The Comunicano for September 5th 2024
Hi. Here are some stories to get you thinking. Please do let me know what you think…as always. The new format isn’t as pretty as Revue was, but over time we’ll get there.
Andy Abramson
Robot Watch
Amazon Gets More Robotic—In 2012, Amazon acquired Kiva Systems, revolutionizing its warehouse operations through automation. Recently, Amazon hired the founders of Covariant, a startup experimenting with AI for object handling in warehouses. The agreement includes licensing Covariant’s AI models and data, potentially heralding another e-commerce revolution. Covariant had faced commercialization challenges due to high costs and competition; however, Amazon's scale and data resources might overcome these barriers. This strategy reflects a broader trend of tech giants acquiring talent and expertise from AI startups to enhance operational efficiencies and automation capabilities while still requiring some human intervention in fulfillment processes.
Your Future in Robotics —The best robotics courses in 2024 offer a variety of specialized tracks, from Coursera's beginner-friendly "Robotics Specialization" to Udacity's advanced "Robotics Software Engineer" nanodegree. Each course covers key aspects like circuits, programming, and AI, providing hands-on projects. Whether you're a novice or a professional, options like Arduino for beginners or Udemy’s practical UiPath RPA developer course cater to diverse needs. These programs help learners gain crucial skills in designing, building, and coding robots for real-world applications. Explore the detailed offerings to choose what fits your career goals.
AI Watch
Is Tesla on the Right Track—Tesla's latest AI roadmap update includes several advancements in Full Self-Driving (FSD), but it raises questions rather than providing clarity. With v12.5.2, Tesla claims a "3x improvement" in miles between interventions, but without releasing data, it's hard to validate the progress. Despite new features like Cybertruck Autopark and sunglasses-compatible eye-tracking, Tesla’s refusal to share detailed metrics continues to leave the public guessing. The lack of transparency makes it difficult to trust their timeline for achieving full autonomy. More questions than answers, once again.
Apple’s Mindful Approach to AI—Apple is facing a race against time in its efforts to integrate AI into future iPhones. While competitors are making strides in AI-powered features, Apple is taking a more cautious approach. With hardware advancements lagging behind AI software innovations, the company is betting on future breakthroughs, including AI chips, to bring enhanced functionality to its devices. However, this slow pace raises questions about how Apple will keep up with competitors in the evolving AI landscape.
AI Clears Up The Sound Problem—Wave Sciences has tackled the long-standing "cocktail party problem," where overlapping voices make audio recordings challenging to decipher. By using AI to pinpoint and suppress background noise, the company developed technology capable of isolating individual voices, even in noisy environments. This breakthrough has significant forensic applications, such as in a U.S. murder case where previously inadmissible audio became key evidence. Beyond law enforcement, the tech could revolutionize smart speakers, cars, and AR devices, proving that AI is reshaping how we interact with sound.
Drone Watch
Lightweight Drone Pushes The Limits—DJI’s latest Neo drone weighs less than an iPhone but still packs impressive capabilities. Designed for hobbyists and casual users, it’s light, portable, and perfect for capturing aerial footage. Despite its small size, it features powerful cameras, extended flight time, and improved maneuverability, making it a versatile tool for both creators and enthusiasts. With tech like this, DJI continues to push the boundaries of what's possible with drones, balancing performance and convenience in one sleek package.
Mobile Watch
Thin is In—Honor's Magic V3 just launched globally, earning the title of the thinnest foldable phone on the market. Measuring just 9.2mm when folded, it's lighter and sleeker than previous models yet still packs a punch with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, 12GB of RAM, and a robust 5,150mAh battery. The phone features a 7.92-inch OLED screen and sports a triple-camera system with advanced AI functionalities. It’s a serious competitor in the foldable phone market, but it won’t be available in the U.S.
Product Watch
They Want You To Know—Consumer advocacy groups are urging the FTC to mandate that manufacturers of smart devices disclose how long their products will receive software updates. With growing concerns over security vulnerabilities and device longevity, this push aims to hold companies accountable for ensuring users aren't left with outdated tech shortly after purchase. Currently, many consumers are unaware of when their devices will stop receiving critical updates, which can lead to security risks and wasted investments. Transparency on support timelines could reshape the market for connected devices.
Video Watch
AI Tools You Need—If you want to know what’s happening in AI, watch Matt Wolfe. I never miss what he has to say
Andy In The News
Travel Tales—I was quoted in the Dallas Morning News on the subject of Loyalty programs in travel. I shared my experience with American Airlines and their caste system of only helping passengers of a certain status. What didn’t make the story was my back-and-forth with the American Airlines team about how that process of segregation of passengers by status was akin to Rosa Parks being asked to move to the back of the bus. American Airlines agreed and gave me some points and travel credit.