As we have discussed already this month, understanding the differences between Microsoft 365 and Office 365 is quite challenging. Last week, we provided a grid breaking down the differences between the products. To take things a step farther, this week, we are featuring a glossary. Even if you can see the differences, if you don’t understand Microsoft’s terminology, the grid will not truly help you understand the differences.

Last week, CES 2020 came and left, but while here, enthralled us with new technology announcements. We saw Alexa in just about every device from toothbrushes to cars and witnessed some of the most advanced headphones/hearing devices. We saw smarter smart TVs, mind-blowing laptops, and even some of the silliest, most ridiculous solutions which no-sane person needs. As always, the week of CES is a week we greatly anticipate, and fortunately, it has yet to disappoint us. Let’s take a look and a few releases that we saw last week.

It is January, and CES 2020 is in full effect. The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) historically was where the newest and most exciting technologies announcements were made, and this year was no different. Although, in recent years, a new wave of change has occurred. A few of the larger innovators like Microsoft and Sony are now saving their most significant announcements for their trade shows. This change has opened the doors for newer innovators to release their latest and some even outright odd problem-solving technologies.

Last month at the Microsoft Ignite conference, there were many announcements with the focus on better security and higher efficiencies. The announcement that we are bringing to the forefront today takes this two idea to the next level. Microsoft Productivity Score considers the endpoint user and making his/her overall work experience more productive and seamless.

Microsoft Ignite returned last week to Orlando, Florida and once again brought great excitement to the world of Tech. This conference is where Microsoft announces and demonstrates brand new applications. Many times they tease out these developments at prior conferences, but what makes this conference so unique is we can see the excitement and take it to work for us immediately as these applications are ready for the market. One of the exciting announcements from last week was Project Cortex. Project Cortex is an AI-based application integrated with Office 365 that brings relevant knowledge directly to where you are working.

Working from anywhere is the newest office trend, and honestly, some are even trying to make it a “right.” In some industries, it is more common than others, but we are starting to see more companies get on board with the movement. In a recent study, it was found that 66% of companies allow their employees to work remotely. Additionally, there are a growing number of businesses with multiple office locations? Many times, we struggle to connect with a productive meeting as our employees are all in different places. Travel is expensive and can sometimes be a waste of time to make sure everyone is in one location just for a meeting. There is a multitude of ways to host meetings that can incorporate other sites and even ways to customize your background to hide your messy office. Unfortunately, many times, the employees at remote locations or satellite offices do not feel connected to the actual team meeting. It is hard to stay focused when you are unsure of who is currently speaking, making it a challenge to understand what is being said and not welcoming to chime in from your location. Owl Labs wants to Inspire the work from Anywhere movement and thus have an incredible solution. The Meeting Owl is a cost-effective and straightforward solution to remote meeting dilemmas.

Technology is everywhere. We have access to it 24/7 365 days a year in almost any location. Technology indeed can be a blessing and a curse. It offers us many advantages, although these same advantages can quickly turn into disadvantages. For example, being able to access our data from almost anywhere is helpful but it is also harmful as we can not escape our data and specifically work. No longer are we just working a 9-5 job. Instead, we put in our hours at the office and also check email and many other applications when we should be decompressing at home or on vacation. A recent study found that 2/3 of full-time employees admit to experiencing burnout at work. This is no surprise because we can’t escape work even when we are trying! That is why we are exploring the topic of using technology to manage technology. This might sound counterintuitive but bear with us for a quick read.