Artificial Intelligence
Starlizard Integrity Services identifies 79 suspicious football matches played globally in first half of 2024
21.5% of suspicious matches took place in just one country200% increase in suspicious matches played in the CONMEBOL regionNear doubling of matches with irregularities in first-half-only betting marketsLONDON, Aug. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sports integrity specialists Starlizard Integrity Services (SIS) has identified 79 football matches played globally between 1 January and 30 June 2024 as suspicious. New data from the company shows that more than one-fifth of these matches took place in just one country in the CONMEBOL (South American) region – a region which saw a worrying 200% increase in suspicious matches overall.
Every year, SIS looks at tens of thousands of football matches around the world in order to identify matches that show irregularities, indicative of suspected match-fixing, both in the betting markets and on the field of play. While the level of suspicion will vary, depending on the nature and amount of evidence discovered, SIS ensures that all the matches they identify as suspicious reach a high enough bar to warrant further investigation by the appropriate authorities.
The 79 matches considered suspicious in the first half of 2024 represent 0.21% of a total of 36,841 football matches analysed by SIS during the period. SIS also identified 79 suspicious matches played during the same period in 2023, however those came from a smaller sample of 16,336 matches, so represented a greater percentage (0.48%) of the total number of matches analysed.
The SIS 2024 first-six-months data revealed that:
17 of the suspicious matches (21.5%) came from just one country in the CONMEBOL region, with six of the matches played in that country’s top domestic tier and eleven in the second domestic tier.33 suspicious matches (41.8%) took place in the CONMEBOL region, up from 11 in the same period last year. This represents 0.56% of all CONMEBOL region matches analysed during the first half of 2024.23 different countries had at least one integrity alert in a domestic men’s competition.40 of the suspicious matches (50.6%) were the subject of suspicious betting patterns in the first-half-only betting markets – almost double the 21 matches similarly identified for the same period in 2023.11 of the 79 suspicious matches (13.9%) had a HIGH suspicion rating allocated to them, with 39 matches (49.4%) assessed at a MEDIUM level of suspicion.29 suspicious matches (36.7%) were played in the UEFA (European) region, down from 40 for the same period last year. The new figure represents 0.15% of all UEFA region matches analysed during this period.49 suspicious matches (62%) were identified in domestic competitions below the top tier, whilst 19 matches (24.1%) were played in top-tier domestic competitions.Club friendly matches accounted for seven suspicious matches played in the first half of the year (9.1%), despite representing just 4% of the total number of games analysed.Affy Sheikh, Head of Starlizard Integrity Services, commented:
“The 2024 half-year figures reveal several concerning insights, with few positives to report. In particular, the data highlights a troubling situation in the CONMEBOL region, where the number of suspicious matches has surged by 200% compared to the same period last year. This stark increase serves as a clear reminder that match-fixers are constantly adapting and will exploit any vulnerabilities they find.
“Additionally, we are witnessing a growing trend of manipulation in first-half-only betting markets. In the first six months of 2024, 40 matches were targeted in this way, up from 21 during the same period in 2023 – itself a significant rise.
“Whilst the overall percentage of suspicious matches remains low, the data nevertheless shows match-fixing poses a continuing and severe threat to the integrity of the game. Football must engage in serious reflection on how best to tackle this issue, as the persistent lack of improvement in numbers across the board suggests that current efforts and strategies are not effective enough.”
About Starlizard Integrity Services
Starlizard Integrity Services (SIS) is the specialist integrity division of Starlizard, the London-based sports betting and data consultancy. Starlizard’s detailed understanding of sport and sporting performance, as well as its active involvement in betting markets, affords a unique perspective, enabling the company to know better than anyone else in the world when betting markets and sporting contests look wrong. Starlizard has been producing independent integrity services for sports governing bodies and associations since 2010, and established SIS in 2017 as a dedicated resource to focus entirely on this work. Combining its deep insight into how betting markets should behave with detailed on-pitch performance data analysis and research, SIS is ideally placed to identify suspicious matches and betting patterns. SIS offers sports governing bodies a free-to-use suspicious match monitoring platform and mobile application, KOMODO™, through which information on suspected match-fixing can be obtained. For more information, visit www.starlizardintegrity.com.
Contact details: Starlizard Integrity Services, +44 (0) 20 3014 9800, [email protected]
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2476341/SIS_Football_Banner.jpgLogo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2185291/SIS_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/starlizard-integrity-services-identifies-79-suspicious-football-matches-played-globally-in-first-half-of-2024-302215951.html
LAS VEGAS, Sept. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Olight, a brand committed to becoming a global leader in mid-to-high-end flashlights, opened the world’s first flashlight experience store at Fashion Show Las Vegas. On the same day, it hosted a major new product launch event and a fan festival for its loyal customers.
A Retail Revolution
The store adopts an advanced digital retail model that seamlessly integrates online and offline channels. Leveraging cloud computing, big data, IoT, and other cutting-edge technologies, Olight has created a unified system for warehousing, logistics, supply chain management, and retail. This enhances operational efficiency and allows consumers to order online and pick up in-store, offering a more convenient and efficient shopping experience.
“Olight has consistently focused on the U.S. market and achieved outstanding results online. We want our first experience store to not only showcase our products but also serve as a bridge between the online and offline, connecting our brand with our customers,” said Mavis Xiao, CMO of Olight.
New Product Launches
Olight unveiled five new products at the event: Arkfeld Ultra, Baton Turbo, Perun 3, Sphere, and the Arkfeld Pro (Paw Edition). The Arkfeld Ultra uses a new aluminum material, making it one of the toughest and most scratch-resistant flashlights in the world. Olight also used this material to create a special gift for each audience member.
With the release of the Arkfeld Pro (Paw Edition), Olight announced an animal charity project in 13 countries, dedicated to supporting animal welfare for at least two years. For every Arkfeld Pro (Paw Edition) sold, Olight will donate $5 to local animal charities. This initiative aims to raise funds for animal protection and increase social awareness and action.
O-Fan Day: Celebrating the Community
O-Fan Day was a fan festival where Olight expressed its appreciation to the O-Fans, whom Olight believes are the driving force behind the brand’s growth. Olight held a fan award ceremony to recognize fans who have made outstanding contributions to supporting and promoting the brand. Over 200 O-Fans attended the festival, celebrating with Olight’s management, R&D teams, and more.
The Olight Fall Event 2024 was the brand’s most important event of the year. As a brand dedicated to establishing itself as a global leader in flashlights, Olight is bold in breaking the mold. This Fall Event demonstrated Olight’s determination to redefine the flashlight industry through innovation and to promote the development of the entire industry.
About Olight:
Olight is committed to becoming a global leader in mid-to-high-end flashlights and driving the industry forward. Its diverse product range caters to various scenarios, from everyday carry to outdoor adventures, and is available across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2505893/5895b95e_ce34_4664_a9d1_8d595bcd0115_3.jpgPhoto – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2505894/d38df204_4119_4269_98d7_115c79b0621e.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/worlds-1st-flashlight-experience-store-kicks-off-in-las-vegas-302248480.html
Artificial Intelligence
Global AI Summit Calls for Global Action to Guarantee AI Innovation is for the “Good of Humanity”
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh concluded on a high, after the summit welcomed more than 30,000 delegates from across the globe over three days. The live stream of the summit, organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), received 3.7m views.
Building on the success of previous editions, GAIN 2024 featured more than 450 speakers from 100 countries, participating in 150 sessions. It also witnessed over 25 launches and announcements, and facilitated the signing of over 80 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).
The summit has grown exponentially since its inception in 2020. Its growing prominence reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s role in advancing AI capabilities as it positions itself as a global leader in this space.
The key output from the summit was the need for governments and policy makers to take global action to ensure that AI technology evolves for the good of humanity. Central to responsible evolution is an ethical framework and robust governance.
To support the advancement of AI ethics and governance, SDAIA announced the Riyadh Charter of Artificial Intelligence for the Islamic World in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). This promotes ethical AI grounded in Islamic values and principles, as well as sustainable development through international cooperation.
SDAIA has played a pivotal role in forging key collaborations to strengthen local and regional AI solutions, signing MoUs with Microsoft Arabia to develop Arabic language models, IBM for a Center of Excellence in Generative AI technologies, and NVIDIA to scale AI infrastructure across the Kingdom.
The summit also marked several major milestones. Alongside the unveiling of ALLaM, the world’s most advanced Arabic Language Model, other diverse initiatives such as the Global AI Community, the THAKAI Platform, and guidelines for addressing deepfake technology.
Furthermore, the launch of the Generative AI Center of Excellence by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), the agreement to open an International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) as a UNESCO Category 2 Center, further underscored the impact of GAIN 2024.
The summit itself provided the platform for companies from all over the world to showcase the latest AI technologies and innovations, including AI generated avatars, AI generated artwork, and even Robotic bar staff serving beverages.
The summit closed with an inspirational speech from the Director of Saudi Arabia’s National Information Center, His Excellency Dr. Esam Alwagait, in which he thanked participants:
“Your candid perspectives have not only inspired us with the vision of what lies ahead, but have also grounded us in the realities we must face. Together, we have not only imagined the future of AI, but have also made it real by addressing the challenges and identifying the enablers needed to truly unlock its potential.”
He added:
“It has been incredibly inspiring to see the world come together here in Riyadh, united by momentum to make AI work for everyone. The commitment to collaborative action has been evident throughout the summit.”
The success of GAIN 2024 ensures that the Kingdom’s AI infrastructure will be significantly strengthened and has cemented Saudi Arabia position at the center of global AI.
[email protected]
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2505796/SDAIA.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-ai-summit-calls-for-global-action-to-guarantee-ai-innovation-is-for-the-good-of-humanity-302248334.html
Artificial Intelligence
Akuvox S567G Smart Indoor Monitor Has Received Google Mobile Service Certification
XIAMEN, China, Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Akuvox has announced its S567G, an indoor monitor powered by Android™, to have received Google GMS certification. This certification ensures full support for Google Services, allowing users to download and update apps directly from the Google Play Store, including smart home control apps. It also enhances system security, protecting against malware and unauthorized access.
GMS certification involves comprehensive testing and approval by Google or a designated 3PL lab, validating security and compatibility to ensure seamless integration within the Android ecosystem. Receiving GMS certification underscores Akuvox’s leadership in the smart intercom industry. Building on its legacy as the pioneer of Android smart intercoms, Akuvox continues to elevate its Android systems with Google’s rigorous certification, offering clients flexible and sophisticated smart intercom solutions.
The S567G’s GMS certification ensures flawless operation with key Google apps like Chrome, Gmail, YouTube, Maps, and the Play Store. Edward Shi, Product Manager of the S567G, notes, “The positive feedback we’ve received from clients, even during testing, confirms that this device is transforming daily life. It’s more than just an intercom — it’s a versatile tool, even capable of functioning as a small TV. Our team has worked tirelessly to meet the highest standards, and I’m excited to see how it enhances smart living for our users.”
The S567G’s features extend beyond intercom functionality. With four HD speakers and a 1280 x 800 IPS LCD screen, it offers an exceptional audio-visual experience, redefining the concept of an indoor monitor. Whether for entertainment or smart home control, the S567G stands out as a versatile wall-mounted tablet, bringing innovation to every interaction.
About Akuvox
Akuvox is a global leading provider of smart intercom and smart home products and solutions. It is committed to unleashing the power of technology to improve people’s lives with better communication, greater security, and more convenience. Encompassing artificial intelligence, SIP, Android, cloud, security, and other advanced technologies, Akuvox continuously drives breakthrough changes in the industry and creatively delivers an unrivaled portfolio of smart intercom and smart home products and solutions. It has been deployed and used daily in more than 110 countries and regions, meeting customer needs in various vertical markets that range from residential to commercial, from healthcare to public safety.
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504901/Akuvox_S567G_Indoor_Monitor_Has_Received_GMS_CertificationAkuvox_proudly_announced.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/akuvox-s567g-smart-indoor-monitor-has-received-google-mobile-service-certification-302248219.html
-
Artificial Intelligence5 days agoManulife-backed Serverfarm acquires two data centers providing over 500MW of new potential capacity in the Houston market
-
Artificial Intelligence3 days agoAtento Reaffirms Leadership in Frost & Sullivan’s Ranking as a Leader in CX Management in 2024
-
Artificial Intelligence5 days agoEnhanced Security for Alpha Bank Romania Customers: New Anti-Fraud System Developed with Montran
-
Artificial Intelligence4 days agoNTT TechnoCross Recognized with Frost & Sullivan’s 2024 Company of the Year Award for Leading Innovation in Japanese Privileged Access Management Solutions
-
Artificial Intelligence5 days agoRetail golden quarter: how AI can boost sales success for retailers
-
Artificial Intelligence4 days ago
Global Health Exhibition Announces Opportunity for Healthcare Startups to secure over 100,000 SAR in Vision NextGen Competition Designed to Fast-Track Health Innovations
-
Artificial Intelligence4 days agoeQ Technologic Appoints New CEO, Kunal Khaladkar, to Continue to Drive Business Strategy and Innovation
-
Artificial Intelligence4 days agoVantiva Unveils ONYX, its latest Smart Media Device with Advanced AI Capabilities at IBC 2024
