AI Advances And Key Tech News For Business

Here’s a roundup of this week's most impactful technology news and what it means for the modern business landscape.

TOKYO, JAPAN - FEBRUARY 3: Open AI CEO Sam Altman speaks during a talk session with SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son at an event titled "Transforming Business through AI" in Tokyo, Japan, on February 03, 2025. SoftBank and OpenAI announced that they have agreed a partnership to set up a joint venture for artificial intelligence services in Japan today. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

OpenAI Unveils The Powerful GPT-5

This week, OpenAI launched its much-anticipated flagship model, GPT-5, which now powers ChatGPT, the API, and Microsoft Copilot. According to OpenAI, this new version is a unified system that intelligently adjusts its reasoning capabilities for complex tasks like coding, mathematics, and software development, so users no longer need to switch between different model variants. GPT-5 promises faster, more accurate responses with significantly fewer hallucinations and improved fact-checking. It also enhances multimodal interactions across text, image, and voice and introduces personalization features such as customizable AI "personalities" and integrations with Gmail and Google Calendar. While not true Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), GPT-5 is a significant step toward providing more natural and personalized artificial general assistance.

For business owners, the two-year wait appears to be worthwhile. A reliable AI companion is essential, and GPT-5's biggest draw is its enhanced accuracy. It's an invaluable tool for reviewing contracts, summarizing dense documents, analyzing interview transcripts, and drafting business policies. Its improved performance is expected to make these tasks even more efficient in the coming months.

Epicor Boosts ERP Capabilities with AI Partnerships

Epicor is advancing its vision of Cognitive ERP—transforming ERP systems from passive data logs into proactive, intelligent platforms. The company announced strategic partnerships with SourceDay and Sovos to enhance its Epicor Kinetic ERP platform for manufacturers. As detailed by Epicor, the SourceDay integration automates the purchase order lifecycle, improving supplier collaboration and data accuracy. Meanwhile, Sovos integration enhances tax compliance with automated reporting and regulatory adherence.

Many small and mid-sized businesses hesitate to adopt such features, citing a lack of time. However, investing the resources to learn and implement these AI-driven tools can lead to significant long-term gains in productivity and profitability. It's crucial for businesses to explore the AI functionalities their ERP provider is rolling out and leverage them for a competitive edge.

Meta's Vision for Personal Superintelligence

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently shared a new vision: bringing "personal superintelligence to everyone." This concept shifts away from productivity-focused AI like ChatGPT toward a deeply personalized AI assistant designed to help individuals with personal goals, creativity, and social connection. According to a post from Meta, the company plans to deliver this superintelligence through future primary computing devices like smart glasses and AR/VR headsets.

Zuckerberg believes this could usher in a "new era of personal empowerment." However, the full implications of superintelligence remain unclear, even to its proponents. It’s a development to watch, but its tangible impact on business operations is still a matter of speculation.

FBI Issues Alert on Malicious QR Code Scam

The FBI has warned the public about a new scam involving malicious QR codes sent in unexpected packages. Criminals are mailing unsolicited parcels that contain a QR code for fake tracking information or delivery verification. As reported by Digital Trends, scanning these codes can redirect victims to phishing sites to steal personal and financial data or directly install malware on their devices.

This scam is a dangerous evolution of the older "brushing scam." The FBI advises everyone not to scan QR codes from unknown sources, to carefully inspect packages, to preview link URLs for suspicious domains, and to protect their devices with antivirus software. Businesses should ensure their employees are aware of this threat, especially in mailroom or receiving departments.

Walmart Doubles Down on GenAI to Shape Retail's Future

Walmart is heavily investing in Generative AI (GenAI) and agentic AI to revolutionize its retail software and operations. The goal is to move from basic automation to fully autonomous workflows, boosting speed and innovation. According to a report from Retail Technology Innovation Hub, Walmart is using GenAI to reimagine its software development lifecycle and is actively seeking visionary startups to contribute to its transformation.

For anyone in the retail sector, it’s vital to monitor the technological advancements of giants like Walmart. These innovations often set the standard and eventually trickle down to smaller chains and independent stores. Beyond GenAI, the industry should anticipate major AI-driven advancements in robotics, point-of-sale systems, and payment technologies in the near future.