The Comunicano for Friday September 13 2024
In a world constantly pivoting towards efficiency, OpenAI’s latest release, the o1 series, known as "Strawberry," steps into the spotlight. This iteration excels in multi-step problem-solving, such as scientific reasoning and complex coding, mimicking human thought processes through deliberate, layered analysis. It stands to redefine AI-driven sectors, offering developers a tantalizing glimpse into its potential….
Meanwhile, in the business realm of AI, brands like L’Occitane and Papa Johns are cautiously embracing it, integrating it into customer experience strategies. The buzz is about balancing efficiency with personalization, ensuring AI augments rather than alienates the consumer experience…..Newly minted and soon-to-come AI Agents may be the answer to our overworked, online-always life. This category is set to explode as it reshapes our lives, with even Apple likely having an “Agent Store” to go with Apple Intelligence one day soon…
Travel meets tech with Qatar Airways, which is upping the ante with the first AI flight attendant. Coupled with their QVerse AR, it’s clear that they’re crafting more immersive, personalized pre-flight experiences. This signals the future of travel, blending AI with augmented reality to revolutionize how passengers engage…..The Moon is about to get its own time zone. LTC (coordinated lunar time) means the man on the moon will always be in sync…yeah, right.
Over in China, AI development is rapidly advancing despite U.S. export restrictions on crucial technology. Industry insiders predict that China will leapfrog ahead by 2025, underscoring the fast pace of AI commercialization…..On the telco front, Singtel's strategic shift towards AI-driven data centers is gaining traction. Their pivot to green, AI-ready facilities reflects the growing importance of digital infrastructure in a rapidly evolving tech ecosystem….Apple is abiding by EU regulations and also making iPhones less prone to theft. What are the thieves going to do? Steal other brands, for sure.
From robotaxis to beanless coffee, it’s clear: the next frontier isn’t just about technology but how seamlessly it integrates into everyday life. The future isn’t just coming—it’s already knocking….it’s so close we may not need to carry our physical passports much longer if Google has their way…and in the App of the Day, I’ll tell you how Todoist whispers structure into chaos, crafting tasks from fragments, aligning time with purpose as each check-off will echo your quiet productivity's cadence.
Now, on with the news……!!!
Andy Abramson
AI Watch
OpenAI’s New Flavor—OpenAI's latest AI model, the o1 series (code-named "Strawberry"), is making waves with its focus on complex reasoning to tackle scientific problems and coding challenges. It offers enhanced chain-of-thought capabilities, allowing the model to approach problems like a human—slowly, deliberately, and with better accuracy. However, this improved reasoning comes at the cost of speed and currently lacks features like browsing and file uploads. Despite being slower, o1 models excel in multi-step tasks thanks to hidden "reasoning tokens" that optimize performance. This strategic thinking positions the model well for use cases like healthcare, education, and research. Safety enhancements, particularly advanced alignment checks, also make it more reliable for sensitive applications.
While the o1 series holds great potential, it’s still in early preview, meaning some features—like system prompts and streaming—are missing. Its outdated knowledge base without browsing access may limit its real-time application. But with the API available to developers and researchers, there's plenty of room to explore what this new model can do.
As o1 evolves, the AI landscape could see significant shifts, especially in areas that need deeper reasoning, problem-solving, and safer, more aligned AI.
Secret Agent Man—The rapidly evolving AI agent market is hot. AI agents, which autonomously complete tasks for humans, are poised to disrupt industries like media, advertising, and e-commerce. The market is set to grow exponentially, with thousands of startups emerging by 2025. Big tech players like Amazon and Salesforce are already integrating AI agents even while industry standards and interoperability challenges loom. Over the coming years, we’ll see how AI agents will increasingly take over tasks, reshaping how people interact with technology. My takeaway is that this transformation will happen faster than most can comprehend.
Brands Go More AI—Brands are increasingly adopting AI to enhance customer experiences, with use cases spanning analytics, content creation, and personalized web experiences. At events like CX Circle New York, experts from Discover, L’Occitane, and Papa Johns discussed their cautious approach to integrating AI in ways that balance efficiency with personalization. While AI can improve targeted messaging and customer service, companies remain careful not to alienate customers by overpersonalizing interactions or introducing risks like data misuse. The goal is to ensure that AI complements, rather than detracts from, human-centric customer experiences.
Coffee, Tea, or AI—Qatar Airways is upping the ante in pre-travel experiences with Sama 2.0, the world's first AI flight attendant, and their immersive QVerse platform. Imagine planning your journey with real-time, personalized assistance—not just generic chatbot replies. Sama 2.0 helps design curated travel plans and answers FAQs, while QVerse lets you virtually explore aircraft cabins and lounges before you fly. These innovations are reshaping customer engagement and setting the stage for future tech like Augmented Reality and IoT in aviation. It's a smart move redefining how we think about the travel experience.
Chinese Playing Catchup—China's AI models are currently 6 to 9 months behind those of the U.S., especially in the development of large language models (LLMs) crucial for generative AI. This lag is primarily due to U.S. export restrictions on high-performance chips like Nvidia's GPUs. Despite this, China is rapidly catching up, expecting it to surpass the U.S. in AI applications by 2025, driven by its ability to quickly scale and commercialize AI technologies.
More on this from Fee Only News
The Egg Theory—As the "Egg Theory" gets applied to AI, one could presume that products should balance automation with user involvement, similar to how adding an egg to cake mixes increases consumer satisfaction. As AI tools evolve more rapidly in areas like shopping, healthcare, and enterprise, the right level of human input—like decision-making or final approvals—enhances user experience and trust. Whether it’s an AI-driven shopping assistant or healthcare recommendations, maintaining a sense of control is crucial to user happiness, even as AI handles much of the heavy lifting behind the scenes.
Robot Watch
Look Ma, No Driver—Self-driving robotaxi services like Waymo are gaining traction in U.S. cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. Waymo, owned by Alphabet, offers competitive pricing with Uber and Lyft but lacks tipping options. While the rides are generally safe and avoid driver-related concerns, they can be slower due to cautious programming. The experience is introvert-friendly, though privacy concerns arise due to internal cameras. Waymo faces challenges with occasional mishaps and public attention but is poised to expand. Other companies like Tesla and Amazon’s Zoox are also entering the robotaxi market.
Money Watch
Show Me The Money—No question. Data centers are hot. And one proofpoint is how Singtel is shifting its focus from its traditional mobile business, which has matured in core markets like Singapore and Australia, to growth areas such as data centers and IT. The company has launched new AI-ready, green data centers under the Nxera brand while closing older facilities. A notable deal includes selling a 20% stake in its data center business to KKR for S$1.1 billion, aiming to expand across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia, to meet rising demand fueled by AI and cloud services. This is part of its broader Singtel28 strategy to drive future growth.
Moon Watch
It’s About Time—NASA is spearheading efforts to create a standardized lunar time system, which is crucial for future Moon missions and the growing international presence in space. The Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) will be based on atomic clocks placed on the Moon, although their function will differ slightly due to the Moon's environment. This initiative will ensure synchronization of operations across various missions and is essential for long-term space exploration, including future Mars missions. NASA’s SCaN program is leading these efforts, ensuring accurate navigation and communication for the Artemis program and beyond.
Ad Watch
I always enjoy a well-crafted TV spot. Wrangler, one of the iconic brands in jeans, has done it so well with its new commercial. Why? It’s all about the jeans. The spot is original and yet so timeless.
E-Commerce Watch
No More Cheap Stuff—The Biden administration is reportedly targeting Chinese e-commerce giants like Temu and Shein by changing low-value import duty exemptions. The proposed changes would eliminate duty-free privileges for goods valued under $800, which these companies leverage to avoid import taxes. This move is part of a broader effort to address trade imbalances and strengthen domestic industry protection. It follows ongoing U.S. concerns over China’s trade practices amid rising tensions between the two countries.
Apple Watch
Stop Theif—Apple is making strides to make iPhones more theft-proof. Features like Activation Lock for components, introduced in iOS 18, prevent stolen iPhones from being disassembled and sold for parts. This builds on the success of Find My and Activation Lock, which already make it difficult for thieves to profit from stolen iPhones. While this might inconvenience repair efforts using legitimate parts, it's a significant step in reducing iPhone theft, pushing thieves toward other brands.
iPad Goes Alternative In the EU—Apple’s policy now permits alternative browser engines on iOS and iPadOS, a shift from the previous WebKit-only requirement. This allows developers to create web browsers using engines other than WebKit, offering more flexibility and innovation in web development. Apple's updated documentation provides guidance on implementing and supporting these alternative engines while maintaining performance and security standards on its platforms. This change aligns iOS more closely with other operating systems that allow multiple browser engines.
UK Watch
Mobile Merger Issues—Vodafone and Three have rejected claims by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) that their proposed merger would harm competition and lead to higher prices. The CMA raised concerns, particularly for customers who are less able to afford mobile services. Vodafone defended the deal, emphasizing their £11bn investment commitment. While the CMA remains skeptical about the merger's benefits, such as improved network quality, it hasn't ruled out the deal entirely. A final decision is expected in December. The companies aim to secure regulatory approval despite the hurdles.
Here are the CMA’s concerns
EV Watch
A Better Delivery—The USPS has finally started rolling out its Next Generation Delivery Vehicles (NGDVs), marking the first major fleet update in decades. These new trucks, built by Oshkosh, prioritize safety, comfort, and efficiency. They're much quieter, include modern features like air conditioning, airbags, and 360-degree cameras, and allow postal workers to stand while accessing packages. Most importantly, most of the fleet will be electric, helping reduce the Postal Service's environmental footprint. Despite their odd appearance, the NGDVs are earning rave reviews from drivers, signaling a big step forward in USPS modernization.
Less From China—The U.S. House has passed legislation restricting tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs) using Chinese battery technology. This move is part of broader efforts to reduce reliance on China for critical supply chains, particularly in the EV sector. The bill aims to encourage domestic production of key battery components and limit the influence of Chinese technology in the U.S. market.
VoIP Watch
The Numbers Game—A recent study by Numeracle reveals that two-thirds of U.S. consumers want more accurate caller ID information to help them trust incoming calls. The study, involving over 2,000 respondents, highlights growing frustration with scam and spam calls, which 77% experience weekly. Inaccurate caller ID info often tricks consumers into answering fraudulent calls, while 69% admit they've missed important calls due to mistrust. The research stresses the need for verified caller ID data, as the existing system undermines trust and impacts consumer-brand relationships, particularly in the financial services and telecom sectors.
I have more to say on this over on LinkedIn.
Travel Watch
If It’s Free. It’s Me—United Airlines has announced it will offer free in-flight Wi-Fi powered by SpaceX’s Starlink on all its aircraft, including mainline and regional jets. This new service is set to begin testing in early 2025, with full availability expected later that year. The high-speed, low-latency connection will allow passengers to perform a wide range of online activities, from streaming videos to gaming, with the ability to connect multiple devices at once. This move brings United in line with competitors like Delta, which has already introduced free Wi-Fi, and my favorite airline, JSX, which had Starlink first in the sky.
No More Passports—Google Wallet is set to soon allow users to upload and store their U.S. passports digitally. This feature marks a significant step toward enhancing digital identity verification for travelers, reducing the need to carry physical documents. Once available, users can present their digital passports at various checkpoints, making the travel process more seamless. This aligns with ongoing trends toward digitization in travel and security, driven by convenience and technological advances.
Suicide Watch
Killing Off Harmful Content—Meta has partnered with the Mental Health Coalition to launch a data-sharing initiative aimed at reducing content related to suicide on social media platforms. The program will allow organizations to share data, improve detection systems, and ensure faster removal of harmful posts. This is part of broader efforts to enhance digital safety and support mental health advocacy across online communities. More from UPI on the very important social effort
Coffee Watch
It Tastes Life Coffee—Atomo and other alt-coffee startups are creating beanless coffee using ingredients like date seeds and sunflower seed extract. They aim to replicate traditional coffee's taste and experience while reducing environmental harm caused by coffee farming, a major driver of deforestation. While proponents claim it could be more sustainable and affordable, skeptics highlight challenges like small-scale farmer livelihoods and the difficulty of replacing coffee entirely. Despite doubts, the beanless coffee industry is gaining traction, with products appearing in U.S. coffee shops and European supermarkets.
Video of The Day
App of The Day
Todoist is a versatile task management app that caters to personal and professional needs, offering seamless cross-platform functionality. Available on iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and as a web app, it enables users to manage tasks through features like natural language input, recurring tasks, and priority setting.
Todoist’s collaborative functions allow teams to share projects, assign tasks, and comment within the app, making it perfect for group work. Integrations with apps like Google Calendar and Slack enhance its workflow capabilities.
Best of all is Todoist’s AI capabilities, really enhance task management by intelligently breaking down larger projects into manageable subtasks. The AI can analyze task descriptions, deadlines, and priorities to suggest optimal scheduling and task sequencing. Todoist helps users define clearer steps by recognizing patterns in creating tasks and streamlining the planning process. This feature is handy for complex projects, as it ensures that no task is too overwhelming and that each part of the project has a clear, actionable pathway, maximizing productivity and efficiency.
As a long-time user of Todoist and someone who has bounced back and forth with other to-do apps, I find this to be my daily driver.
Key Features:
1. Task Management: Todoist's clean interface makes it easy to create and manage tasks. The app uses natural language processing, allowing you to add tasks like “Finish report by Friday” or “Water plants every Monday.” You can also assign priorities, due dates, and labels to organize your tasks better.
2. Cross-Platform: Todoist shines in its ability to sync across all your devices. Whether using iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, or the web app, your tasks and lists will always stay up-to-date. This makes it ideal for users who move between devices.
3. Collaboration: One of Todoist's most appealing aspects is its facilitation of team collaboration. You can share projects, assign tasks to team members, and discuss them using the comment feature. Files can be attached directly to tasks, making it easier to collaborate remotely.
4. Templates: Todoist offers a wide range of templates, helping users quickly get started on projects like goal setting, habit tracking, event planning, and more. These templates are customizable so you can adapt them to your personal or professional needs.
5. Integrations: Todoist integrates with over 60 apps and services, including Google Calendar, Slack, Gmail, and more. This makes it easier to connect Todoist with your existing workflows, whether you're managing work or your personal life.
6. Flexibility with Free and Premium Options: While the free version is powerful enough for essential task management, the Premium plan introduces features like reminders, labels, productivity trends, and task dependencies. It’s a great way to enhance productivity with added capabilities.
Best Use Cases
Personal Task Management is great for organizing everyday tasks and setting recurring reminders for things like grocery shopping or bills.
Professional Workflows are ideal for freelancers, project managers, or anyone handling multiple projects simultaneously. The collaboration tools make it perfect for remote work.
Teams: Small—to medium-sized teams can easily collaborate, assign tasks, and track progress through shared projects.
Competitors
Todoist is compared favorably to apps like SuperList, Microsoft To-Do, and Trello. While Trello offers more of a Kanban board style for visualizing projects, Todoist excels in simplicity, ease of use, and integrating detailed task management features into daily life. Microsoft To-Do is more about the basics and, while useful, doesn’t offer the robust collaborative features or third-party integrations that Todoist has.
You can download Todoist for iOS on the App Store, Android on Google Play, and desktop from their website. With free and premium options, it's a solid choice for anyone looking to manage their tasks and projects.
