This week in tech, there were several important updates that could impact your business. ZDNet listed the best free tax software for filing your 2023 taxes, with CashApp Taxes being named the best overall option for both state and federal taxes. H&R Block and IRS-approved TaxAct were also mentioned for their assistance with tax preparation. It is important to remember that even with these tools, it is still advisable to have a CPA review your tax documents before filing, as taxes are complex and it may be better to outsource to experts.
Microsoft has announced that they will be unbundling Office and Teams globally, following years of criticism and antitrust investigations. New subscribers to Microsoft 365 will now have to sign up for Microsoft Teams separately, starting at $4 per month. This decision was made in response to concerns from competitors like Slack and the European Commission, who worried that bundling Teams with 365 gave Microsoft an unfair advantage. Existing customers with a Teams bundle will not be affected by this change.
Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, both owned by Yum! Brands, are embracing AI technology in their fast-food service operations. Yum! Brands has increased its investment in high-tech solutions like the SuperApp, an AI tool that can organize employee shifts and answer restaurant-related questions. This move towards automation and increased efficiency with AI technology may signal a broader trend in the fast-food industry and could potentially impact smaller companies in the future.
Salesforce has announced the beta availability of Einstein Copilot for Tableau, an AI assistant designed to help users navigate and analyze data more effectively. This conversational assistant is equipped with a comprehensive understanding of company data and uses natural language to query and derive insights from Tableau’s analytical engine. Additionally, Einstein Copilot is equipped with a security tool, the Einstein Trust Layer, to protect sensitive information while ensuring the accuracy of the AI’s results.
For those looking for a more affordable alternative to Microsoft Office, How-To Geek reviewed OfficeSuite as a fair option. OfficeSuite offers cross-compatibility with Microsoft Office and OpenOffice files, making it a user-friendly transition for those looking for a cheaper option. While there are some differences in functions compared to Microsoft Office, such as table insertion, OfficeSuite also offers a built-in AI assistant and an organizational tool called OfficeSuite Slides, although Mac users may not have access to all apps on macOS. This review highlights the potential benefits of considering OfficeSuite for your business needs.
