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How Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Are Boosting Productivity With AI

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Most tech-savvy observers understand that AI is transforming large enterprises across functions such as customer service, HR, and the supply chain. Chatbots and virtual assistants are now powered by large language models (LLMs) that respond to nearly any natural-language query.

These models are trained on business-specific data to provide targeted, accurate answers.

But AI isn’t just making a splash at big corporations: a new generation of everyday business hardware and operating systems is putting AI in the hands of business owners of all sizes, with applications across a wide range of business functions.

Business computing systems for the AI era

Andrew Wan, product manager at MSI, has a front-row seat to the transformative impact of AI across industries. He explains that what was once a buzzword is now a practical, everyday tool. In fact, 91% of SMBs that have adopted AI say it’s driven measurable revenue growth, according to a survey of 3,350 business leaders from Salesforce.

For example, in marketing, AI is powering smarter, more personalized campaigns. Content teams are creating, tweaking, and repurposing material at incredible speeds. Meanwhile, in law, AI is cutting down the time needed for research and contract reviews.

The classroom and the clinic are also seeing significant benefits. In education, AI is making learning more flexible, while In healthcare, AI is improving diagnoses and patient care. Across fields, AI boosts productivity and enables people to focus on the work that really matters.

AI-ready computing hardware

Many business owners have questions about the suitability of their legacy systems in this new AI era. According to Wan, MSI’s latest technology is designed to help everyday business users take full advantage of AI. The Cubi NUC AI+ 2M, for example, include the next-generation Intel® Lunar Lake processors, featuring on-chip NPU and GPU cores which provide efficient, on-device AI computing. These compact systems also include Microsoft Copilot+, an AI-powered assistant designed to help teams work smarter.

And it’s not just enthusiasts leveraging AI: 27% of SMBs have “significantly accelerated” tech spending because of AI needs, with another 35% “slightly accelerating” their investments — underscoring why on-device NPUs and GPUs are so critical.

MSI’s new desktop models also come with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, offering businesses a smoother upgrade path from Windows 10 as Microsoft’s October migration deadline looms.

A real business impact

AI is already improving productivity and business outcomes at many organizations. Early adopters in small and mid-sized businesses are seeing real gains by automating repetitive workflows that free up valuable time and resources.

“We’re hearing about tangible improvements in productivity, customer satisfaction, and even employee engagement as teams are empowered by technology that supports their goals,” Wan said.

Although AI has already had a profound impact on businesses, Wan believes we’ve only scratched the surface of its potential. Over the next year, he expects AI to become even more embedded in everyday workflows, especially through smart devices that offer real-time insights while keeping data private and secure.

“Fast forward five years, and AI won’t just be a helpful tool — it’ll be at the heart of how businesses run,” he said. “It’ll shape strategies, spark new revenue ideas, and open doors to ways of working we haven’t even imagined yet. The companies that start laying the groundwork now with AI-friendly systems will be the ones setting the pace in this smarter, more connected future.”

AI for good

Of course, for all of the opportunities AI affords businesses, there are also a number of risks to watch out for. Wan says MSI is committed to responsible adoption of AI, and its suite of AI-powered computing products have been designed with sustainability in mind.

“We’ve built in a three-year Advance Replacement Warranty, which means virtually zero downtime,” Wan said. “And by focusing on energy-efficient design, we’re helping businesses reduce their environmental footprint while embracing the future of work.”

“As we build toward a more intelligent future, we believe it’s just as important to build a more sustainable one,” Wan said.

Find out how MSI’s suite of computers can help your business thrive in the new era of AI.

This post was created by Insider Studios with MSI.





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Goods from Japan and South Korea hit with 25% levy

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The US plans to impose a 25% tax on products entering the country from South Korea and Japan on 1 August, President Donald Trump has said.

He announced the tariffs in a post on social media, sharing letters he said had been sent to leaders of the two countries.

The White House has said it expects to send similar messages to dozens of countries in coming days as the 90-day pause it placed on some of its most aggressive tariffs is set to expire.

The first two letters suggest that Trump remains committed to his initial push for tariffs, with little change from the rates announced in April.

At that time, he said he was looking to hit goods from Japan with duties of 24% and charge a 25% on products made in South Korea.

Those tariffs were included in a bigger “Liberation Day” announcement, which imposed tariffs on goods from countries around the world.

After outcry and turmoil on financial markets following the initial tariffs announcement, Trump suspended some of the import taxes to allow for talks. That deadline is set to expire on 9 July.

On Monday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expected “a busy couple of days”.

“We’ve had a lot of people change their tune in terms of negotiations. So my mailbox was full last night with a lot of new offers, a lot of new proposals,” he told US business broadcaster CNBC.



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What Are the Real-Life Consequences of AI? – Business Insider

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What Are the Real-Life Consequences of AI?  Business Insider



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Edinburgh Airport liquid limit increased from 100ml to two litres

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Claire Thomson

BBC Scotland News

BBC An orange airport video signboard saying "Liquids of up to 2 litres now allowed" with passengers carrying hand luggage walking in backgroundBBC

There is no limit on the number of two litre containers in hand luggage

Edinburgh Airport has lifted the 100ml rule for liquids being carried in hand luggage.

It will now be possible to take containers of up to two litres through security, and they will not need to be removed from bags.

The change comes after an extra two lanes and eight scanners costing £24m were installed at the international hub.

Edinburgh Airport is the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule. Birmingham airport has also lifted the rule.

There will be no limit on the number of containers that passengers can carry in their hand luggage, but metal water bottles will need to be emptied beforehand.

Items such as bottles of wine or large water bottles can also be taken on in cabin bags.

Smiths Detection A Smiths Detection airport security scanner with a blue suitcase in a tray on the conveyor belt. Smiths Detection

Eight scanners costing £24m have been installed at the international hub

Passengers using the airport are also able to keep large electricals, such as iPads, tablets and laptops, in their hand luggage.

Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, said it would allow passengers to move through security more easily than they currently do.

But he said passengers should check security rules at their return destination as other airports may not have moved away from the 100ml limit.

“A whole generation of travellers have only known the 100ml rule to be the case, so it really is a momentous day as we become the first airport in Scotland to lift the rule since it was introduced in 2006,” he said.

“The change allows more flexibility for passengers to take liquids through security, all while maintaining and improving our high safety levels through the use of 3D technology.”

What are the rules at Scotland’s airports?

Passengers at Glasgow and Aberdeen airports can leave liquids and electronics items, such as laptops and tablets, in cabin bags while going through security.

Liquids, which include creams, gels, pastes, sprays and aerosols, can be taken through in containers of up to 100ml in volume without using a plastic bag.

There is no limit on how many 100ml items passengers can bring.

At Inverness and Glasgow Prestwick airports, liquids, laptops and other electronic devices, including hairdryers, cameras and straighteners, must be removed from cabin bags and placed in a tray.

Liquids in a container of 100ml or less should be placed in a sealed 20cm x 20cm, one litre plastic bag.

Each passenger can only take one of these bags.



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