(Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for DoubleTree by Hilton)
Here are five things in technology that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 – What marketers need to know about Google’s ‘surprising but not shocking’ facial cookies.
Google’s decision in 2020 to phase out third-party cookies resulted in pushback from advertisers, which created a prolonged period of disputes and delays. Now Google has reversed its decision by allowing users to “accept” or “reject” cookies. Advertisers are waiting and seeing how this will work as it is a different method to maintain user privacy. As such, advertising executives recommend that advertisers “not rely too heavily on cookies over time.” diary reported. (Source: Wall Street Journal)
Why this is important for your business:
Support or disagree, at least we have clarity. For years, Google has threatened to remove cookies in response to privacy concerns. This was causing a lot of uncertainty among traders and business owners. Their delays didn’t help. Now they’re giving up on the idea, at least for the foreseeable future.
2 – Visa: AI helped block 80 million fraudulent transactions in 2023.
Visa’s AI technology helped block 80 million fraudulent transactions worth $40 billion by 2023. Over the past five years, Visa has invested over $10 billion in technology — $500 million of which was allocated to AI and its infrastructure data. 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 countering attacks. These efforts are part of Visa’s broader strategy to increase security across the payments ecosystem. (Source: PYMNTS)
Why this is important for your business:
While AI has been in the headlines for the past few years, the AI-powered algorithms used by Visa and other financial services to detect trends and fraud are not new. But they are getting better. The good news is that these tools can help keep financing costs lower 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 Microsoft Designer’s AI art capabilities into Word and PowerPoint. This new feature will be available for an annual subscription fee of $300 per year. But as Hachman points out, “You can ask Microsoft Copilot to draw an AI-generated image of a strawberry pie for free.” On top of a Microsoft 365 subscription ($6.99, personal or $9.99, family), Microsoft is adding an extra $20 per month to use the AI art tool in Word. (Source: PCWorld)
Why this is important for your business:
Given the poor quality, unreliability and inaccuracy of Microsoft’s current AI offering – Copilot – I wouldn’t pay a dime for this. At least not this year.
4 – Events like the Microsoft shutdown are why a tech writer packs these 5 tools every time I fly.
The CrowdStrike incident that wreaked havoc on Windows systems around the world was particularly chaotic in the airline industry. Kizmanzi Constable offered his five items of use whenever he flew: A mobile router for reliable WiFi; a portable charger for his devices; a mini energy bar; universal adapter and laptop holder. Constable offers specific recommendations for each and states, “Having the right technology keeps me entertained, informed and able to get work done wherever I am in the world.” (Source: CNET)
Why this is important for your business:
Good advice for frequent business travelers, though I’m not sure these tools would have been much comfort to Delta passengers last week.
5 – The liquor industry is leaning towards AI in more ways than you might think.
The beverage and beverage industry is increasingly using AI to improve flavor profiles and address the challenges posed by extreme weather. Companies such as Japanese brewer Suntory and UK company Diageo are using AI to develop ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails that replicate the quality of bartender-made drinks. Rising temperatures have forced those in the industry to find alternative ways to produce high-quality products. “AI is helping us to 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 good, but how? Reproducing drinks? Is AI needed for this? These companies are keeping their use of proprietary AI close to their chest. Many larger companies that are deploying AI systems are doing the same.