The Comunicano for Wednesday November 13th 2024

Whacky Wednesday

Picture this: in a world where AI is supposed to solve all our problems and automate our wildest dreams, the big brains behind the machines are scratching their heads. “Sorry, we’re stalled,” they say. Yes, the magic formula of just “scaling it up” has lost its sparkle. OpenAI’s latest, aptly named “Orion,” is showing that bigger might not mean better. Apparently, piling on data has hit a ceiling, and we’re close to running out of human-made words to feed these hungry algorithms. Now the talk is all about specialized AI, a bit like switching from Swiss Army knife to scalpel—only where's the drama in that?……Then we’ve got “FrontierMath", a terrifying new math test that flummoxes even the sharpest AI minds. Designed by mathematicians who win Fields Medals, FrontierMath presents problems that brute force just can’t bulldoze. Instead of being the math whiz we’d hoped, AI is more like the kid who aces his times tables but can’t handle a calculus question. Turns out, logic and deep creativity are still tricky territory….Meanwhile, Perplexity AI has found a way to insert ads into your search feed without (hopefully) annoying everyone. Yes, sponsored questions! You’ll be asking, “How much does it pay to rent a party llama?” and suddenly, there’s a suggestion for a llama rental company—marked “sponsored,” of course. This careful toe-dip into advertising could mean Perplexity’s on its way to becoming the AI you love...or ignore, depending on how subtle those ad placements turn out to be.

Over at Apple, there’s a buzz about a “wall tablet” for the smart home. Think of it as an iPad’s little cousin, aiming to become the brain of your house. Between its six-inch screen and Siri-powered voice controls, this device is set to make your living room as smart as your watch. And for your ears? Apple’s bringing ChatGPT to AirPods, so you can have that eerily smooth AI chat you always wanted—like a cross between Siri and “Her” Just say, “Ask ChatGPT,” and voilà, your AirPods spring to life with AI magic…..Google’s news, though, is less sparkly. Testing what happens when they stop showing EU news on Search, Google News, and Discover, a small group of European users will soon get news-free scrolling. And while YouTube’s playing with “Restyle a Track” for its Shorts, transforming tunes to any genre you fancy, T-Mobile’s struggling to complete calls in Salt Lake, making those “SOS” symbols pop up on phones like unwanted holiday lights.

And just in case you thought we were out of wild ideas, here’s one from BlackWolf: a rideshare company with armed drivers. Yes, you read that right. With backgrounds in law enforcement or military, BlackWolf drivers are trained for extra security, rolling out soon across Texas. Meanwhile, Tesla’s adding Bluetooth controls for those places where a phone signal is as elusive as a unicorn, like in Salt Lake City yesterday….In the land of retail, Amazon’s getting cozy with discount shoppers by launching “Amazon Haul,” a new budget-focused storefront that aims to take on low-cost giants like Shein. And Grubhub is finding a new home with Wonder, hoping to blend ghost kitchens and delivery service for a flavorful reboot….To top it off, our trusty travel friend Bounce scored a fresh $19 million to help travelers find temporary storage in every nook and cranny of the urban jungle. And in Italy? Besides pasta and ancient ruins, it’s now a spyware hub, becoming the go-to for governments and law enforcement looking for affordable surveillance tools.

Folks, if all this doesn’t remind you of our strange, tech-crazy world, I don’t know what will. Buckle up—because the future is one wild, wonderfully weird ride and it’s all here today, here, in THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

AI Watch

Sorry, We Are Stalled—AI's meteoric rise may be approaching limits as scaling alone no longer guarantees big leaps in performance. OpenAI’s next model, "Orion," reportedly shows only modest improvements over GPT-4, with some tasks seeing no reliable gain. Former OpenAI lead Ilya Sutskever suggests that the "age of scaling" has ended, signaling a need for novel approaches beyond adding data and compute power. With human-generated textual data nearly exhausted, companies are pivoting to synthetic data, though it risks “model collapse” over time. The future may favor specialized AI models that excel in niche tasks rather than broad, generalist abilities.

It’s Just A Math Problem—The new FrontierMath benchmark, developed by Epoch AI, highlights significant challenges AI still faces in advanced mathematical reasoning. Unlike standard math tests, FrontierMath includes research-level problems requiring deep logical reasoning and creativity, areas where current AI models, including GPT-4o and Gemini 1.5 Pro, fall short, solving fewer than 2% of tasks. Crafted by leading mathematicians, including Fields Medalists, these problems resist brute-force solutions and demand intricate, multi-step logic. While AI excels in simpler benchmarks, FrontierMath exposes its limitations in achieving true understanding, underscoring the complexity of developing AI with human-like reasoning abilities in mathematics.

Here Come The Ads—Perplexity AI has begun testing ads as sponsored follow-up questions, with answers generated by the platform, not advertisers. This ad integration allows brands to appear as suggested queries within search results, specifically marked as “sponsored.” Early ad partners include companies like Indeed and Whole Foods. This move seeks to generate revenue through advertising to supplement Perplexity's revenue-sharing program, launched in July, while gauging user responses to ads in an ad-averse AI search space. This marks Perplexity’s initial foray into monetization through advertising as it competes in the AI-driven search market.

Apple Watch

We Hit A Wall—Apple is reportedly developing a smart home "wall tablet" set for release as early as March 2025, designed as a hub for home control, Siri interactions, and video calls. The device resembles a small, square iPad with a six-inch display, internal speakers, a camera, and a battery, enabling flexible placement. Its interface may combine elements of watchOS and iPhone's Standby mode, emphasizing voice-driven interaction via Siri and Apple's "App Intents" for task automation. Positioned competitively in price, this new hub could rival devices like the Echo Show, marking Apple’s deeper move into smart home integration.

Tell Me More—iOS 18.2 introduces a transformative feature for AirPods users: ChatGPT integration with Siri. By saying “Ask ChatGPT,” users can access the AI assistant directly through Siri, enabling fluid, conversational interactions on any Siri-enabled device. With follow-up requests streamlined, users don’t need to re-invoke Siri between queries. This experience is enhanced with AirPods, creating an interactive, almost immersive experience reminiscent of the AI assistant in the movie *Her*. Additionally, ChatGPT Plus subscribers can access advanced voice modes, making these interactions more natural and continuous, marking a futuristic leap for Apple's AI capabilities.

Google Watch

It’s All New Chrome—Google's latest update to Chrome for iOS introduces four key improvements to enhance user experience and productivity. The redesigned tab grid layout offers a more organized and visually clear browsing experience. Chrome Actions are now more accessible, allowing users to perform tasks directly from the address bar. Enhanced translation features improve multilingual browsing, providing better accuracy for international users. Lastly, a new password update flow simplifies changing compromised passwords. These updates collectively aim to make Chrome more intuitive and secure for iOS users, aligning mobile functionality with the seamless experience of Chrome's desktop version.

Time To Be Removed—Google has launched a limited test to remove news content from EU-based publishers in Search, Google News, and Discover for one percent of users in select EU countries, including Belgium, France, and Italy. This test, intended to last for a short period, aims to measure how excluding EU news affects traffic to publishers' sites and the search experience overall. Google’s move aligns with ongoing tensions over EU regulations that require it to pay publishers for content. Similar actions have occurred in California and Canada, suggesting that Google may continue evaluating drastic responses to global news payment regulations.

Dance To The Music—YouTube is reportedly testing a new AI-powered feature called "Restyle a Track" for its Shorts platform, allowing creators to transform songs into different genres or styles. This feature enables users to modify tracks to match various themes, enhancing creative flexibility on Shorts and aligning with current trends in AI-generated content. "Restyle a Track" could make music editing more accessible to users, empowering them to create unique, genre-blended versions of songs for their videos. This initiative is part of YouTube's broader strategy to integrate more advanced AI tools, engaging users in music and video creation on its platform.

Amazon Watch

Haul It Away—Amazon has launched "Amazon Haul," a discount storefront aimed at competing with low-cost platforms like Temu and Shein. This new section of Amazon focuses on offering deeply discounted products across various categories, targeting budget-conscious shoppers looking for affordable alternatives. "Amazon Haul" represents Amazon’s strategic move to capture more of the discount shopping market by consolidating deals and showcasing budget-friendly products in one place. This launch comes as Amazon recognizes the popularity of fast-fashion and low-cost e-commerce sites, aiming to leverage its brand and logistics to attract value-seeking consumers.

No More Streaming—Amazon is shutting down its Freevee streaming service and integrating its content into Prime Video to streamline user experience. Freevee, previously IMDb TV, offered free ad-supported streaming, including popular shows like *Jury Duty* and *Judy Justice*. Although the Freevee brand will phase out, its content will remain accessible on Prime Video, with non-Prime members able to view select free content, including originals and FAST channels. This move follows the introduction of ads on Prime Video earlier in 2024, which likely rendered Freevee redundant by consolidating ad-supported and subscription content under one platform.

Meta Watch

You Can’t Do That—Meta is set to face an antitrust trial concerning its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. Regulators argue that Meta’s purchases were part of an anti-competitive strategy to stifle potential rivals and consolidate its power in the social media and messaging markets. This trial marks a significant moment in U.S. antitrust efforts, aiming to address the competitive dynamics of major tech acquisitions. If the court finds Meta’s actions to be monopolistic, it could lead to regulatory reforms impacting how tech giants grow through acquisitions, potentially affecting future deals across the industry.

Security Watch

Where The Spys Are—Italy has unexpectedly emerged as a significant global hub for spyware, hosting companies like RCS Labs and Hacking Team (now Memento Labs), which provide invasive surveillance software to law enforcement and governments worldwide. These firms supply lower-cost spyware compared to high-profile providers like NSO Group, making it more accessible for law enforcement use. Italian authorities frequently use spyware, aided by minimal regulatory oversight and affordable rental rates set by the Ministry of Justice. A new law, effective in February, seeks to tighten oversight with judicial evaluations, though experts warn it may not fully address widespread misuse.

EV Watch

Tesla Gets New Commands—Tesla has introduced a new offline command feature allowing vehicle owners to control certain functions, like unlocking or pre-heating the cabin, via Bluetooth rather than relying on an internet connection. This enhancement improves functionality in areas with limited or no cell service. The feature, compatible with Tesla app version 4.38 or newer, boosts reliability and response times, though it’s only available on models produced after 2021. This update exemplifies Tesla’s ongoing commitment to connectivity and convenience, ensuring critical controls are accessible even without network access.

Where’s The Driver—Waymo One has expanded its fully autonomous ride-hailing service to everyone in Los Angeles, covering a broad area including Santa Monica, Hollywood, and USC. After a successful rollout, with nearly 300,000 people joining the waitlist, Waymo now offers 24/7 autonomous rides citywide. Riders have rated the service highly, appreciating the convenience, safety, and freedom it provides. Waymo also partners with community organizations like She is Hope, supporting single mothers. This launch follows Waymo’s growth in Phoenix and San Francisco, marking another milestone in bringing autonomous transportation to a larger audience.

Who’s At Fault Now—Robotaxis from companies like Waymo and Cruise, initially celebrated for enhancing safety and accessibility, are now creating challenges in urban transit systems. Despite advanced sensors and safety protocols, these autonomous vehicles have disrupted city infrastructure, blocking traffic, bus lanes, and pedestrian areas. As cities evaluate their impact, critics argue that robotaxis are increasing congestion and raising questions about their environmental and operational benefits in dense urban areas. The debate highlights the need for cities to balance innovation with effective transit planning to ensure these technologies serve broader public mobility goals.

Fill’er Up—The new Rove EV charging station in Santa Ana, California, exemplifies how gas stations could evolve in the electric vehicle (EV) era, offering more than just charging. With 40 fast chargers and amenities like a lounge, a Gelson’s grocery, and a car wash, Rove is pioneering a “charging as experience” model. This reimagined infrastructure, designed to support longer stays, reflects a broader trend among U.S. chains like BP and Buc-ee’s, which are expanding their EV amenities. As EV adoption grows, especially in urban areas, stations like Rove represent the future of sustainable, amenity-rich charging hubs in the U.S.

Robot Watch

Beatles Music—Inspired by dung beetles, researchers have developed a robot capable of efficiently rolling objects, mimicking the insect's space-saving, load-bearing mechanics. Designed by Poramate Manoonpong and his team, this compact robot can transport large items while occupying minimal space, ideal for confined areas. Utilizing only two legs for movement while morphing others around objects, it achieves efficient control with minimal sensory feedback. Future applications include search-and-rescue operations, agriculture, and space construction. The team envisions multiple robots working together for larger tasks, leveraging the natural efficiency found in dung beetle behavior to enhance robotic functionality.

RideShare Watch

Guns and Roses—BlackWolf, a new rideshare service featuring armed drivers, is set to launch in Houston, Dallas, and Austin. This Black-owned startup offers riders an option for extra security, with drivers trained in de-escalation and with backgrounds in law enforcement or the military. Founded by Kerry KingBrown, BlackWolf aims to provide a safer transportation option, inspired by a client’s experience with human trafficking. Operating at a slightly higher cost than traditional rideshares like Uber, BlackWolf has quickly gained a following, with over 300,000 app downloads and services already active in cities like Atlanta and Miami.

Travel Watch

Where’s My Bag—Bounce, a travel convenience network startup, has secured $19 million in funding to expand its services, which provide travelers with storage locations and other amenities. The funding will help Bounce increase its footprint across more cities, enhancing options for travelers to securely store luggage, access last-mile services, and use flexible workspace solutions. By partnering with local businesses, Bounce aims to simplify travel logistics, particularly for urban explorers, digital nomads, and tourists needing temporary storage solutions. This expansion reflects a growing demand for flexible, traveler-friendly infrastructure that adapts to modern travel trends.

T-Mobile Watch

Your Call Can’t Be Completed As Dialed—T-Mobile experienced a regional outage on November 12, 2024, affecting Salt Lake City, Utah, and surrounding areas. Users reported issues with connectivity, call drops, and SOS signals replacing network bars on devices. The problem, which was attributed to a mechanical issue at a Salt Lake facility, impacted nearly 20,000 users at its peak according to Down Detector. T-Mobile confirmed that the outage was localized and service was fully restored after repairs. Although short-lived, the outage caused significant disruption, with T-Mobile advising affected users to restart their devices for optimal connectivity.

Privacy Watch

How To Get Lost—CNET’s guide provides essential steps to remove and protect your home address from online visibility. Key tips include limiting address disclosure to only necessary situations, like banking or voting. For added privacy, use alternatives such as PO boxes or virtual mailboxes. They also recommend blurring home images on Google and Apple Maps, removing address info from social media, and using a VPN to mask location data. Additionally, you can contact Whitepages and other data brokers for address removal. These measures aim to shield your address from data brokers, identity thieves, and potential intruders, enhancing personal security.

Delivery Watch

No Wonder It Sold—Just Eat Takeaway has sold Grubhub to Wonder, a food delivery and restaurant company, for $650 million. This sale marks Just Eat Takeaway's exit from the U.S. market as it shifts focus to European operations. Grubhub, once a leading U.S. food delivery platform, faced intense competition from giants like Uber Eats and DoorDash. Wonder, backed by Marc Lore, aims to expand its footprint in the food delivery and ghost kitchen sectors. The acquisition allows Wonder to integrate Grubhub’s infrastructure, potentially enhancing its reach and efficiency in a competitive market while offering Just Eat Takeaway a financial boost.