QBO vs. Desktop, and other tech stories you may have missed

May 14, 2025 9:30 AM

Choosing between QuickBooks Online and Desktop, faking resumes with AI, the return of Microsoft's Recall, and seven other developments that happened in technology this past month and how they'll impact your clients and your firm.

1. QBO vs. Desktop: Which is right for you?

Intuit's Ariege Misherghi speaking at QuickBooks Connect

Eric Gerard Ruiz — a licensed CPA in the Philippines — gave readers a very informative comparison of which QuickBooks version is ideal for businesses and individuals. He compares QuickBooks Online with QuickBooks Desktop and outlines the benefits of each. (Source: TechRepublic)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: So what's the bottom line? According to Ruiz, QuickBooks Online is ideal for its cloud accessibility, automation, real-time collaboration and user-friendly interface. It supports basic inventory management and connects seamlessly with over 800 third-party applications. However, QuickBooks Desktop is better suited for businesses requiring strong job costing, advanced reporting and industry-specific versions. It has a steeper learning curve but offers robust inventory management. Its advanced functionality offers features like batch invoicing, progress billing and detailed aging reports. Ruiz says the choice depends on whether you prefer cloud-based flexibility or powerful desktop features.

2. Job seekers use gen AI to fake skills and credentials

Lucas Mearian of Computerworld reported on the growing number of job seekers who are using generative AI tools to "exaggerate or fabricate" skills, credentials and even responses during interviews. Reports indicate that 10% to 30% of interviews — especially for technical roles — now involve some level of deception. (Source: Computerworld)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: According to Mearian, some candidates rely on AI-generated resumes filled with buzzwords and overly embellished qualifications, making it harder for employers to identify genuine applicants. Hiring fraud is becoming more sophisticated, with some applicants using AI assistance during live video interviews or even having a more qualified individual stand in for them. Despite concerns, many employers have shared that they don't mind AI-assisted resumes — as long as they accurately reflect a candidate's experience. Additionally, surveys show that 73% of U.S. workers would consider using AI to embellish their resumes, with 45% admitting the use of AI to exaggerate their skills during the hiring process.

3. The importance of upgrading to Windows 11

Simon Lehmann/PhotoGranary - stock.adobe.com

Sigorta Haber published a piece outlining several compelling reasons to transition to Windows 11, which includes enhanced security, a better interface and performance improvements. The article concludes that upgrading to Windows 11 can lead to a more secure, efficient and enjoyable computing experience, making it a worthwhile consideration for users. (Source: Sigorta Haber)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: It's a good sell. But there are really just two main reasons why you want to make sure all of your devices are running Microsoft's latest operating system. First and foremost, it will provide the best security for your users. Older, unsupported operating systems are more vulnerable to hacker attacks, while the newest systems running the latest builds have the most recent protections against these incidents. Just as important? Microsoft is phasing out its support of Windows 10, which may be a risk that you're willing to take if you're running a device individually, but certainly not one you should take for your firm and clients.

4. Microsoft's Recall AI makes an unwelcome return

David Paul Morris/Bloomberg

Microsoft's Recall AI tool — which captures and indexes screenshots of user activity every three seconds — is being reintroduced after facing significant privacy concerns when it was initially announced in 2024. Now available to Windows 11 Insiders, the feature requires users to opt-in and authenticate via Windows Hello, aiming to address earlier criticisms. However, privacy advocates remain apprehensive, noting that even with these measures, sensitive information from non-users can still be inadvertently captured and stored on others' devices. This raises ongoing concerns about data security and the potential for misuse, despite Microsoft's efforts to enhance privacy controls. (Source: Wired)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: Of course there's data and privacy issues. Think about it: If you opt-in, then all of the activity on your device is being captured by Microsoft and then stored who-knows-where in the cloud. But on the upside, it will make recovering from a problem — a malware attack, a natural disaster — much faster, which could reduce losses. Like everything in tech, there's a trade-off. Do you give up your privacy and your confidential information for increased productivity? There's no right or wrong answer. Everything is judged by risk vs. reward. In case you're wondering, I'll opt-in.

5. Shopify CEO won't hire people if AI can do the job

tiagozr - stock.adobe.com

Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke has implemented a new hiring policy that prioritizes artificial intelligence over human hires. In a memo to employees, Lütke stated that teams must demonstrate why their needs cannot be fulfilled using AI before requesting additional resources. This approach reflects Shopify's commitment to integrating AI into its operations, including employee performance reviews. The company has already embraced generative AI tools — such as Shopify Magic and Sidekick — to enhance productivity. However, this shift has also led to significant layoffs in recent years. (Source: The Verge)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: This strategy seems a little extreme. And it's curious to me that it became public. Is this more of a PR stunt than an actual strategy to impress shareholders and show the world how ahead of the game Shopify is? Making an announcement like this also isn't exactly the best way to attract and retain talent in an organization. As I've written repeatedly, AI will be replacing employees. Big companies are doing this. Other organizations will soon be joining in as the technology becomes more affordable and accurate. But announcing that you're effectively doing this is not only a little premature but also isn't a good look.

6. 5 reasons to turn to ChatGPT every day

Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto/Photographer: Jakub Porzycki/Nur

Lance Whitney of ZDNet wrote about the "variety of compelling advantages" ChatGPT has to offer. He lists five reasons for why he uses it daily despite the available alternatives. First, web searching: ChatGPT's AI-powered search provides direct answers without distractions. Then deep research: With a paid subscription, ChatGPT can conduct detailed research, saving time by compiling comprehensive reports from online sources. Plus, personalized chats: The chatbot tailors interactions based on user preferences, enhancing the conversational experience. Then, prompt-writing assistance: ChatGPT helps users craft effective prompts for various tasks. And finally, replacing Siri: The AI platform's versatility and capabilities make it a strong contender for replacing traditional virtual assistants like Siri. (Source: ZDNet)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: He loves ChatGPT and so do I. But I also use other AI platforms — Google Gemini, Microsoft CoPilot and Perplexity — for certain tasks. Every business person should have a subscription to at least one. They're like having an expert assistant at your disposal to help advise and perform certain tasks for you. ChatGPT and its counterparts will soon be as critical a mobile app as your email, text and phone apps.

7. Gates: Within 10 years, humans won't be needed 'for most things'

Bill Gates, billionaire and co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, pauses during a panel session on the opening day of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Jason Alden/Bloomberg

Bill Gates recently shared his thoughts on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. He predicted that within the next decade, AI will significantly reduce the need for human involvement in many areas, such as health care, education and agriculture. Gates highlighted that AI could make high-quality medical advice and tutoring widely accessible, addressing shortages of professionals in these fields. However, he acknowledged that some roles — like playing sports — would remain uniquely human. "It's very profound and even a little bit scary," Gates said. While he's optimistic about AI's benefits, he emphasized the importance of addressing its risks, including ethical concerns and potential job displacement. (Source: CNBC)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: I've been warning about AI — even now — being used to replace humans, and this trend will significantly increase over the next year as agents become smart (and reliable) enough to perform many of the daily tasks in our business that administrative, financial, marketing and other people are doing. To stay competitive, business owners need to lean into this technology. It's time to start learning it now.

8. Does a VPN really provide 100% privacy?

Sam Singleton of PCWorld evaluated virtual private networks and if they have the ability to provide absolute privacy. "I'll make this really simple: No," Singleton wrote. VPNs are effective in hiding internet activity from internet service providers and protecting data through encryption on public WiFi networks — however, they cannot eliminate all traces of online presence due to pervasive trackers and metadata collection. With that in mind, Singleton emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between privacy and anonymity. (Source: PC World; ZDNet)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: Nothing is ever 100% guaranteed. But if you're travelling or using a public WiFi connection anywhere, it's important to use a VPN. If you're a Google Chrome user, here are some of the best VPNs according to ZDNet: ExpressVPN for its speed and stability, NordVPN for its extensive server network, Surfshark for affordability, and Proton VPN for a free option. Each offers unique features tailored to different user needs, such as geo-blocking, encryption and user-friendly interfaces.

9. Fourth introduces AI-powered restaurant solution

Wanan - stock.adobe.com

Solutions software company Fourth launched an AI-powered solution called the Restaurant Operations Suite, designed to streamline back-of-house operations for restaurants. This platform integrates workforce management, HR, payroll and inventory management into a unified system. By leveraging AI, it provides real-time insights and actionable recommendations, helping restaurant managers make informed decisions. (Source: Verdict Food Source)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: According to the company, the solution aims to enhance profitability by reducing labor costs by 5%, cutting the cost of goods sold by 20%, and potentially increasing profits by 3% to 5%. It simplifies manual tasks, allowing managers to focus more on customer service and creativity. Applications like this are becoming critical in this industry, where every penny is important, finding labor is next to impossible and managing customer expectations is extremely difficult.

10. Procore's Future State of Construction Report

Management software platform Procore has published its "Future State of Construction" report — highlighting how AI, automation and workforce changes are transforming the construction industry. Key findings touch on AI automation, workforce shifts, mental health, data utilization and emerging activities. (Source: Stock Titan)

Why this is important for your firm and clients: The report has extremely valuable insights for companies in the construction field. For example, AI and automation technologies are reducing inefficiencies, with 55% of leaders expecting automation to disrupt the industry within five years, and with 53% of workers retiring by 2036, companies are focusing on upskilling programs to attract and retain talent. My best clients are always looking at information that's available now and using that to drive their future growth. There's plenty of data here that will help owners and managers of construction firms make decisions this year that will impact their companies in the years to come.