The Comunicano for Wednesday October 9th 2024
Game On!!!
Alright folks, let’s not dance around it—things are changing fast, and if you’re not paying attention, you’re gonna get left behind. Let’s kick this off with Vegas, my old stomping ground. First time I hit the strip was in the ‘80s when the Tropicana was still a big deal. Well, last night, the Trop went down in history. Another one bites the dust, folks. That’s Vegas for you—always moving forward, no room for nostalgia. You win some, you lose some, just like in baseball.
Now, let’s talk about the real heavyweight fight—Google. The U.S. government’s lookin’ to break ‘em up, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest antitrust case we’ve seen in decades. This isn’t some little slap on the wrist. If the government gets its way, it’s gonna shake up Big Tech like a fastball to the ribs. Google’s saying, “Hey, you’re gonna screw up the user experience if you mess with us!” But let’s be honest, folks, when you’ve got a monopoly, you’re not exactly worried about the little guy, are ya?
And speaking of changing the game—AI. Man, AI is on fire right now. Almost 40% of adults are using it, and 24% of them are working AI into their weekly grind. You might think that’s just tech geeks, but no—it’s everywhere. Construction workers, office drones, you name it. But here’s the thing—nobody really knows how it’s gonna impact the economy. It might boost productivity or it might just be another overhyped tool. Meanwhile, companies like Anthropic are slashing costs by 50% with their fancy API. They’re playing for keeps, trying to knock OpenAI off the top. The AI wars are heating up, folks, and everyone’s looking for an edge.
And hey, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, right? That’s exactly what OpenAI did by teaming up with Hearst. They’re grabbing content from Esquire, Elle, and a bunch of newspapers to make their AI smarter and more trustworthy. It’s a solid move, no doubt, but let’s see if it holds up under pressure.
Now here’s where it gets a little weird—AI companions. Yeah, you heard me right. People are turning to bots for friendship, and sometimes even romantic connections. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a mess waiting to happen. Sure, these things give you attention and affirmation, but what happens when people start getting too attached? That’s a whole new ballgame, and not a good one.
Over at Meta, they’re throwin' AI into the advertising game. They’ve got these tools that take your boring old ads and pump them full of pixels and animations to make ‘em pop. And guess what? It’s working. Click-through rates are up, conversions are up. It’s all about eyeballs, folks—get the eyeballs, get the dollars. Meanwhile, Snapchat’s sliding ads into the chat tab now. That’s right, they’re coming at you right between your conversations. It’s all about making that extra buck without pissing off the users too much. They’re walking a tightrope, but if it pays off, it’s genius.
And let’s not ignore what’s happening in the robot world. They’ve got robots packing groceries in Brooklyn now—robots, folks! Six minutes to pick, pack, and send an order. It’s efficient, it’s fast, and it’s cheaper. Jobs? Well, that’s another story, but hey, you either adapt or you get benched.
Then there’s the ongoing fight at the ports—automation versus the unions. It’s a classic clash of new tech versus old guard. The unions don’t want to lose jobs, but let’s be real, automation isn’t slowing down for anyone. Strikes are looming, and if things go sideways, supply chains are gonna take a hit.
Bottom line is this: the world is moving fast, and there’s no room for passengers. Whether it’s AI, tech, robots, or ads, you either keep up or get left behind. Ain’t no room for excuses here. That’s life, that’s the game, and you better be ready to play. Which is why, these stories, and more, are all here today, in today’s Comunicano.
Andy Abramson
Vegas Watch
My first visit to Las Vegas in the early 1980s was to attend an Ice Skating Institute of America conference here while I worked for The Philadelphia Flyers. While the conference was at the Hilton, I was comped by a friend and stayed at The Tropicana Hotel, as Tropicana Atlantic City sponsored the Junior Flyers. I remember two wonderful dinners and a view of the famed Las Vegas Strip. Like many things in life, last night the Trop became part of history.
Google Watch
Breaking Up is Hard To Do—The U.S. government is considering breaking up Google in a historic antitrust case. This showdown could result in the most significant action against a tech company in decades, as regulators aim to address concerns over Google's market dominance. The case highlights growing scrutiny of Big Tech's influence on competition and innovation, with potential consequences that could reshape the industry. Read the proposed remedy from the Court.
Google Say’s Do No Harm—Google's blog post addresses the remedies framework proposed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in its antitrust case against Google's search business. Google argues that the proposed changes could harm user experience by disrupting search functionality and creating inefficiencies. The company emphasizes its commitment to offering valuable, user-friendly services and warns that the remedies might reduce the quality of search results, ultimately disadvantaging consumers. Read more from Quartz.
AI Watch
AI Is Hot—A recent study reveals that Americans are embracing AI technology at a surprisingly rapid pace, with nearly 40% of adults using generative AI and 24% integrating it into their work week. This adoption rate surpasses previous technological shifts like personal computers and the internet. Interestingly, AI use spans across all job sectors, including blue-collar professions. However, the economic impact remains uncertain. While AI could potentially boost productivity, especially in areas like writing and administrative support, much of its use still leans toward personal activities rather than work-related tasks, casting doubt on its immediate economic benefits.
A Cheaper Way To Use AI—Anthropic has launched a new Message Batches API, allowing businesses to process large volumes of data at half the cost of standard API calls. This API supports asynchronous batch processing of up to 10,000 queries within a 24-hour window, making it a cost-effective solution for enterprises handling big data. By reducing costs by 50% compared to real-time processing, Anthropic aims to compete more aggressively with OpenAI and other AI providers in the space, making advanced AI tools more accessible and affordable for large-scale operations.
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em—OpenAI and Hearst have entered a significant content partnership that integrates Hearst’s magazine and newspaper content into OpenAI's AI products, including ChatGPT. This deal includes content from over 20 magazine brands, such as Esquire, Cosmopolitan, and Elle, along with 40+ newspapers like the Houston Chronicle and San Francisco Chronicle. By providing direct links to original sources, OpenAI enhances the reliability of the information available to users. This move signals a growing trend of AI-media collaborations to enrich AI-generated content.
AI Smells—NotCo has developed a generative AI tool for the flavor and fragrance industry that uses text prompts to create unique formulations. This AI allows users to design new flavors and scents by simply describing them, offering a more efficient and creative approach to product development. The innovation expands on NotCo's AI-driven capabilities, primarily focused on plant-based food development, and now targets broader applications in various industries.
More Than Friends—The rise of AI companions is reshaping how people seek friendship and emotional support, but concerns are growing about the implications. AI chatbots like Nomi.ai and Replika offer companionship, sometimes even romantic connections, but issues like data privacy, ethical dilemmas, and the potential for emotional manipulation are causing alarm. While these apps provide a sense of affirmation and understanding, they also risk deepening loneliness and dependency, especially with companies profiting from users’ emotional attachments.
Meta Watch
It’s All AD-ative—Meta has introduced new generative AI tools designed to help advertisers create video-based ads more efficiently. These tools include a Video Expansion feature that enhances videos by generating additional pixels for a more immersive experience, and an Image Animation feature that animates static images into video ads. Meta reports that AI-generated ads have seen improved engagement, with higher click-through and conversion rates. Additionally, the company is streamlining creator partnerships to integrate influencer content into ads, enhancing authenticity and trust among users.
YouTube Watch
Taking It In The Shorts—YouTube Shorts has increased its video length limit to 3 minutes, making it easier for brands to repurpose content across platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok. This change, effective October 15, offers brands the chance to maximize reach by reusing existing content on YouTube Shorts without much additional effort. As YouTube remains a major search engine, content posted there can also gain more visibility through keyword-rich captions. This presents an opportunity for brands to expand their presence on YouTube with minimal extra work.
TikTok Watch
Who They Follow—Pew Research's latest report highlights which public figures U.S. adults follow on TikTok. The study delves into the demographics of TikTok followers, examining trends by age, gender, and interest areas. It provides insights into the types of content most commonly engaged with, ranging from entertainment and celebrities to political figures and influencers. This data offers a clearer picture of how different segments of the U.S. population use TikTok for both entertainment and information.
Social Watch
Ads Get More Snappy—Snapchat is introducing ads to its Chat tab, marking a significant expansion in its advertising strategy. The company aims to increase revenue by placing ads in more user-centric areas of the app. These ads will appear between conversations, enhancing monetization opportunities without disrupting user experience. This move is part of Snapchat's broader efforts to innovate in the ad space while balancing user engagement and revenue growth.
The Bare Facts—Twitter has been quick to act on nonconsensual nudity when flagged as a copyright violation, showing more urgency in these cases than in other forms of abuse reports. This highlights an inconsistency in how the platform handles sensitive content, with copyright issues often prioritized over user protection concerns like harassment or nonconsensual content. Critics argue this approach demonstrates skewed priorities, focusing on legal risks rather than the well-being of users.
Robot Watch
More Than Slim Pickens—Robots are transforming the grocery delivery industry at a Brooklyn warehouse. A pilot program, part of a partnership between Save A Lot and automation company Fabric, uses robotic systems to handle grocery orders. These robots pick, pack, and send items for delivery in as little as six minutes. This approach lowers labor costs and enables quicker, more affordable grocery delivery, offering prices about 30% lower than traditional supermarkets and reducing delivery times to half an hour within an 8-mile radius.
Rack Em, Stack Em—Tensions between U.S. port automation and labor unions, particularly amid union strikes are running high. Automation is seen as a way to improve efficiency in port operations, but unions fear job losses and demand protections for workers. Negotiations between port operators and unions, like the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU), are increasingly fraught, with strikes threatening supply chains. The outcome could significantly impact the future of U.S. port operations and labor relations.
It’s All In The Family—The Pittsburgh Robotics Network has partnered with NVIDIA to boost growth in the robotics ecosystem. This collaboration aims to provide local robotics companies access to NVIDIA's advanced AI and robotics technologies. Through this partnership, companies in the Pittsburgh region will benefit from tools that accelerate product development, enhance innovation, and foster a more competitive environment. This move underscores the importance of leveraging AI to advance robotics, with Pittsburgh emerging as a key player in this field.
Sports Watch
You’re Outta Line—Starting in 2025, Wimbledon will replace all 300 human line judges with an automated electronic system powered by Hawk-Eye technology. This marks a significant shift for the tournament, which has relied on human officials for its entire 147-year history. The decision follows extensive testing in 2024 and aligns Wimbledon with the Australian Open and US Open, which already use similar systems. The change aims to improve accuracy in officiating and ensure that the tournament remains technologically current. Despite the shift, there are concerns over the loss of tradition and the role of human officials in the sport.
Texting Watch
Staying Connected—Certain smartphones, like the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and Pixel 9, offer an Emergency SOS via satellite feature to make a satellite call to 911 during a cell service outage. If you attempt to call 911 without a cellular connection, your phone will prompt you to connect to a satellite. Once connected, you can send an emergency message, which is relayed to emergency services. This feature is critical during natural disasters or in remote areas where cell coverage is unavailable.
In The Eye of The Storm—T-Mobile and SpaceX's Starlink have activated a satellite texting service for Florida residents as Hurricane Milton approaches. This service allows T-Mobile users to send and receive text messages, including emergency texts to 911, even if traditional cellular networks are disrupted. The service works via Starlink's Direct to Cell technology, which connects phones to satellites, providing coverage in affected areas. Users will see "T-Mobile SpaceX" on their network display and can send messages, especially outdoors, improving connectivity during natural disasters.
Tesla Watch
Here Come The Robotaxis—Tesla is set to unveil its highly anticipated Robotaxi, but expectations are currently low due to previous delays and technical challenges. However, there is speculation that Tesla could surprise the market by delivering more advanced capabilities than expected. If successful, the Robotaxi could revolutionize transportation with autonomous driving, offering a new revenue stream for Tesla and redefining urban mobility. The company has a track record of exceeding expectations, so there is cautious optimism that this unveiling could be a game-changer.
EV Watch
Bring Back The Dummies—A new report raises concerns about the safety standards of autonomous vehicle testing in the U.S. Regulators are criticized for not enforcing more stringent requirements for companies that conduct self-driving car tests on public roads. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has urged for improved oversight, noting that many autonomous vehicle developers face inconsistent safety protocols. This lack of regulation poses potential risks to public safety, especially as more companies push forward with autonomous technology.
Sail Away With Me—Estelle, an autonomous electric ferry, is undergoing trials in Stockholm with remote supervision. The vessel can carry up to 30 passengers and is part of a broader effort to revolutionize public transportation with sustainable, self-driving technology. While it's largely autonomous, operators monitor the ferry remotely and can take control if needed. This trial marks a significant step towards integrating autonomous electric ferries into urban waterways, offering a green alternative to traditional, fuel-powered vessels.
Auto Watch
The Prices Are Falling—As inflation and financial concerns weigh on buyers, the market sees a clear divide between the increasing sales of cheaper vehicles and the declining luxury ones. On the other end of the price spectrum, affordable vehicle sales are surging as consumers shift away from luxury cars due to rising prices and economic pressures. This trend reflects a growing demand for budget-friendly options, with fewer people opting for high-end models.
Seattle Watch
Bouncing Back—A new survey reveals growing optimism among Seattle residents about the city's future. Despite challenges like homelessness and rising costs, more people are feeling optimistic about the direction the city is heading, with hopes for improvements in housing, public safety, and infrastructure. This shift in sentiment comes after several years of public concerns, suggesting a potential rebound in civic confidence.
Food Watch
Getting Fried—Lamb Weston, McDonald's primary french fry supplier, is closing a plant in Washington state and laying off nearly 400 workers due to declining demand for french fries. As fast food prices rise, customers are reducing their portion sizes, especially for fries, which has significantly impacted sales. Additionally, fewer consumers are buying frozen fries for home use. McDonald's, which accounts for 14% of Lamb Weston's sales, has also seen a decline in its sales, further contributing to Lamb Weston’s decision to cut production and jobs.
Music Video of the Day
App of the Day
ChatGPT Canvas
ChatGPT Canvas is an innovative new feature from OpenAI that elevates how users interact with AI, especially for complex tasks such as writing, coding, and content creation. Unlike the traditional chat interface, which is excellent for short, quick responses, ChatGPT Canvas provides a persistent, editable workspace that’s ideal for larger, ongoing projects.
Here’s why this new feature stands out:
Key Features:
1. Dedicated Workspace: Canvas opens in a separate window, allowing you to work on projects without losing context or needing to revisit old chats. This makes it ideal for longer writing or coding sessions where tracking changes and progress over time is essential.
2. Collaborative Coding Tools: Canvas supports developers by offering advanced features like code review, debugging, and the ability to port code between different languages (such as Python, JavaScript, and more). It also allows you to insert logs and comments directly into the code, making the debugging process smoother and more intuitive. These features are designed to streamline iterative coding tasks, making ChatGPT a powerful coding partner.
3. Writing and Editing Tools: For writers, Canvas offers a variety of shortcuts like adjusting the length of the text, changing its complexity to suit different audiences, and even refining the style with suggestions for clarity and grammar. It also allows for real-time edits, which is a big step forward from the previous copy-paste method often required in the chat interface.
4. Multitasking and Focus: The separate Canvas window allows you to multitask by keeping the main chat open while working on your project in the Canvas. This way, you can ask quick questions in the chat and return to your focused work without disruptions.
5. Cross-language Support and Portability: One of Canvas’s standout features is its ability to help developers by automatically translating code between multiple programming languages. This is particularly useful for developers who work in polyglot environments or need quick prototyping across different systems.
Ideal Use Cases:
ChatGPT Canvas is a game-changer for users working on long-form writing like research papers, blog posts, or technical documentation. It’s also a huge advantage for software developers who need assistance in debugging, code review, or language translation.
Currently available to ChatGPT Plus and Team users, and with plans to roll out to other user tiers, this new feature is positioned as a serious productivity booster for both professional and creative users.
Overall, ChatGPT Canvas is making ChatGPT more than just a chatbot—it's becoming a collaborative partner in writing and coding. For more technical tasks and creative endeavors, it’s poised to be a real productivity tool, combining the intelligence of ChatGPT with an intuitive, user-friendly workspace.
If you’re interested in trying it out, it's available via the ChatGPT app on iOS, Android, and desktop platforms for subscribers, with free access expected in the near future.
