The Comunicano for Tuesday March 11th 2025

Tuesday Happens

Today, we stand at the crossroads of innovation and consequence, at the threshold of a new era where technology moves swifter than the moral compass of its makers. We must ask ourselves: What does progress mean if it is not anchored in purpose? What does power serve if it does not lift the weary and the poor?

I have read the headlines, and they tell me of a world in motion. Apple may reshape its devices, adorning them with sleekness and speed. Amazon arms its warehouses with machines that neither tire nor hunger. In the East, China forges ahead, pouring its strength into automation, racing toward an age where hands of flesh may one day be forgotten. And in our own land, the call for AI mastery grows louder, echoing in the corridors of business, demanding a workforce ready for a future not yet written.

Yet I say to you, my friends, let us not be blinded by the dazzle of progress if it leads us into darkness. If technology is to shape our world, let it be in the image of justice and equality. Let these advancements serve not just the few but the many. Let the rise of AI be not the fall of opportunity. Let the march of automation not trample the dignity of human labor.

And what of those who seek to control the stories we tell? What of those who manufacture influence, who trade in vanity, whose hunger for validation turns community into commodity? Beware, I say, beware the siren song of self-importance, for a voice without truth is but an empty echo.

And yet, in the midst of turmoil, I see hope! I see a world where privacy is reclaimed, where men and women say, "No more shall my life be an open book for profit and plunder!" I see workers who rise, not to be replaced by machines, but to command them, to shape them, to ensure that technology serves humanity and not the other way around.

My friends, the choice is ours. Will we be the architects of a future built on justice, or will we allow the forces of greed to script our destiny? We must rise, rise with courage, rise with wisdom, rise with love! For the arc of innovation, like the arc of the moral universe, must bend toward what’s right.

Let us walk together, hand in hand, heart to heart, toward a future that is not only new—but just. And let’s read together, THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

Apple Watch

Apple's iOS 19 Brings Dramatic Design Overhaul to iPhone and iPad (The Standard)—Apple is set to unveil its most significant design overhaul in a decade with the upcoming iOS 19 update. This update will feature a fresh look, revamped icons, and a redesigned layout, drawing inspiration from visionOS, the software behind Apple's Vision Pro headset. The redesign aims to introduce greater transparency, layered menus, and dynamic motion elements to enhance user experience. The new interface will be implemented across iPhones, iPads, and partially in macOS for MacBooks. Apple plans to showcase iOS 19 at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, with an official rollout expected in September alongside new iPhone releases. Read more here.

Amazon Watch

Amazon Expands Robotics Integration in Warehouses (Financial Times)—Amazon has significantly enhanced its robotics operations since acquiring Kiva Systems for $775 million in 2012. The company has rebranded Kiva and expanded its use of robotics to improve efficiency in its warehouses. This strategic move underscores Amazon's commitment to leveraging technology to streamline operations and meet growing consumer demand. Read more here.

Robotics Watch

America Is Missing the New Labor Economy – Robotics Part 1 (SemiAnalysis)

SemiAnalysis discusses China's strategic advancements in robotics, emphasizing its potential to dominate global manufacturing through automation. The article highlights China's rapid iteration and scaling capabilities, positioning it to outpace Western nations in deploying general-purpose robotics across industries. This shift could lead to 24/7 automated production, significantly enhancing throughput beyond human capabilities. The authors caution that if the U.S. and other Western countries do not adapt swiftly to this technological evolution, they risk losing their competitive edge in critical sectors, underscoring an urgent need for action to embrace and integrate advanced robotics. Read more here

Storytelling Watch

Examples of Brand Storytelling (Shorthand)—Shorthand presents a collection of exemplary brand storytelling cases, illustrating how companies effectively convey their narratives to engage audiences. The showcase includes diverse formats such as immersive articles, interactive features, and multimedia content, demonstrating the power of storytelling in building brand identity and connecting with consumers on an emotional level. These examples serve as inspiration for brands aiming to craft compelling stories that resonate and foster deeper relationships with their target audiences. Read more here

Starlink Watch

Carlos Slim Cancels $22 Billion Starlink Orders Following Elon Musk's Accusations (CleanTechnica)—Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim has terminated a $22 billion partnership with Elon Musk's Starlink after Musk implied Slim had ties to drug cartels. Slim's company, América Móvil, will now invest in its own telecommunications infrastructure, reducing reliance on external satellite services. This move not only impacts Starlink's anticipated revenue but also shifts market dynamics in Latin America's telecom sector, with Slim considering partnerships with Chinese and European firms. Read more here

Meetings Watch

Event Design

43 Tips to Prepare Your Event Planning Strategy in 2025 (Skift Meetings)—The event industry has evolved significantly post-pandemic, with a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and personalization into event planning strategies for 2025. Attendees now expect immersive, tailored experiences, making the use of AI-driven insights and seamless hybrid events crucial for success. Additionally, global conditions are pushing for more sustainable practices, positioning eco-conscious planning as a priority. The article outlines top strategies set to dominate the industry, including hybrid event enhancements, micro-event series, and the rise of "bleisure" travel, blending innovation with responsibility to push the boundaries of what's possible. Read more here

AI Watch

Alibaba.com Targets 100% AI Adoption by Merchants in 2025 (South China Morning Post)—Alibaba.com aims for full AI integration among its approximately 200,000 merchants by 2025. Currently, over half of these merchants utilize the platform's AI tools weekly, enhancing operational efficiency and global competitiveness. This initiative aligns with Alibaba's broader strategy to bolster its international presence and underscores the critical role of AI in modernizing e-commerce practices. Read more here.

Meta Watch

Meta Faces Allegations of Removing Copyright Info from AI Training Data (The Register)—A U.S. judge has ruled that Meta must address claims it violated the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) by allegedly stripping copyright management information (CMI) from materials used to train its AI models, including the Llama series. Authors Richard Kadrey, Sarah Silverman, and Christopher Golden allege Meta removed CMI to prevent AI outputs from revealing their copyrighted origins. Meta has acknowledged using datasets like Books3, which contain copyrighted works, for training purposes. Read more here

Influencers Watch

50 Infuriating Influencers Who Took Things Too Far and Got Shamed Online (Bored Panda)—Bored Panda highlights instances where influencers have overstepped boundaries, leading to public backlash. Examples include influencers demanding free products or services in exchange for exposure, such as a 15-year-old TikTok influencer requesting customized sneakers without payment. Another case involves an influencer leaving a negative review for a small business after being denied free products. These stories shed light on the growing issue of entitlement among some influencers and the resulting consequences when their actions are publicly exposed. Read more here

WiFi Watch

Super Bowl 59: Cellular Networks Eclipse Wi-Fi in Data Usage (Stadium Tech Report)—At Super Bowl 59, held on February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, a significant shift in data usage patterns emerged. The combined data consumption on AT&T and Verizon cellular networks reached 67.1 terabytes, substantially surpassing the stadium's Wi-Fi usage, which totaled only 17.2 TB. This marks a departure from previous trends where Wi-Fi typically handled the majority of data traffic during such events. Contributing factors include a robust cellular infrastructure investment and potential configuration issues with the newly deployed Wi-Fi 6E network. Additionally, Verizon's decision not to provide its offload SSID, a common driver for Wi-Fi usage in past Super Bowls, may have influenced user behavior. These developments prompt a reevaluation of the balance between DAS and Wi-Fi systems to optimize fan connectivity experiences. Read more here

Workplace Watch

Zoho Founder Sridhar Vembu Highlights Systemic Issues in Software Job Market (The Economic Times)—Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho Corp., asserts that current challenges in the software job market arise from systemic inefficiencies rather than the immediate impact of artificial intelligence (AI). He points to overcapitalization, aggressive marketing strategies, and the proliferation of redundant IT systems as key contributors to these inefficiencies. Vembu emphasizes that while AI enhances productivity, it also exposes longstanding inefficiencies within the industry. He advocates for a reevaluation of business models to prioritize genuine efficiency over mere expansion. Read more here

Employers Seek AI Skills: Understanding the Demand (ZDNet)—As AI rapidly integrates into industries, employers increasingly prioritize candidates with AI-related skills. However, the specific skills vary widely. Some companies seek general AI familiarity, while others require technical proficiency in machine learning, Python, and AI frameworks. Many roles now expect employees to integrate AI tools into their workflows, particularly in fields like pharmaceuticals and tech. Beyond technical abilities, soft skills such as critical thinking and adaptability are essential for working alongside AI. Professionals are encouraged to upskill continuously to stay competitive in an evolving job market driven by AI advancements. Read more here

Privacy Watch

Why People Are Cutting Back Their Online Profiles (BBC News)—The rise of AI and increasing online fraud are prompting more people to limit their digital footprint. Privacy concerns, data security threats, and personal safety fears—especially in cases of stalking or online harassment—are driving users to erase or minimize their presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Experts warn that AI-driven scams are improving, using publicly available data to impersonate individuals. To counteract risks, users are adopting privacy-focused tools like VPNs, cookie blockers, and data removal services while advocating for stronger digital rights and regulations. Read more here

Keep Your Chats Private: How to Send Secret Messages on iPhone (CNET)—iPhone users can enhance message privacy with built-in features. Invisible Ink in iMessage hides texts until swiped. The Notes app allows private conversations by sharing a note with a trusted contact, then deleting messages afterward. While iMessage lacks scheduling, the Shortcuts app can automate messages. For maximum security, encrypted messaging apps like Signal or Telegram provide end-to-end encryption and self-destructing messages. These tools help users maintain privacy and protect sensitive information from unwanted access. Read more here

Data Center Watch

Cerebras to Light Up Datacenters in North America and France Packed with AI Accelerators (The Register)—Cerebras is set to deploy over a thousand of its unique wafer-scale AI accelerators across new datacenters in Texas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Georgia, Montreal, and France. The largest U.S. facility, in Minneapolis, will house 512 CS-3 AI accelerators, delivering 64 exaFLOPS of FP16 compute by Q2 2025. Unlike typical datacenters relying on GPUs, Cerebras utilizes its proprietary 46,225 mm² processors with 900,000 cores and 44 GB of SRAM. This infrastructure supports high-speed inference, capable of serving Llama 3.1 70B at up to 2,100 tokens per second. Read more here

Social Watch

Bluesky Now Lets Users Upload Videos Up to 3 Minutes Long (TechCrunch)—Bluesky, the decentralized social network, has expanded its platform's capabilities by allowing users to upload videos up to three minutes in length, an increase from the previous one-minute limit. This update, available in Bluesky version 1.99, also introduces a "Chat Requests" feature to manage direct messages from unknown users, similar to the "Message Requests" on X. Additionally, users can now mute accounts directly from the three-dot menu under a post, streamlining the content moderation process. Read more here.

Gaming Watch

Leaked Video Shows PlayStation Toying with Aloy from Horizon as an AI Chatbot (Rock Paper Shotgun)—Sony is experimenting with AI-powered characters, as revealed in a leaked internal video showcasing Aloy from the Horizon series responding to player queries with synthesized voice and facial movements. The prototype utilizes technologies such as OpenAI's Whisper for speech-to-text, GPT-4 and Llama 3 for language processing, and Sony's in-house voice synthesis and facial animation systems. Developed in collaboration with Guerrilla Games, this demonstration explores the potential of AI integration in gaming, though it raises questions about its impact on gameplay and the roles of voice actors and developers. Read more here.

Restaurant Watch

21 Southern California Restaurants That Are Drop. Dead. Gorgeous. (Locale Magazine)—Locale Magazine showcases 21 Southern California restaurants that captivate diners with their stunning interiors and ambiance. From coastal eateries with panoramic ocean views to urban establishments boasting chic, modern designs, these venues offer more than just culinary delights—they provide immersive visual experiences that elevate dining to an art form. Each restaurant is meticulously curated to ensure that the environment complements the cuisine, making every meal a feast for both the palate and the eyes. Read more here