Tag: Productivity

Tech Insight : Could The AI Bubble Burst?

Posted on by Paul Stradling

The artificial intelligence boom has attracted extraordinary levels of investment, transformed technology markets and created expectations of a new era of productivity, but a warning from the world’s leading central bank organisation suggests that the consequences could be felt far beyond the technology industry if financial returns fail to match the hype.

Why Are Economists Worried About An AI Bubble?

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS), often described as the central bank for central banks, has compared the current AI investment boom with previous periods of technological excitement, including Britain’s railway mania, the electrification boom of the 1920s and the dotcom era.

Its concern is not that AI itself lacks value, but that genuine technological breakthroughs can still attract far more investment than their eventual commercial returns justify. As the BIS explains, previous investment booms “all shared one common trait: a genuine technological breakthrough that attracted capital in excess of what commercial returns could ultimately justify.”

The distinction is quite important because the internet survived the dotcom crash and went on to change almost every part of business and society, yet the collapse of the investment bubble still caused investors to lose enormous sums, companies to disappear, investment to dry up and the wider economy to suffer. The concern now seems to be that AI could follow a similar path, with the technology itself continuing to develop and transform businesses even as excessive investment is unwound and the financial consequences spread far beyond the companies directly involved.

The Scale Of The AI Investment Race

The sums being invested in AI infrastructure are difficult to overstate. Major technology companies are spending hundreds of billions of dollars on data centres, chips, servers, power infrastructure and the enormous computing capacity needed to train and operate increasingly advanced AI systems.

The BIS has warned that competitive pressure could encourage companies to overcommit to projects whose eventual returns remain uncertain. It says disappointment could “trigger a sudden pullback in financing and turn the capex boom into a protracted investment bust with potential knock-on effects on the financial conditions.”

This is where the risk extends beyond Silicon Valley. For example, AI infrastructure involves a wide ecosystem of chipmakers, construction companies, engineering contractors, energy suppliers, data-centre operators, property developers and financial institutions.

If hyperscalers suddenly cut spending, the effects could travel through those supply chains. Companies that have expanded, borrowed money or recruited heavily in anticipation of continued AI investment could find themselves exposed.

Would An AI Crash Cause A Recession?

Nobody really knows conclusively whether there is an AI bubble or when any correction might happen. However, the BIS does seem to be quite concerned that the combination of high valuations, growing debt and complex private financing arrangements could make a reversal more damaging than a simple fall in technology shares.

A sharp fall in investment could, for example, affect construction, employment and business confidence. Falling technology valuations could hit pension funds and investment portfolios, while losses in private credit markets could make lenders more cautious.

For businesses outside the AI sector, this could mean tighter access to finance, delayed investment decisions and weaker demand from customers. The precise effect would depend on the scale of any correction, but the important point is that the AI economy is becoming connected to many more parts of the wider economy.

A Different AI Risk Is Emerging In Financial Markets

As if that doesn’t sound bad enough, there is another potential problem on the horizon. Sarah Breeden, Deputy Governor for Financial Stability at the Bank of England, has warned that autonomous AI agents could amplify financial instability.

The threat is based on the fact that AI systems trained in similar ways and pursuing similar objectives could respond to market stress at the same time. This means that rather than human traders reacting at different speeds and reaching different conclusions, large numbers of autonomous systems could actually sell, buy or withdraw simultaneously.

Breeden has warned that agentic AI could “amplify volatility in stress”, while regulators are considering whether measures such as circuit breakers or “kill switches” may eventually be needed.

This doesn’t mean AI will cause a financial crash, but it does mean that financial regulators are now treating AI risk as a serious financial stability issue rather than a theoretical technology debate.

The Productivity Question At The Heart Of The Boom

Ultimately, the sustainability of the AI boom depends on whether the technology produces enough economic value to justify the investment behind it.

There is some real evidence of benefits so far. For example, research published by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that generative AI assistance increased productivity in customer support work, with particularly strong gains among less experienced workers.

The difficulty is turning individual efficiency gains into sustained, organisation-wide financial returns. For example, businesses may save an employee 30 minutes on a task, but that does not automatically translate into higher profits, greater output or lower costs.

This gap between impressive demonstrations and measurable business value is one of the most important issues facing AI adoption.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

For most businesses, the sensible response is neither to ignore AI nor to chase it at any cost. AI projects should really be treated like any other business investment. For example, start with a genuine problem, establish what success looks like, measure the result and avoid building critical processes around tools simply because they are fashionable.

Businesses should also understand their exposure. A company may not invest directly in AI shares, yet could depend on customers, suppliers or sectors whose fortunes are closely linked to the AI investment boom.

If the bubble does burst, AI itself will not disappear. The stronger technologies, suppliers and applications are likely to survive, while weaker business models and speculative projects are exposed.

For business leaders, perhaps the most useful lesson from previous technology booms is that transformative technology and financial excess can exist at the same time, which means the challenge is to benefit from the opportunities AI creates without becoming dangerously dependent on the investment boom surrounding it.

Tech Insight : Why Some Companies Are Spending More Than Ever On AI

Posted on by Paul Stradling

A small but growing group of businesses is now spending thousands of dollars per employee every month on artificial intelligence, suggesting that AI is increasingly being treated as core business infrastructure rather than simply another productivity tool.

The Rise Of The “AI-Pilled” Company

The findings come from the latest Ramp AI Index, which analyses anonymised spending data from more than 70,000 US businesses to track how organisations are adopting AI.

Until recently, most AI adoption studies focused on whether businesses were using AI or not. Ramp now believes that question is becoming less useful as AI adoption becomes increasingly widespread. Instead, the company is focusing on what it calls the “intensity of adoption”, i.e., how heavily businesses are actually investing in AI.

One of the report’s most eye-catching findings is that the top 1 per cent of firms, described by Ramp as “AI-pilled”, are spending an average of $7,449 per employee per month on AI services. By comparison, the top 10 per cent spend around $611 per employee, while the median business spends just $11.38, roughly equivalent to a single ChatGPT or Claude subscription.

The figures highlight just how wide the gap is becoming between businesses experimenting with AI and those building it deeply into everyday operations.

What Does “AI-Pilled” Mean?

The tech sector term “AI-pilled” essentially describes organisations that have moved beyond occasional AI use and started treating AI as a core operating model.

At Ramp itself, chief product officer Geoff Charles recently outlined how the company achieved 99.5 per cent AI adoption among employees, with more than 1,500 internal applications reportedly created in six weeks by over 800 different staff members.

The goal is not simply to give employees access to chatbots. Instead, it involves embedding AI into workflows, automating routine tasks, building internal tools, deploying coding agents, and allowing staff across multiple departments to use AI as part of their daily work.

In these organisations, AI is increasingly viewed as a business capability rather than a software product.

Still Cheaper Than Hiring People

Despite the impressive spending figures, Ramp’s research suggests that AI has not yet reached the point where organisations are routinely spending more on AI than on employees.

The report notes that “the top 1 per cent of firms spend $7.45K per employee per month” but also points out that this remains less than half the typical monthly salary of a software engineer.

That finding is important because it challenges some of the more dramatic claims surrounding AI adoption.

Recent headlines have highlighted companies spending heavily on AI agents, tokens, and computing power, while some technology executives have suggested AI could eventually become a larger cost centre than human labour.

For now, however, the data suggests that even the most advanced adopters continue to view AI as something that augments employees rather than replaces them entirely.

Why Spending Continues To Rise

Perhaps the most significant finding is not how much these firms are spending, but how quickly that spending is growing. For example, Ramp found that the top 1 per cent of AI users increased spending per employee by 14.1 per cent in a single month.

This is happening despite growing awareness of AI costs and increasing efforts to use cheaper models where possible.

The report notes that many businesses are actively seeking lower-cost alternatives, including open-source models and newer competitors such as DeepSeek, yet overall spending continues to climb.

One explanation is that businesses are moving from occasional AI usage towards much broader deployment. As organisations connect AI into customer service, software development, analytics, administration, marketing, finance, and operations, overall consumption naturally increases.

The more AI becomes embedded into business processes, the more computing power, tokens, APIs, and specialist tools are required to support it.

No Single Vendor Dominates

Another interesting finding is that the most advanced AI users are not putting all their eggs in one basket.

According to Ramp, “advanced usage of AI means using multiple frontier models”, alongside platforms providing access to open-source models and specialist AI-native software.

This suggests that businesses are becoming increasingly sophisticated in how they approach AI procurement.

Rather than committing exclusively to one provider, many organisations appear to be selecting different models for different tasks based on performance, capabilities, security requirements, and cost.

That approach mirrors earlier developments in cloud computing, where organisations often adopted multi-cloud strategies to reduce dependence on a single supplier.

Why This Matters

The wider significance of Ramp’s findings is not really about the $7,500 figure. The more important story here is that a growing number of businesses now appear to view AI as an operational resource that sits alongside software, cloud infrastructure, and human expertise.

For years, technology adoption was largely measured by whether organisations used a tool at all. Increasingly, the competitive gap may depend on how deeply AI becomes integrated into workflows and decision-making processes.

The data also suggests that AI adoption is becoming far more uneven. While many businesses remain at the subscription stage, a small group of early adopters is investing heavily and experimenting with entirely new ways of operating.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

For businesses, the report highlights an important distinction between using AI and building around AI.

Most organisations are unlikely to spend thousands of dollars per employee each month on AI in the foreseeable future. However, the research suggests that some companies are already treating AI as a strategic capability worthy of significant ongoing investment.

That doesn’t necessarily mean every business should increase its AI budget dramatically. Ramp’s figures measure spending, not outcomes, and high expenditure alone does not guarantee productivity gains or return on investment.

The more useful lesson here may be that leading adopters are moving beyond standalone chatbots and experimenting with AI agents, automation, workflow integration, and multi-model strategies. As the technology continues to mature, the organisations that learn how to apply AI effectively across their operations may gain a greater advantage than those that simply spend the most money on it.

Tech Tip – Boost Productivity with Outlook’s Email Highlighting Features

Posted on by Paul Stradling

When you highlight text in an email in Outlook, you’ll notice the Mini Toolbar appears above the highlighted text, and when you right-click, you’ll see additional options that let you leverage powerful features to streamline your workflow, including:

– Explain in more detail: Get more information on the highlighted text using Copilot, Outlook’s AI-powered assistant.
– Add Note: Save the highlighted text as a note for future reference.
– Reply: Respond to the email with the highlighted text included in the reply.
– Create Task: Convert the highlighted text into a task or to-do item.

Key Benefits:

– Quick Research: Get instant insights and information on specific topics using Copilot.
– Quick Note-Taking: Save important information without leaving your inbox.
– Efficient Responding: Respond to emails with relevant context already included.
– Actionable Tasks: Turn emails into actionable tasks to stay on top of your work.

Use These Features to:

– Reduce email clutter
– Increase productivity
– Stay organised
– Make informed decisions with AI-powered insights

By leveraging these features, you’ll be able to work more efficiently and manage your emails in Outlook more effectively. Give it a try!

Tech Insight : Government Trial Shows No CoPilot Productivity Boost

Posted on by Paul Stradling

A three-month evaluation of Microsoft’s M365 Copilot AI assistant in a key UK department found mixed results and few measurable efficiency gains.

Mixed Results From Promising Tech

The UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has published the results of a detailed trial of Microsoft’s M365 Copilot AI assistant, revealing no definitive evidence that the tool leads to higher productivity. Despite users reporting moderate satisfaction and perceived time savings, the trial concluded that the AI often performed inconsistently across tasks, and in some cases, reduced output quality.

The trial, which ran from October to December 2024, involved 1,000 Copilot licences distributed across the department, with roughly 300 participants consenting to monitored usage. The pilot aimed to assess the AI’s real-world impact on common digital tasks using Microsoft 365 apps such as Word, Outlook, Teams, Excel and PowerPoint.

Microsoft markets Copilot as an AI productivity enhancer that can summarise meetings, draft emails, generate slides, analyse data, and more. However, the DBT report suggests the real-world impact was far more nuanced than the promotional material might suggest.

Where Copilot Worked And Where It Didn’t

The government study found that users were most satisfied when using Copilot to perform simpler, text-based tasks, e.g., summarising meetings, writing emails, and condensing written communications.

In the trial, these tasks consistently showed time savings and improved clarity when compared with work from non-Copilot users. Email writing was slightly faster and judged higher in quality and accuracy.

However, performance in more complex tasks was notably weaker. For example, data analysis in Excel and visual content creation in PowerPoint suffered, with AI-generated outputs often requiring correction or falling short of expectations. PowerPoint slide creation was seven minutes faster on average, but to a lower standard of quality. In Excel, AI users took longer and produced less accurate results than their non-AI counterparts.

The report concluded: “We did not find robust evidence to suggest that time savings are leading to improved productivity. However, this was not a key aim of the evaluation, and therefore, limited data was collected to identify if time savings have led to productivity gains.”

Light Usage of Copilot

The study also revealed relatively light usage patterns. According to the M365 Copilot dashboard, the average user triggered just 1.14 Copilot actions per working day across the 63-day pilot.

Word, Outlook and Teams saw the highest engagement, but more specialised tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, Loop and OneNote saw very low uptake, i.e., less than 7 percent of users activated Copilot in Excel or PowerPoint on any given day. Loop and OneNote usage was negligible.

These numbers raise questions about whether the value justifies the cost. For example, UK commercial Copilot licences currently range from £4.90 to £18.10 per user per month. For large departments or enterprises, these costs could escalate rapidly, especially if many users engage with the tool only sporadically.

User Attitudes and AI Limitations

While 72 percent of participants were “satisfied or very satisfied” with Copilot, it seems that qualitative interviews suggested that much of this enthusiasm came from the novelty or perceived time saved on repetitive admin tasks. In some cases, staff used their saved time to take training courses or enjoy longer breaks, rather than focusing on higher-value work.

Interestingly, a significant number of participants (22 percent) reported witnessing hallucinations (AI-generated inaccuracies or fabrications). Another 11 percent were unsure, highlighting the still-fragile trust in GenAI tools in professional settings.

Adoption also varied across teams, often influenced by management attitudes. Some line managers actively encouraged use, while others created a “frosty” culture around AI assistance, which in turn impacted engagement.

Microsoft and Its Competitors

For Microsoft, the report is clearly a mixed result. The company has heavily invested in integrating Copilot across its core product suite and has made productivity gains a central part of its pitch. But in the DBT trial, the return on investment appears questionable.

Critics say that the AI’s strengths in low-complexity tasks are well documented, but the promise of broad-based productivity enhancement still feels premature.

A recent MIT survey cited in the DBT report found that 95 percent of companies investing in generative AI tools (including M365 Copilot) had little tangible benefit to show for it. With corporate spending on GenAI already topping $40 billion, pressure is growing for vendors to demonstrate real ROI.

The findings may also embolden competitors such as Google, Zoho, or even open-source productivity platforms. For now, Copilot’s core strength appears to lie in routine, text-heavy admin support. In more complex tasks requiring judgement or accuracy, it remains inconsistent.

As DBT continues to analyse the environmental and cost impacts of Copilot, Microsoft may need to further refine how its AI interacts with different apps and workflows, or risk a broader slowdown in enterprise adoption.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The DBT trial showed that M365 Copilot could save time on routine admin, but may not provide any meaningful productivity gains across a department. For UK businesses considering using the tool (or using it already), this raises some serious questions about cost-effectiveness, especially where licences are purchased at scale but only lightly used. With Microsoft positioning Copilot as a flagship product, the pressure to deliver clear, measurable value will only grow.

Usage data from the trial suggests that even in a controlled, well-supported environment, AI tools are far from being embedded into daily workflows. Inconsistent performance in more complex tasks, combined with ongoing concerns about hallucinations, points to a maturity gap that will be difficult to ignore. Competitors offering simpler or more focused AI products may now find space to challenge Microsoft’s all-in-one approach, particularly in areas where users need speed and accuracy over generalised support.

Summer Android Tips – Part 2

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your Android skills and boost your productivity, whether you’re in the office or on the go. In this second of our two articles on the subject, we’ve gathered together 10 more top tips to help you make the most of your Android device during the sunny season, keeping you efficient, secure, and focused.

1. Use Google Lens for Text Recognition

Quickly capture and digitise text from documents, business cards or signs using Google Lens, saving time on manual data entry.

Open the Google Lens app or tap the Lens icon in the Google Photos or Camera app. Point your camera at the text you want to capture, then tap on the text to select it. You can copy the text to your clipboard, translate it, or search it directly online.

2. Customise Do Not Disturb Mode

Manage interruptions during important meetings or work hours by customising the ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode to allow only essential notifications.

Go to “Settings,” select “Sound” or “Notifications,” then tap on “Do Not Disturb.” You can set schedules for when Do Not Disturb should activate, choose which contacts can bypass the mode, and allow or block certain apps’ notifications. This ensures you’re only disturbed by critical alerts.

3. Use File Sharing with Nearby Share

Quickly and securely share files, links, and other data between Android devices without needing a third-party app.

Open the file you want to share, then tap the share icon and select “Nearby Share.” Ensure both devices have Bluetooth and Location enabled. The receiving device will see a prompt to accept the file, and the transfer will begin. Nearby Share works even when devices aren’t connected to the internet.

4. Set Up App Shortcuts for Faster Access

Access your most-used app functions directly from the home screen using app shortcuts, saving time on repetitive tasks.

Long-press on the app icon on your home screen, and a menu with shortcuts will appear (e.g. composing a new email in Gmail). Drag your preferred shortcut to the home screen to create a dedicated icon for it. This feature is supported by many popular apps, making it easy to jump straight to specific tasks.

5. Use Digital Wellbeing to Monitor App Usage

Keep track of how much time you’re spending on various apps and set limits to ensure you’re not getting distracted during work hours.

Go to “Settings,” select “Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls,” and then tap on “Dashboard.” Here, you’ll see a breakdown of your app usage. Tap on an app to set a daily limit, after which the app will pause for the rest of the day. This helps in maintaining focus and reducing time spent on non-essential apps.

6. Pin Important Notifications

Avoid missing critical notifications by pinning them to the top of your notification shade, ensuring they remain visible until addressed.

Swipe down to open your notification shade, then find the notification you want to pin. Long press on the notification and select “Pin” or “Keep.” This option may vary depending on your device’s manufacturer, but it ensures important messages or alerts stay at the forefront.

7. Use Android’s Built-In Screen Recorder

Easily create video tutorials, record presentations, or capture gameplay directly on your device without needing third-party apps.

Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the quick settings menu, then tap on “Screen Recorder” (you may need to add it to the menu if it’s not visible). Choose your recording settings, such as audio input, and tap “Start.” The recording will begin after a short countdown, and you can stop it by tapping the notification or the stop button.

8. Enable One-Handed Mode for Easier Use

Make it easier to use your phone with one hand, especially on larger devices, by enabling One-Handed Mode.

Go to “Settings,” select “Advanced Features” (this may vary by manufacturer), then tap on “One-Handed Mode.” Enable the mode and choose how you want to activate it—by swiping down from the bottom of the screen or by double-tapping the home button. This mode reduces the screen size, allowing easier access to all areas of the display with one hand.

9. Manage Permissions for Better Privacy

Control which apps have access to your personal data by managing app permissions, enhancing your privacy and security.

Go to “Settings,” select “Privacy” or “Apps & notifications,” then tap on “Permission manager.” Here, you can see which apps have access to various permissions, such as location, camera, and microphone. You can adjust these settings to only allow apps access when they’re in use or deny permissions entirely.

10. Use the Clipboard Manager to Save Multiple Items

Keep track of multiple copied items and access them later using Android’s clipboard manager, enhancing your productivity.

If your device supports it (such as on Samsung’s One UI or through third-party apps like Gboard), you can access the clipboard by long-pressing in any text field and tapping “Clipboard.” Here, you’ll see a history of your copied items. Tap on any item to paste it, or pin important items to keep them saved even after restarting your device.

Making Life That Bit Easier This Summer …. 

We hope these tips go some way to helping you unlock the full potential of your Android device and make your daily tasks smoother and more efficient, this summer and beyond.

Summer Apple Pips : 10 MORE iPhone Tricks

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Following in from last week, here are 10 more top iPhone tips / tricks you may not know about that could make your life easier and help you to be more productive:

1. Use QuickPath for Faster Typing

When you’re in a hurry and need to type out messages or emails with one hand, the QuickPath feature can be a real time-saver. Instead of tapping each key individually, simply swipe your finger across the keyboard to form words. This intuitive method allows you to glide from one letter to the next without lifting your finger, speeding up your typing and making it easier to compose messages on the go.

2. Capture Entire Web Pages with Full-Page Screenshots

Sometimes, you need to save more than just what’s visible on your screen. Whether you’re documenting a long article or capturing detailed web content, the full-page screenshot feature in Safari is invaluable. After taking a regular screenshot, tap the preview thumbnail, then select “Full Page” at the top of the screen. This will capture the entire length of the webpage, allowing you to scroll through and save it as a PDF. You can even crop the content to focus on specific sections before saving or sharing it.

3. Record Your Screen Without Background Noise

When creating a screen recording for a presentation or tutorial, you might not want to capture background noise or your voice. You can easily disable the microphone during a screen recording session by accessing the Control Centre, long-pressing the Screen Recording button, and toggling the microphone off. This feature is particularly useful for creating clean, professional recordings that you can voiceover later if needed.

4. Ensure Your Apps Are Always Up-to-Date

Keeping your apps up-to-date is essential for maintaining security and accessing new features. While your iPhone can automatically update apps, you can also manually force updates to ensure you’re running the latest versions. Open the App Store, tap your profile picture, and swipe down to refresh the update list. If updates are available, tap “Update All” to bring all your apps up to date. This proactive approach helps you avoid bugs and ensures optimal performance.

5. Make Calls with Your iPad Using Wi-Fi Calling

If your iPhone is out of reach or charging, you can still make and receive calls using your iPad. By enabling Wi-Fi Calling on your iPhone, this feature extends to other Apple devices signed into the same iCloud account. This allows your iPad to use your iPhone’s connection to the internet for calls, making it a versatile tool when you’re multitasking or working across multiple devices.

6. Switch to Your Preferred Default Apps

If you prefer using third-party apps like Chrome for browsing or Gmail for email, you can set them as your iPhone’s default apps. This means that links and email addresses will automatically open in your preferred apps instead of Safari or Mail. To change your default apps, go to Settings, find the app you want to set as default (e.g., Chrome or Gmail), and choose “Default Browser App” or “Default Mail App.” This simple adjustment aligns your iPhone with your workflow preferences.

7. Back Tap for Quick Access to Functions

The Back Tap feature on your iPhone lets you assign quick actions to a double or triple tap on the back of your device. This can be a real time-saver for functions you use frequently, such as taking a screenshot, activating Siri, or locking the screen. To set it up, go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap, and choose the actions you want to trigger with each tap pattern. This feature adds a new layer of convenience to your daily iPhone usage.

8. Free Up Space by Offloading Unused Apps

If your iPhone’s storage is getting tight, consider enabling the “Offload Unused Apps” feature. This automatically removes apps you haven’t used in a while, freeing up valuable space while preserving your data. The next time you reinstall the app, all your data will be intact. To activate this feature, go to Settings > App Store, and toggle on Offload Unused Apps. This is especially useful for heavy apps like games that take up a lot of space but aren’t used daily.

9. Teach Siri to Pronounce Names Correctly

If Siri mispronounces names or struggles to recognise certain contacts, you can teach her the correct pronunciation. Simply say, “Hey Siri, learn how to pronounce [name],” and Siri will guide you through the process of correcting her pronunciation. This feature ensures that voice commands and dictations are more accurate, making your interactions with Siri more effective and frustration-free.

10. Retrieve Forgotten Wi-Fi Passwords

If you’ve connected to a Wi-Fi network in the past but can’t remember the password, your iPhone can help. Go to Settings > Wi-Fi, tap the info icon next to the network name, and then tap to reveal the password. This is especially handy when you need to connect another device to the same network or share the password with a colleague. No more guessing or searching through old notes for passwords!

These 10 top tips should help you make the most of your iPhone, boost your productivity, and streamline your daily tasks this summer, and beyond.

Summer Android Tips – Part 1

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your Android skills and boost your productivity, whether you’re in the office or on the go. In this article, we’ve gathered together 10 top tips to help you make the most of your Android device during the sunny season, keeping you efficient, secure, and focused.

1. Use Voice Commands with Google Assistant 

Boost your productivity by using Google Assistant’s voice commands to perform tasks hands-free, whether you’re driving, multitasking, or simply looking for a quicker way to get things done.

Activate Google Assistant by saying “Hey Google” or by pressing and holding the home button. If you haven’t set up Google Assistant yet, you’ll be prompted to do so by following the on-screen instructions. Once activated, you can use voice commands for various tasks. For example, say “Hey Google, send a text to Pete saying I’m running late,” or “Hey Google, set a timer for 5 minutes.” You can also ask it to search the web, navigate to a location, or even control smart home devices. To make sure Google Assistant is always ready, you can enable “Hey Google” detection in the Assistant settings under “Voice Match.”

2. Encrypt Your Data 

Protecting sensitive business data is crucial, especially if your device is lost or stolen. Encrypting your data can therefore ensure that even if someone gains physical access to your device, they won’t be able to read your files without the decryption key.

To check if your device is already encrypted, go to “Settings,” tap on “Security,” and look for an option like “Encrypt phone” or “Encryption & credentials.” If your device isn’t encrypted, select “Encrypt phone” (or “Encrypt tablet”) and follow the on-screen instructions. Ensure your device is fully charged or connected to power, as the encryption process can take an hour or more. Once completed, your data will be protected, and you’ll need your PIN, pattern, or password to decrypt it each time you turn on your device.

3. Backup Regularly 

Regular backups are essential to prevent data loss in case of a device failure, loss, or accidental deletion.

To back up your Android device, go to “Settings,” select “System,” and then tap on “Backup.” Ensure that “Back up to Google Drive” is turned on. Here, you can see which data is being backed up, including app data, call history, contacts, device settings, and SMS text messages. To customise what gets backed up, tap on “Account” to select the Google account where backups should be stored, then tap on the various categories to enable or disable specific backups. You can also manually back up your data by tapping “Back up now.”

 4. Clean Up With Smart Manager 

Keeping your device running smoothly and efficiently is vital, especially when dealing with large amounts of data or numerous apps. Smart Manager helps you optimise your device’s performance by clearing unnecessary files and managing resources.

Open the “Smart Manager” or “Device care” app from your settings. If your device doesn’t have this app, you can find similar options under “Settings” > “Storage” or “Battery.” In the app, you’ll see options to clean up storage, optimise RAM, and manage your battery life. Tap on each section to view recommendations for cleanup or optimisation. For example, under “Storage,” you can delete unnecessary files, clear cache, and uninstall unused apps. Under “Battery,” you can check battery usage by app and enable power-saving modes.

5. Reduce Battery Drain 

Battery life is a common concern, especially for business users who rely on their devices throughout the day. Reducing battery drain ensures your device lasts longer between charges.

Go to “Settings,” tap on “Battery,” then select “Battery Saver” or “Power saving mode.” You can enable this feature to automatically turn on when your battery reaches a certain level, or activate it manually whenever needed. Also, you can optimise your battery usage by making a few changes such as adjusting screen brightness, turning off location services, and limiting background data for specific apps. In the “Battery” settings, you can also see which apps are consuming the most power and take action, such as disabling or uninstalling power-hungry apps.

6. Plan Events and Tasks Using Calendar 

Staying organised is key to managing a busy schedule and using your Android’s Calendar app can help you keep track of meetings, deadlines, and personal tasks.

Open the “Calendar” app that comes pre-installed on most Android devices. Tap the “+” button or “Create” to add a new event. Fill in the details like the event title, time, date, location, and any guests you’d like to invite. Set a reminder by choosing how far in advance you’d like to be notified. You can also create recurring events by tapping on “Does not repeat” and selecting the frequency. To sync your calendar with your work or personal accounts, go to “Settings” within the Calendar app, select “Manage accounts,” and add any additional accounts you want to sync.

7. Chatting Using ‘Google Meet’ 

Effective communication is essential in business, and alt hough you may have tried Zoom or WhatsApp, you may not know that Google Meet is a really reliable platform for video conferencing and collaboration.

First, however, you’ll need to download and open the “Google Meet” app, sign in with your Google account, and tap “New meeting” to start a session. You can schedule a meeting in advance using the “Schedule in Google Calendar” option, or start an instant meeting. To invite others, tap on “Share invite” and send the meeting link through email, chat, or any other communication app. When joining a meeting, you can control your microphone and camera, and share your screen to present documents or slides. Make sure to test your audio and video settings before starting a meeting to ensure everything runs smoothly.

8. Smart Lock To Stay Secure

Wherever you are this summer, constantly unlocking your device can be tedious, especially in a secure environment. Smart Lock allows your device to stay unlocked in trusted locations or when connected to certain devices.

Go to “Settings,” select “Security,” then “Smart Lock.” You’ll need to enter your PIN, pattern or password to access Smart Lock settings. Once inside, you can choose from different options like “On-body detection,” which keeps your device unlocked while you’re carrying it, “Trusted Places” that unlock your device when you’re at a specified location (e.g. home or office), and “Trusted devices” that keep your phone unlocked when connected to a specific Bluetooth device like your car or smartwatch. Set up the options that best suit your needs to reduce the hassle of repeatedly unlocking your device.

9. Use Focus Mode to Minimise Distractions 

In a busy work environment, staying focused is crucial. With this in mind, Android’s Focus Mode can help you minimise distractions by pausing apps that might interrupt your workflow, allowing you to concentrate on the tasks at hand.

To enable Focus Mode, go to “Settings,” select “Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls,” then tap on “Focus Mode.” You’ll see a list of apps that you can pause. Select the apps that tend to distract you the most. Once you’ve selected the apps, you can turn on Focus Mode immediately or schedule it for certain times of the day. When Focus Mode is active, the selected apps will be greyed out and won’t send notifications, helping you maintain your focus. You can also set up “Take a break” intervals if you need a quick break from Focus Mode.

10. Need To Multi-Task? Use Multi-Window 

Multitasking can be a challenge but it’s often necessary in business, and the Multi-Window feature lets you run two apps side by side, making it easier to juggle tasks like referencing documents while emailing.

To use Android’s Multi-Window feature, start by opening the first app you want to use. Then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold to open the recent apps menu (on some devices, this might be a button press). Tap the app’s icon at the top of its preview and select “Open in split-screen view.” You’ll then be prompted to choose a second app from the list of recently opened apps or your app drawer. Once selected, both apps will display simultaneously on your screen, with a divider that you can drag to resize the windows as needed. This feature is ideal for comparing data, responding to messages while referencing documents, or watching a video while taking notes.

Making Life That Bit Easier This Summer …. 

These Android tips are designed to enhance your efficiency and make your business life a little easier. By incorporating these tricks into your daily routine, you’ll be well on your way to mastering your Android device. Stay tuned for next week where we’ll have 10 more top summer Android tips for you.

Tech Tip – How To Streamline Your Workflow with Virtual Desktops

Posted on by Paul Stradling

Virtual Desktops in Windows are a good way to extend your workspace without needing multiple monitors and can be useful for separating different types of tasks or projects to keep your workflow organised. Here’s how they work:

– Press Win + Tab to open Task View.

– Click on “New desktop,” which appears at the top of the screen, to create a new virtual desktop.

– You can switch between desktops using Win + Ctrl + Left Arrow or Win + Ctrl + Right Arrow.

– Drag and drop windows from your main desktop to any virtual desktop to organise your tasks better.

– Right-click on windows in Task View to move them or open new apps directly on any desktop.

Tech Insight : Could ‘Digital Mindfulness’ Reduce Your Tech Stress?

Posted on by Paul Stradling

In this insight, we look at what ‘digital mindfulness’ is, how it could help you and your business, and what challenges there are to introducing it.

The ‘Digital Stress’ Problem 

Although the digital age has revolutionised work in terms of levels of productivity and connectivity, it has come at a cost. A significant challenge emerging in the workplace is digital stress, sometimes called ‘technostress,’ a phenomenon increasingly recognised for its detrimental effects on employees’ mental and physical health. This issue is characterised by the stress, anxiety, and burnout resulting from the relentless pace of digital communications, the pressure to remain always ‘on’, and the blurring lines between work and personal life. This constant connectivity, while purportedly beneficial to a business has actually introduced a new stressor into the workplace (technostress) which can come from the anxiety and discomfort stemming from overuse or inefficient usage of technology.

The Scope of the Issue 

There has been quite a lot of research into the issue which has shed some light on the magnitude of this problem. For example:

– A Gallup report (2021) highlighted how 44 per cent of the global workforce experienced workplace stress in 2021 (an increase on the previous year). In the US and Canada, for example, this number is even more alarming, with 50 per cent of the workforce reporting stress in the workplace (CFAH, 2024), positioning these regions as some of the highest for workplace stress globally.

– Also in the US, the American Institute of Stress has noted that more than 8 out of 10 US workers suffer from work-related stress, with 25 per cent identifying their job as the number one stressor in their lives.

– In the UK, stress levels vary by department, with employees within customer service reporting the highest levels of stress at 25 per cent. Interestingly, stress appears to affect women 25 per cent more than men, with work-related stress hitting working mothers 40 per cent harder than their childless counterparts (Spill, 2024).

– Financial stress is, not surprisingly, also a significant contributor to workplace anxiety. According to PwC’s annual (2023) Employee Financial Wellness Survey, 41 per cent of workers who feel financial stress also say that this affects their productivity at work.

The Impact on Health and Productivity 

The consequences of digital stress / technostress extend beyond personal health, affecting organisational outcomes and economic costs. For example:

– 20,000 deaths annually in the US are attributed to work-related stress, with businesses losing up to $300 billion each year due to productivity losses linked to this stress (Spill, 2024).

– Also, stress leads to absenteeism. In the UK (ONS, 2021) mental health conditions, which can include stress, were one of the top reasons for sickness absence, demonstrating the impact of work-related stress on overall employee well-being and productivity.

– In the US, it’s a similar picture, with a million Americans taking time off work each day with stress, thereby perhaps indicating how pervasive and damaging unmanaged stress can be to both individuals and organisations.

Addressing The Problem 

These statistics underscore the urgent need for strategies like using ‘digital mindfulness,’ which aims to cultivate a healthier relationship with technology.

What Is Mindfulness and How Is ‘Digital Mindfulness’ Different? 

Mindfulness, originating from Buddhist meditation practices, is the psychological process of bringing your attention to experiences occurring in the present moment (‘the now’).  Research in neuroscience shows that mindfulness training can actually rewire brain circuits associated with stress, attention, and emotional regulation. For instance, a study published in the journal “Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging” showed that an eight-week mindfulness meditation program led to increased density in the hippocampus, a region associated with memory and learning, and decreased density in the amygdala, which is linked to anxiety and stress responses.

Digital Mindfulness is a concept that adapts traditional mindfulness principles to our interactions with digital technology. It involves being consciously aware and intentional about how we use digital devices and online platforms, aiming to foster a balanced, reflective, and engaged approach to technology, counteracting the autopilot mode with which we often engage with digital devices. This practice encourages individuals to recognise and mitigate the potential for technology to contribute to stress, distraction, and disconnection from the physical world, promoting healthier digital habits and well-being.

The Benefits 

By integrating (digital) mindfulness practices into the workplace, businesses can mitigate the adverse effects of digital stress, improving employee well-being and productivity.

Digital mindfulness also offers a pathway toward a more balanced digital work life (something of real value to employees), encouraging employees to engage with technology intentionally and mindfully, thus reducing the likelihood of stress and burnout.

How? 

Some of the ways that businesses can introduce digital mindfulness to the workplace include:

– Introducing ‘taster’ sessions, i.e. introductory sessions led by skilled practitioners to allow employees to experience mindfulness benefits firsthand.

– Offering training and resources. Supplying formal training and access to mindfulness apps or resources for guided practices.

– Designating a quiet space. Providing a dedicated area for meditation or quiet reflection, free from workplace distractions.

– Encouraging daily practice: Fostering a habit of regular mindfulness breaks among employees to help detach from work momentarily, enhancing focus and rejuvenation.

– Cultivating mindful leaders. Training leaders in mindfulness to model and promote mindful practices within their teams, enhancing overall workplace mindfulness.

However, for a better chance of success, employees must be engaged from the start, understanding their interest in and preferences for mindfulness activities to ensure the program meets their needs. Also, the purpose of it within the organisation needs to be clarified, and active participation and endorsement needs to be secured from senior management to underscore the initiative’s importance and encourage wider adoption.

What’s The Evidence? Does It Work? 

The effectiveness of digital mindfulness is backed by research highlighting its positive impacts on mental health and workplace productivity. For example, a study from the University of California, Irvine, found that employees who practiced mindfulness techniques reported a 27 per cent reduction in stress levels. Also, a program aimed at reducing digital distractions through mindfulness practices at a multinational corporation led to a 31 per cent drop in reported stress among participants and a 26 per cent increase in focus on tasks. These statistics underscore the real benefits that mindfulness can introduce to a technology-saturated work environment, including improved emotional well-being, enhanced concentration, and lower instances of burnout.

Challenges in Learning and Implementing Mindfulness 

Despite its benefits, the path to integrating mindfulness, especially in a digital context, can have its challenges. Scepticism about its effectiveness, the perceived time investment, and the irony of leveraging digital platforms to escape the downsides of digital overuse are common hurdles. However, incremental steps, such as designated tech-free periods and mindfulness meditation breaks during the workday, can facilitate a smoother transition. Encouragement from leadership and success stories within the organisation can also help overcome initial resistance.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

For businesses, the adoption of digital mindfulness may qwll be more than just a wellness initiative and once it’s learned, its power shouldn’t be underestimated. In fact, many businesses now see it as worthwhile as a strategic investment in the digital age. This is because the benefits extend beyond individual well-being to impacting organisational health too, by driving down stress-related costs and increasing productivity. Companies that cultivate a culture of digital mindfulness can, therefore, expect to see not only happier employees but also a more focused, efficient, and innovative workforce. To embark on this journey, however, businesses can start by offering workshops on digital mindfulness, and how to integrate mindfulness practices into daily routines, and promoting a culture where disconnection is respected and valued. Possibly easier said than done!

By confronting the realities of so-called ‘technostress’ head-on and embracing digital mindfulness, businesses can foster an environment where technology isn’t a source of endless distraction and stress.

Tech Insight : A Dozen Ways Copilot Can Help Your Business

Posted on by Paul Stradling

With Microsoft’s Copilot AI assistant now embedded within the Microsoft 365 apps and services to help users save time and increase productivity, we look at a dozen things you can do with Copilot to help your business.

Microsoft 365 Copilot 

Copilot fuses ChatGPT version 4 and Microsoft Graph. More specifically, Copilot is designed to integrate the capabilities of ChatGPT version 4 (a sophisticated language model developed by OpenAI), with the extensive data and connectivity provided by Microsoft Graph.

Microsoft Graph is an API platform that enables developers to access and integrate data and insights from various Microsoft services and applications, such as Office 365, Windows 10, and Enterprise Mobility + Security, facilitating the creation of rich, interconnected applications within the Microsoft ecosystem.

This integration allows Copilot to leverage the conversational AI capabilities of ChatGPT in conjunction with the rich data ecosystem of Microsoft 365, enhancing productivity and offering more advanced features within Microsoft’s suite of applications.

Microsoft says Copilot can increase an employee’s productivity by as much as 50 per cent and that it can unlock the other 90 per cent of things that its apps can do that most users never try.

A Dozen Ways Copilot Can Help 

With this in mind, here are a dozen ways that you can use Copilot to help with your business:

1. Automating Customer Service Responses 

Copilot can manage routine customer service queries by providing instant, accurate responses to FAQs. This helps by reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction. It can also act as a way to identify and escalate the more complex issues to human representatives, ensuring a balance between efficiency and having a personal touch.

2. Generating Reports and Summaries 

Microsoft 365 Copilot can also analyse large sets of data to generate detailed reports and executive summaries. This can be really helpful in identifying key metrics and trends, which are essential for strategic planning and decision-making, without the need for manual data crunching. This is an important way that Copilot can save time and effort and add more transparency to a business.

3. Drafting and Editing All Manner Of Business Documents 

Copilot assists in creating professional business documents, emails, and presentations. It offers suggestions on content, structure, and style, ensuring that the documents are not only well-written but also tailored to their intended audience. Again, this can save time and improve productivity but also improve the quality of business communications.

4. Data Analysis and Insights 

By analysing complex datasets, Copilot can uncover valuable insights, helping businesses understand customer behaviour, market trends, and operational efficiency. This leads to more informed decision-making and strategy development.

5. Scheduling and Calendar Management 

It streamlines calendar management by scheduling meetings, appointments, and events based on your availability. It can also send automated reminders and updates, ensuring efficient time management and reducing scheduling conflicts.

6. Training and Educational Resources 

Copilot can create custom training materials and educational content that are specifically tailored to a company’s processes and systems. This can help in onboarding new employees more efficiently and keeping the workforce updated on new tools and practices. This can, of course, also save money on training and potentially improve the efficiency of training (because it can be more targeted and customised).

7. Automating Routine Tasks 

For tasks like data entry, inventory management, and basic accounting, Copilot can automate these processes, thereby reducing the risk of human error and allowing employees to focus on more strategic and creative tasks.

8. Language Translation and Localisation 

Microsoft Copilot can also be used to facilitate global business operations by translating documents and communications into various languages, ensuring that businesses can effectively communicate with international clients and partners.

9. Market Research and Analysis 

Copilot can scour the internet and various databases to conduct market research, analyse industry trends, and provide actionable insights, helping businesses stay ahead in their market.

10. Social Media Management 

Copilot can also help with creating, scheduling, and analysing social media posts. Copilot can also track engagement metrics, thereby helping businesses understand their audience better and refine their social media strategies.

11. Project Management Assistance  

Microsoft 365 Copilot can also help with tracking project milestones, resource allocation, and progress updates. This can ensure that projects stay on track, resources are efficiently used, and stakeholders are kept informed.

12. Legal and Compliance Documentation 

One other really helpful aspect of Copilot is that it can assist in drafting legal documents and ensure that business operations comply with relevant laws and regulations. This is crucial for mitigating legal risks and maintaining a company’s reputation.

What Does This Mean For Your Business? 

The integration of Microsoft’s Copilot AI into the Microsoft 365 suite is a significant advancement for 365 and for business technology generally. With Copilot embedded in popular 365 apps, businesses now have a powerful ‘always on’ tool at their disposal to help with productivity, efficiency, creativity, adding value, and more. As such, this integration goes beyond mere convenience, and it taps into the unrealised potential of Microsoft 365, unlocking functionalities that many users have yet to explore, i.e. it can help businesses to leverage (and get more out of) what they’re already paying for from Microsoft.

By being able to quickly and easily automate tasks, e.g. from customer service to complex data analysis, Copilot not only saves time but also enhances creativity and leaves employees free to focus on more strategic and innovative tasks, thereby elevating the quality of work and driving business growth. Also, Copilot’s intuitive, natural language capabilities, akin to those of ChatGPT version 4, make it a user-friendly assistant that can simplify complex tasks and make technology more accessible to everyone in the organisation.

Copilot, therefore, serves as a tool for upskilling employees. It exposes them to a broader range of Microsoft 365 capabilities, fostering a deeper understanding and more efficient use of the software. This aspect of Copilot is particularly valuable as it achieves upskilling organically, without the need for additional training resources. It could be said that Copilot is not just enhancing productivity, but it’s also expanding the technological proficiency of the entire workforce.

For businesses, in addition to streamlining operations, Copilot can also help deliver a competitive edge e.g., the insights gleaned from Copilot’s data analysis and market research capabilities can inform strategic decisions, offering a clearer view of market trends and customer behaviours. Its ability to handle language translations and ensure compliance with legal standards positions businesses for global reach and operational safety may also be of real use for many businesses.

Microsoft 365 Copilot, therefore, is more than an incremental update to business software, but could prove to a transformative tool that can significantly enhance how businesses operate (if businesses make sure they use it). The rewards for using what is a comprehensive, and relatively easy-to-use solution that unlocks the power of the 365 apps could be to propel your businesses into a new era of efficiency and innovation.