The Comunicano for Thursday January 30th 2025

Blackhawk Down

Jan 30, 2025

Welcome to another edition of THE COMUNICANO, where the pace of innovation never slows down, and today’s headlines are a defining moment to just how fast the industry is evolving….Let’s start with Mistral AI. The French AI company has just unveiled Mistral Small 3, a model that punches way above its weight class. It’s got 24 billion parameters, but here’s the kicker—it's more than three times faster than its bulkier competitors while maintaining over 81% accuracy on key benchmarks. And, unlike other large-scale models that demand high-end infrastructure, this one runs on accessible hardware like an RTX 4090 or even a MacBook with 32GB of RAM. Open-source, high-performance, and efficient? That’s a winning combo….Speaking of performance, Simon Willison’s analysis of Mistral Small 3 highlights just how far efficiency has come. This is about balance—speed, usability, and cost-effectiveness all in one package. The AI arms race isn’t just about raw power anymore; it’s about getting the most bang for your compute buck.

Meanwhile, over in China, DeepSeek is shaking things up with its open-source AI models that are up to 30 times cheaper to run than Western alternatives. But not all press is good press—NewsGuard’s audit of DeepSeek’s chatbot revealed an 83% fail rate in providing accurate news information, raising serious concerns about misinformation and bias. If AI is going to play a role in journalism and real-time information, accuracy is non-negotiable….On the security front, Wiz Research uncovered a significant data leak at DeepSeek, exposing over a million log entries, API keys, and chat histories. While DeepSeek has since secured the breach, this is yet another reminder that AI security needs to be as strong as its intelligence.

Shifting gears to OpenAI, the company is investigating whether DeepSeek used a technique called “distillation” to replicate proprietary models. While distillation is a common method in AI training, there’s a fine line between learning from an approach and outright replication. The battle over AI intellectual property is only heating up….And then there’s OpenAI’s latest move—partnering with U.S. National Laboratories to apply AI in scientific research. Think climate modeling, nuclear fusion, and materials science. AI isn’t just about chatbots and virtual assistants; it’s driving real-world breakthroughs that could define the next decade.

In the mobile world, Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile have made history with the first-ever satellite video call using a standard smartphone. No special hardware, no bulky satellite phones—just a regular 4G or 5G device. That means true global coverage, a game-changer for rural and remote areas. This is the future of connectivity, and it’s coming fast….Gaming is also evolving, with Fortnite making a major shift into the social space. Epic Games is positioning it as more than just a battle royale—it’s becoming a user-generated content powerhouse, more akin to Roblox or the metaverse. The lines between gaming and social networking are blurring, and Fortnite is leading the charge.

Meanwhile, Google is integrating Gemini AI into Sheets, making generating charts and insights with natural language queries easier than ever. This is one of those features that might not make headlines, but for businesses and analysts, it’s a game-changer in workflow automation….And then there’s Bill Gates. A new book describes his leadership style as intense and demanding, with employees carefully analyzing his every reaction. The Gates Foundation is one of the most influential philanthropic organizations in the world, but it’s clear that working there comes with high expectations. Leadership, especially at this level, is never one-dimensional.

Over at Amazon, cost-cutting continues with layoffs in the communications and sustainability divisions. While these kinds of moves aren’t uncommon in big tech, they highlight the ongoing shift towards efficiency and automation…..Cybersecurity remains a hot topic as hackers exploit WordPress sites to distribute malware disguised as legitimate updates. If you run a website, now’s the time to double down on security measures—this threat is targeting both Windows and Mac users.

Finally, Comcast is rolling out ultra-low-lag internet in collaboration with Meta, NVIDIA, and Valve. If you’re a gamer or a remote worker relying on seamless video calls, this could be the difference between frustration and fluidity. Expect faster response times and a more reliable experience across the board.

The AI revolution is happening now, and whether it’s in open-source breakthroughs, mobile connectivity, or enterprise solutions, the pace of change is exhilarating. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more ahead, here today, and the next, in THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

AI Watch

Mistral AI Unveils Small 3 Model for Speed and Efficiency (Mistral.ai)—Mistral AI has introduced Mistral Small 3, a 24-billion-parameter model designed for low-latency performance. Released under the Apache 2.0 license, it rivals larger models like Llama 3.3 70B and Qwen 32B, offering over 81% accuracy on MMLU benchmarks while being more than three times faster on equivalent hardware. The model is optimized for applications like conversational AI and can run on accessible hardware, including a single RTX 4090 or a MacBook with 32GB RAM.
Read more here

Mistral Small 3: Expert Insights on Performance (Simonwillison.net)—Simon Willison provides a technical breakdown of Mistral Small 3, noting its efficiency and accessibility. The model’s open-source nature allows researchers to explore its capabilities freely. Benchmarks indicate that it outperforms many competitors in speed and usability while maintaining strong accuracy in reasoning tasks. The release highlights a shift toward highly optimized models that balance performance and cost-effectiveness.
Read more here

DeepSeek AI Scores Poorly in Misinformation Audit (Newsguardrealitycheck.com)—A NewsGuard audit found DeepSeek’s chatbot had an 83% fail rate in providing accurate information on news topics, ranking 10th out of 11 tested models. The chatbot often reflected Chinese government positions even in unrelated queries, raising concerns about bias and misinformation. The results emphasize the importance of transparency and accuracy in AI-generated content.
Read more here

AI Export Controls and DeepSeek’s Impact (Darioamodei.com)—Dario Amodei discusses the geopolitical implications of AI export controls, focusing on DeepSeek’s emergence as a competitive open-source model. DeepSeek’s efficiency challenges assumptions about AI development, showing that powerful models can be both cost-effective and accessible. The article highlights concerns about national security and the potential risks of unrestricted AI advancements.
Read more here

DeepSeek Challenges AI Norms with Open-Source Model (Wheresyoured.at)—Chinese AI company DeepSeek has released models that challenge Western tech giants by being open-source and significantly more efficient—up to 30 times cheaper to run. Their DeepSeek R1 model competes with OpenAI’s o1 "reasoning" model and can operate locally on modest hardware. This development questions the belief that advanced AI must be resource-intensive and costly, potentially reshaping industry dynamics.
Read more here

DeepSeek Data Leak Exposes Sensitive Information (Wiz.io)—Wiz Research discovered an unsecured ClickHouse database belonging to DeepSeek, exposing over a million log entries containing chat histories, API keys, and backend details. The publicly accessible database posed significant security risks, allowing full control over operations without authentication. DeepSeek quickly secured the exposure, highlighting the importance of robust security in AI operations.

OpenAI Watch

OpenAI Investigates DeepSeek's Use of 'Distillation' Technique (SCMP.com)—OpenAI is examining whether Chinese AI startup DeepSeek employed a method called "distillation" to develop its AI models. Distillation involves training a smaller model to mimic a larger one, potentially allowing DeepSeek to replicate OpenAI's proprietary technology. While distillation is common in AI development, using it to duplicate closed-source models without authorization raises ethical and legal concerns. This situation highlights the challenges in protecting intellectual property within the AI industry.
Read more here

OpenAI Partners with U.S. National Labs on Scientific Research (CNBC)—OpenAI has partnered with U.S. National Laboratories to advance AI-driven scientific research. The collaboration aims to leverage AI in fields such as materials science, climate modeling, and nuclear fusion research. This partnership reflects growing governmental interest in using AI for scientific discovery while ensuring safety and regulatory oversight.
Read more here

Mobile Watch

Vodafone Conducts First Satellite Video Call Using a Regular Smartphone (The Verge)—Vodafone, in partnership with AST SpaceMobile, has successfully conducted the world’s first satellite video call using a standard smartphone. The call was made from a remote location in Wales to Vodafone’s CEO, demonstrating the potential to provide mobile broadband service without specialized satellite hardware. The technology aims to bridge connectivity gaps in remote regions, and a commercial rollout is expected by the end of 2025.
Read more here

Vodafone’s Space Call: A Solution for No-Coverage Zones (EENews Europe)—Vodafone’s satellite video call represents a breakthrough in mobile communication. Using AST SpaceMobile’s satellite network, the demonstration proves that standard smartphones can access satellite networks without modifications. The technology could provide reliable connectivity in remote and disaster-affected areas, addressing longstanding mobile coverage challenges.
Read more here

Gaming Watch

Fortnite’s Evolution into a Social Hub (Postingnexus.substack.com)—Fortnite is shifting from a battle royale game to a broader social and creative platform. Epic Games is integrating new features that emphasize user-generated content, interactive experiences, and persistent social spaces. This transformation aims to position Fortnite as a digital hub similar to Roblox or the metaverse concepts promoted by Meta.
Read more here

Google Watch

Google Sheets Gets AI-Powered Chart Generation with Gemini—(Workspaceupdates.googleblog.com)—Google has integrated Gemini AI into Google Sheets, allowing users to generate charts and insights using natural language queries. Users can ask questions about their data, and Gemini provides contextual trends, patterns, and correlations. This feature aims to simplify data analysis for professionals across various industries.
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Gemini AI Automates Spreadsheet Visualization (The Verge)—Gemini AI can now convert spreadsheet data into charts automatically. The update enhances Google Sheets’ usability by reducing the manual effort needed to analyze trends and insights. The AI-generated charts help users quickly understand data patterns, making it a valuable tool for businesses and researchers.
Read more here

Gates Watch

Bill Gates’ Leadership Style Critiqued in New Book (New York Times)—A new book by journalist Anupreeta Das describes Bill Gates’ leadership at the Gates Foundation as intimidating and highly demanding. Employees reportedly analyzed his reactions closely and struggled to meet his high expectations. The book portrays Gates as deeply involved but also as creating a tense work environment. Gates’ representatives have dismissed the claims as exaggerated and based on unreliable accounts.
Read more here

Amazon Watch

Amazon Implements Job Cuts in Communications and Sustainability Divisions (GeekWire)—Amazon has laid off employees in its communications and sustainability departments as part of its latest cost-cutting measures. The company did not disclose the exact number of roles eliminated, but reports indicate that dozens of corporate positions were affected. According to Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser, the decision aims to streamline operations, enhance ownership, and align teams more closely with customer needs. Impacted U.S. employees will receive at least 60 days of pay and benefits, along with severance packages, transitional health insurance, and job placement support. This move follows previous layoffs, including approximately 200 positions in the North America Stores division earlier this month.
Read more here

Apple Watch

Apple Adds 50 New Features to iOS 18 Since Launch (MacRumors.com)—Since its September 2024 release, Apple has introduced 50 new features to iOS 18 through updates 18.1, 18.2, and 18.3. Enhancements include a Control Center reset option, allowing users to revert to default settings, and a 'Share Item Location' feature in Find My, enabling users to share AirTag locations with trusted contacts or airlines. These updates aim to improve user experience and device functionality.
Read more here

WordPress Watch

Hackers Exploit WordPress Sites to Distribute Malware (TechCrunch.com)—Cybercriminals are compromising WordPress websites to deliver malware targeting both Windows and Mac systems. They redirect visitors to fake update pages, prompting them to download malicious software disguised as legitimate updates. This campaign relies on social engineering, as users must be tricked into initiating the downloads. Website owners are advised to maintain updated security measures to prevent such hijackings.
Read more here

Broadband Watch

Comcast Launches Ultra-Low Lag Xfinity Internet with Major Partners (Comcast.com)—Comcast has introduced an ultra-low lag Xfinity Internet experience, significantly reducing latency for applications like FaceTime, NVIDIA's GeForce NOW, and various games on Valve's Steam platform. Developed in collaboration with Meta, NVIDIA, and Valve, this technology enhances responsiveness for gaming, video conferencing, and virtual reality applications. The rollout has begun in cities including Atlanta, Chicago, and San Francisco, with plans for broader availability in the coming months.
Read more here

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