Brett Ostrum, Microsoft's corporate vice president of Surface, spoke at a Microsoft event. … [+]
Here are five things that happened in tech this week and how they might affect your business. Did you miss anything?
1 – Are you ready for a Windows recall?
Microsoft this week unveiled a new line of AI-powered laptops with its AI assistant Copilot deeply integrated into the Windows operating system. But what drew the most attention was the ability for the AI assistant to “remember everything.” According to the report, the new features “include Windows Recall, which gives the AI assistant what Microsoft calls a 'photographic memory' of a person's virtual activities.” (Source: ABC News)
Why this matters to your business:
Worried about privacy? Worried that company information appearing on your employees' screens is being “remembered” by Microsoft somewhere outside of the company's offices? Not a problem! Microsoft has assured the world that they will give you the option to “filter out” information you don't want tracked or remembered. This can be a huge productivity boost, but it may require your IT team to create policies for what is and isn't “remembered” and then implement those policies.
2 – Microsoft’s new “Team Copilot” AI assistant runs meetings, manages projects, and assigns tasks.
Microsoft is taking its AI capabilities even further with Team Copilot, an assistant that “works for your team.” Examples include organizing meetings, managing projects, delegating tasks, and tracking action items. Like any team member, Team Copilot is an active participant in keeping projects on track. Similarly, team members can give input and direction to the AI assistant when needed. Microsoft has announced that a preview of Team Copilot will be available later this year for users with a basic Copilot license. Learn more here. (Source: GeekWire)
Why this matters to your business:
Is this going to replace your office manager? Should you fire all your admins? Not so fast. This is a feature, not a product. It's an enhancement to Teams. Can it have a significant impact on your company's productivity? Of course it can, if you invest in the licenses and, more importantly, the training your employees need to truly take advantage of these tools.
3 – A new AI tool from Google that helps retailers sell their brands and products.
Google has announced new technology tools to help retailers promote their brands. Matt Madrigal, VP of Merchant Shopping at Google, explains how it works: The search section will use a “brand visual profile” to highlight the retailer's information stored in Google Retail. When a shopper types a specific name in search, product images, customer reviews, videos and promotions will appear, giving shoppers a visual snapshot of the brand. Additionally, the AI tool Product Studio will help sellers create “campaign-ready” content and product images, which can also be made into short videos. Other AI tools include virtual try-on and 3D technology to create high-quality, engaging ads to reach more customers using search. (Source: Google)
Why this matters to your business:
These changes will have a huge impact on businesses that sell products online and/or use Google Adwords. It will require a lot of training and time investment to truly take advantage of its features. As with the above, these are not new products; they are enhancements to existing products.
4 – Betht Chromebook 2024: Best overall, longest battery life, and more.
PC World has released their list of the “best overall” Chromebooks for 2024. They start with the Lenovo Flex 5i, with its 2-in-1 design, strong performance, and a keyboard they call “really fun,” and also praise its very reasonable price of $500. The Acer Chromebook 516 GE makes it onto the list as “best gaming” thanks to its high-performance CPU and 65-hour battery life, and it's priced at $599.99. The Framebook Laptop is what they voted “best Chromebook for tinkerers.” For those who like to take their devices apart and upgrade them, any part of this laptop can be replaced or upgraded, and you can mix and match ports. PC WorldFor a complete list, please see the link. (Source: PC World)
Why this matters to your business:
Chromebooks are a very affordable alternative to a full-fledged laptop, and if you're considering buying one for your employees or yourself, this list has some great options.
5 – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo presents a strategic vision for AI safety and unveils a plan for global inter-agency collaboration on AI safety.
At the AI Seoul Summit on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the National Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute's (AISI) position on artificial intelligence and its broader global benefits, emphasizing that “…AI will only be viable if we make the efforts to mitigate the very real dangers of AI…”. With that in mind, AISI's strategy includes advancing the science of artificial intelligence, promoting safe and responsible innovation, and supporting institutions and communities on AI safety. With regard to safety, an issue at the forefront of many discussions about AI, testing will be conducted to determine the risk level of AI development, as well as guidelines to mitigate known risks. “That is the focus of our daily work at the National AI Safety Institute,” said Secretary Raimondo. (Source: U.S. Department of Commerce)
Why this matters to your business:
While we'd like to believe that the country's largest tech companies will act responsibly, the reality is that only government regulation can curb the development of AI. But do regulators really understand what this means?
