The Comunicano for Tuesday Decemeber 3rd 2024

It's A Battle Royal

Gather round as today we have some of the most electrifying, eye-popping, and head-scratching updates from the world of AI and tech. Buckle up because this ride’s got more twists than Jeff Bezos arm-wrestling Elon Musk!

Let’s start with OpenAI and their “Name-Game Controversy.” It seems ChatGPT has been playing its own version of a no-holds-barred bout with censorship. You try saying certain names, and—BAM!—you get nothing but an error message. It’s got folks crying foul over data privacy and censorship, but OpenAI isn’t spilling the beans. Speculation is hotter than a wrestling ring under stage lights, with GDPR and lawsuits tagged in as potential culprits. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to be in the referee’s shoes for this one.

And what’s this? The folks at Helsing have entered the ring with their HX-2 attack drone—a GPS-proof, AI-powered powerhouse already throwing haymakers in Ukraine. They call it a "counter-invasion shield," and with partners like Airbus and Saab in their corner, these drones are gearing up for NATO's defense lineup. Talk about a tag team you don’t want to mess with! But let’s be real, folks: when the robots are suplexing each other on the battlefield, we’ve officially entered the main event of the future.

Meanwhile, Perplexity’s taking a swing at the online shopping world with their AI shopping agents. Forget battling holiday crowds—these agents could scour the web for deals faster than The Ultimate Warrior on a sprint to the ring. Sure, there are still kinks to iron out—like stock issues and checkout woes—but this tech has the potential to make Black Friday feel like a walk in the park.

Oh, and don’t think I forgot about Tesla's new Apple Watch integration. Elon Musk and his crew are giving us car keys on our wrists and gaming in the backseat. Just when you thought they were out of surprises, they roll out Santa Mode for the Cybertruck. Nothing says "season’s greetings" like a truck that can fart on command!

Ladies and gentlemen, this is just the tip of the iceberg. AI is changing the game faster than Andre the Giant could clear a buffet table. So keep your eyes peeled and your minds open because in this digital smackdown, the next big move is always just one step away. So, until next time, stay curious and stay in the fight and keep reading THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

AI Watch

No Names, Please—ChatGPT has been refusing to say certain names, raising concerns about censorship and data privacy. OpenAI has been tight-lipped about the cause, but some speculate it could be due to GDPR requests or lawsuits. While the issue with one name, "David Mayer," seems to be resolved, several others, including "David Faber" and "Jonathan Turley," still trigger an error message. Some users worry this could set a precedent for powerful individuals to control information on AI platforms.

A New Meaning to Smart Bomb—European defense tech startup Helsing has introduced the HX-2 attack drone, designed to serve as an AI-powered "counter-invasion shield" for NATO's eastern borders. Already deployed in Ukraine, the drones leverage 3D printing for cost-effective mass production, with the ability to operate in GPS-denied environments through advanced autonomous targeting software. A human operator maintains ultimate control. Helsing aims to capitalize on the UK's strategic defense initiatives, investing £350 million to establish a local manufacturing facility. Partnering with Airbus, Rheinmetall, and Saab, the startup integrates AI into various military systems, reflecting a broader shift in warfare towards autonomous technologies.

Secret Shopper—There’s growing competition among tech companies to develop AI agents capable of handling online shopping tasks, from searching for products to completing purchases. Perplexity has introduced an AI shopping agent that operates within its app, handling tasks like navigating retail sites and checking out items. Challenges remain, such as stock discrepancies and long processing times, but this tool demonstrates potential for transforming online retail. Other major players like Google and OpenAI are also exploring similar tools, while retailers and advertisers may resist disruptions to their ecosystems. These developments suggest a significant shift in how consumers shop online, despite privacy and reliability concerns.

Will AI Wear You Down—Go explore the historical evolution of computing paradigms and positions generative AI as a transformative "bridge" to the next era of technology. Starting with mainframes and progressing through personal computers, the internet, and smartphones, each paradigm shift was enabled by innovations in application layers. Generative AI, as the latest application evolution, is set to power future devices like wearables and neural interfaces. AI's adaptability to new inputs—speech, gestures, and thought—will redefine interaction and computing paradigms. Generative AI is not merely a tool but a foundational technology for seamless transitions into emerging device ecosystems.

Background Check—The Axios article details OpenAI's approach to user data and training models for ChatGPT and other services. OpenAI primarily relies on publicly available data for training but uses some customer data under controlled conditions. Business customers, such as those using ChatGPT Enterprise or APIs, have options to opt out of data sharing for training purposes. Consumer data for free or paid users can also be excluded via settings. Temporary chats are not used for training and are deleted after 30 days. OpenAI provides an opt-out process for websites to prevent their content from being used by its GPTbot. This reflects ongoing debates about transparency and legal challenges regarding AI training data, particularly from publishers and authors.

AdTech Watch

Smarter Ads—OpenAI is exploring the potential for incorporating ads into products like ChatGPT, according to CFO Sarah Friar. While no immediate plans are in place, the company is evaluating thoughtful integration of ads to balance revenue generation and user experience. Ads could provide a significant revenue stream to offset the high operational costs of running AI chatbots, currently offered for free or at low subscription rates. Similar strategies are being pursued by Microsoft, Perplexity, and startups like Adzedek, which include clearly marked ads alongside chatbot responses. However, concerns arise over user trust if ads influence responses or AI behavior becomes overly commercial. OpenAI, facing mounting operational losses despite significant funding, views ads as a possible path to profitability. The challenge will be maintaining user trust and ethical standards while pursuing monetization.

Privacy Watch

Keeping You Out of It—The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has proposed a rule change targeting data brokers to limit the sale of sensitive personal information, including credit header data, widely misused for doxxing and harassment. If passed, the rule would classify brokers as “consumer reporting agencies” under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, enforcing stricter limits on data distribution. The move addresses abuses like the sale of personal data to malicious actors for swatting and harassment. While welcomed by privacy advocates, critics warn that the rule's effectiveness depends on enforcement, particularly under the incoming Trump administration, which has expressed opposition to the CFPB.

Cloud Watch

Coming From The East—Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing and AI arm of Alibaba Group, is expanding its operations in Southeast Asia and Japan under its "Partner Rainforest Plan." The initiative seeks collaboration with 100 ecosystem partners by 2025 to deliver advanced AI and cloud solutions across industries. Focus markets include Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan, where partnerships with companies like Telkom, Yell Group, and Securai aim to localize and strengthen Alibaba’s offerings. Despite challenges from geopolitical tensions and chip restrictions, Alibaba Cloud has seen 7% year-on-year revenue growth, prioritizing Southeast Asia while scaling back in markets like Australia and India. Key programs include partner upskilling and revenue-sharing incentives.

Social Watch

Not So Sweet 16—Australia is proposing a ban on social media for users under 16 unless parental consent is given, aiming to make tech companies more accountable. Critics see it as a flawed but necessary step to compel greater responsibility from tech giants while promoting safer online environments for children. While the law has sparked debate over its practicality and enforcement, it represents a significant move to address Big Tech's influence on younger users. The policy seeks to curb exposure to harmful content and data exploitation but faces challenges, including verifying user ages and balancing parental oversight with individual rights.

Freshness Dating—Threads is introducing new features to enhance its search functionality, allowing users to refine searches by profile and date range. This update aims to make the platform more user-friendly, enabling more targeted and efficient content discovery. By incorporating these filters, Threads is aligning its capabilities with user needs, particularly for those looking to pinpoint specific posts or information over time. This development reflects a broader trend of improving search tools across social platforms to optimize user engagement and accessibility.

The Prettiest Star—The first UK and Ireland TikTok Awards celebrate the creativity and impact of content creators across 12 categories, featuring 72 nominees with a combined 101 million followers. The event recognizes the effort behind creating engaging and inspiring videos, aiming to validate and elevate the role of influencers. Nominees include creators from diverse niches such as travel, fashion, science, and history. TikTok emphasizes the platform’s cultural influence, from cooking trends to fostering interest in STEM. While influencers often face criticism for low-value content, many use their platforms for meaningful advocacy and community engagement, showcasing TikTok's broader impact beyond entertainment.

Energy Watch

No More Cooking With Gas—Sam Calisch, co-founder of Copper, advocates for induction stoves with built-in batteries to simplify home electrification and improve cooking performance. Copper's battery-integrated stoves eliminate the need for costly home electrical upgrades by connecting to standard outlets. The battery also enhances stove functionality, enabling silent DC induction and faster cooking times. Beyond convenience, the stoves support renewable energy use by storing power for off-peak cooking. Copper plans to expand its product line to other gas-reliant appliances, promoting sustainable energy practices. By integrating innovation and sustainability, Copper aims to make home electrification accessible and appealing for more households.

EV Watch

A Different Breed of Cat—Jaguar has unveiled its Type 00 EV concept car as the centerpiece of its bold rebranding effort to redefine the 89-year-old automaker for the electric age. Debuted during Miami Design Week in vibrant pink and blue, the Type 00 abandons Jaguar’s traditional aesthetic with features like a circular brass badge replacing the iconic "leaper" ornament, a long hood, and unconventional materials like brass and travertine inside. With 1,000 horsepower, a range of up to 430 miles, and ultra-fast charging capabilities, the car sets a high bar for Jaguar's EV ambitions. While polarizing, the rebrand and concept have sparked significant public interest, suggesting a successful strategy to stand out in the competitive EV market. The production model, set for release in 2026, will incorporate cues from the radical prototype. Read more about this in Wallpaper.

No More Rings—Audi has unveiled a new visual identity for its Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand, replacing its iconic four-ring logo with a futuristic "AUDI" wordmark. This change debuted with the AUDI E concept car at its launch in Shanghai. The collaboration between Audi and Chinese automaker SAIC aims to appeal to younger, tech-savvy EV buyers in the world's largest automotive market. The E concept car features minimalist and futuristic design elements tailored to Chinese tastes, such as a curved 4K pillar-to-pillar display and AI-enhanced in-car experiences. The rebrand signifies Audi’s strategic pivot towards advanced, connected EVs exclusive to the Chinese market, with production starting in 2025.

It’s About Time—Tesla’s 2024 Holiday Update introduces major features, including an Apple Watch app that functions as a digital key, allowing users to unlock, start, and monitor their cars without a smartphone. The update also adds the ability to view and save Sentry Mode security footage directly from the Tesla app, a long-awaited feature for managing dashcam recordings. Additional highlights include reverse cross-traffic alerts with enhanced camera visuals, a "Santa Mode" for Cybertruck with festive graphics, and customizable virtual wraps. New navigation tools offer detour times and weather overlays, while safety and convenience updates, like energy reserve settings and seat adjustments, round out the release. Fun extras include rear-seat gaming and the classic Tesla fart app upgrade.