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Here are five tech events that happened this week and how they impact your business. Did you miss them?
1 – Etsy will ban the sale of certain sex toys and explicit content.
Etsy, the popular marketplace for unique products, plans to ban the sale of most sex toys and explicit content. The ban, which goes into effect July 29, is intended to enforce standards for content that is appropriate for a “general audience.” Affected items include sex toys, some gender-affirming products, and any photographic content that depicts genitals. Violations of the policy can result in suspension or termination of selling privileges. (Source: PCMag)
Why this is important for your business:
I find it a bit frustrating that major marketplaces ban products – even if they are perfectly legal – from their platforms when they deem them “inappropriate.” But they are free to do so, and I understand that they know their customers best. If you are selling products that may be considered inappropriate by Etsy, you should find other platforms that will allow the sale and improve your ability to sell on your website.
2 – The United States is awarding 12 regional “Tech Hubs”, with the aim of financing the next American Silicon Valleys.
The U.S. Department of Commerce has designated 31 regional tech hubs across the country, with the goal of spurring technological innovation, strengthening manufacturing, and creating good-paying jobs. Backed by the Biden-Harris administration’s CHIPS and Science Act, the strategy targets a broad range of industries, including semiconductors, clean energy, biotech, and quantum computing. The tech hubs were chosen from nearly 400 applications, underscoring a broader strategy to ensure that technological and economic advances are more evenly distributed across the country. (Source: ZDNet)
Why this is important for your business:
Tech companies looking to secure funding and other resources might want to consider these 31 destinations.
3 – State of SEO: Google Search Algorithm Updates for 2024.
CMSWire’s Michelle Hawley provided an update on how SEO is changing in light of Google’s recent search algorithm updates, focusing on the changes coming in October 2023 and March 2024. These updates have had a significant impact on website rankings and traffic across a variety of industries. (Source: CMS Wire)
Why this is important for your business:
Updates include the removal of continuous scrolling to speed up search results, SEO strategy adjustments in line with Google’s Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust (EEAT) guidelines, and Google’s aggressive measures to control SPAM outlined in their updated policies.
4 – Expect this year to be a major iPhone upgrade year.
The upcoming iPhone models are expected to get several big improvements. The iPhone 16 Pro will get more AI-powered features, improved power efficiency, and a larger screen size of 6.3 inches — up from 6.1 inches on the iPhone 15 Pro. Camera improvements are also expected, with a larger Action button and Capture button, with potential improvements to the telephoto and ultra-wide-angle capabilities. (Source: CNET)
Why this is important for your business:
Are you or your employees going to upgrade to an iPhone this year? I recommend holding on to your current phone for as long as possible, as I don’t think these changes will have a significant impact on your employees’ productivity or your business at this time. Plus, if you pay for your phone monthly, once that payment is over, you own it, and thanks to recent changes to the Right to Repair rules, you may be able to continue using these phones for the foreseeable future.
5 – American Express takes control of restaurant reservations.
American Express will enhance its restaurant platform by acquiring two leading technology providers: Resy, a reservations app, and Tock, the all-in-one reservations technology. The $400 million acquisition of Tock from Squarespace will expand American Express’s suite of digital tools for restaurants and diners. Tock specializes in reservation, table management and event technology. The acquisitions are designed to provide cardholders with enhanced dining experiences, access to a large network of diners and exclusive culinary events. (Source: CNN Business)
Why this is important for your business:
I’m particularly interested to see how this will impact customers using competing payment services. Be careful if you align fully with Resy or Tock, as this may limit the options your non-AMEX customers have when booking tables at your restaurant.
