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Here are five things in technology that happened last week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them
1 – Google told its workers that they can no longer use Zoom on their laptops.
Google announced last week that they are banning Zoom, the popular video conferencing software, and will no longer allow its employees to use the software on their devices. While Zoom is a major competitor to Meet, Google’s video conferencing app, the company cited that the reason they are banning the software is due to the numerous security breaches Zoom has faced in recent weeks. Starting this week, the company announced that Zoom will no longer work on Google employee laptops. (Source: Buzz Feed)
Why this is important to your business:
Of course, the first question you have to ask yourself is why were Google employees allowed to use a competitive product to start with? Oh that’s right … because it’s better! Leaving that aside, Google’s ban has highlighted significant security concerns affecting Zoom users. We are all using Zoom, aren’t you worried too? Clearly, the management of the collaboration app is concerned and the CEO of the company admitted mistakes. If your company is using Zoom, you should be up to date with its security updates and possibly evaluating alternatives.
2 —Amazon is allowing sellers to resume shipping “nonessential” items to warehouses.
Amazon has shared that they will allow third-party sellers to continue shipping items deemed “non-essential” to their warehouses again. In March, Amazon decided to pause shipping of items not considered essential to help meet the rush of orders for medical and cleaning supplies due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Initially implemented only until April 5th, Amazon extended the policy as the pandemic spread. Non-essential items will continue to be limited with the reduction of this restriction to allow prioritization of essential items and the safety and well-being of employees. (Source: Engadget)
Why this is important to your business:
So who do you trust to really know when the pandemic is really on the decline, the US government. USA … or Amazon? By allowing non-essential shipments again, Amazon quietly tells us that things are slowly improving. So that’s good news. The best news is that third-party sellers, many of whom are small businesses, may start selling again.
3 – YouTube launched a video creation tool.
Last week, YouTube launched its free video creation feature, called Video Builder, to help companies stay in touch with their customers during the shutdown due to COVID-19. While the current release is the beta version of YouTube, the company shared that they decided to release the tool sooner than they had originally planned to ease the burden on companies that are currently struggling with limited resources and may not have access to teams of external video. With Video Builder, business owners can produce 15-second videos or six-second videos, as well as choose from various layouts, colors, and fonts to use in their videos. (Source: CNET)
Why this is important to your business:
My business, like many small businesses, produces many YouTube videos to help our customers make better use of the products we sell. But we are not video producers and we are not experts with this technology. So tools like Video Builder help … a lot. Many can help you so much.
4 – Microsoft is delaying the end of support for earlier versions of Windows 10 due to Coronavirus.
Microsoft has announced an extension regarding its support for previous versions of its Windows 10 software. Initially, Microsoft had planned to stop technical support for Windows 10 last week. However, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the company has now extended support until October 13.th, giving IT administrators an additional six months. With IT managers working harder to help employees work from home during the crisis, the company wanted to ensure that security updates and patches would still be provided for older versions of Windows until things calm down. (Source: The Verge)
Why this is important to your business:
Does this mean you can happily use your previous version of Windows 10. It doesn’t. Regardless of the fact that it is simply a suspension of execution, companies running older versions of Windows are more exposed to security threats, including malware attacks and data hacking. Just because Microsoft is giving you more time shouldn’t stop you from updating your Windows 10 operating system to the latest version. Otherwise, you are really risking your company data.
5 5– An electrical worker safety startup launched a COVID-19 contact and distance tracker.
Proxxi, a Vancouver-based startup, has launched a portable device called Halo to help stop the spread of COVID-19. While Proxxi generally focuses on creating devices that aid safety among those working in the electrical industry, this new device, which can be worn on a user’s wrist, is focused on helping users follow the guidelines of recommended distances established in light of the pandemic. (Source: TechCrunch)
Why this is important to your business:
The company says its band will vibrate and will provide notification if two people using the device are not at least 6 feet apart. The band will also track each band they are in close proximity with. It could be a useful tool to improve job security in these times of pandemic.
