19, Aug 2026
AI Improving Job Security and Productivity for Asset Managers, Clearwater Analytics Research Reveals
61% of asset managers say the technology will make their jobs safer
BOISE, Idaho, NEW YORK, CHICAGO, LONDON and HONG KONG, Aug 19 – Senior executives at asset management firms are overwhelmingly positive about the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) for enhancing their job security, new research from Clearwater Analytics shows.
While there is concern more widely that the technology may be responsible for reducing work for humans, 61% of senior executives at asset managers participating in the research, which covered a broad spectrum of fund managers including insurance asset managers, hedge funds, private markets specialists, and general asset managers, say AI will increase their job security.
However, more than a quarter (28%) of those surveyed concede AI will reduce job security and 1% say it will replace their role completely.
The Efficiency Dividend
The efficiency gains AI is delivering are tangible and measurable. Six per cent of managers report saving between one and 30 minutes per week, while one in three save between 31 and 59 minutes.
The impact is more significant for the majority: 45% report efficiency gains of one to two hours per week, while 16% are saving as much as three to four hours.
Building for the AI Age
The data suggests that AI is not being viewed as a replacement for human talent. Asset managers are making deliberate investments to ensure their people evolve alongside the technology. Seven in ten firms are providing AI literacy and awareness training, while 63% are investing in internal mobility and redeployment pathways, actively repositioning talent rather than reducing it. Almost half (49%) are redesigning roles specifically to integrate human and AI collaboration, and 47% are hiring talent with AI-complementary skills. Taken together, these findings paint a picture of an industry that sees AI not as a substitute for human judgement, but as a platform for enhancing it.
Souvik Das, CTO at Clearwater Analytics, said: “What I find most telling in this research is where the confidence is coming from. Job security has traditionally come from being hard to replace. Here, it’s coming from a different direction entirely. Firms investing in their people as AI becomes part of the everyday work. That’s a more durable kind of confidence, and it reflects an industry choosing to grow into this moment. The firms doing this well are using AI to make the people doing the job better at it.”
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- By Neel Achary
19, Aug 2026
Guide Launches MobIR 3.0, Bringing Professional-Grade Thermal Imaging to Smartphones
WUHAN, China, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Guide, a global leader in infrared thermal imaging technology, announced the launch of MobIR 3.0, a new-generation dual-vision thermal camera compatible for iOS & Android smartphones. Powered by Guide’s ApexVision Ultra-Clarity Imaging Technology (NETD≤15mK), MobIR 3.0 captures subtle temperature differences and fine details. Its dual-vision capability helps users quickly locate hotspots, while a built-in AI Assistant provides intelligent guidance for a next-level inspection experience. Combining professional-grade thermal imaging capabilities with smartphone portability, MobIR 3.0 enables faster, smarter, and more efficient inspections anytime, anywhere.
MobIR 3.0 series includes three models, all equipped with Real Time Super Resolution technology to enhance thermal image clarity and reveal more details:
- ES2+ Dual-Vision: 256×192 enhanced to 512×384, with an 800×600 visible light camera.
- ES2 Single-Vision: 256×192 enhanced to 512×384.
- ES1 Single-Vision: 120×90 enhanced to 480×360.
Key features of MobIR 3.0 include:
- Ultra-Clarity Imaging: Guide’s ApexVision technology delivers ≤15mK NETD and it’s able to visualize subtle temperature variations as small as 0.015°C and identify potential thermal anomalies.
- Dual-Vision Fusion: The ES2+ model combines synchronized thermal and visible imaging with IR, VIS, PIP, and MIF image modes, making it easier to locate where the problem is.
- Plug-and-Play: USB-C compatible across iOS and Android smartphones enables direct access to thermal imaging without device limits, while a 5-second startup allows users to inspect quickly.
- Professional Inspection Performance: Class-leading -20°C to 550°C temperature measurement range, ±2°C accuracy (comparable to professional handheld thermal cameras), and 56° × 42° wide field of view (quickly inspect larger-scale targets) support building and HVAC inspection, electrical troubleshooting, automotive diagnostics, PCBA inspection, and outdoor applications.
- Rugged Design: An aerospace-grade metal housing, 2-meter drop resistance, and IP54-rated protection against dust and water provide durability for demanding inspection environments.
Powered by the FocusIR App, MobIR 3.0 transforms a smartphone into a mobile thermal imaging workstation, providing professional imaging, temperature measurement, analysis, and workflow tools. A built-in multilingual AI Assistant offers step-by-step inspection guidance, helping both first-time users and experienced professionals work more efficiently.
MobIR 3.0 reflects Guide’s commitment to democratizing professional thermal imaging technology. By integrating industrial-grade precision with smartphone-based mobility and ease of use, the new series makes high-performance thermal inspection more portable, accessible, and practical for daily on-site diagnostics, bridging the gap between professional infrared capabilities and widespread application.
For more product information, please visit: https://www.guideir.com/products/mobile-accessories
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19, Aug 2026
DomoAI Launches Seedance 2.5 and MiniMax H3 in Omni Reference for Long-Form Character Storytelling and Music Video Creation
SINGAPORE, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DomoAI today launched Seedance 2.5 and MiniMax H3 in Omni Reference, giving creators two ways to build longer projects around the same character: scene-by-scene storytelling and music-led performance.
Seedance 2.5 is aimed at a problem familiar to anyone making an animated series or motion comic. A character may look right in one shot, then change face, clothing, or proportions in the next. Omni Reference lets creators carry the same visual references across scenes, using up to 30 images, 10 video clips, 10 audio files, and first and last frames to guide the result.
Japanese creator JPN GIRL recently used the workflow to make an 80-second AI short film in DomoAI. The film was assembled from multiple generated shots, showing how a creator can move beyond isolated clips and build a continuous scene with recurring characters.
MiniMax H3 takes the same idea into music video production. Creators can combine a song with up to nine image references, three videos, and three audio files. The audio helps guide timing, rhythm, vocal performance, and movement, while the visual references establish who the character is and how the shot should feel.
MiniMax H3 generates individual clips between four and 15 seconds in 768P or up to 2K. Those clips can then be arranged around verses, choruses, and other cut points rather than treating a full music video as a single generation.
Seedance 2.5 and MiniMax H3 are available now in Omni Reference at domoai.app. New users can try one Omni Reference Feature at no cost. Watch JPN GIRL’s 80-second short-film workflow.
About DomoAI
DomoAI is an anime and manga AI video platform. Creators animate character art, stylize footage, and upscale visual content in one workflow, with anime-first models and more than 50 visual styles. DomoAI ranked No. 7 among AI products on Discord by invite traffic in Andreessen Horowitz’s Top 100 Gen AI Consumer Apps report.
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/domoai-launches-seedance-2-5-and-minimax-h3-in-omni-reference-for-long-form-character-storytelling-and-music-video-creation-302855004.html
19, Aug 2026
D-Link Expands DAP-E3620 Series BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Enterprise Access Point
Deliver Wi-Fi 7 Connectivity for Modern Enterprise Environments
TAIPEI, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — D-Link Corporation (TWSE: 2332), a global leader in networking and connectivity solutions, today announced the DAP-E3620 Series, a new family of BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 Enterprise Access Points designed to deliver secure, reliable, and high-performance wireless connectivity for modern business environments. Paired with D-Link’s DMS-1250 Series 2.5Gbps Multi-Gigabit Ethernet PoE Switches, the DAP-E3620 Series access points provide a complete end-to-end networking solution that maximizes Wi-Fi 7 performance. Together, they eliminate network bottlenecks, simplify power and connectivity through PoE, and deliver the bandwidth needed for latency-sensitive applications, high-density deployments, and next-generation enterprise networks.
The portfolio includes the ceiling-mount DAP-E3620, wall-plate DAP-E3620W, and outdoor DAP-E3620OU, offering flexible deployment across a wide range of business environments. Paired with D-Link’s 2.5Gbps Multi-Gigabit Ethernet PoE Switches, the DAP-E3620 Series delivers a scalable, secure, and centrally managed enterprise networking solution.
Featuring dual-band BE3600 Wi-Fi 7 with Multi-Link Operation (MLO), 4K-QAM, and Multi-RU, the DAP-E3620 Series maximizes wireless performance and low-latency connectivity for cloud applications, video conferencing, IoT, and modern enterprise deployments.
Key Highlights
- BE3600 dual-band Wi-Fi 7 for ultra-fast enterprise wireless connectivity
- Pairs with D-Link 2.5Gbps Multi-Gigabit PoE Switches for end-to-end Wi-Fi 7 networking
- Ceiling-mount DAP-E3620 for offices, classrooms, and enterprise spaces
- Wall-plate DAP-E3620W for hotels, dormitories, healthcare, and MDUs
- Outdoor DAP-E3620OU for campuses, public venues, and outdoor coverage
- Enterprise-grade security with advanced authentication and network segmentation
- Centralized cloud management for simplified deployment and monitoring
- Flexible mounting options for seamless indoor and outdoor installation
- Fast roaming with low-latency performance for uninterrupted connectivity
Built for Every Business Environment:
Hospitality
Purpose-built for hotels, resorts, and guest accommodations, the DAP-E3620W Wall-Plate Access Point delivers high-speed Wi-Fi 7 connectivity directly to each room while maintaining a clean and discreet installation. Integrated with the DMS-1250-10SP 10-port smart managed PoE switch, it gives a complete hospitality networking solution with multi-gigabit performance, seamless PoE deployment, and secure connectivity for smart TVs, IP phones, workstations, and other in-room devices.
Education
Designed for classrooms, lecture halls, libraries, and campus common areas, the DAP-E3620 Ceiling Mount Access Point, paired with the D-Link DMS-1250-12TP 12-port smart managed PoE switch, delivers high-speed Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and reliable PoE deployment for high-density learning environments. While centralized management simplifies network administration across multiple buildings and campuses.
Enterprise
The DAP-E3620 Series delivers seamless Wi-Fi 7 connectivity across modern workplaces, including offices, meeting rooms, collaborative spaces, campuses, and outdoor environments. Paired with the D-Link DMS-1250-18P 18-port smart managed PoE switch provides high-speed wired backhaul and reliable PoE connectivity to ensure consistent, high-performance networking across the entire organization.
Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs)
Ideal for apartments, student housing, and residential communities, the DAP-E3620W Wall-Plate Access Point provides dedicated high-performance Wi-Fi 7 connectivity within each unit. Its compact design and integrated DMS-1250-28P 28-port smart managed PoE switch support wired and wireless connectivity, while advanced security and traffic isolation help ensure privacy and reliable connectivity for every resident.
Nuclias on-premises hardware controller, software controller and Nuclias Unity cloud management provide centralized network management, enabling IT teams to efficiently monitor, configure, and maintain their entire infrastructure from a single platform. Backed by D-Link’s proven engineering expertise, these solutions deliver a flexible foundation for secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. As organizations embrace hybrid work, smart buildings, and digital transformation, D-Link continues to advance intelligent connectivity that empowers innovation and brings its vision of “One Connection • Infinite Possibilities” to life.
Global Contact
For more information, deployment inquiries or demo requests, please visit www.dlink.com/en/for-business/wireless-ap/enterprise-access-point, www.dlink.com/en/for-business/switching/poe-switches or contact a local D-Link representative for further assistance.
About D-Link
D-Link, a global leader in the networking industry, began expanding worldwide in 1986 and was officially established as D-Link Corporation in 1987. With 90 operational and sales locations across 43 countries, D-Link provides innovative and reliable networking equipment, AI-powered cloud management services, and complete infrastructure solutions for individuals, homes, businesses, and industries. Find out more about D-Link at www.dlink.com
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19, Aug 2026
Ekatra Reaches INR 100 Crore Valuation Within 100 Days of Launch, Raises INR 10 Crore in Strategic Investment
Mumbai, Aug 19: Ekatra Retail Ventures Pvt. Ltd., a design, technology and content company, has raised ₹10 crore in strategic investment at a valuation of ₹100 crore, within 100 days of launch. The round saw participation from strategic investors, and follows ₹10 crore of founder capital deployed over two years of pre-launch development. The capital will support brand building, retail expansion and product innovation across India and international markets.
Founded by Pavitra Gandhi, Ekatra has also announced Ekta Kapoor and Sussanne Khan as Co-Founders of Ekatra Jewels, with Sussanne Khan additionally taking on the role of Co-Founder and Design Director. Ekatra owns its end-to-end value chain on a vertically integrated, farm-to-finger model. The company grows and cuts its own Type IIa lab-grown diamonds — the rarest category, roughly 2% of all diamonds — and holds four patented cuts, including the 108-facet Shristi Ratna™, alongside proprietary hollow gold construction technology.
Pavitra Gandhi, Founder, Ekatra Jewels, said, “Ekatra was built with the belief that the future of luxury lies in owning every part of the journey, from innovation and craftsmanship to consumer experience. This investment validates our vision and gives us the momentum to scale thoughtfully, expand globally and continue creating jewellery that blends technology, design and everyday elegance.”
Vasuki Punj, Founder & Strategic Investor, said, “From day one, our focus has been on building a differentiated business with strong fundamentals, not chasing short-term milestones. This investment reflects confidence in our long-term vision, our integrated model and our ability to create a globally relevant luxury brand from India.”
Ekta Kapoor, Co-Founder, Ekatra Jewels, said, “Every industry eventually reaches a point where convention has to make way for reinvention. I believe luxury is at that moment today. Ekatra isn’t here to participate in the category; it’s here to challenge it, with innovation, design and a completely new way of thinking about fine jewellery. The brands that will define the future are the ones that dare to rewrite the rules, and that’s exactly what we’re building.”
The announcement comes as gold trades at record highs of over ₹1.5 lakh per 10 grams in India, up more than 30% in a year, forcing the industry to confront how much metal a piece actually needs. Ekatra spent its two pre-launch years answering that question: its hollow gold construction technology delivers the scale and presence of statement jewellery using a fraction of the gold — engineering the volume rather than buying it.
Sussanne Khan’s newly launched OH MY GOLD collection is the first full expression of that work. Sussanne Khan, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Ekatra Jewels, said, “With the OH MY GOLD collection, we wanted to challenge the idea of what statement jewellery can feel like. The collection is built on one bold idea, jewellery can look chunky, big and luxurious without using a lot of gold. By bringing together real gold, smart engineering and lab-grown diamonds made in India, we’ve created pieces that make a statement while remaining surprisingly light and effortless to wear every day. It’s the look of heavy jewellery, without the heaviness.”
With a library of more than 5,000 designs developed for India, the United States and the Middle East, Ekatra aims to build a globally relevant luxury brand from India.
19, Aug 2026
From Likes to Revenue: How Businesses Can Turn Digital Marketing Into Real Growth
Pic Credit: Pexel
In the competitive business sector, digital marketing is no longer just about gaining followers, likes or website traffic. Companies are increasingly focusing on sales and customer conversions to understand whether their marketing efforts are delivering real business results.
Businesses should begin by identifying clear goals, such as generating enquiries, increasing online sales or attracting repeat customers. Once these goals are defined, they can track conversion rate to see how effectively website visitors and potential customers are turning into paying customers.
Another important term is Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC). It helps businesses understand how much they spend on marketing and sales to acquire one new customer. Keeping CAC under control is particularly important for startups and small businesses with limited budgets.
Companies should also monitor Customer Lifetime Value (CLV), which estimates how much revenue a customer can generate over the entire relationship with the business. A strong CLV indicates that customers are returning and continuing to spend.
For businesses using paid advertising, Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) is another valuable measure. It shows how much revenue is generated from advertising expenditure and helps companies identify campaigns that are delivering better commercial results.
While likes, followers and website visits can indicate brand visibility, they should not be the final measure of success. Businesses need to connect digital activity with actual customer behaviour and revenue.
A practical approach is to track the complete customer journey—from the first click to the final purchase and repeat business. This allows companies to invest more confidently in marketing strategies that generate measurable growth.
In the business sector, the real value of digital marketing lies not in how many people see a campaign, but in how effectively that campaign converts attention into customers, revenue and long-term business growth.
19, Aug 2026
Savaya Group Unveils Zumana, a New Beachfront Destination on Bali’s Kuta Coast
From the creators of Asia’s No. 1 club, the new 35,000-square-foot destination by Rockwell Group brings together music, art, dining and Bali’s iconic sunsets.
BALI, Indonesia, Aug. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Savaya Group, the team behind Savaya Bali, currently ranked the No. 1 club in Asia and No. 5 in the world in DJ Mag’s 2026 Top 100 Clubs, announces the opening of Zumana, a new beachfront destination at Sunset Bay Kuta.
Opening August 19, Zumana marks a new chapter for Savaya Group and Kuta. Designed by internationally acclaimed architecture and design firm Rockwell Group, the 35,000-square-foot destination brings together music, art, dining and design along one of Bali’s most iconic coastlines.
At the center of Zumana stands Zenía, a monumental 10-meter sculpture by multidisciplinary artist Daniel Popper. The work anchors the venue’s open-air performance space, while beachfront daybeds, poolside spaces, bars and an open-air dance floor create an environment designed to evolve from relaxed afternoons and sunset gatherings into late-night performances.
“As an Indonesian-founded group, our connection to Bali and its people is deeply personal. Kuta has played an important role in the island’s history, and we believe strongly in its next chapter. Zumana was conceived from the ground up for this coastline, bringing together Indonesian spirit with a global perspective across design, music, art and hospitality. We are proud to contribute to the continued evolution of one of Bali’s most iconic destinations.”
— Nadia Tjahyadikarta, President Director, KAJA Group
“We have always believed deeply in Bali, its people and the culture that makes this island unlike anywhere else in the world. Kuta was one of the places that first introduced Bali to the world, and we believe it has an opportunity to enter an exciting new chapter. With Zumana, we want to be part of that revitalization, honoring the spirit and energy that made Kuta iconic while creating something relevant to Bali today and for the generation ahead.”
— Alex Cordova, CEO, Savaya Group
Zumana will celebrate its official Grand Opening Weekend September 25–26, with The Martinez Brothers headlining Friday and Satori performing live Saturday. The weekend introduces a musical identity built around international programming and the natural transition from sunset into night.
Zumana is open daily at Sunset Bay Kuta beginning August 19, 2026.
Tickets and table reservations: ZumanaBali.com
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19, Aug 2026
Imarticus Learning launches Centre of Excellence for Indian Capital Markets
Mumbai, Aug19: Imarticus Learning announced the launch of its Centre of Excellence for Indian Capital Markets, a dedicated certification and capability-building practice built to close a widening gap between India’s investor base and the certified professionals serving it. The CoE brings NISM and NCFM certification training, applied capital markets programs and continuing professional education under a single practice, delivered through a fully managed national network of training centres and a digital learning platform designed so institutions can deploy it without building any training infrastructure of their own.
The CoE is structured as a progression rather than a set of standalone products, reflecting that a capital markets professional will need multiple certifications over a career, plus continuing education for as long as they hold a licence.
The practice’s current priority is the Mutual Fund–SIF Distributors examination, which NISM launched on July 22, 2026, replacing the earlier two-exam route for Specialized Investment Fund distribution. SIF is currently the fastest-growing category in Indian capital markets: AMFI data shows industry AUM in the category has grown from roughly ₹2,000 crore at its October 2025 launch to ₹23,177 crore as of July 2026, a 29.8% month-on-month rise. The practice also covers Mutual Fund Distributors, Portfolio Management Services Distributors, Alternative Investment Funds Category III, Securities Operations and Risk Management, Investment Adviser, Research Analyst, Equity and Derivatives, NCFM modules, and CPE refreshers across all license categories. An applied Wealth Management Program, developed in-house, sits alongside the certification track for practicing relationship and advisory teams.
Programs are delivered through classroom, live-online and blended formats at fully-equipped centres, or through a dedicated digital platform offering exam simulation and a question bank mapped to current NISM syllabi, giving institutions a single governance model whether their teams are concentrated in one city or spread nationally.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Nikhil Barshikar, Founder & CEO, Imarticus Learning said:
“The Centre of Excellence responds to a clear shift in the Indian market. Retail participation has expanded to over 23 crore demat accounts and ₹85 lakh crore in mutual fund assets, while the certified professional base serving those investors has grown at a fraction of that pace. Over the past 14 years, we’ve built deep BFSI training capability for India’s largest banks, AMCs and insurers. The Centre of Excellence takes that same infrastructure, our NISM and NSE accreditations and our national centre network, and brings them together for the first time as a dedicated capital markets practice, so institutions don’t have to build anything themselves, and individual professionals have one partner across every certification their career requires.”
Built on existing delivery infrastructure
The CoE operates through Imarticus’s established network of fully-equipped centres across Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Indore, Lucknow, Kochi and Coimbatore, with extended delivery reach across approximately 60% of India’s PIN codes through partner networks.
Imarticus has delivered over 8,500 training sessions in FY 25–26 and has trained over 10 lakh professionals across 1,000-plus enterprises and public sector undertakings, with an average participant feedback rating of 4.26 out of 5. The organisation holds NSDC certification and PFRDA Authorised Training Agency status for 2024–2027, under which it has trained 1.25 lakh participants across Central and State Governments, Autonomous Bodies and Corporates.
19, Aug 2026
India, Iceland Eye Stronger Fisheries and Green Shipping Partnership
Pic Credit: Pexel
Aug 19: India and Iceland are looking to deepen cooperation in fisheries, green shipping and maritime skills as both countries seek to expand their partnership in the blue economy.
India’s Ambassador to Iceland, R. Ravindra, held discussions with Iceland’s Infrastructure Minister Eyjolfur Armannsson on Tuesday and briefed him on the upcoming Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue. The meeting also covered opportunities for cooperation in green shipping, capacity building and fisheries.
Fisheries emerged as an important area where the two countries can work more closely. Iceland has considerable experience in sustainable fishing, seafood processing and efficient use of marine resources, while India has a large fisheries sector with significant potential for value addition and exports.
Greater cooperation could help Indian businesses adopt better fishing and processing technologies, improve skills and strengthen the seafood value chain. Earlier cooperation between the two countries has also explored areas such as zero-waste fisheries, traceability, certification, deep-sea fishing technology and aquaculture.
Green shipping is another promising area. Discussions on cleaner maritime transport and capacity building come as India works to develop a lower-carbon shipping sector and encourage the adoption of greener fuels and technologies. India’s maritime authorities are already working on measures covering green ships, alternative fuels, green ports and sustainable shipping corridors.
The latest engagement builds on the broader discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir at the India-Nordic Summit in Oslo earlier this year. The two leaders had discussed cooperation in fisheries, clean energy, sustainability, geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage, as well as Arctic research.
The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement is also expected to provide additional opportunities for trade and investment between India and Iceland.
With fisheries, maritime technology and green shipping gaining importance globally, closer India-Iceland cooperation could create new opportunities for businesses, support technology and knowledge sharing, and contribute to the sustainable growth of the blue economy.
19, Aug 2026
Blu Technology Named No. 476 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 List, the Most Prestigious Ranking of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies
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