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 — Etsy to ban sales of certain sex toys, explicit content.
Etsy — the popular marketplace for unique goods — plans to ban the sale of most sex toys and explicit content. The ban — which goes into effect July 29 — is a move to uphold standards of appropriate content for a “wide audience.” Affected items include sex toys, certain gender-affirming products, and any photographic content featuring genitalia. Violations of this policy may lead to suspension or termination of selling privileges. (Source: PCMag)
Why this is important for your business:
It’s a little frustrating to me with big marketplaces ban products — even though they’re perfectly legal — from their platforms when they deem “inappropriate.” But they’re free to do this and I understand that they know their customer base better. If you’re in the business of selling products that may be considered inappropriate by Etsy you should be finding other platforms that will allow the sale and stepping up your ability to sell of your website.
2 — The US. awards 12 regional ‘Tech Hubs,’ aiming to fund America’s next Silicon Valleys.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has designated 31 regional Tech Hubs across the country, aiming to spur technological innovation, strengthen manufacturing, and create high-paying jobs. Backed by the CHIPS and Science Act implemented by the Biden-Harris Administration, the strategy targets a diverse range of industries including semiconductors, clean energy, biotechnology, and quantum computing. These Tech Hubs were chosen from nearly 400 applications, underscoring a broader strategy to ensure technological and economic advancements are distributed more evenly across the country. (Source: ZDNet)
Why this is important for your business:
Tech companies looking to get funding and other resources may want to consider these 31 destinations.
3 — State of SEO: Google search algorithm updates for 2024.
Michelle Hawley of CMSWire reported on the evolving state of SEO in light of recent Google search algorithm updates, focusing on changes made in October 2023 and March 2024. These updates have significantly impacted website rankings and traffic across various industries. (Source: CMS Wire)
Why this is important for your business:
Updates include — eliminating continuous scroll to speed up search results, SEO strategy adjustments that adheres to Google’s E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust) guidelines, and Google’s aggressive measures to control SPAM outlined in their updated policies.
4 — Expect this year to be a big iPhone upgrade year.
The upcoming iPhone models are expected to feature several significant upgrades. The iPhone 16 Pro will see more AI-powered features, an increase in power efficiency as well as increased screen size to 6.3 inches — up from the 6.1 inches of the iPhone 15 Pro. Camera enhancements are also anticipated, a larger Action button and Capture button, with potential improvements in telephoto and ultra-wide capabilities. (Source: CNET)
Why this is important for your business:
Will you or your employees be upgrading iPhones this year? My recommendation is to hold on to your existing phone for as long as possible as I don’t see these changes have that much of an impact on your workers’ productivity or your business yet. Also, if you’re paying for your phone monthly, once that payment ends you own the phone and with recent changes to Right to Repair rules you might be able to continue to the usefulness of those phones for the foreseeable future.
5 — American Express is taking control of restaurant reservations.
American Express is set to enhance its dining platform by acquiring two major technology providers: Resy — a booking app; and Tock — the all-in-one reservation technology. The acquisition of Tock from Squarespace — valued at $400 million — will expand American Express’s suite of digital tools for restaurants and diners. Tock specializes in reservation, table, and event management technology. These acquisitions aim to provide card members with enriched dining experiences, access to a broad network of diners, and exclusive culinary events. (Source: CNN Business)
Why this is important for your business:
I’m most interested to see how this will impact customers using competing payment services. Be careful if you fully align with Resy or Tock as it may limit the options that your non-AMEX customers have when reserving tables at your restaurant.
