Author: IndNewsWire

Phemex unveils AI Bot, marking a product milestone in its AI-native initiative

Apia, Samoa, February 25, 2026

Phemex, a user-first crypto exchange, unveiled the AI Bot, a milestone of the Phemex AI-Native Revolution, following its transition into an AI-native organization. This launch evolves artificial intelligence from a strategic vision into a high-performance “Intelligent Trading Partner,” shifting the industry paradigm from emotional manual execution to a disciplined “Human + AI Collaboration” model for its 10 million users worldwide.

Earlier this year, Phemex introduced its AI-Native Initiative, committing to integrate artificial intelligence across internal operations and external product architecture. The launch of AI Bot serves as a live demonstration of that strategy in practice, moving beyond conceptual transformation into user-facing applications.

Utilizing advanced machine learning to analyze millions of data points in real-time, the Phemex AI Bot automates complex quantitative strategies across Futures Grid, Spot Grid, and Martingale systems. Engineered with a “Risk-Aware Intelligence” , the engine prioritizes capital preservation by dynamically adjusting leverage and parameters based on historical volatility. This ensures that intelligence remains a tool for resilience, allowing traders to gain significant leverage from AI rather than losing their competitive edge to it.

To catalyze this era of intelligent trading, Phemex has initiated the AI Bot Carnival, a $1,000,000+ trading feast. The initiative features a 100% Loss Protection Program for newcomers to ensure a zero-barrier entry into quantitative trading, alongside tiered volume rewards up to 5,000 USDT and multi-bot incentives designed to encourage systematic, diversified portfolio management.

“Phemex AI Bot is solid proof that our AI-Native strategy is not theoretical — it is operational,” said Federico Variola, CEO of Phemex. “We are not experimenting with AI at the margins. We are actively building an exchange where intelligent systems are embedded into how products function. This launch is an early but concrete step, and we will continue executing this long-term strategy.”

With AI Bot now live, Phemex advances its roadmap toward a fully AI-native exchange model — where intelligence is integrated at the infrastructure level and progressively embedded into the trading experience.

About Phemex

Founded in 2019, Phemex is a user-first crypto exchange trusted by over 10 million traders worldwide. The platform offers spot and derivatives trading, copy trading, and wealth management products designed to prioritize user experience, transparency, and innovation. With a forward-thinking approach and a commitment to user empowerment, Phemex delivers reliable tools, inclusive access, and evolving opportunities for traders at every level to grow and succeed.

For more information, please visit: https://phemex.com/

Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risk, including total loss of capital. Readers should conduct independent research and consult licensed advisors before making any financial decisions.

This publication is strictly informational and does not promote or solicit investment in any digital asset

All market analysis and token data are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Readers should conduct independent research and consult licensed advisors before investing.

Crypto Press Release Distribution by BTCPressWire.com

The Top 10 International Calling Apps for 2026: Connect Globally Without Limits

Traveling, working remotely, or staying in touch with family abroad shouldn’t be stressful—but sometimes your phone feels useless the moment you step into a new country. Roaming fees, SIM card issues, and app restrictions can make international calling frustrating. That’s where modern international calling apps come in.

These apps let you connect with anyone in the world using Wi-Fi or mobile data, often at little to no cost. But with hundreds of options out there, which ones are truly reliable? In this guide, we’ve tested the top apps for Android and iPhone users in 2026 to help you make clear, affordable calls globally.

Why You Need an International Calling App

Traditional phone plans can be costly abroad. One quick call home can rack up hundreds in roaming charges. Buying local SIMs is inconvenient if you travel across multiple countries.

International calling apps solve these problems by:

• Letting you call friends, family, or colleagues from anywhere.
• Offering free or low-cost calling using Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• Allowing video calls, messaging, and sometimes mobile top-ups—all in one platform.

The trick is finding an app that works worldwide, not just between users of the same service.

1. Slick – A Global Calling Solution

Slick is designed for travelers, remote workers, and anyone who needs a reliable global connection.

Key Features:

• Call any mobile or landline in 200+ countries
• Free app-to-app calls with secure encryption
• Low-cost international plans starting at $2/month
• Global eSIM data options
• Send mobile top-ups instantly

Slick works whether the recipient has the app or not, making it one of the most versatile international calling apps available.

2. WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a household name for messaging and calling.

Strengths:

• Free voice and video calls
• End-to-end encryption
• Works across iPhone and Android

Limitations:

• Only connects with other WhatsApp users
• Cannot call landlines

3. Viber

Viber combines app-to-app calling with paid calls to external numbers.

Strengths:

• High-quality voice calls
• Viber Out lets you call non-users
• Free app-to-app calls

Limitations:

• Paid plans needed for landlines
• International rates vary

4. Google Voice

Google Voice provides a free number for calls, texts, and voicemail.

Strengths:

• Free calls within the US and Canada
• Affordable international rates
• Works on multiple devices

Limitations:

• Mainly US-based
• Less useful for global travel

5. FaceTime

FaceTime is Apple’s built-in app for seamless voice and video calls.

Strengths:

• High-definition audio and video
• Pre-installed on Apple devices
• Easy to use

Limitations:

• Only available on Apple devices
• Cannot call Android or landlines

6. LINE

LINE is popular in Japan and other Asian countries.

Strengths:

• Free calls between LINE users
• Fun features like stickers and games
• LINE Out allows external number calls

Limitations:

• Limited global popularity
• Higher data usage

7. WeChat

WeChat dominates communication in China.

Strengths:

• Free voice and video calls
• Integrated payments and social features

Limitations:

• Mostly functional in China
• Limited usage abroad

8. Telegram

Telegram is valued for speed and security.

Strengths:

• Lightweight and fast
• Encrypted calls
• Works even on weak connections

Limitations:

• App-to-app only
• Cannot call landlines

9. Facebook Messenger

Messenger works across devices with broad user adoption.

Strengths:

• Free calls and video chats
• Works across platforms
• Familiar interface

Limitations:

• Requires strong internet
• Can drain battery

10. Signal

Signal is built for privacy-conscious users.

Strengths:

• End-to-end encryption
• Free app-to-app calls
• Minimal, distraction-free design

Limitations:

• Cannot call external numbers
• Smaller user base than other apps

How to Choose the Right App

When selecting an international calling app, consider:

• Global reach: Can it call landlines and mobiles in multiple countries?
• Cost: Are there free options or affordable subscription plans?
• Call quality: Does it work on slower connections?
• Security: Are your calls encrypted?
• Platform compatibility: Does it support both Android and iPhone?

Why Slick Stands Out in 2026

Slick meets all these criteria and more:

• Call any number worldwide without restrictions
• Affordable monthly plans for international calls
• Clear, secure voice quality
• Integrated mobile top-ups and eSIM data
• Works in 200+ countries for travelers and remote workers

For anyone who wants a single, dependable solution for global communication, Slick is the best choice.

Final Thoughts

Not all calling apps are created equal. Some are perfect for app-to-app chats, but fall short when you need global connectivity. For truly international calling that works anywhere, Slick leads the pack in 2026.

Whether you’re traveling for business, staying in touch with family, or managing clients abroad, an international calling app can make your life simpler and more connected.

Fun City Chandigarh Ticket Price 2026 Revealed

Fun City Chandigarh Ticket Price 2026

If you are planning a family outing at Elante Mall in Chandigarh, Fun City is likely on your list. Whether you are visiting with children, organizing a birthday celebration, or just looking for indoor entertainment, knowing the ticket price system in advance can help you plan your budget wisely.

Before you go, here’s what you need to understand about Fun City Chandigarh ticket prices, entry rules, rides, memberships, and overall experience in 2026.

Is There an Entry Fee at Fun City Chandigarh?

The good news is simple: there is no separate entry fee.

You do not need to buy a ticket just to enter the gaming zone. Instead, Fun City operates on a prepaid Powercard system. You load the card with a selected number of plays and use it to access rides and games.

This means you only pay for what you actually use. If you want a short visit, you spend less. If you plan to explore more games, you can choose a higher package.

For you, this provides flexibility and better control over your spending.

Fun City Chandigarh Ticket Price (Powercard Packages – 2026)

Fun City does not sell traditional ride tickets. Instead, you purchase a Powercard and select one of the following play packages:

• ₹1,100 – 11 Plays
• ₹1,600 – 17 Plays
• ₹2,200 – 25 Plays
• ₹2,700 – 33 Plays
• ₹3,700 – 50 Plays
• ₹5,000 – 85 Plays

The larger the package, the lower the cost per play. So if you know your child will want to try multiple games and rides, choosing a bigger package may offer better value.

If you want a detailed cost comparison and updated breakdown of each package, you can review the complete Fun City Chandigarh ticket price guide on ItineraryPlans.com, which explains how to choose the right budget based on your visit type.

VIP Powercards and Membership Options

If you visit frequently or plan group events, you can also consider premium options:

VIP Packages

• ₹10,000 – 180 Plays
• ₹15,000 – 300 Plays plus added perks

VIP options may include party discounts and special offers.

Membership Plans

• 1 Month – ₹999
• 3 Months – ₹1,499

If your children enjoy regular arcade visits, these memberships may help you save over time.

How the Powercard System Works

The process is straightforward:

1. You purchase a Powercard at the counter.
2. You choose a play package.
3. The card is loaded with plays.
4. Each ride or game deducts plays automatically when you tap.

You do not need to carry cash inside the zone. Your remaining balance stays valid for six months from your last visit. If you register your card and lose it, the staff can usually help transfer your balance.

This system keeps things simple and convenient for you.

For a detailed breakdown of ticket pricing, ride categories, and updated visitor information, travelers can refer to the complete guide published on Itinerary Plans.

What Can You Enjoy Inside Fun City?

Fun City is designed as an indoor entertainment space suitable for kids, teenagers, and even adults. It combines arcade games, thrill rides, children’s attractions, and a soft play zone.

Skill-Based Arcade Games

If you enjoy competitive games, you can try:

• Air Hockey
• Basketball arcade
• Pacman Smash
• Reflex-based skill games

These games allow you to compete with friends and aim for high scores.

Redemption Games and Prizes

Some arcade machines reward you with redemption tickets. You can collect them and exchange them at the prize counter.

Rewards may include:

• Soft toys
• Play sets
• Remote control cars
• Gadgets and electronics

The more you play, the more tickets you earn, making it exciting for children.

Thrill Rides

If you enjoy adventure, you can try larger rides such as:

• Air Racer
• Disk’o Coaster
• Super Spin
• Sky Tower (a 130-foot drop tower experience)

These rides offer speed, spins, and adrenaline. Height and safety restrictions apply, so you should check eligibility before riding.

Kids’ Rides and Indoor Play Zone

Younger children have their own attractions, including:

• Crazy Gliders
• Hello Kitty Fun House
• Ocean Carousels

There is also a multi-level indoor soft play area where kids can climb, crawl, slide, and explore ball pools and tunnels. The area follows safety standards and is supervised by trained staff.

Note: If your child has high energy levels, this section can keep them engaged for a long time.

Video Gaming Zone

You are never too old for arcade gaming. Popular titles may include:

• The Fast and the Furious
• Razing Storm
• Let’s Go Jungle
• Super Bikes 2
• Harley-Davidson racing

This area attracts teenagers and adults who enjoy racing and action-style games.

Birthday Parties and Group Outings

If you are planning a birthday party, Fun City offers structured celebration packages inside its indoor arena. These typically include rides, arcade access, and coordinated support from staff.

You do not have to handle everything alone. The team assists with organization, and food can be arranged through vendors.

For school trips and group outings, special packages help manage larger groups in a supervised and safe indoor environment. Students can enjoy rides, play zones, and activity-based experiences together.

How Much Should You Budget?

Your total spending depends on how long you plan to stay and how many games you want to play.

A basic estimate:

• Light play (one child) → ₹1,100 package
• Moderate play → ₹2,200 to ₹2,700 package
• Heavy play → ₹3,700 or higher

If you are visiting with multiple children, consider a larger package to avoid reloading the card frequently.

Fun City Chandigarh Timings

Fun City operates inside Elante Mall and follows mall hours:

10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Daily)

Weekends and holidays tend to be more crowded. If you prefer a quieter experience, visiting on a weekday afternoon may be more comfortable.

Is Fun City Chandigarh Worth It?

If you are looking for indoor family entertainment in Chandigarh, Fun City offers convenience, flexibility, and variety under one roof.

You are not forced to pay a fixed entry fee.
You decide how much you want to spend.
You choose which rides and games to try.

Because it is indoors, it remains comfortable in every season—whether summer heat or winter chill.

Final Thoughts

Before you visit Fun City Chandigarh, make sure you:

• Choose the right Powercard package for your budget.
• Visit during less crowded hours if possible.
• Confirm any updated offers at the counter.
• Plan your spending based on how long you want to play.

With proper planning, you can enjoy a smooth, fun-filled experience at Elante Mall without overspending.

When you understand how the ticket price system works, your visit becomes easier, smarter, and far more enjoyable.

Students Don’t Need to Outthink AI. They Need to Learn How to Work With It

An education specialist says schools that block artificial intelligence are leaving students unprepared for workplaces where it is already standard. The priority, he argues, should be teaching judgment alongside technical fluency.

Artificial intelligence has moved from a peripheral novelty to a daily presence in student life faster than most educational institutions have been able to respond. Students are already using AI tools for research, drafting, and problem-solving – often regardless of whether their schools have a policy that addresses it. The question facing educators is no longer whether to engage with the technology, but how.

David Smith, CEO of Silicon Valley High School, an online institution that integrates AI into its own teaching model, argues that the framing of AI as a threat to student development is fundamentally misdirected. “The students who will succeed in the next decade are the ones learning to direct AI tools rather than beat them,” he said, “while bringing judgment, creativity, and ethical reasoning to every decision.”

What AI Does Well – and Where It Falls Short

Understanding the case for AI literacy in education requires being clear about what AI systems actually do and do not do well. They process large volumes of data rapidly, identify patterns, generate initial drafts, and perform routine analytical tasks with considerable efficiency. What they cannot do is interpret context with nuance, exercise moral judgment, or navigate the ambiguous, competing-interest situations that characterise most real-world professional decisions.

“AI handles the repetitive work exceptionally well,” Smith said. “But it can’t decide which solution fits a specific cultural context, or determine when breaking a rule makes sense.”

This distinction has direct implications for what students should prioritise developing. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 points in the same direction: 68 percent of employers identified creative thinking as an increasingly important skill, while 71 percent flagged technological literacy – including AI and data competency – as a growing requirement. The implication is that both matter, and neither is sufficient without the other.

The Human Capabilities That Remain Distinctive

Smith identifies two areas where human capability remains qualitatively different from what AI can currently provide.

Critical and creative thinking encompasses more than finding answers – it includes questioning whether the right problem is being addressed in the first place. AI can recombine existing ideas, but genuine innovation requires the capacity to challenge assumptions, identify unexpected connections, and envision possibilities that have no precedent in existing data. These are skills that develop through practice, not through passive consumption of AI-generated outputs.

Ethical judgment presents a different kind of challenge. Decisions about data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and the social consequences of automated systems require human values and contextual reasoning that no current AI can supply. “The technology can make predictions,” Smith noted, “but humans must decide whether those predictions should influence real decisions about people’s lives.” As AI becomes embedded in hiring, lending, healthcare, and public services, the ability to reason through those ethical dimensions becomes a professional skill in its own right.

Teaching AI Literacy Rather Than Avoiding the Technology

Smith draws a pointed analogy between schools that ban AI outright and the educational debates over calculators that preceded them. “Banning AI in schools is like banning calculators decades ago,” he said. “The better approach is teaching appropriate use.”

AI literacy, as Smith defines it, goes beyond knowing how to operate specific tools. It means understanding what these systems can and cannot do reliably – when to trust their outputs, when to verify them, how they are trained, and why they sometimes produce incorrect or biased results. Students who develop that understanding are better positioned to use AI effectively without becoming dependent on it in ways that undermine their own development.

The schools Smith regards as handling this well are those integrating AI deliberately – building technical fluency and the judgment to apply it appropriately as parallel goals, rather than treating them as alternatives.

A Shift in What Education Is For

The underlying argument is that education’s role needs to adapt to a world in which retrieving and processing information is no longer a distinctively human capability. Memorising facts that AI can surface in seconds is less valuable than developing the capacity to evaluate, contextualise, and apply those facts in situations that require human judgment.

“We need to shift our thinking from protecting students from AI to preparing them to work alongside it,” Smith said. “That means building critical thinking skills, helping them understand when to trust technology and when to question it, and giving them practice making decisions in situations where there’s no single right answer.”

That combination – technical literacy paired with human judgment – is, in Smith’s view, what distinguishes students who are genuinely prepared for professional life from those who are merely capable of using tools that will keep changing around them.

The UK Business Sectors With the Strongest Survival Rates – and What Makes Them Resilient

A business marketplace CEO says that with nearly six in ten start-ups failing within three years, where you choose to launch matters as much as how.

Every January brings a fresh wave of entrepreneurial ambition. For many people, the start of a new year marks the point at which a long-considered business idea begins to feel like an achievable plan. The statistics, however, demand a degree of realism: close to 60 percent of UK start-ups fail within three years, and around one in five closes within the first twelve months alone.

The question facing aspiring business owners is not simply whether to start, but where. Andrew Markou, co-owner and CEO of BusinessesForSale.com, a global marketplace operating across more than 130 countries, argues that sector selection is among the most consequential decisions an entrepreneur can make – and that certain industries offer structural advantages that meaningfully improve the odds of survival.

“There are specific industries that weather economic storms more successfully than others,” Markou said. “These sectors share common attributes: they provide essential services, generate recurring revenue, or serve markets with consistent demand regardless of economic conditions.”

Here are the ten UK sectors he identifies as offering the lowest failure rates, and the reasons behind their resilience.

1. Real Estate

Property investment, development, advisory, and management collectively generated nearly £270 billion in gross value added in 2022 – the highest contribution of any sector to the UK economy. High capital requirements make entry challenging, but those who navigate that barrier operate in a market where demand is structurally persistent.

“Property will always be in demand,” Markou said, pointing to sustained rental yields and long-term capital appreciation potential in major cities including London, Manchester, and Glasgow as particular draws for new entrants.

2. Transport

Road freight, courier services, removals, and logistics form the backbone of a sector forecast to grow at a compound annual rate of nearly three percent through to 2027. Start-up costs are substantial, but the business is scalable, and digital freight platforms have lowered some of the traditional barriers to building a client base from scratch.

“Transport is a fundamental industry that keeps the economy moving,” Markou said. Demand tends to peak between April and December, providing a reliable seasonal rhythm for operators managing capacity and cash flow.

3. Funeral Services

Demand for funeral services is unaffected by economic cycles in a way that few other sectors can claim. The UK’s ageing population reinforces long-term structural demand, and while the market is competitive – dominated at scale by a small number of large operators – independent funeral directors continue to build sustainable businesses through local reputation and personalised service.

“Funeral services will always be needed,” Markou said. “The key is offering a supportive, affordable, and respectful service – one that creates genuine loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals in the community.”

4. Nursing and Care Services

Healthcare has consistently ranked among the most stable sectors in the UK economy. Care home occupancy rates rose five percent in 2022, and demand for at-home care services has grown alongside it, driven by both an ageing population and a broader preference for community-based support over institutional care.

“Whether you’re starting from scratch or acquiring an existing operation, healthcare offers strong long-term prospects,” Markou said. The variety of entry points – from small domiciliary care operations to residential facilities – makes it accessible to entrepreneurs at different capital levels.

5. Agriculture

The agricultural sector contributed £11.2 billion to the UK economy in 2021 and employs close to half a million people. Opportunities extend well beyond conventional farming into consultancy, nurseries, specialist production, and emerging areas including biofuels. Analysis of UK farm performance shows that 21 percent recorded average annual profits of £75,000 or more, with dairy and poultry among the most consistently profitable subsectors.

“Food production will always be necessary, making this sector recession-resistant,” Markou said, while acknowledging that the challenges of entry – capital, land, regulatory complexity – are significant and should not be underestimated.

6. Launderettes

A well-positioned launderette generates consistent, predictable cash flow from a service that demand for does not disappear during downturns. Labour costs are low relative to most retail operations, management is straightforward, and additional revenue streams – detergent sales, vending, coin exchange – are easily layered on.

“The success rate is far higher than most industries,” Markou said. “It’s one of the lowest-risk businesses for entrepreneurs.” The primary variables affecting profitability are location, utility costs, and the reliability of machinery maintenance.

7. Payment Processing

Every business that accepts card payments requires processing infrastructure, and the continued expansion of e-commerce has widened that market considerably. The UK digital payment processing sector was forecast to reach £8.9 billion, having grown at a compound annual rate of 7.6 percent.

“In our increasingly digital economy, payment processing services will always be in demand,” Markou said. Growing merger and acquisition activity in the sector also creates potential exit pathways for entrepreneurs who build meaningful scale.

8. Insurance Services

The UK insurance market is both large and mature. In 2022, 69 percent of UK adults held contents insurance and 68 percent held motor insurance. The general insurance market grew by 1.6 percent over five years and was projected to reach £75.6 billion by the end of 2023.

“Insurance products address fundamental needs around cars, health, homes, and work,” Markou said. Profitability depends on disciplined pricing and claims management, but the consistency of underlying demand gives the sector a stability that more discretionary categories lack.

9. IT Support

Business reliance on technology has created a sustained and growing demand for IT support and managed services. The UK IT services market is projected to expand at more than ten percent annually through to 2028, reaching a forecast value of £96.33 billion, accelerated by widespread adoption of cloud-based software across sectors of all sizes.

“Businesses increasingly rely on technology, which means IT support will remain in high demand,” Markou said. The sector rewards technical expertise and offers relatively low barriers to entry for those with the relevant skills.

10. Food

The UK food industry is the country’s largest manufacturing sector, with output valued at £33 billion and business investment reaching £4.3 billion. Despite the cost pressures that have characterised recent years, the fundamental proposition – that food is a non-discretionary purchase – underpins the sector’s long-term durability.

“The right product with defined markets and effective marketing strategies can bring profitable returns,” Markou said. “The food and drink industry has commercial maturity and multiple opportunities for entrepreneurs willing to find their niche.”

The Limits of Sector Selection

Markou is consistent in framing sector choice as an advantage rather than a guarantee. The structural qualities that make these industries resilient reduce risk – they do not eliminate it.

“Even in the most stable sectors, poor management and ineffective marketing can lead to failure,” he said. “Choose wisely, but also execute well.” A thorough understanding of the target market, a realistic business plan, and the flexibility to adapt as conditions change are prerequisites for success regardless of which sector an entrepreneur enters.

How Immersive Marketing Is Reshaping Brand Strategy – and Why Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore It

From VR showrooms to haptic product demos and scent-triggered memory design, companies are replacing passive advertising with experiences that consumers step inside. An event production specialist explains what that shift means for brands in 2026.

The standard marketing toolkit – display advertising, video campaigns, social content – is losing ground. Not because these formats have stopped working entirely, but because consumer expectations have shifted in a direction that passive content consumption struggles to satisfy. Increasingly, the brands making the strongest impressions are those that invite people to participate rather than observe.

The market data supports that direction. The global immersive marketing sector reached $7.28 billion in 2024 and was projected to surge to $28.88 billion in 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate of 32 percent. Analysts expect the market to exceed $52 billion by 2030.

James Grifo, Owner and CEO of Audio Visual Nation, a production and staffing company that has worked on large-scale corporate events for clients says the shift is visible in how major brands are now approaching consumer touchpoints. “Companies are looking to do more than just tell their story – they’re inviting people to step inside it,” he said. “When you give someone the chance to physically interact with your product in a virtual space or feel the texture of a material through haptic technology, you create a memory anchor that standard advertising simply can’t match.”

Why the Psychology Works

The effectiveness of immersive marketing is grounded in how the brain processes active engagement differently from passive observation. When a consumer makes choices within an experience – exploring a virtual space, customising a product in real time, responding to sensory stimuli – the resulting memory is encoded more deeply than one formed by watching an advertisement.

Research suggests that 72 percent of consumers are more likely to purchase from a brand after participating in an experiential marketing event. Grifo frames the mechanism simply. “Traditional advertising creates awareness,” he said. “Immersive experiences create relationships. There’s a massive difference between knowing a product exists and feeling like you’ve already used it.”

The Technologies Driving the Shift

Grifo outlines six approaches that brands are already deploying – some at significant scale.

Virtual reality showrooms powered by platforms such as Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro allow consumers to examine products from every angle, configure options in real time, and experience scale that physical retail environments cannot accommodate. Automotive brands use VR to place potential buyers inside vehicles before a purchase decision. Fashion retailers offer virtual fitting rooms that show how garments look on specific body types.

Augmented reality activations layer digital content onto real-world environments rather than replacing them. Location-based AR platforms enable brands to design experiences that drive foot traffic to physical sites or deliver contextual product information at pop-up events. “AR bridges the gap between digital engagement and physical presence,” Grifo noted. “You’re adding a layer of interaction to spaces people already occupy.”

Haptic technology, including wearable systems such as HaptX and Teslasuit, introduces physical sensation to virtual demonstrations. A furniture retailer can let a customer feel the texture of upholstery without a physical showroom. A tool manufacturer can simulate how a drill feels in the hand. The application turns product specification into embodied experience.

Interactive retail environments use projection mapping technology to transform physical spaces into dynamic, responsive settings. Walls and floors become displays that react to customer movement. Products can demonstrate their own functionality without physical demonstration units. “We’ve built entire event spaces where the environment itself becomes part of the brand message,” Grifo said. “Everything responds to what’s happening in the room.”

Virtual event platforms such as Spatial.io allow brands to host branded digital spaces – product launches, exhibitions, networked gatherings – accessible to global audiences without geographic constraint. The format removes logistical barriers while maintaining the participatory quality that distinguishes experiential from conventional marketing.

Scent and environmental design represents perhaps the most underused dimension of immersive marketing. Systems that introduce specific fragrances into brand experiences tap into one of the most direct routes to memory formation. “Scent is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most powerful memory triggers we have,” Grifo said. “People might forget what they saw, but they won’t forget how a space made them feel.”

Where to Start

Grifo’s advice to brands considering immersive elements is to begin with a specific question: what do you want people to remember? The answer should determine which technology is appropriate, rather than the reverse.

A product launch might use VR to let consumers explore features ahead of physical availability. A retail environment might add AR try-on capability to reduce purchase hesitation. A corporate event might use interactive projection to transform a standard presentation into a navigable experience.

“Technology should serve the story you’re telling, not overshadow it,” Grifo said. “The most successful immersive campaigns share one trait: they give consumers agency. People want to explore, make choices, and interact on their own terms. Brands that design experiences around participation rather than presentation will build stronger connections and see better conversion rates going into 2026.”

The implication for brands that have not yet engaged with immersive formats is straightforward. As consumer expectations continue to shift toward participatory experiences, the gap between those who have invested in this direction and those who have not is likely to widen – and catching up becomes progressively harder the longer the delay.

The Financial Mistakes Expats Make Most Often – and How to Avoid Them

A tax advisor who works exclusively with overseas residents says the same costly errors arise repeatedly, most of which could be prevented with straightforward planning before the move.

Living and working abroad has become more accessible than ever, with remote work removing many of the barriers that once made international relocation the preserve of a narrow group of professionals. But the ease of the move itself can mask the complexity of what follows. Financial and legal obligations in a new country are frequently misunderstood, delayed, or ignored entirely – and the consequences tend to be more serious than people anticipate.

Carl Turner, co-founder of Expat Tax Thailand, a tax advisory service for expatriates, says the mistakes he encounters are not random. They follow predictable patterns, and most could be avoided with the right preparation. “The same financial mistakes keep coming up,” he said. “It’s common for people to assume their home country’s rules still apply, or that they can figure things out later. By the time they realise something’s wrong, they’re already facing fines or complicated paperwork.”

Here are the five errors Turner sees most frequently.

1. Misreading How Tax Residency Works

The assumption that relocating abroad means your tax obligations remain anchored to your home country is one of the most widespread and expensive misconceptions in expat finance. In most jurisdictions, tax residency is determined by physical presence – specifically, the number of days spent in a country each year – rather than citizenship or permanent address.

“Expats are often unaware that spending 180 days or more in a country can trigger tax residency,” Turner said. “Once you’re a tax resident, you may owe taxes on your worldwide income in some jurisdictions.” Filing incorrectly, or failing to file at all, can result in back taxes, interest charges, and penalties that accumulate over time before anyone notices.

Turner recommends researching the residency thresholds in both the home and host country before relocating, keeping detailed travel records throughout the year, and taking professional advice early rather than retrospectively.

2. Underestimating the Risk of Double Taxation

Paying tax on the same income in two countries simultaneously is a real and avoidable risk for expats, particularly those working remotely or on a freelance basis. While bilateral tax treaties exist to prevent this, their coverage is not universal – not every country pair has a treaty in place, and those that do often contain carve-outs for specific income types.

“You might pay tax where you’re living and again where your income originates,” Turner said. The solution is not to assume a treaty covers your situation, but to verify it – and to work with a tax professional to structure income in a way that is both compliant and efficient across both jurisdictions.

3. Assuming Tax Exemptions Apply Automatically

Information about tax exemptions available to expats circulates widely and informally, and a significant number of people interpret it too broadly. Qualifying for an exemption typically requires meeting specific, documented criteria – minimum time spent abroad, maximum claim periods, or restrictions on eligible income types. Simply living overseas is rarely sufficient.

“People hear about exemptions and assume they’re covered,” Turner said. “But in most cases, you still have to file and actively claim the tax credit. Without doing so, you could face a large unexpected tax bill.” He advises verifying eligibility formally, maintaining all relevant documentation, and filing correctly from the outset rather than attempting to correct errors after the fact.

4. Treating Tax Identification Registration as Optional

In many countries, a local tax identification number is a practical prerequisite for everyday life – required to open a bank account, sign a rental agreement, or set up utility services. Despite this, Turner says a significant number of expats treat registration as something they will get around to eventually.

“Without a TIN, you may struggle to access basic services and could face penalties for not being properly registered,” he said. The registration process is generally straightforward once the correct documentation is assembled, and completing it promptly establishes a record of compliance from the start of residency.

5. Neglecting Estate and Succession Planning

Estate planning is commonly associated with significant wealth, but the intersection of two countries’ inheritance laws can create complications for anyone with assets abroad, regardless of their value. Without a will that accounts for both jurisdictions, assets can become entangled in lengthy legal disputes, or subject to tax treatment that the owner would not have chosen.

“This is the mistake people realise too late,” Turner said. “Without a will or succession plan accounting for international laws, your family could face years of legal battles.” He recommends establishing a will that is valid in both relevant countries, considering whether a trust structure is appropriate to protect specific assets, and reviewing the arrangement periodically as laws change.

The Bigger Picture

Turner’s broader point is that expat finances require a more holistic approach than annual tax compliance alone. The mistakes outlined above are not isolated errors – they interact with one another, and the consequences can extend well beyond tax bills into the ability to access healthcare, purchase property, or pass on assets to family members.

“It’s about understanding how all the pieces fit together: your residency status, your income sources, your long-term goals, and the legal systems you’re navigating,” he said. “The cost of getting it right is always less than the cost of fixing it later.”

Cyber Insurance Has Gone from Optional to Essential. Here’s What the Data Says

With AI-powered attacks growing more sophisticated and premiums set to rise sharply in 2026, a cybersecurity specialist says businesses that treat insurance as an afterthought are taking an increasingly costly gamble.

A significant shift has taken place in how businesses approach cyber risk. According to figures from the cyber insurance statistics report, 62 percent of companies worldwide now hold a cyber insurance policy – up from 49 percent just twelve months earlier. The pace of that change reflects a growing recognition that digital threats have moved beyond the reach of technical defences alone.

Danny Mitchell, a cybersecurity writer at Heimdal Security, says the mindset change is overdue. “Cyber insurance was once an afterthought, but today it’s a strategic pillar of risk management,” he said. “Whether you’re a start-up or a multinational, you’re operating in a digital battlefield where attackers are faster, smarter, and often automated.”

A Maturing Market Facing Fresh Pressure

The global cyber insurance market reached $20.56 billion in 2025. Growth has moderated from the 31 percent annual rate recorded between 2017 and 2022, largely because the pool of uninsured businesses has shrunk considerably. Premiums are currently around six percent below their 2024 level and 22 percent below the 2022 peak – a period when intense ransomware activity drove insurers to reprice risk aggressively.

That relative affordability window appears to be closing. Analysts project premium increases of between 15 and 20 percent in 2026, driven by the growing capability and accessibility of AI-powered attack tools.

“Prices dipped because claims fell, but as AI makes attacks faster and more targeted, expect those savings to disappear,” Mitchell said. “What you save today on premiums could cost ten times more in the next data breach.”

Who Is Covered – and Who Isn’t

Adoption patterns vary considerably depending on how company size is measured and which market is examined. Swiss Re data suggests that 60 to 70 percent of large corporations with revenues above $1 billion hold coverage, compared with 40 to 50 percent of mid-market firms and just 10 to 20 percent of small and medium-sized enterprises globally.

UK government survey data presents a different picture, with small businesses (62 percent) and medium-sized firms (65 percent) more likely to be insured than large enterprises (53 percent). Mitchell attributes the relative hesitancy among larger organisations to an over-reliance on internal security teams.

“Cybercriminals don’t discriminate by company size – they follow the path of least resistance,” he said. “Smaller firms recognise that one successful attack could shut them down entirely. Larger organisations sometimes feel self-sufficient until they aren’t.”

What Is Driving Demand

Three categories of attack account for the bulk of the growth in claims and, by extension, the growing urgency around insurance: AI-generated phishing, ransomware, and business email compromise. Ransomware alone represents 60 percent of all large cyber insurance claims. The manufacturing sector generated the highest claim volume in 2025, accounting for 33 percent of the annual total.

Regulatory pressure is adding a further layer of urgency, particularly in finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, where data protection requirements are tightening. In these sectors, carrying insurance is increasingly functioning as a compliance consideration rather than a discretionary one.

“AI scams have changed the landscape completely,” Mitchell said. “You no longer need a sophisticated attacker to pull off a multi-million dollar breach. Anyone with access to AI tools can replicate authentic emails or voices in seconds. Cyber insurance isn’t a substitute for strong defences – it’s the buffer between an incident and insolvency.”

The Financial Stakes of Going Without

Despite a 50 percent fall in overall claim numbers in 2025, the cost of individual successful attacks has continued to climb. Average global claim sizes now stand at $115,000, with notable regional variation: $108,000 in the United States, $226,000 in Canada, and $35,000 in the United Kingdom. By company size, average losses run to $79,000 for small businesses and $228,000 for large enterprises. In healthcare and manufacturing, individual ransomware claims have reached $631,000.

The longer-term return on investment case is compelling. Insurer Howden estimates that covered firms achieve a 19 percent return on their insurance spend, with potential savings of €16 million over a decade for a mid-sized enterprise. Research from Allianz found that insured companies saw losses grow by 70 percent over four years – compared with 250 percent for those without coverage.

Reading the Small Print

Mitchell cautions that the protective value of a policy depends heavily on how it is written. Some exclude social engineering attacks – the category that underlies the majority of significant breaches – classifying them as human error rather than an insurable cyber incident. Businesses that discover this distinction only after filing a claim have effectively paid for coverage they cannot use.

Standard modern policies typically cover ransomware and extortion costs, business interruption losses, legal expenses, regulatory fines, forensic investigation, data restoration, and public relations support. Whether a specific incident falls within those parameters depends on the precise language of the policy.

“Companies must read the fine print and match their policies to their actual risk profile,” Mitchell said. “Otherwise, they’re paying for protection they might not get.”

Insurance and Cybersecurity as Complements

Mitchell’s consistent message is that insurance and proactive security are not alternatives – organisations that carry coverage tend, in practice, to invest more in defences, training, and regular audits. The two reinforce each other.

“Don’t wait for an attack to expose the gaps,” he said. “Pair strong cybersecurity defences with a well-structured insurance policy. Proactivity is the only real protection left in 2025.”

Boston Renters Spend 71% of Their Income on Housing. A New Study Maps America’s Affordability Divide

An analysis of rent-to-income ratios across 52 major US cities reveals a stark geographic split – with Oklahoma and the Midwest offering breathing room that coastal and Sun Belt markets increasingly cannot.

Raw rental prices tell an incomplete story. A $4,500 apartment in a city where average workers earn $9,000 a month represents a very different burden from a $3,400 apartment in a city where average earnings sit closer to $4,800. It is the ratio that matters – and a new study examining that ratio across America’s most populous cities reveals just how dramatically housing affordability varies depending on where you live.

The analysis, conducted by Three Movers, a national moving and relocation company, compared average one-bedroom rents in city centres against average monthly earnings for full-time workers, drawing on Numbeo rental data from January 2026 and US Census income figures. The results map an affordability landscape that is reshaping where Americans choose to live.

The Least Affordable Markets

Boston emerges as the most strained rental market in the country by this measure – and by a significant margin. The average one-bedroom apartment in the city centre costs $3,429 per month, set against average monthly earnings of $4,806. That translates to a rent burden of 71 percent, leaving the typical Boston renter with less than $1,400 to cover all other living costs, savings, and debt repayments after housing.

“Boston’s ratio is alarming because it leaves renters with almost no financial cushion,” said Chris Townsend, Marketing Manager at Three Movers. “When housing takes up that much of your income, you’re one emergency away from a serious financial crisis.”

New York City ranks second at just under 50 percent, though the picture there is more nuanced. Renters pay considerably more in absolute terms – $4,513 per month on average – but the city’s higher earnings base, averaging $9,027 monthly, provides more room to absorb the cost. The burden is substantial, but the financial architecture is different from Boston’s.

Colorado appears twice in the top ten, underlining its emergence as an affordability trouble spot. Aurora ranks third at 48.8 percent, where monthly rent of $1,933 consumes nearly half of average earnings of $3,962. Denver follows in tenth place at 34.8 percent. Both cities have seen significant population growth in recent years, with demand running ahead of wage increases.

Florida adds two further entries. Miami renters allocate 44.3 percent of income to housing, while Tampa renters commit 38.7 percent – figures that reflect the state’s sustained appeal as a relocation destination for workers and retirees alike, without a commensurate rise in wages.

The Most Affordable Markets

At the other end of the spectrum, Oklahoma dominates the affordability rankings in a way that is likely to surprise many observers. Oklahoma City renters spend just 12.4 percent of monthly income on housing, paying $1,163 in rent while earning an average of $9,392 – a combination that leaves substantial room for saving, investing, or meeting other financial goals. Tulsa ranks second at 12.6 percent, with nearly identical income figures and only marginally higher rent.

Omaha, Nebraska, rounds out the top three at 12.6 percent, notable for having the highest average monthly income among the most affordable cities at $11,479, against a rent of $1,449.

“These markets offer something increasingly rare: housing that doesn’t dominate your entire financial picture,” Townsend said. “When rent takes up only 12 to 15 percent of income, families can build savings, pay down debt, or invest in their futures.”

The remainder of the most affordable list is drawn almost entirely from the South and Midwest. Memphis ranks fourth at 15 percent, El Paso fifth at 16.3 percent, and Kansas City sixth at 16.4 percent. Las Vegas offers a notable result in seventh place: despite its profile as a major tourism hub, renters there spend just 16.8 percent of income on housing, supported by average monthly earnings of $9,458 – suggesting the city’s economy has diversified meaningfully beyond its hospitality base.

Albuquerque, Louisville, and Tucson complete the top ten most affordable cities. Even Tucson’s ratio of 21.5 percent – the highest among the most affordable markets – represents less than a third of the burden faced by renters in Boston.

A Divide That Is Reshaping Migration

Townsend says the rent-to-income gap is producing measurable shifts in where Americans are choosing to relocate, a trend that Three Movers has observed directly through client patterns.

“We’ve noticed more clients relocating from high-cost metros to affordable markets where their paychecks stretch further,” he said. “When someone in Boston realises they could pay one-sixth the income share on rent in Oklahoma City, that’s a powerful incentive to consider moving.”

The implications extend beyond individual households. Cities where rent absorbs more than 40 percent of income face structural challenges in retaining middle-income workers, while affordable markets are positioned to attract the families and talent that high-cost cities are losing.

For anyone weighing a relocation decision, Townsend’s advice is to look beyond headline rent figures. “Looking at income ratios provides a clearer picture of where you can actually thrive financially – not just survive,” he said. By that measure, the most expensive-looking cities are not always the most burdensome, and some of the country’s most liveable rental markets are in places that rarely appear in the national conversation about housing affordability.