The Comunicano for Thursday November 7th 2024

Today, I come to you bearing news of shifts that cut across our digital world, our skies, our workplaces, and our lives in ways that shape how we connect, how we act, and how we perceive what lies ahead.

In Canada, we see a line drawn on TikTok’s domain and its operations being disbanded in a cautionary move over national security. The government, wary of foreign data practices, has blocked the app on government devices, sending a clear message that our data deserves protection, yet access remains untouched for citizens. It’s a move mirroring the West’s growing distrust of this platform that has captivated millions worldwide……On the horizon of artificial intelligence, Google is quietly moving forward with “Project Jarvis,” a tool designed to streamline our digital tasks. Though not yet perfect, this technology promises to change the way we interact with our screens, embodying a gradual yet profound shift in AI’s place in our lives.

Meanwhile, in the realm of gaming, NVIDIA has announced restrictions that may dampen the spirits of dedicated GeForce Now users. With a cap on gaming hours, NVIDIA aims to protect the quality of service while averting price hikes. This restriction, beginning in 2025, speaks to the balancing act of innovation and sustainability, affecting countless hours once spent in immersive digital worlds.

For coffee lovers, Starbucks’ new CEO, Brian Niccol, intends to bring back simplicity, aiming to serve a cup of coffee that embodies the warmth and familiarity that made Starbucks a staple of daily routines. Niccol envisions speed, efficiency, and ease, reflecting a back-to-basics approach in an era of rapid customization….In the skies, American Airlines has revised flight attendant protocols for passenger removal in response to concerns over arbitrary decisions. Now, only a captain can remove passengers, seeking to balance safety with fairness, underlining the growing demand for dignity in our shared spaces…..And for those pondering new horizons, the recent election has sparked a renewed interest in relocation among Americans disillusioned with domestic challenges. Whether seeking solace in Canada, Europe, or Latin America, a growing number view foreign lands as viable retreats.

In sum, we find ourselves navigating an era where technology, policy, and personal choice intersect with profound implications. The shifts may be subtle or stark, but they are relentless, demanding that we consider what matters most: the balance between innovation, security, and the simple values that bind us all. Those stories and more are all here for you today, in THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

TikTok Watch

Get Out—Canada ordered the dissolution of TikTok's Canadian business over national security concerns tied to Chinese data practices, marking a significant government intervention. However, Canadians can still use the app, as access won’t be blocked. Canadian intelligence has consistently warned about risks associated with the Chinese-owned platform, emphasizing potential threats to personal data security. Ottawa previously banned TikTok on government devices. The move aligns with broader Western scrutiny of TikTok, including recent U.S. efforts to address similar security issues with ByteDance, TikTok's parent company.

Google Watch

Oops—Google's "Project Jarvis" AI, recently leaked via a Chrome extension listing, signals a new step in AI-assisted automation, especially in web-based tasks like research and booking. Powered by the Gemini 2.0 model, Jarvis can interpret and execute commands by taking screenshots and analyzing them to perform actions like clicks or text input. Although currently limited to Chrome and operating slowly due to cloud dependency, Jarvis showcases Google’s push toward consumer-facing AI agents. A more formal reveal, anticipated in December, will likely introduce Jarvis to early testers before a broader launch.

Nvidia Watch

Mind The Cap—NVIDIA is updating its GeForce Now cloud gaming service by rebranding the Priority membership to "Performance," which now includes 1440p streaming, ultrawide support, and saved graphics settings across sessions. Starting January 2025, new subscribers to GeForce Now will face a 100-hour monthly playtime cap, equating to about three hours daily. This cap aims to maintain service quality and avoid price increases. Existing members retain unlimited playtime until January 2026, when the cap will apply to all users. Subscribers can monitor usage via the dashboard, and any unused hours (up to 15) will roll over monthly.

Starbucks Watch

Just Coffee Please—Brian Niccol, Starbucks’ new CEO since September, is swiftly implementing his “Back to Starbucks” initiative, focusing on simplicity and speed to enhance the coffee experience. His strategy centers on getting coffee to customers faster—under four minutes—by reducing menu complexity and reintroducing familiar elements like condiment bars and personalized cup labeling. Niccol aims to revive the company’s core values and streamline operations, especially addressing the pressure on baristas with “customization guardrails” and separating mobile from in-store orders. He’s also prioritizing price stability and discontinuing low-performing items, like olive-oil-infused drinks, to realign with customer preferences.

Travel Watch

They No Longer Have the Power—American Airlines has revised its policy to limit flight attendants' authority in removing passengers for non-safety issues, following discrimination complaints, notably a case involving passengers removed over body odor. Now, attendants must work in pairs for such decisions, and only the captain, consulting with a Complaint Resolution Official, can remove passengers for issues unrelated to safety. This change aims to standardize handling of attire, behavior, and hygiene complaints, reducing the discretion individual crew members have and aiming to prevent further allegations of arbitrary or discriminatory passenger removals.

A Bad Ride—New South Wales authorities have taken legal action against Uber, alleging the company allowed 57 Uber Eats drivers to transport passengers without the mandated background safety checks required for rideshare services. This issue, stemming from two separate system glitches in 2022, could result in fines up to $1.5 million for Uber, as each charge carries a potential penalty of $27,500. The affected drivers, legally cleared only for food delivery, briefly gained access to passenger trips due to these system errors. Uber, acknowledging the issue, quickly acted to resolve it but faces scrutiny as NSW regulators emphasize the importance of stringent safety compliance for passenger protection.

Robot Watch

Time To Learn—NVIDIA has introduced advanced AI and simulation tools to enhance robot learning, focusing on humanoid development through "Project GR00T." Key tools like the NVIDIA Isaac Lab framework and Cosmos tokenizer accelerate robot dexterity, navigation, and manipulation training. The initiative includes six GR00T workflows for humanoid functions, such as motion control and multimodal sensing. NVIDIA’s AI-powered solutions, available open-source, support developers in creating efficient and scalable humanoid robots, positioning NVIDIA as a leader in robotic simulation and humanoid capabilities.

AI Watch

Yummy Yummy—Yum Brands is seeing notable gains from its investment in AI, driving enhanced marketing performance across KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut. CFO Chris Turner highlighted that personalized, AI-driven campaigns have significantly boosted consumer engagement and reduced churn. Key to this success is Yum’s “AI factory,” which integrates data from point-of-sale systems, digital menus, loyalty programs, and apps for refined, personalized promotions. Taco Bell, specifically, is leading with strong sales growth and a 30% increase in digital transactions, aided by expanding AI-powered voice technology in drive-thrus. Yum’s 40+ AI projects underscore its commitment to scaling these innovations across brands.

Time To Chat—OpenAI recently acquired the domain Chat.com, a valuable asset in the AI industry, previously purchased by HubSpot's CTO for $15.5 million in 2023. While OpenAI hasn't disclosed its purchase price, this acquisition aligns with its branding as a leader in conversational AI but isn't expected to alter ChatGPT’s brand directly. The domain now redirects to OpenAI's services, highlighting its commitment to solidifying its presence in the chatbot space.

I Need More Power—Artificial intelligence (AI) is less about technical innovation and more about a power dynamic that degrades labor. Employers leverage AI to deskill jobs and reinforce control, resembling historical patterns of mechanization that undermine workers' autonomy and union power. Rather than eliminating jobs, AI often breaks tasks into lower-skill roles, allowing for cheaper labor, frequently supported by outsourced, poorly paid workforces. Labor should critically assess AI’s role in workplaces, rejecting technology-driven narratives and advocating for democratic control over technological changes.

Mobile Watch

It’s Still About Feeds and Speeds—T-Mobile’s new 5G Dual Connectivity (5G DC) technology recently achieved a record-breaking upload speed of 2.2 Gbps at SoFi Stadium in California. By combining the 2.5 GHz and mmWave spectrums, T-Mobile has optimized uplink capacity, allowing up to 60% of mmWave resources to support uploads—up from the previous 20%. This advancement significantly boosts performance, especially in crowded environments like stadiums and live events, where network congestion is common. The test, conducted with Ericsson and Qualcomm, hints at the potential for improved mobile internet solutions for remote work and high-demand situations, though public rollout plans are still uncertain.

Election Watch

You Gotta Move—Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, interest in relocating abroad is surging among Americans, especially wealthy individuals who view relocation as a "Plan B." Key motivations include political and social unrest, high costs of living, and concerns over issues such as reproductive rights and anti-immigrant sentiment. Popular destinations include Canada, Europe (notably Portugal, Spain, and France), and Latin America. Some countries offer digital nomad visas (e.g., Costa Rica and Spain), while places like Panama and Mexico provide affordable and flexible residency options. Wealthier Americans may also leverage “golden visa” programs, allowing residency through substantial investments in countries like Portugal, the Caribbean, and Australia.

Media Watch

No Press is Bad Press—Some experts thing former President Trump may focus on harassment tactics like lawsuits against media companies in a potential second term, as direct regulatory control is limited. Appointing allies to the FCC could allow some influence, though conservative principles may restrict drastic actions. Trump could exploit emergency provisions in the Communications Act or push for stricter scrutiny of media mergers. However, past legal setbacks and strong First Amendment protections suggest that Trump's primary leverage remains his rhetoric, which has intensified recently.

A Different Election Watch—In a unique Prime Video broadcast, Brian Williams returned to election coverage with an unconventional, surreal live stream, which aimed to capture the surrealism and anxiety of election night. Hosted on a revamped MGM soundstage, Williams’ show featured an eclectic mix of panelists, including Shepard Smith and James Carville, and surreal visuals, like a giant "magic wall" displaying an Americana collage of the White House, Mount Rushmore, and rural landscapes. The broadcast stood out for its ad hoc feel, with Williams frequently checking his phone for updates instead of relying on a traditional decision desk. The setup encouraged a more candid, conversational atmosphere, with less-polished but engaging discussions. Williams expressed nostalgia and personal fondness for his guests, many of whom he addressed as old friends. Despite a loose format and occasional flubs, Williams’ election night coverage channeled a sense of shared uncertainty and curiosity, resonating with viewers navigating the evening’s complex and high-stakes results.