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Ato is the Voice-First AI Companion to Combat Senior Loneliness and Empower Family Caregivers

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Ato is an AI Care Companion company on a mission to end senior loneliness and empower older adults through technology that respects their independence. Based in San Francisco and founded in 2025, Ato’s voice-first device and Family App help seniors stay connected, active, and engaged—while giving families peace of mind. With 1,300+ devices in the field serving users with an average age of 82 and unseen retention numbers, Ato is proving that technology can fight loneliness at scale without treating seniors like patients or children.

SAN FRANCISCO, April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Ato (heyato.ai), an innovative consumer technology company, is proud to share the availability of its flagship conversational AI companion designed exclusively for older adults. Engineered from the ground up as a voice-first, screen-free device, Ato aims to ease isolation, support mental well-being, and provide unprecedented peace of mind for family caregivers.

Ato’s voice-first device and Family App help seniors stay connected, active, and engaged—while giving families peace of mind.

With over 50 million Americans currently part of the “Sandwich Generation”—balancing the care of aging parents alongside their own children—the demand for intuitive eldercare technology has never been greater. However, traditional “smart” displays often impose steep learning curves, relying on visual acuity, fine motor skills, and complex menus that can frustrate seniors.

Ato takes a fundamentally different, human-centric approach. The tabletop device is 100% screen-free and proactively initiates natural conversations based on the user’s daily routines, bridging the gap between independence and support.

“My grandfather Beto was curious, sharp, and full of stories—but technology always got in the way. Screens, tiny buttons, and confusing menus made him give up on devices that were supposed to help,” said Juan Cereigido, Co-Founder and CEO of Ato. “When conversational AI made it possible to interact with technology just by talking, I knew this was the moment to build something different. Ato empowers older adults with a companion that respects their intelligence and independence, while reducing the mental load on the families who care about them.”

Privacy-First Connection for Families While seniors enjoy meaningful, latency-free dialogue, families stay connected through the companion Ato Family App. The platform operates on a strict “Privacy First” framework, ensuring that caregivers stay informed without intruding on their loved one’s autonomy.

Key features of the Ato ecosystem include:

Conversational AI Companionship: A low-latency model that understands tone and emotion, remembers past conversations, and initiates daily check-ins.Peace of Mind Reports: The Family App provides activity summaries confirming the loved one is engaged, ensuring family members never hear or see the actual private conversations.Two-Way Messaging: Families can send short text messages directly to the device, to which the senior can seamlessly reply using their voice.Routine Reminders: Caregivers can easily schedule audible reminders for medications, appointments, and daily tasks.

“Ato helps ease loneliness, supports mental well-being, and turns daily conversations into real connection,” added Gaspar Habif, Co-Founder and CTO of Ato. “We talk to our users every week. That direct feedback loop with seniors is how we’ve built something that actually works for people in their 80s and 90s.”

Unprecedented Traction and Market Validation Founded in 2025 and backed by leading tech investors including Founders, Inc. and Guillermo Rauch (CEO Vercel), Ato has already shipped over 1,300 devices across its Early Access program. Boasting an average user age of 82, the platform has achieved an unprecedented ~60% retention rate—nearly three times the AgeTech industry average. The company is actively expanding its reach with assisted living pilots to further validate a B2B ‘per-seat’ licensing model, capturing value within the $600B caregiving economy.

About Ato Based in San Francisco, CA, Ato is an AI Care Companion company on a mission to end senior loneliness. Founded in 2025 by Juan Cereigido and Gaspar Habif, Ato develops voice-first smart devices and an integrated Family App to help older adults stay connected, active, and engaged while giving families peace of mind. For more information, visit https://www.heyato.ai/.

Media Contacts

Juan Cereigido — juan@heyato.ai

Gaspar Habif — gaspi@heyato.ai

Website: https://www.heyato.ai/

Media Contact

Juan Cereigido, juan@heyato.ai, 1 6283035276, juan@heyato.ai, heyato.ai

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/ato-is-the-voice-first-ai-companion-to-combat-senior-loneliness-and-empower-family-caregivers-302756517.html

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giga! launches gigaFLEX+, a new youth plan with unlimited AI access

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Comes with free AI access, a monthly bubble tea, 800GB of regional 5G data and 22GB roaming 

SINGAPORE, June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — giga! today launched gigaFLEX+, as part of its gigaSURPRISE campaign, a new mobile plan for youths who are always connected, whether they’re studying, creating content, gaming, travelling or hanging out with friends.  

More than just a data plan, gigaFLEX+ was designed around what youths value today – helping them learn, create, stay connected and enjoy more of the things they love. By bringing together meaningful benefits in one plan, gigaFLEX+ delivers value, exclusively for customers aged 15 to 29.  

“Youths are one of the most dynamic and fast-evolving segments in Singapore, particularly in their adoption of AI, with usage rates 35% higher than the rest of our customer base. These insights helped shape gigaFLEX+, our latest plan created to support the way youths learn, create and stay connected today,” said Vikas Chanani, Vice President, Multibrand and MVNO Partnerships, StarHub.  

The plan includes: 

Free gigaAI subscription with unlimited access to leading AI models including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, all in one place. Whether it’s for studying, creating content, brainstorming ideas or everyday tasks, users can tap into a range of AI tools to get the help they need, plus enjoy 300 image generations every month. 800GB of 5G data across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand that can be rolled over monthly 22GB monthly roaming data, including 12GB Asia Roaming and 10GB International Roaming. One free PlayMade bubble tea every month 

Something to celebrate (for the first 9,999 of you) 

To celebrate the launch, the first 9,999 customers who sign up for gigaFLEX+ can enjoy the plan at $13.90/month for the first 12 months. After the promotional period,  the plan will renew at $19.90/month. 

gigaFLEX+ is available exclusively to customers aged 15 to 29, with eligibility automatically verified via Singpass during sign-up. Visit giga.com.sg or download the giga app to sign up. 

About giga! 

giga! is Singapore’s fully-digital mobile service, created to provide consumers with a better, simpler, and more intuitive mobile experience across products, features, payment modes, delivery tracking, digital engagement, and customer service. 5G powered by Singapore’s Fastest Network, our contract-free plans provide heaps of data, talktime and SMS to meet the needs of heavy data users, at an attractive price. Keeping customers at the core of our innovation, we offer the market’s only Free Rollover Data advantage for all plans, gigaRoam for maximum convenience while travelling, and the giga! app for the ultimate freedom to send gifts and customise their experience – as little or as much as they want. giga! 5G Feels Good. Join the giga! experience today at www.giga.com.sg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/giga-launches-gigaflex-a-new-youth-plan-with-unlimited-ai-access-302802897.html

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Google Cloud’s Model Garden at Platform 37: An Exclusive Customer Hub for AI Innovation and Collaboration

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LONDON, June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Google Cloud Summit London ’26 — The Model Garden at Platform 37, opening in London this year, is a premier, invitation-only Google Experience Center (GEC) for Google’s most strategic customers. This flagship EMEA facility offers a purpose-built, confidential environment for C-suite executives, senior leaders, and partners to learn how to drive digital transformation at their organizations using Google Cloud’s entire product portfolio, including industry-leading generative AI and agentic AI models and tools.

Where AI strategy becomes reality

Theory-to-practice: The new GEC is designed to bring Google experts and strategic leaders together, transitioning from theoretical discussions to solving real-world challenges through curated workshops, demos, and tailored content.Immersive storytelling: “The Vault” is a high-impact, 270-degree touch-based environment designed for bespoke client sessions that bring AI solutions to life. It allows leaders to visualize complex data in real-time, see exactly how Google’s technology solves their unique industry challenges, and create tangible business strategies for the agentic era.Where nature meets technology: The environment features a design inspired by classic English gardens, including a three-story digital atrium with living digital lanterns. Guests can also collaborate with Google teams in meeting rooms—or enjoy an expansive roof garden—that offers views of London cityscapes.

“The Model Garden is a strategic investment in the future of our most critical business partnerships,” said Maureen Costello, Vice President, UK, Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa, Google Cloud. “This is a dedicated, private workspace for our most critical partners to help them build the future of their organisations. By launching at Platform 37, we are providing expert access, technical infrastructure, and other solutions they need to turn AI into a tangible reality for the United Kingdom and across EMEA.”

Exclusivity and availability

The Model Garden at Platform 37 will be accessible via invitation and scheduled engagement only. The center will officially begin hosting executive customer sessions in Q4 2026.

About Google Cloud
Google Cloud offers a powerful, optimized AI stack—including AI infrastructure, leading models like Gemini, data management capabilities, multicloud security solutions, developer tools and platform, as well as agents and applications—that enables organizations to transform their business for the Agentic Era. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/google-clouds-model-garden-at-platform-37-an-exclusive-customer-hub-for-ai-innovation-and-collaboration-302801487.html

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The Human Element of Industry: “All Access hosted by Andy Garcia” Highlights the Riverside Convention Center

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The educational Public Television segment examines how boutique service standards and community-centric management shape the future of professional gatherings.

LOS ANGELES, June 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ –The standard for professional venues is evolving as regional hubs prioritize sustainable practices and local community integration over traditional business models. “All Access hosted by Andy Garcia” will explore these themes in an upcoming segment featuring the Riverside Convention Center, an institution with a long-standing reputation for service excellence in California. Set to film in the heart of the city, the segment will be broadcast to Public Television stations nationwide.

This informational program focuses on the necessity of managing public assets with a private-sector discipline, illustrating how regional centers adapt to meet the wellness and security needs of a new generation. By showcasing a culture of teamwork and integrity, the program highlights the profound impact that long-tenured staff and local management have on the attendee experience.

“What makes the Riverside Convention Center special is the people behind it. Many of our team members have spent decades serving this community, and that pride shows in every event we host. We have built a culture centered on trust, operational excellence, and genuine hospitality, where guests feel both welcomed and cared for the moment they walk through our doors. As Riverside continues to rise, the Convention Center plays an important role in that momentum. Every event hosted here supports local hotels, restaurants, small businesses, and jobs throughout our community. We understand that this building is more than a venue. It is a public asset, an economic engine, and often one of the first impressions visitors have of our city.

We also believe the future of this industry is about balance: delivering exceptional guest experiences while maintaining strong operational discipline and modern safety standards. We have invested heavily in creating an environment where guests feel secure without losing the warmth and hospitality that define Riverside. At the same time, partnerships like Blue Zones Project Riverside reflect our belief that taking care of our workforce ultimately creates better experiences for everyone who walks through our doors. We are proud of what has been built here, proud of the people who make it happen every day, and proud to help tell Riverside’s story on a larger stage.” – Barbara Rogers, General Manager, Riverside Convention Center

The program provides an informational look at the mechanisms that support high-level economic impact in a city-owned setting. Viewers will be introduced to the concept of the “ripple effect,” a model that demonstrates how visitor spending at convention centers directly benefits local hotels, small businesses, and community jobs. The segment highlights how the Riverside Convention Center has successfully integrated advanced safety protocols and weapons detection systems, serving as an example for how venues can maintain a welcoming atmosphere while strengthening situational awareness.

This narrative addresses common concerns shared by the general public regarding how large-scale venues manage security and operational readiness in a modern world.

The segment also touches on the importance of culinary education and workforce development, showing how a venue can act as a training ground for local talent. Public Television audiences will see how the center’s partnership with Blue Zones Project Riverside encourages sustainable habits for employee well-being, such as stress reduction and social connection.

By examining the solutions implemented at this Southern California landmark, the program demonstrates how to move past modern industry challenges by focusing on core values like attention to detail and hard work. The history of the team, which includes individuals with decades of service, underscores the deep connection between the institution and the residents it employs. This upcoming segment is intended to act as an educational resource for anyone interested in the future of the meetings industry and the vital role of convention centers in shaping a city’s character.

About “All Access hosted by Andy Garcia”: The “All Access hosted by Andy Garcia” program is a premier educational series developed for Public Television stations. Each segment is crafted to provide a deep dive into the stories of progress and innovation across various sectors, from technology to hospitality. The show serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and informing audiences through high-quality documentary storytelling. Learn more about the series at allaccessptv.com.

About Riverside Convention Center: Located in Riverside, California, the Riverside Convention Center is a community-focused venue that combines big-city results with boutique hospitality. Managed by a locally based team, Raincross Hospitality Management Company, the center is a recognized leader in safety, cleanliness, and employee satisfaction. With its commitment to wellness-forward dining and regional economic development, the Riverside Convention Center continues to provide a premier environment for business and community celebrations alike. More information is available at riversidecvb.com/riverside-convention-center/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-human-element-of-industry-all-access-hosted-by-andy-garcia-highlights-the-riverside-convention-center-302800346.html

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