(This article originally appeared in Forbes)
1— The Apple M2 and up to seven new Mac models will be released this year.
Bloomberg’s Apple reporter Mark Gurman has already mentioned the announcement of the 13-inch MacBook Pro but he recently predicted that seven new Mac models will be released in 2022 –all featuring Apple silicon processors. Still, Gurman’s predictions are merely educated guesses with only a few are confirmed to be true, one being the redesigned 13-inch MacBook Pro. (Source: Techradar)
Why this is important for your business:
If your business is an Apple shop this may be the year to make some upgrades. Keep an eye on the company’s announcements.
2- Retailers are taking theft into their own hands with online readers.
To help identify stolen products being sold online, many retail stores are ditching the bulky security tags for virtually invisible metal strips. The strips are attached to the tags on online orders that track products across their supply chain. 15 percent of retailers have already adopted the use of these. Although some customers have concerns about privacy issues, retail security experts emphasize that the technology is not sophisticated enough to track clothes on their own. This new way of tracking shoplifters may be the solution to solving retail theft. (Source: NBC News)
Why this is important for your business:
Considering the increase in thefts and shoplifting incidents this past year, every retailer needs to be taking a hard look at the security they have in place over their inventory. Metal strips may be the answer, as well as more security cameras and training for staff.
3- As investors punish Shopify, other competitors are expected to grow sales the most through 2023.
Shopify’s stock fell 26 percent over the last two trading sessions despite the company stating their results before the analyst’s revenue and earnings expectations. According to Barron’s Market Watch, if a company’s sales outlook for the next month upsets investors, the stock can collapse. There are still many eCommerce platforms to keep an eye on. This story lists funds that invests in e-commerce platforms and may give you some options.(Source: Market Watch)
Why this is important for your business:
Regardless of what Wall Street may think, Shopify remains a solid platform for any e-commerce business to consider. However, there are a bunch of new competitors to also evaluate.
4- These are the 9 best payroll services for small businesses in 2022 according to Forbes.
The nine payroll services received a 3.5/5 or higher on the Forbes Advisor Rating include Paychex Flex, Justworks and Gusto — as well as many other great options. The Advisors rated these companies based on four factors –pricing, criteria, third party reviews, and expected analysis. Each platform varies, but all work virtually the same –managing direct deposit as well as processes payroll checks, taxes and reporting. (Source: Forbes)
Why this is important for your business:
A great summary if you’re thinking of trying — or replacing — your payroll platform. As a CPA my advice to our clients is to always outsource your payroll. Given the complexity and resources required it’s not something you should be doing on your own.
5- Chrome is making it easier to remember passwords and sensitive information.
Google is testing a new feature that allows you to manually save passwords as well as add any useful notes to remember such passwords. The feature is currently being tested in Chrome Canary Feature 101 where users can enter helpful information such as answers to your security questions, emails, and dates all stored in the password manager. This feature is predicted to be used by Microsoft since it is based in Chromium. (Source: Techradar)
Why this is important for your business:
This could be a small, yet powerful enhancement to your company’s security. The good news is that your employees can benefit regardless if they’re using Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
