Microsoft Teams has more integration options this week…and other tech news for small businesses

Here are five technology things that happened in the past week and how they’re impacting your business. Did you miss them?

1— Microsoft Teams voice and video calls can be ported to custom business applications.

Microsoft Teams has created a new feature where calls and video can be customized and transferred to priority business apps. This allowed companies to reduce the need for employees and employers to go back and forth between Microsoft and other work-related applications by enabling Teams video and audio conferencing in their own business apps. Microsoft hopes this will increase productivity and create clarity in communication between colleagues. (Source: ZDNet)

Why this is important for your business:

This is one of those small tweaks that can add up to a lot of productivity. Theoretically – and with some help from developers – you can embed Teams into your accounting, CRM, HR or other applications so you don’t have to switch back and forth. I recommend asking a Microsoft developer to spend a few hours setting this up with one of your business apps to see the impact it has. I bet it has a lot of impact.

2— The popular “Hey, Google” command is disabled during meetings.

Google has launched this new feature where the “hey, Google” command is not activated during and 10 minutes before a meeting. The hope is that this command will not disrupt important conversations during a meeting. This feature only applies to Google Meet hardware and is designed for online video conferencing. (Source: ARS Technica).

Why this is important for your business:

Another tweak that may reduce some headaches. When will Amazon come up with a way not to launch Alexa when someone in the room says a similar word?

3— Lenovo announces a new version of Evolve Small

Last summer, computer maker Lenovo created a program called Evolve Small to help small businesses in North America through financial aid, business mentorship, technical assistance, and community support. This week, the company announced an expansion of its program to focus more on minority-owned and women-owned businesses. (Source: Business Wire).

Why this is important for your business:

According to the company and as part of the initiative, Lenovo, in partnership with Microsoft and AMD, will “continue to fund grants, technology upgrades and mentorship opportunities for small businesses in the US and Canada. Selected small businesses will have the opportunity to partner with a well-known celebrity. They will benefit from customized marketing collateral and mentorship from the celebrity partner and Lenovo Evolve Small Ambassadors, who will receive the technology support they need to implement systems and processes that will help them improve their day-to-day operations.”

4-Apple will release new 10 iOS 16 features that you may not know.

Apple plans to release iOS 16 with the new iPhone 14 due out in early September. (Source: computer world)

Why this is important for your business:

These improvements would improve workflow with apps — like QuickNote — that were originally only available on iPad. Other new features include a “remember later” option for Mail, a “do not send email” feature, merging duplicate contacts, public transit fares on maps, and more.

5— An AI-powered app can extend battery life.

A new AI-powered innovation could extend battery life by 30 percent and help users save money on energy bills. It is also said to help reduce carbon emissions by extending the life of technology goods. The app is first tested by specialized designers and researchers and major manufacturers such as Huawei and Nokia. (Source: Sci Tech Daily)

Why this is important for your business:

As someone who charges my phone constantly, anything that can extend my battery life would be very welcome. I hope we can see this technology on the market soon.