Month: January 2019

Zoi Launches Real-Time Translation for International Meetups, Showcasing at #CES2019 #ZOI #AI

The need to remove language barriers has never been greater. According to a 2018 survey of international meeting professionals by Successful Meetings, international meetings 94% believe that the number of international meetings will either increase or stay the same over the next twelve months; 94% also responded that the budget for international meetings will also either increase or stay the same during the same time period. It’s no surprise that 49% of professional international meeting planners identify “communications / language barriers” as the “most challenging aspect.”

Meeting veterans clearly agree that language barriers are hugely challenging — and the resulting “cultural misunderstandings” can sabotage any change of an effective communication channel.

Creating a Better Platform
Companies know that expanding their operations and influence globally requires a workforce that can communicate effectively in multiple languages; however, roughly two-thirds of business executives surveyed by Forbes Insights said that less than half of their employees have professional proficiency in more than one language. So having a multilingual team, while an ideal solution, is not always the most realistic for many companies operating globally. 

Nick Yap, CEO of Zoi, says that his company is poised to ease the challenge of multi-language meetings and presentations: “We are offering real-time translation and searchable transcription records all under one roof.”

Zoi will be launching its AI-powered software assistant in January at the CES Show 2019 in Las Vegas at Eureka Park / Holland Pavilion, Hall G 51726, stand 25, Sands Convention Center (Tech West) and it will be deployed by the event’s organization during all plenary sessions in Holland Pavilion. 

Its combined features of live-subtitling, auto translation and storage serve to remove language barriers, create a shared knowledge center and save both time and misunderstandings for those looking to maximize their meeting efficiency on the global stage. Please visit www.zoimeet.com for more information, including pricing options. Offerings range from trial version, to Organization or Professional Subscription.

Lifesum launches Google Assistant app, allowing users to log food and water with their voice. #Lifesum #Apps

Lifesum (www.lifesum.com), the Swedish digital health company with 30 million users, today announces the launch of its Google Assistant app, allowing users to log meals, water intake, and body weight quicker and easier than ever before – by simply using their voice. This news is for immediate release

Lifesum is the first app of its type to provide voice functionality for on-the-go, hands-free tracking, which is designed to provide users with an even greater understanding of their diet by encouraging them to log more of what they eat and drink, with more details of a meal to be inputted within the Lifesum app at a convenient time.

The voice tracking capability, which works on a variety of devices including Google Home, Android phones and iPhones, is activated when a user says: “Hey Google, talk to Lifesum”, allowing them to track the following:

  • Meals and snacks – Logs both in a variety of sizes. Lifesum will provide tips based upon the size of the meal logged, e.g. suggesting advice on how to alleviate heartburn if a large meal has been logged.

  • Water – Track water intake by saying “Track a glass of water” or “Add three bottles of water”.

  • Weight – Update Lifesum with their body weight at any time, invaluable for those who want to lose, gain, or maintain their weight.

The company also announces the introduction of brand new daily Challenges, which are tasks presented to users based on their own dietary needs and targets.

To keep on track to hit their targets, users can vocally ask for an overview of their progress and be presented with the number of calories they have consumed that day, how many are needed to reach their target, their last recorded body weight, and their weight goals.

 

Study by Targus reveals UK as the most unfit country in Europe. #Targus #Fitness #Tech

Targus – a global leader in mobile accessories – has carried out research revealing that workers in the UK have the worst fitness habits in Europe. Results showed that over half of the nation admitted they struggle to fit in exercise around their working lives and an alarming 10% admitted to doing no exercise at all – the highest percentage compared to any other country.

The survey – conducted by OnePoll and carried out in seven countries across Europe – uncovered the key factors that are restricting people from living more active lifestyles, with a poor work/life balance and stress cited as the main reason by consumers.

Given a large part of the Dutch workforce pursues a healthy work/life balance with an average four-day working week, it comes as no surprise that respondents from The Netherlands topped the charts as the most active European country, with 45% of people exercising four times a week or more. Similarly, the Dutch also appeared to have a more positive work/life balance, with 70% claiming they do not struggle to find time to exercise.

Raphael De Perlinghi, EMEA Director at Targus, said: “People are nowadays far more aware of both the physical and mental health benefits an active lifestyle brings. However, these survey findings show there are still many people across a number of countries that are struggling to engage in regular exercise, due to both a lack of time and stress. With Targus’ Work and Play range of backpacks specifically designed for professionals looking to include sport into their daily routines, we wanted to offer the ideal accessory that essentially combines work and life.”

No gender gap in the gym

When it comes to the frequency of exercise among the sexes, men and women are just as health conscious across the continent with two thirds of men (67%) and women (64%) carrying out some form of activity at least twice a week.

There was, on the other hand, a contrast when it came to accessorising for the gym, with men (74%) much more likely to exercise if they can fit their work and gym stuff into just one bag, compared to women (59%).

De Perlinghi added: “The research revealed that men are far more swayed by convenience when it comes to exercise, especially when it comes to gym gear. We factor these requests into the design and creation of our products in order to deliver what is sought after in the market – our Work and Play collection carries not just your tech, but your gym stuff too, so you no longer have an excuse for not pursuing that before or after work exercise!”