TikTok tells advertisers it won't back down even if U.S. ban looms

Here are five things that happened in the tech industry this week and how they impact your business. Were you lonely?

1 – TikTok tells advertisers it won’t back down despite a looming US ban.

Blake Chandley, TikTok's president of global business solutions, vowed that the company “will not back down after the potential ban was officially announced last month.” Advertisers and small business owners expressed concerns about the impact on advertising revenue. The platform increases the tools available to marketers and facilitates advertising campaigns that encourage user participation. This year's US advertising sales are expected to reach $8.66 billion, accounting for 2.8% of total digital advertising “spending”. journal report. (Source: Wall Street Journal)

Why this is important for your business:

TikTok may take this ban to court, which could delay things. Or maybe it will sell. However, if you are an influencer or advertiser on the platform, you should consider alternatives, as the possibility of a complete shutdown in the US is real.

2 – Apple's new iPad Pro should turn the device into a true laptop replacement.

The 13-inch iPad Pro debuted at last week's event. “The new model features an Ultra Retina XDR screen with thinner, sharper OLED technology,” said Bloomberg columnist Mark Garman. “The main improvement is the so-called Neural Engine, which the company says is 60 times faster than the 2017 original. This allows iPad Pro to handle AI tasks on the device itself. ” (Source: Bloomberg)

Why this is important for your business:

Would you like to use an iPad instead of a laptop? Apple is making it easier with its latest products.

3 – Chromebook owners now have a long-awaited feature: a central hub to find all the best apps for your laptop.

Chromebook users will now have access to all applications in the App Mall. This includes apps available for Android, Linux, and Progressive Web Apps (PWA). (Source: TechRadar)

Why this is important for your business:

To learn more about how it works, check out the Chrome Unboxed YouTube channel. Past feedback from users has shared that it can be a time-consuming task when searching for a particular app. This issue is resolved in the App Mall, which is available in preview. There are no details on when it will be activated on ChromeOS.

4 – The best new browser for Windows.

The Verge named Arc for Windows the best new browser. Users say they prefer it over Chrome because it is an alternative that can refresh their browsing experience while serving as an organizational tool. (Source: The Verge)

Why this is important for your business:

According to the author, Arc's Spaces feature organizes your tabs. Rather than opening multiple windows with multiple tabs on your desktop, you can designate them as “spaces.” Each space is named by the user (work, travel, music, research, etc.). Each contains folders and notes. You can also move tabs between spaces. Arc is available for Windows 11.

5 – Ford launches an AI-driven “university” to address knowledge gaps among dealership employees.

Ford, the nation's second-largest automaker, is making advances in both customer service and technology with the creation of Ford University. “Many dealers have expressed the challenge of keeping up with the fast pace of new products,” the company said. The program is designed to work with a team of video producers and content creators to train employees on the advanced technology used in “software-defined” vehicles. The end goal is to educate your employees so that they can engage with customers on a useful and meaningful level based on what they absorb. Starting May 1, this training program will roll out to dealerships nationwide, with further expansion planned. (Source: HR Grapevine)

Why this is important for your business:

As new AI-powered applications come to market, more companies will find that training will be a factor in learning how to maximize the benefits. Training should still be included as part of your budget when using these tools.