M&C Saatchi Unveils London’s First Artificial Intelligence Poster Campaign

London. 23 July 2015.  M&C Saatchi has created the first ever artificially intelligent poster campaign in the world, which evolves unique ads based on how people react to it.

 The technology works by using a genetic algorithm that tests different executions based on the strength of their various features or ‘genes’, such as copy, layout, font and image. By installing a camera on the posters, M&C Saatchi is able to measure engagement of passers-by based on whether they look happy, sad or neutral.

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RealNetworks has launched RealTimes™, an app and service which finds the best photos and videos you've taken and automatically turns them into RealTimes Stories™ that can be easily saved and shared.

RealTimes solves one of the biggest problems consumers face today: too many photos and videos, and not enough time to organize and share them. RealTimes automatically picks the best moments from a consumer's photo and video camera roll – that big football game or a baby's first birthday – and automatically and instantly creates an engaging RealTimes Story.  It's also easy and fast to customize RealTimes Stories by rearranging clips and photos, changing the duration, and adding filters and personal soundtracks.  RealTimes Stories are fun to watch and can easily be shared – recipients don't even need the app to view the Stories. 

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While the government's plans for companies with more than 250 employees to publish their average pay for male and female workers is welcome, Emolument.com stats show that the gap may actually be more pronounced in smaller companies. The statistics, taken from data submitted anonymously by over 61,000 people, show that:

• For retail managers, the gap for large companies stands at 11%, while for companies with less than 250 employees it is as much as 26%.
• At VP level in investment banking, men receive bonuses 50% bigger than their male counterparts in smaller companies, but double the size in organisations with over 250 employees
• In consultancy, there appears to be no gender gap for senior consultants in large organisations but there is a 20% difference for companies with less than 250 employees
• The same is true for Legal Associates, with an equal salary in large firms but a 15% difference in firms with less than 250 employees.

Tables illustrating the salary gender gap for small and large companies in a selection of industries are shown below:

Retail: Managers

Investment Banking: VP

Consultancy: Senior Consultants

Legal: Legal Associates

In the run-up to Internet Retailing Conference 2015 we’re running a series of pieces showcasing the highlights of the event, now in its tenth year. Today our focus is on Stream 1, The Customer. By Chloe Rigby

Just as the customer is at the heart of today’s ecommerce and multichannel retailing, so too the customer is at the heart of Internet Retailing Conference 2015 (IRC ’15).

Technologies are now available to develop one-to-one relationships with the online customer in a way that’s never before been possible, and retailers are adopting them eagerly to develop new approaches to customer engagement. Throughout IRC 15 Stream 1, The Customer, merchants and industry professionals will consider the effect that new tools have had on retail strategy.

IRC 2015 will be held on October 14 at the Novotel, Hammersmith, London. To find out more or to register visit www.internetretailingconference.com.

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Horse Riding Around the Globe

Have you always fancied yourself a cowboy or cowgirl? Maybe the gauchos, with their zest for life, are more your tribe? Whether you ride English saddle or Western, want to gallop through awe-inspiring scenery or take beginners’ lessons from professionals, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime equine experience at any one of these five destinations… 

USA – THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK, MONTANA

 The décor of The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana is inspired by iconic Western themes and the horse-riding guides or ‘wranglers’, deeply encourage guests to openly embrace Western riding traditions and style. Spend your days trail riding through 6,600 acres of sagebrush hillsides and snow-capped peaks beneath wide-open skies and atop one of The Ranch’s 75 Quarter Horses. Once your inner cowboy or cowgirl has been unleashed try your hand at roping, barrel racing or pole bending. Then when you return, give your weary muscles a break with a Saddle Sore Soak at The Granite Spa.

 QT Tip: Sit on hay bales and see the weekly summer rodeo, watching cowboys ride a bucking bronco or gallop a steer

ARGENTINA – LA FORTUNA, BUENOS AIRES

Discover the dramatic open landscapes of the legendary Argentine cowboy or ‘gaucho’, at this authentic estancia. Watch gauchos rear cattle, shear sheep and herd horses as you eat a delicious ‘asado’ barbeque in the poolside cabana, surrounded by forested hills and an endless blue sky. Saddle up with indigenous horsemen for a long horseback ride and learn time-honoured gaucho customs and traditions. Taking a ride in one of the 6 antique carriages is a must, as is tasting some fine Argentinian Malbec in the wine-cellar.

QT Tip: Embrace all sides of the passionate and dramatic gaucho culture; put your best foot forward and take a lesson in the Argentine tango

SPAIN – MAS MATEU, EMPORDÀ

Step back in time for a true Catalan experience at this 18^th century private villa, set within 173 acres amongst the majestic Gavarran mountains and with magnificent views of the snow-capped Pyrenees in the distance. The show-stopping feature of the estate is its first-class equestrian facilities which, led by a member of Spain’s classical training team, have been used as a training ground for the Spanish Olympic team. Brush up on your show riding acumen in one of the estate’s arenas, being trained by a professional instructor, before feasting on a Catalonian banquet out on the terrace under the stars.

QT Tip: After a hard day’s ride, lounge in the villa’s cinema and watch the latest blockbuster

USA – MUSTANG MONUMENT, NEVADA

By the end of your stay at Mustang Monument, you will have taken owner and philanthropist Madeleine Pickens’ cause to save America’s mustangs into your heart. Ride up Spruce Mountain to see the reserve’s 650 rescued mustangs, an unforgettable outdoor adventure and the only opportunity in the US to see mustangs in their natural habitat. Observe, learn about and photograph these wonderful animals who are descendants of the wild horses that helped pioneers settle the untamed West. After a scrumptious Native American dinner, settle around the campfire listening to cowboy balladeers strumming and storytellers weaving spellbinding stories about those mystical mustangs.

 QT Tip: Pry the family away from the mustang reserve for one afternoon’s Paintball Team Challenge

For more information please contact: info@quintessentiallytravel.com or please call: +44 (0)20 7022 6560