(This column originally appeared in Forbes)
Here are five things in tech that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 — AI just made a mockery of CAPTCHA and that’s bad news for real people.
Recent research from ETH Zurich shows that AI models can now consistently bypass CAPTCHA systems designed to block bots. CAPTCHAs — which traditionally asks users to identify objects like traffic lights or buses — are vulnerable because AI can now recognize these objects with high accuracy based on their results. This breakthrough raises concerns about web security as it could lead to increased bot-driven attacks, forcing developers to seek more advanced alternatives to CAPTCHAs for protection. (Source: TechRadar)
Why this is important for your business:
As soon as I saw this I notified my website developer. Before putting up a CAPTCHA box on my site I was getting pummeled with bots. That stopped. But looks like AI wins again, and we’re the losers. Don’t panic — there are alternatives (but they also have their pros and cons).
2 — Walmart uses 3D printing for Tennessee store addition.
Walmart has completed one of the largest 3D-printed commercial concrete structures in the U.S. at its store in Athens, Tennessee. The 8,000-square-foot, 20-foot-high addition was built using 3D concrete printing (3DCP) technology from Alquist 3D. This project marks Walmart’s first use of 3D printing at such a scale. (Source: Construction Dive)
Why this is important for your business:
I like it when big companies invest in new technologies like 3D-printing because it widens the market for more competition and therefore will drive down prices so smaller firms — particularly construction firms — can leverage the technology. It’s also great to see smaller firms like Alquist 3D make a name for themselves in this field.
3 — Amazon Business launches new and revised features for B2B ecommerce.
At its Reshape 2024 event, Amazon Business introduced several new B2B e-commerce features. These include SAP Ariba integration for improved procurement management, a personalized hosted product catalog, and an inventory restocking service called AB Restock. Amazon Business is also enhancing its account login system and offering digital vouchers for business gift-giving. These updates aim to streamline business purchasing processes and improve operational efficiency across sectors. (Source: Digital Commerce 360)
Why this is important for your business:
If you’re not an Amazon B2B reseller you’re probably not interested in this news. But if you are, then you are. These updates aim to streamline business purchasing processes and improve operational efficiency across sectors.
4 — LiveFlow Raises $13.5 million Series A to modernize accounting and inspire the next generation of accountants.
Accounting automation tool LiveFlow has raised $13.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Valar Ventures. According to the company’s announcement, the funding will support the launch of LiveFlow Next, a platform aimed at “transforming accounting firms into financial advisory powerhouses.” (Source: LiveFlow)
Why this is important for your business:
If you’re an accountant or run an accounting firm pay attention. LiveFlow Next offers tools like custom dashboards, AI-driven transaction categorization, and forecasting. The company is offering technology to help fix the accountant shortage plaquing the industry with tools to synchronize and report on data from mainstream systems like QuickBooks and Xero.
5–7 laptop habits that coax the most out of your battery.
Ashley Biancuzzo of PCWorld outlined seven essential habits to maximize your laptop’s battery life. These include, lowering screen brightness, turning off keyboard backlighting, and closing unnecessary apps. Biancuzzo points out that seemingly harmless habits such as leaving a laptop plugged in most of the day, can diminish your battery’s capacity over time. To see all of her tips, visit the link. (Source: PCWorld)
Why this is important for your business:
A million of these articles have been written over the years, and yet I’m still drawn to them because there’s always new advice and it’s a good for a refresher. Biancuzzo’s piece doesn’t disappoint.
