Here are five things in tech that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
(This column originally appeared in Forbes)
1 — Here’s everything Apple announced at the WWDC 2024 keynote, including Apple Intelligence, Siri makeover.
At WWDC 2024, Apple made several exciting announcements about the latest updates across its software platforms: iOS 18 introduces new features like enhanced multitasking, redesigned widgets, improved privacy controls, and a revamped Messages app. For its desktops, macOS 13 has a new Control Center, redesigned Notification Center, improved Finder app, and enhanced integration with iPad apps. Swift Playgrounds 5 — the app that helps users learn code — has new tools for developers to create apps directly on iPad, making it easier for beginners to learn coding. (Source: TechCrunch)
Why this is important for your business:
Apple’s approach to AI has been consistent: instead of launching AI “products” (like Gemini or Copilot) it’s just incorporating AI into its existing products, applications and hardware. As a business owner you should be making sure you’re aware of these features and work closely with your IT team to determine which can improve productivity in your office.
2 — Microsoft recalls ‘Recall.’
After much decrying over Microsoft’s Recall feature, the company has nixed plans to develop the project further, citing concerns over security issues. An AI-powered tool that records what people do — then stores that record of activity on their computers — could potentially give hackers instant access to their PCs. These “security pitfalls” have been acknowledged by Microsoft execs such as Pavan Davuluri, Corporate VP of Microsoft Windows and Devices. For starters, the feature will be offered as an opt-in tool rather than integrated into Windows. (Source: Tool Report)
Why this is important for your business:
Given that I wrote about this last week, I’m not surprised. First of all, give credit to Microsoft for listening to the tech community and responding. I’m sure there was a lot of hand-wringing around this decision. But know that “Recall” isn’t going away. It’s now opt-in. And as the company gets smarter about using Recall to help fix problems and run their devices better I’m sure many of us will be opting in, as long as these security issues are addressed.
3 — Yahoo will take on Apple Intelligence and Google Gemini with its own AI features.
Yahoo has plans to launch its own AI features to compete with Apple’s Siri and Google’s Gemini. Yahoo aims to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance its products and services to regain relevance in the tech industry. The move signals Yahoo’s recognition of the importance of AI in staying competitive and meeting user expectations. By integrating AI features into its offerings, Yahoo hopes to revitalize its brand and attract new users.(Source: TechRadar)
Why this is important for your business:
The changes aren’t earth shattering, and they mainly focus on Yahoo Mail but one thing caught my eye. As tech writer Muskaan Saxena reports: “there’s one big new change that’s cool enough to sway me over to Yahoo Mail. You’ll soon be able to link your Yahoo inbox to other email accounts like Gmail, and Microsoft Outlook so you can send and receive all your emails right from Yahoo Mail.”
4 — Adobe to update vague AI terms after users threaten to cancel subscriptions.
Following a public outcry, Adobe has promised to never train generative AI models using user-generated content. This decision comes in response to an immediate backlash after the company released its updated terms of use which would give Adobe unfettered access to user content. A pop-up requested user acceptance of these terms in order to access Adobe’s applications. Concerns and outright anger among the user community was clearly heard. The company has pledged to responsibly develop AI and protect against potential misuse of users’ personal data. (Source: Ars Technica)
Why this is important for your business:
People are very touchy about how their data is being used. And many companies I know are very concerned about sharing their corporate data with these AI platforms. Should you be concerned? More of my thoughts are here.
5 — A new collaboration may make better use of your warehouse space.
To address the issue of constrained working spaces that pose a challenge for manufacturers, CubeBox pallet pool systems by Tezmaksan Robot Technologies is now integrated with advanced software to enhance operational efficiency in manufacturing facilities. This integration aims to maximize floor space utilization while streamlining logistics and inventory management. The system is designed to optimize the handling and storage of goods, providing cost-effective solutions for businesses seeking operational excellence in their production processes. (Source: Manufacturing Tomorrow)
Why this is important for your business:
With the cost of warehouse skyrocketing, companies are challenged to maximize the use of every square foot and using a combination of hardware, racking and other solutions to address this issue.
