Ukraine – 12/29/2023: In this photo illustration, the Microsoft Copilot AI logo appears on a smartphone. … [+]
Here are five things that happened in tech this week and how they might affect your business. Did you miss anything?
1 – Why he’s unlikely to use Copilot for Microsoft 365 anytime soon.
Tony Phillips How-To Geek Phillips expressed concerns about the introduction of Microsoft's AI-powered Copilot into the productivity suite. Phillips' main concerns include privacy and data security in terms of how data is processed and stored when using the AI features. He also questioned effectiveness and accuracy, being unsure of the AI's ability to accurately understand and perform tasks, and questioning whether the cost of accessing premium AI features is justified. “At the end of the day, I enjoy creating original work from scratch and putting my name on it,” Phillips concluded. (Source: How-To Geek)
Why this matters to your business:
Phillips only scratches the surface. Copilot is terrible. I optimistically and naively did a webinar recently to demonstrate how Microsoft Copilot can be used with Dynamics, and it was a miserable failure. The screens were spinning, unresponsive, inaccurate responses, and overall lacking in features left me wondering why Microsoft released this product in the first place. It only brought bad publicity to my company. I truly believe Copilot will one day grow into a productive and useful tool. But now is not that day.
2 – The report reveals how AI will transform the landscape for SMEs.
Software company Pax8 released the results of its Channelnomics AI Buying Trends Survey, revealing how artificial intelligence will change the landscape for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The report highlights AI's critical role in improving efficiency, data analytics, customer engagement, and overall business processes. Key findings include that 88% of SMBs have implemented at least one AI system, and 96% plan to purchase more AI tools within the next year. 42% cited lack of infrastructure and security as the main security barrier, and 58% are currently working with a solution provider to deploy AI. (Source: SME Horizon)
Why this matters to your business:
I think the SME use of AI here is limited to running queries on ChatGPT or messing around with Copilot or Gemini. In my opinion, AI is still a big company's game and SMEs are better off waiting until software companies release products that can actually improve productivity and provide ROI to their customers, unlike Copilot that I wrote about above.
3 – This HP Chromebook makes life without Windows easier than I expected.
Reported by Cesus Cadenas ZDNet Cadenas shared his hands-on experience with the HP Chromebook Plus x360. He cited highlights such as the larger screen, more powerful hardware, high-end performance, and the flexibility of using it as a tablet. Cadenas said the keyboard was “by far” his favorite feature for its responsiveness and durability. He was also surprised by the eight hours of battery life he got when testing it with a continuous YouTube stream. Overall, Cadenas recommends the Chromebook Plus x360 as a “great all-around 2-in-1 work device.” (Source: ZDNet)
Why this matters to your business:
There was a time when Chromebooks were just cheap laptops that required an online connection because your data and files were stored in the cloud, but these devices are transforming into full-fledged laptops that can rival Windows and iOS machines.
4 – McDonald’s will remove its AI drive-thru voice ordering system from over 100 restaurants after widespread accidents.
McDonald's has ended its testing phase of AI voice ordering technology in its drive-thrus after a series of videos went viral showing customers receiving less-than-efficient service. The article cites a TikTok video in which a simple drink order was mistakenly doubled by the AI. In another example, a customer who ordered water and vanilla ice cream had “four packets of ketchup and three packets of butter” added to their order. The company said it plans to further develop the technology and possibly address glitches in the system. “Going forward, our collaboration with IBM gives us confidence that a drive-thru voice ordering solution will be part of the future of our restaurants,” McDonald's said in the report. (Source: Business Insider)
Why this matters to your business:
Every day brings new stories of AI failure. If you're still worried that AI will destroy humanity, rest assured that AI still can't order ice cream at a fast food restaurant. McDonald's, like Microsoft, also announced their product too early and suffered backlash. What's the rush, guys? Build a decent product and then release it to the public!
5 – The world’s first infinitely reusable manufacturing mold is unveiled.
Engineering company Fyous has unveiled PolyMorphic Moulding, the world's first infinitely reusable manufacturing mould. The mould can produce parts 14 times faster than 3D printing and without waste. The technology uses 28,000 closely-spaced pins to create shapes, significantly reducing tool waste and production times. It supports a range of applications, including vacuum forming and foam moulding. The innovation aims to revolutionise manufacturing by accelerating product development and increasing sustainability. (Source: Manufacturing Tomorrow)
Why this matters to your business:
Do you understand any of this? A lot of people do, especially those in manufacturing. And the ability to produce parts 14 times faster than other methods motivates them to try this technology. There are countless technological advances that benefit small businesses that have little to no connection to the world's tech giants.
