As the holiday season approaches, small business owners can leverage new AI tools and features from Google to boost their productivity and streamline operations. This year’s innovations promise to save time, enhance organization, and improve customer engagement—all critical elements for thriving during the bustling holiday period.
One of the standout features is the Extreme Battery Saver available on the latest Google Pixel smartphones. This mode extends battery life significantly, allowing users to enjoy up to 100 hours on a single charge. For small business owners who often find themselves on the go, this means they can stay connected throughout long travel days without worrying about their devices dying. Moreover, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL come equipped with rapid charging capabilities, reaching 70% in just 30 minutes.
"Taking advantage of these advanced features means you can focus on serving customers and managing tasks without being tethered to a charging outlet," a Google representative noted.
Efficiently managing information is another benefit of the new Pixel Screenshots feature, which helps users organize saved content from social media and the web. Small business owners can capture inspiration for seasonal promotions, decor ideas, or menu planning. The app offers automated organization—grouping similar screenshots—or allows the user to create bespoke categories, such as “table setting ideas” or “gift suggestions for clients.”
This organization can also extend to outings with clients or team members. Google Maps has introduced new functionalities allowing users to ask for location-based recommendations conversationally. For instance, when heading to a holiday event, a business owner can ask, “Where can I stop to pick up supplies?” or inquire about parking facilities at their destination. This intuitive approach saves valuable time, enabling owners to prioritize customer service.
The world of local search gets even more enhanced with features that allow users to discover holiday events and pop-ups nearby by simply searching “holiday events near me” on Google Maps. The updated Explore tab reveals the most popular local attractions, restaurants, and activities, providing business owners with opportunities to network and connect with their community. As one small business owner shared, "Knowing what’s trending nearby not only helps in planning outings but can also inspire new ideas for my own business initiatives."
For those with the Pixel Watch 4, hands-free interaction with Google’s Gemini is now simpler than ever. Business owners can use voice commands to set reminders, check schedules, or even manage holiday preparations—all while keeping their hands free for wrapping or cooking. “This level of accessibility is game-changing,” noted a small business consultant. “It allows you to multitask effectively during the busiest time of year.”
Additionally, the convenience of sharing information has gotten easier with the introduction of shareable Gems, a feature that enables users to create a custom, AI-assisted travel guide. This can be particularly useful for businesses facilitating group travel or for holiday gatherings with teams or clients.
However, small business owners should also be wary of potential challenges. The reliance on technology can lead to distractions if not managed properly. Owners should aim to define clear boundaries for tech use during a busy period to avoid losing sight of customer engagement. Furthermore, while AI tools offer immense convenience, they require familiarization to maximize their benefits fully. A learning curve might exist, and setting aside time for training could be paramount.
In a season where every moment counts, employing Google’s innovative tools can lead to enhanced efficiency, better customer interactions, and a more enjoyable holiday experience for business owners and their clients alike.
For more detailed insights and tips, visit the original article on Google’s blog: Holiday Tips from Google.
Image Via Gemini
