The Comunicano for Friday March 7th 2025

Friday On My Mind

Good morning, everyone. Let’s dive into today’s big stories shaping tech, business, and beyond. First up is McDonald’s who are going full throttle on AI, upgrading kitchens, drive-thrus, and management systems. The goal? Less stress for workers, better accuracy for customers, and a smoother operation overall. With Google Cloud powering the backend, McDonald’s is aiming to grow its loyal customer base from 175 million to 250 million by 2027. AI is flipping more than just burgers now….Then we have Meta going all in on voice AI. With Llama 4 on the way, Zuckerberg wants Meta to be the go-to for AI-powered conversations. Think smart assistants that talk like humans and even do mid-level coding. The company may even monetize AI search results—because, let’s be real, nothing at Meta stays free forever….The World Network just launched "World Chat," tying blockchain verification to human interaction. In a world where bots are everywhere, proving you're real is suddenly a selling point. Welcome to the next phase of online identity.

Google’s Larry Page is back, and this time it’s with Dynatomics—an AI-driven manufacturing startup. The idea? AI designs, factories build. And Mistral AI just dropped an OCR tool that can process 2,000 pages per minute, leaving Google and Microsoft in the dust. AI isn’t just analyzing data; it’s reshaping industries.

With an April 5 deadline looming, TikTok’s U.S. future is uncertain. No buyer, no talks, just a lot of political maneuvering. Meanwhile, Trump floated a U.S. sovereign wealth fund to take control. Stay tuned.

And here in Philly, The original Philadelphia Wings lacrosse team is reuniting, and I was there from day one. Fifty years later, we’re back in South Philly, celebrating a legacy. Some things never change. And wonders never cease, nor does, The Comunicano!!!

Andy Abramson

Fast Food Watch

McDonald's Embarks on AI Overhaul to Enhance Operations (The Wall Street Journal)—McDonald's is implementing artificial intelligence across its 43,000 restaurants to improve both customer and employee experiences. Initiatives include internet-connected kitchen equipment, AI-enabled drive-throughs, and AI-powered management tools. These technologies aim to reduce staff stress and boost efficiency by predicting equipment failures and ensuring order accuracy. Partnering with Google Cloud, McDonald's utilizes edge computing for real-time data analysis, enabling proactive maintenance and smoother operations. The company also plans to introduce a generative AI virtual manager to handle administrative tasks. These efforts are part of McDonald's strategy to increase its loyal customer base from 175 million to 250 million by 2027. Read more here

Meta Watch

Meta Accelerates Voice-Powered AI Push (Financial Times)

Meta is enhancing its AI voice technology, with plans to introduce advanced voice features in its latest large language model, Llama 4, and focus on natural, conversational interactions. This move is part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's goal to establish Meta as a leader in AI, competing with companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google. Meta may trial premium subscriptions for its AI assistant, Meta AI, for specialized tasks and consider advertising within its search results. The company aims to create an AI engineering agent capable of mid-level coding and problem-solving. Meta's Chief Product Officer Chris Cox highlighted that Llama 4 will enable native speech communication with the internet. The company is also considering adjusting the content regulation of its AI outputs. The push aligns with Meta's plan to enhance voice command features in products like its Ray-Bans smart glasses, aiming to make them a primary computing device. Read more here

Messaging Watch

World Network Introduces World Chat to Authenticate Human Connections (CoinDesk)—Sam Altman's blockchain venture, World Network, has launched World Chat, a new feature accessible through the World App wallet. This "mini app" offers unique functionalities to users who have verified their identity through World Network's digital passport, which utilizes iris-scanning technology to confirm "proof-of-personhood." World Chat aims to facilitate genuine human interactions in an era increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, addressing concerns about distinguishing bots from real users. This initiative underscores World Network's commitment to enhancing online authenticity and trust. Read more here

AI Watch

Larry Page Launches Dynatomics to Revolutionize AI-Driven Manufacturing (TechCrunch)—Google co-founder Larry Page has unveiled Dynatomics, a new startup focused on integrating artificial intelligence into product manufacturing. The company aims to develop advanced AI tools capable of creating highly optimized design renderings, which can then be manufactured in factories. Leading this initiative is Chris Anderson, formerly the Chief Technology Officer at Kittyhawk, an electric airplane startup also backed by Page. Dynatomics represents Page's continued commitment to leveraging AI for innovative solutions in various industries, signaling a significant shift towards AI-driven manufacturing processes. Read more here

Mistral AI Revolutionizes Document Processing with High-Speed OCR (The Rundown AI)—French startup Mistral AI has launched Mistral OCR, a cutting-edge API designed to extract and comprehend detailed information from complex documents with exceptional speed and accuracy. The API can accurately analyze documents containing images, equations, tables, and advanced formatting, converting them to markdown outputs suitable for AI processing. Notably, Mistral OCR can process up to 2,000 pages per minute and supports multilingual analysis across thousands of languages, including Hindi and Arabic. Benchmark tests position Mistral OCR ahead of competitors like Google's Document AI, Azure OCR, and GPT-4o in various document analysis categories. Additionally, users have the option to deploy the OCR technology on-premises, making it ideal for organizations handling classified or sensitive datasets. Read more here

TikTok Watch

TikTok Faces Uncertainty Amid U.S. Deadline and Potential Ownership Changes (Axios)—With less than a month until the U.S. deadline for TikTok's operations expires, there have been no negotiations between TikTok's Chinese owners and potential buyers. Prospective buyers are frustrated due to their lack of access to TikTok's financial and technological information. While the April 5 deadline is not fixed, the possibility of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund buying TikTok has been suggested by Trump, with former Morgan Stanley banker Michael Grimes reportedly leading the potential U.S. fund. TikTok could also serve as a bargaining tool in U.S.-China trade disputes. A deal within the month remains conceivable but becomes less likely with each day. Read more here

YouTube Watch

Exploring YouTube's Hidden World of Forgotten Videos (BBC Future)—YouTube, a platform with over 500 hours of content uploaded every minute, harbors a vast collection of forgotten videos—clips that have garnered minimal views and remain largely unseen. These videos often bear default titles like "IMG_0001," reflecting their direct upload from devices without editing or renaming. Such content offers raw glimpses into everyday life, capturing unfiltered moments that contrast with the platform's more polished productions. Initiatives like the "IMG_0001" website have emerged to unearth and showcase these hidden gems, allowing users to experience the authenticity and spontaneity of these overlooked recordings. This endeavor not only highlights the depth and diversity of content on YouTube but also invites reflection on the nature of digital memory and the stories that often go untold. Read more here

Crypto Watch

Trump Hosts White House Crypto Summit Amid Strategic Reserve Initiatives (The Washington Post)—President Donald Trump is set to host a cryptocurrency summit at the White House, bringing together key industry leaders to discuss the future of digital assets in the United States. This event follows his recent executive order establishing a government Bitcoin reserve, positioning the U.S. as a significant player in the crypto market. The summit aims to address regulatory frameworks, innovation, and the integration of cryptocurrencies into the broader economy. Attendees include CEOs from major crypto firms, reflecting the administration's commitment to engaging with industry stakeholders. This initiative underscores the evolving relationship between the U.S. government and the rapidly growing cryptocurrency sector. Read more here

Sports Watch

The Original Philadelphia Wings: Lacrosse's Broad Street Bullies (The Philadelphia Inquirer)—In 1974, the Philadelphia Wings introduced professional box lacrosse to the Spectrum, mirroring the aggressive style of the Flyers' "Broad Street Bullies." The team featured notable players like former Flyers goalie Doug Favell and Canadian star John Grant Sr. Despite drawing crowds of over 10,000 and reaching the league finals in their inaugural season, the Wings and the original National Lacrosse League folded after just two seasons and I was a part of it from the very start. This weekend, the original Wings players are reuniting in South Philadelphia, commemorating 50 years since their final game, and will meet fans before the current Wings face the Albany FireWolves at the Wells Fargo Center. Read more here