The Comunicano for Monday September 16 2024

All The News You Need to Read--and Watch!

Alright, folks, buckle up because we’re diving into the fast lane of the future. And the future? It’s happening right now.

First off, TikTok. The app that’s redefined entertainment is now at the center of a legal showdown that could boot it out of the U.S. by 2025. That’s right, ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, is battling in court, arguing that forcing them to divest is unconstitutional. On the line? 170 million American users. January 19, 2025, is the deadline. Let’s see if TikTok survives the storm or fades into the ether….Now, let’s shift gears to AI and crime. South Korea’s not playing around. They’ve developed “Dejaview,” an AI system that can predict crimes before they happen. Think Minority Report but real, and with an 82.8% accuracy rate. By analyzing CCTV footage, time, and past incidents, this thing spots trouble before it even starts. It's already been rolled out in public safety trials, with commercial availability possible by 2025. But hold up—privacy concerns are bubbling up, and rightfully so. Predictive policing? It's a double-edged sword….

And speaking of AI, it’s not just about crime. Creativity is booming in 2024 thanks to AI. Instead of replacing us, AI is empowering creatives—automating repetitive tasks so designers, musicians, and writers can focus on what matters: higher-level thinking. AI tools are becoming collaborators, not competitors. It's about making the mundane disappear so innovation can thrive. And if you thought AI was here to steal the show, think again. It’s here to help us hit new heights…..But AI isn’t just rewriting creativity—it’s reshaping the workplace. Slack's latest update is proof of that. Integrate an AI agent like AgentForce, and suddenly your workflow is smarter and faster. Customer service? Handled. HR? Covered. IT support? Done. These AI agents take the tedious tasks off your plate, letting teams focus on strategy and collaboration. It's the next wave of AI, and it's sweeping across industries. Everyone’s talking about it and with good reason. If you’re not onboard, you're about to be left behind.

Now, let’s talk about one of the smallest yet coolest tech innovations of the year—the NanoPhone. This thing is the size of a credit card, but don’t let that fool you. It’s got dual SIM, 4G, and apps like WhatsApp. For just $99.97, it’s perfect for travelers or anyone who needs a backup device that’s sleek and portable. Slip it in your pocket and go. It’s the epitome of "less is more" in the tech world…..Switching gears again, we’re diving into 3D-printed houses. Yes, you heard me. In California, a company is turning recycled plastic into tiny, eco-friendly homes. They’re fast to assemble and super durable, tackling the housing shortage and plastic waste crisis all at once. It's a glimpse of the future where sustainability and affordability walk hand in hand. Forget the cookie-cutter homes—we’re printing our way to a better world.

And while we’re at it, let’s give a round of applause to NBA Africa's Triple-Double accelerator. Ten startups from seven African nations are heading to New York to pitch their ideas—everything from AI to event management—showcasing the continent's tech prowess. It’s a global stage, and these innovators are ready to shine. The winners get mentorship and funding, proving Africa’s tech scene is a force to be reckoned with.

Oh, and don’t sleep on Negroni Week—bars and restaurants across the globe are mixing up their best takes on the classic cocktail, all for charity. It’s creativity in a glass, and it’s for a good cause. A perfect mix, wouldn’t you say?

Lastly, if you’re into sports memorabilia, you’ll want to keep your eyes on Long Island. A treasure trove of vintage baseball cards, autographs, and rare sports gear has been unearthed, valued in the millions. This forgotten collection could shake up the memorabilia market. It’s a collector's dream come true—and a reminder that sometimes the past is worth holding onto.

So, what does it all mean? From AI predicting crimes and boosting creativity to tiny phones and 3D-printed homes, the future is knocking at the door—and it's bringing innovation on every front. The tech world is shifting, and whether you're riding the wave or watching from the sidelines, one thing’s for sure: the future waits for no one…and it, and more, is all here in today’s “Comunicano”!!!

And so, now, on with the news….

Andy Abramson

TikTok Watch

The Clock is Tiking—TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, are facing a critical court hearing that could determine the app's future in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals is hearing a legal challenge to a law requiring ByteDance to divest from TikTok or face a ban by January 19, 2025. ByteDance argues that the law is unconstitutional, citing concerns over free speech and divestiture's technical and commercial feasibility. The decision could have significant implications for TikTok’s 170 million American users.
More on this in The Verge

AI Watch

Its Crime Time—South Korea's Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute has developed "Dejaview," an AI system that predicts and helps prevent crimes by analyzing CCTV footage. Using machine learning, Dejaview identifies patterns based on factors like time, location, and past crime data, accurately predicting incidents 82.8% of the time in trials. The system also tracks high-risk individuals, monitoring their behavior to prevent repeat offenses. Initially applied to public safety infrastructure, Dejaview may be commercially available by 2025. This AI technology raises privacy concerns and is part of a global trend in predictive policing.

Creativity Is Booming—AI is reshaping creativity in 2024 with its transformative potential. By automating repetitive tasks and enhancing ideation processes, AI is empowering creators to focus on higher-level thinking. Using AI tools for design, music, and writing demonstrates how the technology complements human ingenuity rather than replacing it. While AI's role in creative fields sparks debate, its real potential is to supercharge productivity and innovation.

Do you Have an Agent—In Slack's latest update, users can integrate AI agents like AgentForce to automate workflows, including customer service, HR tasks, and IT support. These agents can handle routine inquiries, manage task assignments, and even trigger automated processes based on user behavior. In my recent LinkedIn post this past Saturday, I discussed the rise of such AI agents, which enable smarter, more efficient operations across industries by taking over repetitive tasks and enhancing team collaboration, underscoring the agentic AI revolution.
More About this from Venture Beat

The Pressures On OpenAI—OpenAI's partnership with Apple marks a pivotal moment, amplifying its reach by embedding AI tools directly into iOS and macOS platforms. Despite this boost, the company faces mounting pressure from its sky-high valuation, a restructuring of its for-profit and nonprofit models, and the upcoming launches of its new AI models, including GPT-5. CEO Sam Altman, already dealing with internal tensions and leadership challenges, must now guide OpenAI through these growing pains as the world watches to see if the company can sustain its momentum in the evolving AI landscape.

Science Watch

Buzz Off—Researchers at Hebrew University have developed a cellulose-based gel that prevents mosquito bites and reduces their reproduction ability. The gel forms a strong, transparent film on the skin, blocking the scents that attract mosquitoes. Tests showed an 80% reduction in bites and a 99.4% reduction in mosquito egg production. This innovation could significantly curb mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, offering a safer alternative to chemical repellents. The team is now refining the prototype for broader use.

HouseTech Watch

Print My House—A California-based company is producing 3D-printed tiny homes using recycled waste plastic to address housing shortages and environmental concerns. The firm converts plastic waste into durable, low-cost housing structures that are quickly assembled. These eco-friendly homes offer a sustainable solution to the growing housing crisis while also tackling the global plastic waste problem. The initiative highlights the potential of innovative technology in creating affordable and environmentally conscious housing options.Aviation Watch

Gadget Watch

It’s So Small—The NanoPhone is a compact, credit-card-sized smartphone designed for portability and versatility. Despite its small size, it offers features like dual SIM support, 4G connectivity, and access to popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. Priced at $99.97, it's ideal for travelers or as a backup device. Its miniaturized design fits easily in pockets or bags, making it perfect for on-the-go use.

App Watch

Evernote Jitters—Evernote's future as a productivity app is in question as it faces significant challenges. Once a leader in note-taking and organization, the company has struggled with competition and changing user needs. The app's evolution, its acquisition by Bending Spoons, and shifting market dynamics have led to uncertainty about its direction. However, Evernote still has a dedicated user base, and its future developments could determine whether it remains relevant in the productivity space.

EventTech Watch

Hoop It Up—Ten African startups from seven countries will pitch their innovative solutions at NBA Africa’s Triple-Double accelerator demo day on September 25. Selected from a variety of industries, including event management, youth development, AI, and digital marketing, these startups will present their projects to a panel of experts in New York City. Four winners will receive financial support, mentorship, and opportunities for further development with NBA Africa. The finalists include startups from Nigeria, Rwanda, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Ghana, Egypt, and South Africa.

No Tickee, You Watchee—NFT ticketing is emerging as a potential solution to the issues of scalping and counterfeit tickets. By leveraging blockchain technology, NFTs provide a secure, verifiable way to issue and transfer tickets, ensuring authenticity and eliminating the resale of fake tickets. The transparency of blockchain records also allows event organizers to control secondary market sales, potentially reducing inflated prices from scalpers. This innovative approach could transform the ticketing industry by enhancing security and fairness.

AV Watch

Go For a Ride—Alibaba's Taobao has partnered with Xiaomi and Apple to offer the Xiaomi SU7 electric vehicle virtual test drives via the Apple Vision Pro headset. This feature allows potential buyers to experience the car in 3D, exploring its exterior, interior, and customizable features while simulating a test drive through various environments. The integration of spatial computing brings a more immersive online shopping experience, merging the digital and physical retail worlds. This innovation could transform how consumers research and purchase vehicles, enhancing engagement and confidence before buying.

It’s Time To Fly—The Jetson ONE is a revolutionary personal aircraft capable of flying at 63 mph and reaching altitudes of 1,500 feet. Powered by eight electric motors, this ultralight craft offers 20 minutes of flight time and requires no pilot license due to its classification. With intuitive joystick controls and safety features like a ballistic parachute, the Jetson ONE makes personal flight accessible to all. Pre-orders have already sold out, signaling strong demand for this futuristic mode of transportation.

Travel Watch

Making Plane Sense Out Of Data—Airline executives are grappling with challenges like data access, communication, and personalization, especially after disruptions like the global IT outage and summer strikes. At the *Grounded in Iceland* event hosted by Plan3, they discussed how better internal communication and proactive passenger updates could ease the chaos. For example, Guðný Halla Hauksdóttir of Icelandair emphasized that even sending a message with the phrase “no updates” can reduce calls by 40%. Play Airlines, being newer, has a streamlined data system allowing quick decisions, while SAS Connect highlighted the struggle to make early calls due to incomplete data, urging more passenger-centric approaches.

Relax. Just Do It—Relaxed visa rules worldwide are creating new opportunities for travelers and tourism. By lowering bureaucratic barriers, countries are facilitating easier access, leading to an increase in international tourism and business travel. The trend of simplifying visa processes is expected to boost economies by promoting cross-border mobility and making destinations more accessible to a broader range of travelers. These changes are reshaping the global travel landscape, offering more flexibility and encouraging cultural exchange.

Data Center Watch

Cool Off—To meet the growing demands of AI and GPU processing, Hong Kong’s Global Switch data center has adopted liquid cooling technology. Traditional air-cooling systems are no longer sufficient to handle the heat generated by advanced AI chips. Liquid cooling, though more expensive upfront, significantly reduces energy consumption and cooling costs over time. As AI continues to expand, data centers are expected to consume up to 7% of global electricity by 2035, making energy-efficient solutions like liquid cooling a necessity.

From Oil to AI—Aramco Digital has unveiled new partnerships to advance AI and wireless technologies, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative. These collaborations focus on enhancing the country's digital infrastructure by integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and 5G into Aramco’s operations, improving efficiency and driving innovation in the energy and technology sectors. The partnerships are part of Aramco's broader strategy to accelerate digital transformation, fostering a tech-driven economy and supporting the diversification goals outlined in Vision 2030. Both Groq and Qualcomm are involved.

Memorabilia Watch

Card Sharks—A massive, forgotten sports memorabilia collection worth millions was recently discovered in a Long Island warehouse. The collection includes rare items such as vintage baseball cards, autographs, and historic sports equipment. It was amassed by the late family patriarch, whose passion for sports collectibles went largely unnoticed. Now, the heirs are navigating the complexities of managing and appraising the valuable trove, which could make waves in the sports memorabilia market.

Cocktail Watch

Make Mine a Double—Negroni Week is an annual event celebrating the classic Negroni cocktail while raising funds for charitable causes. Hosted by Imbibe Magazine and Campari, bars, and restaurants worldwide participate by crafting unique Negroni variations, with a portion of proceeds going to charity. The week-long event promotes creativity in cocktail-making and philanthropy, drawing cocktail enthusiasts to support worthy causes.

Trailer Of The Day

Gibbs is Back (sort of) in NCIS Origins. The new series introduces a fresh Special Agent, an earlier version of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, navigating life within the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Haunted by a traumatic past, the agent must learn to trust his team and instincts. The trailer teases an intense, action-packed storyline filled with mystery, teamwork, and personal struggles. The show premieres on CBS on October 14th and will be available for streaming on Paramount Plus as part of CBS Premier Week.

Music Video of The Day

The controversial Boomtown Rats' song "I Don't Like Mondays" was inspired by a tragic event in 1979 when 16-year-old Brenda Ann Spencer opened fire at a school in San Diego, killing two people and injuring several others. When asked why she did it, she reportedly said, "I don't like Mondays." The song reflects the senselessness of the act and the media’s fascination with such tragedies. It became one of the band’s biggest hits, raising awareness of the shocking nature of the incident.

The App of The Day

Airbounce is A Game Changer for Mac Zoom Users

Airbounce offers a unique approach to simplifying Zoom meetings for Mac users by leveraging the Caps Lock key as a control hub. It turns an often-unused key into a multi-function tool, allowing you to join meetings, mute/unmute your microphone, or leave a call—all with a single key press. The app provides visual cues on your microphone's status, ensuring that common Zoom pitfalls like "you're on mute" are avoided.

Features:

- Caps Lock Zoom Control: Airbounce converts the Caps Lock key into a controller, giving you easy access to essential Zoom functions like joining a meeting, muting/unmuting, and leaving a call. This is great for those who find managing on-screen controls distracting or want to streamline their interactions during meetings.

- Visual Feedback: It offers clear visual feedback, such as displaying whether you're muted or not, helping eliminate any confusion during calls.

- Simple Integration: Airbounce integrates directly with Zoom on Mac, focusing on convenience by offering a clean, minimalist approach. It's particularly useful for users in back-to-back meetings who want seamless, fast transitions.

- Customizable Actions: One of the standout features is the ability to customize what happens when you press the Caps Lock key, making the app highly adaptable to different workflows.

Comparison:

If you're familiar with other Zoom-related apps, you might find Airbounce similar in purpose to "Mute Me" or "Shush," which offer muting options. However, Airbounce goes beyond by integrating directly with the Zoom platform on a system-wide level, allowing for deeper control and customization on Mac.

Ideal Use Cases:

- Frequent Zoom Users: Perfect for professionals who spend their day on Zoom and want to optimize their workflow.

- Remote Workers: Makes virtual meetings easier to manage, particularly for those running multiple calls a day.

- Presenters and Hosts: Airbounce is a lifesaver for hosts needing quick and unobtrusive controls during presentations.

Availability:

Airbounce is exclusively for Mac users, and you can download it directly from the Airbounce website. It has a $16 one-time fee, but it offers a free trial, so you can see if it fits your needs before committing.

Final Thoughts:

For Mac users who live inside Zoom, Airbounce is an invaluable tool that adds efficiency and simplicity to meetings. With one-touch control and no need to worry about screen buttons or missed cues, it’s a solid investment for anyone looking to up their Zoom game.