Technology

AUSTRALIAN COST OF POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE REVEALED, AI RESOLUTION UNDER PRESSURE

Published

2 months ago

April 29, 2026

SIPPY DOWNS, Australia, April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With the time it takes from query to resolution, new research commissioned by Australian insurance company Youi[1] has uncovered that human connection and clear communication are critical for a positive customer service experience. In a study of more than 2,000 Australians, findings revealed that while 81% report their most recent customer service interaction as positive, the cost of a negative experience is steep, and can impact more than just our wallet.

The real life ‘time-away’ cost

The numbers reveal a hidden, real life ‘time-away’ cost – a personal cost that Australians experience when dealing with customer service. 62% of Australians say their most recent customer service interaction took time or energy away from something that mattered, including personal downtime (39%), mental or emotional wellbeing (19%), family or friend time (13%), work or income (11%), and sleep (7%).

This hidden ‘time‑away’ cost becomes even more apparent during bad customer service experiences. Among those whose last experience was negative, 91% reported a cost to their time or wellbeing, with 57% losing personal time, 52% mental energy, 27% family time, 23% work or income time, and 18% sleep, compared with just 9% who experienced no impact.

Good customer service – a simple recipe

Anthony Antonucci, Chief Customer Officer at Youi said the research reveals a clear blueprint for fixing the service industry problem, a simple recipe for good customer experience built on three essential ingredients.

“This research makes clear that great customer experience isn’t accidental – it follows a recipe. Australians tell us the three ingredients that matter most are simple: being able to speak to a real person, having clear communication, and getting a quick, effective response,” Anthony said.

“But as more companies lean heavily into automation and AI, access to a real human is becoming harder to find, and consumers are feeling the consequences. Even tech savvy Australians, who are comfortable with digital tools, still credit real human support as critical to resolving their issue. That tells us something important: technology can absolutely help, but it can’t replace empathy, clarity or genuine connection. These three elements are key to timely issue resolution, giving customers their time back.”

51% of respondents say speaking to a real person is the top factor driving an effective resolution. This is followed by 34% citing great communication and thirdly, quick responses or short wait times, which 33% say made a difference.

Among the Aussies that prefer technology, four in five (81%) still say speaking to a real person is important or essential for high-stakes customer issues, such as those affecting their finances, health or family. Further, 32% want to speak to a real person immediately when something goes wrong. This sentiment is even more common among the general population, with two thirds of Australians (67%) saying they want to talk to a real person straight away when an issue arises.

Psychologist and Human Behaviour Expert, Sabina Read has emphasised the power of human connection. “In a fast-moving world, with AI and chatbots infiltrating many of our daily interactions, it’s no surprise that human connection and clear communication top the list of ingredients that constitute a positive customer service experience. We’re hardwired for connection. Even the best technological innovations can’t replace the power of being seen, heard and validated in a timely manner when we are seeking to resolve an issue that matters to us,” Sabina said.

“Curiosity and presence matter when we’re feeling frustrated. Human connection is the most impactful way to truly bring these to life, which goes a long way in explaining why contact with another person is a key ingredient is in delivering customer service that lands,” she said.

The recipe for better customer service is clear. While automation and AI can improve efficiency, human connection cannot be replaced. When customer service puts people first, Australians gain back the time, clarity and confidence they need most.

To find out more about the research, visit here.

Disclaimer:
This article’s data is sourced from a survey conducted by Ideally Group Limited between 10th March 2026 and 14th March 2026, involving 2,080 individuals aged 18 and above from all states and territories within Australia. Some percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number. Survey results have not been independently verified by Youi and may not be representative of the general population. Youi makes no representation or warranty of any kind of the accuracy, adequacy, reliability, or completeness of the data and accepts no liability for any loss or damage of any kind suffered as a result of the use of or reliance on the data. Individual experiences may vary.

ABOUT YOUI:

Youi Pty Ltd is an Australian registered company and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Youi Holdings Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of OUTsurance International Holdings Pty Limited. The ultimate holding company is OUTsurance Group Limited.

Youi Pty Ltd is a registered general insurance company which underwrites its own policies. Our products currently include Vehicle Insurance (Car, NSW CTP Green Slip, SA CTP, Motorcycle, Caravan and Trailer), Home Insurance (Buildings and Contents), Watercraft and Small Business Insurance.

Company: Youi

Company Phone: 13 96 84

Website: https://www.youi.com.au/

Head Office Location: https://share.google/Vw6L9htnVyiMIYQFP

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/australian-cost-of-poor-customer-service-revealed-ai-resolution-under-pressure-302756451.html

SOURCE Youi

Technology

Super Famicom Style Comes to PS5 and PC with Killscreen’s SFC-1 Controller

Published

34 minutes ago

June 19, 2026

Killscreen™ launches SFC-1, a Super Famicom-inspired custom controller for PC and PS5 featuring retro 16-bit styling, multicolor face buttons, and optional performance upgrades including TMR Anti-Drift Thumbsticks, Omron powered Mecha Triggers™, and mechanical face buttons.

LARGO, Fla., June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Killscreen™ today announced the launch of SFC-1, a new custom performance controller inspired by the Japanese Super Famicom and the 16-bit era of gaming. Built for PC and PlayStation 5 players, SFC-1 brings the unmistakable visual style of classic Japanese gaming hardware into a modern performance controller.

With SFC-1, we wanted to capture a little bit of that Super Famicom feeling and bring it forward for PC and PS5.

SFC-1 features a retro SFC-inspired aesthetic with a soft gray body, graphite directional controls, and multicolor face buttons in blue, green, red, and yellow. The design draws from the Japanese Super Famicom console and controller — 16-bit hardware many players in the U.S. first discovered through magazines, import shops, and collector culture.

“Growing up, the Super Famicom always felt like this mysterious, cooler version of the system we got in the U.S.,” said Erik at Killscreen. “The gray body, the colored buttons, the shape of the console — it had this completely different energy. It felt like hardware from another world. With SFC-1, we wanted to capture a little bit of that feeling and bring it forward for PC and PS5.”

Beyond its retro-inspired design, SFC-1 is available with Killscreen’s premium performance upgrade options, including TMR Anti-Drift Thumbsticks for improved precision, durability, and long-term resistance to stick drift. Players can also configure SFC-1 with Mecha Triggers™, featuring high-performance Omron microswitches for shorter, faster trigger pulls, and mechanical face buttons for crisp, tactile inputs.

SFC-1 is designed for players who want a unique custom controller with a clear connection to gaming history, without giving up modern performance options. Like all Killscreen controllers, SFC-1 can be configured from a clean standard build to a competition-focused setup, giving players the ability to choose the controller that fits how they play.

The release continues Killscreen’s growing line of retro-inspired modern gaming hardware, following previous controllers that reimagine classic PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo-era design cues for today’s players.

The SFC-1 Super Famicom-inspired PS5 controller is available now exclusively at killscreen.io.

Key Features

Retro SFC-inspired aesthetic — Classic 16-bit color styling with multicolor face buttons inspired by the Japanese Super Famicom console and controller.TMR Anti-Drift Thumbstick upgrade option — Built for improved precision, durability, and long-term resistance to stick drift.Mecha Triggers™ upgrade option — High-performance Omron microswitch triggers with shorter, faster pulls designed for quicker response in competitive play.Mechanical face button upgrade option — Crisp, tactile button inputs with a more responsive mechanical feel.Configurable performance-focused build options — Available in standard or upgraded configurations depending on how players want to build their controller.Full PC + PS5 compatibility — Designed for PlayStation 5 and compatible PC gaming setups.

About Killscreen

Killscreen™ is a premium gaming hardware company focused on custom performance controllers for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC players. Combining distinctive industrial design with competition-focused upgrade options, Killscreen builds next-generation controllers engineered for precision, speed, durability, and personal expression.

For more information, visit For more information, visit Killscreen custom performance controllers.

Media Contact

Maya, Killscreen LLC, 1 212-457-1776, pr@killscreen.io, https://killscreen.io

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SOURCE Killscreen LLC

Technology

AKA Foods Launches AKA Label Studio, a Free Food Labelling Tool for FDA and EU/UK Markets

Published

34 minutes ago

June 19, 2026

AMSTELVEEN, Netherlands, June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AKA Foods, a European food technology company, today launched AKA Label Studio, a free food labelling tool that produces compliant labels for the US (FDA) and Europe (EU/UK) markets. The product is available immediately at no charge, with no usage tier, no usage cap and no credit card required.

AKA Label Studio is built for food product developers, QA leads, regulatory teams and consumer packaged goods brands. Comparable nutrition and regulatory labelling software typically costs between $500 and $1,500 per user per year. AKA Label Studio is the company’s first free product and an entry point to the wider AKA Studio platform, the AI-powered R&D system used by AKA Foods’ paying customers.

Built by AKA Foods’ in-house food R&D team

AKA Label Studio was developed by the same in-house food R&D team behind AKA Studio. The product includes a Feedback bar on every page, where users can submit requested features. AKA Foods has committed to building the most-requested capabilities and publishing what it ships.

“We have spent two years building a professional food labelling tool inside AKA. Today we are making it available to the food industry free of charge. The food professionals who use it will tell us what to build next.”
David Sack, CEO and co-founder, AKA Foods

Product features

AKA Label Studio supports FDA and EU/UK compliance from a single tool, with a two-click market switch. It automatically detects the US Big 9 and the 14 EU-regulated allergens, includes a compliance review workflow and a live regulatory radar covering FDA and EFSA sources. Recipe versions, lab results and multi-recipe reports are included. Labels export as print-ready PNG, SVG or PDF.

“AKA Label Studio is a full implementation of food labelling functionality. It has been built to the same standard as the rest of the AKA Studio platform used by our paying customers.”
Shahar Rosentraub, Chief Product Officer, AKA Foods

AKA Studio integration

AKA Studio integrates formulation science, sensory data and institutional knowledge into a single AI-powered R&D system for food product development. The platform was named in the FoodTech 500 and received the Fi Europe Innovation Award 2025. Users of AKA Label Studio see references to AKA Studio inside the product, with an upgrade path to a paid licence.

AKA Label Studio is available immediately at www.aka-food.com. Registration requires an email and a phone number for verification.

Media contact
Olga Sukhman, AKA Foods
417131@email4pr.com
+1 888 301 5010

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aka-foods-launches-aka-label-studio-a-free-food-labelling-tool-for-fda-and-euuk-markets-302804708.html

SOURCE AKA Foods

Technology

In HelloNation, Plumbing Expert Manny Valdez Explains What a Plumbing Estimate Should Include

Published

34 minutes ago

June 19, 2026

The article outlines how Southern Arizona homeowners can review a plumbing estimate to understand scope, permits, and warranty coverage before work begins.

ORO VALLEY, Ariz., June 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What should homeowners expect to see in a written plumbing estimate before approving a plumbing repair or installation? HelloNation recently published an article that explains what Southern Arizona homeowners should review in a plumbing estimate before any project begins.

The article features insights from Plumbing Expert Manny Valdez of Acclaimed Drain and Plumbing Solutions LLC. The HelloNation article explains that a plumbing estimate should function as a clear roadmap for the repair or project, outlining the scope of work, permit requirements when applicable, and plumbing warranty coverage.

According to the article, transparency is one of the most important elements of a written plumbing estimate. Homeowners should be able to clearly understand the work being performed and the total cost of the project before the job begins. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings between the homeowner and the plumber.

The article also notes that a detailed plumbing estimate should identify what is not included in the project. Because many plumbing estimates use flat-rate pricing, homeowners may receive a single price for the job without separate breakdowns for labor, materials, or equipment. Reviewing exclusions and asking questions helps homeowners understand the full scope of the work.

Local conditions can also influence how plumbing repairs are handled in Southern Arizona plumbing systems. Hard water is common throughout the region and can cause mineral buildup and corrosion in pipes and fixtures over time. The article explains that a thorough plumbing estimate should describe how the plumber plans to address the underlying cause of the problem rather than simply replacing damaged components.

The scope of work should also be clearly defined within the plumbing estimate. Homeowners should confirm which areas of the home will be serviced and what specific plumbing issues will be addressed. This level of detail allows homeowners to compare estimates more accurately and ensures the project targets the intended problem.

Permit requirements are another important consideration discussed in the article. Certain plumbing installations or repairs may require city or county permits. A detailed plumbing estimate should clarify whether the licensed plumber will obtain the permit or whether the homeowner is responsible for arranging it.

Warranty coverage is also a key part of the estimate review process. The article explains that homeowners should receive a clear explanation of the plumbing warranty, including its duration and any limitations. A written list of exclusions should also be provided so homeowners understand what may not be covered after the repair is completed.

Communication during the estimate process plays a major role in homeowner plumbing decisions. Reliable professionals take time to explain the estimate, answer questions, and provide realistic timelines for the project. This communication helps homeowners understand what to expect throughout the repair process.

Experience with regional plumbing conditions is another factor homeowners should consider when reviewing an estimate. Homes in Tucson, Marana, and Oro Valley often face challenges related to hard water, aging infrastructure, and desert climate conditions. A Tucson plumber or Oro Valley plumber familiar with these conditions may provide estimates that reflect practical solutions designed to last.

Referrals and online reviews may also support the evaluation process. Feedback from previous clients can help homeowners determine whether a Marana plumber or other local professional typically completes projects within the estimated scope and timeframe.

The article concludes that reviewing a plumbing estimate carefully helps homeowners protect their investment and reduce the risk of unexpected costs. By confirming the scope of work, permit responsibilities, and plumbing warranty coverage, homeowners can make informed decisions and prepare for successful repairs.

What a Written Plumbing Estimate Should Include for Southern Arizona Homeowners features insights from Manny Valdez, Plumbing Expert of Oro Valley, Arizona, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-plumbing-expert-manny-valdez-explains-what-a-plumbing-estimate-should-include-302805396.html

SOURCE HelloNation