Five things that happened in tech this week and how they're impacting your business. did you miss her
1 – This guy reviews laptops for a living and says this is the best laptop under $500
Laptop Magazine's Sean Riley just recommended the best laptop under $500. The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 is Sean's choice for its high quality display (detachable screen) and long battery life of 13 hours. The only downside Sean mentioned is system performance, but only when compared to other laptops on the market. The overall rating for Duet 5 is 4.5/5 stars. (Source: Laptop)
Why it matters to your business:
I'm looking for a new laptop and have never owned a Chromebook. One thing I have is Chromebook is not the right device for me because I have limited storage or don't have Microsoft. But this is just silly: I love my Android phone, Microsoft apps work great, and when I'm offline? Sean's approval could be the turning point in my purchase.
2 – Microsoft is bringing green screen functionality to Teams meetings
Now you can enhance your virtual meetings with cinema quality backgrounds. Microsoft just added a green screen feature to Microsoft Teams that offers a richer experience with backgrounds. Users can now spawn in different environments, on par with the technology used in movies. (Source: beta news)
Why it matters to your business:
This could be a game changer for people who are making videos but want to dramatically improve their track record. Microsoft's virtual meeting room update has raised the bar, allowing users to manipulate their backgrounds to enhance presentations, provide more privacy depending on display settings, and offer a variety of other cool effects. Microsoft claims that green screen greatly improves image definition and sharpness. Green screen is available in Teams public preview.
3 – Google Bard revamps its virtual assistant division with a focus on AI technology
CNBC recently reported that Bard, the company's AI assistant, will lead ongoing development. Google is significantly expanding its AI-based technology. He recently sent a message announcing Bard's trial period and inviting him to try the technology. (Source: CNBC)
Why it matters to your business:
Google has also been quietly working on Bard for the past few years, only to be prematurely kicked out after ChatGPT stole the show. Most business owners I speak to don't care until their basic AI gets better and more accurate. But think of the possibilities Bard really has up his sleeve that you can charge him with Google data. I will write about that soon.
4 – TipHaus, which helps businesses distribute tips, raises $3.5 million and launches banking tool.
Described as the "world's first and only comprehensive consulting solution," TipHaus is a startup founded by Leif Magnuson. With a customer base that includes restaurants and hotels, TipHaus helps managers calculate and manage the distribution of tips for their employees. (Source: GeekWire)
Why it matters to your business:
Now TipHaus offers software that connects to a store's POS system at over 2,000 locations nationwide ($99 per month per location). Tips are distributed in a systematic way, eliminating manual time and unintentional errors.
5 – PayPal introduces Apple Pay support for small businesses
Financial services company PayPal has added ApplePay to its system for small and medium-sized businesses. (Source: iClarified)
Why it matters to your business:
As financial institutions continue to strive to simplify and secure electronic transactions, PayPal understands the challenges SMBs face. "The retail landscape is ever-changing, and SMBs need access to a variety of tools to grow sales…" said Nitin Prabhu, PayPal's vice president of merchant experiences and payment solutions.
