Here are five things in tech that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 — One of TikTok’s most popular restaurants is completely made up.
TikTok channel Bistro Huddy is an example of the magic of social media. Created by influencer Drew Talbert, the content is a series of comedic skits inspired by experiences he had in the restaurant business as a server. Named after his son — Hudson — the channel has 4.5 million followers and earns Talbert six figures a year from merchandise, Patreon subscriptions, and brand-sponsored content. He and his wife create and write the skits which have attracted a loyal audience. “I was able to use my sketch comedy background that I’ve been working on for years,” Talbert said. (Source: NBC News)
Why this is important for your business:
A lesson for brands: people on social want stories, fun, human interest stuff. We don’t want your products and services jammed down out throats. We want transparency and authenticity. Do that and it will reflect well on your brand. A lesson for entrepreneurial influencers — if you’ve got the talent to do the same, then you’ve got a business.
2 — Listrak announces enhanced AI-powered app for Shopify merchants.
Marketing platform Listrak has launched an enhanced AI-powered app for Shopify merchants, offering improved tools for personalized marketing.– Listrak’s VP of Partnerships. The app uses AI to automate and optimize email and SMS marketing campaigns, helping merchants engage customers more effectively and increase sales. Key features include advanced segmentation, predictive analytics, and tailored product recommendations. (Source: MarTech Series)
Why this is important for your business:
Sounds good for now. Until Shopify either buys Listrak (I’m rooting for you guys!) or decides to just do it on their own and put Listrak out of business. Regardless, these are the kinds of AI features every e-commerce platform will need to offer to stay competitive.
3 — The 50-year-old technology that brands and retailers are trying to quit.
Brands and retailers are moving away from using barcode scanning — which has been in use for over 50 years — due to its declining security and convenience compared to advanced alternatives like QR codes. Coca Cola and Loreal — who has tested QR codes with some of their product — are among the companies looking to make the transition in the near future. However, the process will be gradual with some industries still reliant on barcoding. Barcode generator GSI is working on project Sunrise 2027 “with the goal of full transition from traditional barcodes,” the Journal reported. (Source: Wall Street Journal)
Why this is important for your business:
While QR codes are cheaper, more versatile and easier to implement just be careful. They tend to wear after a while, come with potential security issues and require maintenance.
4 — IKEA says AI-powered warehouse drones will improve the retail shopping experience.
IKEA is expanding its use of AI-powered drones in its warehouses to streamline inventory management. Equipped with AI, the drones help automate the process of counting stock, improving accuracy, and efficiency. This technology is part of IKEA’s broader push to modernize its operations. The use of drones — working alongside employees — will allow them more time to focus on other tasks. The company plans to expand the use of drone technology next year. “This advanced system will be integrated into fulfilment units, including distribution centres, which will run continuously,” the company stated in a press release. (Source: PYMNTS)
Why this is important for your business:
Drone technology will be commonplace in most warehouses — big and small — over the next few years. They can help with cycle counting, warehouse management, identification of safety issues and tracking materials. Many big brands like IKEA are launching drones and if you run a warehouse you should be considering the same.
5 — Google’s Waymo now has 100,000 driverless robotaxi rides a week.
Waymo’s driverless robotaxis are gaining traction, with the company now completing 100,000 rides per week. This milestone highlights the increasing adoption of autonomous vehicles in urban environments, particularly in cities like San Francisco and Phoenix where Waymo operates. The growth in rides reflects both improved technology and growing consumer trust in autonomous transportation. As Waymo continues to expand, it’s positioning itself as a leader in the burgeoning robotaxi market. (Source: Quartz)
Why this is important for your business:
I don’t trust autonomous vehicles in traffic and public places. Why? Because every AI-driven app I review suffers from deviancies and I’m having a difficult time getting my arms around the premise that a driverless car can absorb all the information necessary to provide a safe ride. At least not yet. However, if your business wants to really leverage autonomous vehicles, there are plenty of companies making driverless forklifts and materials carriers that work inside of factories or on construction sites where the risk of killing someone is a lot less!
