This Week in Tech (and Why It Actually Matters for Your Business)
Tech’s been crazy this week. New AI launches, billion‑pound investments, scary cybersecurity headlines - the lot. But instead of getting overwhelmed, let’s break it down into stuff that’s actually useful for small business owners like us.
AI Agents Are Here - Should You Care?
OpenAI just dropped “ChatGPT Agents” - little digital assistants that can book meetings, file documents, or even help with emails. Amazon’s doing the same with its AWS AgentCore thing. Everyone’s trying to make AI do your admin for you.
What I think: These are like having a really enthusiastic intern. Super handy for the boring stuff, but don’t trust them with anything critical just yet. If you’re running an MSP (like me), there’s potential to offer this kind of automation to your clients, saves them time, makes you look smart.
Big Tech Is Throwing Stupid Money at AI
Meta launched “Superintelligence Labs” and is chucking hundreds of billions at AI infrastructure. Mistral in Europe is getting in on it too with their own fancy research bots.
Why it matters: All this investment trickles down. Tools that used to cost a fortune will become affordable (or even free). In a few months, you could be using the same tech Meta built their empire on - just with fewer buzzwords.
Netflix Is Using AI to Make TV Shows (Seriously?)
Netflix has started using generative AI to make scenes for their new sci‑fi series. It cut production time and cost by 90%. Their CEO swears they’re using it to support creators, not replace them.
What this means for you: AI is way past just writing blog posts. It’s editing video, crunching data, even writing code. If you’re making content or running numbers, it might be time to try a few tools, even if you’re just testing the waters.
AI Made This One Thing Worse
A recent study showed that experienced coders actually got slower when they used AI tools. They spent too long fixing the AI’s weird ideas.
Lesson: AI helps with the easy stuff. But if you’re already good at something, don’t let it slow you down. Think of it like a sat nav, great until you know the back roads better yourself.
AI for Good Is Getting Funding
OpenAI’s launched a £38 million fund for AI projects in education, healthcare and other good causes. It’s the first time they’ve put proper money behind community‑focused stuff.
Worth knowing: Even if you’re not applying, keep an eye out for new tools and grants aimed at small businesses doing social impact work. These things have a habit of spreading.
Only 1 in 3 UK Small Business Leaders Actually “Get” AI
A new UK study says 46% of small businesses use AI, but only 34% really understand it. Most are held back by security fears, funding issues, and good old-fashioned “not sure where to start.”
Opportunity alert: If you do get AI, or know how to explain it to people who don’t, you’ve got a real chance to help others (and get paid for it). If you don’t? No shame, start small. Try one tool and see where it takes you.
Verizon’s Training Camp for Small Biz Owners
Verizon (US telephone firm) is running a competition where 20 small business owners get an all‑expenses‑paid trip to San Francisco for a few days of expert training. It’s part of their “Digital Ready” platform, which already offers 50+ free online courses.
If you’re eligible - go for it. And even if you’re not, check out similar programmes in the UK. These free courses are gold if you’re levelling up your digital skills.
Cybersecurity, Still Getting Ignored
Small businesses are still struggling with basic cybersecurity. Budget issues, lack of skills, outdated training and hackers know it. They’re actively targeting small firms who haven’t locked their digital doors.
Don’t be an easy win. Get MFA set up, patch your software, and teach your team how to spot dodgy emails. If you don’t have time, bring in someone who does (cough Adkinsio cough).
Phew!
There’s a lot happening in tech right now, but not everything needs to be overwhelming or expensive. Start small, stay curious, and try stuff that actually helps you work better or serve your clients more easily.
And if you're not sure where to start, give me a shout. Happy to chat about what’s real and what’s just hype.
Let me know what tech you’re trying this month, or what’s got you scratching your head 🤔.
Ashley Adkins, Founder @ Adkinsio | Helping Business Work Smarter