Robot exhibition in Hong Kong highlights humanoid robots; Booking.com confirms data breach affecting customers

More than 100 humanoid robots are on display at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, drawing attention to the rapid expansion of robot production and real-world applications. The exhibition includes AGIBOT’s X2 Ultra, which is capable of singing, conversing in English and Chinese, and describing people standing before it.

Robot demonstrations highlight broader ambitions

Chinese manufacturers including AGIBOT, Unitree Robotics, and UBTech Robotics are among the global leaders in robot production, according to the coverage. The event features a range of demonstrations, from sand-art robots and acrobatics to security-robot patrols that arrest suspects with nets.

The demonstrations reflect China’s ambition to integrate robots into daily life and services such as customer service, education, and elder care. Some humanoid robots with soft faces that can communicate with visitors were also unveiled, and experts said the next generation of robots will focus on expressing emotions and becoming more approachable.

Meta projected to overtake Google in digital ad revenue

Meta Platforms is projected to overtake Google in global digital advertising revenue by the end of 2026, according to Emarketer. Net ad revenue for Meta is estimated at $243.46 billion, compared with Google’s $239.54 billion, marking Google’s first loss of leadership in the market.

What is driving Meta’s growth

Meta’s growth is attributed to its automated ad tool Advantage+, which expands ads on WhatsApp and Threads. Instagram Reels is also cited as strengthening competition in the short-video market, alongside TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

Google’s growth is described as steady but slower, at around 11.9% this year. The coverage also notes that Google’s broader business model, including YouTube Premium, may make it harder to match Meta’s growth.

Market concentration expected to rise

Together with Amazon, the three companies are expected to account for more than 62% of global digital ad spend in 2026.

Booking.com says hackers accessed customer data

Booking.com confirmed that hackers accessed customer data on April 13, including names, emails, phone numbers, and booking details. The company said notifications have been sent to those affected and stated that financial information was not compromised.

Reports of phishing using stolen booking details

Some Reddit users reported receiving phishing messages via WhatsApp that included booking details, suggesting the stolen data may be used to target customers. Booking.com said it has changed PINs for affected bookings and is working to remediate the issue.

Cybersecurity concerns for online travel platforms

The incident highlights cybersecurity risks for online travel platforms. The coverage notes that in 2024, several hotels were found compromised by spyware, underscoring persistent vulnerabilities across major booking ecosystems.