Business Tech Roundup: Apple Delays AI Features

Here are five tech things that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you remember them?

1 – Apple slows down AI features for new iPhone and iPad devices.

Apple has announced a delay in the release of its new AI features – Apple Intelligence -for the upcoming updates of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18. Originally set to be released in September, these features are now expected in October to allow testing more and improved stability. Apple Intelligence will include improved notification output, web page summarization, improved writing tools, improved Siri, and integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. (Source: PYMNTS)

Why this is important to your business:

Finally, a software company that really cares about the quality of the software it releases. In light of the many complaints, frustrations, and dissatisfactions I’ve had with myself and my customers with Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini releases that aren’t ready for prime time, it’s a relief to see that Apple withdraw to release its AI. offerings until they really…give up!… work. Thank you, Apple, for not wasting our time with inferior products.

2 – PayPal increases revenue estimates with new SMB features and partner deals.

PayPal has raised its revenue projections for 2024, citing new features for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) – and partnerships with companies like Meta and Salesforce. Key additions include Apple Pay acceptance, PayPal Vault for secure payment methods, and real-time account updates. PayPal reported an 11% year-on-year increase in transaction volume, reaching $403.9 billion in Q2 2024. The company also focused on improving customer experiences and driving sales through smart receipts and tracking packages. “We’re the first to have an experience across all platforms and devices,” PayPal CEO Alex Chriss said. (Source: PYMNTS)

Why this is important to your business:

I have a strong opinion that PayPal is a long-term player and – despite the ups and downs – is a good platform for merchants, restaurateurs and other small businesses to rely on. Why? Because, at least for me, it is the middleware platform that handles all electronic payments regardless of the method. The premium market is confusing. PayPal makes it less expensive for businesses and their customers. I believe that is its true value.

3 – Windows 11’s new hidden “end task” means you can finally say goodbye to the drama of Task Manager.

Windows 11 introduces a hidden feature that allows users to end unresponsive processes directly from the taskbar by right-clicking and selecting “End Task.” The process is not active by default but can be activated in the “For Developers” section of the “Task Manager”, this new option aims to ease frozen processes (Source: TechRadar).

Why this is important to your business:

In fact, the best solution would be not to force users to be in a situation where they have to “resolve the work” because the operating system handles software problems better. But alas, it was never an option it seems. At least instead of digging through various screens and dialog boxes to kill the wrong piece of software, Microsoft has made it easy for us. Okay, I’ll take it.

4 – Consider ChatGPT, but for sales teams. That’s what this agency does.

San Francisco-based Tome is developing an AI assistant designed specifically for sales teams. Like ChatGPT, the assistant uses AI-powered technology to improve customer interactions and streamline sales processes. An AI assistant can help salespeople prepare for meetings, manage queues, and improve the overall process of handling customer interactions. According to the report, it can also provide suggestions for the best person to contact in the target organization through its ranking system. This new approach is intended to change the way sales teams work, making interactions more personal and effective. (Source: CNET)

Why this is important to your business:

This is a great tool, but I’m skeptical about its future, as Salesforce and other leading CRM systems are building similar AI tools. Not sure of their long term plan (maybe sell to a bigger company?) but not a bad use for the near term.

5 – Sage and Stripe expand agreement to expand SMB financial applications.

Software company Sage has expanded its partnership with Stripe to improve financial processes for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This partnership aims to strengthen cash flow management and simplify the payment process. (Source: LeapRate)

Why this is important to your business:

The companies say the integration allows Sage customers to make and receive payments more efficiently, using Stripe’s trusted infrastructure. Services are available in the UK on various Sage platforms. If you are a Sage customer you should know exactly how.