Apple could release a foldable iPad next year… and other tech news for small businesses this week

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

1 – A foldable iPad could appear as early as next year, according to an Apple analyst.

According to a supply chain analyst Apple could potentially develop a foldable iPad as early as 2024. The release of the foldable model is expected to improve shipments and product variety. The same analyst also predicts that the foldable iPad will be released alongside an improved iPad Mini, with Apple possibly starting production of that model early next year. (Source: The edge)

Why this is important for your business:

Foldable devices are not new – Samsung has been selling them for a few years now. But a foldable iPad could be a big seller and also open the door to an avalanche of similar products. These devices save space and can be very useful for remote workers or people on the go.

2 – ChromeOS and Microsoft 365 are going to play nicer together this year.

Google recently reported that ChromeOS will include a new integration for Microsoft 365, making it easier to install the app and providing support for OneDrive. This integration allows users to search and locate OneDrive files in the same way they retrieve local or stored files in Google Drive. (Source: ARS technique)

Why this is important for your business:

I guess it’s my age, but for some reason I still can’t get over owning a device that has to store just about all of my files online. I already do that automatically using some cloud-based storage services, but there’s something about having local files syncing that I like. It’s just because I’m used to it. Anyway, I have to get over that. And the new integration between Chrome and 365 should help me. Maybe there really is a Chromebook in my future.

3 – Google says it will permanently scrap cookies in 2024.

Google makes plans to remove cookies from web browsers. The tech giant’s Privacy Sandbox project will gradually scale back conversion tracking and stop using third-party cookies. However, this move requires the development of new technology, collaboration with developers and publishers, and collaboration with the entire industry, which will take time. Google originally planned to say goodbye to third-party cookies by the end of 2022, before pushing the deadline back to late 2023. Google now says that won’t happen until late next year. (Source: Technical Radar)

Why this is important for your business:

We’ve heard this before, but now I think it’s really going to happen. This means that if your online advertising strategy relies on tracking visitors through cookies, you should use a different strategy.

4 – Why should every small business use Apple devices?

Technical website 9 to 5 mac recently shared why every small business should use it Apple Devices because of an advantage not offered by other tech platforms. (Source: 9 to 5 mac)

Why this is important for your business:

I know… it’s a sponsored post. So I can’t attribute these ideas to an author and there is an agenda behind the advice. But the advice is still quite informative. According to the post, companies using Apple devices have access to “specialized software vendors” focused on “integrated solutions” to help companies protect and manage Apple devices. The Apple Unified Platform approach helps companies secure, deploy, and manage devices.

5 – Birdeye launches innovative social media software for local brands and businesses.

Leading all-in-one platform for digital customer experience and reputation Bird’s eye recently revealed that it will be launching a social media software platform aimed at helping local businesses manage social media accounts. The new platform – known as Birdeye Social – will help businesses manage their online reputation across different locations, simultaneously publish unique posts and engage with their customers more broadly on social media. (Source: Mar Tech series)

Why this is important for your business:

Birdeye’s latest small business offering is more of an enterprise product and can help attract leads with better mentions, referrals, reviews, and Google seller ratings. It also helps with messaging, surveys, making appointments and mass texting.