The Comunicano for Tuesday May 27th 2025
Thoughtful Tuesday
You know, I’ve always believed progress is not a straight line—it zigs and zags, leaps forward, then pauses to catch its breath. But this week, ladies and gentlemen, it feels like the future is sprinting.
Over in Hangzhou, China, we watched robots—real, walking, talking humanoid robots throw punches in a kickboxing ring. That’s right. They jumped, kicked, and danced on command, powered by artificial intelligence. It’s exciting. And a little eerie. But it shows us just how fast the line between man and machine is blurring.
And if you think that’s wild, get this—driverless trucks, the kind that once tiptoed around in broad daylight, are now taking on the night shift, stormy weather and all. Aurora’s betting big on autonomy from Dallas to Phoenix. Meanwhile, TuSimple is under federal investigation for allegedly sharing sensitive tech with China. It’s a reminder that in the race for innovation, security’s not optional, it’s essential.
Now, let’s talk browsers. The folks at Arc are reimagining how we interact with the web, right as Google’s AI-powered search starts doing the reading for us. It’s got publishers worried, and rightfully so. Because if AI gives you the answer, who gets the click? Who gets the paycheck? To fuel all this, Big Tech is betting on nuclear fission. Small, scalable, and clean. That’s not science fiction anymore. That’s corporate investment policy.
In the fight for a safer internet, startups like Web3 Antivirus are leading X’s Community Notes. Meanwhile, states like Texas are pushing to keep minors off social media altogether. Across the pond, Europe’s cracking down on adult sites to protect kids. And in the UK, ex-Meta person Nick Clegg has warned Parliament that asking AI to play fair with artists might kill the industry. But I say: if you can teach machines to think, you can teach 'em to respect the hands that fed ‘em.
The future’s knocking on our door, folks. The question is—will we answer with wisdom, or speed? Find out. In The Comunicano!!!
Andy Abramson
My Recent Writing
The Orbital Empire -A hypothetical viewpoint on what may happen next!
Beyond Screens -My take on the recent OpenAI-Jonny Ive Merger
AI's Relentless Ascent-A look at the speed at which AI is upon us.
Robotics Watch
Unitree’s Humanoid Robots Enter the Kickboxing Ring (SCMP)—In a spectacle blending robotics and martial arts, Unitree Robotics showcased its G1 humanoid robots in a kickboxing competition in Hangzhou, China. The event featured four robots engaging in one-on-one matches, executing punches, kicks, and even acrobatic maneuvers like kip-ups. Controlled via remote and voice commands, these robots demonstrated advanced motion-control algorithms powered by AI. The competition, organized by China Media Group and broadcast live, highlighted China's strides in humanoid robotics and AI integration. Read more here
Browser Watch
Arc Browser Addresses Future Amid AI Browser Emergence (The Browser Company)—In a letter to its users, The Browser Company discussed the future of its Arc browser in the context of emerging AI-driven browsers. The company emphasized its commitment to innovation and user-centric design, acknowledging the evolving landscape and the need to adapt to new technological paradigms. The letter serves as a reflection on Arc's journey and its aspirations in the rapidly changing browser market. Read more here
AV Watch
Aurora Expands Driverless Truck Operations to Night and Adverse Weather (Off the Kuff)—Aurora Innovation announced plans to extend its driverless truck operations to nighttime and adverse weather conditions in the latter half of 2025. The company aims to enhance efficiency by increasing operational hours and expanding routes beyond Dallas to include Houston, El Paso, and Phoenix. This move follows successful freight runs and reflects Aurora's strategy to scale its autonomous trucking services. Read more here
TuSimple Under Scrutiny for Alleged Tech Transfer to China (WSJ)—TuSimple, a U.S.-based self-driving truck startup, is under investigation for allegedly transferring sensitive autonomous driving technology to Chinese entities. Despite a national-security agreement to separate its U.S. and Chinese operations, TuSimple reportedly shared critical data with Chinese firms. The company has since shut down its U.S. operations, and federal investigations by the SEC and FBI are ongoing. Read more here
Google Watch
Google's AI Overviews and AI Mode Raise Concerns Over Web Traffic and Content Visibility (AI Commission)—Google's introduction of AI Overviews and AI Mode has sparked debate over their impact on web traffic and content visibility. AI Overviews provide concise summaries atop search results, reducing the need for users to click through to original sources. AI Mode offers a more interactive, chatbot-like experience, further minimizing user engagement with external websites. Critics argue that these features could undermine the traditional web ecosystem by decreasing traffic to content creators, thereby affecting their revenue and sustainability. While Google positions these tools as enhancements to user experience, concerns persist about the long-term implications for the open web. Read more here
Google I/O 2025 Showcases AI Integration Across Ecosystem (9to5Google)—At Google I/O 2025, the company unveiled a suite of AI-driven features, emphasizing the integration of its Gemini AI across products. Highlights include an AI-powered Search mode, Project Astra's real-time visual interactions, and enhancements in Workspace apps like Gmail and Meet. Google also introduced new hardware collaborations, such as XR smart glasses, and announced a premium "AI Ultra" subscription, underscoring its commitment to embedding AI into every facet of its ecosystem. Read more here
Anthropic Watch
Anthropic’s Talent Magnetism: How It’s Luring Top AI Minds from OpenAI and DeepMind (Analytics India Magazine)—Anthropic is rapidly becoming the go-to destination for elite AI talent, outpacing rivals like OpenAI and DeepMind. A SignalFire report highlights that engineers are eight times more likely to leave OpenAI and nearly eleven times more likely to depart DeepMind for Anthropic. The company's impressive retention rate—nearly 80% over two years—speaks volumes in an industry known for frequent job-hopping. Anthropic's forthcoming $61.5 billion employee share buyback program, following a $3.5 billion Series E funding round, offers employees a chance to cash out equity, enhancing loyalty. High-profile hires, including AI luminaries like Niki Parmar and Jan Leike, underscore Anthropic's appeal. Substantial compensation packages, often in the seven-figure range, are a significant draw for specialized talent. With a strategic focus on both financial incentives and a compelling mission, Anthropic is positioning itself as a formidable player in the AI talent arena. Read more here
AI Watch
Meta’s Llama Team Faces Major Talent Exodus to Mistral (Business Insider)—Meta's AI division is experiencing a significant talent drain, particularly from its Llama team. Of the 14 researchers behind the 2023 Llama paper, only three remain at Meta. The majority have departed, with several joining or founding rival companies, notably Mistral, a Paris-based AI startup. Mistral, co-founded by former Meta researchers Guillaume Lample and Timothée Lacroix, has attracted top talent and is developing competing open-source models. This shift raises concerns about Meta's ability to maintain its leadership in AI innovation, especially as its upcoming Behemoth model faces delays and Llama 4 receives lukewarm reviews. The departures underscore the challenges Meta faces in retaining key personnel amid a competitive AI landscape. Read more here
How Peter Thiel and Eliezer Yudkowsky Shaped Sam Altman’s AI Ambitions (WIRED)—In an excerpt from The Optimist: Sam Altman, OpenAI, and the Race to Invent the Future, journalist Keach Hagey explores the influential roles of Peter Thiel and Eliezer Yudkowsky in the evolution of artificial intelligence. Thiel, after backing Altman's early ventures, became a significant supporter of AI development, influenced by Yudkowsky's advocacy for accelerating the singularity. Yudkowsky's ideas inspired key figures, including DeepMind's founders, and introduced them to Thiel, facilitating early investments. Thiel's interactions with Altman about DeepMind contributed to the inception of OpenAI. However, Yudkowsky's later warnings about AI's existential risks influenced internal dynamics at OpenAI, culminating in Altman's temporary removal as CEO. This narrative underscores the complex interplay between visionary optimism and caution in AI's rapid advancement. Read more here
Energy Watch
Big Tech Bets on Nuclear Fission Startups (TechCrunch)—With AI-driven data centers consuming unprecedented power, tech giants like Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft are investing in nuclear fission startups to secure stable, clean energy. Companies such as Kairos Power, Oklo, Saltfoss, TerraPower, and X-Energy are leading the charge with small modular reactors (SMRs) designed for scalability and safety. These collaborations aim to bring SMRs online by the 2030s, marking a significant shift in energy sourcing for the tech industry. Read more here
Social Watch
Antivirus Startup Emerges as Top Contributor to X's Community Notes (Indicator Media)—Web3 Antivirus, a cybersecurity startup, has become the most active contributor to X's (formerly Twitter) Community Notes, a feature designed for crowdsourced content moderation. Utilizing automated processes, the company focuses on flagging crypto scams, addressing gaps left by X's support and technical teams. This initiative underscores the role of third-party entities in enhancing platform safety and integrity. Read more here
Texas Moves to Ban Social Media for Minors (Engadget)—Texas is advancing legislation to prohibit individuals under 18 from accessing social media platforms. The proposed law mandates age verification and parental consent for minors, reflecting growing concerns over youth mental health and online safety. If enacted, Texas would join other states in imposing stricter regulations on digital platforms to protect younger users. Read more here
Regulation Watch
EU Investigates Porn Sites Over Child Safety Concerns (BBC News)—The European Commission has initiated investigations into Pornhub, Stripchat, XVideos, and XNXX for potential violations of online content laws concerning child safety. The probe focuses on the platforms' lack of effective age verification measures, which may allow minors to access adult content. The Commission emphasized the necessity for online platforms to prioritize children's rights and safety in their service designs. Read more here
Nick Clegg Warns Artist Consent Requirements Could Cripple AI Industry (AI Commission)—Nick Clegg, former UK Deputy Prime Minister and ex-Meta executive, argues that mandating tech companies to obtain artists' permission before using their work to train AI models could "basically kill" the UK's AI industry. Speaking at an event promoting his new book, Clegg acknowledged that creators should have the right to opt out but contended that proactively seeking consent is impractical due to the vast amount of data AI systems process. His remarks come amid UK parliamentary debates over the Data (Use and Access) Bill, which includes a proposed amendment mandating AI companies to disclose which copyrighted materials they use during model training. The amendment, backed by prominent artists like Paul McCartney and Elton John, was recently rejected in Parliament. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized the need to support both AI and creative sectors. Film producer and amendment proponent Beeban Kidron criticized current practices as enabling content theft and vowed continued advocacy as the bill moves to the House of Lords in June. Read more here
Starlink Watch
United Airlines Launches First Starlink Wi-Fi Flight, Plans Full Fleet Rollout by Year-End (Skift)—United Airlines has initiated its first flight equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi, marking a significant step in its plan to provide high-speed, low-latency internet across its fleet. The airline is currently outfitting approximately 300 regional jets with the satellite technology, aiming to complete installations by the end of the year. This move positions United as the largest U.S. carrier to adopt Starlink, enhancing in-flight connectivity for passengers. The partnership with SpaceX's Starlink is part of United's broader strategy to improve customer experience and stay competitive in the industry. Read more here
Facilities Watch
Listo Revolutionizes Venue Communications, Replacing Outdated Systems (Sports Business Journal)—Listo, a Los Angeles-based startup, is transforming communication in sports venues by replacing antiquated methods like walkie-talkies and handwritten notes with a modern, digital platform. The company has successfully implemented its back-of-house communications system in approximately 20 sports venues, including American Family Field and Target Center. These deployments have streamlined operations, allowing for more efficient coordination among staff. Listo's innovative approach addresses a longstanding industry challenge, enhancing the overall experience for both employees and patrons. Read more here