This past week, tech news included the announcement of G Suite changing its name to Google Workspace and adding new features to its collaboration tools. As many companies are still remote due to the pandemic, Google’s rebranding to Workspace is an effort to help users view this platform in a positive light. In other news, Salesforce launched a $100 million Impact Fund to invest in cloud startups that are committed to social causes related to equity and inclusion, climate action and education. Additionally, augmented reality technologies are gaining popularity due to the pandemic, particularly for businesses in the retail industry, as they seek out new and innovative ways to show their products through virtual means. Fintech company, Gusto, has also introduced a salary-early service for their small business clients and popular payment service Venmo launched their first credit card for users.
G Suite is a popular collaboration tool used by businesses and professionals everywhere. In addition to their new name, Google Workspace, they are adding features such as an easy way to open files in Slides, Sheets & Docs without the need to open extra tabs, and they will make it easier to contact people who tag you in a document by displaying the suggester’s contact information. They are also expanding their Google Meet service by adding more features to make it a better collaborative platform.
Salesforce Ventures launched a $100 million Impact Fund in order to help investments go to cloud organizations that have a social mission such as equity and inclusion, providing technology for non-profits, climate action, and reskilling and education. This fund will provide businesses in those spaces the opportunity to further their mission and acquire needed funds to help their operations.
Augmented reality is something many businesses are turning to in order to make sales during the pandemic. For example, David’s Bridal has a feature on their website that allows brides to virtually try on dresses while they shop and Avataar.me is transforming 2D pictures into 3D to help shoppers get a better look of products. This is widely helpful for businesses that are unable to have an in-person shopping experience.
Gusto, a fintech for helping small businesses navigate their benefits for workers, introduced a free product that will allow employees to have access to their money between pay days. This type of HR app is becoming increasingly popular as manpower operations shift to become more remote.
Finally, Venmo has launched its first credit card. With no annual fee and features such as contactless payments, virtual card numbers and the ability to split purchases and earn cashback rewards, this card is sure to be a hit for not just those who already enjoy Venmo, but for businesses seeking ways to make it easier for customers to access their products.
Whether it’s a new name and features for Google Workspace or the release of Venmo’s first credit card, it’s clear to see that businesses and tech platforms are quickly adapting to meet the ever-changing needs of the digital age. With platforms such as Salesforce Ventures’ Impact Fund and resources such as Augmented Reality technology and HR app solutions, the industry appears to be staying ahead of the curve. There’s no telling what the landscape will hold in the future, but we can be sure that tech innovations are here to stay.
