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.

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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.

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Cyprus Banks Urged To Focus On Long-Term Resilience As Profits Remain Strong

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 26, 2026

The Cypriot banking sector remains in a strong position, supported by solid capital buffers and overall financial stability, according to speakers at the annual general meeting of the Association of Cyprus Banks. At the same time, government officials and regulators stressed that maintaining this position will require continued discipline and long-term planning.

A Strong Sector, But Not A Complacent One

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos used the meeting to highlight concerns over draft laws recently passed by parliament, which, according to the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank and the Legal Service, may contain constitutional, legal and institutional issues. Those concerns, he noted, led to presidential referrals and remittals to the Supreme Court.

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Keravnos also said the European Central Bank had been consulted on proposed measures concerning the suspension of foreclosures and the restructuring of loans and guarantees, adding that the ECB had expressed its own concerns.

Profitability Should Reflect Real Economy Lending

While acknowledging that the banking sector remains highly profitable, Keravnos said earnings are expected to reach around €1 billion in 2025, lower than in 2024 as interest-rate conditions gradually normalize.

He said he would prefer bank profitability to rely more on lending to businesses operating in productive sectors and less on the widening of European Central Bank interest-rate spreads.

According to the minister, Cyprus’ return to investment-grade status after 11 years has strengthened the country’s appeal to foreign investors, technology companies and startups. He said this should encourage banks to offer financing that better supports businesses while improving the diversification of their loan portfolios.

The Central Bank’s Warning: Strength Today Is Not A Guarantee Tomorrow

Central Bank Governor Christodoulos Patsalides also warned against complacency, saying the sector’s current strength should not be taken for granted.

“The Cypriot banking sector is strong today. But strength that truly matters is not exhausted by a capital ratio, a profit line or a favorable cycle,” he said.

Patsalides added that lasting resilience depends on institutions remaining strong as conditions change, risks become more complex, and competition evolves. In his view, that requires sufficient capital buffers, adaptable infrastructure and management teams prepared for changing market conditions.

Long-Term Resilience Over Short-Term Gains

Patsalides also stressed that banks should focus on long-term resilience rather than short-term performance. Decisions on dividend policy, capital allocation and the use of resources, he said, should take into account continued investment in technology, operational resilience, human capital and long-term adaptability.

He added that banks able to remain competitive over time will be those that invest early in strengthening their capacity to adapt and respond to future challenges.

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