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Poke: Bringing Agentic AI Assistance To The Masses

Poke, an AI assistant developed by The Interaction Company of California, launched publicly in March. The product operates through messaging platforms including iMessage, SMS, Telegram, and WhatsApp in select markets. The service allows users to assign tasks to an AI agent through text-based interactions.

Agentic AI For Everyday Use

Poke is designed to perform tasks rather than provide general responses. Functions include calendar management, health tracking, and control of connected devices. The system operates through messaging interfaces, allowing users to execute actions without switching between applications.

Meeting The Demand For A Simplified AI Experience

Interest in agent-based AI systems has increased across the technology sector, particularly as companies explore automation tools for everyday use. Some existing solutions require complex setup or raise security concerns. Poke provides access through a web interface, allowing users to begin without downloading additional applications or configuring systems.

Leveraging Diverse AI Models And Integrations

The platform selects AI models depending on task requirements, using a mix of proprietary and open-source systems. This approach allows flexibility across different use cases. Integration with messaging platforms is supported through infrastructure such as Linq, enabling operation across SMS and Telegram. Availability on WhatsApp depends on regional conditions and platform policies.

A Secure, Scalable, And Customizable Platform

The company said the system includes layered security measures such as permission controls and regular testing procedures. These safeguards are designed to protect user data and maintain system reliability.  Pricing is based on usage patterns, with basic features available at no cost and additional charges applied to higher-frequency or real-time tasks.

Investments And Vision For Global Adoption

Poke has raised funding from investors, including Spark Capital and General Catalyst, reaching a $300 million valuation after recent rounds. Marvin von Hagen, co-founder of Poke, said the product evolved from an email-based assistant into a broader system focused on task execution, based on user behavior and demand. The company is also working with creators and online communities to expand use cases, with user-generated automation workflows contributing to the platform’s development.

The Road Ahead

Poke operates in a market that includes large technology companies and specialized AI providers developing agent-based systems. The product focuses on task execution through messaging platforms as the adoption of automation tools continues to expand.

Clive Owen Films Scorpion In Cyprus In One Of The Island’s Biggest Productions

Cyprus Secures Another High-Profile Production

Oscar-nominated British actor Clive Owen is filming Scorpion in Cyprus, a new action thriller from Copper Island that is understood to have one of the highest daily production budgets ever recorded for a film shoot on the island.

Filming began in Cyprus on July 6 and is scheduled to conclude later this month in Bulgaria. The production marks another high-profile international project to choose Cyprus as a filming location.

A Cast Built For International Sales

Alongside Owen, the film stars Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike, The Butler, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare) and Reda Elazouar (Sex Education, The Family Plan). The cast also includes Ronan Summers, Jake Ryan, Mark Rhino Smith, Joey Ansah, Alex Cooke and Luke Bouchier.

The screenplay is by Richard Hughes and Bennett Fisher. Copper Island’s Matt Murphy, David Mansfield and Luke Bouchier are producing, while WestEnd Films is handling international sales. The company is expected to present the first footage at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

A Survival Thriller

Scorpion follows Jason, a rookie police officer assigned to an elite special operations unit made up of Afghanistan war veterans. After arriving at an isolated farmhouse, the team is cut off from the outside world and given an ultimatum: every 30 minutes one member will die unless someone reveals the truth about a covert military operation carried out years earlier.

Cyprus’ Role In The Production

The production credited the Cyprus Film Commission for its support, with Copper Island founder Matt Murphy thanking both the commission and the local crew.

Owen also praised the experience of filming in Cyprus, describing the local crew as highly professional and highlighting the island’s diverse filming locations.

Copper Island Expands Its International Portfolio

Limassol-based Copper Island has worked on several international productions, including The Leader, which premiered at Tribeca, as well as Gus Van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire and Ron Howard’s Eden.

The company is also supporting Cypriot productions, including Apart by Stelana Kliridou and The Well by Marios Piperides, which is completing post-production in Limassol.

Matt Murphy is also serving as executive producer of the upcoming Anxious People, starring Angelina Jolie.

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