Microsoft Teams Has More Integration Options…And Other Small Business Tech News This Week

(This column originally appeared in Forbes)

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

1- Microsoft Teams voice and video calls can be transferred to customized business applications.

Microsoft Teams has created a new feature in which calls and video can be customized and transferred into priority business apps. This has allowed businesses 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 that this will increase productivity and promote clarity in communication between colleagues. (Source: ZDNet)

Why this is important for your business:

This is one of those little tweaks that can provide a lot of productivity. Theoretically — and with some developer assistance — you can embed Teams into your accounting, CRM, HR or other applications so you’re not switching 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 what impact it has. I bet it has a lot of impact.

2- The popular “Hey, Google” command will be turned off during meetings.

Google has launched this new feature where the command “hey, Google” will not activate during and 10 minutes before a meeting. The hope is that this command will not disrupt any important calls 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. Now when will Amazon figure out a way not to launch Alexa when someone in the room says a word similar?

3- Lenovo is announcing 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 the program to focus more on minority 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 to small businesses throughout the US and Canada. Select small businesses will have the opportunity to partner with a high-profile celebrity. They can leverage custom marketing materials and mentorship from the celebrity partner and Lenovo Evolve Small Ambassadors. These small businesses will receive the technological support needed to implement systems and processes that allow them to elevate their day-to-day business operations.”

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

Apple plans to release iOS 16 with the new iPhone 14 set to come out early September. (Source: Computer World)

Why this is important for your business:

These improvements are said to boost workflow with apps — such as QuickNote — that were originally only available on iPad. Other new features include a “remind later” option for Mail, a “don’t send email” feature, merging duplicate contacts, public transit fares in maps, and more.

5- An AI-Powered app may extend battery life.

A new AI-powered innovation may 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 technological goods. The app will first be tested by specialist designers and researchers and large manufacturers such as Huawei and Nokia. (Source: Sci Tech Daily)

Why this is important for your business:

As someone who is constantly re-charging my phone, anything that can increase my battery life would be very welcome. I’m hoping we can see this technology on the market sometime soon.

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Originally published at https://www.forbes.com.