(This article originally appeared in Forbes)
Here are five things in technology that happened this past week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 -Microsoft is officially ending support for Internet Explorer in 2022.
Microsoft announced this week that it will be ending support for Internet Explorer in June 2022. According to Kris Holt at Engadget “The move won’t affect the Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Channel, which is used for devices that stay the same over time, such as MRI machines and air traffic control systems. Nor will the retirement affect Server Internet Explorer 11 desktop applications or the MSHTML (Trident) engine. For the most part, though, Internet Explorer will be put out to pasture in a little under 13 months.” (Source: Engadget)
Why this is important for your business:
Although marking the end of an era, this news shouldn’t come as a big surprise. But if your company — or applications — still uses Internet Explorer you’ll need to standardize on another browser. Microsoft, of course, will want you to use its Edge browser. Google’s Chrome is still the market share leader.
2 — This startup is allowing workers to access earned wages early.
New York-based tech startup DailyPay allows users to have instant access their paychecks rather than having to wait for payday. The startup-which just raised $175 million in funding- already works with well-known names like Kroger and McDonald’s and operates somewhat like an ATM machine. DailyPay makes it so that employees are able to take out money that belongs to them, but at a small fee. Based on research shared by the startup, 53% of those seeking employment are searching for jobs that pay employees each day. (Source: Yahoo Finance)
Why this is important for your business:
Same day pay is a growing trend and needs to be taken seriously by small businesses. Technologies like DailyPay are making this benefit easier to implement and administer. On the one hand, having this benefit available could attract more employees in these days of tight labor. But there are definitely cash flow concerns that need to be addressed.
3 -Microsoft Teams just became a WhatsApp alternative.
Microsoft Teams just rolled out new features that is making the popular workplace collaboration tool an alternative to WhatsApp. According to the tech giant, Teams will now be available for personal purposes on web, desktop, and mobile (both iOS and Android). Users will be able to use Teams to chat with family and friends, create to-do lists and tasks from chats, easily collaborate for family events, share invites, schedule meetings-and more-all at no cost. Individuals without the Teams app on their phone will also be able to communicate via Teams using SMS. (Source: Pocket Now)
Why this is important for your business:
Facebook’s WhatsApp application’s recent changes to its policies have irked some users so maybe Microsoft can use this to their advantage. I’m sure this will create an increased usage of Teams by individuals as long as Microsoft doesn’t annoy potential users with their typical barrage of ads for their other services. WhatsApp is most popular overseas, so business owners should see if Teams grabs a bigger foothold, which may mean using this application for communications with non-American customers.
4 — NASA is investing $105 million in US small business technology development.
NASA’s Small Business Innovation Research program recently awarded 127 small businesses in the United States with a total of $105 million. The businesses- which come from 34 different states across the country- included 33 veteran-owned, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses. The awards will provide each business with $750,000 to help them further develop their technology in order to potentially become commercialized. Through the program, the businesses will continue to develop, demonstrate, and deliver proposals over the next two years. (Source: Daily Record News)
Why this is important for your business:
NASA, like other arms of the U.S. government, has plenty of funding available for small businesses — particularly minority owned — that have potential technologies to develop.
5-Time for a manicure? This Israeli startup’s 3D imaging and AI has got your nails covered.
Nimble- an Israeli-based startup which recently raised $10 million in funding- has developed a machine that- with the use of 3D image processing and artificial intelligence- helps give manicures to users. Users are able to insert their hand into the side of the machine, which then identifies how the nails are structured through a scan. Through various algorithms, the machine is able to activate a robotic arm that is able to paint and dry nails on a single hand in only 10 minutes. (Source: Times of Israel)
Why this is important for your business:
Will this technology put some nail salons out of business? Maybe.
