Typical CAPTCHA form.
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Here are five things that happened in the tech industry this week and how they impact your business. Were you lonely?
1 – AI just made fun of CAPTCHAs, which is bad news for real people.
According to a recent study from ETH Zurich, AI models can now consistently bypass CAPTCHA systems designed to block bots. CAPTCHAs, which traditionally asked users to identify objects such as traffic lights or buses, are vulnerable because AI can now recognize these objects with high accuracy based on the results. This breakthrough raises concerns about web security, as bot attacks could increase and developers should seek more advanced alternatives to CAPTCHAs for protection. . (Source: TechRadar)
Why this is important for your business:
As soon as I saw this, I notified the website developer. Before I installed a CAPTCHA box on my site, I was being attacked by bots. It stopped. But it looks like the AI has won again and we are the losers. Don’t panic. There are alternatives (but they also have their pros and cons).
2 – Walmart is using 3D printing to add stores in Tennessee.
Walmart has completed one of the largest 3D-printed commercial concrete structures in the United States at its store in Athens, Tennessee. The 8,000-square-foot, 20-foot-tall addition was constructed using Alquist 3D’s 3D concrete printing (3DCP) technology. This project is the first time Walmart has used 3D printing on this scale. (Source: Construction Dive)
Why this is important for your business:
I like when big companies invest in new technologies like 3D printing. This is because it expands the market and increases competition, which in turn lowers prices and allows smaller businesses, especially construction companies, to take advantage of the technology. It’s great to see small businesses like Alquist 3D making a name for themselves in this space.
3 – Amazon Business launches new and revised features for B2B e-commerce.
At the Reshape 2024 event, Amazon Business introduced several new B2B e-commerce features. These include SAP Ariba integration for improved procurement management, a personalized hosted product catalog, and an inventory replenishment service called AB Restock. Amazon Business is also enhancing its account login system and offering digital coupons for business gifts. These updates aim to streamline corporate purchasing processes and improve operational efficiency across the sector. (Source: Digital Commerce 360)
Why this is important for your business:
If you’re not an Amazon B2B reseller, this news probably won’t interest you. But if you are, you are. These updates aim to streamline corporate purchasing processes and improve operational efficiency across the sector.
4 – LiveFlow raises $13.5 million in Series A to modernize accounting and inspire the next generation of accountants.
Accounting automation tool LiveFlow has raised $13.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Valar Ventures. The funding will support the launch of LiveFlow Next, a platform aimed at “turning accounting firms into financial advisory powerhouses,” the company said in a statement. (Source: LiveFlow)
Why this is important for your business:
Be careful if you are an accountant or run an accounting firm. LiveFlow Next provides tools such as custom dashboards, AI-driven transaction classification, and predictions. The company offers technology that provides tools to sync and report data from mainstream systems such as QuickBooks and Xero to solve the accountant shortage plaguing the industry.
5-7 laptop habits to get the most out of your battery.
PCWorld’s Ashley Biancuzzo outlined seven important habits to maximize your laptop’s battery life. This includes lowering your screen brightness, turning off your keyboard backlight, and closing unnecessary apps. Biancuzzo points out that seemingly harmless habits, such as leaving a laptop plugged in for most of the day, can reduce battery capacity over time. Follow the link to see all of her tips. (Source: PCWorld)
Why this is important for your business:
A million of these articles have been written over the years, but I’m still drawn to them because they always have new advice and are a great refresher. Biancuzzo’s work does not disappoint.
