1 —To test new technology and sell more beauty products, Amazon is building a hair salon in London.
Amazon has revealed plans to operate a hair salon in London. The salon will be used by the tech giant to increase visibility for hair goods sold on its platform and to test new and developing technologies such as hair consultations and Augmented Reality hair color and style testing. Customers will also be able to learn more about products at the salon using "point-and-learn" technology, and then scan a QR code to be taken immediately to the product's Amazon website to purchase it. The new salon will initially be exclusive to Amazon employees before opening to the public in the coming weeks.
Why this is important for your business:
It's a smart idea to keep an eye on the new Amazon hair salon in London if you're in the hair salon business—indeed, if you're in any form of retail business. Why? Because Amazon is experimenting with technology that will most likely spread throughout your sector, and you'll want to be ahead of the curve rather than behind it. The use of Augmented Reality will be the most exciting aspect. Many retailers are already testing AR gadgets, and Amazon's may provide the kind of foresight into the future that will aid you in making future AR investment decisions.
2 — This summer, Microsoft is rumored to be releasing a cloud PC service.
Microsoft is rumored to be planning to release a Cloud PC platform in June or July of this year, according to reports. Windows users would be able to access their workstations remotely and utilize Microsoft Office and other software with the Cloud PC. Cloud PCs would allow businesses to supply basic hardware to their employees, as well as manage their networks from the cloud. According to sources, this service will be supplied at a fixed fee as part of Microsoft 365.
Why this is important for your business:
The pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in PC sales, and despite the software industry's push to shift everything online, many consumers are still keeping their files locally. This could be a result of a lack of trust or just plain laziness. Furthermore, many people still use local programs. A number of my clients employ remote connectivity software. Microsoft's product will compete with them, and it sounds like a service worth investigating if you're a Microsoft user.
3 —ActiveCampaign, a marketing automation business, has raised $240 million in funding.
This week, ActiveCampaign, a customer experience automation firm, announced that it had secured $240 million in funding. According to the firm, platform utilization has increased since last year, with 2 million daily forecasts, 150 million automated campaigns per month, and 4 billion automated experiences each week. ActiveCampaign has grown its relationships to over 850 in the last year, after hiring 300 new staff. The company expects to grow to over 1,000 employees by the end of the year with the new cash.
Why this is important for your business:
ActiveCampaign is a fantastic marketing automation platform. However, as you can see below, there are advantages and disadvantages to using these technologies, particularly for small firms.
4 — Investors are flocking to this dry walling robotics startup.
Canvas, a construction robots business, is gaining traction and money from investors. Canvas, which finishes drywall with trained employees and robot technology, claims that its method and technology reduces project durations to two days instead of seven, while simultaneously improving the quality and safety of the drywall. According to a news release issued this week, the firm raised $24 million and intends to use the funds to continue developing and improving the dry walling robot.
Why this is important for your business:
Employees are being replaced by automation, and it's not just in the office. As I write this, many organizations in a variety of industries, including construction, are relying on new robotic tools to help them complete tasks faster while lowering labor expenses.
5—PayPal will add cryptocurrency compatibility to Venmo.
PayPal's cryptocurrency support function, which was announced earlier this year, will be extended to Venmo, a popular payment service used by millions of small companies, according to a statement made earlier this week.
Why this is important for your business:
Users in the United States can now sell, hold, and buy cryptocurrencies using Venmo. In March, PayPal launched a new service called Checkout with Crypto, which allows customers to sell cryptocurrency through PayPal—and now Venmo—to pay for specific online purchases. During the checkout process, the feature converts bitcoin into US dollars with no additional costs and a unique conversion rate.
You must be logged in to post a comment.