I was all for smart trolleys at the supermarket - until they made me feel dumb
But it's the technophobia these digital natives have no time for. When my youngest asks me to read her university assignments I repeatedly paw the screen to scroll down.
'It's not a touchscreen,' she says in exasperation.
I was among the last of my friends to start texting. I still find the back and forth tedious when you can just phone someone. I can't even fathom sexting. I've just mastered the Smart TV, I ignore the touch screen on the car and I haven't used the new washing machine because my husband says I am too impatient to read the operating manual.
So, when a young woman at my local Coles asked if I wanted to trial a new so-called smart trolley at Richmond Traders, the first Coles in Australia to give them a run, I decided to be an early adopter for once. Like self-checkouts, I expect some version of these Instacarts will be commonplace. I prefer not to use self-checkouts but often have little choice as there is a lengthy wait for a real-life person. I've seen elderly neighbours who have missed the online banking bus insist on paying their bills at the post office.
So, with the touch screen trolley in front of me, I start off by scanning my Flybuys card. My shopping will automatically scan as I place it into the trolley, the Coles employee tells me.
I can see a running total on the dashboard, which is just what we all need as we fight a losing battle against shrinkflation and dodgy specials. Like everyone, I am constantly reeling from sticker shock. When did cheese get so expensive?
These smart trolleys won't save people money, but the rolling tally might stop shoppers from being blown away when they get to the checkout. Perhaps it'll help them take note of seasonal produce, choose a better value package size or find a cheaper brand. Sorry cats, we're foregoing the Dine for the Whiskas this week.
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West Australian
13 hours ago
- West Australian
More Aussies are using AI to plan holidays, from scoring deals to assembling itineraries
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Others reported they used AI to quickly create itineraries, scour flights or transport and understand currency conversion. The data also gave insight into how different generations are embracing the technology — or not. Perhaps unsurprisingly, gen Z and millennials are spearheading the adoption of AI when it comes to concocting their dream vacation, with 52 per cent and 44 per cent respectively utilising the tool to plan a holiday. Meanwhile, 93 per cent of baby boomers and 76 per cent of gen X respondents said they were resistant to bringing AI into their trip arrangements. Compare the Market's Chris Ford says the stats reflect how we engage with the ever-changing tech landscape. 'Our latest data highlights a shift in the way travellers are approaching their planning, with convenience, personalisation and speed driving the adoption of innovative AI tools,' he says. 'It's likely that travellers are using these tools in addition to chatting with travel agents, conducting desktop research or seeking ideas and inspiration from social media. 'AI is evolving at a rapid rate and as it becomes more accessible and intuitive, it's not surprising that travellers are relying on new technology to help shape their dream holidays.' But the insurer warns against taking AI's word as gospel. With nothing to validate the credibility of such recommendations, Ford says travellers need to practice due diligence. 'AI can be a great starting point when planning a holiday, but always ensure you're crossing your 't's and dotting your 'i's,' he says. 'Many of these tools and services are still in their infancy stage and may not be 100 per cent accurate, so do your own research to ensure you're equipped with the right tools and information for your trip. 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Word of mouth and insider intel from a human being will always win, in my opinion. Megan French — g en Z I would be open to the idea of utilising AI when planning my travels but I'd take everything it recommends with a grain of salt while still doing my own thorough research. I think it's great for foundational information-based planning early in trip preparations, such as 'what holidays are on in India during July and how is best to navigate them?' But when it comes to booking flights and accommodation, I'd go nowhere near AI … yet .
West Australian
6 days ago
- West Australian
Aldi brings home delivery to WA with DoorDash tie-up as the supermarket war heats up
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6 days ago
- Perth Now
Aldi brings home delivery to WA as supermarket war heats up
Aldi will bring its home delivery service to WA as part of a tie-up with DoorDash in a move set to escalate the supermarket wars. Just weeks after launching a trial in Canberra, the German supermarket says the service will now be available in most of its 52 stores in WA from Tuesday. Aldi is promising its range of more than 1800 products — including fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy, bread and household essentials — at a few clicks of a button. WA becomes the second location to have the service available, with the company planning to roll it out more nationally in the coming months. It comes as online delivery and click-and-collect services quickly become key areas of growth for larger rivals Coles and Woolworths. In the half-year, Coles and Woolworths recorded a 22.6 per cent and 20 per cent increase, respectively, in online sales, outpacing in-store growth. Coles and Woolworths are already available on DoorDash. Aldi Australia chief commercial officer Jordan Lack said the supermarket's mission was to deliver high quality groceries at the lowest prices. 'Through our partnership with DoorDash, we can now literally deliver on this mission directly to Aussies' doorsteps in an exciting new way that we know our customers have been seeking,' Mr Lack said. 'We're thrilled that customers will be able to shop with Aldi from the comfort of their homes, bringing our 'Good Different' shopping experience to more and more people in the tap of an app.' DoorDash APAC vice president Simon Rossi said the partnership represented an exciting step forward in how it was redefining how Australians shopped for groceries. It is the last major supermarket chain to make home delivery available, after Costco announced a similar partnership with DoorDash in early February to bring bulk-buy goods to Australians' doorsteps. US supermarket giant Costco signed a similar deal with DoorDash in February, making same-day delivery available across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.
