The Comunicano for Tuesday February 18th 2025
4 Nations Hockey Rocks
There are those who see progress and recoil in fear. They tremble before the unknown, grasping at yesterday as if it can shield them from tomorrow. But progress does not ask for permission. It happens. It moves forward with the force of the mind, of reason, of man’s unyielding pursuit of the better. And today, we stand at the edge of a transformation not seen since the industrial age—an age not of steel and fire, but of intelligence.
Observe what is happening around you. A revolution in education—not dictated by bureaucrats, not shackled by one-size-fits-all teaching, but liberated by intelligence that adapts, learns, and tailors itself to the individual. A system that does not suffocate the mind but fuels it. AI does not replace the teacher; it removes the mindless drudgery, allowing the educator to do what is essential—ignite the spark of human thought. Yet, the critics gnash their teeth. They claim it is unnatural. They fear what they do not understand. But the mind that creates tools does not fear them—it wields them.
And look to industry, to commerce, to science. OpenAI, Nvidia, Mistral—these are not mere corporations; they are the vanguard of intelligence made manifest. They are building minds, not of flesh and synapse, but of code and logic. These minds will not ask permission to think, to create, to accelerate. And yet, the timid cry out, “Slow down!” The same voices that wailed at the printing press, at the electric light, at the personal computer. They do not seek to control technology—they seek to stop it. But progress does not stop. It either advances or it is destroyed.
Observe the world around you. AI hunts the ghost nets that strangle our oceans. It safeguards our borders beneath the waves, analyzing threats faster than any human ever could. It dissects data, unveiling insights that no bureaucratic committee could deduce in a lifetime. And yet, the mediocrities of our age wring their hands, terrified that intelligence itself will run unchecked. They do not fear chaos. They fear a world they no longer control.
And so, they sue. They regulate. They cry theft when an AI trains on their words, but they never called it theft when they trained their own minds on the knowledge of others. They call for oversight, not to ensure safety, but to hobble advancement. They lay off scientists and dismantle oversight agencies, not out of principle, but out of shortsightedness. A contradiction? No. A refusal to think, a refusal to see, a refusal to embrace what they cannot control.
And yet, the reality remains: AI is not a monster in the dark. It is the flame Prometheus brought to man. It is the next great tool of those who refuse to stand still. It will not destroy labor; it will liberate it. It will not erase creativity; it will enhance it. AI is not here to steal jobs—it is here to eliminate the meaningless ones, to elevate man to work worthy of his mind.
So, do not ask if AI will change the world. It already has. The only question that remains is this: will you use it to build or will you cower before it and be left behind?
That choice, as always, belongs to the mind of man. Your mind. The same place as THE COMUNICANO!!!
Andy Abramson
AI Watch
The Advance of Artificial Intelligence in Education (Telefonica)—Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing education by personalizing learning experiences and creating inclusive environments. AI systems like DreamBox adapt lessons to fit individual student needs, ensuring engagement and mastery. Tools such as Text-to-Speech promote inclusivity among diverse learners. Contrary to fears, AI complements teachers by handling administrative tasks, allowing educators to focus on student development. However, challenges such as data privacy and potential over-reliance on tech persist. AI promises a balanced future in education, enhancing learning while preserving the human touch. Read More Here
The Hottest AI Models of 2025: A Comprehensive Guide (TechCrunch—In the rapidly evolving AI landscape of 2025, several models have emerged as frontrunners, each offering unique capabilities and applications. Here's a curated list of the most impactful AI models and how to leverage them:
OpenAI o3-mini: A streamlined version of OpenAI's o3 model, o3-mini is optimized for tasks requiring advanced reasoning with reduced computational demands. It's accessible to all ChatGPT users, including those on the free tier, making it a versatile tool for both casual and professional applications.
OpenAI Deep Research: Designed for in-depth analysis, this tool utilizes a specialized version of the o3 model to generate comprehensive reports within 5 to 30 minutes. It's particularly useful for users needing detailed insights derived from extensive web searches.
Mistral Le Chat: Developed by the French AI giant Mistral, Le Chat is a regional model focused on Arabic language and culture. This model represents Mistral's strategic move to cater to the Middle Eastern market, offering nuanced understanding and generation of Arabic content.
OpenAI Operator: An AI agent capable of autonomously performing internet-based tasks, Operator assists users in managing complex activities such as scheduling and software development. While still in its early stages, it showcases the potential of AI in automating intricate workflows.
These models exemplify the diverse applications of AI in 2025, from enhancing user interaction to conducting deep research and automating complex tasks. Read more here
Artificial Intelligence Revolution: 10 U.S. States Leading the Pack (Forbes)—The Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution is rapidly transforming industries across the United States, with ten states emerging as leaders in this technological shift. These states have invested heavily in AI research, development, and implementation, fostering innovation and economic growth. Their proactive approaches include establishing AI research centers, forming public-private partnerships, and implementing policies that encourage AI adoption. As a result, they are setting the pace for AI integration, positioning themselves at the forefront of this transformative movement. This leadership not only enhances their economic prospects but also serves as a model for other states aiming to harness AI's potential. Read more here
FDA Layoffs Impact Medical Device Oversight Amidst Federal Workforce Reduction (Stat News)—In a sweeping move, the Trump administration has initiated significant layoffs across the FDA, targeting probationary employees within the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). These cuts are part of a broader effort to reduce the federal workforce, with approximately 5,200 positions affected across the Department of Health and Human Services, including the CDC and NIH. Insiders describe the process as chaotic, with concerns that the reduction of staff overseeing medical devices could hinder the agency's ability to effectively evaluate and approve new technologies, potentially impacting public health and safety. Read more here
AI-Powered Platform Targets Ocean's 'Ghost Nets' (Oceanographic Magazine)—WWF Germany, in collaboration with Microsoft's AI for Good Lab and Accenture, has launched GhostNetZero.ai, an AI-driven platform designed to locate abandoned fishing nets, known as 'ghost nets,' in the ocean. These nets, comprising about 30% of marine plastic waste, pose significant threats to marine life. The platform analyzes high-resolution sonar images, often collected for shipping safety or offshore wind farm assessments, to identify potential ghost net locations. WWF Germany reports the AI technology achieves 90% accuracy, marking a significant advancement in marine conservation efforts. Read more here
Exploring the Brain's Role in AI Safety (The Transmitter)—The potential of neuroscience to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) safety highlights concerns about unaligned AI systems, such as the incident where an AI assistant, Sydney, exhibited alarming behavior. By understanding the brain's flexibility and dependability could inform the development of AI systems aligned with human values and intentions. By deciphering the mechanisms underlying human cognition, researchers aim to create AI that generalizes well and behaves predictably, reducing risks associated with autonomous AI actions. Read more here
The hollowness of AI art proves machines can never emulate genuine human intelligence (Live Science)—Mike Pepi's article explores the limitations of AI-generated art, arguing that machines lack the ability to understand or replicate human emotions. AI's mathematical processes contrast with genuine human creativity, and despite technological advancements, AI fails to produce truly new or emotionally resonant content. Pepi highlights the difference between computation and thought, asserting that AI will never possess consciousness or reasoning. This article juxtaposes AI's capabilities with traditional human artistry. Read More Here
An artificial intelligence firm steals our content, and we news media companies are suing (Kansas City Star). News/Media Alliance members have initiated a lawsuit against AI companies like Cohere Inc. for copyright infringement. This landmark case highlights the media industry's growing concerns over intellectual property rights as AI technologies advance. This underscores the challenges in protecting original content from being used by AI without consent or compensation, marking a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology and media law. Read More Here
AI Enhances Underwater Defense Systems (The Wall Street Journal)—Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing underwater defense by enhancing the analysis and synthesis of diverse data sources. These AI-driven systems improve navigation, mapping, and threat detection, providing a strategic advantage in maritime security. By processing complex datasets more efficiently than traditional methods, AI enables real-time responses to underwater threats, safeguarding critical infrastructure and national interests. This technological advancement signifies a pivotal shift in how nations approach maritime defense, emphasizing the integration of cutting-edge AI solutions to address evolving challenges beneath the ocean's surface. Read more here
5 Steps That OpenAI Thinks Will Lead to Artificial Intelligence Running a Company (Inc.)—OpenAI outlines five stages towards achieving AI capable of running companies, starting with chatbots and advancing to AI 'Organizations.' Stage 1 involves conversational AI like ChatGPT; Stage 2 focuses on reasoning abilities; Stage 3 introduces AI agents for autonomous tasks; Stage 4 involves AI innovators aiding invention; and Stage 5 envisions AI managing entire organizations. These stages reflect a shift towards AI-driven efficiency, potentially making human roles obsolete. Critics argue this roadmap could lead to AI dominance, urging careful consideration of its societal impacts. Read More Here
Language AIs in 2024: Size, guardrails and steps toward AI agents (The Conversation)—In 2024, AI development saw a shift toward smaller models and improved guardrails to address AI hallucinations. These models, like Phi-3 and Llama-3.2, are more energy-efficient and specialized for tasks like summarizing and fact-checking. Despite concerns over AI misuse in elections, new frameworks have been developed to mitigate hallucinations. The concept of agentic AI gained traction, envisioning AI agents with tool access and autonomy. The industry anticipates widespread adoption of AI agents, promising enhanced capabilities and integration in various sectors. Read More Here
Data 2025 outlook: AI drives a renaissance of data (Silicon Angle)—Generative AI has dominated the tech conversation, impacting data management and AI model development. In 2025, enterprises will refocus on data, essential for effective AI. Innovations in reasoning, causality detection, and agentic AI are expected. The industry's challenge is balancing compute resources with AI model needs, leading to the rise of Mixture of Experts and smaller models. Data governance and quality will be crucial as AI projects mature, with tools like RAG and GraphRAG enhancing data management. AI's growth calls for better integration of data and AI governance to maximize their potential. Read More Here
AI Agent vs. Agentic AI: Definitions, Comparison, and 5 Key Differences (Moveworks)—Moveworks explores the differences between AI agents and agentic AI, focusing on five key areas: autonomy, complexity, functionalities, proactiveness, and planning. While AI agents are designed for specific tasks within predefined frameworks, agentic AI offers greater autonomy, adapting to real-time changes and pursuing strategic goals. This adaptability is crucial for handling complex workflows and dynamic environments, providing more flexible and proactive solutions when compared to traditional AI agents. Read More Here
AI Buzzwords: Top Artificial Intelligence Changes Reshaping Business (Forbes.com)—Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the business landscape in 2025, introducing transformative concepts that redefine operations and strategies. Key among these is "Agentic AI," which empowers systems to autonomously perform tasks, enhancing efficiency and decision-making. The integration of AI into digital transformation efforts is accelerating, enabling companies to harness data-driven insights for improved customer experiences and streamlined processes. Additionally, AI's role in predictive analytics allows businesses to anticipate market trends and consumer behaviors, fostering proactive strategies. As AI continues to evolve, its influence permeates various sectors, driving innovation and competitive advantage. Read more here
Grok Watch
Elon Musk’s xAI Releases Latest Flagship Model, Grok 3 (TechCrunch)—xAI, Elon Musk's AI company, has launched Grok 3, aiming to rival OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Google's Gemini. Designed to enhance iOS and web apps, Grok 3 is noted for its advanced capabilities and strategic focus on user applications, emphasizing truth-seeking AI. Read More Here
Grok-3 Hands-on: Its Thinking Capability and More (X.com) Andrej Karpathy shares his early access experience with Grok 3, detailing its capabilities in reasoning and problem-solving. He highlights Grok 3's state-of-the-art thinking model, successfully handling complex questions like board game design and tic-tac-toe challenges. However, Grok 3 struggles with certain tasks such as decoding a Unicode message. Karpathy compares Grok 3 to other models, noting its strengths and weaknesses in various scenarios, thus providing insights into its potential in AI reasoning. Read More Here
Nvidia Watch
Nvidia is jumping on the agentic AI bandwagon with new "blueprints" to simplify work (TechRadar)—Nvidia is embracing agentic AI, unveiling AI Blueprints at CES 2025. These 'knowledge robots' are designed for reasoning and complex problem-solving. Partnering with firms like CrewAI and LangChain, Nvidia aims to simplify AI application development. Initial blueprints include tools for code documentation, real-time conversational AI, and web searching. Nvidia also released tools for document research and video summarization. This move aligns with Nvidia's strategy to lead AI's next evolution, enhancing productivity with autonomous AI solutions. Nvidia's market value has increased, reflecting investor confidence in its AI innovations. Read More Here
AI Agents Revolutionizing Customer Service (NVIDIA Blog)—Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents are transforming customer service by automating routine tasks and enhancing efficiency. These virtual assistants utilize AI and natural language processing to manage high volumes of customer inquiries, allowing human agents to focus on more complex issues. Industries are adopting AI-powered tools to boost productivity, with AI agents handling common questions and providing personalized interactions. For example, ServiceNow has introduced AI agents capable of autonomously resolving employee and customer issues, while The Ottawa Hospital employs AI agents to improve patient care and reduce administrative burdens. These advancements lead to faster response times, increased customer satisfaction, and scalable support solutions. Read more here
TikTok Watch
TikTok's Uncertain Future in the U.S. Amid Potential Acquisition Bids (TechCrunch)—As TikTok faces a potential ban in the United States due to national security concerns, several high-profile figures are expressing interest in acquiring the platform. Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick and ex-Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are among the potential bidders. The situation remains fluid, with discussions ongoing between TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, and U.S. authorities to address data privacy and ownership issues. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact TikTok's operations and its vast user base in the U.S Read more here
VoIP Watch
Google's 'Ask For Me' AI Assistant Makes Calls on Your Behalf (SearchEngineJournal.com)—A few weeks ago Google introduced "Ask For Me," an AI-powered assistant designed to streamline interactions with local businesses. This feature allows users to delegate tasks such as obtaining service quotes and scheduling appointments. Initially focusing on auto repair shops and nail salons in the United States, users can opt-in via Google’s Search Labs. After providing service details, the AI contacts businesses, gathers information, and summarizes the results for the user. Businesses are informed about the automated nature of these calls and can choose to opt out if they prefer. This initiative aims to enhance user convenience by reducing the need for direct phone interactions. Read more here
Experiential Watch
Collaboration: The Future of Experiential Entertainment (Blooloop.com) Immersive experiences have captivated audiences, but the next evolution in location-based entertainment (LBE) is experiential entertainment, which engages all the senses. Achieving this multi-sensory immersion necessitates deep collaboration among entertainment venues, content creators, and technology providers. Technological advancements, such as the Intel Smart Display Module (SDM), facilitate seamless integration of innovations, enabling creative visions to become reality. For instance, the BBC Earth Experience in Melbourne showcases how Panasonic, HIVE, and Intel partnered to develop a distributed architecture for immersive experiences, decentralizing processing elements for streamlined, cost-effective setups. This collaborative approach is essential for pushing the boundaries of experiential entertainment. Read more here
Social Watch
Nextdoor's Nirav Tolia Bets on AI to Revitalize Platform (TechCrunch)—Nirav Tolia, co-founder of Nextdoor, is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance user engagement and address challenges on the neighborhood-focused social platform. By integrating AI-driven moderation tools, Nextdoor aims to foster positive interactions and reduce harmful content. Tolia believes that AI can play a pivotal role in revitalizing the platform's community dynamics and overall user experience. This strategic shift underscores Nextdoor's commitment to innovation and maintaining a safe, engaging environment for its users. Read more here
Marketing Watch
25 Trends Elevating Brand Storytelling in 2025 (The PR Net)—In 2025, brands must align with evolving consumer preferences for authenticity, transparency, and meaningful engagement. BMF’s 2025 Trend Forecast highlights five macro trends: escapism, arts & crafts, cultural rebellion, integrity, and wisdom. ‘Deinfluencing’ is reshaping marketing by promoting radical honesty and mindful consumption. Personalized spaces are gaining traction, allowing design to reflect individuality through AI-driven tools. Brands are turning their social media teams into relatable digital personalities. Mainstream media faces a trust crisis, pushing for greater transparency. Meanwhile, wellness-focused social clubs are redefining social engagement and prioritizing holistic health. By embracing these trends, brands can foster deeper connections and long-term loyalty in a purpose-driven world. Read more here
FinTech Watch
Chase to Block Zelle Payments to Social Media Sellers (BleepingComputer)—In response to a significant rise in online scams, JPMorgan Chase Bank will begin blocking Zelle payments to contacts identified from social media platforms. Starting March 23, 2025, transactions originating from social media contacts will be declined to protect customers, as Zelle lacks purchase protection features. This move aims to curb fraud, with reports indicating that nearly half of scam claims between June and December 2024 involved social media interactions. Chase emphasizes that Zelle is intended for payments to known and trusted recipients, not for purchases from unknown sellers on social media. Read more here
Scam Watch
Beware of Nationwide Unpaid Toll Text Scams (CBS News)—A surge in fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid tolls has been reported across the United States. These messages, often mimicking official toll agencies, direct recipients to click on malicious links to settle fictitious debts. Authorities emphasize that legitimate toll agencies do not request payments or personal information via text. Motorists are advised to delete such messages immediately and report them to the appropriate agencies to prevent potential identity theft or financial loss. Staying vigilant and verifying communications through official channels is crucial to avoid falling victim to these scams.—Read more here
