Business Tech Roundup: Google's Custom AI Chatbots Have Arrived

(This column originally appeared in Forbes)

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

1 – Google's custom AI chatbots have arrived.

Google has launched its newest feature for Gemini subscribers. “Gems” – custom AI chatbots that users can create for any task or topic of their choosing – is part of Google’s broader strategy to integrate AI more deeply into its services. With Gems, users can personalize chatbots to suit specific needs, such as customer service or personal assistance. This highlights Google’s commitment to making AI more accessible. (Source: The Verge)

Why this is important for your business:

AI agents like these will become a business owner’s go-to technology tool for automating tasks within their office. While this first version takes some development work, future versions will be configurable by just about anyone and then integrate with most popular accounting and other business software applications. They’ll be voice enabled so professionals can create agents like “whenever an email is received from X customer, forward it to a sales rep in our Western region and then schedule a task to remind me to followup.” And yes, you’ll need a consultant to help you!

2 – Here are the best power banks and portable chargers for every device in 2024.

Amy Skorheim of Engadget provides a comprehensive guide to the best power banks and portable chargers for various devices in 2024. Skorheim – who’s tested nearly three dozen chargers – highlights several top picks such as the Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K) for iPhones, the Anker Nano Battery for Android devices, and the Otterbox Fast Charge 15,000mAh for medium capacity needs. Her overall rating for each is based on facets like charging speed, affordability, and sturdiness. For the rest of the list visit the link. (Source: Engadget)

Why this is important for your business:

Another great list for the business traveler. Ever since I invested in a portable charger my stress levels about running out of power have pretty much gone away.

3 – Copilot+ features are coming in November to AI PCs powered by Intel and AMD's latest chips.

This November, PCs that are powered by both Intel and AMD’s new processors will have Copilot+ AI features, Microsoft announced. Live Captions, Cocreator in Paint, and Windows Studio Effects with editing tools, are just a few of AI-powered tools. Concurrently, Lenovo is set to announce the launch of its new Copilot+ PCs at the upcoming IFA trade show. Promoted by the company as “the fastest, most intelligent PC” the IdeaPad 5x 2-in-1is priced at 999 Euros and the Slim 5x at 900 Euros – an enticing deal if you’re in the market. (Source: Engadget; The Verge)

Why this is important for your business:

If you’re looking to purchase new laptops and other devices for your company it’s best to wait a few months – even for the 1Q 2025. Current offerings are going to be completely replaced by “Copilot devices” which will be optimized for the wave of AI applications and technologies on their way.

4 – How fintech is changing the landscape of financial planning.

Fintech is transforming the task of financial planning by making it more accessible, personalized, and efficient. Technologies like AI, robo-advisors, and blockchain are enabling better financial decision-making, automation of routine tasks, and increased transparency. Fintech tools help individuals and advisors create customized financial plans, manage investments, and plan for retirement with greater precision. (Source: Yahoo Finance)

Why this is important for your business:

Don’t listen to me. Listen to David Donovan – Executive VP and Head of Financial Services at digital consulting company Publicis Sapient – who commented on the advantages fintech will continue to provide. “Low-cost or even free fintech tools democratize access to financial advice, enabling younger, lower-income, or underbanked individuals to engage in financial planning,” he said.

5- Hotels turn to digital wallets amid key card security worries.

In the era of cybersecurity and hacking nightmares, hotels are increasingly adopting digital wallets as a solution to security concerns associated with traditional key cards. Digital wallets – which can store virtual room keys on smartphones – offer enhanced security, reducing the risk of key card cloning or loss. This shift also caters to guests' growing preference for mobile-first experiences, streamlining check-in and room access processes. (Source: Pymnts)

Why this is important for your business:

Ask any IT expert and they’ll tell you that keycards – be it for a hotel room or for access to your office – are easily hacked. FOBs are only slightly better. Digital wallets will be the go-to for most security systems in the future and is worth you investigating now.