The Comunicano for Friday November 1st 2024

Alright, here it is—your Steve Jobs-inspired, newsreader-style monologue:

Alright, let’s get into it. First up, we’ve got OpenAI going head-to-head with Google. ChatGPT just rolled out a shiny new web search feature. This isn’t just any search, though; it’s conversational, a back-and-forth. Think about it as search but smarter, answering questions with context, sources, and—drumroll—without skipping a beat behind paywalls as it’s adaptive. Answering questions and linking to sources—everything you need right in a sidebar. Oh, and OpenAI’s not just throwing links at you; they’re licensed with names you trust. This is web search, ChatGPT-style and it’s direct competition, folks.

Next up, Google’s not sitting still. They’ve grounded their AI, quite literally, with real-time search. Gemini and AI Studio are now plugging into Google Search, so when you ask their AI, you’re getting real, updated facts. This isn’t just talk; it’s transparency with inline links and dynamic search. They’re setting the bar for grounded, reliable AI responses.

And in international tech drama: Indonesia’s blocked Google Pixel sales, following an iPhone ban. Why? Lack of local content, pure and simple. Foreign tech? You’ve gotta bring 40% local sourcing to play here. Apple’s talking it over, but it’s clear Indonesia wants foreign investment to build *within* its borders.

In the battle of return-to-office mandates, Amazon is facing a worker rebellion. Picture this: Amazon’s leadership tells everyone to come back five days a week, and the employees go, ‘Wait a minute.’ Nearly 500 Amazonians fired back in a letter to the execs, saying, ‘Excited about the new policy? Who exactly are you talking about?’ They’re calling out management for being out of touch, saying rigid in-office mandates could drive talent to competitors who actually offer flexibility. Translation? The workforce isn’t just asking for change—they’re expecting it….Meanwhile, over at Publicis Media, it’s a different story. They’re not just mandating; they’re enforcing. A three-day, in-office minimum? You bet—and they mean it. Publicis didn’t just talk the talk; they went ahead and let go of dozens of remote-holdouts. The CEO believes being together fuels creativity, and there’s no working around that. No back-to-back remote days either—so forget that long-weekend work-from-home hack. It’s clear: for Publicis, productivity and collaboration live in the office, no exceptions….So here we are—two tech giants, two approaches, and two workplaces grappling with what the future of work really means. Amazon’s employees are asking for flexibility. Publicis? They’re making it clear: show up, or don’t bother showing up at all

In the land of radio, we’re back to Poland. Radio Kraków took a leap with its all-AI channel, OFF, but it was shut down almost as soon as it aired. AI-powered, AI-driven, but a week later, OFF is…well, off. The message? AI might wow us with what it can do, but if it doesn’t sit well with listeners, it’s a no-go.

And that and more is all in the world in tech today—one disruptive innovation at a time, all here in today’s COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

Google Watch

We’ve Got Company—OpenAI's ChatGPT has launched a web search feature, challenging Google directly by enabling users to query the web within ChatGPT's conversational framework. This feature, initially available for paid subscribers, integrates Microsoft's Bing and supports natural language queries with contextual follow-up. The tool aims to deliver nuanced responses and tailored results, differentiating it from traditional search engines. Strategic partnerships with major media outlets allow OpenAI to provide verified content while respecting paywalls, positioning ChatGPT as a competitive and interactive alternative in the search market.

Getting Grounded—Google’s Gemini API and AI Studio now feature "Grounding with Google Search," enhancing AI responses with real-time search data. This tool reduces inaccuracies and enriches responses with inline links and suggestions, fostering trustworthiness and transparency. Developers can access the feature via Google AI Studio or Gemini API's paid tier, with dynamic retrieval options to optimize when grounding is applied. By grounding responses in real-time search, Gemini aims to provide more accurate, relevant information while directing users to underlying sources, blending search and generative AI for enhanced user engagement.

No Pixels Here—Indonesia recently banned the sale of Google Pixel phones, days after blocking iPhone 16 models. The government cited unmet local content requirements, which mandate that foreign-made devices must include up to 40% locally sourced components. This move affects Pixel devices that entered through personal shipments. Apple also faces restrictions after falling short of its investment commitments, aiming to address this through negotiations. These policies reflect Indonesia’s push for foreign tech firms to bolster domestic industry, with sanctions for non-compliance, such as blocking device registration with local telecom providers.

OpenAI Watch

Search Me—OpenAI has launched "ChatGPT with Search," a powerful new feature aiming to simplify web searches by integrating them directly into conversations. This update allows ChatGPT to auto-trigger web searches based on user questions, citing sources in a sidebar for transparency. Powered by an enhanced GPT-4 model, this feature draws from multiple data sources, including Bing, and content licensed from partners like Ars Technica, The Atlantic, and Reuters. While aiming to streamline web navigation, the tool can also display images and maps. It will eventually expand to support custom answers for shopping and travel, reshaping AI's role in search.

AI Watch

They Pulled The Plug—Radio Kraków's ambitious AI-powered station, OFF, was Poland's first of its kind but lasted only a week. The channel featured AI-generated content, including "interviews" with figures like deceased poet Wisława Szymborska, stirring controversy. Though the Szymborska Foundation approved the AI-generated content, many listeners were uncomfortable, leading to backlash and regulatory calls. This rapid shutdown highlights crucial lessons for media: technical feasibility must align with public acceptance, and transparency is critical when using AI in creative roles, especially in public broadcasting where the ethical stakes are high.

Anthropic Has a Regulatory Plan—Anthropic advocates for targeted AI regulation focused on transparency, incentivizing robust safety practices, and simplicity. Through its Responsible Scaling Policy (RSP), Anthropic addresses potential catastrophic risks like cybersecurity threats and misuse in chemical or biological contexts. They argue that effective regulation should adapt to AI advancements without stifling innovation. Their RSP framework, which adjusts safeguards based on model capability, serves as a prototype for regulatory approaches that balance AI's benefits with proactive risk mitigation, especially as powerful models evolve rapidly.

Workplace Watch

The Natives Are Restless—Amazon employees are pushing back against the company’s recent mandate to return to the office five days a week, voicing concerns over work culture, employee satisfaction, and the potential negative impact on the company’s innovation. In a letter to Amazon executive Matt Garman, approximately 500 employees criticized his claim that most staff were “excited” about the change, labeling his statements as disconnected from employees’ actual experiences. The letter argues that rigid policies ignore Amazon's commitment to inclusivity and risks losing talent to competitors offering more flexible options. The memo urges Amazon to reconsider its position, advocating instead for a flexible work model.

Get Back To The Office—Publicis Media recently laid off dozens of U.S. employees who did not comply with its three-day in-office policy, introduced to bolster team collaboration and creativity. The advertising giant's policy mandates office attendance on Mondays and prohibits consecutive remote days, with exceptions for specific medical or contractual cases. Publicis CEO Arthur Sadoun has noted that remote work can hinder creativity, aligning the company with other firms like Amazon, which are also pushing stricter return-to-office mandates. Publicis employs over 10,000 U.S. workers and operates globally under well-known brands like Saatchi & Saatchi and Leo Burnett.

Maps Watch

Helping You Get Around—Waymo is integrating Google’s Gemini AI into its robotaxis, enhancing its autonomous driving system’s ability to interpret complex commands and provide contextual assistance to riders. The Gemini model, a multimodal large language model (LLM), enables Waymo's robotaxis to better understand nuanced instructions, offering a more intuitive user experience. This collaboration reflects Alphabet's commitment to combining advanced AI with Waymo's autonomous capabilities, aiming to improve rider interaction and support Waymo's expanding robotaxi operations across multiple U.S. cities, including upcoming services in Austin and Atlanta.

Now Google Maps Are Smarter—Google Maps has introduced six new AI-powered features: *Visual Search* allows image-based searches for specific landmarks, *Explore by Topic* clusters results by theme, and *Immersive View for Routes* simulates real-world environments in routes. Enhanced navigation includes more realistic visuals, EV charger compatibility info, and expanded Google Lens integration for real-time object recognition in 53 cities. These features enhance user experience, making navigation more intuitive and informative.

EV Watch

Drive Like Batman—Wayne Enterprises, in partnership with Action Vehicle Engineering, has launched a limited series of 10 replica Batmobile Tumblers from *The Dark Knight* trilogy. Each of these $3 million replicas, sanctioned by Warner Bros., is a drivable yet non-street-legal marvel, powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 V-8 engine delivering 525 horsepower. The replica includes a smokescreen system and mock gun turrets, staying true to the iconic design with a Kevlar, carbon fiber, and fiberglass body. Built to exacting standards, each Tumbler will take about 15 months to complete and is offered by invitation only to dedicated fans and collectors.