happy 2023
Here are five things in tech that happened in the past week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 – Microsoft Excel is finally making formulas smarter and easier.
Microsoft Excel recently revealed several updates that should make using formulas more efficient and easier. The updates are aimed at web users and include formula suggestions based on contextual data, formula for example that is similar to autocomplete, a tool that can identify broken links in cloud workbooks, and the ability to include images within of the cells. (Source: Tech Radar)
Why this is important to your business:
When was the last time you paid for Excel training for your staff? With all the changes that Microsoft has made, and some that are on the way, I think it’s worth spending a thousand dollars or two and hiring an Excel specialist to spend a few hours with your users, both general and advanced, not just to lift them. to speed up newer features, but to answer any questions you have.
2 – These are the best PC hardware and software of 2022 and 2023.
The editors of technology website PC World recently shared their picks for the best PC hardware and software this year and next. Top picks include Dell XPS 13 for slim build, Intel Core i9-13900K for best high-end CPU, Adata Legend 960 for best SSD, Norton 360 Deluxe for best antivirus software, Asus ProARt PA348CG for best monitor, and ExpressVPN as the best VPN. You can read all the selections here. (Source: PC World)
Why this is important to your business:
Thanks @BradChacos for this fantastic list. We’re buying new laptops and hubs this year, so it couldn’t have come at a better time.
3 – The top retail tech trends of 2022 tell a story of change.
Retail technology has seen significant developments over the past year. Trends changing retail in 2022 include unattended retail with cashierless technology, checkout options, AR/VR trial technology like Amazon Fashion, mobile assisted shopping, resale product authentication, all-in-one super apps and more. (Source: Pymnts)
Why this is important to your business:
Another great list for anyone in the retail industry. For smaller stores, I would pay attention to underserved retail and payment options. The rest of the elements will also affect smaller companies, but it will likely take longer to have an impact.
4 – These are the best home tech jobs of 2022 and 2023.
The PC World staff shared their picks for the best work-from-home tech over the past year and what to look for in 2023. Top picks include Lenovo ThinkPad X1 as best laptop for working from home, Logitech C920e as best camera business website for working from home, the Acer Chromebook Spin 713 as the best Chromebook for working from home, and iDrive Online Cloud Backup as the best online backup service. You can read about all the selections here. (Source: PC World)
Why this is important to your business:
Another useful “best of” from PC World for any of us who have remote employees that includes some of the items from their best hardware and software list above. The more we invest in good technology like this, the more productive they will be.
5 – This is what you can expect from AI in 2023.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has seen its share of both good and bad in the past year, from art-generating models that encourage creativity to deepfakes that allow bad actors to push lies. According to tech site Tech Crunch, some of the things we can expect from AI in 2023 are more issues stemming from the use of art-generating apps, AI regulations, and uncertainty when it comes to investing in AI companies. (Source: Tech Crunch)
Why this is important to your business:
Regulations and decentralization will continue to drive AI platforms. I will be keeping an eye out for anything specific that affects small businesses. For now, the industry (and technology) continues to develop at a rapid pace.