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Proof Launches x401, the Open Protocol for Verifying the Authority Behind AI Agents

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Developed by Proof with contributors across payments, identity and AI, x401 lets any online service request proof of who authorized an agent’s actions. Live demos and a CLI are available today.

BOSTON, June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — AI agents can now buy, sign, build, publish and move money. What they can’t carry is proof of who authorized the agent.

“AI is making actions and content effortless to generate. Trust will come from knowing who stands behind them. x401 gives every service a common way to ask for proof. Proof Digital ID gives people and organizations a high-assurance signed record of who authorized what.” – Pat Kinsel, CEO of Proof. “

Every company is racing to open its products to AI. The hard part isn’t getting agents to act; it’s trusting that a real person authorized them. Without that, a service has no safe way to let an agent through.

Today, Proof, the identity authorization company, launched x401, an open, issuer-neutral protocol that lets any website or API ask for and verify the identity behind agents.

With x401, a service can ask for the proof it requires: verified identity, age, membership, organizational affiliation, signing authority, proof of humanness, orf another trusted claim. The agent presents a compatible credential and authorization. The service verifies the issuer, claim, scope and action before proceeding.

Identity establishes who or what an agent represents. Authorization establishes what it is permitted to do. x401 binds the two into proof and unlocks agents’ ability to act on people’s behalf.

Open by design
x401 is an open protocol allowing any conforming issuer to deliver x401-compatible credentials. Any agent can present them. Every service determines which claims, issuers and levels of assurance it will accept.

That separation allows one protocol to support many forms of authority without forcing the internet to adopt a single identity provider or credential model.

x401 was developed by Proof with technical contributors from leading payments, identity and AI organizations. The public specification, implementation materials, and complete contributor list are available at x401.id.

Proof will submit x401 to the FIDO Alliance’s agentic authentication standards workgroup.

Built to complete the agent stack
x401 is designed to work with the protocols already emerging around agentic activity. In payments, x402 enables machines to make payments. AP2 and Verifiable Intent capture instructions and approvals in commerce. x401 now completes the missing link, when used together with these other protocols, agents can now pay, prove a person’s identity, and authorize specific actions.

“x402 is the open standard that lets agents pay for web resources over HTTP with pay-per-request settled in stablecoins, with no accounts or API keys. Through Circle Agent Stack and USDC, which settles nearly all x402 volumes, Circle has been one of its core contributors. x401, built with Proof, pairs that with identity: x402 answers how an agent pays, x401 answers who it is. Those are the first two questions any agentic transaction has to clear, and now each has an open standard. Circle is proud to be an early adopter and co-endorser of x401.” — Gagan Mac, VP Product, Circle

Proof’s digital identity: A high-assurance identity that can sign
Proof is launching the first live implementation that can satisfy an x401 challenge. Proof’s digital identity is one of the first inline implementations of OID4VC Issuance and Presentation, allowing people to verify their identity to an IAL2 standard and enroll just-in-time or instantly reauthenticate with a biometric. Developers simply request identity and Proof manages the complexity of who is enrolled vs not.

Using selective disclosure and zero-knowledge proofs, someone can prove that they are verified, their nationality, over a required age or authorized to represent an organization without exposing their complete identity record.

In addition to credential presentation, Proof’s platform is the first to support transaction signing, which produces verifiable records. The API supports signing authorizations like AP2 with Verifiable Intent and cryptographically binds a verified identity to any payment, transaction, or payload. Verifiable records prove who you are and what you’ve authorized, creating the evidence that every industry requires in the agentic era. U.S. law has recognized agreements made by electronic agents for decades. Proof provides what’s been missing: trustworthy proof of the person behind the transaction.

Proof’s digital identity is backed by Proof’s Kantara-certified NIST IAL2 identity service and WebTrust-audited certificate-authority infrastructure. As a Certificate Authority that pairs a publicly trusted, audited certificate hierarchy with IAL2-grade identity proofing, Proof’s digital identity is the only legal credential that can secure everything a person signs, does in person, does online, or delegates to an agent.

x401 works end-to-end today
The documentation for x401 is live today. The public specification, technical documentation, sample apps, and contributor list are available at x401.id.

Proof Digital ID documentation is available at dev.proof.com. Developers can connect Proof’s live x401 MCP server to Claude and ChatGPT to use x401 in real agent workflows. Participating organizations will announce their implementations as they become available.

About Proof
Proof is the identity authorization company that verifies people and organizations, issues high-assurance cryptographic credentials and creates tamper-evident evidence of what they authorize—whether they act directly or through AI agents. Proof has secured more than $640 billion in transactions for 10,000 organizations, including 16 of the Fortune 100. Learn more at proof.com.

Media Contact

Lauren Hintz, Proof, 1 6179093295, lauren.hintz@proof.comhttps://www.proof.com/

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/proof-launches-x401-the-open-protocol-for-verifying-the-authority-behind-ai-agents-302810968.html

SOURCE Proof

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Experience AI Companion in Everyday Life at Hisense IFA 2026

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BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, is inviting visitors at IFA 2026 to experience how AI can make everyday home routines simpler and more intuitive. Under the theme “Innovating a Brighter Life,” the Hisense AI Companion Suite, powered by ConnectLife, brings connected intelligence to the kitchen, laundry and living spaces.

Step into the kitchen and a simple question— “What should I make?”—can set the experience in motion. The AI Companion Refrigerator recognizes stored ingredients and suggests meal ideas based on personal preferences. Once a recipe is selected, it can sync with the AI Companion Oven to support automatic cooking, while the AI Companion Wine Cabinet recommends pairings and maintains suitable storage conditions. After the meal, the AI Companion Dishwasher recognizes dish conditions and adjusts cleaning, demonstrating how AI can support the journey from planning dinner to cleaning up.

In the laundry area, visitors can see how the AI Companion Laundry Suite turns a routine load into a simpler, more automated experience. By recognizing clothing characteristics, it selects suitable wash and dry cycles and adjusts the process automatically, creating a load-and-go experience.

The experience continues in the living space. The AI Companion Air Conditioner senses indoor conditions and user presence, adapting airflow as people move through the room. Meanwhile, the AI Companion Energy System considers weather and time-of-use electricity pricing to help optimize household energy use.

Building on ConnectLife’s support, Hisense is collaborating with Alexa+ to be among the first home appliance brands bringing smart home devices to Amazon’s Alexa+ AI assistant using Amazon’s new Smart Home AI Toolkit. Available in the coming months, Alexa+ customers will be able to control select Hisense air conditioners by simply saying what they need. Alexa+ will then map the request, navigate the settings, and complete the action for them.

Hisense’s approach to innovation has also earned recognition at IFA, with several of its products receiving awards. The Multi Function II Series, an all-in-one energy-saving HVAC solution, received a Winner Award, while the X-zone Master was named an Honoree. The U8 Air Master Air Conditioner, W60 3D Kitchen-fit Series and 60cm Integrated Wine Cabinet were also recognized that underscores Hisense’s focus on combining intelligent technology, thoughtful design and everyday usability.

Across these IFA scenarios, Hisense brings its Smart Home Companion capabilities to life through V AIOS, giving devices the ability to Sense what is happening, Think through what to do, Communicate naturally with users and across devices, and Execute tasks by orchestrating devices and services autonomously. Together, these capabilities help AI Companion Suites understand context, make decisions and take action, helping the home do more while asking less of its users.

About Hisense

Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 180 countries, specializing in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-2026H1). As The Origin of RGB MiniLED, Hisense continues to lead the next-generation RGB MiniLED innovation. As the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026TM, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/experience-ai-companion-in-everyday-life-at-hisense-ifa-2026-302870765.html

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Roborock Reports 27.6% Revenue Growth in H1 2026, Reinforcing Global Market Leadership

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BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Roborock, a global leader in home robotics engineered to simplify daily life, reported revenue of RMB 10.084 billion in the first half of 2026, up 27.6% year on year, while net profit attributable to shareholders rose 45.6% to RMB 986 million. The company also reached a new global milestone, with Roborock recognized as the world’s No.1 robotic vacuum cleaner brand by both IDC and Euromonitor International.

Global Expansion Continues to Strengthen Growth

Roborock’s international business continued to deliver strong growth in H1 2026 across both mature and high-potential markets. During Amazon Prime Day 2026, Roborock ranked No.1 in the robotic vacuum category in Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United States and Canada. In Europe, Roborock reached a 45% share of the robotic vacuum market, with unit sales up 24% year on year, while wet-dry vacuum unit sales grew 112%. In North America, Roborock reached a 33% share of the robotic vacuum market, with unit sales increasing 30% year on year.

Momentum was also strong across key Asia-Pacific markets. Roborock ranked No.1 in both unit shipments and sales value in Australia, Korea, Taiwan region and Türkiye from Q1 2023 to Q1 2026. In Korea, the brand maintained more than 70% share of the premium robotic vacuum segment, while the S10 MaxV Ultra generated approximately KRW 28 billion in sales within ten days of its February 2026 launch. In Japan, Roborock continued to deepen its premium retail presence through cooperation with Yamada Denki, including dedicated brand displays and nationwide availability of flagship products. Across Asia-Pacific, the company continued to combine its global technology platform with localized channel, marketing and service strategies.

Roborock’s global leadership has also been independently recognized by IDC and Euromonitor International. According to IDC, Roborock ranked No.1 globally by both unit shipments and sales value among robotic vacuum brands in H1 2026, while Euromonitor International ranked the brand No.1 globally by retail sales value in 2025. Together, the two rankings reinforce Roborock’s global market leadership and reflect sustained consumer demand worldwide.

Sustained R&D Investment Supports Long-Term Competitiveness

Roborock continued to invest heavily in technology in the first half of 2026, with R&D spending reaching RMB 720 million, up 5.11% year on year and accounting for 7.14% of revenue. The company continues to build capabilities in intelligent navigation, AI-powered environmental perception, cleaning systems and robotic mobility, while increasingly bringing these technologies together at the system level rather than improving individual specifications in isolation. This integrated approach allows technologies proven in flagship products to be brought into a wider range of models and price segments, helping Roborock strengthen its portfolio while making advanced features available to more consumers.

IFA 2026 Highlights the Next Phase of Innovation

At IFA 2026, Roborock is showcasing its latest advances across indoor and outdoor cleaning. Its new robot vacuums and wet-dry vacuums bring advances in steam-powered care, adaptive cleaning and whole-home versatility, while the Roborock Saros Rover introduces a two-wheel-leg architecture designed to expand robotic mobility beyond flat floors. Roborock is also broadening its intelligent cleaning ecosystem with the debut of the RockAqua P1, its first intelligent pool cleaner, alongside the RockNeo Q2 LiDAR robotic mower, extending its autonomous cleaning capabilities across floors, pools and gardens.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/roborock-reports-27-6-revenue-growth-in-h1-2026–reinforcing-global-market-leadership-302868216.html

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Agoda Unveils South Korean Travelers’ Top Domestic and International Destinations for Chuseok Holiday

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– Fukuoka, Tokyo, Osaka, Da Nang, and Nha Trang topped overseas destinations, while Jeju, Busan, Seoul, Sokcho, and Gyeongju led domestic hotspots  

SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — With the Chuseok holiday around the corner, South Korean travelers are already making plans to make the most of the four-day break. According to digital travel platform Agoda, accommodation searches for international and domestic destinations have increased by 38% and 160%, respectively, compared to two weeks before the holiday period.

Based on accommodation searches made by South Korean travelers between May to mid-August 2026, Agoda found that Japanese destinations dominated the list of the most-searched overseas destinations for the Chuseok holiday. Fukuoka ranked first, followed by Tokyo and Osaka. Beyond Japan, Vietnamese destinations also proved popular, with Da Nang and Nha Trang rounding out the top five. The findings highlight South Korean travelers’ continued preference for short- and mid-haul destinations, where they can enjoy a combination of cultural experiences and seaside leisure.

Due to its proximity to South Korea with an average flight time of just 1.5 hours from Seoul, Fukuoka is one of the most accessible Japanese destinations for South Korean travelers. The destination is expected to become even more accessible with Eastar Jet’s expanded services on the Incheon–Fukuoka route through October 24, and the Busan–Fukuoka route from August 29 to October 24, covering the Chuseok holiday period.

For those making travel plans closer to home, Jeju ranked as the most-searched domestic destination, with a 131% increase in travel interest, followed by Busan (147%), Seoul (64%), Sokcho (324%), and Gyeongju (222%). Sokcho, which recorded the strongest growth in search interest among the top 5 domestic destinations, saw tourism expenditure by South Korean travelers increase by 8.2% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. The high growth in interest in Sokcho’, driven by its diverse mix of mountains, beaches, lakes, culinary experiences and cultural attractions, suggests that the destination could see continued visitor demand through the second half of the year, including during the Chuseok holiday period.

Gyeongju, which ranked fifth, continues to attract South Korean travelers with its historic sites and rich cultural heritage. The city’s appeal could be further boosted by expanded KTX and KTX-Eum services scheduled to begin in September, offering travelers improved rail connectivity during the autumn travel season.

Alex Park, Country Director, South Korea at Agoda shared, “As the Chuseok holiday approaches, South Korean travelers are showing strong interest in nearby destinations, with domestic travel seeing particularly strong demand. As a global travel platform, Agoda is committed to supporting travelers with diverse preferences by offering great deals on flights, accommodation, and activities, whether they are looking to explore destinations overseas or closer to home.”

As South Korean travelers finalize their Chuseok holiday plans, Agoda continues to offer a seamless booking experience across more than six million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities worldwide. To find the best deals for autumn travel to Asia and beyond, visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app. As part of Agoda’s August Mega Sale, travelers can enjoy up to 60% off on hotel bookings during the main sale through 31 August.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/agoda-unveils-south-korean-travelers-top-domestic-and-international-destinations-for-chuseok-holiday-302867025.html

SOURCE Agoda

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