In recent years, technology has dramatically transformed the way consumers buy goods and services online. The rapid evolution of e-commerce, coupled with advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), machine learning, and mobile technology, has made online shopping more convenient, personalized, and immersive than ever before. These innovations are reshaping consumer behavior, creating new opportunities for businesses, and enhancing the overall shopping experience.Personalized shopping experiencesOne of the most significant impacts of technology on online shopping is the rise of personalization. AI and machine learning algorithms have enabled retailers to gather and analyze vast amounts of consumer data, allowing them to tailor shopping experiences based on individual preferences, browsing history, and purchase behavior. Personalized product recommendations, targeted advertisements, and customized email campaigns are now common features of e-commerce websites, providing a more tailored shopping experience for customers.For example, an online marketplace that uses AI-driven recommendations analyzes customers' previous purchases and browsing behavior to suggest products that are more likely to appeal to them. Similarly, online casinos use personal data to recommend new games based on the user's gaming preferences and history, ensuring a more tailored and engaging experience.Mobile shopping and the rise of mobile appsThe rise of smartphones and mobile apps has also played a major role in the evolution of online shopping. With the convenience of mobile technology, consumers can shop at any time, from anywhere. Mobile shopping apps, such as those from Amazon, eBay, and Walmart, allow users to browse, compare prices, and make purchases in just a few taps.Mobile technology has also given rise to "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) services, like Klarna and Afterpay, which allow consumers to split the cost of their purchases into smaller, interest-free installments. These services are particularly appealing to younger consumers, who may not have access to traditional credit cards. The flexibility provided by mobile shopping apps and BNPL services is changing the way people make purchases online, making it easier for consumers to buy what they want without worrying about immediate payment.In addition, many online casino platforms have recognized the importance of mobile users and now offer fully optimized mobile websites or apps. These sites and apps not only provide convenience but also ensure that players can access their favorite games, participate in live tournaments, and even access bonuses—all from their smartphones or tablets, making it easier to engage in gaming while on the go. As online gambling grows in popularity, more players are choosing to stay home and wager online rather than visit physical casinos. When playing from home, bettors often seek out non GamStop casino sites because these platforms operate outside of the UK's strict rules and offer bettors more conveniences and easier access to a wide variety of games whether playing from home or on the go. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) ShoppingAnother technological advancement that's revolutionizing the online shopping experience is the use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). These immersive technologies are allowing consumers to interact with products in a more engaging way, even from the comfort of their homes.For instance, an online furniture retailer may use AR to allow shoppers to visualize how a piece of furniture will look in their living room by overlaying a 3D model of the item onto their real-world environment via their smartphone camera. Similarly, some online casinos have begun to incorporate VR technology to offer players immersive casino environments where they can interact with real-time dealers and fellow gamers in virtual spaces.Voice shopping and artificial intelligence (AI)As voice-activated devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple's Siri become more prevalent, voice shopping has become a growing trend in the e-commerce space. Consumers can now use their voices to search for products, place orders, and even manage their shopping lists. For example, a smart speaker can be used to reorder everyday items like groceries or household supplies, with a simple voice command.Voice shopping relies heavily on AI and natural language processing (NLP), which allows devices to understand and respond to human speech. With advancements in voice recognition, consumers can have a seamless, hands-free shopping experience. This is particularly useful for people on the go or those who prefer not to use their hands when shopping.Cryptocurrency and blockchain in e-commerceThe introduction of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum has also had an impact on the way consumers shop online. Although cryptocurrencies are still not widely accepted across all e-commerce platforms, their use is growing. Some retailers, such as Overstock and Newegg, have begun accepting Bitcoin as a payment method, offering consumers more flexibility in how they pay for goods and services online.Blockchain technology, which underpins cryptocurrencies, also offers enhanced security and transparency for online transactions. By creating a decentralized and immutable ledger, blockchain can help prevent fraud and ensure that transactions are secure. As more retailers adopt cryptocurrency payments and blockchain technology, consumers can expect a more secure and seamless online shopping experience.Artificial intelligence chatbots and customer serviceCustomer service has always been a crucial aspect of the online shopping experience, and technology is making it more efficient than ever. AI-powered chatbots are now a common feature on many e-commerce websites, offering instant support to customers and answering queries 24/7. These chatbots use natural language processing (NLP) to understand customer questions and provide relevant answers or direct them to the appropriate department.Chatbots can handle a wide range of customer service tasks, from tracking orders to providing product recommendations. This not only improves the overall customer experience but also reduces the need for human intervention, allowing businesses to save time and resources. In the online casino industry, many platforms have deployed chatbots to provide instant assistance with game rules, payment issues, and technical support, enhancing player experience by providing real-time support.

With the rapid expansion of the global medical devices market, the field of medical power supplies is undergoing technological innovations focusing on third-generation semiconductor materials. This year, at the China International Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF) from Apr 8 to 11, APD showcased a full range of medical power supplies, including its next-generation GaN medical power supplies.During the on-site media interview, Rax Chuang, General Manager of APD Power System Business, stated, "The application of GaN in the field of medical power supplies is ringing in a critical moment of comprehensive breakthrough. In the next few years, such power supplies will play a crucial role in the high-end medical devices market."GaN technology drives the innovation of medical power suppliesWith the development trend of modern medical devices moving toward miniaturization, lightweight design, and high portability, products like wearable medical devices and micro medical test equipment require power supplies to provide higher power density. However, the properties of traditional silicon-based power supply materials make it difficult to overcome the bottleneck of power density; besides, a lower conversion efficiency results in high power consumption and large heat generation, and further affects device reliability as well as user experience.Against such a background, the application of third-generation semiconductor material, GaN technology, has brought a revolutionary breakthrough to the field of medical power supplies. On top of high power density, APD's new GaN medical power supplies feature a more compact footprint and significantly lighter weight, as well as remarkably enhance the user experience of portable medical devices. Also, GaN's characteristics, such as high efficiency and low power consumption, can greatly reduce the heat generation of power supplies and improve product reliability to ensure the long-term stable operation of medical devices.Full range of products meets diverse medical application requirementsIn addition to the new generation GaN medical power supplies, APD also presented a full range of highly reliable medical power supplies at CMEF 2025. All models are compliant with global medical product safety regulations IEC 60601, with many of them also complying with household and consumer electronics grade standards to support applications in various fields.Regarding protection class, APD's medical power supplies offer IP22 rating, and some can be upgraded to IPX4 or even higher based on customer requirements. The housing, designed with wear-resistant and robust surface treatments, utilizes fire-resistant materials that comply with UL94V0. The compact design is ideally suited for portable medical devices and can be tailored to meet customer requirements, ensuring seamless integration of appearance and quality. Additionally, the ID-integrated LED design not only clearly displays operational status, but also incorporates details like color, brightness, and viewing angles.Excellent performance ensures stable operation of medical devicesIn terms of product performance, APD's full range of medical power supplies supports outstanding peak current requirements, reaching up to 120%~300%, to more efficiently support the stable operation of medical devices with motors or electric machines. The extremely low noise during full-load operation makes products perfect for an environment where patients need to rest quietly. A service life of more than 10 years further ensures high equipment reliability.For safety performance, APD's embedded power supplies are suitable for various harsh environments and compliant with 2x MOPP requirements; the extremely low leakage current can effectively guarantee patient safety. CAE-assisted simulation technology is employed during the design stage to optimize heat dissipation structure to ensure safe and stable operation; electromagnetic compliant design is also introduced to improve anti-interference ability. Meanwhile, products also feature multiple protection functions like overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection, over-temperature protection, and short-circuit protection, and offer diverse options including automatic self-recovery, adjustable self-recovery, and latching protections.Wide range of global applications in different marketsToday, APD's medical power supplies have been widely applied to diverse medical sub-markets such as ventilators, oxygen generators, monitoring instruments, infusion pumps, ultrasonic equipment, beauty equipment, and hair removal devices. Take APD's electric wheelchair medical charger (60W/90W) for example, powered by lithium and lead-acid batteries, this product is compliant with global medical safety regulations IEC 60601-1, household appliance safety standards IEC 60335, and China GB9706 standard for medical power supplies. The compact and lightweight design makes this product 30% smaller than similar products on the market, as well as 30% lighter. It also features a hidden IP22 rating, operates with a noise level under 25dBA, and can run stably at altitudes up to 5,000m.Continuous expansion to increase global production capacityTo support customers across the world, APD proactively increases global production capacity. Besides continuously expanding its Shenzhen manufacturing site, APD also established a new factory to further improve manufacturing capacity and delivery efficiency. The group ceaselessly drives innovation forward and leverages advanced technologies, reliable product performance, and stringent safety standards to provide global medical device manufacturers with optimal power solutions. With technological breakthroughs and acceleration of applications, APD will open up brand-new development opportunities to consolidate as well as expand its leading position in the global market of medical power supplies.About APD Asian Power DevicesAsian Power Devices (APD) was founded in Taiwan in 1994 and focuses on power electronics and renewable energy technologies. The company has established an important position in the global market because of its world-class technology, as well as R&D capabilities and highly competitive products and services.APD products include power supplies, uninterruptible power systems, and PV inverters. Besides committing to the R&D of key technologies and the pursuit of highly efficient production and services, APD also promises continuous innovation and sustainable operation. We have become a technology leader in power electronics and renewable energy technologies in the global market. APD's mission is to leverage energy-efficient technologies to achieve a real green future.Rax Chuang, General Manager of APD Power System Business, and new medical power supplies. Credit: APDAPD showcases GaN medical power supplies. Credit: APD

Bahwan CyberTek (BCT), a leading provider of digital transformation services, established in 1999 in India, set up operations in 2016 in Taiwan. The company completed its 25 years last year, and we sat down with BCT's Executive Vice President, Navin Prasad, to reflect on the organization's journey in Taiwan, industry outlook, and delve into its talent strategy.Can you tell us about Bahwan CyberTek and your journey in Taiwan?We began our Taipei journey in 2016 because we saw Taiwan as an incredible digital transformation market. The region was not only mature enough to embrace emerging technologies, but also had an ecosystem comprising progressive policies, niche talent, and technology infrastructure to support transformation. While global attention has recently intensified on Taiwan's leadership in semiconductors and advanced computing, we saw this potential early on and invested ahead of the curve.This early commitment has worked for us. With nearly a decade of local presence, we have gained deep market insights, allowing us to tailor AI-driven solutions to meet Taiwan's evolving business needs. There is strong momentum among both SMEs and large enterprises to deploy AI at scale, enhance operational efficiency, and elevate customer experience, and that's where there's enormous potential for us.Our focus in Taiwan is two-pronged:• Enterprise AI & Digital Transformation: Helping Taiwanese enterprises leverage AI-powered decision-making, automation, and real-time insights to optimize operations.• Smart Infrastructure & Industry 4.0: Supporting semiconductor manufacturers, logistics players, and critical infrastructure with IoT-driven predictive analytics and risk management solutions.Today, we're working with networking manufacturers and OEM/ODM suppliers in Taiwan, and offering services including AI & Digital Transformation, IoT, Cloud Solutions & Data Management, Custom Software Development, and Consulting & Strategy Services.We see Taiwan as a key growth partner and innovation lab for the Asia-Pacific region, and our growth strategy is closely aligned with its digital ambitions.Can you give us an example of a product or solution BCT tailored for Taiwan?Sure. We recently launched NOVA, which is a next-generation AI collaboration platform designed to drive enterprise automation and accelerate outcome-based transformation. NOVA is equipped with key intelligent features to streamline daily business operations, enabling teams to focus on high-value strategic decisions.NOVA has been successfully applied in HR management, financial operations, and project management, spanning industries such as manufacturing, finance, retail, energy, utilities, and logistics. NOVA empowers enterprises to automate workflows, leverage data-driven decision-making, and enhance operational agility, allowing businesses to reduce costs and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. We've already supported several clients in optimizing their internal processes using NOVA and I'm pleased to share that the feedback has been amazing.We saw that you exhibited retina360, a product built for efficient asset management, at the Smart City Summit and Expo 2025. Do you see a market for sustainability solutions in Taiwan?Absolutely. Taiwan plays a pivotal role in the global supply chain and is a leader in semiconductor innovation. At the same time, there is a growing shift toward sustainability, driven by the realization that efficient, eco-friendly operations are both a competitive advantage and a business imperative.Across industries, manufacturers are embracing ESG-driven transformation, integrating intelligent asset management and predictive analytics to enhance efficiency while reducing environmental impact. This is precisely where retina360 delivers value. The platform has a proven track record of optimizing operations and maintenance for energy and utilities organizations worldwide, and we are seeing strong demand for scalable, AI-driven sustainability solutions in Taiwan.At the Smart City Summit and Expo 2025, retina360 received enthusiastic feedback for its ability to seamlessly integrate with existing enterprise infrastructure, accelerating the path toward smarter, more resilient, and sustainable asset management. Taiwan's focus on sustainable industrial growth makes this a high-potential market, and we are excited to play a role in this transformation.Can you elaborate about your team size in Taiwan? Are we looking at expanding or hiring more employees? Talent is at the core of everything we do at BCT. Whether it's building award-winning products or excelling at service delivery, we believe talent is our differentiator. And I attribute this to our learning and nurturing culture that we've cultivated since inception. It's the same in Taiwan as well.We currently have a team of 50 professionals, most of whom are specialized software developers with strong capabilities across frontend, backend, cloud, and AI technologies. This enables us to deliver enterprise-grade development projects with speed and quality.We plan to expand our team to 100 members over the next one or two years to meet the increasing demands from new projects and clients. There are two factors driving this growth. First, the ongoing trade dynamics have prompted global companies to look for alternative development bases. Taiwan has emerged as a strategic hub thanks to its robust ICT ecosystem, mature supply chain, and deep engineering talent pool.Second, AI adoption is accelerating across various industries in Taiwan, from manufacturing and finance to healthcare, retail, and logistics. Enterprises are embracing AI to optimize processes, enable predictive analytics, and automate decision-making, creating significant opportunities for our services.We are confident that the talent here will be a big part of our global innovation strategy. We recently visited National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) as part of our campus drive and the interest we received from students was exciting.Taiwan is investing heavily in smart infrastructure, sustainability, and digital innovation. How does BCT plan to contribute to this ecosystem?Taiwan's investment in smart cities, green energy, and high-tech infrastructure aligns perfectly with our capabilities. Our commitment includes:• AI-Driven Smart Cities & Public Sector Digitalization – Leveraging AI and IoT for real-time traffic management, smart utilities, and emergency response systems.• Sustainability & Green Tech Innovation – Applying AI-powered energy optimization and carbon footprint reduction tools for industries aiming to meet their net-zero commitments.• Digital Talent & AI Skill Development – Partnering with universities and tech incubators to build next-generation AI and digital transformation capabilities.Taiwan is not just a market for us, it's a strategic innovation partner where we aim to co-create cutting-edge solutions with local enterprises, government bodies, and tech hubs.Many companies are exploring AI-powered transformation. What makes Bahwan CyberTek's AI and digital capabilities stand out?At BCT, I think I can safely say AI is incorporated into every aspect of our business offerings. Whether it's product development, service delivery, or transformation, AI is a common thread. What makes it tick for us are the human agents who actively drive these AI projects with a clear strategy on how to leverage AI to accelerate innovation, strengthen delivery capabilities, and enable faster go-to-market strategies.How committed is BCT in the Taiwan market?In 2025, we are committed to expanding our footprint in Taiwan by focusing on strategic collaborations and leveraging our advanced technological expertise. We plan to invest in talent and technology to penetrate deeper into the market and position BCT as a trusted digital transformation partner.We're confident that with our proven product, service, and solution capabilities, we will be able to meet the complex needs of industries like manufacturing, telecommunications, and IoT more effectively. Additionally, we will enhance our AI capabilities by investing in research and development in Taiwan.By fostering a robust network of collaboration, we can tap into local insights and expertise, which will not only enhance our service offerings but also expand our market reach and adaptability. This will boost BCT's competitive advantage and position us as a key player in the Asia-Pacific digital transformation arena.