The Comunicano for Tuesday May 13th 2025

They said the rails were obsolete once. They said the future would fly past the iron veins I fought to lay down across a continent. But I’ve learned: the future doesn’t arrive fully formed. It is built—by minds unafraid to act.

Look now at the wrist. A watch, yes—but no mere keeper of time. It is the frontier. Apple’s march into the mind itself through brain-computer interfaces—this is not science fiction. This is the work of those who refuse to let limitation win. Neural impulses into action. Thought into command. The will into motion. Isn’t that the definition of freedom?

They also said drones were toys. But what DJI has done—crafting a machine with eyes more precise than any bird, unshackled from American regulation—proves that innovation will not beg permission. It will simply go where it’s wanted. And if this country won’t welcome it? Others will.

The FTC may wage war on “junk fees,” and perhaps that matters—but it is not regulation that builds the future. It’s not the bureaucrat who dares to animate still photographs, or rewrite the language of legacy code. It’s the builders. It’s always been the builders.

AI doesn’t just answer questions. It answers differently. Marketers chase algorithms now, not attention. And influence? It doesn’t wear a badge. It earns trust—and trust is earned by those who speak clearly, act boldly, and build relentlessly.

We are no longer employees. We are solopreneurs. The world doesn't need passengers—it needs engineers of the possible.

You ask me what’s next. I say: whatever we make next.

Because the world may change—but the mind that refuses to surrender? That is the engine that never stops.

And I will never stop. Will you? I hope not. Not as a reader of THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

Apple Watch

Apple Explores Brain-Computer Interfaces for Device Control (WSJ)—Apple is delving into brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to enable users to control devices like iPhones and VR headsets using neural signals. Partnering with companies such as Synchron, Apple is working on technology that translates brain activity into digital commands through implants like Synchron's Stentrode. This implant, placed in a vein near the brain's motor cortex, allows individuals with mobility issues to interact with devices using thought. Apple plans to release an open standard for developers by the end of the year. Commercial approval of such devices could come by 2030. Read more here

iOS 18.5 Brings Satellite Messaging and Mail App Enhancements (9to5Mac)—Apple has released iOS 18.5, packing in new features and usability tweaks. iPhone 13 users on T-Mobile can now try satellite messaging via a Starlink-powered service, free in the U.S. through July. A fresh Pride Harmony wallpaper joins improved parental controls, including Screen Time notifications. The Mail app gains a toggle to hide contact photos and quicker access to the “All Mail” view. Another welcome addition is the ability to use “Buy with iPhone” when purchasing content in the Apple TV app on third-party devices. Read more here

Drone Watch

DJI Unveils Mavic 4 Pro, Skipping U.S. Market (The Verge)—DJI has introduced its most advanced drone, the Mavic 4 Pro, featuring a 360-degree rotating gimbal, a 100MP camera, triple-camera array capable of 6K/60fps HDR, and a 51-minute flight time. Despite these innovations, DJI has decided not to launch the Mavic 4 Pro in the U.S., citing tariffs and import delays. The drone is available in other markets, including Canada and Mexico, but purchases made outside the U.S. won’t be covered by its American warranty. Read more here

Consumer Watch

FTC’s ‘Junk Fee’ Rules Take Effect on Resort and Ticket Pricing (Review-Journal)—The Federal Trade Commission’s new rules targeting so-called “junk fees” have gone into effect, mandating that companies disclose all mandatory charges upfront. This includes resort fees in hotels and service fees on concert and sports tickets. The aim is to eliminate surprise costs at checkout, bringing greater transparency and fairness to consumers. Businesses are now legally required to include these fees in their advertised prices, a move likely to reshape how pricing is handled across the travel and event industries. Read more here

Marketing Watch

Rise of ‘Answer Engine Optimization’ in AI-Driven Search (Business Insider)—As AI chatbots like ChatGPT become primary tools for information discovery, the rise of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) is challenging the norms of traditional SEO. Marketers and startups are shifting strategies to target natural-language queries and provide content that aligns with how chatbots retrieve and present information. Instead of optimizing for keywords, AEO focuses on being the best answer. This evolution reflects how search and content discovery are changing in the AI era. Read more here

PR Pros Discover How to Influence Chatbots: Talk to a Journalist (Semafor)—Public relations professionals are learning that the most effective way to influence AI chatbot responses is by securing coverage in reputable journalism. Agencies like MikeWorldWide and Edelman are prioritizing earned media from trusted publications, even smaller or niche outlets, as these sources hold more sway with large language models than social media content or paid posts. This marks a strategic shift back to media relations, with AI systems placing heavy weight on credibility and accuracy in their training and outputs. The future of influence is increasingly about being cited by trustworthy voices. Read more here

Messaging Watch

Google Messages Introduces Seven New Features to Enhance User Experience (TechRadar)—Google Messages is rolling out a suite of updates designed to give users more control and convenience. A key feature is "Delete for everyone," letting users retract messages in group chats within 15 minutes. Users can now also delete videos from RCS chats to free up storage. Group chat improvements include customizable icons and invite links. The message box expands up to 14 lines for easier composition of long texts. New options like snoozing conversations, live location sharing, and sensitive content warnings add layers of flexibility, safety, and privacy. Read more here

AI Watch

Gemini AI to Animate Your Photos into Short Videos, Debuting on Honor 400 Series (BGR)—Google’s Gemini AI is set to roll out a feature that turns static photos into five-second animated videos. Launching first on the Honor 400 and 400 Pro smartphones on May 22, the tool lives inside the Gallery app and doesn’t require text prompts. It performs best with clear subjects like people and pets, though results may vary with complex images. Users will get two months of free access, with a limit of ten video generations per day. Afterward, it may require a Gemini Advanced subscription. Image-to-video capabilities are expected to expand across platforms in future updates. Read more here

Generative AI Tackles Legacy Tech Debt in Enterprise Modernization (CIO Dive)—Enterprises are turning to generative AI to tackle the costly burden of technical debt and modernize legacy systems. A study by HFS Research and Publicis Sapient found that 80 percent of IT and business leaders expect AI coding tools to help document outdated applications, rewrite legacy code, and automate testing. With tech debt costing Global 2000 companies up to $2 trillion, firms like IBM and AWS are using AI to translate old languages like COBOL into modern code. Financial giants like Goldman Sachs and Bank of America report 20 percent efficiency boosts thanks to these tools. Read more here

Workplace Watch

We’re All Solopreneurs Now (Inc.)—Joe Procopio argues that the age of traditional employment is rapidly giving way to a solopreneur-driven economy. As AI and automation continue to disrupt legacy roles, individuals are being pushed to think like entrepreneurs, even within corporate environments. Success in 2025 and beyond hinges on adaptability, distinctiveness, and a proactive mindset. Procopio encourages professionals to embrace uncertainty, highlight their unique value, and forge paths independently rather than relying on outdated career models. The new economy favors those willing to build, market, and bet on themselves. Read more here

Amazon's Warehouse Robots Show Promise but Still Require Human Oversight (The Register)—Amazon’s newest warehouse robots, named Stow and Pick, are making notable progress in automating the storage and retrieval of products. Stow has reached an 85 percent success rate in placing items into storage pods, while Pick has achieved even higher accuracy during trials. Yet, both systems face challenges, such as occasional product damage and trouble handling items like books. Despite the technological gains, human workers remain essential for tasks requiring care or adaptability. Amazon frames these robots as tools to support—not replace—its workforce, emphasizing a collaborative future in logistics. Read more here