Alipay Merchants Triple In Europe

Alipay has tripled its number of merchants in Europe to “tens of thousands” in the past year.

“We’re talking about tens of thousands of merchants who are really excited about the opportunity that Alipay provides them to tap into those wealthy and middle-class consumers, who are traveling to see the world and want to buy great brands from Europe,” said Roland Palmer, head of Europe for Alipay, according to CNBC.

Palmer added that Alipay has “around 1 billion” active users, with 55 countries now accepting Alipay — 29 countries in Europe alone. While trade tensions with the U.S., and slow growth, have caused concerns about the Chinese economy, Palmer dismissed these fears, noting that tourism for Chinese travelers is “booming” in Europe.

In fact, earlier this year, a survey by Nielsen, a global information and measurement company, and Alipay found that the average budget for travelers has increased, and more of them are using mobile payment systems than ever before. In fact, mobile payments surpassed cash payments for the first time in 2018, with 32 percent of all transactions going mobile.

The push helped overseas merchants as well, with 58 percent saying that they integrated Alipay and found that more people came to their stores. In addition, 56 percent said they experienced better sales.

Chinese tourists also traveled more than ever, visiting an average of 2.8 countries or regions, an increase from 2.1 in the previous year. Travel budgets were up 15 percent to $6,706, as well as spending, which was up 6 percent to $6,026. Last year, Chinese tourists traveled to more exotic locales, like Western Asia and Africa. As for Chinese millennials, born between 1990 and 1999, 5 percent even traveled to Nordic countries.

The survey showed that there were three main categories of purchases for Chinese tourists: shopping, accommodations and dining. In addition, three major factors made up those buying decisions: discounts, quality and pricing.


March Madness 2025 and Beyond: When AI Meets the Big Dance

March Madness 2025 and Beyond: When AI Meets the Big Dance

As the calendar flips to March, college basketball fans are gearing up for another exhilarating NCAA tournament.

In the future, artificial intelligence and cutting-edge technology could change March Madness as we know it. Let’s break down how the digital revolution could transform the Big Dance.

AI Bracketology: The New Sixth Man

AI is already being used to predict brackets. Gone are the days of agonizing over your picks based on team mascots or your alma mater’s colors. In 2025, AI-powered bracketology is the name of the game. Fans can use algorithms that crunch data points, from player statistics to historical upset probabilities, all at the click of a button.

But beware, bracket enthusiasts. While these AI tools promise to boost your chances of winning the office pool, they can’t account for the quintessential March Madness chaos. You know, the instance where AI can predict everything except the inevitable Cinderella story that ruins everyone’s bracket by the second round.

The Rise of the Robo-Commentators

In a move that would be sure to ruffle some feathers, AI-generated commentary could be used for games. Digital play-by-play announcers would never need a bathroom break and potentially be able to recall obscure statistics from the 1957 tournament in an instant.

Virtual Reality Courtside Seats

Can’t make it to the Final Four? Ten years from now, games might happen in a digital stadium, Forbes reported. With virtual reality (VR) technology, fans could experience the thrill of courtside seats from the comfort of their living rooms.

“AI-generated athletes, inspired by the procedural generation techniques of video game developers … could perform in virtual arenas, exhibiting strategies and plays conceived by advanced predictive algorithms,” Forbes reported.

Just be careful not to get too caught up in the moment with streaming. Wouldn’t want to have reports of fans attempting to rush the virtual court after buzzer-beaters have led to an uptick in living room injuries — especially when that flat screen falls over.

AI Coaches: The Ultimate Clipboard Holder

While human coaches still call the shots, AI assistants could one day be indispensable members of the coaching staff. In the next five years, these digital strategists could analyze opponent tendencies and more.

“Building on existing technologies … AI will provide coaches and players with intricate, multi-dimensional data patterns that dramatically enhance both offensive and defensive strategies,” Forbes reported. “These advanced algorithms will analyze vast datasets from numerous games to uncover hidden trends, strategic insights, and predictive cues about opponents’ potential moves.”

The Referee’s New Best Friend: Computer Vision

Say goodbye to controversial calls. Advanced computer vision systems could assist referees in making split-second decisions, from determining if a player’s toe was on the line for a three-pointer to detecting the slightest touch on a blocked shot.

The Hawk-Eye system is already used in tennis and cricket to help determine fouls, Viso.AI reported.

“This system uses a network of cameras to track the ball and then compares the trajectory of the ball to a virtual model of the playing surface,” the report said. “This system is accurate within a few millimeters, which is much more accurate than the human eye.”

The Future of Fandom

As we dive into March Madness 2025, it’s clear that technology will change the way we experience the tournament. From AI-powered brackets to virtual reality arenas, the digital revolution is coming for basketball. But at its core, the magic of March Madness remains the thrill of competition, the joy of unexpected victories, and the heartbreak of last-second defeats.

So, whether you’re relying on an AI to pick your bracket this year, or screaming at a holographic referee in the future, remember to enjoy the ride. In the unpredictable world of college basketball, sometimes the best strategy is to embrace the madness — digital or otherwise.

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