The Comunicano for Monday November 4th 2024

Welcome to the 21st-century news cycle. Today, we’re juggling everything from high-tech scams to low-tech luxury, with some election drama sprinkled in for good measure….Let's start with the Mother of All Elections, where we’re knee-deep in data-driven efforts to “inform the public.” Ever feel like we’re drowning in statistics while searching for a sip of real insight? Here comes Perplexity, aiming to be your one-stop shop for Election Day essentials. Partnering with Democracy Works, they promise transparency and real-time updates. In theory, it sounds perfect—but in practice? We’ll see if voters are as jazzed about a new platform as they are about, say, the $2 coupons at their local grocery store. …Then there’s Steve Ballmer, our Microsoft alumni turned USAFacts cheerleader. He’s throwing $40 million at something he calls “unbiased statistics.” Now, I’ve got to hand it to Steve—he knows how to back a project. He’s basically betting that, when it comes to voting, people will choose a big ol’ data dump over viral soundbites. It’s a valiant cause, but Steve, let’s be real: we’re in an age where people take Twitter over textbooks. Here’s hoping USAFacts gets a second glance in the whirlwind.

Moving along to the music industry, where streaming has become a double-edged sword. We’ve got Spotify, Apple Music, and all their cousins telling us they’re the saviors of music, but here’s the truth: the artists aren’t exactly living like rockstars on those streaming checks. Meanwhile, TikTok is soaking up all the engagement with music snippets without getting its hands dirty in the streaming world. I mean, at this rate, if streaming were a cocktail, it would be one part artist payout and nine parts platform profit. No wonder the industry’s rethinking its “super fan” strategy. ….Now, if you’re looking for a good scare, forget Halloween. AI-powered scams are on the rise, thanks to tools like ChatGPT-4o’s new voice capabilities. Cybercriminals are out here saying, “Alexa, rob a bank for me,” and the AI is starting to comply—sort of. OpenAI is playing defense with new safeguards, but, well, every gate has a locksmith.

And for all of you dialing into virtual meetings—oh, how the “Zoom economy” has made us rethink our wardrobes. We’re not just talking about combing our hair; we’ve got people spending thousands on lighting setups, plastic surgery, and custom backdrops to look halfway human on screen. It's the age of “Zoom makeovers,” and if that doesn’t tell you where our priorities are, I don’t know what will…..On a lighter note, Amazon’s warehouse is now staffed by an army of robots that apparently run faster and cost less than humans. They’re in it for the long haul, with plans to spend billions more on robotics, cloud services, and whatever else might shave a few seconds off delivery time. It’s the company’s answer to keeping us all hooked on next-day delivery….And who knew luxury could fit in a parking spot? Rolling down the highway in a $300K motor home with an onboard garage, a retractable deck, and interiors that rival a ski chalet is now the dream. It’s like five-star hotel meets a Toyota dealership—but on the road. Just don’t forget your mortgage if you want to live that life. …Of course, for those of us not cashing out for comfort, there’s a pod waiting in San Francisco for $700 a month. Brownstone Shared Housing is stacking residents in former banks with pods barely bigger than your childhood fort, but it’s housing, alright? In a city where the average rent rivals a down payment, these pods are a cramped lifeline.

So, there you have it: some data-driven democracy, streaming woes, Zoom-ready makeovers, AI con jobs, Amazon’s robot utopia, five-star mobile homes, and ultra-compact living. We’re on a wild ride, folks. Buckle up—it’s only going to get crazier from here. And that’s why you’re heard, reading all this and more, all here today, in THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

Election Watch

Count Them Up—Perplexity has launched its Election Information Hub to empower voters with reliable information, from understanding key issues to tracking live election results. Designed as a single-stop platform, the hub helps users make informed voting decisions through curated answers on topics like polling locations, voting requirements, and candidate stances. Beginning on Election Day, Perplexity will provide live updates on presidential, senate, and house races with data from the Associated Press. Partnered with Democracy Works, the hub emphasizes transparency by linking sources, helping voters engage confidently in the democratic process. Check it out at perplexity.ai/elections.

Ballmer Puts It Up—Steve Ballmer, former Microsoft CEO, is using his non-profit USAFacts to promote data-driven insights for the 2024 U.S. election, aiming to combat misinformation with unbiased statistics on key topics like inflation and immigration. With a significant $40 million investment, Ballmer’s approach contrasts with social media's focus on rapid, bite-sized information, offering in-depth videos and data resources to inform voters without rhetoric. Despite efforts to influence legislation with facts, Ballmer acknowledges challenges in shifting public discourse but remains focused on empowering citizens to make informed decisions grounded in verifiable data.

Streaming Watch

Is Music Now all Buggled Up— The music industry's reliance on streaming platforms like Spotify has led to financial challenges, as growth in subscriber numbers stagnates, and artists struggle with low payouts. While streaming reduced piracy, it hasn’t entirely eradicated it, and profits are limited by slim margins. Emerging markets offer some expansion potential, yet low user revenue poses a challenge. Meanwhile, social platforms like TikTok capitalize on music engagement without entering streaming, further pressuring traditional models. As labels seek alternatives, monetizing "super fans" is one potential strategy, but the industry remains at a crossroads regarding sustainable growth.

Telecom Watch

Voice Scams With AI—Researchers have shown that OpenAI's ChatGPT-4o, with its advanced voice capabilities, can be manipulated for scams like bank transfers and credential theft. Using prompt manipulation, they bypassed protections to execute voice-based fraud with success rates between 20-60%. Costs for such scams were low, with successful attempts averaging $0.75 to $2.51 per scam. OpenAI has responded with enhanced safeguards in its newer model, “o1-preview,” which scores higher in resisting malicious prompts, aiming to curb such misuse. Despite improvements, concerns linger about cybercriminals leveraging similar AI tools with fewer restrictions.

Zoom Watch

You Look Marvelous—With remote work's rise, a "Zoom economy" has emerged where professionals invest heavily in looking good on camera. Image consultants, like Shelley Golden, offer $495 "Zoom makeovers," advising on lighting, posture, and background aesthetics, while companies like Dream Studio charge up to $8,000 for comprehensive video setups. The trend extends to virtual background design and even plastic surgery, as many seek to refine their appearance for digital interactions. This shift highlights a growing focus on digital presence, especially among older professionals aiming to stay competitive in virtual workspaces.

Robot Watch

The Robotic Warehouse—Amazon is pushing forward with significant investments in AI and robotics to enhance both customer experience and profitability. At its new 2.5 million-square-foot Shreveport fulfillment center, Amazon showcases advanced robotics designed to streamline operations, reduce delivery times, and improve worker safety. CEO Andy Jassy emphasized that these innovations aim to cut fulfillment costs by 25% and expand same-day or next-day delivery options. Additionally, Amazon is allocating around $75 billion in capital spending to bolster its tech infrastructure, particularly in cloud computing and AI services, underscoring its focus on long-term growth and shareholder value.

Housing Watch

Rolling Along The Highway—SmartHomeBeast explores luxury motor home designs that bring five-star comfort to the open road. Highlights include chalet-inspired interiors with timber details, sleek modern designs maximizing space, and futuristic options with curved glass and ambient lighting. Unique features like retractable roof decks, onboard car garages, and eco-friendly layouts create high-end, immersive experiences in nature or urban settings. Whether it’s an alpine lodge on wheels or a minimalist mountain retreat, these motor homes are designed for those seeking luxury and adventure, blending style and functionality for a refined mobile lifestyle.

Cheap Sleep—San Francisco-based startup Brownstone Shared Housing offers $700-per-month sleeping pods, which measure 3.5 by 4 by 6.5 feet and include internet, utilities, and access to shared facilities. Situated in a former bank, the pods provide affordable housing to a range of residents, especially aspiring entrepreneurs. Demand is high, with hundreds applying for just 17 available beds. However, the company faced regulatory issues for unapproved residential use. Despite the controversy surrounding communal “pod” living in the city, the model addresses the need for low-cost housing in a notoriously expensive market, attracting both support and criticism for its ultra-compact lifestyle.

AI Watch

AI is Getting Fashionable—AI startups like Autone and Singuli are tackling fashion's inventory crisis by enhancing demand forecasting and stock optimization. With unpredictable trends and external disruptions, traditional methods are inadequate, leading to overstock and waste. These AI-powered platforms provide sophisticated tools to forecast demand accurately, streamline inventory, and reduce markdowns. This technology is crucial for fashion brands to navigate the complexities of modern retail, ultimately improving efficiency and profitability.

Picture That—Seattle's One Union Square now features "The Portal," a high-tech, immersive entryway designed by Lightspeed Design, showcasing iconic Pacific Northwest visuals on 248 high-resolution LED panels. This 14-foot-high, 42-foot-wide installation uses AI to enhance images and simulate real-time natural scenes, like the Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier, offering visitors a moving art experience. Integrated into the building's $120 million renovation, the display provides a unique and calming experience for those entering, blending advanced digital technology with local cultural beauty in a public art installation that elevates the lobby's aesthetic appeal.

Eating Their Own Dog Food—OpenAI's marketing team uses ChatGPT for a variety of tasks, including content generation, customer research, and data analysis. In a recent demo, they highlighted applications like adjusting privacy settings, crafting marketing materials, and generating visual content. The team demonstrated tools like ChatGPT-4o with Canvas for document editing and ChatGPT o1-preview for complex strategic planning. Despite its versatility, OpenAI’s “all-in-one” approach faces competition from specialized tools, particularly for tasks requiring precise outputs. The video session showcased ChatGPT's potential for productivity, although further refinements in user experience and output quality are anticipated. It’s worth watching.

A16Z On Telling What They Told ‘Em—Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and Microsoft advocate for public policies that support AI startups, focusing on innovation, competition, and open-source access. They highlight the need for balanced regulations that reduce barriers for small businesses, encourage diverse AI models, and promote open data access. Their “Little Tech Agenda” underscores collaboration between “Big Tech” and startups to build a robust AI economy. With investments in AI infrastructure and principles for ethical AI use, a16z and Microsoft emphasize empowering entrepreneurs while ensuring safety, positioning U.S. innovation at the forefront of global tech development.

AI and Your Service—Palantir's hybrid model—combining technology with deep customer service—has become a blueprint for tech-enabled AI services. This approach, emphasized by concepts like “business ontology,” optimizes complex workflows by integrating human expertise with AI. Such companies enhance productivity in sectors like logistics and healthcare by automating labor-intensive tasks, improving service quality and margins. This underscores metrics-driven growth, targeted R&D, and the unique cultural blend of operational and technical teams as keys to success in this new AI-powered services wave.

Marketing Watch

The Web is Dying. Long Live The Web—The rise of AI-generated content and bot activity has led to a pervasive sense of distrust online, challenging traditional marketing strategies. Generative AI has overwhelmed platforms like Google and Facebook, prompting a shift in consumer behavior as people increasingly seek authenticity. This "Dead Internet Theory" posits that bots and artificial content are now so prevalent that genuine human interactions feel obscured. Consequently, consumers are retreating to smaller, trusted communities, like niche forums and messaging groups, where ad intrusions are unwelcome. Marketers are thus urged to embrace simplicity, focusing on authentic engagement through channels like word-of-mouth, TV, and radio, reflecting a pre-social media era approach.

WorkPlace Watch

Write On—Paul Graham discusses a future where writing becomes rare due to AI’s ability to handle written tasks, predicting a divide between those who can write and those who rely on AI. He argues that writing enhances clear thinking, citing Leslie Lamport’s view that true thinking requires writing. Without the pressure to write, many will forgo this skill, resulting in a "writes" vs. "write-nots" society akin to how physical strength became a choice in industrialized times. Graham suggests that those who choose to write will maintain intellectual rigor, while others may miss out on critical thinking benefits.

Security Watch

Private Eyes—Block Party, a new privacy-focused service, scans major online platforms for 223 security and privacy settings, highlighting vulnerabilities across sites like Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, and more. For $20 annually, it provides a checklist of actionable fixes, shielding users from data exploitation and potential security risks. Developed by Tracy Chou, Block Party was designed to address real-world risks posed by overexposure, such as stalking or identity theft, and aligns its revenue model with user privacy rather than data monetization. While it requires a browser extension and offers limited mobile support, Block Party presents a streamlined solution for digital privacy.

Mobile Watch

The Next Smartphone—Huawei is gearing up to compete with top flagship phones through its Mate 70 series, featuring HarmonyOS NEXT, an Android-free operating system designed for superior efficiency and fluency. Expected upgrades include a new 5nm Kirin chip, advanced satellite communication capabilities, AI-enhanced photo tools, and improved camera and fingerprint sensors. Huawei's emphasis on in-house technology and features like satellite image-sending and ultrasonic fingerprint scanning aims to differentiate the Mate 70 series, positioning it as a strong contender in the high-end smartphone market.

Health Watch

Good Morning Mr. Phelps—Researchers have developed a compound that triggers cancer cells to self-destruct by combining two proteins: BCL6 and CDK9. Normally, BCL6 helps certain cancer cells avoid programmed death, but when tethered to CDK9, it activates apoptosis, forcing the cancer cells to die. This approach, initially tested in lymphoma, could revolutionize cancer treatment by targeting cancer cells directly while sparing healthy ones. Current tests in mice show promise, suggesting this method could offer a new, highly specific alternative to traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.

Speed2Cool Watch

Join the Master of The Message, Bill Ryan and I as we dive into Story, Legend and Backstory, tomorrow on our weekly WITI. Register on the WITI website and learn why having a good story is more than just that.