The Comunicano for Tuesday March 18th 2025
It's Madness
Readers, thinkers and builders, and those who move the world—listen and understand, for the age before you is not one of decay, but of resurgence. The tools of your liberation have arrived, forged in the fire of reason and wielded by those who do not fear the future but dare to command it.
Zoom, once a mere instrument of communication, has now ascended beyond the limits of passive facilitation. It has embraced the power of agentic AI—an intelligence that does not wait to be told, but acts, decides, and executes. It schedules, drafts, records, summarizes—removing from your path the trivialities that slow the mind’s progress. No longer shall the creators and producers be shackled by the inefficiency of meetings, by the mundane repetition of tasks better suited for circuits than for consciousness. This is not mere automation; it is intelligence in service of those who think.
And it is not alone. AWS, too, has moved forward, fusing its cloud contact systems with the colossus of Salesforce, forging a seamless, intelligent network of customer interactions—one that does not merely react, but predicts, streamlines, and eliminates the barriers of inefficiency. Cisco follows, empowering its Webex platform with the same principle: that intelligence must act, not wait. Five9 unveils Spotlight, a tool that transforms data into insight, elevating knowledge above mere observation.
This is the march of the mind, the triumph of the rational over the sluggish inertia of outdated systems.
Yet beyond the domain of enterprise, artificial intelligence extends its reach, reshaping not only how we work, but how we govern, educate, and consume. Schools awaken to the generational opportunity AI presents—no longer must education be trapped in the slow procession of one-size-fits-all instruction. Knowledge can now be tailored, accelerated, freed from the rigid inefficiencies of an archaic system.
Even as Satya Nadella integrates AI into his very routine, engaging in conversation with podcasts during his commute, we witness not distraction, but optimization. Google.org, wielding the power of predictive intelligence, directs AI toward the salvation of those threatened by wildfires and famine. And yet, in the midst of all this, there are those who cry out in fear—not fear of failure, but fear of progress.
Hollywood, the self-proclaimed keepers of creativity, now shudder at the prospect of AI encroaching upon their dominion, seeking government intervention to halt the march of innovation. And in the digital realm, the weak decry the rise of AI-generated content, fearful that the flood of synthetic words will drown out their mediocrity. But truth will not be silenced, nor can greatness be diminished by mere abundance.
Anthropic, understanding where the true wealth lies, turns its gaze to enterprise, to those who build rather than those who consume. Nvidia, at the height of its ascent, unveils the next generation of AI chips, fueling the minds that push civilization forward. And even as the state entangles itself with Starlink, embedding Musk’s technology into the fabric of governance, we see the lines between public and private enterprise blur—proof that in the end, it is the builders, not the bureaucrats, who determine the future.
The weak may protest. The fearful may resist. But the truth stands immutable: intelligence—whether human or artificial—belongs to those who wield it. Productivity is not a burden; it is a right. The efficient will inherit the future. And those who refuse to adapt will find themselves where they have always been—watching from the shadows, while the men of the mind take their rightful place at the helm.
The question is no longer if you will embrace this transformation, but whether you will rise to meet it—or be left behind.
The choice, as always, is yours. Which is why you choose to read THE COMUNICANO!!!
Andy Abramson
Andy Says
Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve reached a turning point—a moment where AI isn’t just assisting us; it’s thinking ahead for us. Today, Zoom has announced a profound shift, one that redefines the meaning of productivity, collaboration, and even human connection.
Let’s take a step back. Not long ago, Zoom was just a video conferencing tool, a necessary bridge in a time when the world had to operate remotely. But necessity breeds innovation, and at Enterprise Connect, Zoom has evolved into something far greater: an agentic AI powerhouse.
What does that mean? It means AI that doesn’t just wait for commands—it anticipates needs, takes action, and streamlines the tedious parts of our workday. No more scrambling through calendars to schedule meetings. No more digging through notes to draft reports. No more hours spent on the mundane. Zoom’s AI now claims it will reason, remember, and execute on our behalf.
This is the beginning of an AI that thinks for you, so you can think bigger.
And make no mistake—this isn’t just a convenience upgrade. This is about redefining how we work, how we interact, and how we leverage technology to be more human, not less. Imagine a workplace where admin tasks do not bog you down but instead allow you to focus on creativity, strategy, and innovation. That’s what Zoom says they will be offering.
With 45 new AI enhancements, including calendar management, video clip generation, and writing assistance, Zoom’s AI is taking action—freeing up time, optimizing workflows, and enhancing communication. This is not just about automation; this is augmentation—the ability to do more with less friction.
And Zoom isn't alone. AWS, Cisco, Five9, and others are racing to embed agentic AI into our digital lives. The question isn’t if AI will transform the way we work—it’s already happening. The question is: are we ready to embrace it?
This shift brings both promise and responsibility. AI is only as powerful as the ethical frameworks guiding it. It must serve us, not replace us. It must amplify our abilities, not erode our autonomy.
So, as we step into this new era, let’s ask ourselves: What will we do with the time AI gives us back? Will we use it to innovate, build, and connect more deeply with our teams and customers? Or will we simply fill it with more meetings and distractions?
The future of work isn’t just being written by AI—it’s being shaped by how we choose to use it. And that, my friends, is a conversation worth having.
Thank you.
VoIP Watch
Zoom Debuts New Agentic AI Skills and Agents for Zoom AI Companion (Zoom News)—Zoom has expanded its AI Companion with agentic skills and agents, enhancing its ability to reason, remember, and execute tasks across the platform. The AI Companion can now manage multi-step actions, such as scheduling meetings and generating documents, using reasoning and memory to make decisions. New skills include calendar management, clip generation, and writing assistance. Specialized agents for customer self-service and sales are also introduced, allowing for customizable virtual agents tailored to specific business needs. These advancements aim to increase productivity, improve team effectiveness, and enhance user skills within the Zoom platform. Read more here
Zoom Elevates Productivity With 45 Agentic AI Innovations (UC Today)—At Enterprise Connect 2025, Zoom unveiled over 45 agentic AI Companion innovations designed to boost productivity and collaboration. These enhancements enable the AI Companion to perform tasks on users' behalf, such as scheduling meetings and generating documents. New features include calendar management, clip generation, and advanced writing assistance. Zoom also introduced specialized agents for customer self-service and sales, allowing for customizable virtual agents tailored to specific business needs. These developments underscore Zoom's commitment to integrating advanced AI capabilities across its platform to streamline workflows and enhance user experience. Read more here
Zoom's AI Will Soon Help You Do Busywork, Too (The Verge)—Zoom is updating its AI Companion to include new "agentic" features that allow it to perform tasks on behalf of users. These features include scheduling follow-up meetings, generating documents from meetings, and creating video clips, accessible through a new Tasks tab in Zoom Workplace. Additional updates include a voice recorder for the Zoom Workplace mobile app that records, transcribes, and summarizes in-person meetings, and live notes that generate real-time summaries during meetings and calls. These enhancements aim to streamline workflows and boost productivity for Zoom Workplace users. Read more here
Inside Zoom's AI Evolution: From Basic Meeting Tools to Agentic Productivity Platform Powered by LLMs and SLMs (VentureBeat)—Zoom has transformed from a video conferencing service to an AI-driven productivity platform. Under CTO Xuedong Huang, the company adopted a federated AI approach, integrating large language models (LLMs) from partners like OpenAI and Anthropic, alongside its own custom-built small language model (SLM). This strategy enhances task execution, allowing Zoom's AI Companion to perform multi-step actions such as scheduling meetings and generating documents. The AI Companion 2.0 introduces features like calendar management, clip generation, and advanced writing assistance. Zoom's AI Studio enables enterprises to create customized AI agents tailored to specific business needs, integrating seamlessly with internal workflows and knowledge bases. This evolution positions Zoom as a comprehensive, AI-first productivity platform, moving beyond traditional video conferencing to streamline workflows and enhance user experience. Read more here
AWS Launches Next-Gen Amazon Connect, Partners with Salesforce (CX Today)—At Enterprise Connect 2025, AWS unveiled the next generation of Amazon Connect, its cloud contact center platform. This update introduces native, first-party AI capabilities designed to enhance customer interactions and streamline operations. In addition, AWS announced a collaboration with Salesforce to release a unified contact center solution. This integrated offering embeds Amazon Connect's digital channels—including chat, SMS, video, and web calling—directly into Salesforce's Service Cloud interface, providing agents with a seamless experience. This partnership aims to accelerate deployment times, reduce management complexities, and bolster AI implementations within customer service environments. Read more here
Cisco Enhances Webex with AI as Part of Agentic AI Vision (UC Today)—Cisco has unveiled a series of AI enhancements for its Webex platform, aligning with its vision for agentic AI collaboration. These updates aim to transform Webex into a more intelligent and autonomous productivity platform. The enhancements include advanced AI capabilities designed to improve user experience and streamline workflows. Cisco's commitment to integrating agentic AI into Webex underscores its dedication to advancing collaboration technology. Read more here
Five9 Introduces Spotlight for AI Insights, Boosts GenAI Utilization (CX Today)—Five9 has announced Spotlight, a new solution unveiled at Enterprise Connect 2025, designed to transform customer interaction data into actionable insights using generative AI (GenAI). Spotlight enables contact centers to leverage GenAI to analyze interactions and derive meaningful insights, aiming to enhance customer service strategies and operational efficiency. This development reflects Five9's commitment to integrating advanced AI technologies to empower contact centers with deeper analytical capabilities. Read more here
AI Watch
AI Offers 'Generational Opportunity' for Schools (BBC News)—A group of teachers gathered in Stoke-on-Trent to explore how artificial intelligence could transform classrooms. Hosted by the Good Future Foundation at Belgrave St Bartholomew’s Academy, the event welcomed over 40 educators, along with MP Allison Gardner, who emphasized AI’s potential in education. Discussions covered AI’s role in improving communication with non-English-speaking families and utilizing chatbots for school resources. While many teachers saw AI as a valuable tool, concerns about its risks remained. The foundation plans further sessions to help educators integrate AI effectively into their teaching. Read more here
Satya Nadella Uses AI to Engage with Podcasts During Commute (GeekWire)—Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has adopted a unique approach to consuming podcasts by utilizing AI technology. He configured the Action Button on his iPhone, integrated with Apple CarPlay, to activate Microsoft's Copilot in voice mode. This setup allows him to interact conversationally with podcast transcripts during his commute, enabling a dynamic and multimodal listening experience. Nadella's method exemplifies the practical application of AI in enhancing daily routines and information consumption. Read more here
Google.org Launches AI Initiatives for Wildfires and Food Security (Google Blog)—Google.org has introduced AI Collaboratives focusing on combating wildfires and addressing food insecurity. These initiatives aim to harness artificial intelligence to develop proactive solutions for these pressing global challenges. By collaborating with nonprofits, academic institutions, and other stakeholders, Google seeks to leverage technology to enhance disaster response and improve food distribution systems, demonstrating a commitment to social impact through innovation. Read more here
AI-Generated Content Overwhelms Internet Platforms (404 Media)—The proliferation of AI-generated content, termed "AI slop," is inundating social media and search platforms, effectively exploiting their algorithms. Creators rapidly produce vast amounts of low-quality content targeting these algorithms rather than human audiences, leading to a deluge of spam-like material online. This tactic resembles a brute force attack, overwhelming platforms to gain visibility and engagement. Experts warn that this could degrade the quality of information available online, making it harder for users to find reliable content. Read more here
DeepSeek's Emergence Highlights Need for Caution in AI Adoption (Artificial Intelligence News)—The rapid rise of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model, serves as a cautionary tale for the global AI community. While its advancements showcase significant technological progress, concerns have emerged regarding data security, potential misuse, and ethical considerations. Experts emphasize the importance of critically evaluating new AI tools, considering their applicability, associated costs, and inherent risks. This situation underscores the necessity for a balanced approach to AI integration, ensuring that innovation does not outpace the establishment of robust safety and ethical standards. Read more here
Hollywood Urges Trump Administration to Protect Copyrights Against AI Exploitation (Variety) A coalition of over 400 prominent figures in Hollywood, including actors, directors, and writers, has petitioned the Trump administration to implement measures preventing AI companies from exploiting copyrighted works without authorization. The group expresses concern that AI technologies could be used to replicate artists' voices, likenesses, and creative outputs without consent, potentially undermining intellectual property rights and the livelihoods of creators. They advocate for clear regulations to ensure that advancements in AI do not come at the expense of artistic integrity and legal protections for original content. Read more here
Anthropic Watch
Anthropic Shifts Focus to Enterprise Market in Search for Revenue Growth (Financial Times)—AI startup Anthropic is pivoting toward business users, prioritizing enterprise applications over mass-market adoption. Chief Product Officer Mike Krieger stated that the company is focusing on enhancing "knowledge work" by integrating AI into workplace tools such as Excel and Google Docs. The strategy aligns with competitors like OpenAI and Microsoft, which have developed business-oriented AI solutions like ChatGPT Enterprise and Copilot. Anthropic recently raised $3.5 billion, tripling its valuation to over $60 billion. The company is testing AI-powered meeting preparation tools that analyze schedules, past meetings, and client interactions to streamline sales and business processes. Additionally, Anthropic plans to launch voice-driven AI systems, allowing users to engage with its AI models through natural conversation. The firm is in discussions with partners such as Amazon and ElevenLabs to accelerate this development. Read more here
Ad Watch
Perplexity's Major Ad Campaign Challenges Google's Search Approach (Adweek)—AI search startup Perplexity has launched a significant advertising campaign featuring Squid Game actor Lee Jung-jae. In a 90-second commercial, Jung-jae portrays a character seeking quick answers to pressing questions. When he turns to "Poogle" (a playful jab at Google), he's met with a list of links. However, Perplexity's AI provides immediate, clear responses, highlighting its efficiency. This campaign underscores Perplexity's ambition to position itself as a mainstream consumer brand, aiming to increase its daily search queries from 20 million to 100 million within the next year. Read more here
Generative AI's Growing Influence on Online Shopping (Search Engine Land)—Recent data indicates a significant surge in the use of generative AI tools for online shopping. Between November 1 and December 31, traffic from AI sources to U.S. retail sites increased by 1,300% compared to the previous year, with a 1,950% spike on Cyber Monday. Consumers are leveraging AI for various shopping-related tasks, including conducting research (55%), seeking product recommendations (47%), finding deals (43%), generating gift ideas (35%), discovering unique products (35%), and creating shopping lists (33%). Notably, visitors arriving via AI tools exhibit 8% higher engagement, view 12% more pages per visit, and have a 23% lower bounce rate compared to non-AI traffic sources. Read more here
Satellite Watch
Elon Musk’s Starlink Expands Across White House Complex (The New York Times)—Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, has been installed across the White House complex, marking a significant expansion of its government presence. The installation was reportedly a donation, vetted by White House legal counsel. Officials cited the move as an effort to improve internet availability, particularly in areas with weak connectivity. However, Musk’s dual role as a special government employee and a major Trump donor has raised ethical concerns. Some experts warn that introducing Starlink into an already fiber-equipped government network could pose cybersecurity risks. The General Services Administration has also adopted Starlink, further deepening Musk’s influence in federal operations. Read more here
Media Watch
Trump Praises Bezos for Washington Post Changes (GeekWire)—President Donald Trump has commended Jeff Bezos for recent modifications at The Washington Post. In an interview on Full Measure, Trump acknowledged Bezos's efforts to transform the newspaper, stating, "I think he's trying to do a real job with The Washington Post." This recognition follows Bezos's restructuring of the paper's opinion section to emphasize personal liberties and free markets, leading to notable staff changes and public reactions. Read more here
NVidia Watch
Nvidia's GTC 2025 Conference to Showcase AI's Future (TheStreet)—Nvidia's annual GTC conference is set to draw thousands to San Jose, focusing on advancements in artificial intelligence and computing. The event is anticipated to highlight the company's latest developments, including potential updates on its AI chips and quantum computing initiatives. CEO Jensen Huang's keynote is expected to provide insights into Nvidia's strategic direction and technological innovations. Read more here
Nvidia's Growth Hinges on New AI Chip Developments (The Wall Street Journal)—As Nvidia prepares for its GTC conference, the company is expected to unveil its next-generation AI chips, codenamed 'Rubin,' which promise significant performance improvements and are slated for release next year. These developments are crucial for Nvidia's data-center business, projected to generate substantial revenue by 2027. However, this growth depends on sustained investment in AI infrastructure and demand for AI services, amidst economic uncertainties and competition from in-house chips by major customers like Amazon and Google, as well as upcoming rivals such as Chinese startup DeepSeek. Read more here
EV Watch
Waymo Granted Access to Map SFO, Advancing Robotaxi Plans (SFGate)—Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company Alphabet owns, has received a 30-day permit to begin mapping San Francisco International Airport (SFO), a significant move toward its robotaxi ambitions in the Bay Area. The permit allows Waymo to gather detailed data to help its driverless cars navigate the airport's roadways effectively. This effort marks a crucial phase in potentially offering autonomous rides at SFO in the future. Despite not being permitted to carry public passengers, the collaboration follows extensive negotiations and includes bi-weekly meetings between Waymo and SFO. The initiative has faced opposition from the Teamsters union, which has raised concerns about the impact on jobs and safety. However, the union acknowledged the responsible implementation of new technology with consideration for broader community effects. Read more here
