The Comunicano for Thursday October 31st 2024

Happy Halloween!!!

Gather close! We've got a veritable buffet of stories today, each a delicious little slice of our ever-evolving world of AI, tech, coffee, and even some culinary-inspired escapades in Las Vegas…..Let’s kick things off with our Commander in Chief’s AI strategy, where safety and ethics lead the charge. The Biden administration has been hard at work ensuring AI rolls out responsibly. From testing models and protecting workers to creating the U.S. AI Safety Institute, this approach aims to keep AI in check—like making sure everyone on the playground knows the rules. And on the world stage? The U.S. is shaking hands internationally to set the standard for responsible AI, making sure we’re all playing safe and sound…..But according to Joe McKendrick, AI might still need a bit of babysitting. Sure, it can crunch numbers and spit out answers faster than a kid with the answer key, but when it comes to empathy and human-like decision-making? Well, let’s just say it’s still taking notes. AI can be an excellent assistant, but true autonomy may be a few lunch breaks away.

Now, over in the justice system, pretrial risk assessment algorithms are stirring things up. While they aim to be fair, they sometimes skew toward historical biases. Imagine an algorithm sorting school lunch lines and accidentally giving one group all the broccoli! It’s a reminder that even data needs a discerning eye, especially when lives are on the line….In college classrooms, AI is transforming tutoring. Tools like QuadC now provide students with on-demand academic help that’s as personalized as a Spotify playlist. College students can get help at any hour—whether it’s for calculus or, heaven forbid, organic chemistry. And as campuses try hybrid tutoring, a blend of human and AI might just be the sweet spot for accessible learning.

Over at Apple, users are testing out the new OS, and early impressions are in. New features like message summarization and call transcription are streamlining life, although only those with the latest iPhones might find the upgrade irresistible. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s even a hearing test on the AirPods Pro 2, helping people assess their auditory health—another leap into personal wellness from Apple….Now, here’s something fun: OpenAI’s ChatGPT has a voice, and it’s on Mac! More lifelike, interactive, and—dare I say—almost conversational. Competing with Siri, it offers a fresh experience for all those quick, hands-free tasks….And over in Russia, well, let’s just say they’ve handed Google a fine of, wait for it, “decillions” of dollars. It’s a fine so large it makes the national GDP look like pocket change, all over YouTube’s content restrictions. The number might be symbolic, but it sends a message—loud and clear.

Let’s turn to Microsoft, where Chanel CEO Leena Nair recently highlighted some unfortunate AI biases. During a demo, she asked for leadership images and got a lineup of men in suits. With Chanel’s workforce being primarily women, the irony wasn’t lost. It’s a nudge for AI to step up in reflecting our diversity, especially for global brands….In the spirit of indulgence, Netflix has set its sights on the Las Vegas Strip, planning to open *Netflix Bites* with dishes inspired by its hit culinary shows. It’s a bit of Hollywood glitz meets gourmet grit, serving up plates you’d expect from *Chef’s Table*. Vegas is about to get a taste of that Netflix magic….Meanwhile, as Hollywood toughens its rules on workplace perks, don’t be surprised if that extra stapler lands you in hot water. Companies are doubling down on spending policies, giving every receipt a second glance in today’s economy….Elon Musk dreams big. Tesla’s working on humanoid robots—up to 10 billion of them by 2040! While they may start in factories, Musk envisions them in everyday life. Imagine a future where everyone has a robot to lend a hand—though for now, the plan’s all about keeping those robots affordable and functional.

And, just in case you haven’t had your coffee, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol is brewing up a strategy to bring back that Starbucks buzz. From reducing menu clutter to faster service, Niccol’s aiming to make that morning cup smoother than ever.

So there it is: a little something for everyone, from AI to espresso. As we watch the future unfold, one thing’s for sure: there’s never a dull moment in THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

AI Watch

From the Commander in Chief—The Biden administration’s AI strategy, launched a year ago, focuses on AI safety, security, and ethical use. Federal agencies have implemented over 100 actions, including rigorous model testing, worker and civil rights protections, and ethical guidelines for public sector AI use. Key advances include establishing the U.S. AI Safety Institute, supporting datacenter infrastructure, promoting AI in education, healthcare, and housing, and bolstering privacy protections. Internationally, the U.S. has promoted responsible AI use through global partnerships and treaties, ensuring the U.S. remains a leader in safe AI practices.

Ready or Not, Here It Comes—Joe McKendrick’s recent Forbes piece argues that AI is not yet ready to autonomously manage critical decisions due to limitations in contextual understanding, empathy, and interpretability. Despite AI’s advancements in handling data with speed and precision, it lacks the nuanced reasoning essential for human-like decision-making. McKendrick emphasizes the need for more transparent, ethical AI models and human oversight, particularly in areas with high societal impact. While AI’s role in support functions is expanding, complete autonomy remains out of reach for now, highlighting the ongoing balance between innovation and caution in AI deployment.

The Verdicts Are In—A recent report highlights growing concerns about pretrial risk assessment algorithms, commonly used in criminal justice to assess defendants’ risk of reoffending or failing to appear in court before trial. While these algorithms aim to provide standardized, data-driven insights, studies reveal that they can unintentionally reinforce racial and socioeconomic biases present in historical data, often disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Judges using these tools may unintentionally prioritize certain factors, such as criminal history, more heavily, which can skew decisions and increase detention rates for specific demographics, even though the tools are intended only as advisory aids in decision-making.

Good Morning Teacher—AI tutoring tools are revolutionizing how college students engage with learning, offering personalized, on-demand academic support that boosts efficiency and grades. These tools, like QuadC and others, provide 24/7 help, adapting to individual learning styles and pacing, and breaking down complex topics into manageable modules. They excel in providing instant feedback, personalized lesson plans, and even writing assistance, which collectively help students stay organized, focused, and better prepared for exams. Many institutions are also exploring hybrid models, combining AI with human tutors for a balanced learning experience, enhancing accessibility and individualized guidance. These tools can particularly benefit students in subjects where human resources are scarce or for those needing frequent support outside traditional study hours.

Its All A Waste—The surge in AI development is projected to cause a significant rise in electronic waste as companies rapidly upgrade data centers with new, powerful chips, leading to discarded hardware. A study by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Israel's Reichman University warns that by 2030, e-waste generated by these upgrades could equate to throwing out billions of devices annually. As many of these materials end up in landfills or in under-resourced recycling operations, environmental risks increase, highlighting a need for sustainable practices in tech.

Apple Watch

48 Hours With The New OS—After a 48-hour trial, Apple Intelligence’s standout features for Business Insider’s Jordan Hart include efficient message summarization, AI-powered photo editing, and transcription for phone calls. These tools streamline daily tasks, especially for media work, by summarizing lengthy texts and recording conversations. While some functions require refinements, these AI additions mark a practical, if modest, evolution in Apple’s ecosystem for users of the latest iPhone models. However, older iPhone users may not find compelling reasons to upgrade solely for these features.

Hearing Now—TechRadar's Lance Ulanoff was surprised by Apple’s new hearing test feature, available on AirPods Pro 2. The test, which uses specific tones to assess hearing ability, revealed minor hearing loss but no need for adjustments. Ulanoff noted it also highlighted his "tunnel hearing"—difficulty focusing on ambient sounds rather than actual hearing issues. The feature, accessible via the Health app, underscores Apple’s expansion into personal health tech by offering convenient, accessible assessments.

OpenAI Watch

Siri Has Competition—OpenAI has introduced its advanced ChatGPT voice feature for Mac, enabling more lifelike, conversational interactions with the AI. Previously available on mobile, this update includes improved voice capabilities that pause to listen and respond naturally. Users can expect better synergy with Siri, enhanced by Apple Intelligence features, which allow for seamless voice-based tasks across devices. This marks a broader shift in AI accessibility on Mac, targeting more intuitive user interactions with both Apple and OpenAI technologies.

Google Watch

Russia Fines Google—It appears Russia recently issued an astronomical fine to Google, reportedly in the range of “decillions” of dollars—an amount far exceeding the world’s total GDP—as a punitive measure over YouTube’s restriction of pro-Kremlin content. This unprecedented fine underscores the escalating tensions between Russia and Western tech companies, with Moscow seeking to assert control over content on digital platforms accessible within its borders. The figure is symbolic, illustrating the degree of friction rather than a financially actionable penalty, given that such a sum vastly surpasses any feasible payment scale.

Microsoft Watch

Gender Bias—Chanel CEO Leena Nair’s recent experience at Microsoft’s HQ highlighted AI’s struggle with gender representation. During a ChatGPT demo, she asked it to generate an image of Chanel’s leadership team, only to see a lineup of men in suits—ironic for a brand where 76% of employees and nearly all clients are women. This interaction exposed lingering biases in AI, which can undermine inclusivity efforts in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Nair, Chanel's second female CEO, advocates for AI in luxury but underscores the need for ethics in technology, aligning with her efforts to diversify Chanel’s leadership since 2021.

Netflix Watch

Hit The Strip—Netflix is set to open *Netflix Bites* on the Las Vegas Strip in early 2025 at the MGM Grand, expanding its dining experience concept after a successful pop-up in Los Angeles. This new restaurant will feature dishes inspired by Netflix’s popular culinary shows like *Chef's Table* and *Iron Chef*. The menu will include contributions from renowned chefs who have appeared on these shows, bringing a fusion of entertainment and high-quality dining to Vegas, tailored for both fans of the platform and food enthusiasts alike.

Workplace Watch

Working in Hollywood—The Hollywood Reporter's annual list of the "Best Places to Work in Hollywood" highlights top entertainment industry employers known for their positive workplace culture, supportive environments, and competitive benefits. The list, compiled in collaboration with Glassdoor, evaluates companies across a range of factors, including employee satisfaction, leadership, diversity, and perks. This year’s selections span major studios, streaming platforms, and talent agencies, recognizing both established names and innovative newcomers for their commitment to employee well-being and career development. The list aims to guide professionals in choosing employers who prioritize their workforce in the fast-paced entertainment sector.

How To Get Fired—As economic pressures mount, companies are increasingly enforcing strict policies to curb minor infractions at work, from using meal stipends improperly to bending office supply rules. Payhawk's Katie MacKillop highlights that companies are now adding controls to company credit cards, limiting spending by time, location, and even vendor. This trend aligns with companies’ strategic tightening, aiming to reduce headcount through strict adherence to rules rather than layoffs, which often entail severance and can signal financial instability. Workers, now on high alert, are finding that even minor infractions can carry major consequences, underscoring a culture shift in workplace discipline.

SpaceX Watch

It’s Spy Time—Elon Musk’s SpaceX is increasingly critical to U.S. defense, moving into military and spy satellite production traditionally dominated by contractors like Raytheon. A recent Pentagon milestone—using SpaceX technology to securely transmit data between satellites—highlights SpaceX's expanding role in monitoring global threats. However, Musk's extensive business ties, including in China and potential contacts with Russian officials, spark national security concerns. Pentagon officials voice worries about SpaceX’s growing dominance, fearing it could create a monopoly in military space capabilities, a risk heightened by Musk’s unpredictable nature and private ownership of the company.

Robot Watch

They’re Coming—Elon Musk envisions a massive future for Tesla’s humanoid robots, predicting a market of up to 10 billion units by 2040, with each priced between $20,000 and $25,000. This ambitious plan, centering on Tesla’s Optimus robot, aims to deploy humanoid robots in factories as early as 2025, scaling to a wide range of industries in the following years. Tesla anticipates that these robots could be produced at a fraction of the cost of automobiles, focusing on scaling complex components like actuators and motors to keep prices affordabl.

Starbucks Watch

Can You Smell The Coffee—Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol has laid out a strategic overhaul aimed at revitalizing the brand amid declining U.S. sales, which saw a 7% drop in Q4. Niccol’s plan focuses on enhancing customer experience by simplifying the menu, improving service during peak hours, and re-establishing Starbucks as a community hub. Recognizing challenges such as long wait times and inconsistent product quality, Niccol emphasized supporting baristas with better tools and training, revamping mobile order systems, and strengthening brand values to reconnect with customers. Niccol, who previously led a successful turnaround at Chipotle, plans to first address issues in the U.S. before exploring growth potential abroad. Have a second cup in the NY Times.

Sports Watch

Walk This Way—Kyle Kuzma, known for his bold and unique NBA tunnel fashion, is reevaluating his game-day style. After years of eye-catching outfits like oversized pink sweaters and fur coats, Kuzma now seeks a "less is more" approach, focusing on essential, comfortable pieces that still reflect his individuality. This shift speaks to a broader trend in NBA fashion, where players use the pre-game "tunnel walk" to set trends, blending high-end and streetwear styles. As the tunnel walk gains popularity on social media, it has become an influential runway for athletes, sparking collaborations with major fashion brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton.