(This column originally appeared in Forbes)
Here are five things in technology that happened this past week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 — Google Chrome will stop working properly on millions of Windows PCs this week.
According to recent reports, Google will stop providing security and technical support for Google Chrome on Windows 7 this week. While older versions of Chrome will continue working, employees and business owners currently using the browser on older versions of Windows have to upgrade to Windows 10 or later as soon as possible in order to receive Chrome releases in the future. (Source: Metro)
Why this is important for your business:
Still clinging to Windows 7? Ah, the few…the proud. But c’mon, it’s time to upgrade. If not just to ensure that your people can use Chrome but also for security reasons. You gave it a good ride and I’m impressed. But it’s time to move on.
2 — The AI industry is booming among the “tech recession.”
With recession fears mounting, companies are concerned about hiring talent, with many successful tech companies anticipating more layoffs and job cuts in the coming months. However, the artificial intelligence space continues to experience success and is expected to see an annual growth rate of over 21 percent and climb by $76.44 billion in the next two years. (Source: Venture Beat)
Why this is important for your business:
One of the few bright spots in tech this year is AI. That’s because there’s such promise. And every software company is looking to AI to drive new features and keep their subscribers happy. Don’t develop your own applications — ask your vendor what AI-driven features they’re including in the software you already own, and learn how to leverage.
3 — Agencies plan to focus on TikTok — among other channels — in 2023.
Experts predict that — along with a growth in social media use — 2023 will see an increased focus on TikTok and other digital video and streaming platforms. According to expert predictions, even though agencies are still spending advertising primarily on Facebook and Instagram, TikTok is expected to see an increase in ad spend with many moving from merely testing the platform out to putting money in it previously used for other platforms. (Source: DigiDay)
Why this is important for your business:
Reports like these are causing me to re-think my online advertising spend in 2023. For now I’m committed to Google and YouTube. But I’m reading (and seeing) people getting more ROI from their TikTok spend. Maybe this is something that you should consider for your business.
4 — These are the best printers for under $300, according to small business owners.
Editors at The Huffington Post recently asked small business owners to share their picks for the best printers costing less than $300. Picks include the Canon PIXMA MG3620 for small-batch printing, the Canon Image CLASS MF455dw for reliable printing and faxing, the HP Deskjet 3755 for its easy set up and wireless capabilities, and the HP OfficeJet Pro 8025e for its compact size and easy set up. You can read about all of the picks here. (Source: Huff Post)
Why this is important for your business:
Amazing that we still use printers, but we do. I found this piece useful for clients looking to upgrade and replace these devices.
5 — Here are four up-and-coming employee mobile apps.
Tech website Computer World recently shared four employee mobile apps to keep an eye on this year. Skedulo helps streamline the workflow for workers whose jobs don’t have them sitting behind a desk, such as retail and delivery workers. 15Five enables employees to monitor their progress while letting them communicate feedback to their supervisors. When I Work is an easy-to-use app that streamlines team messaging, time tracking, and scheduling. Lastly, ClickUp is a productivity app that streamlines workflows while providing clear goals and data. (Source: Computer World)
Why this is important for your business:
I’m torn between using these apps or leaning more on collaboration offerings from the big tech companies like Microsoft and Google. But people have their preferences and the user experience is important. If you’re looking to improve teamwork, collaboration and productivity within your group this year — particularly if you have remote workers — it’s worth taking an hour out and reviewing these applications.
