The Comunicano for Wednesday March 12th 2025

A Wonderful Wednesday

Ah, my friends, welcome. Pull up a chair, pour yourself something delightful—perhaps a glass of Comunicano Wine Company S5, if you share my particular persuasion—and let’s take a moment to savor the latest news as if it were a fine, slowly sipped fine wine or cocktail. Like a well-balanced drink, or dare I say, a well-blended wine, the world of technology is equal parts innovation, controversy, and just a touch of bitters.

Shall we begin with OpenAI? It appears they’ve uncorked a new vintage—a platform for businesses to create their own AI agents. Financial analysis and customer service—these digital sous-chefs are ready to streamline workflows. Yet, much like a novice mixologist attempting a perfect Manhattan, there are skeptics. Can we truly entrust these agents with the delicate balance of decision-making? OpenAI believes the future is in delegation. Stripe and Box have already taken a sip—let’s see if they come back for a second round.

Meanwhile, Google has been busy crafting its own house specialty. Enter Gemma 3, an AI model designed to work seamlessly on single-GPU systems. Efficiency meets power, a sort of minimalist martini for the AI world. And lest we forget, DeepMind’s Gemini Robotics is stirring things up, training robots to handle real-world tasks. Folding paper, opening bottles—perhaps someday, even making a perfect Negroni. Dare we dream?

And then there’s Apple. Ah, dear Apple. Like a restaurant that keeps promising a grand reopening but never quite serves the main course, their AI-enhanced Siri features have been… delayed. Again. It seems even the tech giant struggles with execution. Timing is, after all, everything.

Beyond Silicon Valley, an unsettling trend emerges: AI surveillance in schools. Programs like Gaggle and GoGuardian claim to protect students, but at what cost? Reports suggest privacy breaches, racial bias, and an eerie sense that Big Brother has enrolled in homeroom. A heavy pour of caution is in order here.

And finally, in the travel world—lithium-ion batteries are catching fire on airplanes, and Google’s Chromecast is having an existential crisis. Not the best week for seamless entertainment.

So, my friends, we toast to progress, but with an ever-watchful eye. AI is here to stay, but as Mark Cuban wisely reminds us—it’s a tool, not a replacement. Human ingenuity, like a fine cocktail, is something best enjoyed with care, balance, and a little bit of flair, especially when you’re reading THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

OpenAI Watch

OpenAI Empowers Businesses with Custom AI Agents (The Wall Street Journal)—OpenAI has introduced a new platform allowing businesses to develop their own AI agents for specialized tasks, such as financial analysis and customer support. With over two million business users, OpenAI aims to streamline enterprise workflows, though many companies remain cautious about relying on AI for critical functions. Stripe and Box are among the early adopters, and OpenAI charges based on usage. The platform requires developer expertise, making it more suited for companies with technical resources. OpenAI believes AI agents will become a major focus in 2025.
Read more here

OpenAI's New Tools for Building AI Agents (The Verge)—OpenAI is launching two new tools—the Responses API and the Agents SDK—to help developers create AI agents with advanced functionalities. The Responses API provides foundational tools for building agent interactions, while the Agents SDK helps developers orchestrate workflows among multiple AI-powered assistants. These tools aim to simplify the development of autonomous AI systems, making them more accessible to businesses and developers looking to integrate AI-driven automation into their operations. This move further solidifies OpenAI’s position in the evolving AI ecosystem. Read more here

Google Watch

Google Introduces Gemma 3: Advanced AI Model for Single-GPU Systems (Google Blog)—Google has unveiled Gemma 3, an advanced open-source AI model designed for efficient performance across devices, from smartphones to workstations. Built on the research behind Google’s Gemini 2.0 models, Gemma 3 supports over 140 languages and offers enhanced text and visual reasoning capabilities. It features a 128k-token context window and supports function calling for handling complex tasks. Gemma 3 outperforms other models of its size, making it ideal for applications that require high efficiency on single-GPU or TPU systems. Google continues to push AI accessibility with this latest innovation.
Read more here

Google Messages Resolves Media Reception Issues (The Verge)—Google has rolled out an update for its Messages app to address ongoing issues with receiving images and videos. Many users had reported slowdowns, failures, and inconsistent media downloads. The fix, applied through a server-side update, improves the reliability of media reception without requiring users to update their app manually. While this resolves most issues, Google acknowledges that some problems may persist and is encouraging users to provide feedback for further improvements. The update is part of Google's broader effort to enhance its messaging platform’s stability. Read more here

Google Chromecast Users Frustrated Over Streaming Issues (BBC News)—Google Chromecast users are experiencing a second day of outages, preventing them from streaming content on their televisions. The issue primarily affects second-generation Chromecasts and Chromecast Audio devices, leaving users unable to cast Netflix, YouTube, and other media. Google has warned against performing a factory reset, as it may complicate the fix. Reports suggest an expired authentication certificate may be to blame. The issue comes months after Google announced it would discontinue Chromecast in favor of Google TV but promised continued support for existing devices. Read more here

Google DeepMind's Gemini Robotics Enhances AI Capabilities in Physical Tasks (The Verge)—Google DeepMind has introduced two advanced AI models, Gemini Robotics and Gemini Robotics-ER, designed to improve how robots perform real-world tasks. These models integrate visual, language, and physical action understanding, allowing robots to adapt to new situations without specific prior training. Built on the Gemini 2.0 AI framework, they enhance interactivity and dexterity, enabling precise tasks like folding paper or opening bottle caps. DeepMind is collaborating with companies including Boston Dynamics and Agility Robotics to test the models. Emphasizing safety, the models are trained to assess risks before performing actions. Read more here

Apple Watch

Apple Delays Siri’s AI Features, Updates Website Disclaimer (9to5Mac)—Apple has quietly updated its website with a disclaimer indicating delays in Siri’s highly anticipated AI enhancements. Initially expected for the iPhone 16, features such as personal context awareness and on-screen understanding are now pushed to future software updates. The delay highlights Apple’s ongoing challenges in rolling out advanced AI capabilities at scale. While Apple remains committed to improving Siri, the postponement suggests that these updates require more refinement before being released to the public. Read more here

AI Watch

Schools Implement AI Surveillance to Monitor Students, Raising Privacy Concerns (AP News)—Schools across the U.S. are increasingly using AI-powered surveillance tools like Gaggle, GoGuardian, and Securly to monitor students’ activities on school-issued devices. These systems are designed to detect threats such as bullying, self-harm, or violence by analyzing online interactions. However, an investigation by The Seattle Times and The Associated Press found major security flaws, including the exposure of nearly 3,500 sensitive student documents. Critics argue that these tools disproportionately impact marginalized students and erode trust, with little evidence that they effectively prevent school violence or suicides. The debate over balancing safety and privacy continues. Read more here

Mark Cuban Views AI as a Tool, Not a Solution (TechCrunch)—Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has weighed in on the AI debate, arguing that AI should be viewed as a powerful tool rather than a complete solution. He cautions against the overreliance on AI, emphasizing that human oversight, creativity, and critical thinking remain essential. Cuban sees AI as an enabler rather than a replacement for human expertise, particularly in industries requiring nuanced decision-making. His perspective aligns with growing discussions on responsible AI adoption and its role in augmenting rather than replacing human labor. Read more here

Travel Watch

Safety Concerns Over Portable Batteries on Planes (The New York Times)—A growing number of incidents involving lithium-ion batteries catching fire on airplanes has raised safety concerns among airlines and regulators. These batteries, commonly found in smartphones, laptops, and portable chargers, pose a fire risk when damaged or improperly stored. Airlines are reassessing safety protocols, including stricter guidelines on battery transportation and passenger awareness campaigns. As reliance on electronic devices grows, the aviation industry is under pressure to address these risks while maintaining convenience for travelers.
Read more here

Brand Watch

Brand Activations at Super Bowl 59 (Adweek)—Super Bowl 59 featured a variety of creative brand activations, high-energy parties, and attention-grabbing stunts designed to engage fans beyond the game. Major brands like Uber, Spotify, and Ulta Beauty delivered immersive experiences tailored to football enthusiasts. From celebrity-hosted events to interactive installations, companies leveraged the Super Bowl's massive audience to boost brand visibility and consumer engagement. These activations highlighted the growing trend of experiential marketing, where brands create unique, memorable experiences rather than relying solely on traditional advertisements. Super Bowl week once again proved to be a prime opportunity for brands to make a lasting impression. Read more here

Cocktail Watch

Stanley Tucci’s Negroni Obsession (The New York Times)—Actor and food enthusiast Stanley Tucci has become an unexpected ambassador for the Negroni cocktail. His viral social media videos, in which he showcases his mixology skills, have sparked renewed interest in the classic Italian aperitif. The drink, a blend of gin, vermouth, and Campari, has seen a surge in popularity among younger audiences, thanks in part to Tucci’s influence. His passion for Negronis has also inspired a broader appreciation for classic cocktails, reinforcing his reputation as a culinary tastemaker. Read more here