(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 — What marketers should know about Google’s “surprising, but not shocking” cookies about-face.
Google’s decision in 2020 to phase out third-party cookies resulted in pushback from advertisers which created an extended period of disputes and delays. Now Google has reversed its decision allowing users to instead “accept” or “reject” cookies. Advertisers are taking a wait and see approach with how that will work as it’s a different method of maintaining user privacy. As such, advertising executives recommend that advertisers “not rely heavily on cookies as time passes,” the Journal reported. (Source: Wall Street Journal)
Why this is important for your business:
Support or oppose, at least we’ve got clarity. For years Google has been threatening to do away with cookies, responding to privacy concerns. This was causing much uncertainty among marketers and business owners. Their delays didn’t help. Now they’re scrapping 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 in 2023. Over the past five years, Visa has invested over $10 billion in technology — $500 million of which was allocated to AI and data infrastructure. The AI tools have significantly improved fraud detection, with initiatives like the AI-powered real-time fraud detection service in the UK and solutions to combat enumeration attacks. These efforts are part of Visa’s broader strategy to enhance security across the payments ecosystem. (Source: PYMNTS)
Why this is important for your business:
While AI has been top of the news over the past few years, 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 per year for AI art in Word.
Mark Hachman of PCWorld reported on Microsoft’s plans to integrate the AI art capabilities of Microsoft Designer into Word and PowerPoint. This new feature will be available for an annual subscription fee of $300 yearly. 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 the Microsoft 365 subscription ($6.99, personal or $9.99, family) Microsoft is adding an additional $20 bucks 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 offerings — Copilot — I wouldn’t pay a dime for this. At least not this year.
4 — Events like the Microsoft outage are why a tech writer pack these 5 gadgets every time I fly.
The CrowdStrike incident that unleashed havoc on Windows systems around the world was especially chaotic on the airline industry. Kizmanzi Constable offered his five go-to items whenever he flies: A mobile router for reliable WiFi; a portable charger for his devices; a mini power strip; universal adapter and laptop stand. Constable offers specific recommendations for each and declares, “Having the right tech 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 the frequent business traveler, although I’m not sure if these tools would have been much comfort to Delta passengers this past week.
5 — The alcoholic beverage industry is leaning into AI in more ways than you think.
The liquor and beverage industry is increasingly leveraging AI to enhance flavor profiles and address challenges posed by extreme weather. Companies like Japanese brewery 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 caused those in the industry to find alternative ways to produce high-quality products. “AI is helping us 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? Replicating drinks? Is AI needed for that? These companies are keeping their proprietary use of AI close to the chest. Many larger companies that are deploying AI systems are doing the same.
