CCSI joins MEDITECH Alliance Program as perinatal tech leader

Strategic Collaboration Between CCSI and MEDITECH Alliance Program

Clinical Computer Systems (CCSI), a leading US-based provider of perinatal software, has recently become a collaborator within the MEDITECH Alliance Program. This partnership marks a significant step in enhancing the integration of perinatal care solutions with broader electronic health record (EHR) systems.

The MEDITECH Alliance is an ecosystem that brings together partner organizations offering interoperable solutions. These solutions are designed to complement, enhance, or extend the capabilities of the MEDITECH Expanse EHR platform. By joining this alliance, CCSI aims to contribute its expertise in perinatal data systems to improve clinical workflows and patient outcomes across healthcare facilities.

Focus on OBIX Perinatal Data System Integration

The latest collaboration between CCSI and MEDITECH centers around integrating the OBIX Perinatal Data System with the MEDITECH Expanse platform. This initiative is focused on optimizing labor and delivery workflows, ultimately leading to better patient care. Since 2016, the two companies have been working together to develop interfaces that support an integrated perinatal medical record. Their joint efforts aim to improve hospitals’ clinical workflows and interoperability strategies.

OBIX is an advanced electronic foetal monitoring solution that offers a range of features, including bedside, central, and remote monitoring. It also provides point-of-care charting, archiving, and single-click management reports. The system’s decision support tools assist clinicians in promoting patient safety and improving clinical practices by leveraging current technology tailored for various environments.

Benefits of the Partnership

Stephanie Goetz, senior vice president at CCSI, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are excited to continue our work with MEDITECH to integrate the OBIX system with MEDITECH Expanse, providing hospitals with a strategic perinatal solution and a single patient medical record.” She emphasized that the partnership will enable healthcare providers to access relevant data quickly and easily, which can enhance the quality of care and improve patient outcomes.

This collaboration is expected to drive progress in electronic foetal monitoring and perinatal care. By combining their resources and expertise, CCSI and MEDITECH are working toward creating more efficient and effective healthcare solutions.

About CCSI

Based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, CCSI has been specializing in the development of perinatal systems since 1996. Over the years, the company has built a reputation for innovation and reliability in the field of perinatal technology. Its commitment to advancing perinatal care aligns well with the goals of the MEDITECH Alliance Program.

Ongoing Commitment to Innovation

CCSI remains dedicated to its collaboration with MEDITECH, aiming to continue driving advancements in perinatal care. The integration of OBIX with MEDITECH Expanse represents a key milestone in this ongoing effort. As healthcare continues to evolve, such partnerships play a crucial role in ensuring that medical professionals have access to the most up-to-date tools and technologies.

By fostering these kinds of collaborations, CCSI and MEDITECH are helping to shape the future of perinatal care. Their combined efforts not only improve clinical workflows but also contribute to better patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality.

Retro Tech Revival: Why Junk is the New Punk

The Nostalgia of Retro Tech

In 2025, the world witnessed a surprising trend in the music industry. Taylor Swift released her latest mega-album, "Life of a Showgirl," not just on digital and vinyl but also on cassette tape. This choice might seem odd to many, given that cassettes are largely considered outdated. However, this move highlights a growing interest in retro technology. Despite the challenges of tape tangling and the need for endless rewinding, there is a strong appeal to these older formats.

This resurgence of interest in vintage tech is not limited to music. Many consumers are showing a renewed passion for old computers, consoles, cameras, and audio equipment. Companies have started rebooting classic devices like the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum, responding to a demand that has grown significantly over the years.

A recent survey by Smart Energy GB in the UK revealed that one in four people still keep cassette tapes and old MP3 players, while one in five still hold onto VHS tapes. TVs with Teletext also remain popular among some. A third of people even use these technologies occasionally, showing that nostalgia isn't just a passing trend.

Luke Malpass, owner of Retrosix, stumbled into the retro tech scene by accident. Starting as a software engineer, he began fixing old computers as a hobby. His journey led him to modify Game Boy shells, which eventually evolved into creating what he calls "prestige Game Boys." These modified devices retain the original CPU and motherboard but feature modern upgrades, making them more functional and appealing to today's users.

Malpass now builds and modifies old systems, offering custom designs and even constructing Amiga 1200s from scratch. He runs a forum to help others learn how to mod old systems, emphasizing the importance of community and accessibility.

Steve Vincent, who runs the VintNerd YouTube channel, notes that advancements in 3D printing, online forums, and affordable single-board computers have made it easier for enthusiasts to modify old tech. "If you're an enthusiast and you have an itch to make something happen, you can make it happen now," he says.

For many, the appeal of retro tech lies in its nostalgic value. Michele Diederich, a communications director and Vintage Computer Festival organizer, explains that it's about reconnecting with simpler times and core memories. However, it's not just older generations that are drawn to this trend. Younger individuals, aged 18 to 25, are also embracing retro tech, even if they didn't experience the original era.

Despite the positive aspects, there are concerns about the commercialization of retro trends. Grafton Tanner, a US-based author, warns that as retro tech becomes more popular, it risks becoming elitist. The vinyl record revival is a prime example, where prices have skyrocketed, making it less accessible to younger audiences.

Adam Fuerst, co-owner of Retrospekt, which refurbishes old instant film cameras, faces similar challenges. While the Y2K digital cameras are fun to use, their prices have become prohibitive. Fuerst strives to keep his business grounded by making retro gear affordable and functional. His team breaks down old equipment, reusing components to build new units.

Creating new cases for these refurbished devices is a challenge, as many original cases are beyond repair. Fuerst wants to maintain the original style, which requires precise manufacturing processes. Despite the difficulties, he remains committed to his passion.

The durability of older technology is another significant factor. Malpass points out that many consoles from the 70s and 80s are still functioning. Unlike modern devices, which often have short lifespans, older tech was built to last. This longevity, combined with the ease of repair, makes retro tech appealing.

Fuerst adds that modern PCBs are complex and difficult to repair, whereas older boards are simpler and more accessible. This simplicity allows for greater customization and adaptability.

As the past continues to influence the present, the future of retro tech looks promising. Modding ensures that these technologies remain relevant and adaptable. However, as modern technology becomes increasingly uniform and corporate, there is a question of whether it will hold the same nostalgic value in the future.

In the end, the appeal of retro tech lies in its ability to connect people with their past, offering a sense of history and character that modern devices often lack. Whether it's a cassette tape or a vintage console, these technologies continue to resonate with those who appreciate their unique qualities.

Samsung Could Redesign Galaxy S26 Ultra for Easier One-Handed Use

New Rumors Suggest Galaxy S26 Ultra Will Have a More Comfortable Design

Recent speculation suggests that the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra may be designed with improved ergonomics in mind. This information comes from a well-known industry insider, Ice Universe, who is often credited with accurate leaks about upcoming devices.

According to the rumor, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could feature more rounded corners, making it easier to hold and use. While the tipster hasn’t explicitly confirmed this detail, many believe this is the intended meaning behind his comments. The shift toward rounded edges would mark a departure from the sharp, angular design of previous models, such as the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Smartphones with sharp corners can feel bulkier in the hand, and they may even cause discomfort during extended use. Rounded corners, on the other hand, are generally considered more comfortable, especially for users who frequently hold their phones for long periods. However, opinions on this design change are divided, with some users preferring the sleek look of sharp edges.

Despite the potential changes to the corners, there are indications that Samsung may keep the front, back, and sides of the device flat. This approach would align with current trends in the smartphone industry, where most flagship models use flat frames combined with slightly rounded corners. This design choice not only enhances aesthetics but also improves usability.

It’s worth noting that while the corners might become more rounded, the overall structure of the phone is unlikely to change drastically. Samsung typically introduces incremental improvements rather than complete overhauls. Maintaining a flat front and back would ensure compatibility with existing accessories, such as cases and screen protectors.

The Galaxy S26 Ultra is expected to launch in January of next year, alongside other models like the Galaxy S26 Pro and Galaxy S26 Edge. These devices are likely to follow similar design principles, with a focus on user comfort and modern aesthetics.

In addition to the potential design changes, there are also rumors suggesting that the Galaxy S26 Ultra could come with an upgraded S Pen stylus. Some reports even claim that this might be the last Samsung smartphone to include the stylus, though these details remain unconfirmed.

While these rumors are intriguing, it’s important to approach them with caution. Until official announcements are made, much of what is being discussed remains speculative. However, if true, the Galaxy S26 Ultra could represent a significant step forward in terms of user experience and design.

Overall, the potential redesign of the Galaxy S26 Ultra highlights Samsung’s ongoing efforts to balance form and function. Whether the company will go ahead with these changes remains to be seen, but the possibility of a more palm-friendly design is certainly something to watch for in the coming months.

Top 5 AI Stocks for Long-Term Investors to Consider

Key Points

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming the main driver of growth across the technology sector. As AI continues to develop and top tech companies invest heavily in the technology, it could be a smart move to consider investing in leading AI companies.

Here are five AI stocks that appear well-positioned for long-term growth:

1. Nvidia

Nvidia has become a central figure in the AI boom, and for good reason. Its graphics processing units (GPUs) are essential for training AI models and running inference workloads, making it a clear winner as demand for computing power increases.

Nvidia's data center revenue has grown significantly over the past few years, driven by cloud providers and enterprises building AI infrastructure. The company has also created a strong moat through its CUDA software platform and networking assets.

While growth rates may eventually slow, Nvidia's position in AI infrastructure looks secure. The company continues to expand its product portfolio, which puts it in a strong position to maintain robust earnings power for years to come.

2. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)

Advanced Micro Devices has positioned itself as a primary challenger to Nvidia in the GPU market. The company has made notable progress in the inference market, which is expected to grow significantly in the future.

Beyond GPUs, AMD's EPYC server central processing units (CPUs) continue to gain share in data centers. While the CPU server market isn't as large as the GPU market, it is still an important and growing segment.

AMD doesn't need to take significant market share from Nvidia to be a winner. With the growth of the AI infrastructure market, even a small increase in market share can lead to substantial growth in the coming years.

3. Microsoft

Microsoft was one of the first major tech companies to embrace AI through its investment and partnership with OpenAI. This partnership has allowed the company to integrate AI tools into its productivity suite, including Word, Excel, and Teams. These tools are now helping drive revenue growth as enterprise customers adopt AI assistant copilots more widely.

At the same time, Microsoft's cloud computing unit, Azure, has been gaining market share as companies use its infrastructure and AI services to train and deploy AI models. Although capacity remains constrained, Microsoft's strong balance sheet and consistent cash flow generation give it the flexibility to continue investing in AI infrastructure to meet growing demand.

With AI driving growth across all its business units, Microsoft appears to be a clear long-term AI winner.

4. Alphabet

Rather than being disrupted by AI, Alphabet has found ways to benefit from it. Google Search continues to see advantages from AI enhancements, such as AI Overviews, which are used by billions of people each month. The company recently launched its new AI Mode globally, expanding beyond simple text searches with tools like Google Lens and Circle to Search.

Google Cloud is another key growth driver, with its Gemini AI model helping it attract enterprise customers. Alphabet has also developed its own custom AI chips, providing an edge in optimizing performance and reducing costs. Like Microsoft, the company is investing heavily in AI infrastructure to keep up with rising demand.

Alphabet is also a leader in autonomous driving with its Waymo robotaxi business and in quantum computing with its Willow chip. Between its market-leading businesses and emerging opportunities, Alphabet is a strong AI stock to consider.

5. Meta Platforms

Meta Platforms has fully committed to AI, using it to boost user engagement on Facebook and Instagram. The company is leveraging AI to improve recommendation algorithms, leading users to spend more time on its platforms.

In addition, Meta has introduced generative AI tools for advertisers, offering new ways to customize campaigns and target potential customers. This has led to increased ad inventory and higher ad prices.

However, Meta's AI strategy goes beyond advertising. The company has hired top AI talent at its Superintelligence Labs division and is restructuring the unit to focus on four areas: AI research, developing superintelligence, building and deploying AI tools, and data center infrastructure.

With its willingness to invest heavily in AI, Meta looks well-positioned to become a long-term AI winner.

Tulasi Naga Subhash Polineni: Transforming Retail with Machine Learning

The Role of Machine Learning in Modern Retail

Tulasi Naga Subhash Polineni is a highly experienced Oracle Cloud Integration Specialist with over 11 years of expertise in applying advanced knowledge of OIC, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, and middleware frameworks to solve complex challenges in omnichannel retail. His work highlights the transformative potential of machine learning in enhancing customer experiences, streamlining transactions, and fostering loyalty across various industries such as retail, healthcare, and financial services.

Machine Learning in Omnichannel Retail

Polineni’s research explores how machine learning integrates into omnichannel retail to reshape customer engagement and improve operational efficiency. He emphasizes the use of techniques like supervised and unsupervised learning, clustering, and predictive analytics to analyze customer behavior. These methods allow retailers to predict customer preferences, offer personalized shopping experiences, and optimize inventory and pricing strategies.

Another significant innovation discussed in his work is Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) analytics. ML models can forecast the long-term profitability of customers, enabling retailers to design targeted loyalty programs and promotional strategies. Real-time segmentation of CLV insights helps retailers provide personalized services, leading to increased customer satisfaction and higher revenue.

Personalization: A Key Element of Customer Experience

According to Polineni, personalization plays a crucial role in today's retail landscape. With the help of machine learning, retailers can analyze data from purchase history and real-time interactions to create tailored experiences for customers. This leads to more accurate product recommendations, which can drive past behavior, enhance satisfaction, and boost sales growth.

Omnichannel retail involves integrating online and offline channels to provide seamless customer experiences. Polineni suggests that price unification, uniform inventory updates, and personalized promotions across all channels are essential. This allows customers to check product availability online and pick up in-store while receiving customized offers, reinforcing convenience and strengthening retailer-customer relationships.

Machine Learning for Retail Transaction Optimization

Polineni also focuses on optimizing retail transactions using machine learning. By analyzing transactional data, these models identify patterns and predict demand. Dynamic pricing algorithms adjust prices in real time based on demand fluctuations, competitor strategies, and inventory levels, helping retailers stay competitive and maximize revenue.

In inventory management, machine learning forecasts demand and analyzes supply chain data to ensure the right stock is available at the right time. Predictive analytics enhances the replenishment process by reducing stockouts and overstocking, improving overall operational efficiency.

Addressing Operational Challenges and Ethical Implementation

Polineni acknowledges the challenges in implementing machine learning in retail, including data accuracy issues, algorithmic biases, and integration with back-end systems. Overcoming these requires strong data governance, continuous model training, and collaboration among different business units.

Ethical considerations are central to his work. Polineni emphasizes transparency, fairness, and accountability in AI applications. He advocates for explainable AI models that provide clear insights into decision-making processes, addressing potential biases and building trust with customers. His focus on responsible AI ensures that technology aligns with both business goals and societal values.

The Future of Machine Learning in Retail

Looking ahead, Polineni believes machine learning will drive retail innovation through emerging technologies such as reinforcement learning, edge computing, and augmented reality (AR). Reinforcement learning will refine personalization by adapting to customer behavior, delivering relevant recommendations. Edge computing will enable faster data processing at customer interaction points, ensuring efficient service. AR will transform the shopping experience by allowing customers to visualize products in their space before purchasing.

Sustainability is another key area. Polineni sees machine learning as a tool to reduce waste, optimize resource usage, and create more sustainable supply chains. Predictive algorithms can forecast demand accurately, minimizing overproduction and inventory waste. Aligning technology with environmental goals allows retailers to deliver value to customers while supporting planetary health.

Conclusion

The work of Tulasi Naga Subhash Polineni highlights the transformative impact of machine learning in omnichannel retail. By focusing on personalization, transaction optimization, and ethical AI implementation, he provides a roadmap for retailers to succeed in competitive markets. His vision blends technological innovation with sustainability, ensuring that retail strategies meet evolving customer expectations and environmental objectives.

With a track record of delivering effective solutions across multiple industries, Polineni continues to shape the future of retail. His contributions empower retailers to improve operational efficiency, build customer loyalty, and redefine the shopping experience in the digital age.

Most Stunning Lomography Lens Creations

A Journey with the Lomography Joseph Petzval 80.5mm f1.9

Back in 2014, I had the opportunity to be one of the first reviewers of the Lomography Petzval lenses. They were unique and full of character, as the brand often likes to describe them. While I found some of their quirks annoying, I couldn’t deny the charm they brought. The lens was crafted from brass, had smooth-feeling knobs, and delivered image quality that still stands out today. Some of my best portraits from that time were taken using this lens. I even had to pause myself for a moment while writing this paragraph just to say, “God, Olivia was so beautiful.” When combined with the output the lens produced, I could spend hours looking at the images we created together in Brooklyn’s Park Slope.

Fast forward to 2025, and the Lomography Joseph Petzval 80.5mm f1.9 has arrived in my office as a loaner, with the 35mm f2 model on its way after a purchase. Let me tell you something: this is by far Lomography's most impressive creation yet.

I won't approach this article like a typical review because this isn't a standard lens from Japanese, Chinese, or Korean manufacturers. It's a character lens, and I'm not entirely sure where it's made or manufactured. However, the Lomography Joseph Petzval 80.5mm f1.9 delivers almost everything I desired years ago and brings along some new surprises.

You can still control the shape of the bokeh, and it still features the swirly Petzval look. This time, however, the effect is more controllable, and it remains a manual focus lens. This version is also notably sharp wide open. According to Lomography, the lens is "focus-coupled," which I believe is a bit misleading. To me, that implies it would work alongside the camera's focusing algorithms, similar to many manual focus Zeiss lenses. Instead, Lomography explains that "focus-coupled technology eliminates focus shifts when adjusting bokeh levels."

What I think it should be called is "focus confirmation," which is unfortunately absent in this lens.

The lens is still not weather-resistant, despite its substantial metal construction. In most cases, it feels like an absolute dream to hold, use, and enjoy. Honestly, I don't think I'd ever want to "control" the bokeh. At setting #7, you get all the swirl, and at #1, the swirl is subdued but still present. Changing the aperture affects how the look appears. From my experience, the swirly effect can nearly disappear at around f4. At f2.8, the lens is sharp enough that you shouldn't bother stopping it down if you want to balance the swirl and sharpness.

The only downside is the new process of changing the aperture shape. You have to unscrew a small part at the back of the lens, insert the shaper, and then screw it back in. The problem is that when you reassemble it, the aperture disk tends to spin. More importantly, achieving nice heart-shaped bokeh is challenging.

I also wish Lomography had provided hard-stopped apertures instead of de-clicked ones for video use.

Regarding image quality, in the words of poet Rudy Francisco, "Cupid is irresponsible, and I’m tired of him using me for target practice. If you’re confused by that, then know that I’m in love." Even images where the subject is slightly out of focus look really nice. I won’t lie—getting the focus perfectly sharp is a challenge, similar to using the Zeiss Milvux 85mm f1.4 lens in 2015. When you finally get something in focus, there's a sense of excitement and appreciation for the beauty of the image.

Before I continue, let me recap a bit. I'm legally blind, and manual focus is harder for me, even with focus peaking. Even when using contact lenses that allow me to see 20/18, I still struggled to manually focus this lens and get my subject perfectly in focus. This is common with longer, shallower focal lengths that lack focus confirmation.

The Canon EOS R I tested this lens on had film profiles loaded. Man, I didn't want to edit most of these photos if I got them right in-camera. This lens is that good, making me feel like there was love surrounding me—something I don't typically feel as a journalist. It's been a long time since I've shot with something like this. I usually only experience this feeling with Leica and early 2010s Zeiss lenses.

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.

I give the Lomography Joseph Petzval 80.5mm f1.9 lens 4 out of 5 stars. The only things holding it back are the lack of weather resistance and difficulty for people with low vision to focus the lens. As someone who values inclusivity, these aspects are extremely important to me. With global warming becoming a more significant part of daily life, weather resistance is crucial.

Columbus Native's Vision: Revolutionizing Sleep Through Innovation

A New Approach to Better Sleep

A native of Columbus is working to change the way people sleep. Her vision is to reinvent the sleep mask, making it more effective and comfortable than ever before. Jill MacRae, co-founder of the Inactive Company, has taken on this challenge with a product that promises to transform the sleep experience.

The company's latest creation, Inactivators, is a high-tech sleep mask designed to create an "optimal" sleeping environment—completely dark, comfortable, and cool. These features are based on scientific research that shows how these conditions can significantly improve sleep quality.

Inactivators have already gained attention from professional athletes. College and pro football teams, including Georgia, Auburn, Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, and New York Giants, have used the product. This success highlights the growing interest in products that support better rest and recovery.

The Journey of Jill MacRae

MacRae moved to Columbus at the age of four from Miami, Florida. Her passion for wellness was influenced by her father, a trauma surgeon. While she always considered wellness important, it wasn't until later in life that it became her focus.

She graduated from Hardaway High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia. Over the course of 25 years, she built a successful career in sales and marketing at major brands such as Spanx, Dunkin’ Brands, and Starbucks. It was during her time at Spanx that she met Lori Oliver, her future cofounder of the Inactive Company.

"We were traveling around the world and making all sorts of products, and we were always complaining about sleep," MacRae recalled. "We can never get enough sleep."

They tried various methods to improve their sleep, including gummies, vitamins, mattresses, and pillows. None of them worked. Eventually, Oliver had an idea.

"Lori called me one day and said, ‘I've got it. I got the solution to sleep better we've always been talking about,'” MacRae said. “‘I want to re-engineer a 100-year-old product, just like Sara [Blakely] did for Spanx with the girdle. I want to do it for a sleep mask.'”

Innovating the Sleep Mask

Oliver brought MacRae on board in 2019 to help build the company. It took about a year and a half to perfect the Inactivators. MacRae emphasized that they weren’t doctors or sleep experts, but they knew what worked from being consumers.

They collaborated with partners like the Emory Sleep Study Clinic and the Harvard Sleep Symposium to understand the criteria the body needs to fall and stay asleep. Translating this into tangible features in a mask was a significant challenge.

Features That Make a Difference

Since launching, Inactivators have become popular among professional athletes, especially those who typically avoid wearable technology like Apple Watches or Fitbits. The NFL Players Association has been a valuable partner, providing feedback on how the mask is used and helping to create a sleep culture for young athletes.

The mask offers several key features. First, it provides 100% darkness and blackout, which studies show helps the brain release melatonin, a hormone essential for the sleep-wake cycle. The mask also includes temperature-regulating material that absorbs heat according to the circadian rhythm. Consumer testing showed that this technology helps users sleep 20-30 minutes longer on average.

Another unique feature is the space provided for users to open their eyes under the mask. This was inspired by work with Emory University's Veterans Program and the Wounded Warriors program. Many people avoid sleep masks due to fear of not being able to open their eyes if they wake up in the middle of the night.

Expanding the Product Line

Inactivators are priced at $45 on their website. The Inactive Company is also expanding its product line to include pajamas and other items. This expansion reflects the growing demand for products that support better sleep and overall wellness.

As the company continues to grow, it remains focused on improving the sleep experience through innovation and science-backed design. With the support of professional athletes and ongoing research, the future of sleep may look very different—and much more comfortable.