Amazon Patent Shows Gesture-Based Control for Devices

Amazon holds several patents for gesture-based control systems in devices such as drones, wearables, and home entertainment products. Technologies intend to make it easier to interact with machines using simple, touch-free movements.  

Below are key details about Amazon’s gesture-control patents.  

  • Gesture-recognizing drones: Amazon’s drone system patent could make drone delivery easier by allowing users to interact with drones via gestures and voice commands. The drones’ ability to respond to human movement may help make deliveries safer and more user-friendly.  
  • Warehouse wristbands: The ultrasonic wristband patent aims to increase operational efficiency in Amazon warehouses by improving picking speed and accuracy. This patent is relevant to optimizing inventory management, thereby lowering costs and improving overall warehouse productivity.  
  • Child-appropriate interface selection: This patent helps ensure user safety by automatically adapting device interfaces for younger users based on hand size. It is relevant to digital well-being, providing age-appropriate experiences that protect and simplify children’s technology use.  
  • Media device control: This patent allows users to operate media devices using hand gestures for a more intuitive, remote-free experience. It is relevant as it could enhance accessibility and user interaction by reducing dependency on physical remotes.  

These patents, reflecting Amazon’s innovation, were developed primarily by its Lab 126 division.  

Building on its previous advancements, Amazon first impressed millions with Alexa’s intuitive capabilities. Now, the company’s latest project could let drones respond to human hand signals. Recently, Amazon was granted a new patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for aid delivery.  

Amazon aims to develop a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles to deliver packages to customers in 30 minutes or less. The patent specifies that the drone can change its behavior in response to various gestures, such as a thumbs-up, shouting, or waving arms. According to the patent, the drone can release its package, alter its course to avoid obstacles, ask people questions, or cancel the delivery.  

Giving Commands To The Machine 

The patent includes several illustrations. In one, a person stands outside a home, waving their arms to show how someone might signal a drone. Overhead, a voice bubble from the man’s mouth suggests he is giving commands to the drone.  

The human recipient and/or other humans can communicate with the vehicle using hand gestures to guide it along its path to the delivery location. The patent says  

Another diagram shows the steps the drone would follow to read human body language during deliveries. Receive a human gesture, access the gesture database, and determine the human gesture based on the gesture database. Proceed in accordance with the determined human gesture and delivery instructions.  

The drones’ communication system would use several sensors, including a depth sensor and cameras that detect visible, infrared, and ultraviolet light. The drones could recognize hand and body gestures, human voices, and movement, such as someone walking toward or away from the drone.  

Other Devices Using Gestures to Control 

Specifically, according to the patent, if drones are authorized to deliver, they can either drop packages with extra padding from the air or land and hand them over.  

Since announcing its plans for air delivery, Amazon has filed several patent applications. These include giant airships that could act as flying warehouses and drones that self-destruct in emergencies. Amazon has not said when, or even if, the gesture-recognition drones will be available.  

For example, Amazon made its first autonomous drone delivery to a customer in the United Kingdom in 2016. Additionally, the company is currently conducting a private customer training trial for drone delivery in Britain.  

Source: Latest Amazon Patent Includes Gesture-Recognizing Drones 

Apple Expands Business Tools to Challenge POS Systems

Retailers everywhere are quickly swapping out old counter POS systems for portable mobile-based sales tools thanks to advances in 5G, eSIM technology, and retail software. Everyday devices like phones and tablets now serve as fully functional POS systems.  

Earlier, we explored the popularity of tablet POS. Nowadays, many retailers use smartphones for sales.  

The iPhone is now among the most widely used POS systems, supported by many iOS sales apps. The mobile POS (mPOS) industry is changing in-person retail from stalls to chains.  

Email receipts are replacing printed ones, and contactless payments now surpass cash. Likewise, mPOS systems show how wireless technology is changing shopping.  

The Rise Of Mobile Point Of Sale (mPOS) 

The 2018 iPhone XR enabled Apple Tap to Pay, allowing iPhones to function as full POS terminals for contactless payments.  

Handheld POS systems, such as iPhones, offer numerous opportunities. However, these new formats introduce challenges that retailers must address to fully benefit from mPOS.  

What To Look For In A New POS System 

Whether new or established retailers should select an APOS system based on store type, desired customer experience, and location. Four key factors warrant contribution:  

  • Modern POS software manages sales, receipts, inventory, and staff timesheets in a single package. iPhones use many retail apps from the App Store, like Shopify and Square, and can add more for specialized needs. Some require external card readers; others work directly on the iPhone.  
  • Customer experience: the POS system is often the last point of contact with customers, so it strongly shapes their impression of your store and service. Apple POS systems are familiar and seen as a gold standard in consumer tech, which helps build trust during transactions. Because iPhones and iPads are portable, staff can complete sales anywhere in the store, reducing queuing time and making the experience more personal than with fixed terminals.  
  • Data migration is a major challenge when upgrading POS systems, especially preserving old transaction records. Cloud solutions like iOS POS prepare retailers for the future and ensure data transfer, cloud storage, and iCloud backups make switching easy. Providers like 1Global use remote SIM provisioning to quickly set up new iPhone POS systems, enabling teams to work efficiently.  
  • Connectivity: Every POS system needs a reliable, fast, and secure internet connection. Most fixed terminals with internet have replaced wireless devices using eSIMs. These devices, whether dedicated POS systems or iPhones, can connect to the internet and work anywhere with mobile data as more stores use eSIMs. In-store mobile connectivity has become a sensible option, especially with retail-focused services like 1Global SafeRetail.  

Why Retailers Are Turning to Mobile POS 

  • Rapid Market Entry And Expansion  

Many new retailers are surprised that consumer technology now matches the capabilities of dedicated point-of-sale hardware. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as “disbelief mPoster syndrome”.  

More retailers are adopting mobile POS, newer iPhone models, and fast wireless connections now offer the same features as traditional POS systems, all in a compact device.  

Established brands with existing POS systems benefit from the low cost and quick setup of widely available iOS devices. According to WooCommerce, businesses can set up Tap to Pay on an iPhone in just two minutes.  

The flexibility helps brands expand into new markets. It also provides a backup if devices are lost or damaged. The rise of pop-up shops and short-term retail is another benefit, as brands can test new formats and reach different customers without investing in permanent stores. Pop-ups help brands enter new markets and capitalize on seasonal events such as festivals, conventions, and trade fairs.  

  • Scalability  

Retail is competitive. Brands need POS solutions that grow with them, using cloud-connected devices such as iPads or iPhones, and reduce IT and accounting costs. This makes it easier to expand and stay connected with regular updates.  

For multinational chains, MPOS can use a simple global provider, such as 1Global, to support services worldwide. This eliminates complex contracts in each country and speeds device deployment. The resulting savings let brands offer better consumer prices.  

IOS is familiar to developers. There are now hundreds of POS apps and services for retailers, many tailored to specific needs. Shopify and Zettle let merchants manage offline and online sales in a single app, reducing the need for extra hardware.  

This is in contrast to the ring‑fenced world of fixed-line systems; unlike traditional POS systems, which are limited to a few companies, the open iOS platform enables retailers to create custom mPOS apps tailored to their exact needs, including on iPads. Retailers must purchase a separate NFC reader.  

iPhone POS systems lower costs and reduce hardware needs. Any iPhone XR or newer can act as an NFC card reader without extra devices.  

  • Familiar UI and Faster Onboarding  

Training staff on new POS systems takes time, especially for short-term seasonal roles. A familiar interface like iOS helps reduce building errors and shorten training time. iOS is the most popular smartphone OS in the USA. In self-checkout stores, a familiar user experience is very valuable.  

Apple Tap to Pay 

A key difference between iPad and iPhone POS systems is Apple Tap2Pay. With this feature, iPhones can accept contactless payments from cards or mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay. No extra hardware is needed. iPads still require an external card reader for payments.  

Tap2Pay works anywhere with a mobile internet connection when paired with a service like 1Global Safe Retail iPhone POS. Let’s vendors process transactions almost anywhere while staying secure. Tablet POS terminals already have lower setup costs than traditional systems, and mPOS options cut costs even further by eliminating the need for additional hardware.  

Is an iPhone POS Secure? 

Can a personal phone really match the security of dedicated sales hardware? Apple Tap to Pay offers the same merchant security as a traditional POS system. No card details are stored on the device. All transactions happen within Apple‑approved POS apps. They also meet the latest PCI standards.   

Nonetheless, vendors and clients take additional steps to safeguard their own security and their customers’ information when using iPhones. The convenience of mPOS systems can make them a potential target for the future.  

Another key step is to use a secure wireless data connection. This is especially important when processing transactions on the move. Avoid unknown Wi‑Fi networks. When traveling or running a temporary stall, use a secure mobile data service like Safe Retail from 1Global to keep all data safe and reliable.  

How Mobile POS Improves the Customer Experience 

Budget reduction efforts can sometimes hurt the customer experience. For example, while automated chatbots may save brands money at first, they can degrade customer care quality and erode trust over time.  

MPOS systems stand out for lowering merchants’ costs and improving the customer experience. Long wait times hurt sales and drive customers away. mPos systems help in two main ways.  

  • Portability: employees can carry a pocket-sized iPhone and process transactions anywhere in the store. This removes the need for a fixed checkout, avoids bottlenecks during busy times, and lets staff offer a more personal experience, including payment.  

iPhone and iPadOS systems with eSIM use mobile data, not just Wi‑Fi. This allows them to work anywhere with a mobile signal and lowers the chance of outages. Services like Safe Retail and 1Global automatically reconnect devices to the next network for smooth sales.  

While mPOS still faces some challenges, the future looks bright for iOS retail. The latest iOS update, iOS 26 Real, reaffirms Apple’s commitment to eSIM connectivity by introducing several new eSIM features.  

iPhone can’t yet process swipe cards, gift cards, or cash, nor print physical receipts. Still, as shopping becomes more digital, mPOS is expected to keep growing from small vendors to global chains. Handheld POS systems open new business opportunities and accelerate expansion. Possessing a reliable network provider like 1Global is key to building a sustainable retail model.  

Source: How iPhones and Mobile Point of Sale systems are reshaping retail 

Microsoft 365 E7 Adds Control Layer for Enterprise AI Agents 

Today, we introduced the next step in bringing frontier transformation to life for customers in every industry with Wave 3 of Microsoft 365 Copilot, Microsoft Agent 365, and Microsoft 365 E: the Frontier Suite.  

As more customers use agentic AI, CIOs, CISOs, and security teams have important questions. How can I track and monitor these agents? How do I know what they are doing? Do they have the right access? Can they leak sensitive data? Are they safe from cyber threats? How do I manage those threats?  

These new solutions mark a significant advancement in providing clarity and security for organizations adopting AI with Agent 365 and Microsoft 365 E7, the Frontier suite available starting May 1, 2026. We address these questions to give our organizations the confidence to use AI more fully.  

Agent 365: The Control Center for Agents 

As organizations use more agentic AI, gaps in visibility and security can make it easier for agents to act against company interests. Without a control center, teams cannot see which agents exist, their behavior, access, or risks. Microsoft Agent 365 gives you a unified control center, so IT, security, and business teams can observe, manage, and secure agents across your organization whether built on Microsoft AI platforms or from partners using new Microsoft security features that integrate into your workflows.  

Here’s how this works in real situations.  

Now that Agent 365 is running in production, Avanade can clearly see agent activity, manage agent activity growth, control resource use, and treat agents as identity-aware digital entities in Microsoft Intra. This greatly reduces operational and security risks, represents a major step toward overseeing agents at scale, and demonstrates Microsoft’s commitment to responsible production-ready AI. Aaron Reich, Chief Technology and Information Officer, Avanade.  

Key Features Of Agent 365 Include: 

Visibility For Every Role. 

With Agent 365, IT, security, and business teams can view all managed agents, understand their usage, and act quickly on relevant performance, behavior, and risk signals within their current workflows.  

  • The agent registry lists all agents (AI systems that perform your tasks) in your organization, including those built with Microsoft AI Power Partners and those added via APIs (software interfaces that allow product programs to interact).IT teams can access this list in the Microsoft 365 admin center. Security teams can see the same list in their Microsoft Defender, and Purview works.  
  • Agent behavior and performance tracking provide reports on agent performance, usage of metrics, maps, and activity.  
  • Agent risk signals in Microsoft Defender, Intra, and Purview help security teams assess agent risk  as they do for users by detecting issues such as compromise, sign-in problems, or risky data use. Defender checks for compromise, Intra for identity risk, and Purview for insider risk. IT teams can view these risks in the Microsoft 365 admin center.  
  • Security policy teams in Intra help IT and security set and enforce organization-wide policies for new agents in the admin center.  

* These features are in public preview (available for testing for all users but not final) and will remain so on May 1.  

Secure And Manage Agent Access 

Managed agents can pose serious risks, including unauthorized access to resources, excessive privileges, or misuse by malicious actors. With Microsoft Intra features in Agent 365, you can secure agent identities and control their access to resources.  

  • Agent ID gives each agent a unique Microsoft Intra identity tailored to its needs. This enables organizations to set trusted, scalable access policies, close unmanaged identity gaps, and align agent access with existing controls.  
  • Identity protection and conditions for agents expand current user policies to agents. These policies make real-time access decisions based on risk, device compliance with Microsoft Intune (a device management tool), and custom security settings for agents working for a user. They help prevent compromise and make sure agents cannot be misused by bad actors.  
  • Identity governance for agents lets identity leaders limit agent access to only the sources they need. Access packages can be set to match a subset of user permissions, and leaders can audit which access has been granted to agents.  

Prevent Data Oversharing And Ensure Agent Compliance 

Agent 365, powered by Microsoft Purview, provides strong data security and compliance for agents. It helps prevent agents from retrieving sensitive data, stops insider data leaks, and supports responsible data administration to meet global regulations.  

  • Data security and posture management provide admins with clear visibility into data risks for agents, enabling them to resolve issues before they become trouble. Problems  
  • Information protection enforces MACMA 365 data sensitivity labels to prevent sensitive data leaks for agents.  
  • Insider risk management now covers agents blocking and flagging risky agent interactions with sensitive data for security admins.  
  • Data lifecycle management lets you set rules for keeping or deleting prompts and agent-generated data, helping you manage risk and liability.  
  • Audit and e-discovery now include agents enabling organizations to audit, investigate, and manage agent activity as they do for users and apps.  
  • Communication compliance now extends to two-agent interactions, enabling human monitoring of risky AI communications. This gives businesses and business leaders the ability to apply their code of conduct and compliance policy to AI as well, in advance of emerging cyber threats. Agent 365 includes Microsoft Defender protections purpose-built to detect and counter AI-specific vulnerabilities and threats such as prompt manipulation, model tampering, and agent-based attack chains.  
  • Security posture management for Microsoft Foundry and Copilot Studio agents identifies misconfigurations and vulnerabilities, so security twins can fix them before attackers exploit them.  
  • Detection in investigation and response for Foundry and Co-pilot agents helps teams investigate and fix attacks on agents, ensuring agents are included in security reviews, threat protection, and investigations and hunts using Agent 365. Tools Gateway helps organizations detect, block, and investigate malicious agent activities.  

Agent 365 will be available starting May 1, 2026, at $15 each per user per month. Learn more about Agent 365  

Microsoft 365 E7: the Frontier Suite 

Microsoft 365 E7 combines intelligence and trust to help organizations speed up frontier transformation. It provides human employees with AI tools for email, documents, meetings, spreadsheets, and business apps, and gives IT and security leaders the oversight and control needed for enterprise AI, including both users and AI agents.  

Microsoft 365 E7, Controllers Copilot, Agent365, Intra Suite, and E5 with Advanced Defender, Intra Intune, and Purview security features. It protects both users (humans) and AI agents. You can buy it starting May 1, 2026, for $99 per user each month. Learn more about Microsoft 365 E7.  

End-to-End Security for the Agentic Era 

Frontier transformation relies on agents and trust, which begins with security. Microsoft Security protects 1.6 million customers at AI speed and scale with Agent 365. These enterprise-grade tools now help organizations monitor, secure, and manage AI agents, offering full protection for both AI agents and human users with Microsoft 365 E7.  

Start your frontier transformation now with Agent 365 and Microsoft 365 E7: the frontier suite. Join us at the RSAC Conference 2026 to learn more about these solutions and hear from experts and customers who are molding the future of Asian Security.  

To learn more about agent security, visit our website, bookmark our security blog for expert updates, and follow us on LinkedIn (Microsoft Security) and X(@MSFTSecurity) for the latest cybersecurity news.  

Source: Secure agentic AI for your Frontier Transformation  

Amazon and NVIDIA Drive Advanced AI Assistants for US Automakers 

Amazon and NVIDIA are collaborating to create intelligent, responsive, and customised AI-powered vehicle assistant technologies that will continuously improve the in-car experience. Their joint effort will focus on leveraging cloud computing, generative AI, and high-performance computing architecture to revolutionise how drivers communicate with their vehicles; they will shift from traditional voice-based communication to more natural, contextual, and human-like forms of interaction with their vehicles’ main processing unit. Additionally, this project demonstrates the evolution of vehicles moving toward software-defined attributes, which should lead to increased safety, functionality, and overall satisfaction with vehicle use.  

Transforming In-Car Experiences with AI  

With all the progress in generative AI, Amazon and NVIDIA now have virtual assistants that allow drivers and car owners to ask complex questions, stay up to date in real time, and handle many different tasks. Unlike the original voice recognition systems, these advanced digital assistants will provide many more features, including having the ability to communicate with humans using more than just a one-word command, handling multiple questions, remembering past conversations or questions to maintain a context throughout an entire conversation, and remembering how individual users prefer to do things differently from each other. Because of this new technology, drivers can manage the way they navigate, how they interact/work with the entertainment system in their vehicle, and how they adjust the settings on their vehicles and, overall, make their driving experience more personalised.  

Combining Cloud and Edge Computing  

The joint venture delivers state-of-the-art AI performance and reliability through cloud-based AI services for edge computing devices. The cloud services provided by Amazon include advanced capabilities for data processing, facilities for continuous training of AI models, and access to an immense variety of datasets. The computing power provided by NVIDIA’s platforms will support real-time AI applications in the vehicle. By integrating edge and cloud computing, it will be possible to perform critical functions (e.g., navigation updates or safety-related responses) locally and in real time, with little to no delay, while other complex or data-intensive applications may leverage the compute resources of the cloud. Together, these two technologies will provide a fully integrated solution that enables fast, intelligent, and dependable data operations, regardless of network availability. 

Generative AI and Natural Language Interaction  

Generative AI is a crucial component in creating complex automotive assistants; they will evolve from traditional command-driven interfaces to much more natural, conversational interfaces. The assistant uses large datasets and can understand complex, nuanced requests and produce contextually relevant answers and suggestions. For instance, if a driver were to ask for the best route to avoid current and anticipated traffic delays based on their previous driving behaviour, the assistant would provide real-time updates on anticipated weather and road conditions, as well as recommendations based on that behaviour. Generative Artificial Intelligence will also create a much more human-like point of interaction between a driver and their automobile, as well as greater ease of use.  

Enhancing Safety and Driver Focus  

In addition to convenience, AI assistants are being developed to enhance safety, reduce driver distraction, and increase drivers’ awareness of their surroundings. They will enable drivers to use the same features (e.g., navigation, communication) while keeping both hands on the steering wheel and focusing on driving. AI systems will also anticipate needs based on context. For example, if a driver is in heavy traffic, the AI will suggest an alternate route; if a driver is driving on a snowy road, the AI will adjust the in-car settings to assist with their driving conditions. These proactive features will contribute to a smoother, safer driving experience. These features are part of a much larger effort by vehicle manufacturers to create smarter systems that will help both drivers and enhance road safety.  

Supporting Automakers in Software-Defined Vehicles  

To aid automakers transitioning to software-defined vehicles, Amazon and NVIDIA have teamed to create the next phase of automotive technology through software and AI. Combined with their scalable AI platforms, they have simplified how manufacturers integrate full-featured, advanced assistant capabilities into their vehicles, enabling faster time-to-market while reducing development costs by eliminating the need to create a unique, complex solution from the ground up. Automakers can then concentrate on vehicle design, engineering, and brands’ unique innovations. As vehicles become increasingly connected through software, partnerships like this will play an important role in defining the next generation of automotive technology.  

Competitive Landscape in Automotive AI  

Tech firms and automakers are rapidly developing AI-based automotive assistant products in a highly competitive market, where participants are devoting resources to innovation. Amazon’s cloud computing and NVIDIA’s AI development strengths, together with the hardware acceleration capabilities of both companies, give them a competitive advantage in this rapidly evolving industry. As competitors develop similar offerings, distinguishing themselves will require superior performance, reliability, and user experience. Rapidly increasing competition is going to lead to long-term success through the ability to integrate across multiple vehicle types and deliver consistent performance across each type. 

Challenges in Implementation  

Integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) assistants into cars presents numerous issues that should be addressed as much as possible. Regardless of the promise offered by new AI technologies, issues remain: AI systems must perform reliably across varied driving conditions, have robust cybersecurity protections, and protect user data privacy, all while vehicles become increasingly connected and data-driven. It will require significant testing and optimisation to ensure consistent performance across different hardware configurations and geographic locations. Automakers also need to comply with a variety of regulations and meet industry safety requirements for automated AI systems to function properly in real-world situations.  

Future Developments and Innovation  

Due to ongoing improvements in AI model capabilities, computing platforms, and integration methods, it is anticipated that the partnership of Amazon and NVIDIA will transform accordingly. Future iterations will likely include more tailored individual experiences, as well as provide ways for individuals to use multiple types of input (e.g., speech, gestures, and visuals) to communicate with devices. There will be increased collaboration between in-car assistants and vehicle controls. As AI technology continues to mature, in-car assistants will offer features beyond entertainment and navigation, such as predictive maintenance, driver monitoring, and enhanced safety. Ongoing innovation will be required to realise the full value of AI in automotive use cases. 

Source: https://www.aboutamazon.com/ 

Microsoft Expands AI Security to Prevent Enterprise Data Leaks

Microsoft has rolled out a major update to its security tools, adding new features to help prevent sensitive information from leaking through workplace automation. Announced in late March 2026, these updates are built into Microsoft Purview and Defender and focus on the risks posed by fast-paced data processing at work as more companies use digital assistants for tasks such as internal messaging and document creation. IT teams are increasingly worried about accidental data sharing. The new update launches a central dashboard that tracks how information is used, ensuring that company data is maintained securely, even when handled by advanced AI systems.  

Strengthening Data Loss Prevention for Web Grounding 

A key part of this update is the addition of sophisticated data loss prevention (DNP) controls made for web-based activities. Many workplace assistants use web searching to find real-time answers by searching the internet for context. But this can sometimes send confidential information, such as Customer IDs or project identifiers, in search requests to external services. With the new purview features, organizations can now block sensitive data from appearing in web searches while still allowing the system to use approved internal information.  

With these protections now covering web traffic, the software can spot and block sensitive information in real-time across web browsers. This inline protection prevents employees from accidentally pasting regulated data into public websites or third-party services in fields such as finance and healthcare, where compliance with regulations is required. This feature serves as a safety net. It lets organizations use digital tools without risking the security of protected information.  

Identity Resilience And Tenant Governance 

The update also focuses on strengthening the identity perimeter, which is often targeted by data breaches. Microsoft has added new features to Entra, its identity and access management platform, to help manage user identities and credentials more securely. One highlight is the preview of Entra-tenant governance, a tool that helps large organizations discover and control shadow or unmanaged environments outside their main data protection policies. By consolidating these separate areas into a single system, administrators can enforce the same data protection rules across the entire organization.  

Microsoft has also improved its use of passkey technology. Stronger authentication comes from using sync passkeys. With Windows Hello, the aim is to replace weak passwords with secure hardware-based credentials. This reduces the risk of stolen credentials, which often lead to data breaches. To help security teams, Microsoft Defender now includes an identity dashboard. This dashboard provides a single risk score to prioritize the most sensitive threats.  

Automated Reporting and Risk Visibility 

Transparency is essential for enterprise security. The March 2026 update enables customizable data security reports. Starting March 31, administrators gain a dynamic reporting interface in the Microsoft 365 admin center to review in-depth AI data. These reports clarify how business data flows through automated workflows. They also pinpoint abnormal access or repeated policy breaches. Enhanced visibility lets teams shift from reactive to proactive security management.  

The copilot control system enhances this visibility by allowing administrators to monitor high-volume users and block automated tools from accessing restricted domains. Organizations can define approved use cases and set up automated approval workflows, ensuring that digital assistants operate only in low‑risk environments. This detailed control is especially helpful for managing agentic software, which can perform tasks on its own. It guarantees every action is less than a good idea. Logs, audits, and makes security standards.  

Securing The Agentic Workspace 

As digital assistants evolve from basic drafting tools to active agents, the risk of data leaks increases. These agents can edit files and manage projects. Microsoft’s update tackles this by adding security controls directly into the developer frameworks for these agents. The Purview SDK now supports automatic classification of data as it is created. For example, a sensitive report made by an agent is immediately labeled with the correct sensitivity tags. This protects data from the start and helps prevent accidental sharing or storage in the wrong place.  

These controls also apply to in-app intelligence features in tools like SharePoint and Excel, using work, IQ, Context, and the system. It can judge a project’s sensitivity based on who is involved and what files are being accessed. If a user attempts to make multiple changes to a highly confidential spreadsheet, the system can automatically apply stricter access controls and prevent the file from being shared outside the organization. This context-aware security module offers smarter protection that recognizes the importance of the information it protects.  

The Alert Framework of Trust 

As our digital environments become more automated, we are building a new basis of trust. Security is becoming more fluent and less noticeable, making it easier to work without constant interruptions. Over time, the fear of accidental data leaks may fade as our tools become better at protecting our information. This progress allows us to focus on our work, knowing our data is secure and well-protected.  

Source: Secure agentic AI end-to-end 

Google Confirms March 2026 Core Update Rollout Impacts Search

Google has launched its first major algorithm update of the year. The March 2026 core update started rolling out on March 27. The Google Search Status dashboard shows the update began around 2 a.m. PT. It may take up to 2 weeks to reach all global results.  

This broad update comes just two days after a record-breaking spam update that finished in under 20 hours. Because these changes occurred so closely together, there has been significant ranking volatility as Google works to improve how it judges content quality, relevance, and user satisfaction worldwide.  

For website owners and digital strategists, this is a key moment that might change how information is ranked and found online.  

The Architecture of the March 2026 Core Update 

Broad core updates are major changes to how Google ranks websites. They are not just actions against specific rule breakers. Following the announcement, the March 2026 update aims to help Google show more helpful and trustworthy content. The recent spam update targeted manipulative methods. This core update reviews the overall value of every page in the index. If a website’s visibility changes during this update, it usually means Google found other pages that better match user needs.  

A key focus of this update is greater emphasis on informational gain. Google now looks for pages offering new and unique information compared to existing rankings. Since much online content repeats what’s already out there, Google rewards original reporting, unique data, and first-hand insights more strongly. This change pushes publishers to go beyond basic summaries. Deeper analysis that adds real value now gets priority.  

Strengthening E-E-A-T Across All Industries 

Alongside these priorities, the March 2026 update also expands the EEAT framework, which stands for expertise, experience, authority, and trustworthiness. These factors used to matter more for topics like health and finance, but now Google is applying them more strictly to all types of content. The updated system is better at spotting content based on real experience, giving priority to articles and guides supported by real-world views or professional credentials.  

Early data shows that pages with clear authorship and proven expertise hold their rankings better. Anonymous or generic sites are more likely to lose position. By focusing on demonstrated expertise, Google wants to connect users with people who truly know their topics.  

For businesses, it is more important than ever to show who created the content and what their qualifications are. The update is designed to boost authoritative voices. It also reduces the visibility of shallow content that does not help users.  

Semantic Filtering And Content Quality 

Another key part of the March update is advanced semantic filtering. This helps Google distinguish between well-edited content and mass-produced material with little human review. The update does not automatically punish sites that use automation tools. But it is good at spotting low-value, repetitive content that does not meet editorial standards. The algorithm now recognizes content that sounds smooth but lacks real depth or specific facts. A site that covers a single niche in detail is likely to outperform a broad site that touches many topics without expertise. This encourages a strategy of depth over volume. Aim to be a definitive resource for a specific audience, not an aggregator of general information.  

Technical Performance And User Interface 

In addition to refined content analysis, the March 2026 update continues to place strong emphasis on a website’s technical performance. Core Web Vitals, especially the Interaction to Next Paint (INP) metric, remain important to how Google judges page experience. Even great articles can be held back by slow loading, annoying ads, or bad mobile design. The update shows that quality means both good content and a flow.  

As the update continues into early April, rankings are likely to keep changing. Google suggests that site owners wait until the update is complete before reviewing performance. Rankings can fluctuate a lot before settling. The best approach is to focus on real content improvements. Update outdated information, add new insights, and ensure every page serves a clear purpose for users.  

The Refinement of the Digital Index 

Together, these algorithm changes are steadily reshaping how online knowledge is organized. It’s like the internet is being carefully sorted to highlight voices with real experience and insight. Search results are becoming more than just lists or links. They are starting to reflect on our true interests and questions. Over time, this could mean that every search feels more personal and informed, with less empty or repetitive content. The algorithm is working to protect the quality of our digital stories, ensuring that human insight stands out from generic or artificial information.   

Source: Google Search Status Dashboard 

OpenAI Adds Location Awareness to Improve Real-Time Answers

OpenAI has reached a new milestone in conversational search by adding location awareness to its platform. Starting March 26, 2026, the company began rolling out a location-sharing feature on its web and mobile apps. This change lets the system handle questions about the physical world more dynamically. Now the platform can provide real-time local answers, something previously limited to search engines and GPS- and IP-based navigation apps. Users can get tailored responses for things like neighborhood tips, local news, and weather alerts, making digital assistance more connected to their surroundings.  

The Transition to Spatial Context 

In the past, digital assistants required users to type in their location, such as New York or coffee shops in Brooklyn. The new update changes this by adding an optional location-sharing toggle in the data controls menu. When turned on, the system can use either general or exact location data to improve search results. Sharing your precise location means the assistant may give address-level accuracy, which is important for near-me searches where small distances matter.  

Having access to the location makes real-time searches much more useful. The system can now highlight local news, transit updates, and neighborhood events that might otherwise get lost in global results. For travelers and commuters, the assistant now feels more like a local guide who understands what’s happening nearby.  

Privacy Architecture And Data Sovereignty 

Because GPS data is sensitive, OpenAI uses a permission-first approach for this feature. Location sharing is off by default, and users must choose to turn it on. The system also lets users pick between sharing an approximate or precise location on the first one. With mobile devices, you can share just your city area and keep your exact address private. This gives people a way to get local updates without sharing their exact movements. It is used only for the duration of the specific request–response cycle and is deleted from the active session. Once the answer is provided, while the names of nearby locations and maps may become part of the chat history. similar to any other response the underlying law GPS coordinates are not stored long term. For younger users, parental controls have been expanded to allow guardians to disable location features entirely for teen accounts, ensuring that safety remains a core component of the deployment.  

Enhancing Real-Time Utility and Commerce 

Adding location awareness is key for the new Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP). By knowing how close a user is to nearby stores, the system can give more accurate details about product availability. Now, if someone asks about a household item, they can see which local stores have it in stock and when each store is open. This makes the interactive interface an effective tool for local shopping, making it easier to go from finding something online to buying it in person.  

This feature is useful for local government and public services in early 2027. During its pilot, the system showed it could provide live updates on road closures, voting locations, and medical alerts based on users’ exact locations during emergencies or fast-changing events. Instant, location-based information can be a key resource, giving clear, relevant guidance from the user’s area.  

The Synthesis Of Information And Geography 

For developers and businesses, adding location awareness creates new opportunities for specialized apps and plugins. These tools can now start different workflows based on the user’s location. For example, a travel app could automatically show local currency rates and safe transit tips as soon as an employee arrives in a new country. This sort of provocative location-based help is the next step for Agentic software, which understands both the user’s question and the physical surroundings.  

This update helps users connect their intent to their surroundings. It supports invisible search, where the assistant gives information at the right time, with less effort from the user. Whether someone needs a quiet park or the nearest pharmacy, the platform now has the intelligence to help in an ever-changing world.  

The Resonance Of The Present  

As these digital threads weave into the physical texture of our neighbors, we witness a quiet structural shift in our relationship with information. It is as if the great silent archive of the world has stepped into the sunlight, learning to walk the streets and breathe the air of the cities it once only described. We move toward a horizon at which the search engine is no longer a distant observer but a watchful companion that moves the burden of the rain on our shoulders and the length of the road before our feet. Eventually, the distinction between where we are and what we know may dissolve, leaving us to inhabit a world where every corner holds a tale, and every street has a voice. We might one day wake and find the maps in our pockets have become living things, expressing the vibrant, humming vibration of a reality always awake, always local, and always ready to show us the way home. 

Source: What information is shared when I search? 

New Wearable Trends Show Shift Toward Screen Light AI Devices

The wearable technology industry is moving toward screenless, ambient AI devices that prioritize voice interaction, context, and seamless integration into daily life, rather than screen-heavy wrist computers. The latest trends for 2026 point to dedicated AI assistance, smart rings, and screen-free hearables. These devices process data locally, making them faster, more private, and less distracting.  

Key Trends in Screen Light/Screenless AI Wearables (2025–2026) 

  • Rise of ambient companions: the latest AI wearables leverage ambient computing; these always-on devices passively listen, record, summarize, and act on information, reducing the need for screens or frequent user input.  
  • Screenless and voice-first devices, such as Bee Wearable, Plaud NotePin, Pin, and the upcoming OpenAI-backed hardware SweetPea, focus on audio interaction instead of screen engagement. This approach aims to reduce digital fatigue.  
  • Shift from general to specialized AI: wearables are increasingly concentrating on specific tasks such as meeting transcription. (Vocci AI ring) memory assistance(limitless) or health coaching rather than attempting to replace smartphones entirely  
  • Smart rings and discrete sensors are gaining popularity. Devices like Muse Ring 1 and Pebble Index 01 offer robust health tracking, gesture controls, and haptic notifications. They remain discreet and stylish.  
  • AI glasses without displays to enhance battery life and reduce weight. New AI glasses, such as Rokid’s, lack displays. These devices utilize microphones, speakers, and cameras to enable voice-driven interaction.  
  • On-device processing for privacy: To increase speed and security, manufacturers are now moving AI processing from the cloud to the device itself. This technique is known as edge computing.  

Key 2026 Product Examples:  

  • Plaud NotePin S: an AI voice recorder weighing 0.59 ounces, clips to clothing, provides automatic meeting transcription and summarization.  
  • Pebble Index 01: A smart ring for voice notes and memories. It is intended as a dedicated memory collection. Lecta  
  • Bee: A screenless AI variable that logs memories, creates summaries, and generates tasks daily.  
  • Vocci AI Ring: A 2.8 ring that records, transcribes, and summarizes meetings in 100+ languages using AI.  
  • Luna band: a voice-led, screen-free fitness tracker offering AI coaching via an audio device.  

Understanding why this shift is occurring will help contextualize these trends and products. 

The initial wave of AI devices, such as the Humane AI Pin, faced challenges because they attempted to replace smartphones but often delivered technology that was either underdeveloped or distracting. The emerging approach is to complement existing devices and address specific issues, such as retaining conversations or taking notes without inducing screen dependency.  

This change is happening because large language models (LLMs) and advanced on-device AI sensors have improved. These devices can provide users with useful, customized insights rather than just raw health data.  

Expanding Demand for AI-Powered Wearables. 

Wearable devices are no longer just fitness trackers or step counters. The industry has grown into a multi‑billion‑dollar market that now, for the first time, includes AI, extended reality, and advanced computing. MarketsandMarkets predicts the global arable technology market will reach $265.4 billion by 2026, up from $116.2 billion in 2021.  

The report stated that consumer demand for sleek, compact devices in fitness and healthcare applications is rising. The growing popularity of IoT and connected devices will also drive market growth during the forecast period.  

Companies like Meta, Apple, and Snap are investing heavily in new ways for people to interact with various devices. This shows both business potential and strong consumer interest. For example, Apple has filed patents for gesture input and spatial computing. Meta’s Reality Labs has introduced a variable device that could replace the keyboard and mouse. This device uses surface electromyography (EMG) to read signals from wrist muscles to control other devices.  

With these new advances, people are increasingly talking about almost invisible AI-powered interfaces. These let users connect with digital environments without needing screens, controllers, or voice commands. This is more than mere convenience. It could change how people use technology, leading to air glasses, smart environments, and variables that can predict what users want to do. Variable Devices has become a leader in the field by being one of the first to bring working neural input devices to customers. Their Mudra brand, made for Apple Watch users and cross-platform Mudra Link, shows that Variable Devices saw the demand early and has already released products that hint at the future of how people and computers will interact. 

Source: AI-Powered Wearables Transform How Consumers Interact with Everyday Technology 

Meta Advances Orion AR Platform for Next-Gen Computing

Meta unveiled Meta Orion AR glasses — a prototype AR glasses platform developed over 10 years by Reality Labs to connect the physical and the virtual.  

Here are the main features of Meta’s Orion AR Platform: 

Design And Display Technology 

  • Meta Orion AR glasses feature clear lenses, enabling users to see their surroundings, make eye contact, and interact with others, unlike large mixed reality headsets that rely on video pass-through.  
  • The Meta Orion AR glasses weigh under 100 grams and are made of magnesium, providing comfort for everyday wear.  
  • Meta Orion AR glasses project 3D holograms into the lenses using micro-LED projectors in the arms, giving a 70° field of view. The silicon carbide lenses help project light and produce bright, high-resolution images in multiple lighting conditions.  

Computing And Control System 

  • To keep the glasses light, a small, wireless device you carry in your pocket handles most of the processing, not the glasses themselves.  
  • You mainly control Meta Orion AR glasses with an EMG wristband that reads electrical signals from your wrist to detect small hand movements. This layered approach lets you wipe, click, or scroll without moving your arm visibly.  
  • Multimodal interaction: Meta Orion AR glasses combine voice, eye, and hand tracking to deliver a fluid, intuitive user experience.  

Key Capabilities And AI Integration 

  • Meta AI on Orion recognizes what you are looking at and offers helpful suggestions, such as ingredient identification and recipe recommendations.  
  • The glasses display several apps at once, like a movie screen for videos, a web browser, or social media feeds.  
  • You can take part in video calls where others appear as holograms in the room using Meta Orion AR glasses.  

Availability And Future Outlook 

  • Currently, Meta is testing internally with employees and a few external groups. The product is not yet available for sale to the public.  
  • Meta plans to eventually sell Meta Orion AR glasses at a price similar to a high-end smartphone or laptop.  
  • Impact on strategy: The custom silicon and EMG technology developed for Orion is already shaping other Meta products, such as the Ray-Ban Meta glasses and the Quest headset. This is helping Meta move forward into an era of always-on computing.  

Today at Connect, Mark Zuckerberg introduced Meta Orion AR glasses, our first true AR glasses. They were previously known as Project Nazare.  

Orion offers users an industry-leading field of view for wider, more immersive visuals. Its silicon carbide lenses, advanced waveguides, and ULED projectors deliver sharper, brighter images. Orion provides daily utility and an enhanced user experience, making it our most advanced and polished prototype to date.  

We are focused on making Orion more accessible by reducing costs and improving performance, so more people can benefit from powerful AI. They are experienced. Our goal is to help people interact with information and their surroundings in a seamless, transformative way.  

“We are building AR glasses.”  

Five years ago, we said those five simple words. That moment signified our devotion to a future in which people do not have to choose between digital information and the physical world.  

Now, five years later, we have another five words that could change everything again:  

At Meta, our mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. Reality Labs creates tools that help people feel linked wherever they are. We are working on the next computing platform to put people first so they can feel more present, connected, and empowered.  

Ray-Ban Meta glasses demonstrate the convenience of hands-free access to digital life. Users can talk to an AI assistant, connect with friends, and capture special moments easily, making daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable — all without reaching for their phone.  

Ray-Ban Meta created a new category of AI-powered glasses without a display, meeting demand for simple wearable tech. The XR industry’s ultimate goal is true AR glasses with a large augmented display and personal AI help for richer, more immersive everyday experiences in a stylish, all-day-wear design.  

Today, Orion brings the dream of advanced AR closer by offering immersive digital overlays and seamless interactions, the result of years of innovation. Reality Labs has produced custom silicon and the most advanced Air display, enabling users to enjoy more powerful experiences on lightweight glasses rather than bulky headsets.  

Orion’s intuitive input system voice, eye movement, hand tracking, and an EMG wristband allows users to swipe, click, and scroll with minimal effort. Stay engaged with people around you while blending digital content into your physical world, building on these advances. We are taking the next step.  

Starting today at Connect and continuing through the year, we are giving Meta employees and selected external groups access to the Meta Orion AR glasses prototype. This step will gather feedback, enable further improvements, and support our commitment to launching a consumer AR glasses product line in the near future.  

Why AR Glasses? 

AR glasses matter for three reasons, driving the next step in human-centered technology.  

  • Meta Orion AR glasses enable digital experiences beyond the limits of a small smartphone screen. Augmented reality displays use your surroundings to place 2D or 3D content, anywhere you like.  
  • They come with built-in AI, which means artificial intelligence — a system that senses and understands your environment. This lets the glasses anticipate and assist with your needs. They work well both indoors and outdoors.  
  • Our industry’s goal has been to combine variable convenience, a large display, fast input, and smart AI in a comfortable everyday design. All in a design that people feel comfortable wearing. We’ve had to choose between bulky headsets for immersive experiences and lightweight glasses that can’t deliver rich apps because they lack a large display and computing power.  

We want all the benefits without compromise. We’ve worked to shrink VR and MR technology into lightweight, stylish glasses, designing, building displays, creating AR experiences, and inventing interactions all in one product and this has been our industry’s toughest challenge. Sometimes we thought our chances of success were below 10%.  

Until now.  

A Cutting Edge Display in an Exceptional Form Factor 

Orion offers about a 70-degree field of view (how much of your surroundings you can see through your lenses), the largest ever in such a small pair of AR glasses. This wide view makes it possible to use Orion for things like multitasking, watching big‑screen entertainment, or seeing life‑size projected people. All this digital content blends smoothly with what you see in the real world. A wide field of view was our top goal. We had to work against the laws of physics to bend light in new ways, all while keeping power use extremely low, measured in milliwatts.  

Instead of glass, we used silicon carbide for the lenses, a new material for AR glasses. Silicon carbide is very light, avoids optical artifacts (visual errors like glare or ghost images) or stray light, and has a high refractive index (a measure of how much the material bends light) – These features are important for creating a wide field of view. The wave guides (thin structures that direct light) have complex nanoscale 3D structures to spread light as needed. These projectors use U LEDs (microscopic light-emitting diodes), a new display technology that is very small and uses little power. It looks like a regular pair of glasses with clear lenses. Unlike MR or other AR glasses, you can still see each other’s real eyes and expressions, so you can be present and share experiences. We needed dozens of innovations to make the design as comfortable and modern as everyday glasses. Orion is a real achievement in miniature, with components packed into tiny spaces. We even fit seven small cameras and sensors into the frame rims.  

We had to maintain optical precision at just one-tenth the thickness of a human hair. The system can detect even smaller movements, such as the frames expanding or shrinking with changes in room temperature, and quickly corrects the optical alignment in milliseconds. We used magnesium for the frames, the same material found in F1 race cars and spacecraft, because it is light but strong. This helps keep the optical parts properly aligned and efficiently carries heat away (which helps prevent the glasses from becoming too hot to wear).  

Heating and Cooling  

After we solved the display and zigzag challenges, we faced another big hurdle: combining powerful computing with low power use and effective heat management. Since you can’t put a fan in a pair of glasses, as you can with today’s MR headsets, we had to find new solutions. Many of the materials we use to cool Orion are actually similar to those that NASA uses to cool satellites in space.  

We designed custom silicon that is very power-efficient and designed for our AI, machine perception, and graphics algorithms. We created several custom chips, each with many specialized silicon IP blocks. This allows us to run complex algorithms for hand and eye tracking, as well as SLAM, using only a few dozen milliwatts of power, rather than the hundreds typically required. This means much less heat is produced.  

Together, these breakthroughs mark a turning point for Orion. With custom silicon at its core and continuous innovation, we’re not just shaping AR technologies—we’re charting the future of personal computing.  

Effortless EMG 

Each new computing platform changes how we interact with our devices; the mouse made graphical user interfaces possible, and smartphones only became popular once touch screens arrived. The same pattern is happening with wearables.  

We have discussed electromyography, or EMG, for years because we believe AR glasses require input that is fast, user-friendly, reliable, subtle, and seamlessly integrates into daily life. This technology is now ready for everyday use.  

Orion’s input system combines voice, eye, and hand tracking with an EMG wristband, so you can swipe, click, and scroll easily.  

It works and fails almost like magic. Picture taking a photo during your morning jog with just a tap of your fingers or moving through menus with tiny hand movements. Our wristband uses high-performance fabric with built-in EMG sensors to pick up even the smallest muscle signals. An on-device ML processor reads these signals and turns them into input events, which are wirelessly sent to the glasses. The system learns from you, so it gets better at perceiving subtle gestures over time. Today, we are also sharing more about how we support outside research to make EMG wristbands more accessible and fair.  

Meet the Wireless Compute Puck 

Real AR glasses must be wireless and compact. Our wireless compute puck handles some processing, helping Orion last longer and stay small and wireless, complete with low latency.  

  • The glasses handle hand tracking, eye tracking, SLAM, and special AR graphics, while the app logic runs on the puck. This setup keeps the glasses light and compact.  
  • The puck uses two processors, including one custom-made at Meta. This gives it the power needed for fast graphics, AI, and extra machine perception features.  
  • Because it’s small and sleek, you can easily put the puck in your bag or pocket and go about your day with no hassle.  

AR Experiences 

Like any hardware, what matters most is what you can do with it; even though it’s early or young, it already gives a promising look at the future.  

Meta AI, our smart assistant, runs on Orion. It can see what you’re looking at and help with helpful visualizations. Orion uses the same Lama model as the Ray-Band Meta, smart glasses. It also uses custom research models to show what future variables could do.  

You can make hands-free video calls on the go to catch up with friends and family in real time. Stay connected on WhatsApp and Messenger to view and send messages. There’s no need to take out your phone or search for apps. You can do it all through your glasses.  

You can play shared AR games with family far away or with a friend sitting next to you. Orion’s large display also lets you multitask with several windows, so you can get things done without carrying your laptop. Help chart the roadmap for our consumer AR glasses line. Our teams will continue to iterate and build new immersive social experiences alongside our developer partners, and we can’t wait to share what comes next.  

A Purposeful Product Prototype 

Orion won’t be sold to customers, but it’s not just a research prototype. It’s the most polished product prototype we’ve made and could be reproduced for the market. Instead of rushing it out, we’re focusing on internal development to keep improving the technology and experiences.  

This approach will help us deliver an even better product to consumers faster.  

What Comes Next 

There have been two big challenges for mainstream AR glasses: making a large display fit into compact glasses and creating useful AR experiences that work on them. Orion is a major step forward, offering real AR experiences on stylish hardware for the first time.  

Now that Orion has been introduced, we’re focusing on a few key areas:  

  • Tuning the AR display quality to make the visuals even sharper.  
  • Making the design even smaller wherever possible  
  • Producing at scale to lower the cost  

Over the next few years, you will see new devices from us that build on our research and development. Many of Orion’s innovations are already in our current products and future plans. They’ve improved our spatial perception algorithms. They now run on both Meta Quest 3S and Orion. The eye-gaze and gesture input system originally developed for Orion will be used in future products. We are also looking into using EMG wristbands in upcoming devices.  

Orion is more than a glimpse of the future; it shows what’s possible right now. We built it to help people connect, which is what we do best. From Ray Band, Meta Glasses to Orion, we’ve seen how these tools help people stay present and empowered in the real world. They also help people enjoy the benefits of the digital world.  

We believe you shouldn’t have to choose between the physical and digital worlds. What’s with the next computing platform you won’t have to orient is paving the way for a future where technology seamlessly empowers people to connect, create, and experience more without compromise. 

Source: Orion: True AR Glasses Have Arrived