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Digital Assistants stories

Google expands Search Live to New Zealand in AI Mode
Biometrics

Google expands Search Live to New Zealand in AI Mode

Kiwis can now use voice and camera prompts in Google’s AI search tool, which is rolling out across more than 200 countries and territories.

By Sean Mitchell • 2 min read • Fri, 27th Mar 2026

Global Stories

Digital Assistants stories

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 • Last week
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 • Last week
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 • Last month
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 • Last month
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 • Last month
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 • Last month
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 • Last month
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 • Last month
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 • Last month
Progress adds AI search & personalisation to Sitefinity
Customer Experience

Progress adds AI search & personalisation to Sitefinity

Customers can now get tailored content and AI search in Sitefinity, as Progress adds governed personalisation and conversational tools.

By Catherine Knowles • 3 min read • Last month
Siu says AI agents & blockchain will reshape internet
DevOps

Siu says AI agents & blockchain will reshape internet

Online advertising faces pressure as autonomous AI agents could soon handle searches, payments and negotiations on users’ behalf.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Tue, 31st Mar 2026
OpenAI adds shopping tools to ChatGPT with visual discovery
Marketing Technologies

OpenAI adds shopping tools to ChatGPT with visual discovery

Shoppers using ChatGPT can now compare products side by side as OpenAI widens access to merchant-supplied pricing, reviews and features.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Thu, 26th Mar 2026
Agentic AI: The potential and the problems behind the new wave of autonomous systems
Data Protection

Agentic AI: The potential and the problems behind the new wave of autonomous systems

Agentic AI promises effortless digital delegation, but its admin-level access to data and systems creates profound privacy and security risks.

By Kristina Holt • 4 min read • Thu, 19th Mar 2026

Stories from Other Regions

Digital Assistants stories

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 • Last month
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 • Last month
Neuphonic & Rapport launch real-time digital humans
Gaming

Neuphonic & Rapport launch real-time digital humans

Running on standard CPUs, the on-device system could make lifelike avatars practical for games, training and virtual assistants at scale.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last month