ANKARA, TURKEY – JUNE 10: In this photo illustration, the “Apple” logo is displayed on a mobile phone … [+]
Here are five things that happened in the tech industry this week and how they impact your business. Were you lonely?
1 – Apple Intelligence release date leaked. The first AI features are coming to mobile phones.
October 28, 2024 is the official release date for Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new AI feature set. The first release of iOS 18.1 includes features such as writing tools, smart replies, notification summaries, and a redesigned Siri. These features will be available on the iPhone 16 lineup and iPhone 15 Pro models. Additional features such as ChatGPT integration and Image Playground will be rolled out early next year. (Source: TechRadar)
Why this is important for your business:
Apple has this strange strategy that is very different from Microsoft and Google. Companies release products that actually work. How innovative! Rather than let users test out its terrible AI technology like other big tech companies, Apple has delayed the release of Apple Intelligence at least twice. And you know what? If they want to delay the October 28th release date again until they make the right decision, people will understand and appreciate it.
2 – Zendesk enhances service solutions to strengthen human-AI partnership.
Customer service platform Zendesk is enhancing its service solutions by deepening the collaboration between human agents and AI. Zendesk is introducing new tools that integrate advanced AI capabilities into customer service workflows to improve efficiency and personalization. According to the company’s press release, these innovations include smarter AI-powered bots and automation capabilities that help agents provide faster and more accurate responses. “AI is now bridging the gap between lower cost and higher quality services,” said Tom Eggemeier, CEO of Zendesk. (Source: PR Newswire)
Why this is important for your business:
I’m a big fan of Zendesk when it comes to customer service. Especially since Zendesk has a strong presence in the SMB market with its feature-rich yet affordable platform. I believe these AI enhancements are just the beginning of many more. If your company is service-oriented, this is a good platform to consider. It also integrates with many CRM and accounting applications.
3 – Sam’s Club will open locations without checkout stations.
Sam’s Club is testing a new store concept that eliminates traditional checkout and requires customers to use “Scan & Go” technology. Shoppers scan items with their mobile devices while shopping and pay digitally without interacting with a cashier or using a self-checkout station. The concept will be tested at a new location in Grapevine, Texas, starting next week. (Source: Retail Dive)
Why this is important for your business:
“This model is designed to streamline the shopping experience and speed transactions,” the company said. And I think it will happen. But who would deny that this would also lead to a reduction in employees? If Sam’s Club is successful, it will be a big help in keeping the number of employees in check. And many other retailers will soon follow suit.
4-71% of retailers expect software to replace traditional POS terminals.
Related to the above, a recent report published by PYMNT found that 71% of retailers expect software-based solutions (SoftPOS) to replace traditional point-of-sale (POS) terminals. SoftPOS allows merchants to accept payments using a smartphone or tablet, eliminating the need for expensive hardware. This change is being driven by the rise in contactless payments and the cost-effectiveness of SoftPOS compared to traditional systems. By 2027, the number of merchants using SoftPOS is expected to increase by 475%, changing the retail landscape. (Source: Pims)
Why this is important for your business:
Once again…Hello, AI. Goodbye.
5 – OpenAI says ChatGPT 4.0 Canvas will change the way you use AI chatbots.
OpenAI has introduced a new feature called Canvas. Canvas is designed to improve productivity, giving you a dedicated workspace to create, edit, and manage your documents and code. Canvas integrates word processing with ChatGPT’s AI assistance, eliminating the need to switch between different tools and providing users with a smooth workflow. Canvas opens in a separate window and opens automatically “when ChatGPT detects a scenario in which it might be useful,” according to the company. (Source: Business Today)
Why this is important for your business:
Canvas allows businesses to brainstorm and visually plan their marketing campaigns. Product teams can leverage Canvas for collaborative product development to outline prototypes, organize research, and plan product features while integrating AI recommendations. Business analysts can use OpenAI Canvas to more effectively visualize and present data insights. For example, you can use AI-generated charts and visuals to plan sales trends, customer behavior, and financial performance. How do I know all this? I asked ChatGPT. Cheating!
