This video-update outlines when a chatbot gives you more relevant help than just a Google Search.

Snapping windows allows you to quickly arrange open windows on your screen, making multitasking more efficient by giving you a better overview of multiple applications simultaneously. Here’s how to do it:

To snap a Window to the Side

– Click on the window you want to snap.

– Press Win + Left Arrow or Win + Right Arrow to snap the window to the left or right half of the screen.

To snap a window to a Corner

– After snapping to the side, press Win + Up Arrow or Win + Down Arrow to move the window to a corner.

To snap to quadrants

– You can also directly snap a window to a corner by dragging it to a corner or using the Win + Arrow keys combination.

Managing privacy settings in your Microsoft 365 account can help protect your personal and business information. Properly configured privacy settings help ensure that your data is only accessible to those who are authorised and that your activities remain private. Here’s how to access and manage your privacy settings to enhance security and privacy:

Access Your Privacy Settings

– Sign in to your Microsoft 365 account.

– Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select My Account.

Review and Adjust Privacy Settings

– In the left-hand menu, select Privacy.

– Here, by you can manage various aspects of your privacy settings, including ad preferences, location services, activity history (browsing and search), and more.

Configure Security and Privacy Settings

Under the Security section (left-hand menu – click on ‘Security’), you can:

– Review your sign-in activity and security settings.

– Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for an additional layer of security.

– Regularly update your password and ensure it is strong and unique.

By taking steps to manage your privacy settings, you can enhance the security of your Microsoft 365 account, ensuring your personal and business information remains protected and private.

In this article, we look at why, as reliance on cloud services like Microsoft 365 grows, ensuring robust data backup has become a critical component of business security and continuity, then we look at some best practices for your 365 backups.

The Misconception – Microsoft 365 Backup Myths 

Many businesses are surprised to learn that they’d been operating under the false assumption that Microsoft 365 automatically provides comprehensive data backup.

In reality, Microsoft 365’s built-in protections, such as retention policies, recycle bins, and versioning, are designed for data retention and compliance rather than comprehensive backup and recovery. For example, email isn’t properly “backed-up” by Microsoft in 365. Instead, the onus is on the business-owner to find their own email backup solution. In fact, Microsoft 365’s backup and recovery default settings only really protect your data for 30-90 days on average (the recycle bin only retains deleted items for 30 days, after which they are permanently deleted).

How Does 365 Handle Email and Other Data? 

While Microsoft 365 doesn’t provide traditional email backup, it does offer several data handling protections, including:

– Data Resilience. Microsoft maintains multiple copies of your data. If a disk fails or a data center issue arises, they can recover data from these copies. However, this isn’t equivalent to a dedicated backup that protects against accidental deletions or malicious activity.

– Retention Policies. You can set retention policies specifying how long emails are kept in user mailboxes. Deleted emails can be retained in a hidden part of the mailbox for a specified period.

– Litigation Hold. For legal purposes, entire mailboxes or specific emails can be put on “Litigation Hold,” ensuring they can’t be deleted or modified. eDiscovery tools allow legal professionals to search for specific data across the environment.

– Email Archiving. Older emails can be moved automatically to an archive mailbox, helping businesses retain critical data without cluttering the primary mailbox.

– Recoverable Items Folder. Deleted emails first go to the ‘Deleted Items’ folder, and if deleted from there, they move to the ‘Recoverable Items’ folder for another 14 days by default (this period can be extended).

Limitations 

That said, despite these features, they aren’t substitutes for a dedicated email backup solution and they have limitations which include:

– Data Loss Protection. They may not protect against all types of data loss, especially if data is deleted before a retention policy is set or if the retention period expires.

– Ease of Recovery. They don’t facilitate easy recovery if a vast amount of critical data is accidentally or maliciously deleted.

– Offsite Backup. They don’t offer a separate, offsite backup in case of catastrophic issues or targeted attacks.

Data Loss Risks in Microsoft 365 

Bearing in mind the limitations of Microsoft 365 and understanding the potential risks associated with data loss in Microsoft 365 is therefore crucial for businesses looking to protect their sensitive information and ensure seamless operations.  While Microsoft 365 may offer many advantages, it’s worth remembering that it’s not immune to data loss, which can occur in several ways.

Recognising these risks is the first step in implementing effective backup strategies to safeguard your data. With this in mind, below are some of the key data loss risks that businesses should be aware of when using Microsoft 365:

– Accidental deletion. Users may, for example, inadvertently delete important emails, files, or records. Without a proper backup, recovery may be impossible after the recycle bin period expires.

– Malicious deletion. Disgruntled employees or cyber-attacks can lead to intentional data deletion. For instance, in a 2023 survey (Ponemon Institute), 59 per cent of organisations reported insider attacks, underscoring the very real risk of malicious deletion by former employees or hackers. It’s worth remembering here how important it is to have an effective employee offboarding procedure to avoid this happening in the first place.

– Internal and external security threats. Phishing attacks, ransomware, and other cyber threats can compromise data integrity. In 2023, for example, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported a 15 per cent increase in ransomware attacks targeting businesses, emphasising the need for secure data backups.

– Legal and compliance issues. Compliance with regulations such as GDPR necessitates maintaining data integrity and availability. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines. For example, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) fined British Airways £20 million in 2020 for a data breach that compromised customer information. Also, in a more recent high-profile case, the ICO fined TikTok an eye-watering £12.7 million in April 2023 for various breaches of UK data protection law. Although these relate to large turnover businesses which may contribute to the larger fines, the key point is that they help highlight the fact that there is a real legal and financial risk of inadequate data protection, a cause of which may be an inadequate backup, e.g. of 365.

Limitations of Microsoft 365’s Built-in Protection 

While Microsoft 365 offers several data protection features, they have significant limitations. As previously mentioned, retention policies and recycle bins, for example, provide limited recovery windows and are not designed for long-term data protection. Once data surpasses the retention period, it is permanently lost.

Similarly, versioning allows recovery of previous document versions but does not protect against complete file deletion or data corruption.

These native tools are not full, automated backup solutions, and businesses relying solely on them risk permanent data loss in critical scenarios.

The Benefits of a Dedicated Microsoft 365 Backup Solution 

So, why invest in a dedicated (third-party) Microsoft 365 backup solution?

Comprehensive data protection ensures that all data (including emails, files, and collaborative documents) is regularly backed up and easily recoverable. This means that if an important email or document is accidentally deleted or maliciously removed, you can quickly restore it without disrupting your business operations.

Also, dedicated backup solutions offer quick and reliable recovery. Unlike relying on native tools, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming, dedicated backups enable faster data restoration, thereby minimising downtime and ensuring business continuity.

It’s worth remembering that these solutions can actually enhance security. Many third-party backup providers offer advanced encryption and security measures that go beyond Microsoft’s native protections. This additional layer of security is crucial in safeguarding sensitive business information from cyber threats.

Also, as previously highlighted, dedicated backup solutions can support compliance with legal requirements. With regulations like GDPR imposing strict data protection standards, having a reliable backup can help ensure that your business meets these requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

In fact, Microsoft itself actually recommends that businesses deploy a third-party backup solution because it recognises the limitations of its own native tools and backup and retention policies. It’s also worth noting here that investing in a separate “point-in-time” backup and restoration solution is something that many businesses value. As the name suggests, this type of solution allows a business to return to a point-in-time before any issues.

Integration with Business Continuity Plans 

Your Microsoft 365 data is a critical component of a comprehensive business continuity plan because ensuring data availability and integrity is essential for seamless business operations, even in the event of data loss incidents. Quick recovery times provided by dedicated backups can help reduce downtime, thereby allowing businesses to resume operations promptly.

Also, robust backup solutions can complement disaster recovery plans, thereby ensuring that data can be quickly restored in emergencies, such as cyber-attacks or natural disasters. In essence therefore, backups are the safety net that allows businesses to bounce back swiftly from disruptions, maintaining operational efficiency and customer trust and perhaps even being the thing that saves the whole business.

Why Employee Training and Awareness Can Help 

Effective data protection extends beyond technology to include employee education. For example, educating staff about the importance of data security and proper handling procedures can be crucial in mitigating risks.

Measures like regular phishing awareness training can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful attacks. For example, a 2022 report (Cofense) found that phishing simulations reduced click rates on malicious emails by 68 per cent. Creating a culture of security within your organisation encourages proactive participation in data protection efforts, making every employee a stakeholder in the company’s security posture.

Regular updates and refreshers keep employees informed about new threats and evolving backup protocols. This ongoing education and training ensures that staff are always aware of best practices and the importance of adhering to them, further strengthening your business’s defences against data loss.

Linking these efforts to your Microsoft 365 backup strategy can help ensure a comprehensive approach to data protection. For example, while technical measures like backups are essential, combining them with a well-educated workforce maximises your organisation’s resilience against data loss and cyber threats. This integrated approach can help ensure that your data remains secure, accessible, and compliant with regulatory requirements, ultimately helping to safeguard your business’s continuity and reputation.

Implementing Microsoft 365 Backup – Best Practices 

Adopting an effective Microsoft 365 backup strategy involves several best practices. For example:

– Selecting the right backup solution is critical. Businesses should choose a provider that offers comprehensive coverage, reliability, and security. Key factors include encryption, automated backups, and ease of data restoration, and whether it’s a “point-in-time” backup solution.

– Once a solution has been selected, setting up and managing backups properly is essential. This involves configuring the backup system to ensure all relevant data is included and regularly monitored to confirm that backups are occurring as scheduled.

– Also, conducting periodic tests and audits of backup systems can help ensure they function as expected and identify potential issues before they become critical problems. Regular testing verifies that data can be restored quickly and accurately, providing peace of mind that your business is prepared for any data loss scenario.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

Ensuring the security and integrity of your data is now not just a technical necessity but a business imperative. The increasing reliance on cloud services like Microsoft 365 brings many benefits but also exposes businesses to some significant risks if data protection measures are inadequate.

The potential risks of data loss, e.g. resulting from anything from accidental deletions to malicious cyber-attacks, highlight the necessity of having a robust backup strategy in place. It’s worth noting however, that Microsoft 365’s native tools, while useful, are insufficient for comprehensive data protection. Many businesses have now realised this and have decided that dedicated, third-party backup solutions can provide the necessary depth of coverage, security, and compliance support that they need.

Ensuring data availability is also crucial for business operations. Having a dedicated backup solution can guarantee that data is always accessible, even after accidental or malicious deletion. This can minimise downtime and helps maintain business continuity, ensuring that operations can proceed smoothly without significant interruptions.

Additionally, adhering to data protection regulations like GDPR is essential to avoid legal penalties and protect customer trust. Once again, reliable, regular backups help businesses meet these regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties and safeguarding the company’s reputation.

The security enhancements offered by dedicated backup solutions, such as advanced encryption, may also prove to be vital in protecting sensitive business information. These solutions provide an additional layer of security, ensuring that your data remains secure from a variety of evolving and what appear to be ever-more-sophisticated cyber threats.

Implementing a dedicated Microsoft 365 backup solution should therefore be seen as a proactive step towards securing your business’s future. By addressing the gaps in Microsoft’s native protections and integrating comprehensive backup strategies, businesses can safeguard against data loss, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain seamless operations. In today’s digital landscape, where data is a critical asset, protecting it with reliable backup solutions is not just advisable, it’s essential and investing in a robust Microsoft 365 backup strategy protects your data, fortifies your overall security posture, provides peace of mind, and can deliver a solid foundation for continued growth and success.

In this next summer security article, and with the summer holiday season upon us, we take a look at the various aspects of protecting your business when your staff are on holiday, offering practical advice and solutions to help you stay secure and efficient while staff are physically away.

Why Worry? 

Holidays are essential for employee well-being and morale, providing a much-needed break and an opportunity to recharge. However, when staff-members take time off, it can create gaps in your business operations, potentially leading to significant issues if not properly managed. The absence of key personnel can disrupt daily operations, leaving critical tasks unattended and increasing the risk of errors and delays.

Identifying Key Risks 

The first step in protecting your business during holiday periods is to identify the key risks that could disrupt operations, to enable you to make a plan to mitigate those risks. For example, these key risks include:

– Operational disruption. When critical staff members are away, daily operations can be significantly impacted. For example, IT support, finance, and management roles are essential to maintaining the flow of business activities. If these roles are not adequately covered, it can lead to delays and inefficiencies.

– Security vulnerabilities. This is another significant risk because during holidays, businesses often experience an increased risk of cyber-attacks due to reduced staff vigilance. Cybercriminals are aware that businesses may be understaffed and see this as an opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities. For example, in the US, The FBI and Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have observed that attackers often target holidays for ransomware attacks, as network defenders and IT support teams are typically at limited capacity during these times. Also, physical security can become compromised with fewer employees on-site, making it easier for unauthorised individuals to gain access.

– Communication breakdowns are another common issue. Maintaining effective communication when key staff are on holiday can be challenging. This can impact customer service and internal coordination, leading to misunderstandings and delays in response times.

– Compliance risks. The absence of key personnel responsible for regulatory compliance can lead to lapses in adhering to legal requirements, such as GDPR. This can result in data breaches and significant fines.

– Loss of institutional knowledge. When experienced staff members are on holiday, the temporary loss of their expertise can hinder problem-solving and decision-making processes. This can slow down projects and affect the quality of work.

It is therefore essential to have a plan in place to ensure that communication channels remain open and efficient.

Planning Ahead 

To mitigate these risks, proactive planning is essential. For example, this should include creating a holiday schedule well in advance that allows you to manage and track staff leave effectively. There are various tools and techniques available to help with this, such as scheduling software and shared calendars. By planning ahead, you can ensure that there is adequate coverage for critical roles and that no single department is left short-staffed. Other measures you can take include:

– Cross-training employees is another effective strategy. By training staff to cover for each other, you can ensure that essential tasks are still completed even when key personnel are away. Implementing cross-training programs can be done through job rotation, shadowing, and formal training sessions. This not only helps during holiday periods but also improves overall team flexibility and resilience.

– Documenting processes and responsibilities is crucial for ensuring business continuity. Having clear manuals and guides for temporary staff or colleagues who are stepping in can make a significant difference. These documents should detail the essential tasks, procedures, and contact information needed to perform the role effectively. This reduces the learning curve and ensures that critical processes continue smoothly.

– Implementing automated systems and processes where possible. Automation can help maintain consistency and reduce the workload of remaining staff. For example, automated email responses and workflow management tools can ensure that tasks are tracked and completed on time.

– Establishing clear communication protocols. Define how and when employees should communicate about their availability and who will be responsible for decision-making in their absence. This ensures that everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities, reducing the chances of confusion and delays. For example, ensuring that employees set up out-of-office messages and provide alternative contacts can help maintain communication with clients and partners.

– Conducting regular reviews and updates of the holiday coverage plan can also help ensure that things go smoothly. For example, as your business grows and evolves, so too will your staffing needs and operational processes. Regularly updating your plan ensures it remains effective and aligned with your current business requirements.

By incorporating these strategies into your holiday planning, you can help mitigate the risks associated with staff absences and ensure that your business continues to operate smoothly and securely.

Enhancing Cyber Security 

Cybersecurity is a major concern during holiday periods, as reduced staff presence can lead to increased vulnerabilities, as mentioned. There are, however, measures you can take to keep your business security strong. These include:

– Implementing strong access controls. Setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access controls can significantly enhance security. By limiting access to sensitive information during holiday periods, you can reduce the risk of unauthorised access.

– Regular software updates and patching are also essential to protect against known vulnerabilities. Ensuring that all systems and software are up to date with the latest security patches can prevent many cyber-attacks. Automating updates can help reduce the burden on IT staff (and the chance of human error), ensuring that security is maintained even when your key personnel are away.

– Continuous monitoring for unusual activities is critical. Setting up monitoring systems to detect and alert you to any suspicious behavior can help you respond quickly to potential threats.

– Developing and communicating a clear incident response plan can also be a way to ensure that all staff know what to do in case of a security breach, minimising the impact and facilitating a swift recovery.

Physical Security Measures 

While cybersecurity is crucial, physical security should not be overlooked.

Securing the premises with physical security measures such as alarms, CCTV, and secure entry points is always a good idea. However, before holiday period, it’s worth ensuring that all security systems are functional and tested because complacency risks unauthorised access and stolen assets.

Updating access control policies to reflect holiday schedules is another important step. Limiting physical access to sensitive areas within the premises can reduce the risk of security breaches, i.e. ensuring that only authorised personnel have access during these times can prevent potential threats.

Providing all staff with emergency contact information and establishing clear protocols for emergencies during holidays ensures that everyone knows who to contact and what steps to take if an issue arises. This can help resolve problems quickly and efficiently, minimising disruption.

Maintaining Effective Communication 

Effective communication is key to maintaining operations during holiday periods. Measures that can help with this include:

– Setting up automatic replies and email forwarding. This can ensure that communication with clients and partners remains uninterrupted. It’s also worth noting that any automated replies should be changed back when staff return from holidays. For example, it often looms unprofessional to see replies that state that a person is away by communicating a date that has long passed.

– Informing clients and partners of staff absences and providing alternative contacts can also help with maintaining trust and satisfaction.

– Using collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Slack can help facilitate seamless communication among staff. Ensuring that these tools are accessible remotely allows staff on holiday to stay informed and participate in critical discussions if necessary. Regular check-ins and updates help keep everyone on the same page and ensure that projects continue to progress smoothly.

Continuity in Customer Service 

Customer service should not suffer when staff are on holiday. Proactively communicating with customers about staff holidays and providing alternative contacts or support options ensures that their needs are still met. This transparency helps maintain customer trust and satisfaction.

Although not appropriate or practical for all businesses, for some, hiring temporary staff or contractors to cover critical roles can be an effective solution. Training these temporary staff members to handle specific tasks and responsibilities can ensure that they can perform effectively, and this can help maintain service levels and prevent disruptions.

Automating customer service through solutions like chatbots can also be beneficial. These systems can handle common queries and issues, providing immediate assistance to customers. Ensuring that these automated systems are well-maintained and monitored ensures that they continue to function correctly and provide value.

Other Measures 

We’ve looked at many of the key measures you can take to protect the business when staff are away. There are, of course, depending on the nature of the business, other measures that can be taken. These could include:

– Scheduling IT Audits before holiday periods can help to identify and address any vulnerabilities. This proactive measure can prevent potential breaches.

– Implementing redundant systems and backup resources (setting up duplicate or additional systems and resources) can help ensure that critical operations can continue smoothly even if primary systems fail, or key staff are unavailable.

– Developing a succession plan that identifies key employees who can step in and assume leadership roles temporarily can help the decision-making processes remain intact.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

Maintaining security and operational continuity during staff holidays is crucial for the continuity, resilience, and success of your business, as well as for maintaining strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. Identifying key risks, planning ahead, enhancing cybersecurity, implementing physical security measures, maintaining effective communication, and ensuring continuity in customer service are all essential strategies to protect your business from potential disruptions and vulnerabilities.

Proactive planning and comprehensive strategies are necessary to prepare for staff absences effectively. While existing work pressures and time limitations can make it challenging to finalise plans in time, the cost and risk of neglecting this planning are strong motivators and highlight the critical importance of this effort.

Also, considering the benefits of a well-prepared business, such as improved resilience, customer satisfaction, and overall operational efficiency, should underscore the importance of setting up proactive employee absence and holiday plans. A well-prepared business is better equipped to handle disruptions, maintain high service levels, and protect its reputation.

In summary then, protecting your business when key staff members are on holiday requires a multifaceted and proactive approach. By taking the proactive steps identified here (as well as others specific to your particular business or industry), you can ensure that your business remains secure, efficient, and responsive, even during times of reduced staff presence.

With summer upon us, now is the time to evaluate your current practices and plans and take the necessary steps to ensure that the right measures are in place to deal with any staff absence, both during the main holiday periods and throughout the year. This preparation will help safeguard your business against any eventuality, ensuring continued success and stability.

Following Apple’s 5-day Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC24) last week at Apple Park in Cupertino, California, we take a look at the many new products announced and their key features.

Showcasing New Products 

At Apple’s WWDC24 from June 10 to June 14, Apple showcased a variety of updates and advancements across its software platforms, including iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS. Key announcements included significant updates for iOS 18 and macOS 15, as well as new AI integrations and improvements to built-in apps like Photos and Apple Music. Crucially, the conference also highlighted Apple’s commitment to AI technologies and its plans to integrate generative AI capabilities into its devices.

Let’s take a look at the key product and other announcements from WWDC24:

iOS 18 

iOS 18, Apple’s latest iOS for iPhones introduces several significant updates, including a more customisable home screen, a redesigned Photos app with AI-powered editing tools, RCS support in Messages for improved cross-platform communication, and enhancements to the Mail, Calendar, and Maps apps. All these improvements are around making the iPhone more intuitive and powerful for users. Also, the Control Centre has now been revamped to feature a multipage layout with third-party widgets.

One other fun new feature for iOS 18 around user-personalisation will be the ability for iPhone users to make their conversations more enjoyable by creating AI images of people they’re messaging with in a way that’s similar to an AI-upgraded Bitmoji.

iPhones To Use Satellites 

There was also the announcement at WWDC 24 that with iOS 18, iPhone users will be able to send messages via satellite. This feature, available on iPhone 14 models and later, expands upon the existing Emergency SOS via satellite capability. It allows users to send and receive iMessages and SMS texts, including emoji and Tapbacks, even when they are out of range of cellular and Wi-Fi networks.

macOS Sequoia 

Apple’s macOS Sequoia, the latest version of its OS for Macs has been given a range of new features including a new Passwords app, redesigned Reader view in Safari with machine learning integration, upgrades to Messages and Notes, and improved window management. The update also includes enhancements to Continuity, such as iPhone Mirroring. With iPhone Mirroring, (through macOS’ Continuity feature), users can mirror their iPhone’s screen and control it from their Mac laptop or desktop.

All this should mean enhanced user productivity and convenience (better password management), a smarter browsing experience, more efficient multitasking, and improved messaging and note-taking capabilities

iPadOS 18 

iPadOS 18 brings updates to the Notes app, including support for Math Notes and a new Calculator app that supports Apple Pencil. It also introduces a floating tab bar for better navigation and similar home screen customisation options to iOS 18.

watchOS 11 

watchOS 11, the latest version of Apple’s operating system for Apple Watch, adds a redesigned Photos face, a new Translate app, and enhancements to the Fitness app, including a Training Load feature and a customisable Summary mode. It also introduces the Vitals app for health monitoring. The hope is that these new features will provide users with a more personalised and comprehensive fitness and health tracking experience, and a more intuitive and visually engaging interface.

tvOS 18 

tvOS 18, the latest version of Apple’s OS for Apple TV includes AI-enhanced subtitles, Amazon X-Ray-style information while watching, and clearer dialogue options, improving the viewing experience on Apple TV 4K.

‘InSight’ For Apple TV+ 

Those who use Apple TV+ may be pleased with the new InSight feature that displays actors’ names and song titles as they appear on the screen and is similar to Amazon’s X-Ray technology. Also, like Shazam, it highlights the song playing in the TV show or film and, as you may expect, then gives the user the option to add it to their Apple Music playlist.

visionOS 2 

Apple’s OS for the Vision Pro headset, visionOS 2, has received upgrades to enhance the Vision Pro experience with new developer frameworks, an international launch schedule, and improved virtual display features. It also introduces new gestures and SharePlay support in the Photos app. For example, it will allow photos to be transformed into interactive experiences using AI. Notably, users will be able to turn existing images into spatial photos (including photos captured on older devices).

New navigation gestures are also being introduced, and it supports higher resolution and larger virtual displays for connected Macs.

Improvements also include new developer tools like volumetric APIs and TabletopKit for games, adds train support in travel mode, and expands content with new 180-degree 8K video formats through partnerships with content creators.

New Markets For Vision Pro Headsets Announced

Accompanying the news of the upgraded features in visionOS 2, Apple has also announced that it will be making its Vision Pro headset available in eight new countries – China, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Canada, France, Germany and the UK, and that the first release of the headset will be in China, Japan, and Singapore on June 28.

Apple Intelligence 

The most significant announcement from WWDC24 is the introduction of Apple Intelligence, a new AI initiative aimed at integrating personal and private AI capabilities across Apple’s ecosystem. There was some concern that Apple has fallen behind in AI and its announcement that it is partnering with OpenAI to include its technology and ChatGPT, which prompted an angry reaction on X by Elon Musk (citing privacy concerns – although possibly more about competition concerns) is a significant strategic shift for Apple.

Apple Intelligence includes, for example, significant upgrades to Siri (as outlined below), making interactions more natural and advanced, and other functionalities with advanced, personal, and private AI capabilities. Apple CEO, Tim Cook, described Apple Intelligence as “the next frontier” in personal AI and explained that the reason why it is so effective is that it will be able to “understand you and be grounded in your personal context, like your routine, your relationships, your communications and more”. 

Siri Upgrade 

The new Apple Intelligence AI initiative has meant that Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, has received a substantial upgrade. The AI enhancements make Siri more conversational and contextually aware, so it can handle more complex tasks and understand a wider variety of requests. This should include being able to summarise incoming messages, executing commands across multiple apps, and integrating more naturally with users’ daily activities. Apple has also emphasised how most processing will be done ‘on-device’ to help user privacy.

One significant announcement is, of course, that Siri will also be one of the apps that will be able to use OpenAI’s ChatGPT for “expertise”. Tapping into ChatGPT will also mean that users will also be able to include photos with questions for ChatGPT (via Siri) and even ask questions related to docs or PDFs.

Developers And Siri 

It’s also worth noting here that Siri’s new capabilities will also allow developers to enable voice command access to any app menu items and displayed text without additional coding. This means users can issue commands like “show my presenter notes” in a slide deck or “FaceTime him” from a reminder, enhancing app functionality through natural language interactions and improving user experience.

Next-Generation CarPlay 

Apple provided an updated look at the next-generation CarPlay system, the in-car system that allows users to integrate their iPhone with their vehicle’s infotainment system. The improvements include new Vehicle, Media, and Climate apps, designed to offer a more integrated and enhanced user experience.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The WWDC24 announcements appear to signify a transformative phase for Apple, with their belated yet determined and substantial adoption of AI all the way through their entire estate standing out as a strategic pivot. This initiative, which includes a partnership with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, enhances Siri’s capabilities, making it more contextually aware and conversational. For business users, this means more efficient and natural interactions with their devices, potentially improving productivity and streamlining workflows.

The upgrades across iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS collectively may create a more cohesive and powerful Apple ecosystem. For instance, iOS 18’s customisation options and AI-powered tools should make iPhones more versatile and user-friendly, while macOS Sequoia’s new features may enhance productivity through smarter password management, improved multitasking, and seamless integration with iPhones. These improvements could help businesses better manage their digital environments, ensuring that employees can work more efficiently and securely.

The introduction of Messages via satellite with iOS 18 is significant for businesses operating in remote areas or in sectors where connectivity is often an issue, such as logistics, construction, and outdoor events, i.e. ensuring continuous communication, which is crucial for operational efficiency and safety.

Apple’s Vision Pro headset and the enhanced visionOS 2 signals a move towards more immersive and interactive experiences. For industries such as design, training, and presentations, the ability to turn photos into interactive experiences and use spatial navigation may offer new ways to engage and educate. The expanded international availability of the Vision Pro headset may also open up new markets and opportunities for businesses worldwide.

The updates to watchOS 11, with enhanced fitness and health tracking capabilities, emphasises Apple’s commitment to health and wellness, which may be particularly beneficial for businesses focusing on employee well-being and productivity. The new features in tvOS 18, such as AI-enhanced subtitles and detailed information while watching, enhance the user experience for both personal and professional usage, perhaps making Apple TV a more compelling option, e.g. for business presentations and entertainment.

Overall, Apple’s latest announcements reflect a strategic effort to integrate advanced AI and machine learning technologies across its product range. This not only addresses fears of Apple lagging behind in AI but this could even position Apple as a leader in the AI space. It also offers business users innovative tools to enhance productivity, connectivity, and user-engagement. By leveraging the advancements outlined by Apple at WWDC24, businesses could improve their operational efficiency, employee satisfaction, and customer interactions, which may ultimately give Apple a stronger foothold in the competitive tech marketplace.