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Here are five things that happened in technology last week and how they will affect your business. Did you miss them?
1— Microsoft Teams voice and video calls can be routed to custom business applications.
Microsoft Teams has created a new feature where you can customize calls and videos and transfer them to leading business apps. This enables businesses to enable group video and audio conferencing within their own business applications, enabling employees and employers to reduce the need to go back and forth between Microsoft and other work-related applications. Microsoft hopes this will increase productivity and improve communication transparency between partners. (Source: ZDNet)
Why this is important to your business:
This is one of those small improvements that can give you a lot of productivity. In theory – and with some developer help – you can embed groups into your accounting, CRM, HR or other applications so you don’t have to switch back and forth. I recommend that a Microsoft developer spend a few hours setting this up with one of your business applications to see what impact it has. I guess it has a lot of influence.
2— The popular “Hey, Google” command disappears during a meeting.
Google launched this new feature when the command “Hey, Google” doesn’t work and 10 minutes before a meeting. The hope is that this command will not interrupt any important calls during a meeting. This feature only applies to Google Meet Hardware and is designed for online video conferencing. (Source: ARS Technica)
Why this is important to your business:
Another adjustment that can reduce some headaches. When will Amazon figure out a way not to launch Alexa when someone in the room says the same word?
3—Lenovo is announcing the new Evolve Small version.
Last summer, computer maker Lenovo created a program called EvolveSmos to help small businesses in North America with financial assistance, business mentoring, technical support and community support. This week, the company announced an expansion of the program to focus more on minority- and women-owned businesses. (Source: Business Wire)
Why this is important to your business:
As part of the company’s and initiatives, Lenovo will continue to provide grants, technology upgrades and consulting opportunities to small businesses in the United States and Canada in partnership with Microsoft and AMD. Select small businesses will have the opportunity to partner with a popular celebrity. You can benefit from customized marketing materials and mentors from the renowned partner and Lenovo Evolve Small Ambassadors. These small businesses get the technology support they need to implement systems and processes to optimize their day-to-day operations.
4—Apple Releases 10 iOS 16 Features You Didn’t Know About
Apple plans to release iOS 16 with the new iPhone 14. (Source: Computer World)
Why this is important to your business:
These improvements are said to improve workflow with apps that were originally only available on the iPad – like QuickNote. Other new features include a “reminder later” option for mail, a “do not send email” feature, merging duplicate contacts, public transport fares on a map, and more.
5— AI-Powered app can extend battery life.
A new AI-powered innovation extends battery life by 30 percent and helps users save money on energy bills. It is said to help reduce carbon emissions by extending the lifespan of technology products. The application is first tested by special designers and researchers and by large manufacturers such as Huawei and Nokia. (Source: Sci Tech Daily)
Why this is important to your business:
As someone who constantly charges my phone, anything that can increase my battery life is great. I hope we see this technology on the market soon.
