OpenAI ChatGPT seen on mobile with AI Brain on screen. on January 22, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium. … [+]
Here are five tech things that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
1 – OpenAI releases GPT-4
Open AI, the creator of the hugely popular conversational AI chatbot ChatGPT, has released GPT-4, an API that upgrades the underlying technology behind ChatGPT. Users of ChatGPT have access to this new technology through their paid membership. There is a waiting list though. (Source: TechCrunch)
Why this is important for your business:
If you haven’t tried ChatGPT yet, you should try it. There is a free version on OpenAI’s website. Once you see how it works, also check out this piece with 27 ways you can use ChatGPT in your business right now. I’ll probably have to update that column. Why? Because GPT-4 enhances the tool’s capabilities and adds more functionality, including the ability to interpret images and text (for example, according to the New York Times: It can also answer questions about an image. If a picture of the inside of a refrigerator is provided, it may suggest a few meals to make from what’s on hand). More big things are on the way.
2 – ‘Not a fan’: More people are crazy about AI than excited about it
Now that you’re reading about the new version of ChatGPT, should you be concerned? The reality of AI has apparently disturbed many people. A new Pew research center Research found that half of Americans are aware of the various uses of AI, but could name only three out of five examples of its use. The data indicated that those with higher education and income had greater awareness of AI in their environment. When asked about the societal impact of AI, 38 percent said they were “more concerned than excited” and 46 percent felt a combination of the two. (Source: PCMag)
Why this is important for your business:
AI needs a good PR campaign. People get scared when the media reports about how these robots will replace humans and rule the world. While there is reason to be cautious, AI – if managed properly – can have a hugely positive impact on the way we live. New technology has always replaced people’s work, but people always seem to be doing other things. I wouldn’t worry about jobs. Embrace these tools that can make the world – and your business – a better place.
3 – Google Workspace launches annual subscriptions (and a 20 percent price increase for monthly users)
Users of Google Workspace will see a 20 percent price increase on its Business Starter, Business Standard, and Business Plus plans. Google announced the increase on its Workspace blog with an explanation behind the price change. New users will be affected, while Google is giving existing users the option of an annual subscription – a recent addition – at the old rate. Google has indicated that existing users will be billed at the new rate sometime in April. Rates also depend on the number of users per subscription. Experts speculate that the integration of generative AI may be a factor in the increase. (Source: ARS technique)
Why this is important for your business:
My advice is to bite the bullet and move to the company’s new annual plan. You’re probably already committed, so you might as well avoid the markup for now.
4 – Lenovo ThinkPad laptops are up to 71 percent off in massive site-wide sale
Lenovo offers mega deals on its laptops. The popular ThinkPads are from $2399 as low as $1200. The sale includes other Lenovo products such as monitors, gaming notebooks and IdeaPads. Known for its advanced security features, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 costs $1,199. Hilda Scott of Laptop Mag has stated that it is “one of the best deals we’ve seen all season”. (Source: LaptopMag)
Why this is important for your business:
I’m writing this on a five-year-old ThinkPad that I love and have performed well. It still performs well. I wonder if I should take advantage of these deals now to get ahead of potential – and inevitable – problems with this device. Decisions decisions.
5 – A consumer group is issuing a warning about access products for earned wages
Workers who think access to earned wages products beware. The Center for Responsible Lending warns people that taking the EWA route could significantly increase their debt. Employers sometimes use payday services to meet these types of loans, putting the employee at a disadvantage from an interest point of view once they start paying off the debt. Exorbitant rates have led to the elimination of these types of lenders in some states. (Source: Attorney Andy)
Why this is important for your business:
Earned wage technologies allow workers to take out loans on their earnings before they receive their paychecks, and given the number of people in this country who live paycheck to paycheck, these platforms can be a great financial help. But these products can also dig an employee into an even bigger hole. Before introducing such a platform to your business, you may want to consider the consequences.
Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.