Big Tech Stories

Kiwi Stories

Big Tech stories

Companies must adapt to rising AI costs, tech CEO says

Rising token-based charges and compliance risks are forcing firms to monitor AI agents more closely, Fusion5's chief executive says.

By RNZ • 5 min read • Last week

Digital Transformation

Microsoft appoints Nick Walton as NZ Managing Director

The appointment strengthens Microsoft's push in New Zealand as businesses weigh AI adoption, cloud investment and data-residency demands.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Last week

Software-as-a-Service

Catalyst urges New Zealand to back local tech suppliers

With NZD $13 billion set to be spent on public technology, the firm says procurement reform could keep more taxpayer money and control at home.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 5 min read • Last month

Global Stories

Big Tech stories

Digital Transformation

Amazon Chief says conversational AI will reshape shopping

Shoppers may soon ask for product advice in chat form as Amazon races rivals to turn generative AI into a new retail interface.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last week

Generative AI

OpenAI widens free ChatGPT access with GPT-5.6 update

Free ChatGPT users will now get unlimited text chats and a new higher-reasoning mode as OpenAI tightens accuracy and safety controls.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • This month

Data centers

Ofgem weighs tougher rules for data centre grid queue

Tighter queue rules could speed grid access for legitimate projects, but risk pushing more data centre operators towards pricier off-grid power.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 5 min read • This month

Software-as-a-Service

AWS revenue growth hits fastest pace in 18 quarters

Demand for AI and core cloud services is boosting Amazon's key profit engine, with AWS growth accelerating to a 36.7% annual pace.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • This month

Digital Transformation

Amazon retail growth boosted by grocery & AI shopping

Amazon reported growth across retail, grocery, pharmacy and AI shopping as it expanded product selection and accelerated delivery speeds.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • This month

Software-as-a-Service

EU AI Act transparency rules take effect on 2 August

Companies serving EU users face new disclosure duties from 2 August, as Brussels keeps transparency rules on schedule despite delaying tougher AI obligations.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 5 min read • Last month

Data Protection

Cognizant deepens Anthropic tie-up as Claude rollout grows

The expansion signals Cognizant's push to turn AI trials into production work for clients amid tighter scrutiny of governance and risk.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 5 min read • Last month

Data Protection

EU advances tech sovereignty and UK reshapes AI oversight

Brussels' move could reduce reliance on non-EU tech, while London's new AI minister signals tighter oversight of a fast-growing sector.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • Last month

Data Protection

Meta launches Muse Image in Meta AI for chats & apps

The rollout puts image generation inside Meta's most-used apps, as the company broadens its AI tools for chats, stories and advertising.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 3 min read • Last month

Data Protection

Fastmail opens Amsterdam data centre for EU email users

European customers will be able to keep primary email data in the EU from August, easing compliance and improving response times.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • Last month

Stories from Other Regions

Big Tech stories

Wearables

Apple Pay launches in the Philippines for shoppers

Shoppers in the Philippines now have access to Apple's contactless payment service across stores, apps and websites, with banks and merchants on board.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • This month