News
Medcare Launches New Healthcare Chatbot
Medcare today announced the launch of its new “virtual health assistant” chatbots which are set to revolutionise the way patients in the UAE region access healthcare services. The two new health assistants use advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to learn about the patient in order to personalise responses and give accurate information in real-time.
Distinctive technology means that the Medcare health assistants are the first and only chatbots in the region that allow the patient to manage all aspects of their appointments online including booking, rescheduling and cancelling, permitted by real-time backend database integration. The new technology is also being continually optimized by developers to set it far ahead of competitors; key IT, marketing, call centre and operation stakeholders collaborated in designing the enhanced user journey to ensure a holistic, 360° approach.
Medcare market research found 41% of patients indicated the need for an end-to-end online solution that enables and empowers them to take control of their personal healthcare journey. Real-time database integrations, AI and machine learning have been merged to produce a top-of-the-line chatbot platform with turn-key implementation that has been built upon market predecessors, combining best practices and patient feedback to ensure the Medcare chatbots are more advanced and fully optimized to make the best use of available technology.
The most distinctive feature of the chatbot technology is that it has been humanized to make the health assistants intuitive, patient-centric and patient-friendly. Patients will be able to “talk” to the health assistants and use this new platform throughout their entire healthcare journey. Patients can book, reschedule and cancel appointments online. An advanced algorithm will enable patients to check and analyze their symptoms and match them with the relevant doctor, specialty and Medcare facility location.
Patients can also see lab reports online, check insurance coverage at their convenience and locate the nearest Medcare centre to ultimately optimize the patient journey to receive timely treatment. The new Medcare health assistant AI technologies hold real value in reducing the burden on doctors in primary and secondary care by allowing better organisation of patient pathways and by offering real-time solutions for medical issues.
Recent reports suggest healthcare chatbot interactions will grow to reach 2.8 billion by 2023. Moreover, market research has found the global healthcare chatbot market which was valued at USD 123 million in 2018 is expected to generate around USD 470 million by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.2%. The dramatic growth in use of AI and chatbots is expected to be reflected in an increase in the UAE region in particular, due to a high percentage of internet users, increasing digital awareness and government investment into healthcare infrastructure.
Alisha Moopen, Executive Director and CEO, Aster & Medcare Hospitals and Clinics, GCC, “In life, getting to a doctor when you are sick is a stressful experience. When you add to the experience having to call a call centre to schedule an appointment; it’s very frustrating. We, at Medcare, try to put ourselves in the shoes of our patients and to and create an environment, a solution and a system that helps and enables you to have the right information at the right time to help take care of your healthcare needs. We give the power to our patients to make life a bit easier for them in this hectic fast paced world.”
“Today’s empowered healthcare consumer expects technologies to meet them where they are. It is up to healthcare providers to recognise this, integrate capabilities and employ the latest digital technologies available. The advantage with chatbot technology is the ability to combine both human and artificial intelligence to transform customer service, providing an overall seamless experience with optimised productivity and outcome,” she continued.
Andre Daoud, Group Chief Executive Officer of Medcare Hospitals and Medical Centres said, “At Medcare, we continually strive to explore new ways to integrate technology and support the effective care of our patients. We keep our patients at the centre of everything we do, especially in the development of digital tools and services, by running focus groups to understand patient needs and identify any gaps in the healthcare market. Our chatbots were developed as our patients indicated the need for an end-to-end online solution that empowers them to take control of their personal healthcare journey. The chatbots are even being named by our patients through a contest, so they have a real sense of ownership on this project.”
“Our Medcare chatbots are set apart from competitors in the healthcare market as we are implementing novel technology and real-time backend database integration, meaning we are able to offer our patients an advanced end-to-end, patient-centric solution. Other healthcare chatbots in the region only permit appointment requests without real-time integration, so our chatbots are really going to be game-changing,” noted Daoud. “Chatbots and artificial intelligence technology are proving to have huge potential in aiding medical assistance and transforming the healthcare sector” he ended.
Gadgets
Samsung’s One UI 6.1.1 Update Brings Galaxy AI Features to More Devices
Samsung Electronics has announced the expansion of One UI 6.1.1, which will bring the latest Galaxy AI features to more Galaxy devices through a new update. With the rollout beginning in September, the update will extend the AI features of Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6 to previous models including the Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, S23 FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series. With the latest advanced features across communication, productivity and creativity, the updated OS will elevate every mobile experience for users to deliver greater intelligence and convenience.
Communicating with someone in another language is simple and easy with Galaxy AI. Interpreter offers Listening Mode which will now be available on all expanded devices, and one-way translation — whether listening to a presentation. With Chat Assist, users can easily draft emails, social media posts, and more using Composer. Users can simply input a few keywords and Galaxy AI will generate a full message based on tone and personal style for review. Suggested replies, previously only available on Galaxy Z Flip6, will now be available on Galaxy S24 series devices — offering quick replies from the wrist when connected to Galaxy Watch7 or Galaxy Watch Ultra.
The latest expansion of Galaxy AI features can transform any Galaxy device into a powerful productivity tool. Note Assist makes time-consuming meeting notes a thing of the past, enabling translation and note summaries, while the newly added transcript feature can quickly create notes based on voice recordings. For added convenience, PDF Overlay Translation can effortlessly translate and overlay text in PDF files or even translate text in images and graphs. Sketch to Image helps enhance photos by generating a selection of image options that perfectly complement the original image based on simple sketches. Also, the advanced search capabilities of Circle to Search with Google quickly generate search results and now offer step-by-step instructions for solving complex math problems, as well as a newly added Sound Search feature.
Galaxy AI is enabling everyday users to create professional-grade content, whether they’re amateur photographers or aspiring content creators. Instantly create portraits in a variety of styles such as 3D cartoon or watercolour with Portrait Studio. Plus, Instant Slow-mo users can seamlessly slow a video down while maintaining smooth image quality before quickly saving and sharing in just a few simple steps.
The software update for the Samsung Galaxy S24 series will begin rolling out in Korea on September 5, followed by North America and Europe on September 9. Software updates for additional Galaxy devices and countries will be available in the coming weeks.
Gadgets
Lenovo Intros New Yoga and IdeaPad Devices at Innovation World 2024
Lenovo announced its newest additions to its Lenovo Yoga and Lenovo IdeaPad portfolios at Lenovo Innovation World 2024, designed to enhance user productivity and creativity through the power of AI. Models include additions to the Lenovo Copilot+ PC portfolio. These new products promise to revolutionize the way consumers create, ideate, and produce, offering a seamless blend of performance and user-centric features.
The products—announced at Lenovo’s special event in Berlin—include:
- The all-new Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15″, 9), an Intel Evon Edition Copilot+ PC1 powered by Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2), the product of a multi-year collaboration with Intel. The Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 (14”, 9), Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (15”, 10) and Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (13”, 10), Copilot+ PCs1 powered by AMD Ryzen processors
- The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (14”, 9) and Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (14”, 9), powered by Snapdragon X Plus 8-core processors
- Lenovo Creator Zone, a software suite that allows creators to use natural language to ideate and generate images locally with the power of AI
These products are the latest examples of Lenovo’s commitment to leading the industry in providing cutting-edge technology, exceptional user experiences, and enhanced creativity and productivity to consumers around the globe.
“At Lenovo, we are focused on our commitment to bringing Smarter Technology for All. Our announcement of Lenovo Yoga and Lenovo IdeaPad devices and solutions embodies this commitment,” said Jun Ouyang, Lenovo’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Consumer Business Segment, Intelligent Devices Group. “These new products are designed to be more personalized and empower their users by stimulating creativity, increasing productivity, and fitting in seamlessly into the increasingly dynamic, tech-centric lives that they lead.”
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition (15”, 9) is expected to be available starting September 2024 starting at 1399 €. The Lenovo Yoga Pro 7 (14”, 9) is expected to be available starting September 2024 starting at 1699 €. The Lenovo IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1 (14”, 9) is expected to be available starting September 2024 starting at 999 €.
The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5x (14”, 9) is expected to be available starting September 2024 starting at 899 €. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (15”, 10) is expected to be available starting October 2024 starting at 699 €. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 5 (13”, 10) is expected to be available starting October 2024 starting at 699 €. Lenovo Creator Zone is expected to be available starting October 2024 with support for the Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i, with support for other Lenovo Yoga devices to follow.
Creator Tools
Shure Launches MV6 USB Gaming Microphone
Shure announced the launch of the new dynamic MV6 USB Gaming Microphone designed for PC gamers and streamers seeking consistent, high-quality audio at an accessible price point. With Shure’s signature look and feel, the MV6 USB Gaming Microphone is ready to use out-of-the-box and easy to operate thanks to integrated cutting-edge DSP technology including Auto Level Mode, Digital Popper Stopper and Real-time Denoiser. The new MV6 dynamic microphone, certified for OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), leverages Shure’s legacy of professional audio quality, wrapped in an iconic form factor.
Inspired by Shure’s iconic SM7 and MV7 lines, the MV6 Gaming Microphone is the ideal solution for gamers and streamers looking for their first professional microphone. Dynamic capsules excel in isolating the speaker’s voice from background sounds and room noise which are common in untreated streaming and gaming spaces. The combination of its dynamic cartridge with advanced DSP features and integration with Shure’s MOTIV Mix App ensures gamers and streamers enjoy studio-quality performance in every session without worrying about gain adjustments, plosives, or background noise. Plus, its easy access tap-to-mute button adds an extra level of control for a completely seamless experience.
“Today’s gamers and streamers want to deliver an immersive and engaging experience, and to achieve it, excellent audio is a must”. said Eduardo Valdes, Associate Vice President of Global Marketing and Product Management. “In a market that is teeming with condenser microphone options, we are introducing a dynamic microphone built with DSP controls that provides users reliable professional audio, regardless of their audio expertise, and powering them to stay hyper-focused on their game”.
Key features and benefits:
- Voice Isolation Technology: Minimizes background noise and eliminates distractions, unlike typical condenser microphones that can pick up unwanted room noise. This ensures that the user’s voice remains clear and prominent, free from interruptions.
- Auto Level Mode: Automatically adjusts the microphone’s gain based on your distance and speech volume, providing consistent audio levels up to 18’’ away from the microphone, meaning gamers and streamers will sound great regardless of where it is placed on their desk. This feature was designed to simplify professional audio and ensure optimal sound quality right out of the box, making it perfect for gamers and streamers.
- Digital Popper Stopper: A virtual pop filter that removes harsh plosive sounds digitally, ensuring clean audio capture without the need for additional hardware.
- Real-Time Denoiser: Eliminates background noise and works with the mic’s Voice Isolation Technology to deliver a cleaner, more professional sound, useful for streamers and gamers in less controlled environments.
The MV6 joins the MV7+ as one of the first microphones to receive the OBS certification in collaboration with the OBS Project. This certification guarantees that the MV6 microphone meets the criteria of functionality necessary to ensure users have a positive experience while using the microphone with OBS. “Using a mic that’s Certified for OBS gives me complete confidence that I can rely on it when using the software for my streaming each day. The OBS badge is a feature all gamers and streamers will be looking for when choosing their next mic,” said Loserfruit, Professional Streamer and Content Creator.
For gamers and streamers, the MV6 offers the best of both worlds: legendary Shure sound and effortless setup. When used with the free MOTIV Mix App users can further customize their mic, mix multiple channels of audio and stream. The new 1.2 Beta Version offers enhanced functionality, including activity presets that save time setting up each session, background noise detection with the use of Sound Check with tips to reduce ambient noise, and an improved setup flow to get started easier with the MOTIV Mix app.
The MV6 Gaming Microphone, with USB-C compatibility and MFi certification, seamlessly connects with PC and Mac, as well as select Apple and Android mobile devices, providing versatile connectivity options. The built-in 3.5mm headphone output allows real-time headphone monitoring, while a versatile 12cm desktop stand and base-mount adapter ensure flexible setup options.
Drawing inspiration from Shure’s iconic microphone lineage, the MV6 delivers durable construction and sleek design. The MV6 is available to purchase now for AED 599.