(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 – ChatGPT gets its biggest update so far – here are 4 upgrades that are coming soon.
This week OpenAI held its first developer conference where several updates to ChatGPT were announced. Among them were “Create a GPT” that allows plus-subscribers to create their personal AI assistant – “Create a GPT” – that will let users “customize ChatGPT for a specific purpose.” The OpenAI blog provides examples and instructions. The other announcement is the launch of an app store which will house the GPT creations and builders will be able to monetize their product based on usage. ChatGPT has also received a “turbo boost” with a capacity to incorporate and process current data – up to April 2023 – a notable development from the previous version. (Source: TechRadar)
Why this is important for your business:
ChatGPT passed 100 million active users recently and continues to be popular with many of my clients. As it matures it’s becoming a reliable productivity tool. What excites me the most of these announcements is the app store – truly a place that will create future tech millionaires, just like what happened when the iPhone was released. If you haven’t started using ChatGPT in your business you should seriously invest some time.
2 – Google is rolling out tools that let advertisers create AI-generated content.
Advertisers can now create AI-generated content through Google’s Performance Max system. Currently in beta, the system is activated across channels (YouTube, search function) and only available in the U.S. with plans to expand to other regions by the end of this year. (Source: Engadget)
Why this is important for your business:
Not only will companies be able to use imagery and text that will enhance their ad’s assets – the system will also analyze “performance data” and measure the ad’s effectiveness – and build future ads based on that data. Creators can review and edit text/images prior to the content going live. They can also create various versions from the same ad. Pallavi Naresh, Group Product Manager at Google, emphasized, “Asset variety is a key ingredient for a successful Performance Max campaign.”
3 – Amazon is offering buy now, pay later options to help small business owners.
Amazon has partnered with financial company Affirm forming a BNPL (buy now, pay later) system for small business owners. Announced last week the deal is very timely with Black Friday weeks away. The Affirm payment option will be available to all Amazon business accounts by that time. Business owners select the option at the time of transaction by entering their registered information – then complete the purchase upon approval. (Source: Cord Cutter News)
Why this is important for your business:
With the intention of helping business owners who take on substantial purchases to better manage their costs – the “pay-over-time” option helps with “fast tracking revenue goals” with the bonus of not having to worry about fees. BNPL has been enormously popular as a short term financing tool. If you’re selling on Amazon you should include this tool in your payment options.
4 – New Facebook Stories API helps creators share directly from third-party desktop of web apps.
Meta has added the ability for members to share stories from third party applications. Facebook Stories APIs will broaden users’ ability to add content tailored for a specific story, for example – content that relies specific templates or images. Piscart – the editing and design platform – allows users to “personalize Facebook stories” or upload previously created templates from its design team. (Source: TechCrunch)
Why this is important for your business:
According to previous reports, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg indicated more than 500 million people use the Facebook Stories tool. This announcement – some speculate – is a move to attract more professionally-focused story creators. For entrepreneurs in this space, these tools could be a great way to take their storytelling to another level.
5 – Best laptops 2023: Premium laptops, budget laptops, 2-in-1s, and more.
Sam Singleton and Ashley Biancuzzo of PCWorld shared their pics of best laptops, 2-in-1s and best deals. Among their choices of “best laptop deals” are Lenovo’s Think 1X Nano and HP-Victus. For “best laptops” overall, the Acer Aspire 3 and Acer Chromebook Spin 514 made their list – the spacious keyboard and webcam for the former, battery life for the latter. If you’re a gamer, they’re best “budget gaming laptop” is the MSI Thin GF63 for the price and 1080p gaming feature. Their list was based on vetted testing by their tech team who measured for “rigorous usability.” Visit the link to see the others that made their list. (Source: PCWorld)
Why this is important for your business:
Another great list from PCWorld for any business owner looking to purchase these devices this year.
