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

1 – A tech columnist uses ChatGPT’s enhanced voice mode and says it’s fun but a bit creepy.

Reece Rogers of Wired detailed his experience using OpenAI’s advanced voice feature for ChatGPT. His overall impression was amused by the chatbot’s spontaneous responses in Spanish and that it refrained from singing a tune at Rogers’ request. The eeriness he noticed was a “white static noise” that occurred at certain intervals. He most enjoyed experimenting with different commands and was impressed by the voice simulations. These advances have raised some concerns, as OpenAI has identified risks in interacting with GPT-4o. Developers reported observing users “humanizing” the chatbot and showing emotional connections during test sessions. OpenAI plans to continue studying the impact and look for ways to mitigate these risks. (Source: Wired; TechRadar)

Why this is important for your business:

What a time we live in! AI’s advanced speech mode is something I personally enjoy at the moment and I suggest trying it out as an interpreter, teacher, confidant or assistant (but don’t get too attached to it). The prospects for business use of this technology are overwhelming – it will be found in robots, machines, appliances and other previously inanimate objects in our offices and stores, transforming the way we work.

2 – EY manager: In three or four years “we won’t even talk about AI anymore.”

Ken Englund – Ernst & Young’s Americas Technology Growth leader – was interviewed on the topic of integrating AI into the workforce. Englund discussed the results of an EY survey that showed companies need to restructure their teams to keep up with technology. He shared his view on proactive steps employees need to take to empower their roles and “stay relevant” as AI continues to reshape the workplace. Eventually, the technology will be so integrated that it’s a seamless routine and no longer a challenge. Englund said, “…if we fast forward three or four years, we won’t even be talking about AI anymore.” (Source: Computerworld)

Why this is important for your business:

Englund is absolutely right. AI is getting a lot of attention because it’s new, exciting, and not exactly scary. But ultimately, like any other software feature (and AI is nothing more than a feature), the technology will simply become part of everything we do and accepted as normal and common.

3 – Thanks to AI, Google Meet now takes notes for you.

Google Meet now offers users an AI-powered feature that can automatically take notes during meetings – part of the broader integration of AI into Google’s Workspace applications. The AI ​​can identify key points, decisions and action points during the meeting and compile them into organized notes. This should be especially useful for professionals who need to keep track of multiple meetings and make sure nothing important is missed. (Source: ZDNet)

Why this is important for your business:

I’ve used it and it works pretty well – for a generative AI feature. Microsoft, Zoom, and other meeting platforms offer similar features. Regardless of what meeting software your company uses, this type of feature should always be enabled. It improves the productivity and accuracy of your meetings.

4 – Shake Shack customers can now receive meals through Serve Robotics.

New York City-based Shake Shack is now offering food delivery in the Los Angeles area by autonomous robots from Serve Robotics through Uber Eats. Customers can choose the “robot” delivery option within the app. This service expansion is part of Serve Robotics’ broader plan to deploy 2,000 robots across the U.S. by 2025. The initiative reflects Shake Shack’s commitment to innovative guest experiences and will be managed through Uber Eats, which will handle all delivery logistics, including robot integration. (Source: The Robot Report)

Why this is important for your business:

Can you say “PR campaign”? Companies like Shake Shack introduce such things to attract media attention. Autonomous delivery robots are a gimmick and do nothing to contribute to their profitability.

5 – Workday’s new AI-powered HR solutions aim to transform talent acquisition and management.

Human resources and financial management system Workday has introduced new HR solutions based on artificial intelligence that are intended to improve talent acquisition and talent management. (Source: FutureCIO)

Why this is important for your business:

According to the company, the solutions – HiredScore AI for Recruiting and Talent Mobility – help companies increase productivity, reduce time to hire and improve candidate and employee experiences. The tools offer features such as AI-driven candidate-job matching, talent discovery and personalized career development opportunities, increase internal application rates and help managers manage employee development.