Customer service stories
Banks could gain a single AI system for customer requests, as Backbase folds Kasisto's tools into its software and boosts its US reach.
A new benchmark and shared guidance aim to help telecom operators turn scattered AI pilots into large-scale deployments across their networks.
Marketers could save time and reach more customers as Meta expands AI across ad creation, creator discovery and WhatsApp sales chats.
Asia Pacific insurers are set to see more AI-driven system renewal as Sapiens steps up its regional push with a senior hire.
Thousands of pub prices were gathered by automated calls, showing how voice AI can do large-scale field research beyond chatbots.
Customer service teams can now build and monitor AI agents more easily, with Zoom adding testing, quality controls and outcome-based pricing.
Enterprises face higher AI bills and governance gaps as only 17 per cent have reached high maturity, Gartner says.
High call volumes and stalled omnichannel upgrades are driving firms to Zendesk's AI voice tools, which secured 100 sales opportunities in a year.
Home services operators could cut back-office headcount as the New York software firm expands after backing from Andreessen Horowitz and Sequoia Capital.
With AI tools spreading through the bank, 60,000 NatWest staff will now be trained to spot ethical risks and handle them responsibly.
Fraud checks and customer service will be sped up as Lloyds Banking Group adds more than 1,000 AI jobs and retrains staff.
Extra warehouse parts will help Smart CT meet demand from new contracts across government, health and retail customers in Europe and beyond.
Small firms taking card payments by phone face fraud, chargeback and compliance risks that Gamma says have been overlooked.
But 56 per cent of users rely on unapproved tools, leaving Australian employers to tackle security, compliance and trust gaps.
Clients are increasingly demanding proof that cloud and AI spending is lifting productivity, revenue or cost control, not just adding systems.
Clear warranties and return policies may be needed to turn US interest in refurbished gadgets into sales, the survey found.
Call handling has been centralised in Microsoft Teams, with NSWRL reporting a 17-second average wait after the switch.
The retailer also lifted order volumes by 24% last peak trading period, while fewer customer service queries eased pressure on its teams.
The gap leaves many retailers exposed, as most feel pressure to adopt AI yet fewer than half have a clear plan for doing so.
AI and emerging tech are becoming a growth priority for UK lenders and insurers, with 91% expecting higher spending over the next year.