Zone’s Rianna Mitchell handpicks and shares the five best news stories on digital trends, experiences and technologies…
1. Microsoft to invest billions in OpenAI
Microsoft announced a new multi-year, multibillion-dollar investment with ChatGPT-creator OpenAI. The software giant believes the renewed partnership will accelerate breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI). ‘The next major wave of computing is being born, with advances in AI,’ said CEO Satya Nadella.
The firm is convinced AI would have as big of an impact as world-altering inventions, such as the internet and mobile devices. Microsoft plans to commercialise advanced tech in the future, using OpenAI’s tech across their consumer enterprise and products.
2. Tesco kicks off Global Hackathon
Tesco kicked off its annual Global Hackathon — an event championing tech innovation and collaboration with international teams. Over two days, employees in the UK, Central Europe and India compete to see how coding can solve retail tech issues, turning ideas into working prototypes to be judged by an expert panel.
Participants focused on where the supermarket can enhance its customer service for loyalty, personalised shopping experiences, and with initiatives including health and sustainability schemes. Tesco said the long-running event had fostered numerous successful ideas over the years.
3. Fintech app Plum conquers Europe
Smart money app Plum launched its services to five new European countries as part of its continental expansion. During the cost-of-living challenges, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, and the Netherlands can now reap the benefits of the app’s money-management features.
Helping people establish financial resilience is a priority for Plum. CEO Victor Trokoudes said the fintech firm is: ‘committed to empowering people with a complete money toolkit, helping them nurture their financial wellbeing today and for the long run, giving motivation to their money’.
4. Galaxy Experience Space coming to Westfield
Samsung has revealed it will expand the Galaxy Experience Space to Westfield White City, London. Visitors will be able to attend the free experience and interact with its new devices and innovations, such as the Galaxy’s latest camera system and connected ecosystem and learn about its sustainability efforts.
Guests can also test out Samsung’s Galaxy Photo Booth and get hands-on with Galaxy’s Epic Gaming displays. Samsung Electronics EVP and Head of Marketing said the experience ‘offers a fresh take on retail, providing consumers with new ways to get hands-on and explore the possibilities of our technology’.
5. The importance of re-boarding employees
Re-boarding is an essential aspect of the employee experience. As you welcome back talent from long-term absence, implementing a strategic re-boarding strategy helps employees reacclimatise to their role and your organisation’s culture.
Zone’s Employee Experience Strategy Director, Lauren Coe, discusses the concept of re-boarding and provides tips on how to successfully re-board employees to improve retention and increase motivation and productivity. Discover more.
