(This column originally appeared in Forbes)
Here are five things in tech that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 — Apple delays AI features for new iPhone and iPad software updates.
Apple has announced a delay in the rollout of its new AI features — Apple Intelligence –for the upcoming iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates. Initially set for release in September, these features are now expected in October to allow for additional testing and stability improvements. Apple Intelligence will include enhanced notification prioritization, web page summaries, updated writing tools, a revamped Siri, and integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. (Source: PYMNTS)
Why this is important for your business:
Finally, a software company that actually cares about the quality of the software it’s releasing. Given the vast amounts of complaints, frustration and dissatisfaction I’ve personally and through my clients experienced with Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini’s not-ready-for-prime-time releases it’s a relief to see that Apple is holding back on releasing its own AI offerings until they actually…gasp!…work. Thank you, Apple, for not wasting our time with inferior products.
2 — PayPal boosts revenue forecasts with new SMB features and partner collaborations.
PayPal has raised its revenue forecasts for 2024, citing new features for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) — and partnerships with companies like Meta and Salesforce. Key additions include Apple Pay acceptance, PayPal Vault for saving payment methods, and real-time account updates. PayPal reported an 11% year-over-year increase in transaction volume, reaching $403.9 billion in Q2 2024. The company also emphasized enhancing customer experiences and driving engagement through smart receipts and package tracking. “We are the number one branded experience across all platforms and devices,” PayPal CEO Alex Chriss said. (Source: PYMNTS)
Why this is important for your business:
I strongly feel that PayPal is a long time player and — despite some ups and downs — is a worthwhile platform for retailers, restaurateurs and other small businesses to rely on. Why? Because, at least to me, it’s a middleware platform that handles all electronic payments regardless of the method. The payment marketplace is confusing. PayPal makes it less so for businesses and their customers. I believe that’s its real value.
3 — Windows 11’s hidden new ‘end task’ option means you can say goodbye to Task Manager drama at last.
Windows 11 introduces a hidden feature allowing users to end unresponsive apps directly from the taskbar by right-clicking and selecting “End Task.” The feature isn’t enabled by default but can be activated through the Settings app under the “For Developers” section. Bypassing the Task Manager, this new option aims to simplify managing frozen applications. (Source: TechRadar)
Why this is important for your business:
Of course a better solution would be to not force users into a situation where they have to “end task” because the operating system deals with software problems better. But alas, that’s never been an option it seems. At least instead of digging through various screens and dialog boxes to kill an errant piece of software, Microsoft is now making it easier for us. OK, I’ll take it.
4 — Imagine ChatGPT, but for sales teams. That’s what this startup is doing.
San Francisco-based startup Tome is developing an AI assistant designed specifically for sales teams. Like ChatGPT, the assistant leverages generative AI technology to enhance client interactions and streamline sales processes. The AI assistant can help salespeople prepare for meetings, manage follow-ups, and improve overall efficiency in handling client communications. According to the report, it can also offer suggestions for the best person to contact at a target organization through its ranking system. This innovation is set to transform how sales teams operate, making interactions more personalized and effective. (Source: CNET)
Why this is important for your business:
This is a good app, but I’m dubious about its future, given that Salesforce and other leading CRM applications are building similar AI features. Not sure of their long term plan (probably sell to a bigger company?) but not a bad application to use for the near term.
5 — Sage and Stripe expand deal to boost SMB financial processes.
Software company Sage has expanded its partnership with Stripe to improve financial processes for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This collaboration aims to enhance cash flow management and streamline payment processing. (Source: LeapRate)
Why this is important for your business:
The companies say that the integration allows Sage’s customers to make and receive payments more efficiently, using Stripe’s trusted infrastructure. The services are available in the UK through various Sage platforms. If you’re a Sage customer you should find out exactly how.
