AI is still waiting for its VisiCalc moment

PCWorld explores how AI still lacks a transformative "killer app" like VisiCalc was for early personal computers, despite recent advances like Anthropic's Claude for Small Business. While new AI tools integrate with platforms like QuickBooks and PayPal for business tasks, public skepticism remains high due to reliability concerns and unpredictable AI behavior. The industry continues searching for universally valuable AI applications beyond specialized uses, as current solutions haven't achieved the widespread adoption that would make AI truly indispensable. The arrival of Claude for Small Business earlier this week marked an interesting moment-and a savvy strategic move-for Anthropic. Rather than saddling web browsers with more AI slop or trying to slather AI onto perfectly good user interfaces that don't need improving, Anthropic is attempting something both less flashy and potentially more fruitful: finding a practical, agentic AI-powered application for everyday business owners looking to make ends meet. The bag of tricks included in Claude for Small Business is somewhat predictable, running the gamut from "ready-to-run" agentic workflows to connectors for PayPal, QuickBooks, HubSpot, Canva, DocuSign, and more. With these tools, business owners can use Claude to help to plan their payrolls, reconcile their books, analyze their cash flow, spin up promotional campaigns, and so forth.