Windows 10 operating system logo is displayed on a laptop screen for illustration photo. Gliwice, Poland on January 23, 2022. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto via Getty Images
Here are five things in small business technology news that happened this week and how they affect your business. Did you miss them?
This Week in Small Business Technology News
Small Business Technology News #1 – Windows 10 support ends – here’s who’s affected and what you need to do.
Windows 10 is no longer receiving security updates after October 14, 2025, making it unsafe to use. Microsoft urges users to upgrade to Windows 11 or consider alternatives as no more security patches or updates will be provided. Delaying further action leaves Windows 10 users vulnerable to malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. (Source: Tom’s Hardware)
Why this is important for your small business:
You think you’re saving money by sticking with Windows 10. But you’re not. As I write this there are countless bots trolling online looking for devices running older operating systems. Why? Because the creators behind these bots know that these operating systems are not receiving security updates and therefore they’re easy to attack and then gain access to corporate networks. Upgrading your operating systems to the most recent version won’t guarantee you’re online safety. But with so many people ignoring this warning, there is a lot of low hanging fruit for hackers to go after. You don’t want be part of that group.
Small Business Technology News #2 – Google Gemini can now help you schedule time with others in Gmail.
Google has introduced a new Gemini-powered feature in Gmail called “Help me schedule,” which simplifies finding meeting times by integrating with your Google Calendar. (Source: Google)
Why this is important for your small business:
How does this work? According to Google, when replying to an email about scheduling a meeting, Gmail now detects this intent and shows a “Help me schedule” button in the toolbar. Clicking the button activates Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, which analyzes the email’s context, checks your Google Calendar availability, and suggests meeting times that work for you. Gemini will then insert suggested times directly into your email reply. Once the recipient selects a time from those options, the meeting is automatically scheduled on Google Calendar and invites are created for all participants. A demonstration of “help me schedule” is posted on the Google Workspace blog.
Small Business Technology News #3 – Xero buys a payment processor.
On October 15, 2025, Xero Limited announced that it has completed its acquisition of Melio Limited (and its subsidiaries). Melio is a U.S.–based SMB (small and medium business) bill-pay platform, enabling easier accounts payable workflows and multiple payment options. (Source: Xero)
Why this is important for your small business:
I’m seeing a growing number of small businesses adopt automated accounts payable platforms that can read incoming supplier or vendor invoices, match against receiving reports, bring into an accounting system and then schedule payment. Most of these platforms are stand alone and integrate with other major accounting software. Xero seems to be incorporating this into it’s own feature set, which means a one-stop-shop for support and (hopefully) better integration. I’m betting most accounting platforms will be doing the same in the coming years.
Small Business Technology News #4 – Coinbase says Samsung Wallet deal to make crypto mainstream.
Coinbase has partnered with Samsung to integrate its premium service – Coinbase One – into Samsung Wallet, aiming to make cryptocurrency more mainstream and accessible to everyday users. A three-month free trial of Coinbase One and a $25 USDC bonus after completing their first trade will be offered to 75 million users with a Galaxy device. This integration allows users to manage crypto alongside traditional payment methods – and is a move to establish crypto as a legitimate financial player in the mainstream. Embedding crypto in familiar ecosystems like Samsung Wallet builds trust and convenience. “We are excited about the aspect of utility with crypto. That’s where we hope it goes,” said Mark Troianovski – Coinbase’s director of product partnerships. (Source: PYMNTS)
Why this is important for your small business:
You can ignore the crypto boom for only so long. It’s real and a multi-billion dollar market. It took some time for small businesses and shopkeepers to adopt virtual payment services like Apple Pay and Google Pay. This will also take some time. But it will not be long before your customers are going to want to pay with crypto or some other type of virtual currency. As a business owner you should be asking your payment service provide what options they’re current providing or will provide in the future.
Small Business Technology News #5 – TFS Burger Works deploys Aniai’s Alpha Grill, slashing cook times by 70% and labor costs alongside it.
TFS Burger Works has implemented Alpha Grill – an AI-powered cooking robot, which has reduced burger cook times by 70 percent and significantly cut labor costs. Developed by New York-based automation company Aniai, the Alpha Grill is a dual-sided, AI-driven cooking robot designed specifically for burgers. (Source: Restaurant Technology News)
Why this is important for your small business:
According to the company, it can cook up to eight patties at once and 200 patties per hour. Besides cutting down cooking time and reducing labor costs, the Alpha Grill system also improves food safety and quality control, reducing human error and ensuring even cooking. As the article reports, this is part of a broader trend of robotics automation in quick-service restaurants and should be watched closely by anyone running an independent restaurant. It will not take long for savvy restaurant owners to be providing robotics to assist in the kitchen. Will this replace workers? Well…first you have to actually find those workers!
Each week I round up five small business technology news stories and explain why they’re important for your business. If you have any interesting stories, please post to my X account @genemarks