The Comunicano for Friday January 17th 2025
Fantastic Friday
And away we go with some news that's zipping through the wires faster than someone racing to catch a paycheck. First up, let’s talk teens and tech – and boy, they’ve got ChatGPT running overtime. Pew Research says 26% of teens now use this tool for schoolwork, doubling from last year. Black and Hispanic teens are leading the charge, and those juniors and seniors? They're practically writing dissertations with it. They love it for research but aren't as keen on math and essays. The kids today, huh? Always finding the shortcuts!
But hang on, OpenAI, Google’s got their eyes on the prize with Gemini AI. It's like ChatGPT, but with bells, whistles, and a jazz band on the side. It mixes text, images, and has memory like an elephant. Experts say it might just dethrone ChatGPT someday, but for now, it's still playing second fiddle.
Meanwhile, out in the real world, AI’s flexing its muscles. It's organizing supply chains, jazzing up marketing, and even personalizing healthcare. These AI agents aren't just for sci-fi movies anymore – they're the new office MVPs. PR pros are loving AI tools too, whipping up press releases and analyzing sentiment faster than you can say 'headline news.'
Speaking of tools, coders have a smorgasbord of AI helpers, from GitHub Copilot to Amazon CodeWhisperer. But hold onto your keyboards, because dependency on these bots is a slippery slope. And while we’re talking mistakes, Tesla’s AI thought a train was a car. Guess even AI can have an off day.
On the tech front, Apple hit the brakes on their notification summarization feature after it spread some wild headlines. And over at Google, they’re squaring off with the EU about fact-checking laws. It’s a tech drama hotter than the chef burning dinner.
Finally, the skies! SpaceX is juggling rocket launches and impacting airline schedules, while Starlink is beaming Wi-Fi to airplanes. And in urban transport, Whoosh gondola pods might soon have us flying over traffic jams. Jetsons, here we come!
So, whether it’s rockets, bots, or airborne gondola rides, it’s clear the future’s here – and it’s a wild ride. And remember, folks, the news you need to know, is here, always, in THE COMUNICANO!!!
Andy Abramson
AI Watch
Teens' ChatGPT Use for Schoolwork Doubles (Pew Research Center)—ChatGPT usage among U.S. teens for schoolwork surged to 26% in 2024, up from 13% in 2023, according to Pew Research Center. Black and Hispanic teens lead usage rates (31%), with 11th and 12th graders also more inclined to leverage the tool. While teens widely approve ChatGPT for research tasks (54%), fewer endorse it for math (29%) or essay writing (18%). Awareness of ChatGPT has grown significantly, with 79% familiar with it compared to 67% in 2023, often correlating with usage and acceptance.
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Why Gemini Is More Advanced Than ChatGPT Plus (Android Police)-Google's Gemini AI is proving to be a formidable competitor to ChatGPT Plus, with advanced features that excel in both contextual understanding and multimodal capabilities. It integrates text, images, and other data formats seamlessly, offering a broader spectrum of applications. Gemini also boasts superior reasoning and memory, making it more adaptable to complex tasks. With its rapid advancements, Google positions Gemini as not just an alternative but a potential leader in the generative AI space.
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Can Gemini Catch ChatGPT? A Competitive AI Landscape (ZDNet)—While OpenAI’s ChatGPT dominates, Google’s Gemini is closing the gap with its rich multimodal capabilities and robust processing power. Despite challenges, including OpenAI's established user base and integration across platforms, Gemini’s potential lies in its innovation-driven edge. Experts suggest that Gemini’s adaptability and Google’s ecosystem support could make it a game-changer, but it still faces hurdles in widespread adoption and user loyalty.
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AI Agents in the Real World: Practical Applications (VentureBeat)-AI agents are transitioning from conceptual hype to delivering tangible solutions across industries. From customer service automation to supply chain optimization, these agents are transforming workflows, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency. Emerging use cases include AI-driven marketing strategies, predictive analytics, and personalized healthcare solutions. This shift signifies that AI agents are no longer niche tools but essential components for modern business success.
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Best AI for Coding in 2025: Trends and Pitfalls (ZDNet)-With AI's growing role in coding, 2025 sees tools like GitHub Copilot, Amazon CodeWhisperer, and Google Bard standing out. These platforms simplify code writing, debugging, and project management. However, concerns over reliability, dependency, and ethical considerations in using AI for coding persist. Experts warn that while AI can streamline workflows, developers should remain vigilant to avoid over-reliance on potentially flawed AI-generated outputs.
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PR Workflow Enhanced with AI Communication Tools (Axios)-AI is becoming indispensable in public relations, particularly in streamlining communication workflows. By automating routine tasks like drafting press releases, managing outreach, and analyzing sentiment, AI enables PR professionals to focus on strategic decision-making. Companies are leveraging these tools for personalized client communication and real-time feedback analysis. AI’s role in PR is set to grow, fundamentally altering how brands connect with audiences.
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Creating PowerPoint Presentations with AI (CNET)—AI is transforming how PowerPoint presentations are made, offering features that automate slide creation, enhance visual designs, and streamline content organization. Tools like Microsoft’s Copilot and Canva AI simplify the process, making professional-grade presentations accessible to anyone. These systems use AI-generated insights to tailor presentations for diverse audiences, saving time and ensuring impactful delivery.: PowerPoint presentations
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Apple Watch
Apple Pauses Notification Summaries Amid Backlash Over Errors (Moneycontrol)—Apple has temporarily halted its AI-powered notification summarization feature in iOS 18.3 beta after high-profile inaccuracies. Summarized notifications in News and Entertainment apps faced criticism, including incidents of misleading headlines. In one case, BBC notifications were merged into a false narrative, while another falsely reported the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Acknowledging these issues, Apple updated user prompts to emphasize potential inaccuracies and now italicizes summaries to differentiate them. Users can also disable summaries per app via the Lock Screen. Apple plans to refine the feature before relaunching it.
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Google Watch
Google Challenges EU Fact-Checking Law (Engadget)—Google has decided not to comply with the EU’s proposed fact-checking legislation, citing concerns over feasibility and implementation. The law aims to hold tech platforms accountable for misinformation, but Google argues it imposes undue burdens and overlooks existing efforts. The decision raises questions about regulatory effectiveness and corporate responsibility.
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Satellite Watch
Starlink Aviation Wi-Fi: The Future of In-Flight Connectivity (The Week)—Starlink’s satellite-based aviation Wi-Fi promises to deliver high-speed internet onboard flights, transforming the travel experience. By leveraging its advanced satellite network, Starlink offers seamless connectivity, even in remote areas. The service is particularly appealing for business travelers and airlines looking to provide premium onboard internet options.
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Tiantong Satellites to Bring Direct-to-Cell Connectivity (New Atlas)—China’s Tiantong satellite system is set to introduce direct-to-cell phone connectivity, challenging traditional telecom infrastructure. These satellites will bridge communication gaps in remote areas, enabling reliable service without ground towers. Tiantong represents a major leap in global telecommunications, potentially disrupting existing cellular markets.
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SpaceX Watch
FAA Delays Flights Over SpaceX Rocket Debris Concerns (CNBC)—SpaceX’s rocket launch prompted FAA warnings about debris, causing widespread flight delays and diversions. The incident highlights growing challenges in balancing commercial space activity with aviation safety. As space exploration advances, regulators face increasing pressure to establish protocols to minimize disruptions.
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SpaceX Starship Test Flight Ends in Setback After Booster Catch (AP News)-SpaceX launched its upgraded Starship rocket for a test flight from Boca Chica, Texas, but the spacecraft was destroyed shortly after booster recovery. The booster was successfully caught using SpaceX's “chopsticks” arms, but contact with the Starship was lost just over eight minutes into the flight. The vehicle reached an altitude of 90 miles before breaking apart, likely due to a fuel leak. Elon Musk detailed plans for improvements, including enhanced fire suppression. Despite the setback, this marks progress toward using Starship for satellite launches, lunar missions, and eventually Mars exploration.
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Tesla Watch
Tesla’s AI Misidentifies Trains as Cars (Futurism)—A video showcasing Tesla’s Full Self-Driving AI mistaking trains for cars raises concerns over the system's reliability. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in perfecting autonomous driving technology. Tesla’s critics argue that such errors undermine safety and trust, calling for stricter testing and oversight in AI-driven vehicles.
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Transport Watch
Whoosh Gondola Pods: A Futuristic Urban Transport Solution (New Atlas)—Whoosh is introducing an innovative gondola pod system aimed at revolutionizing urban transport. These lightweight, modular pods, suspended by cables, offer a practical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional city transit methods. They promise to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions while providing a unique aerial commuting experience. Designed for efficiency, the system is scalable for different city needs and integrates modern technology for comfort and safety. With its low-energy footprint and potential for global applications, Whoosh aims to redefine how people move in urban spaces.
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