(Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for DoubleTree by Hilton)
Here are five tech events that happened this week and how they impact your business. Did you miss them?
1 – What marketers need to know about Google’s “surprising, but not shocking” about-face on cookies.
Google’s decision in 2020 to phase out Third-party cookies have drawn some opposition from advertisers, leading to a lengthy period of litigation and delays. Google has now reversed its decision, allowing users to “opt in” or “opt out” of cookies. Advertisers are waiting to see how this will work, as it’s a different way of preserving user privacy. As a result, ad executives are advising advertisers “not to rely too heavily on cookies over time,” Google’s chief executive said. Newspaper reported. (Source: the wall street journal)
Why this is important for your business:
Whether we support this initiative or not, at least we have a clear head. For years, Google has been threatening to eliminate cookies, in response to privacy concerns. This threat has caused a lot of uncertainty among marketers and business owners. Their delays haven’t helped. Now, they’re abandoning the idea, at least for the foreseeable future.
2 – Visa: AI has helped block 80 million fraudulent transactions in 2023.
Visa’s AI technology has helped stop 80 million fraudulent transactions worth $40 billion by 2023. Over the past five years, Visa has invested more than $10 billion in technology, including $500 million in AI and data infrastructure. AI tools have significantly improved fraud detection, with initiatives such as the UK’s AI-powered real-time fraud detection service and solutions to combat enumeration attacks. These efforts are part of Visa’s broader strategy to strengthen security across the payments ecosystem. (Source: PYMNT)
Why this is important for your business:
While artificial intelligence has been in the headlines in recent years, the AI-powered algorithms used by Visa and other financial services to detect trends and fraud aren’t new. But they’re getting better. The good news is that these tools can help reduce financing costs for business owners.
3 – Microsoft wants you to pay $300 a year for AI art in Word.
PCWorld’s Mark Hachman reported on Microsoft’s plans to integrate AI artistic capabilities into Microsoft Designer in Word and PowerPoint. The new feature will be available for a $300 annual subscription. But as Hachman points out, “you can have Microsoft Copilot draw an AI-generated picture of a strawberry pie for free.” In addition to the Microsoft 365 subscription ($6.99, personal or $9.99, family), Microsoft is adding an additional $20 per month to use the AI art tool in Word. (Source: PC World)
Why this is important for your business:
Given the poor quality, unreliability, and inaccuracy of Microsoft’s current AI offerings (Copilot), I wouldn’t pay a dime for this. At least not this year.
4 – Events like the Microsoft outage are why a tech writer takes these 5 gadgets every time I fly.
The CrowdStrike incident that wreaked havoc on Windows systems around the world was particularly chaotic for the airline industry. Kizmanzi Constable outlined his five must-have items every time he flies: a mobile router for reliable Wi-Fi; a portable charger for his devices; a mini power strip; a universal adapter; and a laptop stand. Constable offers specific recommendations for each, saying, “Having the right technology allows me to stay entertained, informed, and productive no matter where I am in the world.” (Source: CNET)
Why this is important for your business:
Good advice for frequent business travelers, although I’m not sure these tools would have been much comfort to Delta passengers last week.
5 – The alcohol industry relies on AI in more ways than you might think.
The alcohol and spirits industry is increasingly using AI to improve flavor profiles and address the challenges of extreme weather. Companies like Japanese brewery Suntory and British society Diageo Companies in the industry are using AI to develop ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails that mimic the quality of drinks prepared by bartenders. Rising temperatures have pushed industry players to find alternative ways to produce high-quality products. “AI is helping us be more resilient,” said Will Drayton, director of sustainability and science at Treasury Wine Estates. (Source: Fast Company)
Why this is important for your business:
Sounds interesting, but how? To reproduce drinks? Is AI necessary for this? These companies keep their proprietary uses of AI secret. Many large companies that deploy AI systems do the same.