IT Brief New Zealand - Technology news for CIOs & IT decision-makers
New Zealand

Google maps Stories

Kiwi Stories

Google maps stories

One NZ adds satellite data & WhatsApp calling service
Unified Communications

One NZ adds satellite data & WhatsApp calling service

One NZ extends Starlink-powered satellite service with limited data apps and WhatsApp calling for eligible phones beyond mobile coverage.

By Melania Watson • 4 min read • Mon, 2nd Feb 2026
FriendWe launches map to foster real-world connections in NZ
Data Privacy

FriendWe launches map to foster real-world connections in NZ

FriendWe, a new NZ platform, offers a map to foster real-world social connections by showing where others are open to meeting, prioritising privacy and safety.

By Melvin Hipolito • 3 min read • Tue, 18th Nov 2025
OPPO unveils Watch X2 Mini in New Zealand from NZD $499
Wearables

OPPO unveils Watch X2 Mini in New Zealand from NZD $499

OPPO launches its compact Watch X2 Mini smartwatch in New Zealand from NZD $499, blending style, health tracking and smart features in a sleek design.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Tue, 5th Aug 2025
OPPO launches Watch X2 in NZ with premium health features at NZD $649
Wearables

OPPO launches Watch X2 in NZ with premium health features at NZD $649

OPPO launches its Watch X2 smartwatch in New Zealand at NZD $649, featuring military-grade durability, medical health tracking and five-day battery life.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Fri, 23rd May 2025

Global Stories

Google maps stories

AI is compressing legal work but increasing the value of divergence
Digital Transformation

AI is compressing legal work but increasing the value of divergence

Law firms risk sounding alike as AI trims routine work, pushing judgement and bespoke advice back to the centre of client value.

By Jamie Ng • 5 min read • Last week
Google unveils AI ad & commerce tools across Search
Personalisation

Google unveils AI ad & commerce tools across Search

Marketers will get more AI help as Google adds new Search ad formats, checkout links and a Gemini adviser across its ad tools.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Last week
Google overhauls Search with new AI-powered interface
Data Protection

Google overhauls Search with new AI-powered interface

Search is becoming more task-focused as Google rolls out AI tools that can track topics, book services and use personal data.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Last week
WPP integrates Google Earth AI into marketing platform
Data Protection

WPP integrates Google Earth AI into marketing platform

Clients could see local campaigns sharpened by traffic, weather and movement data as WPP folds Google Earth AI into its marketing platform.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last month
Agentic era and the UI transition
Digital Transformation

Agentic era and the UI transition

AI agents are set to erode ad-funded web traffic, forcing businesses to pivot from screen-based funnels to metered API revenue.

By Ned Shawa • 5 min read • Last month
Apple launches business platform as Maps ads near rollout
Digital Transformation

Apple launches business platform as Maps ads near rollout

Businesses can now manage devices, listings and email in one Apple platform, ahead of a planned Maps ads roll-out in North America.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Last month
Google Maps adds AI chat & 3D immersive navigation
Smart Cities

Google Maps adds AI chat & 3D immersive navigation

Google Maps taps Gemini AI for chat-style place searches and 3D Immersive Navigation, promising smarter planning and more lifelike drives.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Mon, 16th Mar 2026
Google expands Gemini in Chrome with new languages
Robotic Process Automation

Google expands Gemini in Chrome with new languages

Google is rolling out Gemini in Chrome to India, New Zealand and Canada, adding over 50 languages and deeper links to Gmail, Maps and YouTube.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Thu, 12th Mar 2026

Stories from Other Regions

Google maps stories

Google adds Street View grounding to Project Genie
Robotics

Google adds Street View grounding to Project Genie

Access to Google's experimental world model is widening as eligible AI Ultra subscribers can now generate Street View-based scenes from real US locations.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • Last week
Google launches age checks for young users in Singapore
Data Protection

Google launches age checks for young users in Singapore

Google has begun using AI-powered age checks in Singapore, tightening default safety settings for under-18s on Search, Play, Maps and YouTube.

By Mark Tarre • 5 min read • Tue, 3rd Feb 2026
CatchCorner & Google enable instant sports venue bookings in search
Unified Communications

CatchCorner & Google enable instant sports venue bookings in search

CatchCorner teams up with Google to offer instant online bookings for sports venues across major North American cities via Google Search and Maps.

By Catherine Knowles • 4 min read • Thu, 4th Sep 2025
ACTAI Asia Pacific Summit backs AI startups for sustainability
Artificial Intelligence

ACTAI Asia Pacific Summit backs AI startups for sustainability

The ACTAI Asia Pacific Summit on Pangulasian Island united tech leaders and investors to boost AI startups focused on sustainability and global challenges.

By Catherine Knowles • 4 min read • Fri, 15th Aug 2025
Hands-on Review: First impressions of Samsung's Watch 8 revealed
Wearables

Hands-on Review: First impressions of Samsung's Watch 8 revealed

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 debuts with a slimmer design, brighter screen, and Google's Gemini assistant, marking a confident new chapter in wearable tech.

By Melania Watson • 4 min read • Fri, 1st Aug 2025