

Hettich Strengthens ‘Made in India, Made for the World’ Strategy with Launch of New Indore Manufacturing Plant
Hettich’s automated facility brings German engineering to India while expanding jobs, exports and local manufacturing capabilities Hettich India today inaugurated its new state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to the country and bringing its hallmark of German precision and engineering to an even larger scale of local manufacturing. The development marks a significant milestone in Hettich’s 25-year journey in India while further strengthening the company’s ambition to position India as a key global manufacturing hub. The new 25,700 sq. metre plant, located within Hettich’s 103,039 sq. metre Indore facility, will manufacture the technologically advanced undermount drawer runners – precision-engineered concealed sliding systems that are installed beneath drawers to deliver smooth, silent movement and a clean, handle-free aesthetic. These runners are widely preferred in premium furniture and modular kitchens for their durability, load-bearing capacity and seamless soft-close performance. The facility will cater to the rapidly growing demand in India and key global markets. This is Hettich’s first dedicated undermount drawer runner manufacturing facility in India and forms part of the company’s overall investment of approximately ₹2,000 crore in the country. Hettich’s hinge manufacturing unit at the Indore facility has an annual production capacity of approximately 60 million hinges. With the addition of the new Quadro plant, the facility will further produce around 5 million units of undermount drawer runners annually, significantly strengthening Hettich’s manufacturing capabilities in India. The Indore facility produces a wide range of premium furniture fittings , including hinges, sliding profiles, aluminium profiles, SL 16+ systems , and Cube Plus systems, making it one of Hettich’s most significant manufacturing locations globally. Designed as a highly automated, world-class manufacturing facility, the new plant is equipped with German-engineered machinery and advanced roll-forming technology to ensure consistent product quality aligned with the company’s global standards. The facility also integrates sustainability initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, solar power installations , and a zero liquid discharge system. Hettich is also collaborating closely with Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and technical institutions to invest in comprehensive upskilling initiatives that equip the workforce with advanced manufacturing capabilities. In terms of employment generation, the existing hinge plant currently employs around 700 people, and with the commissioning of the new facility, the company expects to create an additional 300 jobs, contributing significantly to local economic development. Equipped with specialized Hettich machines and cutting-edge automation technologies, the plant ensures consistent, seamless product quality that meets the brand’s global standards – The facility incorporates rainwater harvesting, solar power installations, and a zero liquid discharge system to support sustainable operations. Speaking on the development, Mr. Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa, said: “As we complete 25 years of Hettich’s operations in India, the inauguration of our new plant in Indore, Madhya Pradesh marks another significant milestone in our growth journey. With an overall investment of over ₹2000 crore and a continued focus on BIS-certified manufacturing, we are reinforcing our Built to Lead commitment while steadily expanding our Made in India portfolio. The growing domestic and international demand for undermount drawer runners validates our strategic direction. As an industry leader, we remain firmly focused on anticipating market trends and proactively preparing to meet the evolving needs of our customers and partners. Furthermore, our strong emphasis on local manufacturing enables us to build a resilient supply chain while delivering greater cost competitiveness and faster market responsiveness.” Mr. Eckholt maintains that India is central to their long-term global strategy. With Hettich’s scale of operations, technological leadership, and continued investments, the furniture fittings brand is building a strong foundation for future expansion while reinforcing a key vision – ‘Made in India, Made for the World’. India has emerged as Hettich’s second-largest market globally and an increasingly important production base serving markets across SAARC, the Middle East, Europe and China. The new facility further strengthens the company’s ability to scale manufacturing in India while supporting future export growth and global supply chain integration. About Hettich: Hettich is a 138-year-old family-owned German lifestyle brand and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of Furniture Fittings with a global turnover exceeding 1.5 billion euros. In India, Hettich began its operations at the dawn of the new millennium and has since built a strong nationwide presence across manufacturing, distribution and design innovation. Over the past 25 years, the company has played a pivotal role in transforming the Indian furniture fittings market by introducing globally benchmarked technologies, expanding local manufacturing capabilities and building a robust partner ecosystem of architects, designers, OEMs and channel partners. This year, the company celebrates 25 years of operations in India under the theme ‘Built to Lead’, reflecting both the journey of sustained growth and its continued leadership vision for the future. Hettich’s product portfolio comprises a repertoire of Furniture Fittings, Architectural Hardware, Blaupunkt Built-in Appliances and Furniture Lights, providing magical interior solutions for all residential and commercial spaces. It is the recipient of ET Edge ‘Best Brands’ (2022 – 2025), ‘Most Trusted Brands of India’ (2023 – 2026) and ‘Most Preferred Brand’ 2025 by Marksmen Daily recognitions for its unwavering customer trust and strong brand equity. Read Also : IAN Alpha Fund leads Series B investment round in Skye Air Mobility

JD.com Launches Joybuy Marketplace in Europe, Targets Amazon with Fast Delivery
Prime Highlights comhas launched its online marketplace Joybuy across several European countries to expand globally and compete with Amazon. The platform will attract shoppers with competitive pricing and fast delivery, including same-day delivery in major cities. Key Facts Joybuylaunched in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. combuilt a logistics network of 60 warehouses and delivery depots, enabling same-day delivery for over 15 million households in Europe and the UK. Background Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has launched its online marketplace Joybuy across several European countries as part of its plan to expand beyond China and compete with global market leader Amazon. The company introduced the platform on Monday in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Through the Joybuy website and mobile app, customers can purchase products from several categories, including technology, home appliances, beauty items, groceries, and homeware. JD.com said it will focus on competitive pricing and quick delivery to attract European shoppers. According to Matthew Nobbs, managing director of Joybuy UK, speed of delivery will be one of the platform’s biggest advantages. Orders placed before 11 a.m. in major cities will arrive the same day, while orders placed before 11 p.m. will be delivered the following day. The company stated that more than 15 million households in Europe and the UK will be covered by same-day delivery services from the launch. Joybuy will offer free delivery on purchases above 29 euros or 29 pounds. JD.com has also introduced a subscription service called JoyPlus, which provides unlimited free delivery. The service is available at an introductory price of 3.99 euros or 3.99 pounds per month. The company said this feature aims to compete with the popular Prime membership offered by Amazon. The marketplace will include official brand stores from well-known companies such as L’Oréal, Braun, De’Longhi, BRITA, and Bodum. JD.com has built a logistics network of 60 warehouses and delivery depots across Europe to support the launch. The company has not disclosed the total investment in the project. The launch reflects a wider trend of Chinese retailers expanding into international markets as they look for growth opportunities outside China’s highly competitive domestic market. Read Also: Rivian Automotive Prepares Major EV Push with Launch of the New Rivian R2 Starting Near $58,000

The Most Admired Personality to Watch in 2026
The Most Admired Personality to Watch in 2026 This edition honors an exceptional individual whose vision, leadership, and influence inspire progress. Recognized for remarkable achievements and forward-thinking impact, this personality stands as a powerful figure to watch in 2026. Quick highlights Quick reads

Karolina Lisslö Gylfe: Pioneering Science-Driven Leadership and Environmental Solutions on the Global Stage
At some point in the life of any changemaker, the world around them starts catching up with what they have always knew. That seems to be the present moment to Karolina Lisslö Gylfe. She is a unique figure at the crossroads of ecological urgency and constructive optimism, biology and entrepreneurship, local conviction and global effects as the Secretary General of WePlanet, an international organization dedicated to environmental solutions that are based on science. She did not arrive here overnight. Her path is through the city beehives and math tutoring systems on the internet, through the Birchwoods in northern Sweden and conference rooms in Europe. It is a process, characterized not by one dramatic turning point but a sequence of conscious, values-oriented decisions. One leads to the other, one advances the range of what science-led leadership may assume in practice. It is one such journey which cannot be easily classified and that is the point. Rooted in Curiosity Karolina Lisslö Gylfe grew up in Sweden with a restless curiosity about how systems work, whether ecological, human, or social. That curiosity drew her to Stockholm University, where she studied biology and developed a deep scientific understanding of the environmental challenges facing the planet. She learned to read ecosystems, to understand interdependence, and to appreciate how the smallest actors, a bee, a root system, a microbe, can determine the health of an entire environment. Even in those early years, something beyond the lab called to her. “I realized that knowledge alone is not enough,” she reflects. “Impact happens when ideas are translated into practical action.” This conviction, that science must serve society rather than remain confined to scholarship, became the organizing principle of everything she would go on to build. Her career never followed a straight line, yet each chapter served a singular purpose: turning environmental and scientific knowledge into real-world solutions. After graduation, she chose entrepreneurship over research, co-founding Bee Urban. The initiative introduced city beehives and pollinator habitats, making sustainability tangible and placing the pollinator crisis visibly on Stockholm rooftops rather than confined to journals. “Sustainability works best when people can actively participate in it,” she says. The lessons from Bee Urban, including entrepreneurship, resilience, and community engagement, proved foundational. That insight would echo through every subsequent venture. The Education Detour That Was Never a Detour Few people would draw a straight line between urban beekeeping and mathematics education. Karolina Lisslö Gylfe did. Her involvement with Mattecentrum, a Swedish non-profit offering free mathematics tutoring to students across the country, deepened her understanding of societal impact in ways that entrepreneurship alone could not. She arrived at Mattecentrum not as a mathematician but as someone who understood systems, communication, and the mechanics of making complex things accessible. That, as it turned out, was exactly what the organization needed. At Mattecentrum, she witnessed firsthand the power of access. The organization scaled its reach through digital platforms, won national recognition for communication and innovation, and earned a Guinness World Record through a large-scale public engagement campaign in mathematics education. The team also developed Foldicub, a patented learning tool designed to make mathematics more engaging and accessible for students who had previously found the subject impenetrable. The innovation gained international recognition and was honored with the prestigious Red Dot Award for design and innovation, awarded to Foldicub under Mattecentrum. The tool embodied the same philosophy that had guided her since Bee Urban: make the abstract concrete, bring the inaccessible within reach, and trust that people will engage once the barriers come down. During her tenure, Mattecentrum received the prestigious Stora Kommunikationspriset for excellence in communication and gained recognition for improving learning outcomes among girls in mathematics, a demographic historically underserved by traditional educational models. The organization also took home the Best Digital Platform award, cementing its position as a pioneer in accessible education. These were not vanity metrics. They reflected a measurable shift in how young people in Sweden related to a subject that had long felt exclusionary. “Access to knowledge can change life trajectories,” she says simply. The Birch Tree and the Pandemic If Bee Urban introduced Karolina Lisslö Gylfe to the possibilities of green entrepreneurship, Greenovate pushed her to confront its limits. Founded around sustainable product innovation using Nordic natural resources, Greenovate initially developed organic skincare formulations derived from birch sap harvested in northern Sweden. The product was deeply rooted in the Nordic landscape. The birch tree, long central to Scandinavian culture and ecology, became the raw material for a line of products that aimed to prove that nature-derived ingredients could compete in a crowded, commercially driven market. Then COVID-19 struck, delivering a brutal blow to Greenovate’s initial market. Consumer spending dropped, supply chains fractured, and planned retail vanished. Rather than exit, she pivoted, shifting from skincare to birch sap beverages while retaining research and intellectual foundations. The company earned international recognition, reflecting brand-wide excellence. A new patented production approach, born from years of continued research and development, now readies for launch in 2026. It stands as a quiet but significant testament to what perseverance looks like in practice. The story of Greenovate is not one of failure overcome but of an idea durable enough to survive the worst conditions a young company could face. The pandemic also accelerated another chapter entirely. At Mattecentrum, school closures created an urgent need for remote academic support. Her team rapidly rebuilt the digital homework-help platform Pluggakuten to connect students with volunteer teachers online. It was a solution assembled at speed and deployed at scale, precisely when Sweden’s students needed it most. What could have been a period of paralysis became, under her leadership, a period of rapid, purposeful innovation. “Crises often accelerate change,” she observes. “Organizations that remain flexible can transform setbacks into opportunities for innovation.” She says this not as a motivational slogan, but as a statement of lived fact. The Science Advocate on a Global Stage Today, as Secretary General of WePlanet, Karolina Lisslö Gylfe works at the highest level of international environmental advocacy.

An Environmental Policy Leader Supporting Climate Resilience
Policy Leadership for a Sustainable Tomorrow The global policy priorities are increasingly being influenced by environmental issues. Economic stability, planning of infrastructure, and community welfare are being affected by climate change, loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation. There is therefore increased focus on the governments and institutions towards environmental strategies that are sustainable and efficient in terms of economic development. In this evolving landscape, the role of an environmental policy leader has become increasingly important. Policy leaders contribute to the development of regulations, sustainability programmes and governmental structures that inform the national and international environmental action. They are working on translation of scientific knowledge into policies that can be effectively implemented by governments, businesses, and communities. One of the central goals of modern environmental governance is strengthening climate resilience. This is an idea that dwells on the capacity of societies, ecosystems, and infrastructural systems to adjust to changes in the environment and to recuperate in case of climate-linked disruptions. Resilience has become an important subject of policy planning as the risks of climate are now more frequent and complex. The Role of an Environmental Policy Leader The role of an environmental policy leader is in the interplay of science, governance, and interaction with people. These leaders work together with scientists, policymakers, the industry, and society to ensure that they come up with environmental policies that are both practical and future oriented. Climate policies, environmental policies, and sustainability programs are usually directed by the policy leaders. Their functions involve interpreting the data on the environment, reviewing policy options, and ensuring the initiatives are realized in practice in various spheres. The policymaking requires collaboration. An environmental policy leader collaborates with different stakeholders to make sure that environmental policies are economically, socially and ecologically balanced. Policy makers have a chance to come up with solutions that are well balanced and effective by incorporating the different views. By using coordinated policy actions, leaders can reinforce climate resilience by promoting investment in sustainable infrastructure, sustainable resource management, and systems of adaptive governance. Climate Resilience as a Policy Priority In recent years climate resilience has gained immense importance in environmental policy. The idea focuses on minimizing the exposure to climate effects and enhancing the ability of communities and ecosystems to adapt to change in the environment. The role of an environmental policy head is significant in ensuring that resilience strategies are incorporated into national and regional policy. Governments can also implement policies that promote climate resistant infrastructure, better water management systems and sustainable land-use planning. Natural ecosystems should also be conserved in strengthening climate resilience. Wetlands, coastal habitats and forests offer significant ecological services that are useful in mitigating the effects of climate change. Conservation and restoration policies are thus involved in long-term resilience. Collaboration and Global Environmental Governance The problems faced by the environment are not always confined to a particular country and therefore cross-border cooperation is necessary. International organizations, governments and research institutions always co-operate in order to deal with global environmental concerns. An environmental policy head can help in these endeavors by facilitating coordination of the policies, facilitating international agreements and enhancing the sharing of knowledge among nations. When governments engage in collective efforts, they get to realize that there is more than one way of doing things and come up with a more efficient environmental policy. Another critical aspect of the environmental governance is public participation. The communities affected by the changes in the environment first may provide useful information about the local conditions and priorities. Inclusive policy making enhances the trust of the people and promotes the long-term policy implementation. Government-business partnerships are also capable of promoting the development of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green technology. Such activities aid in economic development and help to enhance climate resilience. Leadership Qualities That Strengthen Environmental Policy The environmental governance needs leaders who will be able to integrate scientific knowledge and strategic decisions. Environmental issues are multifaceted and frequently entail conflicting priorities and as such, balanced leadership is a necessity. An environmental policy leader must be able to interpret scientific research and translate it into policy frameworks that are both practical and adaptable. The ability to communicate effectively is also a valuable skill since the policymakers need to have contacts with a variety of stakeholders and articulate policy goals. Supporting a Sustainable and Resilient Future The environmental policy has a long-term objective of establishing mechanisms to preserve the ecosystem and ensure economic and social sustainability. Good policies help in ensuring proper management of resources, minimizing environmental dangers, and enhancing sustainability creativity. An environmental policy leader assists in setting policies which are immediate environmental oriented in addition to long term climate issues. Policymakers facilitate the adaptation of the societies to environmental change by encouraging collaboration, research-based policymaking, and adaptive governance. Climate resilience needs to be strengthened and the governments, organizations, and communities must remain committed. With environmental issues still playing a critical role in a global development, careful policy leadership will be crucial in creating more resilient societies that will be adaptive to the changes of climate in the future. Read Also : A Climate Policy Innovator Strengthening Global Climate Resilience

A Climate Policy Innovator Strengthening Global Climate Resilience
Transforming Climate Strategy Climate change has become one of the important issues in the world during the twenty-first century. An increase in temperature, extreme weather condition and changing ecological systems are impacting economies, communities and natural resources on the planet. There is a growing realization by governments, businesses and international organizations of the need to have coordinated strategies which deal with both mitigation and adaptation. In this context, the role of a climate policy innovator has become increasingly important. Climate solutions cannot be achieved without scientific knowledge as well as policy frameworks which can transform research into action. The policymakers need to come up with rules, incentives and joint programs that enhance sustainable growth although minimizing the environmental risks. A major objective of modern climate policy is strengthening climate resilience. This is about the planning of societies, infrastructure, and the ecosystem to absorb disruptions associated with climate and be stable in the long term. With climate effects increasingly becoming prominent, the necessity to establish resilient systems is currently emerging as the core concern of environmental governance. The Role of a Climate Policy Innovator A climate policy innovator works at the intersection of science, governance, and public engagement. Such leaders are interested in building prospective policies which will respond to environmental concerns, but with a balance of economic and social factors appealing. They are also likely to study scientific research, review policy alternatives, and work with various stakeholders. The policy on climate must involve collaboration between international institutions, local communities, and governments. A climate policy innovator helps facilitate this coordination by promoting policies that encourage collaboration across sectors and regions. Through these efforts, policy innovators contribute directly to strengthening climate resilience by ensuring that environmental strategies remain adaptable and responsive to emerging challenges. Policy Innovation and Climate Resilience Climate resilience is defined as the capacity of the society and the ecosystem to prepare, respond and recover following disruptions on climate. This resilience has to be achieved through long term planning, infrastructural investment and adaptation of adaptive governance systems. A climate policy innovator plays a key role in designing policies that encourage resilience across multiple sectors. As an illustration, governments can apply policies that encourage climate-resilient infrastructures, sustainable land use, and better preparedness to disasters. Urban planning also plays an important role in strengthening climate resilience. Cities are beginning to implement policies that help them to have sustainable transportation, buildings that are energy-efficient, and green infrastructure. These projects assist in mitigating the effects on the environment besides enhancing the capacity of communities to manage climate stress. Addressing Global Climate Challenges Through Collaboration Climate change is a universal problem which needs cooperation on an international level. The effects of the environment do not adhere to national boundaries and thus cooperative policy actions are needed. Multilateral institutions, research collaborations, and international agreements are significant in terms of facilitating climate action. A climate policy innovator often contributes to these collaborative efforts by promoting evidence-based solutions that can be adapted across different regions. These can be the sharing of policy frameworks, the facilitation of the transfer of technology, or the promotion of collaborative research projects. Strengthening climate resilience also requires engagement with local communities. When policies are developed involving the populations concerned, more chances of dealing with the issues they face in real life and obtaining long-term backup are possible. Inclusive policymaking means that the climate strategies will be based on varied views and priorities. Leadership Qualities That Support Climate Policy Innovation Climate leadership implies that these three aspects should be combined: a solid level of scientific knowledge, strategic range of thought, and intelligent communication. Environmental issues are complicated and, in most cases, have conflicting interests and thus wise leadership is necessary. A climate policy innovator must be capable of interpreting scientific research and translating it into actionable policy frameworks. This involves working with researchers, economists and environmentalists. Strengthening Global Climate Resilience for the Future The climate policy has a long-term objective of establishing systems capable of sustaining a change in the environment and also contributing to sustainable development. Good policies can also lessen the risks that environment faces, safeguard the communities that are at risk and ensure there is proper management of the available resources. A climate policy innovator contributes to this goal by designing strategies that address both immediate climate risks and long-term environmental sustainability. Policy innovators are able to assist societies to prepare an uncertain climate future by supporting collaboration, integrating scientific evidence, promoting adaptive governance. At the same time, strengthening climate resilience requires continuous effort and global cooperation. Governments, organizations, and communities should collaborate in a manner that guarantees that the strategies against climate challenges are sustainable and responsive to the arising challenges. Even as the effects of climate change continue to shape the evolution of the globe, policy leadership that is innovative will be critical in the process of helping societies to achieve their future that is resilient and sustainable. Read Also : How AI Automation in Contact Centers is Transforming AI in Customer Experience

Rivian Automotive Prepares Major EV Push with Launch of the New Rivian R2 Starting Near $58,000
Prime Highlights Rivian Automotive plans to launch the Rivian R2 electric SUV in spring 2026, introducing a performance-focused “Launch Package” with strong power, long driving range, and advanced driver-assistance features. The company expects the R2 lineup to expand its customer base by offering a smaller and more affordable vehicle compared with its current models. Key Facts The first Rivian R2 launch model will start at about $57,990, offering up to 330 miles of range, 656 horsepower, and 0–60 mph acceleration in around 3.6 seconds. Additional versions are planned between 2026 and 2027, including a more affordable entry-level model expected to start at around $45,000. Background: Electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive plans to begin sales of its new midsize electric SUV, the Rivian R2, in spring 2026, starting with a special “Launch Package” priced at about $57,990. The company said the model will offer up to 330 miles of driving range, dual motors, and advanced driver-assistance features designed to strengthen its position in the growing EV market. The launch edition will come with all-wheel drive and deliver 656 horsepower and 609 pound-feet of torque. Rivian said the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.6 seconds. Buyers will also receive lifetime access to the company’s Autonomy+ driver-assistance system, which Rivian continues to develop to compete with other advanced driving technologies in the market. The Rivian R2 is seen as an important step for Rivian Automotive as it looks to increase sales and move toward making a profit. Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe has told investors that the new model will help the company scale production and attract a broader group of buyers. Compared with the company’s current vehicles, the R2 is smaller and less expensive, while still offering many of the design features and performance elements seen in Rivian’s existing lineup. Following the launch edition, Rivian Automotive plans to roll out more versions of the Rivian R2 over the next two years. A Premium variant is expected in late 2026 with a starting price of about $53,990. It will offer around 450 horsepower and a driving range of up to 330 miles. In the first half of 2027, the company plans to introduce a rear-wheel-drive Standard model priced near $48,490, producing about 350 horsepower and offering a range of up to 345 miles. Rivian is also preparing a more affordable entry-level version that may arrive later in 2027 with a starting price of around $45,000. Rivian believes the R2 will support its long-term expansion while boosting production at its current manufacturing facility in Illinois and a planned plant in Georgia. Company leaders believe the model will play a key role in Rivian’s next stage of expansion within the global electric vehicle industry. Read Also: Ford Motor Company Launches AI Platform to Improve Commercial Fleet Productivity

Microsoft Plans Next-Generation Xbox Prototype for 2027 with Major Graphics Upgrade
Prime Highlights Microsoft plans to send prototype versions of its next-generation Xbox console to game developers in 2027 to prepare for the platform’s future launch. The new console is expected to deliver a major improvement in graphics performance, especially in ray tracing, allowing more realistic lighting, reflections, and detailed game environments. Key Facts The upcoming Xbox console will use a custom processor from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), continuing the partnership used in the Xbox Series X and Series S released in 2020. According to Jason Ronald, the system will include intelligent features integrated into the graphics and computing pipeline to improve performance and efficiency. Background: Microsoft has said it will send prototype versions of its next-generation Xbox console to game developers starting in 2027. The move shows the company’s plan to strengthen its position in the global gaming market. The upcoming console will use a custom processor made by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), the same partner that supplied chips for the Xbox Series X and Series S launched in 2020. He also said the hardware will include intelligent features built directly into the graphics and computing system. This design will help improve performance and efficiency while giving developers the ability to build larger and more detailed game worlds. Developers will receive early versions of the hardware so they can begin testing and adapting their games for the platform before its eventual launch. The new console project arrives during a period of leadership change in Microsoft’s gaming division. Longtime Xbox chief Phil Spencer recently announced his retirement. The company appointed artificial intelligence executive Asha Sharma as his successor. In a message to employees, Sharma said the company plans to renew its focus on console gaming and strengthen the Xbox brand. In a recent post on social media, Sharma also referred to the upcoming console project, internally known as Project Helix. She indicated that the platform will aim to deliver strong performance while allowing players to run both Xbox and PC games on the system. Microsoft’s gaming business currently represents a relatively small portion of the company’s overall revenue. The gaming division contributed just over seven percent of total revenue in the December quarter. During the same period, Xbox hardware sales declined by 32 percent, and the company recorded an impairment charge related to its gaming operations. Industry estimates suggest that Xbox console sales have trailed those of competitors from Nintendo and Sony since the launch of the latest Xbox models in 2020. Analysts believe the new console initiative could help Microsoft strengthen its position in the competitive gaming hardware market in the coming years. Read Also: Ford Motor Company Launches AI Platform to Improve Commercial Fleet Productivity
The Global Icon 2026
The Global Icon 2026 This exclusive edition celebrates a singular individual whose influence transcends borders, inspiring millions worldwide through vision, impact, and excellence, defining what it truly means to be a global icon. Quick highlights Quick reads

How AI Automation in Contact Centers is Transforming AI in Customer Experience
Redefining Modern Service Although automation is an essential aspect of any service business in the modern context, the more important implication is the way in which AI in customer experience optimizes the entire customer experience. The artificial intelligence can assist companies to process big amounts of customer data that can be utilized to make improved choices and service architecture. As an example, AI systems will be able to scan customer interactions across various platforms, and they are chat, email, social media, and voice. It is through the identification of behavioral patterns and feedback that companies are able to gain a better understanding of customer preferences and pain points. These insights can assist companies in developing more responsive and accurate service experiences. Another important capability is sentiment analysis. The tone and emotion indicators employed by customers can be evaluated through AI to determine the frustrations, urgency, or satisfaction of the customer, which will help organizations monitor customer needs. This is because the fact allows support teams to be more responsive and to address communications that need urgent attention. In this way, AI in customer experience goes far beyond simple automation. It facilitates a better knowledge of the customers’ needs and allows companies to provide more personalized services and act proactively. Improving Efficiency and Service Quality One of the most immediate benefits of AI automation in contact centers is improving operational efficiency. Thousands of interactions will be processed by automated systems at the same time; hence, customers will have fast responses even in times of peak demands. Also, AI helps human agents in the process of live interaction. To give an example, smart assistance applications can propose the articles of the knowledge base, summarize the history of discussions with customers, and propose possible solutions instantly. These features assist the agents to solve problems faster and more accurately. Balancing Automation with Human Interaction n spite of the increased possibilities of automation, the human factor is one of the most important elements of customer service. Much as automated systems are effective in managing mundane queries, human judgment, empathy and creativity continue to be in demand in most cases. Organizations that successfully implement AI automation in contact centers often adopt a hybrid approach. The system in this model is that AI systems will deal with routine tasks and primary customer requests, whereas complex requests will be smoothly directed to human operators. This balance assures the efficiency of the customers in addition to personal care. Trust also plays an important role in the adoption of AI in customer experience. The customers should be assured that automated systems are trustful, clear, and do not violate their information. The best way to ensure trust is to provide clear communication regarding the way AI tools work and the use of personal information. The Future of AI-Driven Contact Centers With the ongoing development of artificial intelligence, the place of automation in customer service will become even more efficient. The natural language processing and machine learning are developing in such a way that AI systems process information in the context more precisely and react more intelligently. The contact centers of the future will probably be very integrated environments in which human skills, automation, and analytics collaborate in harmony. AI will be able to not only help in dealing with customers but also offer strategic information to help in making business decisions and improvements in services. With this changing environment, companies that successfully integrate technology with service design that is people-centric will be at the forefront to emerge successful. Through innovation and following the principles of empathy and trust, businesses can create service environments, which will be capable of meeting the demands of modern customers. Ultimately, the transformation driven by AI automation in contact centers represents more than operational change. It is an indicator of a new age where AI in customer experience could be considered a core component of the way companies establish relationships, solve problems, and create enduring value to their customers. Read Also : AI-Powered Customer Support Driving Customer Experience Innovation


