Fast moving industries are make it or break it. Worse, they are constantly shifting. Who the biggest player is in the market can change from one day to the next.

A new tech, a new tool, a new game, all of this can shake up who is successful and who is not. More importantly for industries that are regulated, like the gaming industry, new regulations can immediately drop the biggest fish off the map, while those who put player satisfaction and safety at the forefront rise to the top.

Longevity is difficult to maintain in a fast-moving industry, especially a digital industry where updates can roll out instantly. You don’t need to restructure your supply chain or wait for a product or service to reach your customers. The only problem with this instant delivery is that your competitors also have access to that same level of quick-fire delivery.

That’s why longevity is all about standing out and delivering on a specific experience again and again:

The Importance of Theme and Niche in a Fast-Moving Market

Digital industries shift fast, and not only on the platforms themselves. Sometimes the biggest challenge is both how many competitors there are, and also how many newcomers are arriving on the scene. This is a challenge both for the existing providers and the newcomers themselves.

That’s why one of the top ways that platforms are working to maintain the long-term interest of their players is by building their platform around a visual niche. This is particularly important in industries like iGaming, where platforms can look nearly identical from one provider to the next.

In this sort of environment, brands like River Belle, which have been built around a specific visual niche (in this case, a luxury vintage steamer ship), are leading the way. Not only have they built a memorable, striking, and engaging niche, but they have also followed it up by putting their live casino game experiences at the forefront.

New Games, New Experiences

Digital platforms have the benefit of being able to see the numbers in detail. They know exactly where their audience is spending their time, what games they’re playing, for how long, and what’s most popular.

That’s why they can easily keep the top playing games, restructure those that have potential, and still release new games and variations that keep players coming back. More importantly, those analytics can actually be used to predict future game success by understanding current appetites. This approach keeps the platform fresh while also avoiding the alienation that can come from taking down a top-performing game by mistake.

Safety, Safety, Safety

When there are so many competitors and the industry moves fast, being reliable is the easiest way for platforms to ensure their longevity. Using the latest security features to both reduce friction in the sign-up and deposit process, while also delivering secure and timely withdrawals, boosts trust and the overall experience. When competitors are screaming at the top of their lungs for attention, the options may seem endless, but customers will still ultimately go where they know they are safe. Being scammed and fooled is every digital customer’s top fear, so providing that safety and assurance is one of the last top ways digital platforms are maintaining their long-term success.

Restaurant owners have spent years refining the customer journey through booking tools, POS platforms, kitchen display systems, loyalty apps and payment technology.

Yet many hospitality businesses are now looking beyond the dining room for inspiration, and a practical PMS system guide for hotels can be surprisingly useful for understanding how accommodation-led businesses connect reservations, payments, guest profiles, and daily operations into a clearer commercial picture.

That matters because restaurants are no longer judged only on food and service. Guests expect accuracy, speed, personalisation and consistency across every touchpoint. The same customer who books a boutique hotel online also expects a restaurant to remember dietary preferences, process payments smoothly and handle last-minute changes without confusion.

Why Restaurant Operators Should Care About PMS Thinking

A Property Management System, or PMS, is traditionally associated with hotels. It helps manage room bookings, guest records, housekeeping, billing and availability. At first glance, that may seem far removed from a restaurant POS system. But the underlying business logic is very familiar.

Both restaurants and hotels depend on:

• Accurate availability
• Fast service delivery
• Clean customer data
• Efficient staff workflows
• Clear reporting
• Reliable payment handling

For restaurant owners, the lesson is not that they need to run hotel software. It is that the best hospitality systems are built around the full guest journey rather than isolated transactions.

A modern PMS system in a hotel environment gives managers a joined-up view of guests, bookings, charges, and service requirements. Restaurants can apply the same principle by connecting table reservations, POS data, stock usage, marketing preferences and customer history.

The Shift from Transactional Systems to Guest-Centred Operations

Many restaurants still think of software in separate boxes. The POS handles sales. The booking platform manages reservations. The stock system monitors ingredients. The loyalty tool sends offers. Each product may work well on its own, but the business can still feel fragmented.

Hotels faced this problem years ago. A guest might book online, request an early check-in, order room service, visit the bar and pay at reception. Without connected systems, the experience becomes clumsy for both staff and guests.

Restaurants face similar challenges when:

• A regular guest books online but is not recognised by the front-of-house staff
• A POS system records spend but does not inform marketing
• A kitchen runs out of an item that is still available on digital menus
• A private dining enquiry is managed outside normal reporting
• A loyalty reward is missed because customer data is incomplete

The value of PMS-style thinking is that it encourages operators to view software as an operational ecosystem rather than a collection of tools.

Lessons from Hotels That Restaurants Can Apply

1. Treat customer data as an operational asset

Hotels depend on guest profiles. Preferences, previous stays, spending patterns and special requests all influence service quality. Restaurants can benefit from the same mindset.

A guest who regularly orders vegetarian dishes, prefers a quiet table, or books for business lunches is giving the business useful information. When handled responsibly, this data can improve service without feeling intrusive.

The goal is not to over-personalise. It is to help staff make better decisions.

2. Make availability visible and accurate

Hotel teams live and die by availability. Rooms cannot be sold twice, and poor availability management damages revenue. Restaurants deal with the same issue through table capacity, kitchen load, staff coverage and event space.

The discipline used in PMS systems for small hotels can be useful here. Smaller hotels often need lean, practical systems that prevent overbooking without creating unnecessary administration. Restaurants, especially independents and small groups, need similar clarity around covers, sittings and peak-time capacity.

3. Connect payments to the customer journey

In hotels, charges may come from the room, restaurant, spa, minibar or event space. A good PMS keeps billing coherent. Restaurants can learn from that approach, particularly those offering deposits, delivery, catering, events, memberships or gift cards.

Payment should not be treated as the final step only. It is part of the experience. A slow bill split, a missing deposit, or an unclear service charge can weaken an otherwise excellent meal.

Why This Matters for B2B Restaurant Software Buyers

Restaurant software buyers are becoming more commercially mature. They are not simply asking, “Does this POS take payments?” They are asking whether technology can reduce labour pressure, improve margins and support better decision-making.

For B2B restaurant software clients, the bigger questions are:

• Does the system reduce duplication of work?
• Can managers see useful reporting without exporting spreadsheets?
• Does it integrate with booking and payment platforms?
• Can staff learn it quickly?
• Does it improve the guest experience?
• Will it scale as the business grows?

These are the same questions that hotel operators ask when assessing PMS for small hotels. The scale may differ, but the buying logic is similar: the software must make the business easier to run.

Small Hospitality Businesses Need Practical, Not Overbuilt, Systems

There is a temptation in hospitality technology to add features because they sound impressive. In reality, many operators need fewer features that work better together.

PMS systems for small hotels are often judged on usability, affordability and operational clarity. The same should apply to restaurant technology. A small restaurant group does not need enterprise complexity if the team cannot use it confidently during service.

The most valuable software usually supports everyday work:

• Taking bookings accurately
• Managing walk-ins fairly
• Processing orders quickly
• Updating menus easily
• Tracking stock sensibly
• Reporting sales clearly
• Supporting repeat customers
• Reducing manual admin

Technology should remove friction. It should not become another operational burden.

The POS Is Still Central, But It Should Not Stand Alone

For restaurants, the POS remains the heart of daily operations. It captures revenue, drives kitchen communication, supports payments and provides sales reporting. But the POS becomes far more powerful when it sits within a connected hospitality stack.

A standalone POS can tell you what sold yesterday. A connected system can help explain why it sold, who bought it, whether the margin was strong and what action should follow.

That is where PMS thinking becomes useful. Hotels have long understood that operational data is only valuable when it supports decisions. Restaurants can use that same approach to improve rota planning, menu engineering, customer retention and event sales.

What Restaurant Owners Should Look For Next

Restaurant operators do not need to copy hotels directly. A restaurant is not a bedroom inventory business, and the service rhythm is different. But the best hospitality technology shares common qualities.

Owners should look for systems that are:

• Simple enough for staff to use under pressure
• Flexible enough to support different revenue streams
• Clear enough to inform management decisions
• Open enough to integrate with other tools
• Secure enough to protect customer and payment data
• Scalable enough to grow with the business

The strongest technology choices are rarely the flashiest. They are the ones that fit the operation, improve consistency and help the team serve guests better.

Final Thoughts: Hospitality Software Is Moving Towards One Guest View

The future of restaurant technology is not about replacing people with systems. It is about giving people better information at the right moment.

Hotels, especially those using modern PMS platforms, have already shown the value of joined-up guest management. Restaurants can take the same strategic lesson and apply it to tables, orders, payments, loyalty and events.

For restaurant owners, POS buyers and B2B software clients, the opportunity is clear: stop thinking only in terms of transactions and start thinking in terms of relationships. A better-connected system does not just make reporting cleaner. It helps create smoother service, smarter decisions and more resilient hospitality businesses.

Lizzy Pollott
Chief Communications & Brand Officer

Good morning, and welcome to Acast’s Earnings Call for the Q1 2026 Interim Report. Joining us today are our CEO, Greg Glenday; and CFO, Anders Hagg. [Operator Instructions]

I’d now like to start by handing over to our CEO, Greg Glenday. Greg, the floor is yours.

Greg Glenday
Group President & CEO

Thank you, LP. Welcome, and thank you all for joining us today. I’m here with Anders, our CFO, now 4 months in and fully hitting his stride. In my section, I’ll cover our high-level performance and momentum, and then Anders will take you through the numbers.

We have been very excited about the momentum our strategic approach is generating in the marketplace. We’ve been working on this vital infrastructure for more than a decade, and it is now paying off. At Acast, we strive to be the best place for creators. Great creators bring very valuable audiences. Valuable audiences attract brand revenue. Once we have the brand revenue, that attracts and motivates creators and so on. You can see how this becomes a self-fulfilling flywheel with Acast at the center. We like to think of Acast as the engine room in the middle of this infrastructure. We have talented people around the world. We have industry-leading innovation and technology, and we have the best data around podcasting. All of that together powers this flywheel.

We want to create an unencumbered relationship between creators and their audiences and advertisers. Creator choice, open ecosystem, no real editorial point of view, we let creators create. We focus on brand safety. Those are the

Thailand’s Agricultural Office in Guangzhou promotes Thai fruits in Shantou, Guangdong, featuring retail promotions and tastings. Online sales thrived, emphasizing quality control standards to boost consumer confidence.

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Key Points

• The Agricultural Office of Thailand in Guangzhou is promoting Thai fruit in China, particularly in Shantou, Guangdong province. This campaign, run with Shenzhen Pagoda Industrial Group, aims to enhance access to secondary markets.
• Retail promotions at Pagoda stores and tasting events on Xiaogongyuan Pedestrian Street featured premium Thai fruits like Monthong durian, Nam Hom coconut, longan, mangosteen, and rose apple, attracting significant public interest.
• Online outreach, including live-stream sales of Thai durian on Douyin, expanded the audience. The agricultural consul shared information on production standards and quality control measures, ensuring no unripe fruit, pests, misrepresentation, or harmful chemicals, boosting consumer confidence.

Thailand’s Agricultural Office in Guangzhou is expanding its campaign to promote Thai fruit in China, with recent activities centered in Shantou, a city of about 5.6 million people in Guangdong province. The event was held in cooperation with Shenzhen Pagoda Industrial Group and the Office of Commercial Affairs in Guangzhou to increase access to secondary markets.

The program featured retail promotions at Pagoda outlets across the city, along with exhibition booths and tasting events at Xiaogongyuan Pedestrian Street. Premium Thai fruits, including Monthong durian, Nam Hom (aromatic) coconut, longan, mangosteen, and rose apple, were introduced to consumers, drawing strong public interest.

Online outreach also took on a vital role, with live-stream sales of Thai durian on Pagoda’s Douyin platform reaching audiences nationwide. The agricultural consul took part in the broadcast, providing details on production and export standards from orchards and packing facilities through to shipment.

Officials also discussed quality control measures known as the “4 No” standards, which include no unripe fruit, no pests, no misrepresentation of origin, and no prohibited chemical residues. Additional inspections for chemicals and heavy metals are conducted before export, helping boost consumer confidence in Thai durian.

Source : Thai Fruit Festival Expands Durian Push Into China

Other People are Reading

Even as shares of listed brokerage firms continue to rally on expectations of sustained retail participation, Nithin Kamath says the underlying market data tells a far more complicated story. In a detailed post on Tuesday, the Zerodha founder said several headline indicators often associated with a bull market are not fully lining up, raising questions over whether India is actually in a broad-based equity boom or simply witnessing pockets of speculative activity.

“If you look at listed brokers, you’d probably think we are in a bull market, but the data shows something else,” Kamath wrote. According to him, cash market turnover is still below the peak levels seen in late 2024, suggesting that core delivery-based equity activity has not yet returned to previous highs despite the recovery in benchmark indices and strong momentum in broader market stocks.

Kamath also pointed to another unusual trend — net direct equity inflows have turned negative for the first time since FY19, indicating retail investors may be pulling back from directly buying stocks even as capital market-linked themes continue to attract attention.

Kamath believes one major driver is the continued surge in mutual fund participation. “Gross SIP flows are at a record Rs 32,000 crore,” he noted, referring to the steady stream of monthly investments into equity mutual funds that has become one of the biggest domestic support pillars for Indian equities.

For brokerage firms, however, this does not automatically translate into higher income. Kamath said most major brokers, including Zerodha, offer direct mutual funds where they earn little or no distribution commission.

“But the major brokers offer direct mutual funds, so they don’t make anything, including us,” he wrote.
Instead, he said, a large part of revenue growth across the broking industry may be coming from leveraged and speculative trading activity. Kamath highlighted the rapid growth of margin trading funding, or MTF, across the industry.Zerodha’s own MTF book has grown from zero to around Rs 7,000 crore in just 18 months, he said, showing that appetite for leveraged bets remains strong despite volatile markets.

He also flagged a sharp difference in client behaviour across platforms. According to Kamath, brokerage income as a ratio of client float for most listed brokers is around 40% or higher, while Zerodha’s ratio remains below 9%.

That gap, he suggested, may indicate that clients on some platforms are trading much more aggressively relative to the money parked in their accounts.

Kamath reiterated Zerodha’s long-held approach of not pushing users toward excessive activity. “Our philosophy has always been to not push or induce customers to trade. In trading, for most people, fewer trades are always better. That means leaving a lot of revenue on the table.”

Markets regulator Sebi on Tuesday issued an advisory cautioning regulated entities against emerging risks from advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools used for vulnerability detection, including Anthropic’s AI model Mythos.

To address these concerns, Sebi has constituted a task force named cyber-suraksha.ai, comprising representatives from market infrastructure institutions (MIIs), qualified registrar and transfer agents (QRTAs), regulated entities and other stakeholders.

In a circular, Sebi said the rapid evolution of AI-driven tools capable of identifying system vulnerabilities at scale could expose financial institutions to heightened cybersecurity risks, including potential exploitation of weaknesses, data confidentiality concerns and issues related to the reliability of outputs.

“Due to the interconnectedness and interdependency of market participants in the securities market ecosystem, a periodic coordinated approach for vulnerability management, information sharing and monitoring/assessment is required to prevent a cascading impact,” Sebi said.

The task force will examine cybersecurity risks arising from AI-based models, develop mitigation strategies, facilitate sharing of threat intelligence and best practices, and ensure timely reporting of cyber incidents and vulnerabilities, the regulator added.

The task force will also review the cybersecurity posture of third-party service providers and vendors.
The regulator said a meeting of the task force has already been held to assess risks posed by AI platforms like Mythos and to discuss mitigation measures.Based on these deliberations, Sebi has issued a detailed advisory outlining steps for strengthening cybersecurity frameworks.

These include regular vulnerability assessments using both conventional and AI-based tools, timely patching of systems, enhanced monitoring through security operations centres, strengthening API security, periodic risk assessments and adoption of measures, such as zero-trust architecture, to minimise attack surfaces.

Sebi has also asked market participants to closely coordinate with third-party vendors to ensure the timely deployment of security updates and undertake comprehensive risk assessments related to AI-led systems.

The regulator further directed eligible entities to onboard the Market Security Operations Centre (M-SOC) set up by exchanges for real-time monitoring and threat detection, in view of the rising risks from AI-driven cyber threats.

TUCSON, Ariz. — Three months after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Catalina Foothills home in a suspected nighttime abduction, the high-profile investigation remains active but unresolved, with authorities confirming DNA analysis is still underway and no arrests or named suspects as the search stretches into its fourth month.

Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing Feb. 1 after failing to attend church services. Investigators believe she was taken from her bedroom around 2:30 a.m., when her pacemaker lost connection. Evidence at the scene included blood on the front porch, a propped-open back door and doorbell camera footage showing a masked individual tampering with the device.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has described the case as a targeted abduction. As of early May 2026, the investigation continues with FBI assistance, but officials say no clear motive has been identified and no suspects have been publicly named despite thousands of tips.

Ongoing DNA Efforts

The FBI is analyzing hair and other potential DNA samples collected from the home. Sources indicate advanced laboratory techniques are being used in hopes of generating a usable profile. While some early testing occurred in a private lab, materials were forwarded to federal experts, with results still pending.

Sheriff’s officials have stressed that the investigation is “active and ongoing,” urging continued public tips. A spokesperson confirmed cooperation with the FBI has improved, though some local criticism of the department’s handling persists.

Family’s Anguish and $1 Million Reward

Savannah Guthrie stepped away from “Today” duties for several weeks before returning in early April. The family offered a $1 million reward in late February for information leading to Nancy’s safe recovery. Savannah has spoken publicly about the emotional toll and expressed regret that her public profile may have drawn attention to her mother.

Multiple ransom-style notes sent to media outlets, including TMZ, have complicated the case. Savannah indicated in interviews that she believes at least some early communications may have been legitimate, though authorities continue evaluating them as potential hoaxes or opportunism.

Chilling Details and Theories

The masked figure captured on video wore gloves, and blood evidence suggests a struggle. Nancy lived independently in an upscale neighborhood and was active in her church community. Neighbors reported no unusual activity beforehand, adding to the mystery.

Experts, including former FBI profilers, have speculated on motives ranging from a ransom attempt gone wrong to possible personal connections. Online speculation about family involvement has circulated but was firmly rejected by authorities, who have cleared close relatives.

Some analysts have raised questions about whether the perpetrator acted alone or had assistance, citing the logistics of removing an elderly woman without immediate detection. Recent commentary has even included unverified theories about the suspect possibly being silenced by a “boss,” though law enforcement has not endorsed such claims.

Search Efforts and Challenges

The probe has involved extensive ground searches, aerial support and coordination with federal agencies. False leads have emerged, including vehicle checks and unverified sightings. As the Arizona desert heats up, concerns grow about evidence preservation in outdoor areas.

The case has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence, generating both helpful tips and hoaxes. A planned television special is expected to examine the timeline and evidence in detail.

Sheriff Under Scrutiny

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has faced criticism over the investigation’s pace and past personal matters, including questions about his early career. Some local officials have called for greater transparency, though Nanos has defended his department’s efforts and emphasized ongoing work.

What Comes Next

Investigators continue sifting through tips and awaiting lab results. The FBI offers its own reward of up to $100,000. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI.

For the Guthrie family, each passing day brings renewed pain. Savannah has balanced professional duties with private grief, occasionally sharing updates that underscore the human cost. Nancy Ellen Long Guthrie remains a beloved figure whose absence has left a profound void.

The case serves as a stark reminder of vulnerabilities even in seemingly safe neighborhoods. With DNA analysis progressing and a massive reward in place, authorities and loved ones hold cautious hope for resolution. One credible tip or forensic breakthrough could finally bring answers in a mystery that has gripped the nation for more than three months.

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic has not yet begun running as he continues recovering from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered more than a month ago, with team officials and medical experts emphasizing a cautious approach that keeps him sidelined for the start of the Western Conference semifinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Doncic, who has missed the entire first-round series against the Houston Rockets, remains on a deliberate, week-to-week recovery timeline. At roughly 33-34 days post-injury as of Tuesday, May 5, the 27-year-old has progressed to limited on-court shooting and movement drills but has not advanced to running, one-on-one sessions or full basketball activities, according to multiple reports.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst described Doncic as “not close” to returning, noting the structured ramp-up required for hamstring injuries. Lakers coach JJ Redick has provided no firm timeline, stressing patience to avoid re-injury in a player whose explosive style relies heavily on deceleration and quick changes of direction.

Injury and Recovery Details

Doncic suffered the strain April 2 during a loss to the Thunder. An MRI confirmed the Grade 2 classification, which typically involves partial tearing of muscle fibers and requires four to six weeks or longer for full recovery. He traveled to Spain for specialized injections, including platelet-rich plasma and possibly stem cell treatments, aimed at accelerating healing.

Upon returning to Los Angeles, Doncic has been visible around the team, supporting teammates from the bench and engaging in controlled rehab. Recent video clips show him putting up shots in non-contact settings, marking incremental progress, but sources confirm he has not yet begun running at any meaningful intensity.

Medical experts monitoring similar cases note that rushing the return-to-run phase often leads to setbacks. For high-usage stars like Doncic, teams prioritize long-term durability over aggressive timelines, especially in the playoffs.

Impact on Lakers Playoff Run

Without their leading scorer and facilitator — who averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds in the regular season — the Lakers advanced past Houston relying on LeBron James, Austin Reaves (returning from his own injury) and strong role-player contributions. Facing the top-seeded Thunder presents a steeper challenge, with Doncic widely expected to miss at least the early games of the series.

Some optimistic projections point to a possible return around Game 3 or 4 in Los Angeles if progress accelerates, while more conservative views suggest mid-to-late May or beyond. The earliest realistic target appears around the five-to-six-week mark from the original injury date.

Broader Context and History

This marks another soft-tissue concern in Doncic’s career, though previous issues have not typically sidelined him long-term. The Lakers acquired him in a major offseason move, and his absence has tested the team’s depth while highlighting James’ continued excellence at age 41.

Doncic’s presence on the sideline has boosted morale, but the void in offensive creation remains evident. The Thunder dominated Los Angeles in the regular season, including the game in which Doncic was injured.

Expert Analysis and Fan Sentiment

Sports medicine specialists emphasize individualized protocols. While injections may have shortened the timeline slightly, full integration into game-speed activity still requires careful progression. Physical therapists following public updates describe current drills as encouraging but preliminary.

Fans on social media express a mix of frustration and understanding, with many urging patience to protect Doncic for future seasons. Hashtags related to his recovery trend regularly as Lakers Nation balances hope with realism.

Path Forward

The Lakers continue daily monitoring while preparing without their cornerstone. Any advancement to live contact or scrimmages could shift timelines, but officials stress health remains the priority. Redick and the front office have praised Doncic’s work ethic during rehab.

As the Thunder series begins, focus stays on execution without Doncic, while holding cautious optimism for his eventual return. His resilience has defined his journey from international prodigy to NBA star, and this latest challenge tests that mettle once more.

The situation remains fluid. Every practice report and update will be scrutinized as the playoffs unfold. For now, the answer to whether Luka Doncic can run yet is no — or at least not at full basketball intensity — keeping him on the sideline as the Lakers push forward in his absence.