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Technology

Microsoft's AI spreadsheet, and other tech stories you may have missed

By Gene Marks
August 28, 2024 9:30 AM

Microsoft's new AI spreadsheet, Google's about-face on cookies, the gadgets you need to keep working no matter what, and seven other developments that happened in technology this past month and how they'll impact your clients and your firm. 

1. Microsoft's new AI system 'SpreadsheetLLM' 

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NicoElNino - Fotolia
Microsoft has introduced SpreadsheetLLM, a new AI system designed to extract insights from spreadsheets, enhancing productivity for enterprises. The tool leverages large language models to analyze data, automate tasks, and generate summaries, making it easier for users to gain actionable insights from their data. SpreadsheetLLM aims to improve data interpretation from complex documents such as spreadsheets. Researchers who developed the system emphasized the need as they pointed out, "Existing language models struggle to understand and reason over spreadsheet contents." (Source: VentureBeat)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: Here is another nascent AI tool that can be toyed with by analysts at larger companies with time on their hands. Given the poor performance of Microsoft's Copilot I wouldn't get too excited about the usefulness of this tool right now. But as I mentioned above, it won't take long before it becomes better and more productive.

2. Google's 'surprising, but not shocking' cookies about-face

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Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg
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 firm and clients: 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.

3. 5 must-have gadgets for the next CrowdStrike-style outage

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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; a universal adapter; and a 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 firm and clients: 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.

4. Google search algorithm updates for 2024

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Mifune - Fotolia
Michelle Hawley of CMSWire reported on the evolving state of SEO in light of recent Google search algorithm updates, focusing on changes made in October 2023 and March 2024. These updates have significantly impacted website rankings and traffic across various industries. (Source: CMS Wire)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: Updates include eliminating continuous scroll to speed up search results; SEO strategy adjustments that adhere to Google's E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust) guidelines; and Google's aggressive measures to control spam, outlined in their updated policies.

5. Expect a big iPhone upgrade this year

An Apple store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago
Bloomberg/Photographer: Bloomberg/Bloomber
The upcoming iPhone models are expected to feature several significant upgrades. The iPhone 16 Pro will see more AI-powered features, an increase in power efficiency, and increased screen size to 6.3 inches — up from the 6.1 inches of the iPhone 15 Pro. Camera enhancements are also anticipated, a larger Action button and Capture button, with potential improvements in telephoto and ultra-wide capabilities. (Source: CNET)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: Will you or your employees be upgrading iPhones this year? My recommendation is to hold on to your existing phone for as long as possible, as I don't see these changes have that much of an impact on your workers' productivity or your business yet. Also, if you're paying for your phone monthly, once that payment ends you own the phone and with recent changes to right-to-repair rules, you might be able to continue the usefulness of those phones for the foreseeable future.

6. $25M ends cyberattack that crippled car dealers

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CDK Global — a software provider for car dealerships — paid a $25 million ransom to end a cyberattack that began on June 19 and cost customers an estimated $1 billion in losses. Linked to the BlackSuit ransomware group, the attack disrupted operations for 15,000 dealers, totaling 56,200 lost car sales, according to reports. CDK paid 387 bitcoin ($25 million) to the hackers, and systems were restored about a week later. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in automated and centralized systems that can lead to catastrophic security breaches. (Source: Newser)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: This is not a happy ending. No one is thrilled to see a company capitulate to criminals and pay such a giant ransom, but obviously CDK Global saw few other options. This story gained much media attention, but think about all the other stories that don't get the same kind of exposure. It happens a lot. Ransomware attacks are potentially crippling, especially for small businesses. Are you absolutely sure you're being protected?

7. Claude chatbot now an Android app

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Naret - stock.adobe.com
Anthropic's Claude chatbot is now available as a free Android app. Initially released for iOS in May, the Android app supports both free and paid plans (Pro and Team) and allows for seamless conversations across devices, including the web version. Claude 3 — the latest version — reportedly outperforms OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini in certain benchmarks. The app's release is part of Anthropic's effort to expand access to its AI tools. (Source: Engadget)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: This is an AI app worth downloading. Why? Because Claude has become very competitive with Gemini and ChatGPT and it's good to have another AI assistant to use when doing research. I plan to download this app and use it alongside these other AI tools.

8. Copilot for Microsoft 365: Productivity at a price

Microsoft offices
Preston Gralla of Computerworld offered a detailed review of Copilot for Microsoft 365. Copilot is designed to enhance productivity within Microsoft 365 by integrating AI-driven assistance across various applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Gralla tested Copilot with each application to reach a conclusive recommendation — whether Copilot is essential for day-to-day business. After reviewing capabilities such as drafting text, generating insights from data, and automating repetitive tasks, Gralla says Copilot is an excellent assistant for creating documents and a "powerful tool" for slide presentations. With Excel, Copilot has "limited capabilities." (Source: Computerworld)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: This is an excellent deep dive into Copilot, which costs $30 per month per user. So what's the bottom line? Gralla says you should consider using on a limited basis for now and advises that "as for going whole hog and buying it for everyone who has a Microsoft 365 subscription in your business, that's an expensive proposition and likely won't come close to paying for itself in productivity increases, at least for now."

9. One of the best tablets for work travel 

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David Paul Morris/Bloomberg
Cesar Cadenas tested and praised Microsoft's 11th generation Surface Pro as one of the best tablets for work and travel, standing out against giants like Lenovo and Apple. The tablet's versatility, performance and value get high marks for professionals in need of a portable device for productivity. A Copilot+ PC, key features include its 13-inch display, flex keyboard, and "phenomenal" battery life. Cadenas applauds its capability to handle multitasking, note-taking, and entertainment, making it a compelling option in the competitive tablet market. (Source: ZDNet)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: Microsoft may still not be delivering value for its AI offerings yet, but it's definitely become a major player in the tablet/laptop world. I know a number of people that are fans of the Surface Pro, and its latest AI enhancements should only increase its functionality. Businesses looking to equip their employees with devices should be looking closely at the Surface Pro.

10. What generative AI can do for construction

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Nick M. Do/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Aaron Anderson — director of innovation for Swinerton, a California-based construction firm — discussed the impact generative AI is having on the construction industry. Describing his company as a "Microsoft shop," Anderson talked about the collaboration between Swinerton and Microsoft — and the access to technology that Swinerton is leveraging to enhance various aspects of its operations. Enhanced design and planning, improved safety measures, and operational efficiency are just a few examples. Using AI-powered applications, project management can be streamlined, and tools are applied to monitor constructions sites in real time to ensure safety. (Source: Construction Dive) 

Why this is important for your firm and clients: Larger companies in the construction space, like Swinerton, have the resources to invest in custom-built, internal AI solutions. But the construction industry is made up of thousands of smaller firms, and for those firms to truly realize the benefits of this technology, the software makers that provide construction applications will need to incorporate AI functionality in their offerings. 
Gene Marks
President, Marks Group PC
Technology Hardware and software Microsoft Artificial intelligence Google
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