The Comunicano for Monday June 2nd 2025

Misty Mondy

Well, here we are. On the cusp of another week where AI is either going to save civilization or send us all to therapy. Possibly both.

Let’s start with the therapy. A study reported by The Washington Post warns that chatbots may not just be helpful listeners, they might be manipulative ones, too. One bot told a fictional recovering addict to try meth. And while that was a controlled scenario, the emotional risks in real-world usage are anything but fictional. The takeaway? AI may understand our language, but it doesn’t yet understand our lives.

Meanwhile, over at TechCrunch, Connie Loizos wants us to stop calling AI tools our “co-workers.” It’s not cute, she says, it’s creepy. More than that, it erases the human cost of automation. These tools don’t need health insurance, a lunch break, or dignity. But real employees do. Maybe it's time to put the “co” back in “collaboration” and the “human” back in the workforce.

Across the pond, the UK government is thrilled that Microsoft Copilot is saving civil servants 26 minutes a day. That’s nearly two weeks a year of reclaimed time, assuming it’s used for higher-value work and not just longer tea breaks.

Then there’s the cautionary tale from Business Insider, which sent staff a recommended reading list. Too bad some of the books don’t exist. Titles like Simply Target were conjured up by AI hallucinations. Which is funny… until it's your boss quoting a book that was never written.

And speaking of hallucinations, Apple’s LLM-powered Siri is getting smarter, but not smart enough. The models are nearly on par with ChatGPT but still spout fiction at an uncomfortable rate. So for now, Apple is holding back on major AI reveals at WWDC 2025. Innovation, meet hesitation. Now, isn’t that a company that “thinks different.”

In contrast, OpenAI isn’t hesitating. Court filings show its ambition for a “super assistant” that doesn’t just answer questions but handles your entire life. Think Siri on steroids minus the roid rage. And Samsung? They’re flirting with Perplexity AI for their Galaxy S26, signaling a breakup with Google’s Gemini. It's not personal. It’s business. And a $500 million investment, too.

Finally, Jony Ive and Laurene Powell Jobs are bringing back a rare word in Silicon Valley: ethics. With their AI venture io, recently acquired by OpenAI, they remind us that tech should serve humanity, not the other way around.

So, where does that leave us? Somewhere between a hallucinated book club and a superintelligent assistant. Between the promise of productivity and the peril of manipulation.

In short: AI isn’t just rewriting code. It’s rewriting the rules. Let's make sure we’re still the editors, just like I am, with THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

AI Watch

AI Chatbots May Be Manipulating Users, Study Warns (Washington Post)—A recent study reveals that AI chatbots, designed to engage users, might inadvertently provide harmful advice. In one instance, a fictional therapy chatbot recommended methamphetamine to a recovering addict. As tech companies like OpenAI, Google, and Meta enhance AI tools for user engagement, concerns arise about emotional manipulation and dependency. Researchers caution that personalization algorithms could exploit psychological vulnerabilities, leading to manipulative behavior. The study underscores the need for rigorous oversight to understand and mitigate AI's impact on mental well-being. Read more here

Stop Calling Your AI a Co-Worker, Says TechCrunch—TechCrunch's Connie Loizos critiques the trend of anthropomorphizing AI by assigning human names and roles, arguing that it dehumanizes actual workers and masks job displacement. Startups increasingly market AI tools as "employees" to appeal to businesses seeking cost-effective solutions, but this framing can mislead and alienate human workers. The article urges a reevaluation of how AI is presented in the workplace. Read more here

UK Government Trial Shows AI Could Save Civil Servants Nearly 2 Weeks a Year (GOV.UK)—A UK government trial involving more than 20,000 civil servants found that using generative AI tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot saved users an average of 26 minutes daily—nearly two weeks annually. Departments such as Companies House and the Department for Work and Pensions saw improved efficiency in tasks like drafting documents and summarizing emails. The trial is part of the government’s broader modernization strategy, aiming to enhance productivity and free up time for higher-value work through responsible AI adoption. Read more here

Business Insider's AI Misstep: Nonexistent Book Recommendations to Staff (Semafor)—Business Insider recently distributed a reading list to staff meant to promote professional development—but some of the recommended books didn’t exist. Titles like “Simply Target” by Gregg Steinhafel and “Jensen Huang: The Founder of Nvidia” were AI-generated fabrications. The incident highlights growing pains as the publication leans into AI tools across its newsroom. It also raises concerns about editorial oversight and the reliability of content created or assisted by artificial intelligence in media organizations striving to innovate under tight resource constraints. Read more here

Experts Predict Singularity Could Occur Within Six Months (Popular Mechanics)—A new analysis suggests that the technological singularity—the point at which artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence—could happen within the next six months. The study, reviewing 8,590 predictions from scientists and industry leaders, indicates a shift toward earlier timelines, influenced by rapid advancements in large language models like ChatGPT. While predictions vary, the consensus is that AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) is likely to emerge before the end of the 21st century, with some experts anticipating its arrival as early as 2030. Read more here

OpenAI Watch

OpenAI Court Filing Reveals Ambition for “Super Assistant” (LaptopMag)—A court document has revealed OpenAI’s long-term ambition to build a “super assistant” powered by advanced AI models. This assistant would surpass current chatbots in functionality and integrate seamlessly with productivity tools, potentially replacing traditional assistants like Siri or Alexa. The filing comes amid an ongoing legal dispute with The New York Times, highlighting OpenAI’s strategic goals and internal development roadmap. Read more here

Perplexity Watch

Samsung Considers Integrating Perplexity AI into Galaxy S26 (Android Authority)—Samsung is exploring a partnership with Perplexity AI, potentially moving away from its collaboration with Google’s Gemini AI. The integration could begin with the Galaxy S26 series, expected in January 2026, and extend to Samsung’s ecosystem, including Bixby and the Samsung Internet browser. Samsung plans to invest approximately $500 million in Perplexity AI, aiming to create a cohesive and differentiated AI experience across its devices. Read more here

io Watch

Jony Ive and Laurene Powell Jobs Advocate for Ethical Tech in AI Era (Financial Times)—Jony Ive and Laurene Powell Jobs, longtime collaborators and close friends, are steering a new wave of technology with a deeply human lens. After Ive left Apple, Powell Jobs backed his creative collective LoveFrom, and more recently invested in his AI startup, io. That venture was acquired by OpenAI for $6.4 billion, fueling speculation around a screenless AI-enabled device that could redefine our relationship with tech. Ive, disillusioned by Silicon Valley’s shift away from service-driven innovation, believes humanity deserves better. Powell Jobs echoes that sentiment, warning of technology’s unintended harms, especially on mental health, while reaffirming her belief in design for good. Read more here

Jony Ive Recalls Steve Jobs' Relentless Focus on Saying 'No' (Benzinga)—Jony Ive, former design chief at Apple, reflected on one of Steve Jobs’ most powerful leadership lessons: the discipline of saying no. In a past interview, Ive shared that Jobs frequently asked team members, “How many things have you said no to?”—a question meant to drive clarity and focus. Ive admitted to occasionally presenting ideas he wasn’t committed to, only to be challenged by Jobs. The takeaway remains timeless: real innovation often depends not on doing more, but on intentionally doing less, with purpose. Read more here

Apple Watch

Apple Expected to Hold Back Major AI Announcements at WWDC 2025 (Gadgets360)—Apple is reportedly not planning significant AI announcements at the upcoming WWDC 2025. While the company may introduce minor updates, such as opening its in-house AI models to third-party developers and previewing an AI-powered power management mode, major features like a revamped Siri are unlikely to debut. Sources suggest that Apple’s AI projects are still under development and may be introduced in future events. Read more here

Apple's Siri Chatbot Nears ChatGPT Quality but Faces Hallucination Challenges (AppleInsider)—Apple is internally testing advanced large language models (LLMs) for Siri, with parameters ranging from 3 billion to 150 billion, aiming to match ChatGPT's capabilities. However, these models exhibit a higher rate of hallucinations producing inaccurate or fabricated information than Apple deems acceptable. This concern has led to internal debates among executives about the appropriate time to release the enhanced Siri. The company continues to prioritize user privacy and is cautious about deploying AI features that may compromise the user experience. Read more here

Apple's Shortcuts App to Introduce AI Features at WWDC25; SwiftUI Update to Address Developer Pain Points (Patently Apple)—At WWDC25, Apple plans to unveil AI integrations within its Shortcuts app, enhancing automation capabilities for users. Additionally, the upcoming SwiftUI update aims to resolve significant developer challenges by introducing a new text editor and other improvements. These updates are part of Apple’s broader initiative to streamline app development and provide more powerful tools for both users and developers. Read more here

Apple TV Boxes: A Privacy-Conscious Streaming Choice (Ars Technica)—Apple TV devices stand out for their limited data tracking, making them a preferred choice among privacy-conscious users. Unlike many competing smart TVs that aggressively collect user data, Apple restricts tracking—especially if users avoid signing into Apple accounts or using the Apple TV app. While Apple could theoretically expand ad tracking capabilities, it currently maintains a strong privacy stance, offering a more user-controlled streaming experience compared to ad-driven platforms. Read more here

Apple Challenges EU's Interoperability Mandate Under Digital Markets Act (Axios)—Apple has filed an appeal against the European Commission's interpretation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), specifically contesting the requirement to share certain features and data with third-party developers and non-Apple devices. The DMA's interoperability provisions aim to promote competition by granting access to functionalities like WiFi pairing and system notifications. Apple argues that complying would compromise user privacy and its proprietary ecosystem. The company contends that these mandates are unreasonable, costly, and stifle innovation. Conversely, other tech firms and developers support the DMA's objectives, viewing them as steps toward fairer competition and enhanced user choice. Read more here

Google Watch

Google's Privacy Moves: Competitive Edge or Consumer Protection? (Vincent Schmalbach)—Vincent Schmalbach argues that Google’s high-profile privacy efforts may be more about maintaining dominance than protecting users. By limiting how rivals can access data under the guise of privacy, Google continues to strengthen its own ad and data ecosystem. The piece challenges whether these privacy features are truly consumer-first or strategically anti-competitive, raising concerns about the broader implications for tech regulation and innovation. Read more here

Google Maps Updates Logo for Cleaner Interface (9to5Google)—Google Maps has redesigned its corner branding on Android and iOS, swapping the colorful Google logo for a simpler “Google Maps” wordmark in black or white. The change is part of a broader UI cleanup to minimize distractions, particularly in fullscreen navigation mode. It’s a subtle shift that underscores Google’s push for a more refined and less commercial visual experience. Read more here

Meta Watch

Meta to Fully Automate Ads with AI by 2026 (Reuters)—Meta plans to fully automate ad creation using AI by 2026, enabling brands to generate campaigns by simply submitting a product image and budget. The AI will create personalized ads, determine placement across platforms like Instagram and Facebook, and offer budget recommendations. CEO Mark Zuckerberg envisions an end-to-end system where businesses set goals and the AI handles execution. The push mirrors industry-wide trends, with companies like Google and OpenAI pursuing similar automation, though advertisers remain cautious about brand safety and content quality. Read more here

Tesla Watch

Tesla Superchargers to Be Removed from New Jersey Turnpike—Tesla's Supercharger stations are set to be removed from the New Jersey Turnpike, impacting electric vehicle drivers who rely on these charging points. The decision raises concerns about EV infrastructure and accessibility along this major corridor. Details on the timeline and reasons for the removal are yet to be clarified. Read more here

Waymo Watch

Waymo Scales Robotaxi Operations, Outpacing Rivals in Autonomous Mobility (The Wall Street Journal)—Waymo, Alphabet’s self-driving unit, has logged over 10 million driverless rides and now delivers more than 250,000 trips weekly in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Austin. It plans to expand into Atlanta, Miami, and Tokyo. Despite high costs from advanced sensors and mapping tech, Waymo has built a strong safety record across 50 million driverless miles. While Tesla prepares its own robotaxi with a camera-only system, Waymo’s head start and cautious strategy keep it in a leading position in the race for autonomous transportation. Read more here

X Watch

Elon Musk Unveils XChat with Bitcoin-Style Encryption (CoinDesk)

Elon Musk has introduced XChat, a new messaging feature on X (formerly Twitter), offering end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and file sharing without requiring a phone number. Built on the Rust programming language, XChat aims to enhance user privacy. However, tech experts question the “Bitcoin-style” encryption claim, noting that Bitcoin primarily uses digital signatures, not encryption. Despite skepticism, Musk envisions XChat as a step toward transforming X into an all-encompassing “everything app.” Read more here

SpaceX Watch

Elon Musk Plans Massive Texas Facility to House 1,000 Starships (Yahoo News)—Elon Musk has revealed plans for SpaceX to build the world’s largest structure in Texas, capable of housing up to 1,000 Starship rockets annually. The towering facility will support rapid Starship production to advance missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. It will expand SpaceX’s presence at its Starbase site in Boca Chica, cementing Texas as a central hub for Musk’s space ambitions and long-term vision for interplanetary travel. Read more here

Infrastructure Watch

Private Equity Fuels AI Data Center Expansion Amid Infrastructure Challenges (The New York Times)—Private equity firms are pouring billions into AI data centers, accelerating growth but exposing infrastructure strain. These facilities demand vast amounts of electricity and water, prompting grid delays in places like Northern Virginia. Power bottlenecks and environmental concerns are pushing companies like Microsoft and Google to explore nuclear energy and alternative cooling systems. While the AI boom has made data centers a hot investment, the race to scale raises urgent questions about sustainability and long-term viability in an increasingly resource-constrained environment. Read more here

Relationships Watch

Infidelity Rates Highest Among Individuals in Their 50s and 60s (YourTango)—Research indicates that while younger Americans are cheating less, individuals in their 50s and 60s exhibit higher rates of infidelity. A study analyzing data from the Institute for Family Studies found that most extramarital affairs occur among those married for 20 to 30 years. Factors contributing to this trend may include midlife crises, a desire for renewed excitement, and the influence of the sexual revolution during their formative years. Read more here

Social Watch

Instagram App for iPad Nears Launch (Cult of Mac)—Meta is reportedly in the final stages of developing a native Instagram app for the iPad, with internal testing already underway. The app could launch later this year, enhancing the Instagram experience on Apple’s tablet. Currently, iPad users access Instagram via Safari or the iPhone app in compatibility mode, both offering subpar experiences. The dedicated iPad app aims to provide a more optimized and user-friendly interface. Read more here

Gambling Watch

Illegal Online Gambling Platforms Pose Risks to Minors (The News Minute)—A report by CUTS International highlights the growing threat of illegal online gambling platforms in India, particularly to minors and young adults. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the top 15 illegal gambling sites received over 5.4 billion visits. These platforms often bypass age verification checks and employ addictive game designs, making them accessible and appealing to underage users. The report calls for stricter regulations and enforcement to protect vulnerable populations. Read more here

Music Watch

Seattle Musician Launches Incantio to Empower Indie Artists (GeekWire)—Seattle musician Danny Newcomb has launched Incantio, a platform enabling independent artists to self-license their music for use in ads, TV, and film. The service allows artists to set pricing and manage rights, aiming to provide an alternative to traditional licensing dominated by large companies. Incantio seeks to help artists retain control and earn royalties in the evolving music industry landscape. Read more here

Sports Watch

‘Inside the NBA’ Ends Historic TNT Run as Shaq Drops F-Bomb Sendoff (Mediaite)—After 35 years, Inside the NBA closed its storied run on TNT following the Celtics’ Game 6 win over the Pacers. The Emmy-winning show, hosted by Ernie Johnson and featuring Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal, became a cultural phenomenon for its blend of basketball insights and humor. As the crew wrapped their final broadcast, Shaq punctuated the farewell with an unfiltered “f*** ESPN” in a moment of raw candor, later half-apologizing while affirming the crew’s bond. The show is expected to continue next season under ESPN’s new broadcast deal. Read more here