The Comunicano for Wednesday October 23rd 2024
We The People
Today, we stand at the threshold of a new frontier—a frontier where the convergence of human innovation and artificial intelligence is reshaping our world. We witness progress unfolding in every direction, not through the might of rockets or the depth of the oceans but within the invisible threads of code and circuits that power our daily lives.
Consider, for a moment, the brilliance of Anthropic. They have gifted Claude—their artificial intelligence—the ability to interact with computers just as we do. It moves, it clicks, it inputs. Yes, it stumbles today, but like any young apprentice, its skills will grow. Imagine the future, where the barriers between human and machine dissolve, and our partnership with technology brings forth solutions once considered impossible…..And while Claude is learning to touch, others are working to teach. OpenAI, alongside Microsoft and the Lenfest Institute, has begun a $10 million venture into local newsrooms, not to replace our journalists, but to enhance their reach and efficiency. This, my friends, is not the end of journalism but the dawn of its renewal. In this era of dwindling resources and shrinking newsrooms, AI may be the lifeline that revives our local voices, ensuring that truth remains illuminated in the farthest corners of our society….
In the creative realms, the fine minds at Runway have unleashed Act-One—a tool that breathes life into characters using simple video inputs. What was once the domain of costly and complex motion capture is now accessible to storytellers of all kinds. A world where creativity flows without the chains of technical limitation. But be vigilant. As with any tool, we must guard against its misuse, especially in the hands of those who might blur the lines of truth….Healthcare, too, stands on the precipice of change. Researchers have developed wearable cameras that ensure medication adherence with the precision of AI. The elderly and the chronically ill—those for whom a missed pill could spell disaster—will find a watchful eye that ensures their well-being. Technology has become their caretaker, ensuring that what was once uncertain is now safeguarded.
But progress is not confined to medicine or media. Stability AI has pushed the boundaries of creativity with their release of Stable Diffusion 3.5. Text to image—what a concept! It turns words into worlds, scenes into symbols. More refined, more accurate, it serves as a testament to what happens when human imagination meets technological prowess…..In the realm of commerce, Chipotle and Paradox introduce Ava Cado—an AI that makes hiring smoother, faster, and more efficient. In a world where time is money, this innovation cuts through the bureaucracy, ensuring jobs are filled, and businesses thrive. But let us remember—no matter how fast or efficient—human dignity and opportunity must never be left behind in the name of speed….
The same can be said for OpenAI, now with a new Chief Compliance Officer, Scott Schools, and their first Chief Economist, Dr. Ronnie Chatterji. These appointments speak to a vital truth: our pursuit of AI must always be tempered by the wisdom of law and the foresight of economics. As we march forward, we must ensure that every step is guided by integrity, justice, and fairness…..So as we explore these vast possibilities, let us not overlook the finer details. Zoom, through partnership with Suki, is changing healthcare documentation, allowing doctors to focus more on their patients than on paperwork…..Canva's Dream Lab unlocks creativity for all, letting even the least tech-savvy among us turn ideas into reality….Ray-Ban Meta's smart glasses merge fashion and functionality, bringing us closer to the seamless integration of tech into our daily lives.
Google and Qualcomm are crafting a future where cars themselves become digital companions, guiding us safely and intuitively down every road….And as Google rolls out new protections for sensitive content, we see that security and decency must be at the forefront of our technological age….Yes, even Apple, in its quiet meetings with Chinese regulators, understands that the future of AI is global, that our world is interconnected, and that progress in one corner of the globe reverberates in every other.
But let me leave you with this: in all these advancements, in all this dizzying speed of change, there remains one constant—us. We, the people, must guide the future. AI may write, it may think, it may even create—but it is humanity that must provide the heart, the purpose, and the direction. The tools of tomorrow are in our hands today. Let us wield them wisely.
Now, let’s get on to the news, only assembled for you with love, all in today’s COMUNICANO!!!
Andy Abramson
The Comunicano Deep Dive
No time to read. Just Listen!!!
AI Watch
Getting Touchy—Anthropic has developed Claude's ability to use computers, enabling them to interact with software as humans do—by moving a cursor and inputting information. This breakthrough, now in public beta, expands AI's practical applications beyond specialized tools. While still in the early stages and prone to errors, Claude's computer use promises future improvements. Safety measures are in place to mitigate risks like prompt injection attacks, and Anthropic continues refining these capabilities while gathering feedback during the beta phase. Check out more from Reuters.
It’s Not a Wrap—Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt has emerged as a strong critic of AI, highlighting its threat to the entertainment industry. Speaking at The Wall Street Journal’s Tech Live, he criticized AI models for using performers' work without consent or compensation. He argued that while AI is branded as “artificial intelligence,” it's built on human-created content, often without proper recognition or royalties. Hollywood, he says, is at the forefront of this disruption, warning that unchecked AI could flood media with low-quality content focused on profit, not art. He advocates for renegotiating contracts to account for AI's impact.
It’s The News—OpenAI, Microsoft, and the Lenfest Institute for Journalism have announced a $10 million initiative to support AI innovation in local newsrooms. This collaboration will fund AI fellowships at five major news organizations, including Chicago Public Media and The Seattle Times, to explore how AI can enhance business sustainability and newsroom efficiency. The program will provide funding and cloud credits to create scalable AI solutions for the broader journalism industry.
Next Act—Runway has introduced Act-One, a tool designed to generate expressive character performances using simple video inputs. This technology streamlines animation by translating an actor's facial expressions and voice into character animations without needing complex equipment like motion capture. Act-One enables creators to produce cinematic, high-fidelity animations from basic camera setups, opening up new possibilities for storytelling and character design. Safety measures ensure responsible use, including safeguards against misuse involving public figures. Read more from Venture Beat.
Drugged Out—Researchers have developed wearable cameras capable of detecting when individuals take medication. This technology, designed for health monitoring, uses AI to recognize pills and ensure patients follow prescribed medication routines. The system aims to support elderly or chronically ill patients by reducing medication errors and improving adherence. The cameras can recognize specific medications and track whether they are taken as instructed, offering valuable data for healthcare providers.
Getting More Stable—Stability AI has introduced Stable Diffusion 3.5, an enhanced version of its popular text-to-image generation model. This update features improved image quality, better text rendering, and more reliable inpainting capabilities. The model also includes optimizations for generating more accurate images, particularly with complex scenes or specific prompts. Stable Diffusion 3.5 aims to offer a balance between user control and ease of use, making it a versatile tool for creatives and developers alike.
A Tasty Way To Get Hired—Chipotle is partnering with Paradox to roll out a new AI-powered hiring platform across its 3,500+ locations in North America and Europe. The system, driven by a virtual assistant named "Ava Cado," aims to streamline hiring by automating tasks like scheduling interviews and collecting candidate information, reducing hiring time by 75%. This initiative supports Chipotle’s fall hiring push and is designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the candidate experience.
The End of Apps As We Know It—Qualcomm believes that AI will soon transform how we use smartphones, potentially eliminating the need for traditional apps. According to the company, AI will take over key functions, providing personalized experiences and direct interactions without relying on app downloads. This shift, driven by advancements in AI processing power and data handling, could lead to a more seamless and intuitive user interface, where AI understands user needs in real time, suggesting a future where AI becomes the central interface of mobile devices.
Salesforce Watch
Get Selling—Salesforce has added integrated ecommerce storefronts to its Starter and Pro Suites, alongside marketing, sales, and service tools. The new feature enables small and growing businesses to set up low-code, branded storefronts with CRM integration quickly. Users can manage products, orders, customers, and promotions and benefit from personalized messaging and pre-built performance dashboards. This new capability aims to support digital revenue growth, a trend accelerated during the pandemic. The offering is available only in the U.S., reflecting Salesforce’s broader strategy to target small business digital transformation.
OpenAI Watch
Hire Authority—OpenAI has named Scott Schools as Chief Compliance Officer to lead its legal and ethical initiatives. With extensive experience at the U.S. Department of Justice and Uber, Schools will help navigate regulatory challenges while ensuring that OpenAI's AI technologies align with the highest standards of compliance and ethics.
By The Numbers—OpenAI has appointed Dr. Ronnie Chatterji as its first Chief Economist. Chatterji, a Duke University professor and former White House CHIPS coordinator, will lead research on AI's economic impacts, including its influence on job creation and economic growth. His role will help guide policies and strategies to ensure AI's benefits are widely distributed while addressing challenges associated with its adoption. This appointment aligns with OpenAI’s mission to harness AI for societal and economic prosperity. There’s more on this from the New York Times.
Zoom Watch
The Doctor Will See You Now—Zoom has partnered with Suki to integrate AI-powered medical note-taking into its platform. This collaboration aims to help healthcare professionals streamline documentation during telehealth consultations by using Suki's voice-enabled AI assistant to automate the note-taking process. This tool will allow doctors to focus more on patient care while reducing administrative burdens.
Fed Watch
No More Imposter Syndrome—The FTC has officially made it illegal to post fake, AI-generated product reviews. These new regulations target businesses using AI to generate misleading reviews attributed to non-existent individuals or overstated experiences. The rules also address purchasing phony reviews and using intimidation to suppress negative feedback. These changes aim to clean up the marketplace, penalizing deceptive practices that harm consumers and honest competitors alike. The crackdown extends to undisclosed insider reviews and pay-to-play product placements.
Canva Watch
Being Dreamy—Canva has introduced Dream Lab as part of its suite of AI-driven tools to enhance design capabilities. Building on its previous AI innovations like Magic Studio, Dream Lab leverages generative AI to streamline design workflows, making it easier for users to create complex visuals with minimal effort. This tool is designed to assist non-technical users, enabling faster design iterations and more creativity while maintaining human input at the core of the process.
Meta Watch
Look Ma, No Hands—Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have become a top-selling product in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region. The glasses feature built-in Meta technology, allowing users to interact with Facebook, Instagram, and other apps through hands-free commands and integrated camera functionality. This success highlights the growing demand for wearable tech that seamlessly merges style and smart capabilities.
Google Watch
Oh, It’s Sensitive—Google Messages is rolling out "Sensitive Content Warnings" to blur nudity in images, requiring users to opt-in for viewing. For underage users, this feature is enabled by default. Enhanced spam protection will also block suspicious messages and links, offering improved security. These updates are being gradually introduced for Android 9+ users.
Coming To A Car Near You—Qualcomm and Google have partnered to develop AI-powered "digital cockpits" for cars, integrating generative AI into the driving experience. This collaboration will combine Qualcomm's Snapdragon Digital Chassis with Google's Android Automotive OS to create advanced, in-car features like intuitive voice assistants, personalized navigation, and real-time suggestions for driver safety, such as alerting when to pull over for rest. This AI-powered system will enhance infotainment and driver assistance capabilities, making vehicles more responsive and intelligent. Developers will benefit from a standardized platform to create these generative AI applications more efficiently. More on this from The Sun.
Apple Watch
China’s Not Intelligent Yet—Apple CEO Tim Cook met with Chinese regulators in Beijing to discuss Apple's role in the Chinese market. While the talks demonstrated Apple's ongoing engagement with China, no final conclusions were reached regarding Apple's artificial intelligence initiatives in the country. This meeting underscores Apple's careful navigation of regulatory challenges in a critical market.
Podcast Watch
The Human League—The Washington Post's *Post Reports* episode titled "This Podcast Was Made By Humans" explores the current landscape of AI-generated content and the role humans still play in creating meaningful media. The episode examines how AI tools are shaping journalism and storytelling, raising questions about creativity, authenticity, and the future of media production.
Social Watch
The Numbers Don’t Lie—Buffer’s analysis reveals that Instagram Reels significantly outperform other post types in terms of reach, achieving 36% more reach than carousels and 125% more than single-photo posts. However, when it comes to engagement (likes, comments, shares), carousels take the lead, with 12% higher engagement than Reels and 114% more than single-image posts. The analysis emphasizes the importance of aligning content strategy with goals—whether that’s growing reach or boosting engagement—by utilizing both Reels for visibility and carousels for interaction.
Workplace Watch
Nobody Told Them—Despite strong executive support for AI integration, a significant disconnect exists between corporate leaders and employees. A Gallup study revealed that while 93% of Fortune 500 CHROs say their companies use AI, only 33% of employees are aware of its use, and just 15% have received clear communication about it. This gap creates discomfort and underutilization. To successfully implement AI, companies need transparent communication, clear usage guidelines, and role-specific training to ensure employees are prepared and confident in leveraging AI technology.
Robot Watch
Silicon Valley Wedding—UiPath is integrating generative AI with its robotic process automation (RPA) platform to drive business automation to new levels. Their upcoming "Agent Builder" tool will allow developers to create AI-powered agents that can work alongside traditional RPA bots, enabling more complex task automation. This "agentic automation" combines RPA, AI models, and human collaboration to expand the scope of enterprise automation. UiPath's innovations aim to automate entire business processes, offering tools that adapt to evolving challenges while improving efficiency.
Streaming Watch
The Quality Problem—Streaming subscribers are increasingly paying more for services, but their satisfaction with the content is declining. A variety of factors contribute to this trend, including higher subscription costs, fragmented content libraries, and an overwhelming number of services to choose from. Despite a growing selection of shows and movies, users are feeling less enjoyment, leading to dissatisfaction with the value they’re receiving for the rising costs.
Transport Watch
Take Off—The FAA has finalized rules for powered-lift aircraft, such as electric air taxis, setting pilot training and operational guidelines. These new regulations, part of a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR), will govern this emerging category of aircraft, which takes off like a helicopter but cruises like an airplane. The rules, which apply for the next decade, are designed to ensure safety and performance flexibility, incorporating helicopter and airplane standards as appropriate. This marks a significant step toward integrating powered-lift aircraft into urban and rural transportation networks by 2025.
Dining Watch
Playing Chicken—Chick-fil-A is venturing into entertainment with a new streaming service, featuring family-friendly content centered on the fictional town of Evergreen Hills. Developed by the Cathy family, the initiative includes an interactive app called "Evergreen Play" that aims to enhance engagement through games and other activities. The project ties into the broader development of Trilith Studios, where entertainment and storytelling intersect. The goal is to offer content that aligns with Chick-fil-A’s brand values while expanding its digital and entertainment reach.
