If you’re old enough to know what a floppy disk is, you’re old enough to know how bonkers this is: San Francisco’s Automatic Train Control System (ATCS) runs on data that is stored on floppy disks.

Floppy disks were first put into widespread commercial use by IBM in the 1970s and were the go-to way to store data through the 1990s. Apple dropped the floppy drive in 1998 with the release of the iMac, and five years later, Dell did the same with its Dell Dimension range. Sony was the last company to manufacture the disks, halting operations in 2011.

Related: This Will Be the Busiest Travel Day During the 2024 Holiday Season

In other words, floppy disks are an insanely old and outdated way to manage data.

San Francisco’s Municipal Transportation Agency board, which oversees the Muni Metro light rail network in the city, announced the approval of a $212 million overhaul, which will eliminate the need to load the data stored on these floppy disks each morning, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. The system communicates the data using wire loops that are “easily disrupted” and move more slowly than a wireless modem. (In a city built in an area that experiences lots and lots of earthquakes each year, what could go wrong?)

The new Hitachi system will be “five generations ahead” of the floppy disk system, according to Muni Director of Transit Julie Kirschbaum. Let’s hope “five generations” puts it beyond CD-ROMs at least.

Related: 21 Productive Things to Do on Your Commute

Last week, AI startup Physical Intelligence unveiled its first general robot model, π₀ (pi-zero), which can do everything from clearing the table after dinner to folding the laundry. Earlier this year, the company was valued at $400 million.

Now, a Monday report shows that the startup has reached unicorn status, surpassing a $1 billion valuation after raising $400 million, at a valuation of $2.4 billion, from investors like Jeff Bezos, OpenAI, and Thrive Capital.

Physical Intelligence’s goal is to bring general-purpose AI into the real world with robotics, according to its website. It only took them eight months to develop the robot model π₀, which the startup says is the “first step” towards a future in which robots process and perform tasks with as much ease as AI chatbots answering prompts.

“Our mission at Physical Intelligence is to develop foundation models that can control any robot to perform any task,” the startup wrote in a blog post. “Our experiments so far show that such models can control a variety of robots and perform tasks that no prior robot learning system has done successfully.”

Related: Meet Figure 02, the ‘Most Advanced Humanoid Robot on the Market’ Backed By Jeff Bezos, OpenAI

What Can the Robots Do?

A video released last week shows a π₀ robot taking clothes out of a dryer, putting them in a basket, placing the basket next to a table, and then taking the clothes out one by one and folding them into a neat stack.

Two π₀ robots also work together to load coffee into a coffee grinder: One robot holds the bag of coffee beans open while the other scoops the beans out. The same two robots assemble a cardboard box.

Yet another π₀ robot clears up after dinner by picking up delicate wineglasses, utensils, and plates and placing them into a bin. The robot recognizes the difference between what needs to go in the trash, like food scraps, and what needs to be washed, like a plate, and places each into its appropriate container.

At Physical Intelligence (π) our mission is to bring general-purpose AI into the physical world.

We’re excited to show the first step towards this mission – our first generalist model π₀ ? ?

Paper, blog, uncut videos: https://t.co/XZ4Luk8Dci pic.twitter.com/XHCu1xZJdq

— Physical Intelligence (@physical_int) October 31, 2024

Though these initial results show the robots “in their infancy,” they “paint a promising picture” of the future of AI robotics, according to Physical Intelligence.

Other robotics startups in the space include Figure AI, a $2.6 billion company backed by Jeff Bezos, Microsoft, and OpenAI that develops humanoid robots.

Related: This Company Built a New Kind of Robot: ‘It Moves the Way People Move’

As a seasoned entrepreneur and tech enthusiast, I’ve been closely watching the intersection of artificial intelligence and politics, particularly as we approach the 2024 U.S. presidential election. The impact of AI on our democratic process is not just a matter for policy wonks and tech giants — it’s something that should be on every business owner’s radar.

AI is transforming voter engagement through targeted messaging while also raising concerns about misinformation and consumer trust. This article explores how potential regulatory changes driven by election outcomes could reshape the business landscape, affecting everything from economic policies to brand loyalty. Entrepreneurs must be proactive in developing AI ethics policies, investing in AI literacy and preparing for various scenarios to navigate this evolving environment effectively. By understanding these dynamics, business owners can position themselves to thrive amidst the challenges and opportunities presented by the intersection of AI and politics.

It’s more than just campaign ads

We’ve all seen how AI is transforming industries from healthcare to finance, but its role in shaping political outcomes is perhaps one of the most significant — and potentially concerning — developments of our time. AI is not just creating more targeted campaign ads (though it’s certainly doing that). It’s fundamentally altering how information is created, disseminated and consumed by voters. This shift has profound implications for businesses of all sizes.

Related: A Survey Asked Small Business Owners What They Really Care About in the 2024 Election — The Results Were Surprising

The double-edged sword of AI in elections

On one hand, AI offers incredible opportunities for voter engagement and education. Campaigns can use AI to craft personalized messages that resonate with individual voters, potentially increasing political participation. AI-powered chatbots can answer voter questions 24/7, making information more accessible than ever before.

However, the same technology that can inform can also misinform. We’re seeing an unprecedented surge in AI-generated deepfakes, misleading content and highly convincing disinformation campaigns. As a business owner, you might be thinking, “So what? How does this affect my bottom line?”

The answer: in more ways than you might realize.

Why business owners should care about AI in elections

1. Regulatory whiplash

The outcome of the 2024 election could lead to dramatic shifts in AI regulation. Depending on who takes office, we could see anything from a hands-off approach to stringent new rules governing AI development and deployment.

If you’re using AI in your business — and let’s face it, most of us are in some capacity — these potential regulatory changes could have a significant impact on your operations. From data privacy concerns to algorithmic bias, the legal landscape around AI is likely to evolve rapidly in the coming years.

2. Consumer trust and brand loyalty

As AI-driven misinformation becomes more sophisticated, consumers are becoming increasingly skeptical of the information they encounter online. This erosion of trust doesn’t just affect political discourse — it spills over into how consumers view brands and make purchasing decisions.

If your customers can’t trust what they see and read online, how can they trust your marketing messages? This growing skepticism could make it harder for businesses to build and maintain brand loyalty.

3. Economic policy shifts

AI’s influence on voter behavior could lead to significant shifts in economic policy. Whether it’s tax policy, labor laws or international trade agreements, the outcome of AI-influenced elections could reshape the business environment in ways that directly impact your bottom line.

If your customers are influenced by AI-driven political messaging, it could change their expectations and demands from businesses. For instance, if AI-powered campaigns successfully push for stronger environmental regulations, your customers might start expecting more eco-friendly practices from your company. Similarly, if AI helps spread ideas about worker rights, you might face pressure to change your labor practices.

Proactive steps for forward-thinking entrepreneurs

So, what can you do to prepare your business for this AI-driven political landscape? Here are some actionable steps:

1. Develop an AI ethics policy: Don’t wait for regulations to force your hand. Create a comprehensive AI ethics policy for your company now. This should cover how you use AI, how you protect customer data and how you ensure fairness and transparency in your AI-driven processes.
2. Invest in AI literacy: Make sure you and your leadership team understand the basics of AI. This knowledge will be crucial for making informed decisions about using AI in your business and anticipating potential regulatory changes.
3. Scenario planning: Conduct thorough scenario planning exercises. Consider how different election outcomes and subsequent policy changes could affect your industry. This foresight could give you a significant competitive advantage.
4. Engage in advocacy: Join industry associations or advocacy groups that are working to shape AI policy. Your voice as a business owner matters in these discussions.
5. Strengthen data security: Implement robust data privacy and security measures now. This will not only protect you from potential breaches but also position you well for compliance with future regulations.
6. Build trust through transparency: Be open with your customers about how you use AI. Transparency can help build trust in an era of increasing skepticism.

The bottom line

The intersection of AI and politics is not just a fascinating technological development — it’s a business issue that demands our attention. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, we can not only protect our businesses from potential disruptions but also contribute to a more responsible and ethical AI-driven future.

As entrepreneurs, we’re no strangers to adapting to change. The AI revolution in politics is just another challenge for us to meet head-on. By embracing this change and preparing for its implications, we can ensure our businesses don’t just survive but thrive in this new landscape.

Remember, the future belongs to those who prepare for it today. Let’s make sure we’re ready for whatever the AI-influenced political landscape of tomorrow brings.

New York resident Mark Longo, 34, had his rural home raided by New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation on Wednesday. Their target? Peanut, a social media star who also happens to be a squirrel. Officers also confiscated a raccoon named Fred from Longo’s home.

On Friday, officials reported that Peanut and the raccoon were euthanized.

Related: The Internet Can’t Get Enough of This Real Life Snoopy Dog: ‘My Childhood Dream Come True’

“On Oct. 30, DEC seized a raccoon and squirrel sharing a residence with humans, creating the potential for human exposure to rabies. In addition, a person involved with the investigation was bitten by the squirrel. To test for rabies, both animals were euthanized,” the agencies said in a statement. “The animals are being tested for rabies and anyone who has been in contact with these animals is strongly encouraged to consult their physician.”

A spokesperson for the DEC said in a statement that the raid came after the agency received “multiple reports from the public about the potentially unsafe housing of wildlife that could carry rabies and the illegal keeping of wildlife as pets.”

Seven years ago, Longo says he saw a squirrel get hit by a car in New York City and noticed Peanut, whom he presumed was now an orphan. Longo says he took Peanut home, nursed him for eight months, and then released him to the wild.

Related: Your Coworker Probably Wants to Be an Influencer

“A day and a half later I found him sitting on my porch missing half of his tail with his bone sticking out,” Longo told AP News.

He took the squirrel back in and started an Instagram account that had amassed 534K followers.

“The DEC came to my house and raided my house without a search warrant to find a squirrel!” Longo told AP News. “I was treated as if I was a drug dealer and they were going for drugs and guns.”

Longo addressed the incident on Instagram.

“Everyone with a pet is in shock right now that this could happen to them,” he reposted from the Animal Rescue Mission.

Related: The B2B Creator Economy Is the Next Big Thing. Here’s the Company Making It Happen.

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic, and with technological innovation continuing in AI, it’s likely to remain a popular subject. The utilization of AI for marketing has only grown. As a communications firm, our clients often ask about AI — are we using it? Should they use it? And how can AI be used to obtain the best ROI and results possible?

Since we work with many small businesses, the concern is also budget. Fortunately, there’s a wealth of AI options available that can enhance marketing efforts and improve efficiency without significant investment. These clients often don’t know where to start, so let’s discuss some low-hanging fruit.

The AI tools we recommend are simple, easy to use and affordable, helping take your marketing to the next level.

Related: How to Incorporate AI Into Your Marketing Strategies

The growing influence of AI in marketing

AI is not only more accessible, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You might already be using AI without even realizing it. From the personalized product recommendations you see online to the chatbots that answer your customer service inquiries, AI is all around us. Even platforms like Meta (formerly Facebook) utilize AI extensively to enhance user experience and advertising effectiveness. Meta employs AI algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data, including user demographics, behavior and preferences, allowing businesses to target their ads more accurately and optimize placements for better results. This capability means that businesses can reach the right audience at the right time, often without needing deep marketing expertise.

In fact, businesses are quickly adopting AI, and the statistics from a recent AI survey speak for themselves:

• 35% of businesses have adopted AI to some degree.

• 77% of devices now feature AI-powered functionality.

• 9 out of 10 organizations see AI as a competitive advantage.

• By 2030, AI is expected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy.

For small businesses, the ability to access AI tools that are both affordable and user-friendly means that the technology is more attainable than ever. Gone are the days when you needed a dedicated team of developers to implement AI into your marketing strategy. Today’s AI platforms, including those offered by Meta, are designed with usability in mind, and most require little to no technical knowledge. This allows even the smallest businesses to tap into AI’s capabilities and create content that rivals larger competitors.

Related: 6 Positive Impacts of AI on Digital Marketing

Key AI tools for marketing on a budget

Here are some of our favorite AI software that are inexpensive, along with their descriptions and pricing:

1. ChatGPT

   • Description: ChatGPT is a versatile AI language model that can assist with content generation, brainstorming and answering customer queries. It helps marketers draft compelling copy quickly and efficiently.

   • Pricing: Free for basic use; subscription plans available for advanced features.

2. Grammarly

   • Description: Grammarly uses AI to enhance writing quality by offering real-time grammar, punctuation and style suggestions. It ensures your marketing copy is polished and professional.

   • Pricing: Free basic plan; premium plans start at $12 per month.

3. Grok

   • Description: Grok is an AI-powered tool that can help businesses create and optimize marketing strategies based on consumer insights and market trends. It assists in identifying target audiences and crafting personalized messages.

   • Pricing: Starting at $16 per month (currently only available for those with a Premium+ subscription on X).

4. Canva

   • Description: Canva is an easy-to-use graphic design tool that leverages AI to suggest templates, layouts and images. It empowers marketers to create stunning visuals for social media, ads and other marketing materials without needing design skills.

   • Pricing: Free basic plan; pro version available for $12.99 per month.

5. Lumen5

   • Description: Lumen5 is an AI-driven video creation platform that helps marketers turn text content into engaging videos. It simplifies video production, making it accessible for businesses without extensive video editing experience.

   • Pricing: Free version available; paid plans start at $19 per month.

6. AI-driven sentiment analysis tools

   • Description: These tools analyze customer feedback and social media conversations to gauge public sentiment about a brand or product. This insight can inform marketing strategies and enhance customer engagement.

   • Pricing: Varies by provider, typically starting around $30 per month.

7. Copy.ai

   • Description: Copy.ai utilizes AI to generate marketing copy, blog posts, social media content and more. It’s designed for ease of use, allowing marketers to create high-quality content quickly.

   • Pricing: Free trial available; paid plans start at $35 per month.

8. Zendesk Chat

   • Description: Zendesk Chat (formerly Zopim) offers AI-powered chat features that help businesses engage customers in real time. It allows for automated responses to common queries while providing options for human support.

   • Pricing: Starting at $19 per month per agent.

Related: How Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Can Leverage AI to Compete With Large Companies

Making AI work for your business

AI has leveled the playing field for businesses of all sizes, allowing even small enterprises to produce quality content and compete effectively with larger players. This democratization of technology means that businesses can access tools and insights previously reserved for those with larger budgets. Moreover, you don’t need to be an AI expert to benefit from these tools. Many platforms offer intuitive interfaces and step-by-step guidance, enabling marketers to implement AI strategies with confidence.

Incorporating AI into your marketing efforts can lead to significant cost savings and improved efficiency. Whether it’s automating repetitive tasks, generating creative content or analyzing data for better targeting, AI helps businesses maximize their resources and achieve better results. By leveraging these tools, small businesses can compete on a larger scale, ultimately driving growth and enhancing customer relationships.

Any tool that can help streamline workflow and keep projects on schedule could be a game changer for many business professionals. This is something the minds at Microsoft know all too well, evident in their latest iteration of Project, on sale for just $79.97 (reg. $1,129) through November 21.

Microsoft Project Professional 2024 is packed with everything you need to plan, track, and deliver on time. This 2024 project management powerhouse is perfect for keeping teams organized, budgets in check, and timelines on track. Whether you’re a seasoned project manager or new to the game, this tool makes it easy to turn complex projects into smooth, successful operations.

With pre-built templates, you can kick-start any project running smoothly, helping you quickly organize tasks, set timelines, and allocate resources effectively. Need to make adjustments on the go? This program enables you to run “what-if” scenarios, allowing you to find the most efficient way to assign tasks and meet deadlines.

Managing a team has never been easier, thanks to seamless integration with Microsoft Teams and Project Online, which let you check team members’ availability, start chats, and track progress in real time. Multiple timeline views and Gantt chart task paths make it simple to visualize your project from any angle. At the same time, intuitive baselines enable you to compare actual progress to your original plan, keeping every project on target.

Detailed reports like Burndown and Resource Overview provide valuable insights for stakeholders so you can ensure every detail aligns with your goals. Plus, with task auto-population based on dependencies, you can efficiently set start and end dates, enabling a smooth workflow.

Microsoft Project Professional 2024 is compatible with Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server 2019, designed to support long-term servicing and seamless operation with Office LTSC and Office 2024.

Invest in this comprehensive management tool and be ready to tackle any project with confidence and precision.

Microsoft Project Professional 2024 is just $79.97 (reg. $1,129) through November 21.

Microsoft Project Professional 2024: Lifetime License for Windows – $79.97

Get It Here

StackSocial prices subject to change.

While everything has seemingly gone up in price, business travel in particular can quickly eat into your budget. There are ways to dramatically reduce those costs with one easy and affordable investment. Sounds amazing? Head straight to checkout to grab it at this price.

The OneAir Elite Plan offers a lifetime subscription that helps people save big on flights, hotels, and more. For just $69.99 (reg. $790) through November 3, you can gain access to an exclusive membership that ensures you’ll always find the best deals on travel.

OneAir Elite is designed to help you travel smarter financially. With lifetime access to a vast selection of business, first, premium, and economy-class flight deals from up to 10 home airports to destinations worldwide, you’ll never miss out on a great deal. This membership also includes access to all mistake fares, giving you an even greater chance to score great prices.

At the heart of OneAir Elite’s effectiveness is its advanced AI technology. This AI-powered system scans and tracks millions of fares in real time, so you receive the best flight deals faster and more accurately than ever before. It’s like having a personal travel assistant who never sleeps, constantly on the lookout for deals that fit your specific needs.

If this could help your bottom line, stop wasting time and go to checkout to purchase it now.

The OneAir Mobile App for iOS and Android makes the entire process simple and user-friendly. Unlike other discount travel services that redirect you to third-party sites to complete your bookings, OneAir allows you to search, book, and manage your travel all within the app.

The Elite Plan allows you to set up destination-specific deal alerts and tailor your preferences. Whether you have frequent business trips to specific cities or you’re planning future international meetings, you’ll receive relevant and targeted flight deals that align with your needs.

Don’t sit on this opportunity to get the best flight deals and one-on-one support for the rest of your life.

Head straight to checkout to get a OneAir Elite Plan lifetime subscription on sale for just 69.99 (reg. $790) through November 3.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

With the clock ticking down on this exclusive deal, now is the time for business professionals to secure Windows 10 Pro for just $19.97—a massive savings from its regular $199 price tag. Available through November 3 only, this deal offers unbeatable value for business users who are looking for a stable, compatible, and familiar operating system without the hassle or cost of upgrading to other versions.

Windows 10 Pro is the go-to choice for those who need extensive software and hardware compatibility. For businesses relying on legacy software, hardware, or peripherals that aren’t yet compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10 Pro is a straightforward solution that keeps you connected without disruption.

Built on a stable, mature platform, Windows 10 Pro has been optimized over years of use. It is a secure, ideal choice for businesses that need uninterrupted workflows and data protection.

If you and your team are used to the Windows 10 interface, why change? Windows 10 Pro delivers a familiar environment, saving your team time and eliminating the learning curve that comes with a new operating system.

Packed with productivity and security tools, Windows 10 Pro provides business-ready functions like remote desktop access, Cortana voice assistant for task management, integrated cloud services, and the ability to switch between desktop and tablet modes on compatible devices. Security features such as encryption and data protection are built-in, adding peace of mind for teams handling sensitive information.

To make sure your devices are ready to run Windows 10 Pro seamlessly, there are system requirements to keep in mind, including a 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster processor.

Save on the cost of your planned upgrade with a Windows 10 Pro OS for just 19.97 (reg. $199) through November 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Microsoft Windows 10 Pro – $19.97

Get It Here!

StackSocial prices subject to change.

OpenAI made ChatGPT with search, or SearchGPT, live on Thursday for paying subscribers, with plans to roll it out more broadly to free plans in the coming months. ChatGPT users can now click a “Search” button when they message the AI chatbot to conduct a real-time web search. The resulting answer has a “Sources” button with reference links.

“This is huge news in the search world,” Damian Rollison, director of market insights at AI marketing firm SOCi, told Entrepreneur in an emailed statement. “ChatGPT is probably best positioned amongst all competitors to upset Google’s dominance in search.”

Related: ChatGPT Is Roasting Instagram Profiles in a Hilarious New Social Media Trend — Here’s How to Get Access

Google currently has about 90% of the search engine market and still has an advantage: Google has a 26-year head start in experience over OpenAI, Rollison says, and “the success of SearchGPT will hinge on the company bringing a different approach to the search experience that users find truly refreshing and new.

^{SearchGPT in action. Photo Credit: OpenAI}

How Is SearchGPT Different From Google Search?

The SearchGPT experience differs from Google in that the chatbot remains conversational. Instead of a page full of links, SearchGPT responds with a condensed summary of information that it has picked out from select sources. Users can give SearchGPT follow-up questions if the information it provides isn’t what they were looking for.

Related: ChatGPT Finally Gives Businesses What They’ve Been Asking For

The AI chatbot also doesn’t have ads or promoted answers yet, which further declutters its search response.

Alon Yamin, co-founder and CEO of AI plagiarism detection tool Copyleaks, told Entrepreneur that SearchGPT would “undoubtedly” affect traditional search engines like Google, but that it’s unclear how it would affect SEO or search engine optimization.

“As AI tools become more sophisticated and part of our day-to-day lives, distinguishing between AI-generated and human-created content, properly attributing original sources or authors, and empowering overall originality becomes even more critical,” Yamin stated.

ChatGPT has 200 million weekly active users. 92% of Fortune 500 companies use OpenAI’s products.

Related: Here’s How the CEOs of Salesforce and Nvidia Use ChatGPT in Their Daily Lives