The Comunicano for Wednesday January 8th 2024
Wandering Wednesday
Welcome to today's "Comunicano", a whirlwind tour of the forces reshaping our digital landscape. Let’s connect the dots because, in tech, everything is a domino.
Let’s go to the Tesla Watch where the spotlight is on Tesla, but not for its cars. Washington's branding of China’s CATL as a "foreign entity of concern" threatens to unplug Tesla’s battery supply chain. With competitors like Ford and GM also entangled in CATL’s web, the race for EV dominance just turned into a geopolitical chess match. Localizing battery production is now a priority, but the clock is ticking, and Tesla’s "Made in America" dream risks a short circuit…. Over on the NVIDIA Watch: If Tesla’s grappling with supply chain puzzles, NVIDIA is surfing the AI wave with unmatched swagger. From gaming to self-driving cars, they’re rewriting the rulebook of what’s possible. AMD and Intel are still at the starting blocks while NVIDIA’s already setting records. The question isn’t whether they’ll dominate but how long this dynasty can last. Can the tortoises catch this hare? Not anytime soon.
Keeping and Eye on Meta sees how the pendulum swings between free speech and misinformation. Zuckerberg’s decision to end fact-checking and scale back moderation aligns with Musk’s free-speech ethos but leaves critics shouting about safety and truth. Meta’s strategy? Growth first, ethics later. A bold move in a landscape where online trust is increasingly fragile…. Now on the TikTok Watch and Speaking of trust, TikTok is fighting for its life against U.S. regulators. A potential ban could scatter creators to Instagram or YouTube and cement Lemon8 as ByteDance’s new golden child. Social media is no longer just about filters and followers—it’s ground zero for geopolitical power plays. The question: will TikTok survive, or is Lemon8 Plan B for a reason?
Our Apple Watch sees the Kings of Cupertino navigating stormy waters in Indonesia, where local manufacturing rules block iPhone sales despite investment deals. But on the horizon? The iPhone SE 4 and iPad 11, catering to budget-conscious users. Apple knows: you win some, you launch some.
The Mobile Watch shows fast-charging of phones in five seconds? It’s happening. OnePlus teams up with Hasselblad to lure photography buffs, while Google Pixel refreshes its security. The common thread? Constant innovation that pushes boundaries, keeps us connected, and, yes, addicted.
Our Data Center Watch finds thatAWS is pouring billions into Georgia, and Dubai's DAMAC bets big on U.S. data centers. These aren’t just tech investments—they’re the skeleton of our AI-powered future. Data is king, and infrastructure is its castle.
And where would be with a Cookie Watch that has the Girl Scouts of America dropping two cookies, Toast-Yay and S’mores. Sad? Sure. But innovation isn’t just about tech—it’s in everything we consume.
The meme of today? "Adapt or evaporate." In this whirlwind of disruption, whether you're Tesla, Meta, or a cookie company, staying static isn’t an option. Tech’s story is evolution, and it’s rewriting itself every single day right here in The Comunicano!!!
Andy Abramson
Tesla Watch
Washington’s CATL Label and Its Tesla Implications (Reuters)—Washington's designation of China's CATL as a "foreign entity of concern" could disrupt Tesla's reliance on CATL’s battery technology for its electric vehicles. This move highlights the growing geopolitical tension around China's dominance in EV supply chains. The tag could trigger regulatory scrutiny, impacting Tesla’s partnerships and battery production plans. Meanwhile, competitors like General Motors and Ford, also tied to CATL deals, face similar challenges as U.S. policymakers strive to localize battery manufacturing to mitigate dependency on China. This development underlines the broader implications of tech geopolitics on the EV industry.
Read more here
NVIDIA Watch
Can Anyone Slow NVIDIA Down? (Cautious Optimism)
NVIDIA continues to dominate the tech industry, driven by its leadership in AI, GPUs, and data centers. The company’s innovations are reshaping industries from gaming to autonomous driving. Despite its rapid growth, competitors are struggling to match NVIDIA’s pace in AI hardware and software solutions. While challengers like AMD and Intel make incremental advances, NVIDIA’s investments in AI-focused technologies solidify its market supremacy. The question remains: can any company disrupt NVIDIA’s momentum in the foreseeable future?
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Meta Watch
Meta Ends Fact-Checking Program Amid Free Speech Debate (WSJ)—Meta has ended its third-party fact-checking initiative, sparking debate over the balance between free speech and misinformation control. The decision aligns Meta with Elon Musk’s more lenient moderation policies, raising concerns about the platform's role in combatting false information.
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Meta’s Content Moderation Rollback Faces Criticism (NYT)—Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to reduce content moderation has drawn scrutiny from civil rights advocates and former oversight board members. Critics argue the move prioritizes growth and user engagement at the expense of online safety and truth.
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Meta Oversight Co-Chair Raises Concerns Over Moderation (City AM)—The co-chair of Meta’s Oversight Board expressed “huge problems” with recent changes to content moderation policies. This shift, which aligns with Zuckerberg’s emphasis on free speech, could lead to increased misinformation and hate speech on the platform.
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X CEO Applauds Meta's Shift to Community-Based Moderation (Mashable.com)—Meta has announced the termination of its fact-checking program on Facebook and Instagram, opting instead for a community-driven moderation system akin to X's Community Notes. X CEO Linda Yaccarino welcomed this change, stating that allowing users to add context to misleading posts encourages better online behavior and reduces misinformation spread. Critics, however, express concerns that removing professional fact-checkers may lead to increased disinformation. Yaccarino maintains that this approach balances free speech with community engagement, positioning X as a leading news platform globally.
TikTok Watch
What Happens If TikTok Is Banned? (Reuters)—With TikTok under growing regulatory scrutiny, discussions center on what a U.S. ban could mean for users, creators, and ByteDance. A ban would likely fragment the influencer economy, with creators forced to migrate to rival platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Lemon8. The shift would disrupt TikTok’s dominance and open opportunities for competitors, while sparking debates on free speech and digital security. As policymakers weigh national security concerns against market freedom, the future of social media hangs in the balance.
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ByteDance’s Lemon8 Emerges Amid TikTok Ban Threats (USA Today)—As TikTok faces potential U.S. bans, ByteDance is promoting Lemon8, a lifestyle-focused app, as a strategic alternative. Lemon8’s growing popularity among creators positions it as ByteDance’s hedge against geopolitical uncertainties surrounding TikTok.
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Creators Seek Alternatives Amid TikTok Ban Threats (AP News)—Amid rising scrutiny of TikTok, content creators are turning to apps like Lemon8 to diversify their audiences. ByteDance’s strategic push for Lemon8 reflects its plan to sustain its market presence despite regulatory challenges.
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Apple Watch
Apple’s Struggles in Indonesia Despite Investment Deal (Reuters)—Apple remains unable to sell its iPhone 16 in Indonesia despite an investment agreement, highlighting the complications of meeting local manufacturing requirements. This situation reflects growing nationalistic policies affecting global tech giants.
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iPhone SE 4 and iPad 11 Expected by April (MacRumors)—Apple plans to release the iPhone SE 4 and iPad 11 by April, featuring updated designs and enhanced performance. These products aim to strengthen Apple’s mid-range offerings for budget-conscious consumers.
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Mobile Watch
New Product Fully Charges a Phone in Under 5 Seconds (ZDNet)—A revolutionary product showcased at CES can fully charge a smartphone in less than five seconds. This breakthrough marks a significant advancement in battery technology and fast-charging capabilities.
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OnePlus 13 Targets Photography Enthusiasts with Hasselblad (PetaPixel)—OnePlus 13, featuring a Hasselblad camera system, is designed to appeal to photography enthusiasts. The phone combines cutting-edge technology with premium camera capabilities to meet the needs of demanding photographers.
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Google Pixel’s January Security Update Enhances Icons (Android Police)—Google Pixel devices received the January 2025 security update, introducing new themed icons and enhanced protections. The update reflects Google’s ongoing commitment to user security and aesthetic customization.
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T-Mobile Faces Lawsuit Over Data Breach Impacting 2M (GeekWire)—The Washington State Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against T-Mobile over a data breach affecting 2 million residents. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about corporate data security and consumer protection.
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EV Watch
Innovative EV Solutions Unveiled at CES 2025 (CNET.com)—At CES 2025, automakers introduced groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) technologies set to redefine the driving experience. BMW's Panoramic iDrive transforms the entire windshield into a heads-up display, providing drivers with essential information directly in their line of sight. Sony and Honda's joint venture, Afeela, showcased an EV designed to feel like a living room, featuring advanced AI-powered voice assistants and a panoramic screen. Hyundai Mobis presented a holographic windshield technology that projects information and entertainment, enhancing in-cabin experiences. These innovations highlight the industry's commitment to integrating advanced technologies into EVs, aiming to enhance safety, comfort, and user engagement.
DataCenter Watch
AWS Boosts Georgia Economy with $2.25 Billion Investment (Amazon)—Amazon Web Services is investing $2.25 billion in Georgia to develop AI and cloud infrastructure, creating thousands of jobs. This move strengthens AWS’s leadership in the tech industry while contributing to regional economic growth.
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DAMAC’s $20 Billion Bet on Midwest and Sun Belt Data Centers (Fox Business)—Dubai-based DAMAC Group is making waves with a $20 billion investment in data centers across the Midwest and Sun Belt regions of the U.S. The company, best known for luxury real estate, is pivoting into tech infrastructure to support rising demand for cloud services and AI technologies. This massive commitment underscores the growing importance of data centers as the backbone of the digital economy. DAMAC's bold strategy aims to tap into America’s tech boom while diversifying its business portfolio. Who knew luxury developers could moonlight as the architects of our digital future?
Cookie Watch
Two Beloved Girl Scout Cookies Face Discontinuation (Yahoo)—Toast-Yay and S'mores cookies will no longer be part of the Girl Scouts’ lineup, sparking disappointment among fans. This change reflects the organization's focus on streamlining product offerings while adapting to consumer trends.
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Game Watch
Best Video Games of All Time—A Definitive List (Rolling Stone)—Rolling Stone’s list of the best video games of all time celebrates innovative storytelling and cultural impact. It highlights classic titles and modern masterpieces that have shaped gaming history.
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LinkedIn Watch
How to Use LinkedIn Ad Library Effectively (UseKaya)—LinkedIn’s Ad Library is a powerful tool for businesses to analyze competitors’ strategies and optimize their own campaigns. By leveraging the platform, users can uncover trends, monitor competitors’ sponsored content, and refine their targeting. The blog provides actionable steps to navigate the Ad Library, emphasizing how its insights can improve advertising ROI. For marketers aiming to maximize LinkedIn’s potential, this tool is a must-use resource for strategic planning.
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StartUp Watch
The 30 Best Pieces of Company-Building Advice from 2024 (First Round Review)—First Round Review compiles the most impactful lessons from founders, executives, and industry leaders in 2024, offering actionable guidance for startups and scaling companies. Key takeaways include prioritizing customer-centric innovation, building resilient teams, and leveraging data to inform decisions. Highlights feature strategies for navigating market downturns, fostering inclusive cultures, and creating sustainable growth paths. The collection serves as a comprehensive playbook for entrepreneurs, with insights tailored to tackle challenges in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Whether refining your hiring process or scaling operations, this roundup is a treasure trove of wisdom for company builders.
Travel Watch
Culinary Destinations to Explore in 2025 (Eater.com)—Eater's latest guide spotlights 18 global cities poised to captivate food enthusiasts in 2025. From Abidjan's fusion of traditional and modern Ivorian dishes, Houston's eclectic culinary landscape featuring Cambodian pastries and West African stews, and even wine country-themed Paso Robles, CA, all these destinations promise rich gastronomic adventures. Other notable mentions include Luang Prabang in Laos, Goi in India, and Mérida in Mexico, each offering unique flavors and dining experiences. This curated list encourages travelers to venture beyond typical tourist spots, immersing themselves in diverse and authentic food cultures worldwide.
The Rise of New York Pizza Slices Nationwide (New York Times)—New York-style pizza slices, once a quintessential New York City treat, have gone national, with high-quality examples found from Rexburg, Idaho, to Los Angeles. Pioneering pizzaiolos like Bill Crawford of Righteous Slice and Tony Gemignani are bringing the iconic foldable, crispy crust and tangy tomato sauce to unexpected locales. Culinary influencers, including Adam Kuban and Ann Kim, have helped elevate the humble slice into a respected culinary art form. The trend reflects a nationwide—and even global—renaissance of this classic street snack, as more diners crave a taste of New York wherever they are.
