QLD Business Grants, Apple iOS 15 Updates & More News

Monday, 20 September 2021 News Highlights

• More than 20 QLD events scheduled for 2022 will be receiving $581,500+ in funding. QLD local tourism support will be a part of the Economic Recovery Plan.
• LinkedIn is gradually rolling out their dark-mode feature for mobile devices. The dark-mode feature allows for an easier-on-the-eyes reading experience.
• Microsoft is implementing a password-free sign-on for consumer accounts. The IT company announced they are officially retiring from written passwords and rethinking a new secure sign-on process.

Tuesday, 21 September 2021 News Highlights

• Mozilla is currently trialing Bing as the default search engine for 1% of the Firefox desktop population.
• Grants are available for Fraser Coast small and medium businesses. Eligible business could receive up to $30,000. For more information on eligibility and how to apply visit www.business.qld.gov.au/supportgrants

• Apple has released iOS 15 and iPadOS 15. The new iOS updates focus on quality-of-life & features for Apple apps. More Apple updates should be released in the next month or two.

Wednesday, 22 September 2021 News Highlights

Northern Queensland Business Support Grants: eligible Queensland businesses can apply for grants of up to $30,000, whether they were in a restricted area or not.

If you’re in one of the following regions, it’s worth checking out the government website below for more information:

• Far North Queensland
• Central Queensland
• Sunshine Coast
• Fraser Coast
• Bundaberg
• Mackay
• Townsville

For more information visit www.business.qld.gov.au/supportgrants

• Facebook is rolling out the third generation of their Portal video-calling devices. New updates will allow businesses to provide the devices to employees. Portal for Business will launch in beta to the U.S. this year and worldwide in 2022.
• PayPal launches their ‘super app‘ in the U.S., offering financial tools including direct deposit, bill pay, a digital wallet, peer-to-peer payments, shopping tools, crypto capabilities and more.

Thursday, 23 September 2021 News Highlights

• YouTube has begun testing ways to download videos from your desktop web browser, potentially allowing users to watch YouTube videos offline.
• Google is starting to provide users with more information on advertisers’ campaign histories to help users assess if an ad buyer is trustworthy.
• Facebook will be launching new personalised messaging, improved business directory and management options for businesses to connect with customers more effectively.

Friday, 24 September 2021 News Highlights

• Google is launching new organic and paid features for travel and leisure businesses, including ticket booking links, pricing in search results, new “Things to do” ads and an eco-certified badge for hotel listings. The new Google offerings are to help the travel and leisure industry to bounce back when global restrictions ease.
• Microsoft Advertising has rolled out a new Marketing with Purpose tool. The Marketing with Purpose initiative is to help search marketers strengthen brand and values alignment.