The Comunicano for Tuesday March 4th 2025
Twofer Tuesday
Today, we stand at the crossroads of technology and the ever-changing landscape of human innovation. In the world of mobile devices, a bold new step has been taken. Deutsche Telekom, in partnership with Perplexity, has unveiled what they call the ‘AI Phone’—a device set to redefine user interaction with artificial intelligence. Priced under $1,000, it promises a seamless, voice-controlled experience, integrating multiple AI platforms to handle tasks once requiring several apps. A midrange Android device with a distinctive pink button, the phone is expected to arrive later this year, marking another chapter in the march of artificial intelligence into our daily lives….Meanwhile, in Barcelona, at the Mobile World Congress, Chinese smartphone manufacturers are taking their own leap into the AI arena. Collaborating with Google’s Gemini model, they are equipping their devices with powerful AI features—tools for photo editing, voice recognition, and more. But a challenge emerges: with so many brands using the same AI foundation, can they truly differentiate themselves? That question remains unanswered.
Elsewhere, artificial intelligence is making inroads into competitive sports. Skateboarding, long celebrated for its creative expression, is now facing the rise of AI-assisted judging. Proponents argue it eliminates human bias. Skeptics warn it might reduce the sport’s artistry to mere data points. The debate rages on….And over in Cupertino, Apple’s Tim Cook has stirred the waters of speculation once more. A cryptic message—"There's something in the AIR"—has sparked rumors of a new MacBook Air, perhaps even an updated iPad. As always, Apple keeps its cards close to the vest, leaving the world to wonder what comes next.
Google, too, is making moves, rolling out new lock screen widgets for its Gemini AI on iPhones, bringing deep AI integration to Apple’s ecosystem. And for Android users, Google Play Store enhancements promise easier discovery of trending apps and must-have downloads.
In Austin, Texas, a sight once confined to the realm of science fiction is now reality. Waymo and Uber have launched an autonomous taxi service, allowing residents to summon self-driving vehicles. What was once the subject of courtroom battles is now a partnership, as Uber and Waymo look to the future of transportation.
Across the globe, competition in the electric vehicle market intensifies. Chinese automaker BYD is making waves in Australia, challenging Tesla’s dominance with affordable alternatives. Tesla, once untouchable in the market, is now seeing its first annual decline in sales. A new era of EV competition has arrived.
Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, regulators are taking aim at TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur, launching investigations into their handling of children's data. Privacy concerns, data security, and screen time addiction remain pressing issues in an increasingly connected world….And finally, a grim reminder of the darker side of technology. Reports from Colombia highlight how mainstream apps like Facebook and Tinder are being exploited for sex trafficking, particularly of underage victims. Authorities are fighting back, but the digital world remains difficult to police.
As always, these stories reflect the progress, the challenges, and the questions that define our era. And that’s the way it is, March 4, 2025, in THE COMUNICANO!!!
Andy Abramson
Mobile Watch
Deutsche Telekom and Perplexity Unveil Sub-$1,000 'AI Phone' (TechCrunch)—Deutsche Telekom, in collaboration with Perplexity, has announced the upcoming launch of an 'AI Phone' priced under $1,000. Set for release in the second half of this year, the device will feature 'Magenta AI,' integrating Perplexity Assistant, Google Cloud AI, ElevenLabs, and Picsart. This AI-centric smartphone aims to provide a seamless, voice-controlled experience, allowing users to perform tasks such as booking flights and making restaurant reservations without the need to switch between apps. The hardware is expected to be a midrange Android device, characterized by substantial bezels and a distinctive pink sleep/wake button. Some AI functionalities will also be accessible via the MeinMagenta app on other smartphones. Read more here
Chinese Smartphone Makers Leverage Google AI to Compete Globally (South China Morning Post)—At the Mobile World Congress 2025, Chinese smartphone manufacturers showcased collaborations with Google to integrate its AI technologies, aiming to challenge industry leaders like Apple and Samsung. Brands such as Oppo highlighted features powered by Googles Gemini model, including advanced AI photo editing tools. However, this widespread adoption of Googles AI presents challenges in differentiating their products, as multiple brands offer similar functionalities. The reliance on a common AI platform underscores the difficulty these manufacturers face in establishing unique selling points in a competitive global market. Read more here
AI Watch
AI's Potential Impact on Skateboarding Competition Judging (Jenkem Magazine)—The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the judging of action sports competitions has sparked discussions within the skateboarding community. A recent experiment at the Winter X Games in Aspen utilized AI to assess snowboard halfpipe runs, evaluating factors such as amplitude, trick difficulty, and landing precision. While this technology promises objectivity by minimizing human biases, concerns arise regarding its ability to appreciate the nuances of style inherent in skateboarding. Skateboarding tricks, unlike the clear-cut rules in sports like baseball or tennis, are subjective and vary widely in execution. The community debates whether AI can truly understand and value the stylistic elements that define the sport, or if it might reduce scoring to an overly mechanical process. Read more here
Apple Watch
Apple CEO Teases New 'Air' Product, Sparking Speculation (PowerPage)—On Monday, Apple CEO Tim Cook posted an animated message on X stating, "There's something in the AIR," echoing the tagline from the original 2008 MacBook Air launch. This has fueled speculation about upcoming products, notably a potential M4 MacBook Air, as reported by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Additionally, rumors suggest a new iPad Air could be forthcoming, especially with reports of dwindling inventory for current iPad Air and 10th-gen iPad models. The current iPad Air, featuring an M2 chip, was released in May 2024, making an update plausible. As always, Apple's product plans remain closely guarded, and official details are awaited. Read more here
Google's Gemini App Enhances iPhone Integration with Lockscreen Widgets (9to5Google)—Google has updated its Gemini app for iOS, introducing six circular lockscreen widgets to enhance user accessibility:
Type Prompt: Quickly input questions or commands.
Talk Live: Engage in real-time conversations with Gemini.
Open Mic: Set reminders or create events using voice input.
Use Camera: Capture photos and inquire about them.
Share Image: Upload images to gather information or initiate chats.
These additions improve Gemini’s usability on iPhones, giving users AI-powered assistance at a glance. This update aligns with Google’s push to deepen its presence on Apple’s ecosystem. Read more here
Android Watch
Google Play Enhances App Discovery with New Widgets (The Verge)—Google is rolling out new Play Store widgets to highlight trending apps and recommended downloads directly on Android home screens. The update aims to make app discovery easier, surfacing new games, productivity tools, and entertainment apps without opening the Play Store. These widgets are designed to be dynamic, updating in real time based on user preferences and trending apps. Google has been experimenting with various ways to make app recommendations more seamless, and this marks another step in integrating discovery features into the user experience. Read more here
Uber Watch
Waymo and Uber Launch Robotaxi Service in Austin (The Verge)—Waymo and Uber have launched a partnership in Austin, Texas, allowing residents within a 37-square-mile area to hail Waymo's autonomous vehicles exclusively via the Uber app. While Waymo’s fleet in Austin is initially small, it is expected to grow over time. Riders can express a preference for autonomous rides within the Uber app to increase their chances of getting a Waymo vehicle. This partnership marks a significant shift from the companies' past rivalry, including legal disputes over trade secrets. Notably, Uber will manage fleet services such as cleaning and maintenance, while Waymo handles vehicle testing and roadside assistance. Though currently limited in scope, this collaboration represents a step forward in the transition to autonomous transportation and could potentially expand to other cities in the future. Read more here
EV Watch
Chinese EV Maker BYD Challenges Tesla in Australia (The Washington Post)—Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD is making significant inroads into the Australian market, positioning itself as a formidable competitor to Tesla. In 2022, BYD introduced the Atto 3, which quickly became Australias second-best-selling EV, trailing only Teslas Model 3. By 2024, BYD expanded its lineup with models like the Dolphin and Seal, achieving sales of 12,438 vehicles and solidifying its position as the countrys second-largest EV brand. This surge has contributed to Teslas first annual sales decline in Australia, with a 20.9 percent drop year-to-date as of November 2024. Analysts attribute this shift to increased competition from brands like BYD and the growing popularity of hybrid vehicles offering more affordable alternatives. BYDs aggressive strategy underscores Chinas expanding influence in the global EV market, challenging established players and reshaping the industrys landscape. Read more here
Apps Watch
Mainstream Apps Facilitating Sex Trafficking in Colombia (Bloomberg)—In Colombia, platforms like Facebook, Tinder, and Airbnb are being exploited for sex trafficking, particularly affecting underage individuals. Traffickers use these apps to lure victims and arrange illegal activities, often targeting foreign tourists. This misuse of technology underscores the challenges in monitoring and regulating online platforms to prevent such exploitation. While Colombian authorities are working to address the issue, enforcement remains difficult due to the decentralized nature of online platforms. Advocates are pushing for stronger regulations and improved detection tools to combat trafficking networks that operate in digital spaces. Read more here
TikTok Watch
UK Data Watchdog Launches Investigation into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur (BBC News)—The UKs Information Commissioners Office (ICO) has opened a major investigation into TikToks handling of childrens personal data. The probe will assess whether the platform's algorithm, which recommends content based on user behavior, complies with UK data protection laws and the children’s code. Concerns include potential data leaks and whether TikTok’s practices encourage excessive screen time for 13 to 17-year-olds. Additionally, the ICO is scrutinizing Reddit and Imgur for their age verification processes, ensuring they properly enforce access restrictions for underage users. While TikTok insists its recommender systems operate under strict privacy protections, past violations have resulted in significant fines. Read more here
