The Comunicano for Monday September 9th 2024
In today’s Comunicano, we’ll dive into today’s Apple's September event, unveiling the iPhone 16 with AI-powered Siri, new Apple Watches, and USB-C AirPods 4, but as far as AI, it won’t be a tasty….We’l check out how SoftBank is ramping up its AI investments in Europe, with $9 billion annually for startups like Wayve….We’ll also examine how London’s e-bike surge has sparked regulation talks….Did you know that SpaceX's Starlink now controls two-thirds of active satellites and how it’s raising space congestion concerns…In schools, smartphone use is under fire for disrupting learning, though crucial in emergencies…Meanwhile, Russia is throttling YouTube, and sneaker brand SeaVees makes a sustainable comeback…The airlines are making business class a suite-r way to travel…Just in time for the holidays Smaller products abound…Lastly, I’ll explain why the Craft app stands out as a sleek, collaborative writing tool….Those stories and more are all here today in The Comunicano.
Andy Abramson
Apple Watch
What’s Up With Apple—At Apple’s September 9 event, the spotlight will be on the iPhone 16, featuring AI-powered advancements like an enhanced Siri. The event, dubbed "It’s Glowtime," will also showcase new Apple Watch models and AirPods 4, with USB-C and better sound. This follows Apple's June unveiling of iOS 18 and "Apple Intelligence," aimed at making devices smarter with integrated AI capabilities. However, products like AirPods Max 2 are expected to be available later in the year.
It Doesn’t Fall Far From The Tree—Apple's anticipated AI features for the iPhone 16 are facing delays, diminishing hopes for a "super cycle" of upgrades. The staggered rollout of Apple Intelligence, with key features postponed until 2025, limits the immediate appeal of the iPhone 16. While AI is a hot topic, many users may not grasp its benefits, and with minimal design changes, consumer excitement remains low. Additionally, the AI tools won't initially be available in key markets like the EU and China. This slow progression suggests any major upgrade surge might be deferred to next year's iPhone 17 launch.
AI Watch
AI in The EU—SoftBank is heavily focused on AI startups in Europe, citing the scarcity of top-tier AI talent as a key reason for high valuations. Sumer Juneja, SoftBank’s managing partner for Europe, the Middle East, and India, revealed that the company is prepared to invest $9 billion annually in AI deals. Recent major investments include $1 billion in autonomous driving company Wayve and a $600 million acquisition of semiconductor startup Graphcore. SoftBank is also eyeing European AI companies like Elevenlabs, Synthesia, Poolside, and 11x, though more significant investments will depend on revenue growth.
AI Has Imposter Syndrome—Journalists and writers are increasingly employed to train AI models like ChatGPT, ironically working for a technology that threatens their own industry. These writers, including academics and freelancers, create “gold standard” responses and help AIs avoid hallucinations—incorrect outputs. As AI models rely on high-quality human input, tech companies have ramped up investments, even though AI can’t train on its own synthetic data without losing reliability. While the roles pay well, the work highlights the tension between writing’s value and its automation, with many questioning the sustainability of this collaboration between human writers and AI.
EZ App Building—Building apps has become easier with the rise of AI tools, which simplify the development process even for those without technical expertise. These AI-driven platforms reduce the need for manual coding, making app creation more accessible, faster, and cost-effective. This is possible as AI technologies drive this trend and make app development a viable option for more businesses and individuals.
Brain Watch
They’re Not Stupid—Researchers at NYIT's College of Osteopathic Medicine are studying the genetic causes of intellectual disability, focusing on a gene mutation affecting heparan sulfate, a molecule crucial for brain cell communication. Led by Dr. Jerry Yingtao Zhao, the team used a novel mouse model to explore the effects of this mutation, revealing impaired brain function. Their findings may pave the way for treatments targeting the cognitive impairments of intellectual disability. Future plans include testing medications to correct these issues in animal models, with hopes for clinical trials.
Water Watch
In the Air Tonight—A1RWATER is opening a sustainable atmospheric water generation facility in Dubai, designed to produce over 100,000 liters of water daily. Using advanced A1R3000 devices, the facility will extract water directly from the air to tackle the region's water scarcity. This initiative offers a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional water sources, reflecting Dubai's commitment to innovative solutions for resource management. The technology may serve as a model for future water sustainability efforts in other arid regions.
Product Watch
Size (Doesn’t) Matter—Wallpaper's list of the best pocketable tech tools showcases compact yet powerful gadgets that combine portability and functionality. Highlights include the MINIROLL Bluetooth speaker by Ultimate Ears, DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone, Osmo Pocket 3 camera, and GPD UMPC Pocket Laptop. These devices cater to creative needs like photography, music production, and writing, all while remaining easily portable. Other notable mentions include the ProtoArc XK01 Tri-Fold Bluetooth Keyboard and the Outin Nano Portable Espresso Machine for on-the-go caffeine needs.
Traveler Watch
How Suite It Is—There are two new aircraft seating concepts taking to the skies: the Mini-Suite and Maxi-Suite. These suites aim to offer enhanced privacy and comfort for passengers, catering to a more premium experience on long-haul flights. The Mini-Suite offers privacy for a single traveler, while the Maxi-Suite is designed for couples or companions, featuring more space and luxury. Both concepts focus on balancing privacy, space, and convenience, and are part of a broader trend in improving the passenger experience in the airline industry. As a globalist, I expect these to evolve even more over the next few years.
Into The Breach—In August 2024, Avis Car Rental suffered a significant cyberattack, impacting nearly 300,000 customers. Hackers breached one of the company's business applications, stealing sensitive personal information such as names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and potentially financial data. The breach was discovered on August 5, and the company immediately took steps to contain the attack. Avis has since notified affected customers and is offering a year of free credit monitoring to help protect against identity theft. The company is also working with cybersecurity experts to bolster its defenses so were you affected?
Money Watch
No IPOs Mean More M&A—With IPOs drying up, Iconiq Capital, backed by Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey, is shifting its focus to mergers and acquisitions and the secondary market to generate returns from its $5.75bn fund. Historically reliant on public markets, Iconiq is now tapping into new opportunities, especially with strategic investors and early shareholders seeking liquidity. The firm is also riding the AI wave, investing in applications rather than capital-intensive models. Iconiq is expanding in Europe, eyeing growth in Paris and London, driven by supportive government initiatives, particularly in AI, as countries compete to be innovation hubs.
More Money for Atomico—Atomico, the venture capital firm founded by Skype's Niklas Zennström, has raised $1.24 billion for its latest fund aimed at European tech start-ups. The fund, Atomico’s sixth and largest to date, signals growing confidence in Europe’s tech ecosystem despite the challenging macroeconomic environment. Atomico will focus on early-stage investments, while also backing more mature companies. The firm sees significant potential in sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, and climate technology. Zennström emphasized Europe’s growing influence in the global tech space, with supportive regulations and increased innovation driving the continent’s tech landscape forward.
Scooter Watch
Rolling Along—London's e-bike boom, driven by operators like Lime and Forest, has caused tensions with local councils due to issues with poorly parked bikes and overcrowding. E-bikes, now essential for commuters, are leading to parking disputes and demands for stricter regulations. Lime has grown its fleet, but councils like Westminster have raised concerns about excess bikes and inadequate enforcement. Transport for London (TfL) is considering city-wide regulation to manage the issue while expanding its e-bike offering.
Satellite Watch
Look, Up in The Sky—Elon Musk’s SpaceX now controls about two-thirds of all active satellites in orbit, thanks to the rapid expansion of its Starlink network. With over 6,000 satellites in operation, the constellation provides global internet coverage and continues to grow at an average rate of three satellites per day. This dominance has raised concerns about the concentration of power in the space sector. Starlink's expansion plans include launching up to 42,000 satellites, targeting remote areas with internet connectivity, although it has also sparked issues related to space congestion and interference with astronomical observations.
School Watch
Distracted Youth—Are smartphones are detrimental to students' ability to focus in classrooms? Research by Jonathan Haidt highlights how frequent notifications and distractions from smartphones impair concentration, disrupt learning, and may lead to long-term cognitive issues in developing brains. Some are advocating for phone-free classrooms to protect students' attention and learning potential as more states consider banning phone use during school hours. They also note concerns about the potential negative impact on mental health.
The Necessary Evil—The recent school shooting in Georgia has reignited the debate over cellphone bans in schools. Many schools across the U.S. have implemented such restrictions to reduce distractions and improve mental health. However, parents opposed to the bans argue that cellphones are vital for communicating during emergencies, such as school shootings. During the Apalachee High School incident, students used their phones to contact loved ones, fearing for their lives. Advocates of cellphone bans, though, warn that phones can become a safety risk if they distract students from emergency instructions.
YouTube Watch
From Russia With Love—Russia is throttling YouTube, the last major Western platform accessible in the country, as part of its effort to control online information and push citizens toward state-approved apps like RuTube. YouTube has long been popular in Russia and is used for everything from entertainment to political activism. However, recent actions, including Google's refusal to block anti-Kremlin channels, have intensified the crackdown. The move raises concerns among internet freedom advocates and dissidents, as it restricts access to independent voices and limits alternative information sources. Further measures could target Telegram, heightening fears of increased censorship.
Email Watch
Less Than Zero—The "inbox zero" concept is increasingly seen as unrealistic in today's workplace. Despite its promise of productivity, constantly chasing an empty inbox can create more stress than it alleviates. With the average worker receiving around 120 emails daily, staying on top of the flood becomes impossible. Instead, people should accept that achieving proper inbox zero is not feasible and focus on more effective time management. Genuinely urgent emails will resurface, so focusing on priorities is better than achieving a clean slate in your inbox.
Fashion Watch
A Blast From The Past—SeaVees, a beloved sneaker brand, is returning after its fall from the spotlight. Known for its classic California-inspired designs from the 1960s, the brand has been revived with a focus on sustainability and craftsmanship. SeaVees was rediscovered and revitalized by Steven Tiller, who is working to maintain its original charm while incorporating modern elements. The brand aims to stay true to its roots, appealing to a new generation of consumers looking for timeless, quality footwear.
Video Watch
Review Watch
Think of Craft as Google Docs or Word on steroids.
Craft is a modern writing and collaboration app designed to enhance productivity and creativity. Available on iOS, macOS, and the web, Craft focuses on structured, connected writing, allowing users to create and organize their notes, documents, and ideas in a visually appealing and flexible way. With blocks-based editing, you can embed media and link between pages, allowing you to collaborate with team members in real-time.
Features:
- Visual Blocks: Organize content into blocks, like Notion.
- Cross-Platform Sync: Seamless integration between devices.
- Collaboration: Work with teams on shared documents.
Benefits:
Craft combines simplicity with power, providing tools for personal note-taking, professional project documentation, and team collaboration. The clean interface keeps things organized while offering creative freedom.
Comparison:
Compared to Notion or Evernote, Craft excels in its design, focusing on structure and aesthetics without overwhelming users. It feels more personal than Notion and offers a better visual experience than Evernote.
You can download Craft from the Craft website or find it in the Apple App Store.
