by Richard Jones | Nov 5, 2025 | Business, IT Management, Microsoft, New Technology, Productivity
How much time do you waste sorting through emails every day, trying to figure out what really needs your attention?
If you’re like most business owners, the answer is probably “too much”.
Between customer queries, supplier updates, internal messages, and the occasional bit of junk, your inbox can feel overwhelming.
And if you or your team miss something important because it got buried, that can cause delays, confusion, or worse.
Well guess what?
Microsoft is adding a clever new tool to help with this.
Outlook for iOS and Android will soon use Copilot, Microsoft’s AI assistant, to flag your most important emails. It’s called Priority view, and will sort your inbox into two simple categories: High Priority and Needs Replies.
That means when you open Outlook on your phone, the emails that matter most will stand out straight away.
We all know how easy it is for important messages to slip through the cracks, especially when you’re busy or juggling multiple roles. With Priority view, you’ll spend less time digging through your inbox. And that leaves you more time for other, more important things.
For employees, it can take away some of the stress of keeping up with emails. No more worrying that they’ve missed something vital buried under a pile of newsletters or group updates.
It’s worth noting that this feature will be rolling out gradually. It could take until late 2025 before everyone sees it. Also, it’s only available to businesses using Microsoft 365 with a Copilot license, as Copilot is a paid add-on.
But if you’re already considering AI tools to help your business work smarter, this is one to watch.
Curious about how Copilot could help your business? Whether it’s with Outlook, Teams, or other tools, or you want to chat about making your email setup more efficient, get in touch. Helping you stay on top of your tech is what we’re here for.
by Richard Jones | Feb 17, 2025 | Business, Cybersecurity, IT Management, New Technology, Productivity
Ever feel like you’re racing to keep up with all the new tech out there? You’re not the only one. Businesses are spending more on software than ever before… and it’s in no small part due to “FOMO” – fear of missing out.
In fact, a recent report shows that 76% of businesses are bumping up their software budgets for next year, with many planning to increase their spend by 5 to 15%.
Why?
It’s simple: No business owner wants to feel like they’re falling behind while their competitors are jumping on the next big thing. So, businesses are investing in tools that they think will make them better, faster, and more secure.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the top of the list when it comes to the tech businesses want to invest in. This is because AI is making it easier to get stuff done; whether that’s automating routine tasks, crunching numbers, or even improving customer service.
But on the flip side, AI is also putting new tricks up the sleeves of cyber criminals. Meaning that businesses are having to spend more on cyber security to keep their data safe.
The hardest part about buying software isn’t usually the actual purchase – it’s what comes after. Using new software takes planning, and everyone in the team needs to learn how to use it. If your team isn’t ready, even the best software won’t help you much.
This is why many businesses are also investing in training tools, such as learning management systems (LMS). This helps bring employees up to speed, so your new tech doesn’t just sit there collecting virtual dust.
It can be tempting to be one of the first to adopt all the latest tools. But moving too fast can lead to headaches. It takes time to figure out what software is right for your business and how to make it fit into your processes. Jumping in without a clear plan could leave you with a tool that’s more trouble than it’s worth.
The good news is that many businesses are getting smarter about how they choose software, using reviews, testimonials, and recommendations from experts (like us) to make informed decisions.
If you’re feeling the pressure to invest in new tools, take a breath. Think about what your business really needs:
- Do you want to improve efficiency?
- Keep your business data secure?
- Help your team work better?
Whatever the reason, make sure you choose tools that are in line with your goals and that your team is ready to use.
FOMO might be driving the trend, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it control your decisions.
We can help make sure the tech you invest in pays off for your business in the long run. Get in touch.
by Richard Jones | Feb 10, 2025 | Business, IT Management, Microsoft, Mobile, New Technology, Productivity, Working from Home
It feels like we have a gadget for everything these days, doesn’t it?
The average office worker now carries around three devices to get through the day. Think laptops, tablets, headphones… and even multiple phones.
Technology keeps teams connected and helps us work smarter – but there’s a downside: Managing so many devices can get a little overwhelming.
What happens every time we add a new device to our daily work routine? There’s something else to charge. Another thing to carry. One more item to keep track of.
In fact, carrying around all this tech adds up to an average 4.1 kg of extra weight. That’s like carrying an air fryer to work every day!
Another issue is the mental load. Many professionals say they feel bogged down by the notifications they get across all their devices. It’s common to get dozens of notifications every day, and the constant flow of alerts can be such a distraction.
One way to get around gadget overload is to try out devices that handle many functions, like foldable phones, or hybrid laptops. This way, one device could do the same thing two or three of your devices are doing.
Another great strategy is to upgrade to a smarter system, like Windows 11.
Windows 11 makes it easier to switch between tasks, reducing the need for extra devices. With a smoother, more integrated experience, your team might not feel they need as many gadgets to stay productive.
Need help streamlining your setup? We can help walk you through the options. Get in touch.
by Richard Jones | Feb 3, 2025 | Business, Business Continuity, Cloud, Cybersecurity, IT Management, Microsoft, New Technology, Productivity
Still holding on to Windows 10 in your business? It’s time to start thinking about making the move to Windows 11.
Three years after its release, Windows 11 is making major headway, with its market share reaching 35.55% in October 2024. While Windows 10 still holds around 60.97% of the market, change is on the horizon – and there are some compelling reasons to consider the switch.
First, let’s talk about the big news: From 14th October, Windows 10 will no longer receive free support from Microsoft. Although this doesn’t mean Windows 10 will stop working, it will stop getting important updates, such as up-to-date protection against malicious software and cyber threats.
Microsoft will be offering extended security support for Windows 10 for an extra year, but this will cost businesses $30 (around £23) per device and could get expensive. And this is only a temporary solution.
So, why has interest in Windows 11 spiked recently?
For one, the PC market has picked up. This is partly because of the rise of “AI PCs”, which use hardware that is more capable of handling AI-based tasks. People want to make sure their devices are compatible with the latest software, including Windows 11. There’s also buzz around the rollout of “Windows Intelligence” – a possible rebrand of some Windows 11 AI features.
Upgrading to Windows 11 isn’t just about keeping up with the latest tech, though. Another reason people are moving to Windows 11 is that it offers a more streamlined and user-friendly experience. New features include customisable widgets and an improved File Explorer, helping you to get things done faster.
Another major benefit to businesses is that Windows 11 brings improved security, offering better protection against cyber threats like:
- Ransomware, where you get locked out of your files and held to ransom for its (possible) return
- Phishing attacks, where you get tricked into revealing sensitive information through things like fake emails
If you want to stick with Windows 10, Microsoft’s one-year extension could offer you a bit more time. But if you want our advice? You’d only be delaying the inevitable, while missing out on the benefits of upgrading.
We can help make the switch stress-free. Get in touch.
by Richard Jones | Jan 27, 2025 | Business, Microsoft, New Technology, Productivity
Imagine turning on your computer and having all the apps you need for the day already open and ready to go. That’d be useful, right?
Windows 11 lets you set your favorite apps to launch automatically when you log in.
Setting it up is easy. And it’ll help you and your team dive into work faster.
For some apps, you can set up auto-launch like this:
- Head to Settings
- Click Apps
- Then select Startup
Here, you’ll see a list of apps that support auto-launch. Flip the toggle for the apps you want to open when you start your computer, and they’ll be ready for you next time you log in.
If an app doesn’t appear in the Startup area of Settings, don’t worry. You can set the app to auto-launch another way.
For this, head to the special Startup folder in Windows 11. Here you can add shortcuts to any app you want to launch automatically.
Here’s how you do it:
- Hit “Windows Key + R” to open the Run tool
- Type ‘shell:startup’
- Click OK
Now you’ll be able to add a shortcut to your chosen app using its executable file (usually shown as an .exe file in Program Files).
If the thought of doing this makes you feel nauseous, get us to do it for you.
One thing to remember, though. While it’s tempting to set all your favorite apps to launch automatically, opening too many at once can slow down your computer. Stick to the essentials.
Need help getting your tech set up for your business? We can do that, get in touch.
by Richard Jones | Jan 20, 2025 | Business, IT Management, Microsoft, New Technology, Productivity
Wouldn’t it be great if your Windows 11 computer could handle tasks just like a real-life assistant?
That’s exactly what Microsoft wants to achieve with Windows Agent Arena, its new AI project.
The goal is to create smart virtual assistants, known as AI agents. They will be able to complete tasks on your computer. They could save time by doing repetitive tasks for you, such as managing apps or organising files.
So, what exactly is an AI agent? And how could it help your business?
An AI agent is a type of artificial intelligence designed to interact with your computer. Instead of only giving you information, AI agents can perform actions for you.
For example, you could train an AI agent to run your morning routine. It would open your calendar, launch your email app, and check the news. When you begin your day, the agent would know what info to share with you, like a virtual assistant.
Imagine having AI agents that update your software, or even edit documents for you. They could enable privacy options in Microsoft Edge, install extensions or update settings. This saves you time and hassle, so you can focus on bigger things.
The project is open source. That means developers around the world can contribute to help these tools evolve. Although they’re still in development, the potential for businesses is exciting.
For now, one of the best ways to see how helpful AI can be for your business is to give Copilot a try. Need help getting started? Get in touch.
