The Apple Siri AI icon is appearing on a smartphone, with Apple Intelligence on … [+]
Here are five things in technology that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 – Apple delays AI features for new iPhone and iPad software updates.
Apple has announced a delay in the rollout of its new AI features – Apple Intelligence – for the upcoming iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 updates. Originally set for release in September, these features are now expected in October to allow for additional testing and improvements of stability. Apple Intelligence will include improved notification prioritization, web page summaries, updated writing tools, a revamped Siri, and integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. (Source: PYMNTS)
Why this is important for your business:
Finally, a software company that actually cares about the quality of the software it’s releasing. Given the sheer amount of complaints, frustration and unhappiness I’ve experienced personally and through my customers with the not-ready-for-prime-time releases of Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini, it’s a relief to see that Apple is holding back on the release of AI own. offers until they actually…gasp!…work. Thank you, Apple, for not wasting our time with inferior products.
2 – PayPal increases revenue projections with new SMB features and partner collaborations.
PayPal has raised its revenue forecasts for 2024, citing new features for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) — and partnerships with companies like Meta and Salesforce. Key additions include Apple Pay acceptance, PayPal Vault for storing payment methods, and real-time account updates. PayPal reported an 11% year-over-year increase in transaction volume, reaching $403.9 billion in Q2 2024. The company also emphasized enhancing customer experiences and driving engagement through smart invoices and package tracking. “We are the number one brand experience across all platforms and devices,” said PayPal CEO Alex Chriss. (Source: PYMNTS)
Why this is important for your business:
I strongly feel that PayPal is a player for the long haul and – despite some ups and downs – is a valuable platform for retailers, restaurants and other small businesses to rely on. Why? Because, at least for me, it is a middle platform that handles all electronic payments regardless of the mode. The payments market is confusing. PayPal makes it less like that for businesses and their customers. I believe this is its real value.
3 – Windows 11’s new hidden ‘end task’ option means you can finally say goodbye to the drama of Task Manager.
Windows 11 introduces a hidden feature that allows users to close unresponsive apps directly from the taskbar by right-clicking and selecting End Task. The feature is not enabled by default, but can be enabled through the Settings app under the For Developers section, this new option aims to simplify the management of frozen apps.
Why this is important for your business:
Of course, a better solution would be to not force users into a situation where they have to “finish the task” because the operating system deals better with software problems. But alas, that was never an option it seems. At least instead of digging through various screens and dialog boxes to kill the wrong piece of software, Microsoft is now making it easier for us. OK, I’ll take it.
4 – Imagine ChatGPT, but for sales teams. That’s what this startup is doing.
San Francisco-based startup Tome is developing an AI assistant designed specifically for sales teams. Like ChatGPT, the assistant uses generative AI technology to improve customer interactions and streamline sales processes. The AI assistant can help salespeople prepare for meetings, manage follow-ups, and improve overall efficiency in handling customer communications. According to the report, it can also provide suggestions on the best person to contact at a target organization through its ranking system. This innovation is set to transform the way sales teams work, making interactions more personalized and effective. (Source: CNET)
Why this is important for your business:
This is a good app, but I’m dubious about its future, given that Salesforce and other major CRM apps are building similar AI features. Not sure about their long term plan (maybe sell to a bigger company?), but not a bad app to use for the near term.
5 – Sage and Stripe expand agreement to boost SMB financial processes.
Software company Sage has expanded its partnership with Stripe to improve financial processes for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This collaboration aims to improve cash flow management and simplify payment processing. (Source: LeapRate)
Why this is important for your business:
The companies say the integration allows Sage customers to make and receive payments more efficiently, using Stripe’s trusted infrastructure. Services are available in the UK through various Sage platforms. If you’re a Sage customer, you should find out exactly how.