AirPods Pro is expected to introduce a "hearing aid mode" with the upcoming iOS 18 release later this year, as reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. This feature, previously speculated in 2021, aims to cater to users with hearing impairments, though it should be noted that AirPods Pro are not classified as hearing aids by the FDA, requiring regulatory approval for such designation. Apple's innovation comes alongside the introduction of over-the-counter Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs), which amplify sounds for non-hearing impaired users, indicating a potential shift in how tech can aid hearing without the stringent regulations tied to medical devices. The exact details of how Apple will navigate FDA requirements for this feature remain unclear, including whether it will be marked explicitly as a tool for those with impaired hearing.

Gurman: AirPods Pro to Gain 'Hearing Aid Mode' in iOS 18 MacRumors

The cyberattack on Change Healthcare has inflicted severe disruptions on the U.S. healthcare system, with industry officials and analysts estimating the cost to health providers at up to $1 billion daily. This significant financial strain is expected to impact first-quarter earnings negatively, highlighting the critical role of Change's third-party payment systems, which are utilized by approximately half of the U.S. healthcare sector. Despite efforts to restore these systems, the process is complex, involving extensive manual workarounds and additional administrative tasks for hospitals, pharmacies, doctors, and medical equipment vendors. The situation has led to a considerable loss in revenue since February 21, when the cyberattack initially took systems offline. With federal officials stepping in to provide emergency funds and calls for UnitedHealth to assist, the sector faces a challenging period of recovery, complicated further by potential delays in payments and the likelihood of unrecovered funds due to administrative errors.

Health care providers losing up to $1B a day from cyberattack Axios

In the article "The Self-Driving Car Bubble Has Popped" by John Herrman for Intelligencer, the focus is on Apple's discontinuation of its nearly decade-long endeavor to develop a self-driving car, known internally as Project Titan. Despite the recruitment of industry veterans and significant financial investment, the project was hindered by numerous challenges, including technological limitations and changing market dynamics, leading to its abrupt end. The broader context reveals a cooling enthusiasm for autonomous vehicles across the industry, marked by overoptimistic forecasts, high-profile failures, and a reevaluation of goals toward more achievable driving-assistance technologies. This shift underscores the complex realities facing the pursuit of fully autonomous vehicles, as companies grapple with both the technical and practical obstacles ahead.

Apple, Tesla, and the Dying Dream of Self-Driving Cars New York Magazine Intelligencer

On March 11, 2024, a coalition comprising Microsoft, 16 health systems, and various health technology organizations announced the formation of the Trustworthy & Responsible AI Network (TRAIN). This initiative aims to establish and promote best practices and standards for responsible AI application in healthcare. TRAIN seeks to enhance patient care and safety by fostering trust in AI technologies, which are increasingly used for patient screening and administrative tasks. The network will focus on sharing AI best practices, creating a secure online portal for registering clinical AI, developing a national AI outcomes registry, and providing tools for measuring AI effectiveness in diverse populations. This collaboration builds on principles from the Coalition for Health AI (CHAI) and includes notable health systems and tech providers committed to ensuring equitable access to TRAIN's resources for organizations of all sizes.

HIMSS24: Microsoft, 16 health systems to operationalize AI under new partner network Fierce Healthcare