Easier passwords, and other tech stories you may have missed

March 9, 2022 10:00 AM

Helpful mnemonic features from Google; productivity tools from Microsoft; the best payroll providers (according to Forbes); and other new developments in technology from the past month.

1. Making it easier to remember passwords

Google is testing a new feature that allows you to manually save passwords as well as add any useful notes or clues to remember them. The feature is currently being tested in Chrome Canary Feature 101, where users can enter helpful information such as answers to your security questions, emails and dates all stored in the password manager. This feature is predicted to be used by Microsoft since it is based in Chromium. (Source: Techradar)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: This could be a small, yet powerful enhancement to your company’s security. The good news is that your employees can benefit regardless of whether they’re using Chrome or Microsoft Edge.

2. Microsoft has a free tool to increase productivity

Microsoft will now let Microsoft account users try a lighter version of its productivity app Microsoft Lists for free. Lists is geared toward individual and small-business use. The new version of the app aims to show a straightforward and clear view of your main tasks in one location. The preview app used to only be available as part of a paid Microsoft 365 subscription. (Source: Tech Radar)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: My company implements customer relationship management systems and so we have our clients use the tasks built into their system to share ongoing to-do’s with their teams. But Microsoft Lists is an easy way for very small businesses and individuals to keep track of open things to do, and now that the application is free (and mobile) you might want to check it out as a productivity tool for you and your staff.

3. Forbes ranks best payroll for small biz

The nine payroll services that received a 3.5/5 or higher on the Forbes Advisor Rating include Paychex Flex, Justworks and Gusto, as well as many other great options. The advisors rated these companies based on four factors — pricing, criteria, third-party reviews and expected analysis. Each platform varies, but all work virtually the same — managing direct deposit as well as processing payroll checks, taxes and reporting. (Source: Forbes)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: A great summary if you or a client is thinking of trying — or replacing — a payroll platform. As a CPA, my advice to our clients is to always outsource your payroll. Given the complexity and resources required, it’s not something you should be doing on your own.

4. TikTok and Instagram can help small businesses

ByteDance Ltd.'s TikTok app button, reflected in a mirror, is arranged for a photograph on a smartphone in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020. Oracle Corp. is the winning bidder for a deal with TikToks U.S. operations, people familiar with the talks said, after main rival Microsoft Corp. announced its offer for the video app was rejected. Photographer: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg

Brent Lewin/Bloomberg

TikTok and Instagram have become key platforms for small businesses to market toward new audiences. According to TikTok, the best way to attract audiences on the app is to use a combination of original content, paid advertisements and partnerships with creators in order to advertise engaging content. Both platforms use business analytics so you can track how well your content is doing with audiences. (Source: Repairer Driven News)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: I found this story interesting not just because it was about how TikTok and other social platforms can help small businesses grow their companies, but because of where the story was found. Repairer Driven News is a Michigan-based organization that was founded by the Society of Collision Repair Specialists and says it’s the “leading source of news and information that matters to the collision repairer.” In other words, you don’t have to be Kim Kardashian or an influencer to benefit from TikTok and other platforms like it. Your business can be a collision and repair shop too. If you’ve got a visual story to tell — and honestly I bet there are some crazy stories coming through a typical auto collision business — then these platforms may be a great place to attract interest.

5. Asana Flow provides connected workflows

Asana Inc. announced its new work management platform, Asana Flow. To combat remote work environments, Asana Flow helps manage start-to-finish workflows with employees working from their homes. Asana Flow’s template library includes access to apps such as AppLovin, ClassPass and Stride. It is in the process of collaborating with other workflow apps such as Miro, Jotform and Google Drive. Asana Flow can also track work progress and includes advice on how to optimize productivity. (Source: Business Wire)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: Asana is a powerful project management application that’s used by many of my clients. If you’re an Asana user, you should ask for a full demonstration of the capabilities of Asana Flow from the company and integrate it into your other workflow applications too.

6. Conversational AI is the talk of the town

Linda Bucklin/AlienCat - Fotolia

Artificial intelligence company NLX has created a conversational AI to help relieve customer service workers and customers. The AI was first introduced through American Express Customer Service and is said to have partnered with Amazon. The company intends to focus on the travel and hospitality industries to help them bounce back after the pandemic. NLX’s AI is different from others, because the digital assistant stays on the call even after the problem has been resolved, then follows what the customer is seeing to make sure they are taking the right steps. The AI also uses human phrases to create a better form of communication with the customer. (Source: PYMNTS)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: Another example of the impact AI is having on businesses — across all industries. Talk to your software vendor about the type of automation tools they’re providing, or working on, for your business.

7. Apparently, people do use Bing

metamorworks - stock.adobe.com

Tech website The Verge asked listeners of its flagship podcast if they preferred using Microsoft’s search engine Bing to Google. Many reached out describing their stories of why Bing was their go-to search engine. Some detailed that Bing was a faster and more reliable search engine, but the real pull to the Microsoft-run platform was the rewards. Microsoft rewards users for using Bing with gift cards to Starbucks and Amazon, as well as points on gaming subscriptions for XBox. (Source: The Verge)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: Who knew, right? By the way, besides Bing, people also do lots of searching on YouTube and Amazon. The takeaway is that your digital advertisement dollars don’t necessarily always have to go to Google. Find out where your audience is and focus your resources there.

8. Wrk raises $43M to automate workflows

Canada-based startup Wrk has raised $43.56 million. Wrk provides tools such as API integrations, bots and robotic process automation to help automate business processes. The company partners with clients to help them refine automations and only charges for the workflows when they are done. Wrk plans to use the most recent round of funding to continue growing its platform to fill the existing gap in the automation market and continue to redefine how companies work. (Source: Venture Beat)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: Speaking of automation, here’s a tool that may help your business get more tasks done quicker. Does it work with your current platform? Time to find out.

9. Small-biz travel platform TravelPerk raises $115M

Travel management company TravelPerk recently raised $115 million in funding. With corporate travel resuming, the company plans to grow its offering that focuses on small and midsized businesses. (Source: Pymnts)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: I travel a lot and spend too much time arranging flights, hotels and cars. The funding will enable TravelPerk to help its business teams plan in-person meetings and expand its travel solutions. The company also plans to expand into new markets which includes the U.S.

10. Retailers add online readers to counter theft

To help identify stolen products being sold online, many retail stores are ditching the bulky security tags for virtually invisible metal strips. The strips are attached to the tags on online orders that track products across their supply chain. 15% of retailers have already adopted the use of these. Although some customers have concerns about privacy issues, retail security experts emphasize that the technology is not sophisticated enough to track clothes on their own. This new way of tracking shoplifters may be the solution to solving retail theft. (Source: NBC News)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: Considering the increase in thefts and shoplifting incidents this past year, every retailer needs to be taking a hard look at the security they have in place over their inventory. Metal strips may be the answer, as well as more security cameras and training for staff.

Note: Some of these stories also appeared on Forbes.com.