Latest news with #IntelligentSystems
Mail & Guardian
26-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
How digital trading platforms are reshaping investment paradigms in South Africa
The acceleration of financial technology across South Africa has dismantled structural impediments that historically constrained market participation. Today, the These systems replace high-cost, relationship-based brokerage models with algorithmic precision, real-time transparency and scalability. Overarchingly, this mutation signifies a broader recalibration within South African financial systems, where technological sophistication is redefining access to capital markets. Cost Compression and Structural Efficiency Traditional financial intermediaries often presented prohibitively high transaction costs and administrative burdens. Contemporary platforms, however, leverage automation to compress fees and remove procedural latency; features such as fractional share allocation and commission-free models lower the threshold for participation. Through a process of simplifying onboarding and reducing operational friction, these platforms like Intelligent Systems and Market Responsiveness The integration of predictive analytics, machine learning algorithms and real-time macroeconomic indicators has elevated the analytical capacity of digital platforms. Here, users interact with dynamic dashboards populated by live data feeds, volatility indices and currency correlations—this infrastructure accommodates probabilistic modeling of asset performance rather than reactive speculation. However, decision-making processes are increasingly guided by algorithmic pattern recognition and sentiment analysis. With the Johannesburg Stock Exchange aligning its infrastructure with global digital standards, the sophistication of available tools mirrors the functionality of leading international trading conditions. Diversification Through Non-Traditional Assets Beyond conventional securities, digital trading backdrops in South Africa have incorporated digital currencies, tokenized commodities and blockchain-referenced instruments. Here, the inclusion of decentralized financial assets introduces alternative risk profiles and correlation models to portfolio construction. Nonetheless, regulatory bodies such as the Financial Sector Conduct Authority continue to refine supervisory frameworks for these instruments, seeking a balance between market integrity and innovation. As a result, allocation strategies are shifting from linear asset classes to multidimensional configurations. Autodidactic Investment and Cognitive Capital Embedded within many platforms are educational structures that support iterative learning and strategic refinement: interactive modules, scenario simulators and market theory primers serve as foundational instruments for knowledge acquisition. Overall, these components cultivate cognitive capital critical for long-term financial agency. Meanwhile, gamified learning features are increasingly used to maintain engagement and reinforce key financial concepts through behavioral reinforcement. In the South African context, such frameworks are particularly significant, addressing systemic gaps in financial literacy and encouraging more participants to interpret and act on market signals with autonomy. Infrastructure Expansion and Mobile Integration South Africa's rapidly These advancements extend participation to areas previously disconnected from financial systems, where offline functionality and data-light modes are increasingly prioritized to accommodate bandwidth variability. As mobile bandwidth and latency improve, access to financial instruments becomes more synchronous and inclusive, boosting overall market liquidity. Social Mechanics and Peer-Based Validation Modern trading platforms now embed social verification mechanisms, allowing participants to observe, benchmark and replicate the strategies of consistently high-performing traders. These functionalities stimulate horizontal knowledge exchange rather than top-down advisory models. Equally, public trade histories, ranked performance boards and real-time strategy disclosures encourage collective learning and behavioral accountability. Within South Africa, where intergenerational wealth transfer has been historically uneven, this peer-led model introduces a digitally mediated avenue for knowledge dissemination. Regulatory Innovation and Institutional Credibility Regulatory frameworks have adapted to accommodate the technical realities of digital trading systems. The Financial Sector Conduct Authority and South African Reserve Bank have introduced layered governance models addressing identity verification, liquidity thresholds and cross-border data compliance. These interventions contribute to institutional legitimacy and facilitate capital inflows from foreign investors seeking regulated exposure to emerging African markets. The regulatory pivot also aligns local fintech practices with Legacy Institutions and Technological Convergence The presence of agile digital platforms has catalyzed strategic reconfigurations within traditional banks and asset managers, with many legacy institutions now integrating API-based trading functionalities or acquiring proprietary platforms to preserve market relevance. This convergence results in hybrid models that combine trust-based brand capital with next-generation interface design and automation. In this context, strategic partnerships with fintech startups are increasingly employed to accelerate internal innovation cycles. As market expectations shift toward immediacy, minimal fees and intuitive control, conventional firms are restructured to reflect new transactional paradigms. Future Trajectory and Market Architecture Digital platforms in South Africa are projected to incorporate increasingly sophisticated features, including adaptive portfolio balancing, behavioral signal processing and automated derivative exposure management. Looking ahead, advances in backend processing, such as modular chain architecture and zero-knowledge proof protocols, promise further latency reduction and data integrity enhancements. As algorithmic trading strategies become more accessible, the structural contours of the investment landscape will be redrawn to reflect decentralized, data-driven, and hyper-responsive methodologies. This metamorphosis encourages the development of adaptive frameworks capable of real-time portfolio optimization and risk mitigation. A Structural Realignment in Motion The proliferation of digital trading platforms across South Africa marks a critical inflection point in the nation's financial history; what once functioned as an exclusionary ecosystem is now governed by distributed systems, regulatory foresight and digital precision. Participation has expanded, costs have compressed and informational asymmetries have narrowed. These developments signal a fundamental realignment of investment paradigms—one where technology operates equally as a facilitator and gatekeeper in a newly architected financial order.
Tahawul Tech
16-05-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
AI takes centre stage at Customer Experience Live Show Middle East 2025
In a region undergoing a digital renaissance, AI — and more critically, AI-powered experiences and Agentic AI — have emerged as the defining force behind customer experience transformation. This paradigm shift took centre stage at the Customer Experience Live Show Middle East 2025, the region's most prestigious CX leadership gathering, where the newly released Customer Experience Live Intelligence Report 2025 outlined how enterprises are leveraging intelligent systems to not just automate, but think, act, and adapt independently. According to the report, a staggering 89% of organisations are investing in both AI-powered experiences and predictive analytics, highlighting an unprecedented leap toward proactive, self-directed customer engagement strategies. Agentic AI, in particular, is gaining traction — these autonomous systems are designed to independently assess, decide, and respond to customer needs in real-time, redefining the very foundation of service delivery. This transition is empowering businesses to move from reactive service models to predictive, hyper-personalised engagement — while freeing human agents to focus on complex, high-value interactions. 'This isn't just an upgrade in tools — it's a philosophical shift in how organisations approach customer experience,' said Ayusha Tyagi, Managing Director, Customer Experience Live. 'AI and Agentic AI are allowing brands to deliver human-like support at scale, while creating space for empathy, creativity, and more strategic CX design. The future belongs to companies that can fuse intelligence with intention.' In a bid to deliver intelligent, intuitive, and immersive experiences, organisations across the Middle East are aligning their technology investments with customer-centric strategies. The report reveals that 59% of companies are deploying AI agents to enhance responsiveness and automate interactions, while 83% are prioritising operational excellence as a critical driver of CX transformation. At the same time, 69% of businesses are focusing on improving customer engagement and satisfaction, reaffirming that strong relationships are central to long-term success. Additionally, 56% are investing in outsourcing CX support and services, aiming to scale service delivery and improve efficiency. As 81% of organisations are actively pursuing increased customer satisfaction and retention to remain competitive, it is evident that customer experience is no longer confined to a single department — it has become a strategic business imperative. 'The future of CX is here: AI and Agentic AI are combining the power of automation with human insight to deliver experiences that are not just personalised—but predictive, proactive, and powerful', noted Sanjay Gupta, VP Sales, South Asia & Middle East, NICE. This year's edition also brought together influential voices and decision-makers from companies such as Al Futtaim Group, Bank Muscat, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Etihad Airways, NEOM, The Coca-Cola Company, Unilever, and Zurich among others. Held at the JW Marriott Hotel Dubai Marina on 13-14 May 2025, the event further celebrated innovation through the Customer Experience Live Awards, honouring leading organisations transforming their customer journeys through data, design, and digital intelligence. This year's winners included Saudi Ports Authority 'Mawani', Aster DM Healthcare, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), Saudi EXIM Bank, NICE, Oman Data Park, Tawuniya, Tasleem Metering & Payment Collection, Dammam Airports Company, EHS, Octopus Outsourcing, NEOM Operations, Dubai National Insurance, Medcare Hospital & Medical Centres, Saudi Awwal Bank, Fitness First MENA, Silah Gulf, Sprinklr, Verint, and Qatar Airways Group. The event was co-presented by NICE and e& enterprise, with Sprinklr joining as Spotlight Partner, each bringing deep expertise and innovation to the forefront of customer experience transformation. This year's edition was further enriched by co-located shows — the AI Experience Show, Digital Excellence Show, and Contact Centre Show Middle East 2025 — offering attendees a 360-degree view of the technologies, trends, and strategies shaping the future of customer experience. Other distinguished sponsors included Cisco, AWS, Verint, Ipsos, Qualtrics, Sydr Systems by SITE, Sideways 6, Exotel, Locobuzz, Kanari, Konnect Insights, Robosoft Technologies, Silah Gulf, intella, Hamsa, November Five, Calabrio, 2Ring, Answered by Aramex, and NovelVox. Strategic partners for the event were the International Customer Experience Institute and Bpo Search, with media partners being Customer Data Platform Institute, ACN Newswire, Call Centre Helper, CrmXchange, siliconindia, CIOReview, AI Tools Network, Financial Service Review, Conference Alerts, Applied Technology Review, The European Business Review, CIO Outlook, AIPressRoom, OnestopNDT, Worldoils, and Energy Business Review. To download the Customer Experience Live Intelligence Report 2025 or learn more about the event, visit: Image Credit: The Customer Experience Live Show Middle East 2025
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
University of Mississippi engineers create novel heart attack detection tech
OXFORD, Miss. (WJTV) – University of Mississippi engineers developed a new technology that could help detect heart attacks and save lives. In the United States, someone dies from a heart attack every 40 seconds. Heart disease is the country's leading cause of death. Mississippi has the second-highest heart disease mortality rate among all states in the country. Early detection of heart attacks could help save lives. Technology developed in Professor Kasem Khalil's lab detects heart attacks in half the time of traditional methods. The electrical and computer engineering professor and his team used artificial intelligence and advanced mathematics to design a chip that can analyze the heart's electrical signals to detect a heart attack in real-time. For Khalil, the technology has the opportunity to change health outcomes. 'For this issue, a few minutes or even a few extra seconds is going to give this person the care they need before it becomes worse,' Khalil said. What the EPA's partial rollback of the 'forever chemical' drinking water rule means Khalil's team published their findings in Intelligent Systems, Blockchain and Communication Technologies. Tamador Mohaidat, a doctoral student in Khalil's lab and co-author of the publication, came to the same conclusion as Khalil. 'This method will save lives because we can monitor the heart in real time,' Mohaidat said. A patient experiencing chest pain or who suspects they are having a heart attack must first undergo an electrocardiogram or blood tests to diagnose their condition. All that takes time that a patient might not have. If a wearable device, such as a smartwatch or phone, could reduce the diagnosis time, it would result in faster treatment. The lab's technology is available in wearable or monitoring devices. Mohaidat focused on creating the artificial neural network. Another graduate student, Md. Rahat Kader Khan, focused on building the device's software. Khan, a second-year computer engineering graduate student, appreciates the group's intentionality. 'In our lab, we focus on the whole product. Each of us has a responsibility, but we work together,' Khan said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Guardian
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The 15 best games to play on the Nintendo Switch in 2025
When we think of Nintendo we picture serene and cosy cartoon adventures filled with cute creatures and lovable Italian stereotypes. But while there is plenty of Mario on the Switch, the console offers a diverse range of delights for newcomers and longtime gaming veterans. Here are the 15 essentials. The cosy life sim returned with new characters, chill activities, and endless knick-knacks with which to decorate your own virtual paradise. Create a dream island and then invite friends over for tea. Why we love it: 'Animal Crossing is everything I have been craving: it is gentle, soothing, social and creative.' Read the full review. Lead your feisty war-students on to the battlefield in this engrossing, complex and endearingly melodramatic tactical role-playing adventure from Intelligent Systems. Why we love it: 'By turns grandiose and silly, but always engrossing, this bubbling school soap opera is a game to spend a summer with.' Read the full review. An award-winning rogue-like dungeon crawler in which your many attempts to slay all the monsters in the underworld are wonderfully interrupted by suggestive conversations with horny gods. Why we love it: 'Interesting things happen all the time, in conversations and chance encounters as well as in battles, and no matter how long I spend with Hades I feel like I am only just getting acquainted with it.' Read the full review. An eerie, atmospheric blend of platforming, tense fighting and exploration, set in an obtuse subterranean world of prowling beasties and expressionistic vistas. Dark Souls meets Metroid – but full of insects. Why we love it: 'A game that worms its way into your subconscious – the excellent sound design and animation are noteworthy, too.' Nintendo's beloved pink blob has a 3D adventure in the cutest ever postapocalyptic world. Weird new abilities and a decent co-op mode add to the zingy appeal. Why we love it: 'Has surprisingly cinematic flair, and many of the levels are broken up by impressively slick cutscenes. A rip-roaring orchestral soundtrack also helps elevate this adorable hero's outing.' Read the full review. Link returns to a drastically reimagined Hyrule in order to save Zelda from naughty tyrant Ganon. An utterly ingenious take on the open-world adventure, crammed with charming ideas. Its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, is also a brilliant follow-up. Why we love it: 'A game that marries the best bits of the franchise's long history with the best bits of the rest of the gaming world, and produces something even greater than the sum of its parts.' Read the full review. The greatest cartoon racing game in history, lusciously updated to include 48 circuits and a vast array of drivers. The brilliant multiplayer makes it a mandatory purchase for Switch owners. Why we love it: 'Mario Kart is a vehicle for fun with all your friends and family, no matter their individual skill, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the best, most versatile version of that yet.' Read the full review. A complete reinvention of the classic Pokémon adventure, with a more challenging capture system and a truly explorable open-world environment. One for Pokémon veterans who are tired of the same old formula – newcomers should go for Pokémon Sword and Shield instead. Why we love it: 'This ambitious reboot sets Pokémon on an exciting new trajectory, finally recapturing a lost sense of adventure … That gleeful sense of excitement is back.' Read the full review. A gorgeous, heartfelt tribute to the classic Japanese role-playing games of the 1990s, with a typically epic story of magic and adventure, and tense turn-based battles. Why we love it: 'Attention to detail is what makes the game such a fabulous way to while away evenings … Sea of Stars is no shallow mirror of RPGs past. Its depth and sparkle make it a modern classic in its own right.' Read the full review. Another round of paint-splattered multiplayer mayhem for people who like the idea of online shooters but can't deal with the guns, gore and glorification of military hardware. Why we love it: 'Splatoon 3 doesn't offer something different, it offers more: more fashions, more modes, more ways to spend time in its messy, chaotic universe, alone or together. It is delightful to be back.' Read the full review. A beautiful homage to the Harvest Moon series, in which you farm, explore and socialise to your heart's content. The cosiest of cosy games. Why we love it: 'Part farming sim, part role-playing adventure, Stardew Valley was the surprise indie hit of the year, offering charm, wit and a beautiful little world.' When predatory Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach yet again, Mario takes his sentient hat across the galaxy, from deserts to the big city, to track her down – with utterly delightful results. Why we love it: 'A truly joyful, fizzily creative game that revels in the pleasures of movement and surreal humour.' Read the full review. Mario returns to his side-scrolling roots in this 2023 adventure which is rich, not only in nostalgia, but in inventive and vaguely hallucinogenic new ideas. A modern family classic. Why we love it: 'This is a wonderful introduction to the fizzy creativity and attention to detail that has made Mario a family staple for nearly 40 years.' Read the full review. Nintendo's unconventional multiplayer brawler returns with a diverse cast of pugilists from Pac-Man to Solid Snake. A staple competitive game that has been at the centre of countless housemate rivalries. Why we love it: 'A palpable love of video games infuses everything, and references to their colourful history are omnipresent, from iconic and world-famous series to esoteric games that you thought nobody else even remembered.' Read the full review. The legendary falling-block puzzler somehow returns as a battle royale multiplayer face-off – and once you get over how weird that is, you find you can't stop playing. Why we love it: 'I'm pathetically unable to stop playing it – twice, while writing these words, I had to stop and play another round. Like all battle royale games, your every sweet taste of almost-success makes you hungry for more.' Read more here.
