There’s a new version of ChatGPT… and other technological news impacting your business this week

Here are five tech things that happened this week and how they’re affecting your business. did you miss her

1 – OpenAI publishes GPT-4

OpenAI, makers of the hugely popular conversational AI chatbot ChatGPT, has released GPT-4, an API that updates the underlying technology behind ChatGPT. ChatGPT users can access this new technology through their paid membership. But there is a waiting list. (Source: TechCrunch)

Why this is important to your business:

If you haven’t tried ChatGPT yet, you need to try it. There is a free version on OpenAI’s website. If you’re seeing how it works, also check out this piece that lists 27 ways you can use ChatGPT in your business right now. I probably need to update this column. Why? Because GPT-4 improves the tool’s power and adds more features, including the ability to interpret images and text (example according to the New York Times: It can also answer questions about an image. If you get a photo of the inside of a refrigerator, it can suggest a few meals to prepare from what is on hand). More big things are on the way.

2 – “Not a fan”: More people are freaked out by AI than enthusiastic

Now that you are reading about the new version of ChatGPT, should you be worried? The reality of AI has apparently unsettled many people. A new study from the Pew Research Center showed that half of Americans are aware of the various uses of AI, but could only identify three out of five use cases. The data showed that those with higher education and higher incomes had increased awareness of AI in their communities. When asked about the societal impact of AI, 38 percent said they were “more concerned than excited,” and 46 percent felt a mixture of both. (Source: PCMag)

Why this is important to your business:

AI will need a good PR campaign. People get scared when the media reports how these robots will replace humans and rule the world. While there is reason for caution, AI – if managed well – can have a tremendously positive impact on the way we live. New technologies have always replaced human labor, but humans always seem to find other things to do. I wouldn’t worry about jobs. Use these tools that can make the world—and your business—a better place.

3 – Google Workspace introduces annual plans (and a 20 percent price increase for monthly users)

Google Workspace users get a 20 percent price increase on the Business Starter, Business Standard, and Business Plus plans. Google announced the increase on its Workspace blog with an explanation of the price change. New users are affected, while Google is giving existing users the option of an annual plan – a recently added option – at the old price. Google has indicated that existing users will be billed for the new plan sometime in April. Pricing also depends on the number of users per plan. Experts speculate that the integration of generative AI could be a factor in the surge. (Source: ARS Technica)

Why this is important to your business:

My advice is to bite the bullet and switch to the company’s new annual plan. You’ve probably already committed, so you might as well avoid the price hike for now.

4 – Lenovo ThinkPad laptops are up to 71 percent cheaper in huge site-wide deals

Lenovo offers mega deals for its laptops. The popular ThinkPads are only $1200 – down from $2399. The sale includes other Lenovo products such as monitors, gaming notebooks and IdeaPads. Known for its advanced security features, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 costs $1,199. Laptop Mag’s Hilda Scott called it “one of the best deals we’ve seen all season.” (Source: LaptopMag)

Why this is important to your business:

I am typing this on a five year old ThinkPad which I love and has worked well. It still works fine. I’m wondering if I should take advantage of these offers now to forestall any potential – and inevitable – problems with this device. decisions decisions.

5 – A consumer group issues a warning on wage access products

Workers considering products to access earned wages should beware. The Center for Responsible Lending warns people the EWA route could significantly increase their debt. Employers sometimes use payday services to meet these types of loans, putting the employee at an interest rate disadvantage once they start paying off the debt. Exorbitant interest rates have led to the abolition of this type of lender in some states. (Source: Attorney Andy)

Why this is important to your business:

Earned wage technologies allow workers to borrow against their earnings before they get their paycheck, and given how many people in this country live paycheck to paycheck, these platforms can be a great financial help. But these products can also dig an employee into an even bigger hole. Before you introduce such a platform into your company, you should consider the consequences.

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