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Digital Assistants stories

Apple registers genai subdomain ahead of WWDC AI pitch
Data Protection

Apple registers genai subdomain ahead of WWDC AI pitch

Developers could get a clearer AI roadmap at WWDC, after a newly registered subdomain fuelled speculation about Apple's next software pitch.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Mon, 25th May 2026
Direct Ferries launches ferry search inside ChatGPT
AI Agents

Direct Ferries launches ferry search inside ChatGPT

Travellers can now compare 4,000 ferry routes in ChatGPT, as the booking service pushes a fragmented market into AI planning tools.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Fri, 8th May 2026
OpenAI replaces ChatGPT default model with GPT-5.5 Instant
Generative AI

OpenAI replaces ChatGPT default model with GPT-5.5 Instant

Users may notice fewer errors as the chatbot’s default switches to GPT-5.5 Instant, which OpenAI says cuts hallucinations by 52.5%.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • Fri, 8th May 2026
OpenAI rolls out ChatGPT Trusted Contact for adults
Generative AI

OpenAI rolls out ChatGPT Trusted Contact for adults

Adults using ChatGPT can now name a trusted contact, giving OpenAI a new way to alert someone in serious self-harm cases.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Fri, 8th May 2026
Gen Z shoppers trust AI recommendations, study finds
Customer Experience

Gen Z shoppers trust AI recommendations, study finds

Retailers face a shift in trust as 64% of Gen Z shoppers buy on AI recommendations without checking other sources, a study finds.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Fri, 1st May 2026
Tata Steel expands Google Cloud AI rollout across plants
Digital Transformation

Tata Steel expands Google Cloud AI rollout across plants

Automated safety checks and complaint handling are already cutting delays and risks as the steelmaker scales agentic AI across operations.

By Sean Mitchell • 5 min read • Fri, 24th Apr 2026
Trend Micro rebrands consumer arm as TrendLife with Kaleida
Data Protection

Trend Micro rebrands consumer arm as TrendLife with Kaleida

Households facing rising AI fraud risks are the target of a new family assistant as the firm shifts its consumer unit around digital safety.

By Kaleah Salmon • 4 min read • Tue, 21st Apr 2026
Why runtime identity is emerging as the next cybersecurity imperative
Data Protection

Why runtime identity is emerging as the next cybersecurity imperative

As AI agents spread across workplaces, static credentials are proving too risky for sensitive tasks and customer-facing systems.

By Ash Diffey • 5 min read • Tue, 21st Apr 2026
Xero launches AI-native operating system for small firms
Digital Transformation

Xero launches AI-native operating system for small firms

The new platform aims to cut routine bookkeeping for small firms by automating payments, reconciliation and tax prep while keeping users in control.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Mon, 20th Apr 2026
Emergent launches Wingman autonomous AI agent for work
Software-as-a-Service

Emergent launches Wingman autonomous AI agent for work

By handling emails, calendars and routine requests in the background, the tool aims to cut admin for businesses wary of autonomous AI risks.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Thu, 16th Apr 2026
Minor Hotels unveils global AI platform with Google
Unified Communications

Minor Hotels unveils global AI platform with Google

The hotel group expects the new system to unify guest data and privacy controls across 640 properties, with full rollout due in 2026.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • Fri, 10th Apr 2026

Stories from Other Regions

Digital Assistants stories

Samsung AI push focuses on proactivity, personalisation
Wearables

Samsung AI push focuses on proactivity, personalisation

Devices that anticipate routines could cut friction for New Zealand users as Samsung extends hyper-personalised AI across phones, wearables and the home.

By David Shilovsky • 5 min read • Fri, 12th Jun 2026
Loyalty leaders discuss: Impact on personalisation across APAC as AI moves from predictive to agentic
Customer Relationship Management

Loyalty leaders discuss: Impact on personalisation across APAC as AI moves from predictive to agentic

Brands risk losing customers to AI agents unless loyalty offers are machine-readable, real-time and simple enough to be chosen automatically.

By Aaron Crowe • 5 min read • Wed, 10th Jun 2026
What the wedding industry reveals about how we actually adopt AI
Personalisation

What the wedding industry reveals about how we actually adopt AI

The data suggests couples will happily use AI for drafts and planning, but rarely for choices that could haunt them for years.

By Mark Tarre • 6 min read • Wed, 3rd Jun 2026
UK shoppers prefer humans to AI for complex retail issues
Digital Transformation

UK shoppers prefer humans to AI for complex retail issues

Trust still trumps speed for refunds and complaints, with 90% of UK shoppers preferring human help on complex retail issues.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Wed, 13th May 2026
Banma, Alipay launch voice payment system for cars
Wearables

Banma, Alipay launch voice payment system for cars

Drivers will be able to book tickets and order food by voice as Banma and Alipay bring hands-free payments into connected cars.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Mon, 27th Apr 2026
Fime launches trust framework for AI-initiated payments
Fintech

Fime launches trust framework for AI-initiated payments

AI-driven purchases are raising fraud and compliance concerns as Fime seeks to give merchants and banks a neutral way to verify them.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Wed, 22nd Apr 2026
Google adds restaurant bookings to AI Mode in Search
Customer Experience

Google adds restaurant bookings to AI Mode in Search

Diners in New Zealand can now skip several booking sites as Search surfaces tables with live availability and links straight to reservations.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • Fri, 17th Apr 2026