(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 — The tablet this tech writer recommend most for business travel is not an iPad or ThinkPad.
Cesar Cadenas of ZDNet offered his favorable rating of Microsoft’s 11th Gen. Surface Pro for a very reasonable one thousand dollars. Highlights include — a “phenomenal” battery life, high-performance, and system accessories like the Surface Slim Pen. The device’s OLED display was another standout feature. Cadenas closed his review with, “The era of Windows on Arm laptops is finally here, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.” (Source: ZDNet)
Why this is important for your business:
When Microsoft first released the Surface I was dubious. I thought at the time why would a giant software company be getting into the hardware business. Once again, I’m wrong. The company’s Surface laptops regularly land on top of the “best of” lists I see and I know many clients who love them. So it’s not a surprise that Cadenas also loves the Surface tablet. These devices tend to be pricier than their competitors. But they’re worth it.
2 — Leaked ‘Remarkable Alexa’ is Amazon’s costly answer to Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT Plus.
Amazon is reportedly working on a new AI-powered version of Alexa, codenamed “Remarkable Alexa,” which will require a subscription fee, potentially up to $10 per month. This upgraded Alexa — expected to launch in October 2024 — will include features like AI-generated news summaries and conversational tools for shopping. The classic version of Alexa will remain free. This move is seen as Amazon’s response to Microsoft’s Copilot and ChatGPT Plus. (Source: Windows Central)
Why this is important for your business:
We have a number of these devices in our home and they have changed little in the years since we purchased them. Alexa has been a big disappointment. I once thought that Amazon would use these devices to invade the workplace and automate tasks with voice commands. Nope. Now the company wants to charge for the upgrade? Unless I see some real value I can’t imagine paying an additional fee.
3 — Microsoft releases a Copilot Adoption Kit.
Microsoft is encouraging partners to help customers accelerate their AI transformation with its Copilot Adoption Kit. The focus is on empowering customers to leverage AI to improve productivity, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation. As detailed on the Microsoft Blog, the tool offers “customizable training presentations, email templates, handouts, interactive experiences, and more.” Copilot Adoption Kit is a free tool for those who are eligible for the Microsoft 365 license. (Source: Microsoft)
Why this is important for your business:
My firm is taking Microsoft up on its offer. We’re promoting AI service for both Copilot and Google Gemini and I’m glad that Microsoft is providing materials to help us with these projects. Like AI, this documentation has a ways to go (there’s a lot of repeated information throughout) but it proves that it won’t be long before AI implementation projects become common.
4 — A super-fast bricklaying construction robot comes to the US.
A super-fast brick-laying robot — Hadrian X — has been introduced to the U.S. construction market, aiming to revolutionize masonry work. The robot can lay bricks much faster than a human worker and has been clocked at a max speed of “500 USA-format masonry blocks per hour.” Designed to work alongside humans, the Hadrian X will enhance productivity and reduce the time needed for brick-laying tasks. This technology is seen as a major step forward in streamlining construction processes, potentially transforming how buildings are constructed in the future. (Source: World of Concrete)
Why this is important for your business:
How the construction industry will be changing over the next few years with new technology! I’ll bookmark this, along with other techs when I update my most recent column I wrote about AI and technology in the construction industry.
5 — Microsoft is finally adding long-awaited features to Outlook for Windows.
According to reports, up to 30 new features are coming to Outlook. Features include PST file support which Windows notes as “among the top complaints” of users prior to this update. Copilot upgrades include drafting emails, and a “Prepare” feature will analyze/summarize ongoing conversations on a specific topic. (Source: PCWorld)
Why this is important for your business:
For details on the other features see Windows Latest.
