This Week's Business Technology News: OpenAI Goes For Microsoft's Jugular
Here are five business technology news stories from this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
This Week in Business Tech News
Business Technology News #1 – OpenAI goes for Microsoft's jugular – its Office productivity suite.
OpenAI is reportedly developing its own AI-powered office productivity suite, directly challenging Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Features reportedly include collaborative document editing, meeting transcription, team chat, and tight integration with ChatGPT. Rather than replicating Microsoft's feature-rich apps or Google's collaboration tools, OpenAI may lean into generative AI to reinvent how documents are created and edited collaboratively. This move comes amid rising tensions between OpenAI and Microsoft, despite their deep partnership and Microsoft's $13 billion investment in the AI company. If successful, OpenAI's suite could reshape enterprise software by offering a more fluid, AI-native experience. (Source: Computerworld)
Why this is important for your business:
I've been to this rodeo before. Over the years I've been in the tech industry countless players from - Facebook to Google - have come and gone trying to replace Microsoft Office with their own solutions. Google has probably had the most success but even their market share pales when compared to Microsoft's. Maybe OpenAI has a better answer? I'm not hopeful.
Business Technology News #2 – Instagram launches trial reels, letting creators test ideas with new audiences.
Instagram has launched a new feature called Trial Reels, designed to help creators and small businesses experiment with content before sharing it with their full audience. Creators can share short videos with a randomized audience of non-followers to gauge reactions – allowing businesses to try new formats or ideas without risking backlash from loyal followers. After 24 hours, Instagram provides engagement metrics like views, likes, comments, and shares. If the reel performs well, creators can manually or automatically publish it to their followers. High-performing trial reels can be auto-published based on engagement within 72 hours. (Source: Small Business Trends)
Why this is important for your business:
It's a simple yet brilliant idea, and not one that's foreign to the tech world. It's a sandbox to build test systems and only allow certain users/customers to use it. I love it and I think if you're an Instagram creator it's a solid way to test out potential content.
Business Technology News #3 – OpenAI quietly adds Shopify as a shopping search partner.
OpenAI has quietly added Shopify as a third-party search partner for its ChatGPT shopping search feature, expanding its e-commerce capabilities without a formal announcement. SEO expert Aleyda Solís spotted the update in OpenAI's documentation on May 15, 2025, following the rollout of enhanced shopping features in April. Shopify joins Bing as a data provider for ChatGPT's shopping search, enabling richer product listings with images, prices, and reviews. ChatGPT now returns shopping results from various platforms, including Amazon and Turbify (formerly Yahoo Stores). Non-Shopify stores can apply to be included, provided they allow OpenAI's web crawler – OAI-SearchBot – to access their site. (Source: Search Engine Journal)
Why this is important for your business:
According to the post this move positions OpenAI to compete more directly in the AI-powered shopping space, offering users a seamless and visually rich shopping experience. It's certainly an easier way to search and buy products and it makes sense – as a consumer I often ask ChatGPT for buying advice so why not be delivered links to purchase their recommendations? If your business uses Shopify I'd learn more about this functionality. And if your business uses one of Shopify's competitors I'm sure we'll be seeing similar offering in the not too distant future.
Business Technology News #4 – How one subcontractor worked 10X faster with Project Intelligence.
North Texas subcontractor DFW Turf Solutions dramatically improved its efficiency –working 10x faster – by adopting a product called ConstructConnect® Project Intelligence (CCPI). The challenges DFW were dealing with included driving to job sites to find work and struggling to connect with decision-makers on projects. CCPI transformed their workflow with real-time project data that gave them access to updated public and private job listings. Smart search filters allowed them to quickly narrow down projects by bid date, stage, and location. The results showed significant growth in business with 5-30 new contacts per day, and they landed on over 140 bidder lists across Texas. This case study shows how digital tools like CCPI can revolutionize subcontractor operations. (Source: ConstructConnect)
Why this is important for your business:
I enjoy writing about actual uses of AI and technologies by actual companies, rather than conjecture, predictions and prognostications. CCPI is a good example for those in the construction industry.
Business Technology News #5 – Here are 10 ways to use Grok 4 that feel like cheating:
AI resources platform God of Prompt listed 10 creative ways to use Grok 4 – xAI's large language model – on its X feed. Example tips: Users can build apps and interactive tools without code by describing their idea to Grok and prompting it to design an interactive tool based on the idea. Infographics can be designed from plain text. Prompt: 'You are a world-class visual explainer and technical designer. Transform this concept into a visual graphic using a code-based design format.' Grok can also perform as a stand-in tutor on a chosen subject by entering a prompt: 'You are a world-class private tutor. Teach me [chosen topic] as if I'm a motivated beginner.' Next, users can list specific bullet points of subtopics they want to be included in the lesson. For the full list of Grok 4 capabilities, visit the link. (Source: God of Prompt)
Why this is important for your business:
Grok 4 has been recently released and well received as a strong alternative to ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini and others. I've been using it while on X to provide context and explanations behind posts. But I like the idea of expanding its usage for my business and these examples give me good ideas.Each week I round up five business technology news stories and explain why they're important for your business. If you have any interesting stories, please post to my X account @genemarks
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Japan says $550 billion package in trade deal could finance Taiwanese chipmaker in US
By Makiko Yamazaki TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan's $550 billion investment package agreed in this week's U.S. tariff deal could help finance a Taiwanese firm building semiconductor plants in the U.S., Japan's top trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said on Saturday. Japan agreed to the sweeping U.S.-bound investment initiative, which includes equity, loans and guarantees, in exchange for lower tariffs on its exports to the U.S. However, the structure of the scheme remains unclear. "Japan, the United States, and like-minded countries are working together to build supply chains in sectors critical to economic security," Akazawa told public broadcaster NHK. To that end, he said projects eligible for financing under the package are not limited to U.S. or Japanese firms. "For example, if a Taiwanese chipmaker builds a plant in the U.S. and uses Japanese components or tailors its products to meet Japanese needs, that's fine too," he said, without specifying companies. The U.S. is significantly reliant on Taiwan's TSMC for advanced chip manufacturing, raising economic security concerns due to geographic proximity to China. TSMC announced plans for a $100 billion U.S. investment with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in March, on top of $65 billion pledged for three plants in the state of Arizona, one of which is up and running. Japan will use state-owned Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) for the investments. A recent law revision has enabled JBIC to finance foreign companies deemed critical to Japan's supply chains. Akazawa told NHK that equity investment would account for just about 1-2% of the $550 billion, suggesting that the bulk will come in the form of loans and guarantees. When asked about the White House statement that the U.S. would retain 90% of the profits from the package, he clarified that the figure refers only to returns on equity investment, which would represent a small fraction of the total. While Japan initially hoped to secure half of the returns, a loss from the concession on the profit-sharing would be marginal compared to the roughly 10 trillion yen ($67.72 billion) in tariff costs that could be avoided under the deal, he said. He added that Japan aims to deploy the $550 billion investments during Trump's current term. ($1 = 147.6600 yen) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Michael Kors is selling a 'stunning' and 'practical' bag for $101 — it's usually $558
Reviewers say it's "practical" and call it a "sartorial delight." Are you on the hunt for a new handbag? The Michael Kors sale might be your chance to snag a stylish deal at an unbeatable price. Right now, Michael Kors shoppers can save an extra 15 per cent on select styles using the code SCORE. The sale includes hundreds of crossbody bags, satchels, wallets and accessories, including the ever-so-popular Emilia Small Pebbled Leather Satchel. With hundreds of five-star reviews singing its praises, reviewers describe the leather bag as "absolutely adorable" and "practical," and right now, shoppers can take it home for more than $450 off. Interested? Scroll onwards for all the details on the deal check out even more hot Michael Kors deals. Best Michael Kors deals: Shop crossbody bags for $109 and under Shop satchels for $199 and under Shop flats for $99 and under Shop backpacks for $139 and under Shop all Michael Kors sale The details The satchel is made from 100 per cent pebbled leather sourced from tanneries that meet the highest standards of environmental performance. It has gold-tone hardware, a centre zip compartment and two front slip pockets. In terms of dimensions, it's just under 11 inches wide, eight inches in height and five inches in depth. It can be carried two ways: either held via the handles, or worn on the shoulder or across the body via the adjustable straps. What reviewers are saying 🛍️ 1,600+ reviews ⭐ 4.7-star average rating 🏅Shoppers say the satchel is the "perfect size" and "love the quality" of the handbag "Absolutely adorable and practical!" raves one customer. Another says they are "so delighted with [the] darling satchel" and call it a "sartorial delight." Others write that they "love the quality" of the purse and note that it's the "perfect size" and that the "detailing is so cute." As well, people share that the "colour is rich" and that "the leather [is] good quality." However, some note that the satchel is a bit smaller than they anticipated — something to keep in mind! The verdict Shoppers love that the Emilia Small Pebbled Leather Satchel is both cute, practical and made of quality material. They say it's the perfect size and a perfect fashion choice for your year-round wardrobe. Right now, it's a whopping $457 off at Michael Kors — and there are dozens of more products on serious sale to snap up. 5 more really good Michael Kors deals
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
1 No-Brainer High-Dividend S&P Index Fund to Buy Right Now for Less Than $50
Key Points The SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF is a low-cost dividend index fund. It provides exposure to the highest-paying dividend stocks in the S&P 500. With a 0.07% expense ratio, it's a smart way to create passive income and strong total return potential. 10 stocks we like better than SPDR Series Trust - SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF › There are dozens of excellent dividend-focused ETFs in the stock market, but one that could be especially appealing to long-term income investors is the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (NYSEMKT: SPYD). As the name suggests, the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF is an index fund that focuses on S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) companies with above-average dividend yields. It has a rock-bottom fee structure and could be an excellent way to get both growth and income potential in your portfolio without excessive volatility. The top quintile of S&P 500 dividend stocks Many investors don't realize it, but more than 80% of the stocks in the S&P 500 pay dividends. As of this writing, 408 of the 502 stocks in the index pay regular dividends. (Note: There are slightly more than 500 stocks because some stocks, like Alphabet, have more than one share class.) The SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF is an index fund that tracks the 80 highest-yielding companies in the S&P 500. The cutoff to be among the top 80 is a dividend yield of roughly 3.7%, although this isn't always the case due to share price fluctuations and other factors. Here's a look at some of the fund's largest holdings: Company (Symbol) % of the SPYD ETF Current Dividend Yield Phillip Morris 1.85% 3% Hasbro 1.77% 3.6% Franklin Resources 1.58% 5.3% AT&T 1.58% 4.1% Crown Castle 1.57% 4% AES 1.54% 5.1% Data source: State Street. Table by author. Over the past 12 months, the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF has a distribution yield of about 4.5%, making it one of the higher-paying dividend ETFs in the market. It has a rock-bottom 0.07% expense ratio, which means that for every $1,000 you invest in the fund, your annual investment costs are just $0.70. To be clear, this isn't a fee you have to pay -- it will simply be reflected in the performance over time. Speaking of performance, since the fund's 2015 inception, it has delivered an annualized total return of about 8.5%. That's somewhat lower than the S&P 500 as a whole, but keep in mind that the S&P's total returns have been largely fueled by megacap tech stocks (which aren't included in this fund), and that many high-dividend stocks have far more consistent cash flows and less volatility, so there's a bit of a trade-off. In a nutshell, the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF is a low-volatility way to achieve solid total returns and a consistent income stream over time. Why buy the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF? This is an excellent ETF for income-seeking investors who also worry about capital preservation, but who don't want to simply put their money in fixed-income instruments like a bond ETF. It might not be the best fit for investors looking to grow their portfolio more aggressively. It's worth noting that although the S&P 500 is near an all-time high, the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF is still about 8% below its peak. However, a falling interest rate environment, like most experts believe will happen over the next couple of years, could disproportionately benefit high dividend stocks. I don't want to turn this into a math lesson, but the general idea is that as risk-free interest rates fall (like Treasury yields), the yields of other income-focused instruments like high dividend stocks tend to fall as well. Since yield and price have an inverse relationship, this could cause shares of the SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF to gravitate higher. In short, this is an excellent income ETF to hold for the long term, and now could be an opportune time to buy before the Federal Reserve starts lowering rates. Should you buy stock in SPDR Series Trust - SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF right now? Before you buy stock in SPDR Series Trust - SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and SPDR Series Trust - SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $636,628!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,063,471!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,041% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 183% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2025 Matt Frankel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet and Crown Castle. The Motley Fool recommends Hasbro and Philip Morris International. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 1 No-Brainer High-Dividend S&P Index Fund to Buy Right Now for Less Than $50 was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
