The Comunicano for Tuesday September 17 2024

A Tasty Tuesday Twist Just for You!!!

Well, well, well... here we are again, knee-deep in the whirlwind of tech updates and business drama. You know, some things change, some things stay the same, but there's always something stirring the pot in this digital age. And today, my friends, we’re taking a little stroll through the latest, most curious happenings in our beloved world of gadgets and corporate decisions….First up, our old friend Apple. Ah yes, Apple, always the master of subtlety. They’ve rolled out iOS 18 and let me tell you, it’s like your favorite comfy sweater with a few new buttons—fresh, but familiar. They've gone big on customization; you can practically wallpaper your home screen in whatever theme your heart desires now. And Control Center? It’s like a secret compartment in your desk—organized, yet just messy enough to be interesting….iMessage get a little glow-up too. Now, whether you're texting an iPhone pal or an Android rebel, things just work better, thanks to this fancy new RCS thing. But the real magic? Let’s not get too cozy—there’s no encryption yet, so we’re still walking a bit of a tightrope there.Well, that’s coming in iOS 18.1, with Apple Intelligence—their AI that’s set to be the star of the show. Patience, folks, patience….

Now, over on the macOS side, it’s a similar story with Sequoia. It’s all about usability and security, but—guess what?—that juicy AI stuff isn’t quite here yet either. Sequoia’s like the warm-up band; the headliner hits the stage later this year. And, sorry to all you Intel Mac users out there, looks like Apple’s pulling a “we’re moving on without you.” It’s Apple Silicon or bust for those future AI goodies…..Ah, but here comes Amazon. Remember when you thought working from home was here to stay? Well, think again. Andy Jassy’s got other plans. He’s calling everyone back to the office—five days a week, no less! No more mixing Zoom calls with midday laundry, no sir. In-person collaboration is the name of the game now, and Amazon’s betting big that when everyone’s physically together, the sparks of innovation will fly. Is it a masterstroke or a morale crusher? Only time will tell….Meanwhile, Microsoft’s out there upgrading Copilot like it’s giving a car a new set of turbocharged tires. AI everywhere—Teams, Outlook, Excel—you name it, it’s making your life easier, or at least faster….And OpenAI? Oh, they’re shuffling the deck, playing it safe with leadership changes, making sure that while they push the AI boundaries, they don’t push us all off a cliff. …But wait, we’re not done! France has entered the chat, folks, and they’ve got Telegram in their sights. They’re using their shiny new cybercrime law to accuse the app’s CEO of some shady dealings. Whether it’s all just a bit of political theater or the start of something more serious... well, it’s France. Anything’s possible….Oh, and Meta’s finally looking out for the kids. Instagram and Facebook are rolling out “teen accounts,” with all kinds of safety features. Private by default, limiting screen time—it’s like giving your kid a bike with training wheels that never quite come off. Will it work? For now, we’ll just hope the little ones don’t find a way to hack the system….And what about Vegas? The Grand Prix hits the Strip, and man, talk about a spectacle. F1 racing, lights flashing, luxury everywhere—it’s a feast for the eyes and ears. But some purists are wondering, has F1 sold its soul to the glitzy neon lights of Sin City? Maybe, but boy, it sure does look fun.

So, there you have it, folks—Apple teasing us with what’s to come, Amazon pulling people back to the grindstone, AI advancing at breakneck speed, and even Vegas getting in on the drama. The world’s always turning, and if you blink, you just might miss the next big thing….which is why, we have those stories and more, all here, in The Comunicano!!!

Apple Watch

It’s Really Here—iOS 18 maintains Apple's focus on balance, introducing subtle yet impactful updates. Customization takes center stage with new home screen themes and flexible Control Center configurations, giving users more control without disrupting the iPhone’s familiar interface. Messages gets a boost with enhanced reactions, scheduling options, and the integration of RCS for smoother texting with non-Apple users. The Photos app is overhauled for better organization and discovery. Notably absent, however, is Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI suite, which will arrive in iOS 18.1. Overall, iOS 18 offers solid, incremental improvements, setting the stage for bigger changes ahead.

Sequoia for Mac—macOS 15 Sequoia introduces incremental updates focused on usability, with AI features delayed until macOS 15.1. Key enhancements include window tiling, iPhone mirroring, a revamped Photos app, and improved Safari with tools to hide distractions. The new Passwords app and deeper system security changes, such as stricter Gatekeeper rules, stand out. However, Intel Macs won't benefit from Apple Intelligence features, marking a shift towards Apple Silicon. While solid overall, Sequoia’s true potential will unfold once AI features are fully integrated later this year.

RCS for iOS—With the release of iOS 18, Apple is introducing support for RCS (Rich Communication Services) to its Messages app. This update significantly improves messaging between iPhone and Android users by incorporating features like typing indicators, high-resolution media sharing, read receipts, and better group chat controls. However, these RCS messages are not yet end-to-end encrypted, which remains a limitation. iPhone users won’t need to adjust settings manually, as RCS will be enabled by default once they update to iOS 18, allowing for a more seamless experience when communicating across platforms.

Amazon Watch

Back to the Office—Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has instructed employees to return to the office five days a week, ending remote work flexibility. This decision builds on Amazon's prior mandate for employees to be in the office three days a week. Jassy emphasized the need for in-person collaboration and team dynamics, citing better innovation and problem-solving when employees are physically together. The stricter return-to-office policy comes as Amazon seeks to increase productivity and strengthen workplace culture.
You can read more details about this development from About Amazon

AI watch

Copilot Upgraded—Microsoft has introduced Wave 2 of its 365 Copilot updates, which includes the launch of Copilot Pages for AI-driven collaboration, Python integration in Excel for advanced data analysis, and Copilot agents to automate business processes. Copilot is also enhanced in Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word, making meetings, data processing, and email management more efficient. These features leverage AI to boost productivity and streamline workflows across various Microsoft 365 apps, helping businesses save time and improve performance.

Altman Steps Down—CEO Sam Altman is leaving the board's safety and security committee, which will now be fully composed of independent board members. OpenAI has added new members to it as part of a broader effort to ensure the responsible development of AI. The committee, which advises OpenAI on ethical concerns and safety issues, now includes experts from various fields. This move highlights OpenAI's commitment to managing risks associated with advanced AI technologies while balancing innovation with safety protocols.

Something New In ChatGPT—Strange behavior was observed in ChatGPT, which could revolutionize AI chatbots. Users noticed that the chatbot's responses occasionally seemed more "human-like," diverging from typical machine-like precision. This shift raises questions about how AI learns and adapts over time, potentially evolving beyond its current capabilities. If this trend continues, natural language processing and interaction with AI systems could significantly advance.

Telegram Watch

Think of It As A French Kiss—France is using its new and untested cybercrime law, known as LOPMI, to target Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, accusing him of facilitating criminal activities on the messaging platform. Enacted in January 2023, the law holds tech leaders accountable if their platforms are used for illegal transactions, a move with no precedent in Western legal systems. While Durov has denied these claims, French prosecutors are pursuing charges related to organized crime on Telegram. This legal approach could set a significant precedent, though it remains unproven in court.

Instagram Watch

Teen Protection-Meta is introducing "teen accounts" for Instagram and Facebook users under 18 to improve safety amid growing concerns about social media's impact on youth. These accounts, available in Australia, the U.S., U.K., and Canada, automatically limit harmful content and restrict interactions with strangers. Teen users' accounts will be private by default, and additional features include notifications after 60 minutes of usage and a sleep mode from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Parents can oversee their teens' activities, and minors under 16 will need parental consent to adjust privacy settings.

Assasination Watch

A New Definition for Delete—Elon Musk sparked controversy after posting and then quickly deleting a comment on X (formerly Twitter) questioning why no assassination attempts had been made against President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The comment followed reports of assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump. Musk's post was widely criticized, with many accusing him of irresponsibly fueling extremist rhetoric. The White House condemned the comment, and experts have expressed concern that such remarks from a major tech figure could inspire real-world violence.

Vegas Watch

Grand Old Time—The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix brought Formula 1 racing to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, blending high-speed action with the city's signature entertainment flair. The event, a spectacle of lights, luxury, and speed, aimed to attract a global audience while boosting F1's growing popularity in the U.S. However, the glitzy setting also raised questions about the sport's commercialization and its balance with tradition.

Crime Watch

Breaking In—Homeowners are facing a new risk as their properties are increasingly featured online, often without their knowledge, through real estate listing sites or social media. This exposure has led to privacy concerns and potential security risks, such as attracting criminals or unwanted visitors. The growing trend of showcasing homes digitally, whether for real estate marketing or personal sharing, makes it easier for people to locate and target properties, putting homeowners at greater risk.

Small Business Watch

There’s Big Money in Small-er—Statista highlights the contrast between business sector contributions in advanced and emerging economies. In advanced economies, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) contribute around half of the total business value added, a figure slightly higher than in emerging economies. However, SMEs play a more significant role in job creation within emerging economies, where they account for a larger share of employment compared to advanced economies. These findings underscore the critical role SMEs play across the globe, though their impact varies significantly depending on the economic landscape.

Travel Watch

Travel Like The Stars—Expedia Group is expanding its Travel Shops initiative, a feature that allows brands, celebrities, and influencers to create shoppable storefronts for travel experiences. This expansion aims to blend inspiration and booking, capitalizing on the influence of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. By partnering with influencers, the initiative helps streamline the process of discovering and booking travel, making it easier for users to go from browsing to booking.

Trailer of the Day

WOLFS on Apple TV+ revolves around the world of "fixers" – professionals who discreetly solve high-stakes problems, often involving dangerous or morally ambiguous situations. Jack, the central character, is one such fixer. He is called upon by Margaret, a woman in a desperate bind, seeking his help to resolve a situation that quickly escalates into a life-threatening challenge. Jack’s methods are mysterious, suggesting a mix of negotiation and confrontation with dangerous individuals.

Music Video of the Day

The App of The Day

Augie Studio

Augie Studio is an innovative, AI-powered video creation platform designed to make high-quality video production accessible for everyone—from individual creators to businesses. It simplifies the entire process of producing video content by automating various stages such as scripting, editing, and even selecting music.

Key Features:

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2. Faceless Video Creation: Augie is particularly useful for those who prefer creating "faceless" content, such as tutorials or explainer videos, focusing on the message rather than the presenter. This especially appeals to many YouTubers and businesses that want to streamline production without appearing on camera.

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4. AI Content Generation: If you’re missing a key piece of footage, Augie can generate media based on your description, filling in the gaps in your content creation process. This makes it a powerful tool for social media marketers, content creators, and businesses needing high-quality videos at scale.

5. Marketing and Social Media Optimization: Augie focuses heavily on video-first marketing, helping businesses create attention-grabbing ads, explainer videos, and promotional content. Videos created on Augie are optimized for platforms like YouTube and Instagram, making it a versatile tool for social media marketing.

Ideal Use Cases:

- Content Creators: YouTubers or influencers can benefit from Augie’s easy-to-use features, particularly for faceless content.

- Marketing Teams: The platform streamlines the creation of social video ads, helping businesses boost brand awareness and engagement.

- Small Businesses and Startups: With affordable pricing plans and easy access to professional-grade tools, Augie enables startups to develop compelling videos without hefty budgets.

You can explore more or sign up at Augie Studio to experience its video creation capabilities.