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Virtual Assistant Stories

Australian Stories

Virtual Assistant stories

TAL expands Microsoft deal in biggest tech pact yet
Unified Communications

TAL expands Microsoft deal in biggest tech pact yet

The insurer will use cloud and AI tools to cut claims admin and speed up customer service under a five-year agreement with Microsoft.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Wed, 22nd Apr 2026

Global Stories

Virtual Assistant stories

Quant & IBM launch Ava at Fortitude Re to cut calls
Digital Transformation

Quant & IBM launch Ava at Fortitude Re to cut calls

The rollout has cut average handling time by three minutes and lifted first-call resolution to 86% at Fortitude Re.

By Sean Mitchell • 8 min read • Last week
Microsoft launches Scout personal agent for 365 work
Data Protection

Microsoft launches Scout personal agent for 365 work

The new tool can schedule meetings, flag delays and act within existing permissions as Microsoft pushes autonomous software into everyday office apps.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Last week
Siemens launches Intelligence Centre X for industrial AI
Manufacturing

Siemens launches Intelligence Centre X for industrial AI

The new software aims to move industrial AI beyond pilots by tying together data, workflows and governance for faster operational decisions.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last week
Google unveils Gemini Spark agent & Omni video model
Generative AI

Google unveils Gemini Spark agent & Omni video model

Growth to more than 900 million monthly users underscores Google's push to make Gemini a persistent AI assistant, not just a chatbot.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • Last month
Google unveils new AI tools across Workspace & Gemini
Personalisation

Google unveils new AI tools across Workspace & Gemini

Users will be able to draft emails, edit images and summon an AI agent as Google broadens paid access across Workspace and Gemini.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Last month
Samsung launches interactive, connected 2026 TV range
Internet of Things

Samsung launches interactive, connected 2026 TV range

Kiwi football fans will get stadium-style sound and smarter home control as the new line-up adds AI Football Mode Pro and Vision AI.

By David Shilovsky • 5 min read • Last month
TD Insurance launches first AI chatbot for clients
Unified Communications

TD Insurance launches first AI chatbot for clients

The tool aims to cut routine enquiries and help Canadians compare cover without logging in, as TD expands AI across its businesses.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Last month
Vodafone & Google Cloud launch AI & security tools
Unified Communications

Vodafone & Google Cloud launch AI & security tools

Small firms in Germany and Greece are first in line for Vodafone Business’s new Google Cloud-backed AI concierge and cyber defence tools.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • Fri, 24th Apr 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
Tata Steel expands Google Cloud AI across global operations
Storage

Tata Steel expands Google Cloud AI across global operations

More than 300 AI agents are now cutting turnaround times, routine HR queries and maintenance delays across the steelmaker’s global operations.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Thu, 23rd 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

Stories from Other Regions

Virtual Assistant stories

Citi Wealth launches AI assistant Citi Sky for US clients
Digital Transformation

Citi Wealth launches AI assistant Citi Sky for US clients

US wealth clients will get market insights and reminders from Citi Sky as Citi rolls out the AI assistant alongside advisors this summer.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • Fri, 24th Apr 2026
Citi launches AI wealth assistant Citi Sky with Google
Digital Transformation

Citi launches AI wealth assistant Citi Sky with Google

The rollout puts generative AI in front of Citigold clients as banks race to show it can aid investors without sidelining advisers.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Fri, 24th Apr 2026
TCL launches QLED TVs in UK with Google TV & Fire TV
Gaming

TCL launches QLED TVs in UK with Google TV & Fire TV

British shoppers can now buy TCL's new QLED line-up from GBP £379, with models spanning Google TV, Fire TV and a 98in screen.

By Kaleah Salmon • 4 min read • Thu, 16th Apr 2026
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
Clarence Medical Centre launches multilingual AI assistant
Digital Transformation

Clarence Medical Centre launches multilingual AI assistant

Clarence Medical Centre in Wales has launched a multilingual AI assistant to ease admin pressure and streamline patient registration online.

By Kaleah Salmon • 4 min read • Wed, 25th Mar 2026