(This post originally appeared on Forbes)
Here are five things in technology that happened this past week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 —G Suite has a new name and new features.
G Suite is changing its name to Google Workspace and adding some new features to its collaboration tools. With so many companies still working remotely due to COVID-19, the rebranding to Workspace is an effort to help users view Workspace as a singular place where they can get work done. (Source: CNBC)
Why this is important for your business:
According to Google, users will no longer have to open new tabs in order to view files in Slides, Sheets, and Docs while working in Chat. Users will also be notified through a pop-up when they are tagged in a document and display the suggesters contact information in order to easily email, chat, or video call them. If you’re already a user you’ll benefit. If you’re considering, well….
2 — Salesforce Ventures launched a $100M impact fund to invest in cloud startups with a social mission.
Salesforce announced this past week that they have launched another Impact Fund, this time investing $100 million and doubling their 2017 investment of $50 million. Salesforce has consistently included social impact as part of their overall corporate model and business goals. (Source: Tech Crunch)
Why this is important for your business:
Like the first launch, this most recent fund is geared toward helping investments go to cloud organizations that focus on social elements such as equity and inclusion, providing tech for foundations and non-profits, diversity, climate action, and reskilling and education. If you’re in that space, there’s money available to help you grow.
3 —Augmented Reality technologies are growing fast, thanks to the pandemic.
Augmented reality is becoming a key factor in helping companies make sales during the coronavirus pandemic. Brides and bridesmaids can now shop virtually through the David’s Bridal website and their augmented reality feature. Shoppers are able to load mannequins in 3-D on their website, select a dress, allowing them a 360-degree view and chance to inspect the dress closely, getting a good look at the fabric and details of the dress. Similarly Avataar.me — which is an advertising platform driven by AI — is helping companies by transforming 2D pictures into 3D in order to help shoppers get a closer look at things like cars, houses, and furniture. (Source: Retail Wire and Your Story)
Why this is important for your business:
Thanks to Covid, businesses – both big and small – are looking for new and innovative ways to show their products in a safe and virtual way and because of that Augmented reality applications and uses are expanding at a greater rate. This is a trend that will continue to accelerate in the next few years and if you’re in a business that could benefit – retail, field service, real estate – these technologies are important to consider.
4 —Gusto launches a salary-early service for small business clients.
Gusto — a fintech geared toward helping small businesses navigate their benefits for workers — recently introduced a free product that will allow employees to have access to their money in between pay days. (Source: Business Insider)
Why this is important for your business:
Gusto’s newest feature will be integrated with their digital wallet, which already lets workers put wages aside to save. Those who are currently using Gusto will be able to start taking advantage of the new feature with no extra downloads. Gusto’s new feature aims to provide businesses a better option for having quick access to cash. HR apps like Gusto’s are growing in popularity and are a great way to increase productivity, particularly for a remote workforce.
5— Venmo is launching its first credit card.
Venmo announced the release of their new credit card this past week. Venmo Credit Card became available last week to chosen users and will be accessible to all Venmo customers over the next several months. Users can use their Venmo app to apply for the credit card as long as their account is at least 30 days old, in good order, they are at least 18 years old, and live in the United States. Venmo Credit Card users will be able to oversee, view, and manage activity for the card directly through Venmo’s app. (Source: The Verge)
Why this is important for your business:
Venmo (which is owned by PayPal) is a hugely popular payment service for microbusinesses, non profits and independent contractors. According to the company, the Venmo Credit Card lets users make contactless payments, split their credit card purchases in the Venmo app, request a new virtual card number, earn cash back rewards on their purchases, and more – all without an annual fee This credit card should make it easier for your customers to pay for your products and services.
