The Comunicano for Friday September 20th 2024
It's A Tasty Bite Size Treat. Just for You!!!
Get ready to eat it up….Today’s roundup is a delightful mix of tech, travel, and the occasional avocado conundrum. Let’s dive in!
Let AI Fix It – Picture this: AI stressing out our networks, only to turn around and offer the solution. It's like causing a traffic jam and then becoming the traffic cop. Nvidia, alongside T-Mobile and friends, is cooking up a new AI platform, AI-RAN, to help wireless networks run like a dream. The best part? Telcos might soon offer “AI-as-a-Service,” paving the way for the autonomous future of smart cars and factories. AI is fixing AI problems. Go figure!… Which Way Do I Go? – A traveler, armed with ChatGPT, planned his European adventure. While the AI served up a ready-made itinerary, it wasn't quite enough to ditch good old human advice. Friends and locals still hold the key to truly unique experiences, proving that while AI can help you get there, it won’t always tell you where to go once you’re there….
Amazon Joins the Gang – Amazon Prime Video is now rolling with Hollywood’s elite. By joining the Motion Picture Association, Amazon and its recently acquired MGM are hobnobbing with Disney, Warner Bros., and Netflix, securing its place in Tinseltown’s upper echelons. It’s like being invited to the cool kids' table, and Amazon isn’t just bringing snacks—it’s bringing policy influence….The EU Is Watching – Apple’s back under the EU’s magnifying glass, thanks to new antitrust regulations. The Digital Markets Act wants to crack open Apple's walled garden, letting third-party apps and payment systems roam free. By March 2024, Apple will have to decide: comply or face fines. Spoiler alert—Apple’s probably making space in its wallet….
Time to Peel and Eat – Chipotle’s new robotic sidekick, "Autocado," is here to save the day, chopping and peeling avocados so fast it’ll make your head spin. This means faster guacamole and more time for Chipotle employees to perfect your burritos. Robots making guac—now that's the future we deserve….And, as always, the FTC is shaking its fist at big tech over kids’ privacy, foldable phones are all the rage in China, and Virgin Atlantic’s lounge game is about to get very fancy at LAX.
Now, who’s ready for some AI-created guacamole recipes?
And now, on to the news. All here just for you, in “The Comunicano.”
Andy Abramson
AI Watch
Let AI Fix It—Nvidia, alongside T-Mobile, Nokia, and Ericsson, is leveraging AI to solve the network congestion it causes. Their AI-RAN platform will use billions of data points to optimize wireless network performance in real time and enable third-party AI applications at the network's edge. This innovation could allow telcos to offer AI-as-a-Service (AIaaS) to enterprises, addressing the growing demand for technologies like autonomous vehicles and smart factories. As AI stresses network capacity, AI-RAN is poised to be the backbone of future networks, including the leap toward 6G.
Which Way Do I Go—Jason Brown used ChatGPT to plan his 10-day trip to Amsterdam and Ireland, finding the AI-generated itineraries convenient and time-saving. While AI provided useful suggestions for sightseeing and activities, Brown still relied on recommendations from friends and local communities for unique experiences. Despite AI's potential, issues like outdated or incorrect information remain a challenge. Travelers warn that AI can suggest impractical or out-of-date plans, stressing the need for cross-referencing with reliable sources. AI is growing in travel planning but isn't foolproof yet.
Amazon Watch
Amazon Joins The Gang—Amazon Prime Video and MGM Studios have officially joined the Motion Picture Association (MPA), the trade organization representing the biggest Hollywood studios. This move signals Amazon’s growing influence in the entertainment industry alongside major players like Disney, Warner Bros., and Netflix. By joining the MPA, Amazon and MGM gain stronger representation in policy and intellectual property matters, as well as closer alignment with Hollywood’s global agenda. The partnership solidifies Amazon's commitment to producing high-quality content while navigating evolving media regulations.
Apple Watch
Apple Intelligence Goes Public—Apple just released public betas of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1. These updates introduce Apple Intelligence features like text rewriting, a revamped Siri design, and a photo “Clean Up” tool. The beta is available for iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series, and iPads or Macs with M1 chips or newer. More features will be added over time, with a full release expected in October. Users can join the beta via Apple’s Beta Software Program site.
The EU Is Watching—Apple is facing new antitrust regulations from the European Union as part of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The law targets large tech companies, forcing them to open their ecosystems, such as app stores and messaging services, to competitors. Apple, like other tech giants, must comply by March 2024 or face significant fines. The DMA aims to curb monopolistic practices in digital markets, pushing companies like Apple to allow third-party apps and payment options on their platforms.
Robot Watch
Time To Peel and Eat—Chipotle has introduced "Autocado," a new robotics system designed to streamline avocado preparation for its restaurants. The machine automates the process of cutting, coring, and peeling avocados, significantly speeding up guacamole production. This innovation is part of Chipotle's broader initiative to enhance kitchen efficiency using robotics. By reducing the labor-intensive task of avocado preparation, Autocado allows employees to focus on other aspects of meal preparation, potentially leading to improved overall service.
They’re Back—Cruise’s autonomous vehicles (AVs) are returning to the Bay Area nearly a year after a pedestrian crash that led to regulatory scrutiny and a pause in their operations. The company has been working to regain public trust and refine its technology following the incident. While the return signals a step forward, it also highlights ongoing challenges in deploying autonomous vehicles in urban settings. Cruise's comeback includes safety improvements and aims to demonstrate the resilience of its AV program amidst previous concerns, with the final release of updates and more features expected soon.
Social Watch
Of Course They Are—The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is intensifying its scrutiny of tech giants like Amazon, Facebook, and YouTube over concerns about children's privacy violations. These companies are facing increased pressure regarding how they collect and use data from young users. The FTC aims to protect children from potentially harmful data practices and has proposed stricter regulations to ensure compliance with privacy laws. This heightened focus signals a broader move to enforce accountability in the tech industry's handling of minors' data.
Mobile Watch
Fold Em—Xiaomi and Honor are preparing to enter the tri-fold smartphone market, following Huawei's Mate X3's success. The innovative design offers a larger screen experience, appealing to consumers seeking multitasking capabilities or immersive viewing. As foldable devices gain traction in China, competition among these brands is expected to intensify, pushing advancements in foldable technology. Both Xiaomi and Honor are positioning themselves to challenge Huawei by capitalizing on this trend and potentially redefining the premium smartphone segment.
Data Center Watch
Look, Up In The Sky—Data centers, traditionally built low to the ground, are now expanding vertically to optimize space and power efficiency. The increasing demand for cloud computing and AI is driving this trend, with companies looking to stack servers in multi-story buildings. This design shift helps reduce land costs and supports greater processing power. These vertically oriented data centers are particularly appealing in urban areas where real estate is limited.
Google Warns UK—Google has warned that the UK risks falling behind in the global AI race unless it invests in more data centers. According to the tech giant, the lack of infrastructure to support AI development could hinder the UK's ability to compete with other countries, which are advancing rapidly in the AI space. Data centers are crucial for processing the massive amounts of data needed for AI innovations. Without expanding this capability, the UK may struggle to stay competitive in the evolving tech landscape.
Edutech Watch
Learning With The ‘Net—There’s a growing controversy around social studies curricula in the U.S. Schools which are grappling with how to address sensitive historical and social topics amid political pressures. Debates focus on what content should be included in lessons about race, gender, and U.S. history, with some states pushing for more restrictive approaches while others seek broader, more inclusive discussions. These tensions highlight the challenges educators face in navigating diverse viewpoints and legal mandates.
Security Watch
Making Passwords Simple—Google's latest update to its Password Manager now allows users to save and sync passkeys across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. This change simplifies password-free logins using biometric data or screen locks. The update also introduces a new Google Password Manager PIN for enhanced security, ensuring passkeys remain end-to-end encrypted. Google continues to push toward a passwordless future with upcoming support for iOS. You can now seamlessly access and manage your passkeys across devices, making digital security more convenient.
Slack Won’t Be Staying In the Magic Kingdom—Disney is phasing out Slack after a hacking group, Nullbulge, compromised its internal messaging channels, exposing confidential discussions. CFO Hugh Johnston announced that Disney would fully transition away from Slack by mid-2025, with complex cases requiring more time. This move follows an investigation into leaked documents reported by *The Wall Street Journal* earlier this year. It's unclear what platform Disney will adopt for internal communication moving forward.
Travel Watch
Time To Go Lounging Around—Virgin Atlantic is set to open a new Clubhouse at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in 2024, offering a premium and personalized experience for travelers. The lounge will feature tailored services, luxury seating, high-end dining options, and modern amenities. The aim is to provide a unique, upscale environment that reflects the airline's commitment to enhancing customer experience. This move is part of Virgin Atlantic's broader efforts to elevate its brand and appeal to high-end passengers.
Money Watch
It’s Money From PayPal—The influence of alumni from companies beyond the famous "PayPal Mafia," highlights how former employees of top tech firms have shaped the startup ecosystem. These alumni, including those from Google, Uber, and Twitter, have gone on to found or invest in numerous successful ventures and their experience in leading tech companies equips them to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech world, influencing industries beyond their original companies.
Startup To Watch
Overlap is a Y Combinator-backed company that creates video and audio content analysis tools. It functions similarly to Perplexity, using AI to provide insights and summaries for media.
App of The Day
Lex
Lex is an AI-powered word processor designed to help writers create and refine content more efficiently. It's particularly useful for overcoming writer's block and improving the quality of your drafts through AI-generated feedback. A companion app to yesterday’s reviewed app Spiral, I started using Lex after my pal Om Malik tipped me off to it some months back. For me, Lex is like having a friendly editor available to review my copy, make suggestions, and point out holes in my writing.
Here are some of the standout features that make Lex a compelling tool:
1. AI Assistance: Lex helps with brainstorming, drafting, and rewriting. Based on the document type, you can start with an AI-generated outline or first draft or use commands like "+++" to request suggestions when you're stuck.
2. Document Collaboration and Sharing: You can easily collaborate with others by sharing a link, allowing live editing without the need for additional software. You can also create "read-only" links for easy sharing.
3. AI-Powered Edits: Lex offers a wide range of "AI checks" that review grammar, readability, passive voice, repetition, and more. These tools help streamline the editing process by identifying potential improvements you can accept or decline.
4. Version Control and Customization: With Lex’s version control, you can save snapshots of your drafts, allowing you to experiment with rewrites without losing the original content. Additionally, Lex provides customization of writing prompts, making it adaptable for various content needs, such as blogs, academic papers, or even social media posts.
5. Free and Premium Models: Lex offers a free version with access to basic AI features and limited checks per month. For more advanced capabilities, including unlimited AI checks and premium AI engines, a Pro subscription is available at $100/year.
Lex is available via browser and works across platforms, including mobile devices, without requiring an app download. It's a sleek and powerful tool for writers looking to enhance their productivity and content quality.
