now accessible to 99.5% of the residents in the NRQZ. Nevertheless, this growth has generated debate, especially for the remaining 0.5% of residents who have lost access to Starlink’s Roam service, which had been their internet lifeline.

#### Starlink’s Introduction to the NRQZ

The NRQZ, covering sections of Virginia and West Virginia, houses vital scientific institutions such as the Green Bank Observatory and an NSA facility at Sugar Grove Station. Since 1958, there have been stringent regulations that limit radio transmissions in this zone to avoid interference with radio telescopes and other sensitive equipment. Consequently, residents have faced challenges with limited internet options, given the frequent unavailability or unreliability of traditional broadband and cellular services.

The introduction of Starlink in the NRQZ results from a near three-year engineering collaboration between SpaceX, the NSF, and the NRAO. The aim was to deliver high-speed satellite internet to most residents while ensuring minimal interference with the observatories. As of October 25, 2024, Starlink’s home internet service reaches 99.5% of the NRQZ’s population, marking a noteworthy advancement in reducing the digital divide in this remote area.

#### The Roam Issue

While the growth of Starlink’s home internet service is a positive change for many residents, it has unfortunately left a small yet significant fraction of the population without service. Specifically, 0.5% of residents who had utilized Starlink’s Roam service—intended for travelers and RV users—have seen their access revoked. According to the Pendleton County Office of Emergency Management, these residents depended on Roam for two years, and its abrupt discontinuation has left them without acceptable internet alternatives.

Rick Gillespie, the Emergency Services Coordinator for Pendleton County, voiced his frustration regarding the situation, asserting that “in many instances, Starlink was the sole internet provider available to residents and emergency responders.” He described the lack of coverage as “unacceptable,” especially in areas devoid of other internet options.

#### Consequences for Public Safety and Communication

The withdrawal of Starlink Roam coverage has ignited worries about public safety and emergency communications within the NRQZ. Gillespie has actively highlighted the struggles faced by local communities, characterizing the restrictions as keeping parts of Pendleton and Pocahontas counties “in the dark ages of communication systems.” He stressed that Starlink had been an essential resource for both residents and emergency personnel, and its absence has created a notable void in the region’s communication framework.

Local leaders are now advocating for alterations to the NRQZ regulations to facilitate more robust communication systems. Ten counties in West Virginia and one in Virginia have formally articulated their need for changes through resolutions and letters of support. Representing over 262,000 residents, these counties are urging either the dismantling of the NRQZ or waivers that would authorize the adoption of modern communication technologies, including satellite internet and cellular networks.

#### Starlink’s Technical Approaches to Minimize Interference

In addressing the concerns of the NRAO and other scientific organizations, SpaceX has adopted sophisticated technical solutions to lessen interference from its satellites. Starlink’s phased array antenna technology enables the network to dynamically direct beams away from radio telescopes, ensuring that scientific research remains undisturbed. This system relies on real-time data sharing between Starlink and the observatories, allowing satellites to modify their transmissions according to the telescopes’ observation schedules and pointing directions.

Starlink claims this beam-steering technology can redirect satellite signals in milliseconds, safeguarding the telescopes’ observations while providing constant internet service for users located near the observatories. This method has been effectively employed not only in the NRQZ but also at the NRAO’s Very Large Array in New Mexico.

#### Demands for Modification of NRQZ Regulations

Despite these technical advancements, local leaders contend that the NRQZ regulations are outdated and require reform. The Pendleton County Commission has demanded either the abolition of the quiet zone or the issuance of waivers for public safety communications and commercial services like Starlink. Their resolution emphasizes the financial strain placed by the NRQZ, noting that the limitations have compelled the county to construct more communication towers than would be necessary otherwise.

Additionally, the Pocahontas County Commission has passed a resolution advocating for waivers or federal funding to help alleviate the expenses associated with developing public safety communication systems.

Research Shows AI Systems Display Bias Toward Black and Female Resumes

### The Bias of AI in Résumé Screening: A Comprehensive Analysis of Language Models Favoring White and Male Candidates

In recent times, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a vital component of various sectors, especially in human resources (HR). AI-powered tools, particularly large language models (LLMs), are progressively being utilized to streamline processes such as résumé evaluation and candidate assessment. Nevertheless, an expanding array of research indicates that these AI systems may not be as unbiased as we desire. A recent study has uncovered that language models frequently display preferences, favoring white and male candidates over others, even when qualifications are the same.

#### The Study: Unearthing AI Bias in Résumé Screening

A new paper, showcased at the AAAI/ACM Conference on AI, Ethics, and Society, underscores the prevalence of bias in AI-based résumé screening. Researchers from the University of Washington executed a study utilizing three different Massive Text Embedding (MTE) models, all derived from the Mistal-7B large language model (LLM). These models were refined with various datasets to enhance their efficacy in activities such as document retrieval, classification, and clustering.

The researchers processed hundreds of publicly accessible résumés and job postings through these MTE models. Rather than depending on straightforward keyword matching, the models produced “embedded relevance scores” for each résumé and job description combination. This enabled the researchers to evaluate how closely each résumé aligned with the job description based on the model’s text comprehension.

To assess bias, the researchers initially ran the résumés through the models without any names attached. Subsequently, they repeated the experiment using names with high scores for racial and gender distinctiveness, indicating that the names were strongly linked to specific racial or gender categories. The objective was to observe whether the models favored certain names over others in the résumé evaluations.

#### The Results: A Distinct Pattern of Bias

The results of the study were alarming. Across more than three million résumé and job description evaluations, the MTE models consistently showed a preference for white and male names. Specifically:

– **White names were selected in 85.1% of the evaluations**, compared to only 8.6% for Black names. The remaining evaluations displayed negligible differences.
– **Male names were chosen in 51.9% of the evaluations**, while just 11.1% were for female names.
– In intersectional comparisons (considering both race and gender), **Black male names were never favored over white male names** across any of the bias evaluations.

These patterns were apparent across a variety of job descriptions, regardless of the typical racial or gender demographics of the roles in reality. This implies that the bias does not mirror societal trends but is instead a product of the models’ intrinsic preferences.

#### Why Does This Occur? The “Default” Dilemma

The researchers suspect that the bias arises from the models’ treatment of certain identities as the “default.” In this situation, the models appear to consider “masculine and White concepts” as the standard, with other identities regarded as anomalies. This presents a serious concern, as it indicates that the models are not evaluating candidates solely based on qualifications, but rather are affected by the names linked to those candidates.

The inclination towards white and male names was often minor in individual tests, with the “percentage difference in screening advantage” being around 5% or lower in the majority of instances. However, the persistent nature of the bias across millions of evaluations accumulates, possibly resulting in substantial discrepancies in hiring outcomes.

#### Real-World Consequences: AI Bias in Recruitment

The findings of this study are troubling, particularly given the growing dependence on AI in recruitment. While the biases displayed by the MTE models in this controlled study may not precisely reflect how AI tools function in practice, they spotlight a significant issue: AI systems are susceptible to bias. In fact, they frequently mirror the biases present in the data utilized for training.

This isn’t the first instance of AI bias in recruitment coming to the forefront. In 2018, Amazon was compelled to abandon an internal AI recruiting tool after it was discovered to favor male candidates. The tool had been trained on résumés sent to the company over a decade, most of which were submitted by men. Consequently, the AI learned to prefer male candidates, even penalizing résumés that contained the term “women’s” (e.g., “women’s chess club”).

#### The Urgency for Bias Mitigation in AI

As AI continues to assume a more prominent role in hiring and other decision-making processes, it is essential to tackle these biases. Some firms, such as Salesforce, have enacted thorough testing for bias and toxicity in their AI models prior to their deployment in production. These organizations also incorporate safeguards and controls to avert harmful outcomes.

Nevertheless, further efforts are required to ensure that AI systems are just and equitable. This encompasses not

New “Skeleton Crew” Preview Hints at Pirates and Secret Dangers

# **Star Wars: Skeleton Crew – An Adventure Inspired by The Goonies in a Distant Galaxy**

The universe of Star Wars is set to expand further with the forthcoming spinoff series, *Star Wars: Skeleton Crew*, scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on December 3, 2024. This eight-episode standalone show unfolds in the same timeline as *The Mandalorian* and *Ahsoka*, yet it introduces a fresh and adventurous perspective to the galaxy far, far away. Drawing inspiration from the beloved 1985 cult film *The Goonies*, *Skeleton Crew* is poised to offer a nostalgic yet exhilarating voyage, merging the charm of a coming-of-age tale with the grand scale of the Star Wars saga.

### **A Goonies-Inspired Adventure Within Star Wars**

Executive Producer Kathleen Kennedy, who also co-produced *The Goonies*, has acknowledged the film’s impact on *Skeleton Crew*. Similar to *The Goonies*, the series features a group of children who encounter a mysterious discovery and set off on an unforeseen journey. Nonetheless, unlike *The Goonies*, which depicts a treasure hunt in the real world, *Skeleton Crew* takes its young heroes on an adventure across the galaxy, filled with peril, excitement, and mystery.

While the series is not explicitly targeted at a young audience, it narrates a story of kids in extraordinary situations. This narrative approach enables it to appeal to a wider viewership, akin to *The Goonies*, which appealed to both children and adults.

### **The Plot: Adrift in Space**

The official synopsis of *Star Wars: Skeleton Crew* is as follows:

> “*Skeleton Crew* chronicles the adventure of four kids who discover something mysterious on their seemingly secure home planet, only to find themselves adrift in a strange and perilous galaxy, crossing paths with figures such as Jod Na Nawood, a mysterious character portrayed by Jude Law. Their quest to find their way home—and the unexpected allies and adversaries they meet—will prove to be a grander adventure than they ever anticipated.”

The series revolves around four young characters—Wim (portrayed by Ravi Cabot-Conyers), Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), KB (Kyriana Kratter), and Neil (Robert Timothy Smith)—who, after uncovering a mysterious find, become lost in the vastness of space. Throughout their journey, they meet Jod Na Nawood, a Force-user played by Jude Law, who acts as their mentor and guardian as they face the galaxy’s dangers.

### **The Cast and Their Roles**

Jude Law leads the ensemble as Jod Na Nawood, a clever and charismatic Force-user who aids the children on their quest. Law has described his character as both enigmatic and inventive, presenting a new spin on the classic Jedi archetype.

The youthful cast features:
– **Ravi Cabot-Conyers** as Wim, an inquisitive and adventurous boy.
– **Ryan Kiera Armstrong** as Fern, a bold and daring girl.
– **Kyriana Kratter** as KB, a tech-savvy and ingenious companion.
– **Robert Timothy Smith** as Neil, the group’s cautious yet valiant pilot.

In addition to the primary cast, *Skeleton Crew* showcases a plethora of captivating characters, including:
– **Nick Frost** lending his voice to SM 33, a droid and first mate of the spacecraft *Onyx Cylinder*.
– **Fred Tatasciore** as Brutus, a formidable foe.
– **Jaleel White** as Gunther, a mysterious individual.
– **Mike Estes** as Pax, a fellow wayfarer.
– **Marti Matulis** as Vane, a perilous pirate.
– **Dale Soules** as Chaelt, a clever ally.

Tunde Adebimpe and Kerry Condon are also expected to appear in unspecified roles, adding to the allure of the cast.

### **The Trailer: A Sneak Peek into the Journey**

The inaugural trailer for *Skeleton Crew* premiered at Disney’s annual D23 Expo in August 2024, providing a captivating preview of the series’ tone and narrative. The trailer begins with the youthful protagonists at school, gearing up for a test that could shape their futures. However, they feel restless and crave something far more thrilling than their monotonous lives. Their desire for adventure becomes reality when they uncover a hidden “lost Jedi temple” tucked away in the woods.

Before long, the children find themselves aboard a spaceship, soaring away from their home planet and losing their way in space’s immense expanse. The trailer, set to a rendition of David Bowie’s “Major Tom” sung in an alien Star Wars dialect, features the kids’ encounters with bizarre creatures, perilous pirates, and treacherous terrains.

One of the standout scenes in the trailer shows the group attempting to pay for food at a Star Wars-themed waystation using Old Republic credits, only to be met with an unexpected situation.

“Novel Tool Shows Distance Covered While Texting and Driving”

### The Significance of Staying Focused on the Road: An Insight into Distracted Driving

Maintaining focus on the road is crucial for driver safety.

Read More

Bats Employ Echolocation to Formulate Mental Maps for Navigation

**Bats and Echolocation: Sound-Driven Navigation in the Night**

Bats are intriguing animals, often connected to the night and their extraordinary talent for soaring through darkness without crashing into hurdles. This impressive ability is primarily due to echolocation, a biological sonar mechanism that enables bats to “visualize” their environment by producing sound waves and interpreting the echoes that return. Although echolocation is generally recognized as a short-range system for dodging barriers and capturing prey, recent studies indicate that bats may utilize this capability for more intricate tasks, including extensive navigation over several kilometers.

### Echolocation: Beyond Simple Obstacle Navigation

Various bat species depend on echolocation to identify nearby objects such as tree limbs or airborne insects. Nevertheless, a study conducted by scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany and Tel Aviv University in Israel has demonstrated that echolocation might also assist bats in navigating over long distances. This particular research concentrated on Kuhl’s pipistrelle bats, a diminutive species renowned for its exceptional echolocation skills but relatively poor vision.

The research team uncovered that these bats could construct elaborate “acoustic maps” of their surroundings by assembling thousands of sound signatures. These maps empowered the bats to traverse several kilometers, even when blindfolded. This discovery challenges the conventional perspective of echolocation as merely a short-range tool and implies that bats might use it to orient themselves across considerably larger spaces.

### The Experiment: Bats in a Sensory Deprivation Scenario

To investigate how bats utilize echolocation for navigation, the research team carried out an experiment featuring 76 Kuhl’s pipistrelle bats. The bats were categorized into four groups, each experiencing different degrees of sensory deprivation:

1. **Group 1:** Bats with all senses functional.
2. **Group 2:** Blindfolded bats.
3. **Group 3:** Bats deprived of vision and smell.
4. **Group 4:** Bats deprived of vision, smell, and the perception of Earth’s magnetic field (achieved by attaching magnets to them).

All bats were fitted with radio tags to monitor their movements in real-time. They were subsequently released several kilometers from their shelters in an open area. The objective was to determine whether the bats could return home relying solely on echolocation.

In a surprising turn of events, all the bats, irrespective of the sensory deprivation they experienced, managed to navigate back to their shelters. They spent a few moments flying around to reorient themselves before returning home. This indicates that echolocation was a crucial factor in their navigation. However, the researchers could not unequivocally determine echolocation as the only navigational method since the bats did not attempt to fly when they were unable to echolocate.

### Sound Mapping the Landscape

To deepen the understanding of how bats might employ echolocation for large-scale navigation, the researchers generated a detailed 3D representation of the Hula Valley in Israel, the site of the experiment. By utilizing Lidar technology (a technique that employs laser light for distance measurement), they scanned the valley’s landscape and simulated the echoes that bats would perceive while flying through the area.

The researchers segmented the valley into spatial units and analyzed the complexity of the echoes within each section. Areas with intricate terrain features, like orchards and riverbanks, yielded higher “echoic entropy,” while simpler zones, such as open fields, had lower echoic entropy. This enabled the researchers to construct a model of how the environment might “sound” to a bat employing echolocation.

By juxtaposing the bats’ flight trajectories with the echoic entropy of the landscape, the researchers concluded that the bats likely utilized distinctive landmarks, such as orchards, for navigation. Upon recognizing a familiar landmark, the bats adjusted their flight paths accordingly, even if the landmark was beyond the immediate range of their echolocation.

### Cognitive Acoustic Maps: A New Perspective on Bat Navigation

The results of this study imply that bats might use “cognitive acoustic maps” for navigation. These maps allow bats to retain the locations of specific landmarks and use them for orientation over extended distances. The bats in the research did not fly in straight paths but exhibited slight meandering, particularly those with greater levels of sensory deprivation. This wandering could be attributed to the limitations of echolocation, which has a relatively limited range. Yet, the bats were still capable of returning home by identifying familiar landmarks and modifying their routes accordingly.

The researchers contend that this behavior transcends basic beaconing, wherein an animal focuses on a distant object and moves toward it. Instead, the bats seemed to possess a mental representation of the surroundings, enabling them to navigate even when some landmarks were beyond range.

### Future Research: Expanding Insights into Bat Navigation

While this study sheds light on how bats leverage echolocation for navigation, it also prompts numerous inquiries. For instance, how do other bat species orient themselves in

Charger Recall Intensifies Challenges for Humane’s Controversial AI Pin

# Humane’s Ai Pin Encounters Challenges Following Recall of Charging Accessory

Humane, the startup located in San Francisco behind the Ai Pin, is facing another obstacle as it recalls the portable charging case for its wearable device. The recall, announced on Thursday, is prompted by overheating concerns regarding the Charge Case Accessory, adding to the mounting difficulties the company has experienced since the Ai Pin’s launch in April 2024.

## The Ai Pin: An Ambitious Concept with a Troublesome Launch

The Ai Pin was launched as an innovative wearable aimed at replacing smartphones. It incorporates an integrated camera, speaker, AI voice assistant, and a laser projector, all designed as a lapel pin. However, despite the grand vision, the Ai Pin has struggled to resonate with consumers.

Initially priced at $700, the Ai Pin’s cost was reduced to $500 in June, likely as a response to lackluster sales and unfavorable reviews. Additionally, the device requires a $24 monthly subscription, compounding its overall cost. Despite assertions that it could serve as a smartphone substitute, initial reviews were predominantly negative. Tech reviewer Marques Brownlee infamously labeled the Ai Pin “The Worst Product I’ve Ever Reviewed,” a viewpoint echoed by numerous others.

The Ai Pin does not possess a conventional screen or app support, and its dependence on voice commands and a laser projector has faced criticism for being impractical in numerous everyday situations. Users have raised concerns over the wearable’s limited functionality, alongside ongoing issues with battery life and performance.

## The Recall: Concerns Over Overheating

Humane’s most recent setback consists of a recall for the Ai Pin’s Charge Case Accessory, sold separately from the main device. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) noted that the Charge Case Accessory’s lithium polymer battery has the potential to overheat, creating a fire hazard. One user reported that the accessory melted while in use, leading to the recall. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or property damage.

Humane first became aware of the overheating issue in June 2024, subsequently advising users to stop utilizing the Charge Case Accessory. The recall impacts around 10,500 units sold between November 2023 and May 2024.

In their statement, Humane attributed the overheating issue to specific battery cells provided by a third-party vendor. The company clarified that the concern is limited to the battery cells and not associated with the overall design of the Charge Case Accessory. Humane has since cut ties with the vendor and is in search of a new source.

Customers affected by the recall can receive a refund of up to $149 or a replacement, although replacements may take three to six months to become available. In the interim, Humane has advised users to dispose of their Charge Case Accessories responsibly, avoiding regular trash or basic battery recycling options.

## A Challenging Product Introduction

The recall represents just the latest trial for Humane and its Ai Pin. The product’s launch was overshadowed by numerous complaints, including difficulties with the pin’s attachment to clothing, slow responsiveness from the voice assistant, and the laser projector’s limited efficacy in bright settings. Battery life has also emerged as a significant issue, with many users reporting that the device fails to last a full day of use.

Reports indicate that Humane’s founders, both former Apple executives, disregarded internal warnings regarding the product’s flaws. A report from *The New York Times* revealed that the company even dismissed an engineer who expressed concerns about the Ai Pin’s feasibility.

By June 2024, merely two months after the Ai Pin’s launch, Humane reportedly sought to sell itself for between $750 million and $1 billion. The company has also contended with a substantial return issue, with reports suggesting that more Ai Pins have been returned than sold. As of August 2024, only 7,000 Ai Pins had not been returned, according to *The Verge*.

## The Future of Humane: A Move Towards Software?

With the Ai Pin struggling in the marketplace, Humane is attempting to broaden its horizons. On Friday, the organization revealed plans to enhance its software development kit (SDK) and license its CosmOS operating system to third-party developers. This strategic move indicates that Humane may be shifting its attention from hardware to software as a means of survival.

The CosmOS operating system, which underpins the Ai Pin, might be utilized in other AI-driven devices, enabling Humane to explore new revenue opportunities. However, whether this shift will suffice to secure the company’s future remains uncertain.

## Conclusion: A Lengthy Road Ahead

The recall of the Ai Pin’s Charge Case Accessory represents another setback for Humane, a company that has already encountered considerable obstacles in launching its ambitious product. With negative critiques, disappointing sales figures, and an expanding list of technical problems, the Ai Pin’s prospects appear bleak.

While Humane’s pivot toward software development could potentially provide a crucial boost,

Apple Unveils Purchase of Image Editing Software Firm Pixelmator

# Apple Purchases Pixelmator: What Lies Ahead for One of the Few One-Time Payment Photoshop Alternatives?

In a pivotal decision that might transform the creative software arena, Apple has revealed its acquisition of **Pixelmator**, the Lithuania-based firm celebrated for its widely used photo editing applications. This acquisition, awaiting regulatory approval, has sparked discussions about the future of Pixelmator’s applications, which have consistently been a favorite among creatives due to their one-time payment structure—an increasingly uncommon substitute for Adobe’s subscription-centric Photoshop.

## The Acquisition: Current Insights

Founded 17 years ago, Pixelmator has confirmed the acquisition via a blog entry, announcing that its team will integrate into Apple. The company has reassured its users that there will be “no material changes to the Pixelmator Pro, Pixelmator for iOS, and Photomator apps at this moment,” while hinting at “exciting updates ahead.” However, specifics regarding the acquisition, including the financial details, remain undisclosed.

The Pixelmator team shared their enthusiasm about the acquisition, emphasizing that they have always found inspiration in Apple. “We’ve been inspired by Apple since day one, crafting our products with the same razor-sharp focus on design, ease of use, and performance,” the company remarked. They also underscored the opportunity to reach a wider audience and create a greater influence on the creative community.

## Pixelmator: A Distinctive Alternative to Adobe’s Subscription Approach

Pixelmator has successfully established itself as a robust yet cost-effective option to Adobe’s Photoshop. In contrast to Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite, which utilizes a subscription model, Pixelmator’s products can be purchased with a one-time fee. This has made it a favored choice among hobbyists, freelancers, and small enterprises that prefer to avoid ongoing subscriptions.

Pixelmator Pro, the flagship offering, has received consistent updates featuring new functionalities, including AI and machine learning for photo modifications, vector editing features, and RAW photo format support. Users have lauded the app for its user-friendly interface, powerful capabilities, and seamless compatibility with macOS and iOS.

Nevertheless, with Apple’s acquisition, some users are apprehensive that Pixelmator might ultimately be integrated into Apple’s ecosystem, risking its identity as an independent product. Apple has a track record of acquiring applications and either blending them into its software portfolio or discontinuing them entirely.

## An Overview of Apple’s Acquisition History

Apple’s history with software acquisitions presents a mix of outcomes. For example, following the acquisition of the popular weather app **Dark Sky** in 2020, Apple eventually discontinued the app for Android and iOS users, merging its functionalities into the native Apple Weather app. Similarly, the purchase of **Workflow**, an iOS automation tool, resulted in the launch of Apple’s **Shortcuts** app, which has evolved into a powerful tool for automating processes on iPhones and iPads.

Conversely, some acquisitions have led to standalone products that continue to flourish. **Final Cut Pro** and **Logic Pro**, both taken over by Apple, remain available as independent applications, serving professional video editors and musicians, respectively.

Considering this background, it remains uncertain whether Pixelmator will persist as a standalone product or be assimilated into Apple’s existing array of creative tools, such as **Photos** or **iMovie**.

## Regulatory Challenges: Will the Acquisition Proceed?

While the acquisition appears to be a logical fit for Apple, it may undergo regulatory examination, especially in Europe. In recent times, technology giants have faced growing opposition from regulators concerning monopolistic tendencies and market consolidation.

For instance, Adobe recently had to abandon its $20 billion acquisition of design software company **Figma** after UK and European Union regulators expressed disapproval of the transaction. Similarly, **Amazon**’s attempted acquisition of **iRobot**, the creator of Roomba, encountered resistance from European regulators. Even **Microsoft**’s $69 billion purchase of **Activision Blizzard** faced considerable obstacles before receiving final approval.

Given the increasing examination of technology mergers, it is conceivable that Apple’s acquisition of Pixelmator may face similar hurdles, particularly if regulators perceive potential competition suppression in the creative software domain.

## Implications for Pixelmator Users

Currently, Pixelmator users can keep using the applications without any immediate alterations. However, the long-term trajectory of the software remains ambiguous. Will Apple uphold Pixelmator as a standalone offering with its current pricing structure, or will it eventually be incorporated into Apple’s ecosystem, potentially transitioning to a subscription model?

Pixelmator’s dedicated user community likely hopes for the former, as the app’s one-time payment model has been a significant selling point. Nevertheless, considering Apple’s pattern of assimilating acquired software into its ecosystem, users should “stay tuned” for possible changes in the upcoming years.

## Conclusion: A New Era for Pixelmator

The acquisition of Pixelmator by

Microsoft Delays Launch of Windows 11 Recall Function Again

# Microsoft Strives to Ensure Recall is “Secure and Trusted” Following Security Issues

During the summer of 2024, Microsoft launched its **Copilot+ AI PC initiative**, a collection of capabilities aimed at boosting user productivity and optimizing PC operation. A notable element of this initiative was **Recall**, which tracks months of a user’s PC activities, including a chronological series of screenshots and a searchable text database. Recall aimed to assist users in recollecting their previous actions and quickly finding information. Nevertheless, the feature soon attracted controversy due to considerable security issues.

## The Initial Security Vulnerabilities

Upon its debut in preliminary versions of Windows, Recall encountered immediate criticism. The feature stored all information in **plaintext**, rendering it readily accessible to other users on the same device or to malicious applications. This weakness raised red flags about the potential exposure of sensitive user information, encompassing personal data, work files, and browsing history.

The security shortcomings were so critical that Microsoft was compelled to postpone the official launch of Recall, originally scheduled for the summer of 2024. The company recognized the problems and committed to reworking the feature to resolve the concerns.

## Microsoft’s Reaction and Security Redesign

In light of the widespread feedback, Microsoft initiated measures to revamp Recall’s security framework. In **September 2024**, the company outlined the new security protocols it was implementing to safeguard user data. These encompassed:

1. **Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)**: VBS is a Windows feature that utilizes hardware virtualization to develop isolated settings for sensitive information. By exploiting VBS, Microsoft intended to ensure that the data gathered by Recall would be maintained in a more secure, segregated area, complicating access for unauthorized users or malware.

2. **Windows Hello Authentication**: Recall would also necessitate users to confirm their identity via **Windows Hello**, a biometric authentication mechanism that employs facial recognition, fingerprints, or PINs. This provided an additional security layer, guaranteeing that only the authorized user could access Recall’s database.

3. **Opt-in by Default**: Microsoft underscored that Recall would be an **opt-in** feature, signifying that users would need to deliberately choose to activate it. This approach was designed to grant users more control over their data and to avoid the automatic collection of information from individuals who may prefer not to engage with the feature.

4. **Complete Removability**: For those who choose to discontinue using Recall, Microsoft assured that the feature would be entirely removable, allowing users to erase all collected information and fully disable the feature.

## A Further Delay in Deployment

Despite the enhancements in security, Microsoft has once more postponed the rollout of Recall. The company initially aimed to provide a preview version of the feature to **Windows Insider Program** testers in **October 2024**. However, as of **November 2024**, Microsoft confirmed that the preview will now be postponed until **December 2024**.

In a statement released to **The Verge**, **Brandon LeBlanc**, Senior Program Manager for the Windows Insider Program, remarked, “We are dedicated to presenting a secure and trusted experience with Recall. To guarantee we fulfill these critical updates, we’re taking more time to refine the experience prior to previewing it with Windows Insiders.”

LeBlanc did not disclose more details regarding the reasons for the delay or any extra security provisions being instituted. Nonetheless, the company remains committed to ensuring that Recall adheres to the highest standards of security and privacy ahead of its public release.

## Prerequisites for Using Recall

When Recall is finally made available, it will be exclusive to **Copilot+ PCs**, which are specifically crafted to support advanced AI features that standard Windows 11 PCs cannot offer. To utilize Recall, a PC must fulfill the following hardware specifications:

– **Minimum 16GB of RAM**
– **256GB of storage**
– A **Neural Processing Unit (NPU)** able to execute at least **40 trillion operations per second (TOPS)**

Furthermore, users will be required to enroll their PCs in the **Windows Insider Program** to gain access to the Recall preview. Currently, there is no timeline for when Recall will be accessible for non-Insider PCs, although speculation suggests that its widespread release may not occur until **2025**.

## Looking Forward

As Microsoft works to enhance Recall, the company faces the challenge of melding innovation with user privacy and security considerations. While the feature possesses the potential to serve as a formidable productivity tool, its initial security flaws have rendered many users cautious. Microsoft’s dedication to refining the feature and postponing its launch to tackle concerns is a positive stride, yet the company must prove its ability to deliver a **”secure and trusted”** experience.

For the time being, users eager for Recall will have to wait until **December 2024** for the next preview release, and it

Experts Caution About Rising Trend: Dentists Extracting Healthy Teeth to Advocate Costly Implants

# The Surge of Dental Implants: Are They Always Essential?

Recently, dental implants have gained traction as a favored option for those aiming to substitute lost or damaged teeth. The promise of achieving a flawless smile, often touted by establishments such as ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers, has persuaded numerous patients to choose implants, sometimes sacrificing the preservation of their natural teeth. Yet, as the sector expands, so do worries regarding the excessive application of implants and the associated risks.

## The Attraction of Dental Implants

Having been in use for over 50 years, dental implants provide a means for patients to replace missing or damaged teeth with artificial counterparts. The procedure generally requires the placement of a titanium post into the jawbone, serving as a root for a prosthetic tooth or crown. For those facing significant tooth loss or damage, implants can transform lives, reinstating not only their chewing ability but also their self-esteem.

Companies like ClearChoice have seized this opportunity, marketing their ability to deliver a “new smile in as little as one day.” For individuals such as Becky Carroll, who felt self-conscious about her discolored and misaligned teeth, the appeal of a swift and lasting remedy was compelling. Carroll, similar to many others, chose full-arch implants, substituting all her upper teeth with prosthetic versions.

Unfortunately, Carroll’s experience diverged significantly from the outcome she envisioned. In a legal action, she claimed that her anesthesia faded during the procedure, leaving her aware as screws were inserted into her jaw. Moreover, her prosthetic teeth were so misaligned that she struggled to chew properly for over two years. Carroll’s case is not isolated, as numerous lawsuits nationwide have unveiled parallel issues and apprehensions.

## The Expanding Industry and Associated Concerns

The dental implant sector has experienced swift expansion, with over 3.7 million implants sold in the U.S. in 2022 alone. Countless dental practitioners now provide the surgery, and private equity firms have poured billions into dental chains that focus on implants. However, amidst this surge, some professionals are sounding the alarm regarding the overreliance on implants and unnecessary extractions.

A lengthy investigation by KFF Health News and CBS News uncovered that many dentists might be hasty in suggesting implants, even when it’s feasible to save natural teeth. In discussions, 10 dental experts shared worries that some dentists preferred implants over more conservative options like root canals or crowns. These experts cautioned that unnecessary tooth removals put patients at risk of surgery complications and future dental issues.

William Giannobile, dean of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, pointed out that numerous dentists are driven by the financial incentives tied to implants, which can yield more profit than conventional dental care. “It pains me to say this, but many are pursuing it because these procedures are, in monetary terms, far more advantageous to the practitioner,” Giannobile stated.

## The Hazards of Implants

While implants can yield remarkable results, they come with inherent risks. Unlike natural teeth, implants can be prone to infections in the gums and bone, necessitating ongoing upkeep. George Mandelaris, a periodontist and member of the American Academy of Periodontology Board of Trustees, warned that when implants fail, they may deteriorate significantly faster than natural teeth.

“If an implant faces infection, or if there is bone loss, an implant can fail much more rapidly than teeth can,” Mandelaris elaborated.

Furthermore, full-arch implants, which replace all teeth in either the upper or lower jaw, may pose unique challenges if they fail. Patients may find themselves without sufficient jawbone to support additional implants, leaving them with limited treatment options.

## The Influence of Private Equity in Implant Dentistry

The influx of private equity investments in dental chains has further muddied the waters of implant dentistry. Private equity firms have acquired large dental organizations such as ClearChoice, Aspen Dental, and Affordable Care, which now oversee numerous clinics nationwide. While these companies assert that clinical decisions are made by dentists rather than investors, some experts express concern that profit maximization pressures could result in overtreatment.

Edwin Zinman, a dental malpractice lawyer and former periodontist, contended that private equity ownership has caused a rise in unnecessary and poorly performed implant surgeries. “They’ve sold numerous