Conversational AI stories

US auto dealers make AI central to retail strategy, ramping investment as squeezed margins and online-first buyers demand faster response.

Ramco launches Chia, a no-code conversational AI agent to orchestrate complex, multi-step service workflows across enterprise systems.

AIBUILD unveils emotion-tracking home robots that learn seniors’ routines to flag early risks of falls, isolation and cognitive decline.

Sabre, PayPal and Mindtrip are teaming up on an AI travel assistant that lets users discover, book and pay for trips in one chat-based flow.

Gartner predicts public LLMs will double PR budgets by 2027 as AI search reshapes discovery and employee chatbots replace intranets.

Bitget launches GracyAI, a chatty avatar of boss Gracy Chen to guide crypto users on strategy and mindset, not quick-fire price tips.

Sapia.ai debuts Phai, an AI chat coach designed to help workers rethink careers, build confidence and navigate changing job markets.

More consumers now treat generative AI as an everyday aide and even a companion, using it for routine decisions despite trust concerns.

Wesfarmers has struck a multi-year deal with Google Cloud to deploy agentic AI across Kmart, Officeworks, Priceline and OnePass stores.

Newo raises USD $25m to grow AI voice agents that answer calls for small businesses, after revenue doubled late 2025 amid rising demand.

Humanix will pitch its human-layer security platform at RSAC 2026’s Innovation Sandbox after landing a Top 10 finalist spot and USD $5 million.

Authentic Interactions recruits Siri and Pluto TV co-founders to guide its push into hyper-realistic ‘digital humans’ for homes and businesses.

Shoppers shun online baskets over high delivery fees and clunky checkouts as retailers plough cash into loyalty schemes and shiny AI tools.

Capita slashes time-to-hire by 43% and speeds HR admin by up to 80% after rolling out Workday AI, HiredScore and Teams integration.

LIV Golf has unveiled Fan Caddie, an AI ‘second-screen’ assistant offering real-time stats, replays and shopping while fans watch live.

New Zealand AI startup Contented raises AUD $4.1m seed round to speed UK and US expansion and triple headcount in coming months.

ORCA Opti touts defensible AI, rapid global expansion and a 2027 IPO as it targets regulated markets and warns most AI startups will fail.

Calero launches AI-powered assistant to give TEM and MEM teams instant, conversational insight from complex telecom and mobility invoices.

Square rolls out free AI assistant in the UK, helping SME owners query their own sales data in plain English to speed up decisions.

Sparq launches Intelligence Studio to plug AI directly into enterprise workflows, promising governed, auditable decisions at scale.