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Here are five technology things that happened in the past week and how they’re impacting your business. Did you miss them?
1 – Walmart’s $99 Windows laptop is selling fast.
Walmart started rolling out Black Friday deals early this year. One of the hottest deals is the Gateway 14.1-inch Ultra Slim Notebook — which was originally $229 — for $99. Some of the features for the Windows laptop include a 1 MP webcam, up to 8.5 hours of battery life, and a 1920 x 1080 HD screen resolution. The laptop is also available in four different colors and has a sleek, slim design. (Source: Digital trends)
Why this is important for your business:
It’s certainly not high-end, but if you’re looking for an insanely cheap laptop for non-essential use, now is the time to buy. Give it to an intern. Or have it as a backup. Or use it as a disposable item. In any case, it’s a bargain.
2 – Zoom adds email and calendar features to handle other workspace platforms.
Zoom recently announced that it plans to roll out new features including calendars and emails in an effort to compete with platforms such as Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. The new features allow users to connect to their external calendar and email services right on their desktop through the Zoom app. (Source: Engadget)
Why this is important for your business:
I wish that, instead of spending its resources catching up with Microsoft and Google as an office collaboration system (which will never happen), I wish Zoom would specifically double down on its video conferencing technology and continue to make it the best and most affordable there. Microsoft and Google have plenty of other applications and investments to worry about. Given its brand and reputation, Zoom has the potential to be the leader in its specific niche if the company focuses on that niche only. That would benefit the many small businesses — like mine — that enjoy the platform.
3 – For Windows 8, the end is near.
Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system will soon no longer be supported by vendors. Microsoft has announced that it has no plans to provide an end-of-life program for Windows 8.1, and Google shared that Chrome will also stop supporting Windows 7 and 8.1 early next year. Firefox hasn’t released any information about how it plans to handle the operating system yet, but other vendors like: oppatch will continue to develop micro-patches for Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7, but not for 8.1, over the next two years. (Source: computer world)
Why this is important for your business:
If you’re one of those still clinging to Windows 8, it’s time to move on. The main reason is safety. As I write this, there are millions of malware bots looking for older operating systems like yours to infect and invade. Upgrade your hardware and upgrade your operating systems. And be glad you extended the use of Windows 8 for as long as you have. Good job. Let it go now.
4 – Gmail’s new interface is here to stay.
Starting this month, Gmail will transition everyone to what the company calls its “integrated view.” With the new interface, users will have options to access Meet, Spaces, Chat, and Mail when navigating through the interface’s far left sidebar. (Source: The edge)
Why this is important for your business:
Google began testing the new layout early this year and originally gave users the option to opt out. Going forward, users will no longer have the option to revert to the previous Gmail interface. Like it or not, it’s the reality for the future.
5 – AWeber uses new technology to help small businesses achieve their goals.
Third-party auto-responder service AWeber integrates new technology to help small businesses leverage their email marketing strategy. Some of these new features include an easy-to-use landing page builder and the ability to embed items such as surveys, polls, and other dynamic content directly into their emails. (Source: EIN News)
Why this is important for your business:
Online marketing tools such as Constant contact and MailChimp always seem to get attention. But AWeber has been around for years and I have many customers who enjoy using their service. The company applies a higher level of service to its platform instead of letting the users figure things out. And, arguably, it offers more online marketing tools for the price. Sure, you can look at the bigger players, but if you’re researching online marketing platforms, I recommend looking at these as well.
