Emerging Technology stories

Google's Gemini app can now spin 30-second AI songs from text or images using its new Lyria 3 model, with built-in SynthID watermarks.

OpenAI has launched Frontier, an enterprise platform to deploy AI coworkers at scale by unifying data, tools and governance across firms.

Okta warns APAC firms that rapid AI adoption is outpacing governance and identity controls, leaving “shadow AI” and non-human access unchecked.

YouTube sets 2026 agenda with tougher child safety tools, bigger creator payouts and expanded AI across production and viewing.

Dreame debuts its first whole-home smart ecosystem at CES 2026, expanding from robot vacuums into appliances, wearables and outdoor tech.

Security experts warn agentic and generative AI will rapidly widen global cyber attack surfaces in 2026, outpacing current safeguards.

DeepKeep has been named a Sample Vendor in Gartner's 2025 AI Cybersecurity report, highlighting its platform protecting enterprises from AI-related security risks.

Forrester warns rapid advances in artificial general intelligence are set to transform workforces worldwide, urging firms to start AI readiness programmes now.

Over 40% of agentic AI projects are predicted to be cancelled by 2027 due to costs, unclear value, and risk issues, finds Gartner research.

Atturra has won Boomi's APJ Partner of the Year award for the third consecutive year, adding to five previous wins, showcasing its leadership in integration solutions.

Visa's Code & Connect in Auckland nurtures NZ tech talent, with 51 students engaging in mentorship and 10 graduate roles offered for 2026 intake.

Toi Mai has unveiled significant updates to enhance work-based learning and vocational education in New Zealand amidst the shift to Industry Skills Boards by 2026.

QuSecure has successfully raised USD $28 million in a Series A funding round aimed at bolstering its post-quantum cryptography solutions and client expansion.

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, has surged to 3 million downloads in Australia, prompting concerns over data privacy, national security and misuse.

New Zealand's security agencies have issued guidance for emerging tech firms, addressing risks from foreign-state actors amid rising cyber threats.

Not-for-profits are urged to prioritise specialised IT expertise over volunteer support to enhance security and operational efficiency, warns Kinetics' Andrew Hunt.

As Generative AI (GenAI) struggles to prove business value, procurement emerges as a surprising leader in demonstrating its true potential by enhancing user experiences.

In an era dominated by Big Data and AI, businesses are urged to revisit and optimise their loyalty programmes to enhance Customer Lifetime Value and boost growth.

Forrester's 2024 emerging tech report highlights genAI for visual content and language, TuringBots, and IoT security as top investments with a 2-year benefit horizon.

DataCentre220 teams up with UPS Power Solutions to enhance data security and accessibility for organisations, countering cloud storage hurdles with advanced, reliable technology.