(This column originally appeared in Forbes)
Here are five things in technology that happened this past week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 — A foldable iPad could arrive as early as next year, according to an Apple analyst.
According to a supply chain analyst, Apple could potentially develop a foldable iPad as soon as 2024. The release of the foldable model is expected to improve shipments and product variety. The same analyst also predicts that the foldable iPad will be released alongside an improved iPad Mini, with Apple potentially starting production for that model early next year. (Source: The Verge)
Why this is important for your business:
Foldable devices aren’t new — Samsung has been selling these for a few years. But a foldable iPad could be a big seller and also open the door to an avalanche of similar products. These devices will save space and could be very helpful for remote employees or people on the road.
2 — ChromeOS and Microsoft 365 will start playing nicer with each other this year.
Google recently reported that ChromeOS will include a new integration for Microsoft 365, which will make it simpler to install the app and include support for OneDrive. This integration will enable users to look for and locate OneDrive files similarly to how they retrieve local or stored files in Google Drive. (Source: ARS Technica)
Why this is important for your business:
I think it’s my age, but for some reason I still can’t get over the hurdle of owning a device where just about all of my files must be stored online. I’m already doing that automatically using a couple of cloud based storage services but there’s something about having local files that synchronize which I like to. It’s just because I’m used to it. Anyway, I need to get over that. And the new integration between Chrome and 365 should help me. Maybe there truly is a Chromebook in my future.
3 — Google says it will definitely ditch cookies by 2024.
Google is making plans to remove cookies from web browsers. The tech giant’s Privacy Sandbox project will begin to gradually scale back convert tracking and stop using third-party cookies. However, this move requires developing new tech, partnering with developers and publishers, and teaming up with the whole industry which will take a while. Google originally planned to say goodbye to third-party cookies at the end of 2022, before changing the deadline to the end of 2023. Google now says it won’t happen until the end of next year. (Source: Tech Radar)
Why this is important for your business:
We’ve heard this before but now I think it’s really going to happen. Which means that if your online advertising strategy relies on tracking visitors through the use of cookies then you’re going to need to incorporate another strategy.
4 — Why should every small business be using Apple devices?
Tech website 9 to 5 Mac recently shared why every small business should be using Apple Devices because of a benefit not provided by other tech platforms. (Source: 9 to 5 Mac)
Why this is important for your business:
I know…it’s a sponsored post. So I can’t credit these ideas to any one author and there’s an agenda behind the advice. But the advice is still pretty informative. According to the post, companies using Apple devices have access to “specialized software providers” geared towards “integrated solutions” to help businesses protect and manage Apple devices. The Apple Unified Platform approach helps businesses with security, deployment, and managing devices.
5 — Birdeye is launching innovative social media software for local brands and businesses.
Leading all-in-one digital customer experience and reputation platform Birdeye recently revealed it will be launching a software platform for social media geared to help local businesses manage social media accounts. The new platform — known as Birdeye Social — will help businesses manage their online reputation in different locations, publish unique posts simultaneously, and more broadly engage with their customers on social media. (Source: Mar Tech Series)
Why this is important for your business:
More of an enterprise product, Birdeye’s latest small business offereings can help attract leads with better listings, referrals, reviews and Google seller ratings. It will also help with messaging, surveys, appointment setting and mass texting.
