The Comunicano for Wednesday September 25th 2024

Gather round for tales of intrigue, deception, and power plays, straight from the heart of our modern age. First up, the plot thickens in the corporate world with a dash of Imposter Syndrome—and no, it’s not a case of a nervous executive. It seems U.S. companies have been unknowingly hiring IT workers from—wait for it—North Korea. These cyber-savvy infiltrators operate from China and Russia, raking in salaries that fund the Pyongyang regime. The Justice Department is onto them, but the question lingers: have they left the backdoor wide open for a major cyberattack?

Speaking of backdoors, Visa is finding itself with a whole deck of unwanted cards. The DOJ has hit the payment giant with an antitrust lawsuit for monopolizing the debit card market. The accusation? Visa’s been locking out competitors, driving up fees, and cornering merchants like a Vegas poker shark. The stakes? A reshuffling of the debit deck to level the playing field for everyone else. Talk about too much control, eh?….And then, there’s Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul with a penchant for family drama. At 93, Murdoch is engaged in a secret legal battle in the Nevada desert, of all places. His mission? To secure his son Lachlan’s grip on the family empire—because nothing says “happy family” like dividing your fortune among four children while keeping control under wraps. Will the conservative media king retain his crown, or will the royal rumble destabilize his empire?

Meanwhile, over in the land of WordPress, it’s a case of trademark tension between Automattic and WP Engine. Cease-and-desist letters are flying like confetti, with both sides accusing the other of trademark infringement. Oh, the drama of code and commerce!

For those looking to escape corporate intrigue, how about a trip to Dubai? Its startup ecosystem is booming, with European entrepreneurs flocking there faster than you can say “golden visa.” With tax-free perks and a rapidly growing digital economy, Dubai is turning into the tech world’s favorite sandbox.

From booby-trapped pagers in Lebanon to AI-driven playlists on Spotify—folks, it’s clear: the world keeps spinning, the stakes keep rising, and the stories never stop unfolding. And that’s why we’re here, keeping you informed, well read, watched and heard, so with that, on with the news in today’s Comunicano…..

Andy Abramson

Workplace Watch

Imposter Syndrome—A report reveals that dozens of major U.S. companies unknowingly hired North Korean IT workers using false identities. These workers, sent by the North Korean government, often gain elevated access to systems, enabling potential cyber risks. They work remotely from countries like China and Russia, earning multiple salaries, which fund the North Korean regime. The Justice Department has taken action, but the concern remains that these workers could exploit their positions for larger cyberattacks. Companies are urged to strengthen their hiring processes and safeguard systems.

Money Watch

Too Much Control—The U.S. Department of Justice has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Visa, accusing the company of monopolizing the debit card market. Visa allegedly uses its dominant position to stifle competition, control transaction routing, and impose exclusionary agreements on merchants. This conduct reportedly allows Visa to maintain high fees, reduce innovation, and harm consumers. The DOJ aims to restore competition in the debit market, arguing Visa's practices raise costs for merchants and consumers, impacting the U.S. economy.

The Trust Factor—The Murdoch family has been engaged in a confidential legal battle in Reno, Nevada, over the future of Rupert Murdoch’s media empire. The 93-year-old media mogul reportedly wants to secure his eldest son Lachlan's control over Fox News and News Corp, fearing his other children may shift the company’s conservative stance. The case revolves around an irrevocable trust set during Murdoch’s second divorce, which equally divides control among his four eldest children. This private court case, held in secrecy under Nevada’s "close on demand" statute, could have a significant impact on global conservative media.

WordPress Watch

It’s Getting Interesting—The legal tension between Automattic (the parent company of WordPress.com) and WP Engine has escalated, with Automattic sending a cease-and-desist letter to WP Engine. This comes shortly after WP Engine had issued a similar notice against Automattic. Automattic's claim centers on WP Engine allegedly infringing on trademarks like WordPress and WooCommerce. Automattic is also seeking compensation for profits WP Engine made by using these trademarks. This legal battle reflects deeper tensions, with Automattic’s CEO, Matt Mullenweg, criticizing WP Engine's role in the WordPress ecosystem.

Venture Watch

Women Have The Power—Brooke Andrews is launching "Safe Raise," a platform that addresses sexual harassment in venture capital based on her misconduct experience while fundraising. The platform will collect anonymous data about harassment and power dynamics in VC from female founders. Andrews aims to use this data to advocate for reform and establish educational programs to certify safe investors. She hopes Safe Raise will highlight the issue and help make venture capital safer for women.

Startup Watch

Why Dubai—Dubai’s startup ecosystem is rapidly growing, attracting European founders with its business-friendly policies, including the golden visa program and tax-free incentives. Major global companies like Amazon and Google have already established regional headquarters there. Events like Expand North Star provide networking and investment opportunities for startups. Dubai aims to double its digital economy’s GDP contribution by 2031 and support the growth of unicorn companies, making it an appealing hub for tech entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses globally.

Travel Watch

Here We Go Again—Recent attacks using booby-trapped pagers in Lebanon are raising concerns about potential threats from everyday electronics on flights. Lebanon has banned pagers and walkie-talkies from planes, but other countries, including the U.S., have not followed suit. Experts say U.S. airport scanners are equipped to detect such devices, and the TSA has no immediate plans to implement a similar ban. However, security measures could change if specific threats arise. Past incidents, such as the Lockerbie bombing, highlight the risks electronics can pose, but current U.S. procedures focus on thorough screenings without major changes for now.

OpenAI Watch

New Voices Heardfrom—OpenAI has launched an advanced voice mode for ChatGPT, available to users with premium subscriptions starting at $20 per month. This feature allows for fluid, natural conversations, including different accents and faster responses. Users can select from nine voices and customize interactions through app settings. The rollout is gradual, not yet available in EU countries, but is designed for those seeking enhanced interactions like storytelling or language practice. Although promising, users may encounter daily rate limits. Competing services from Google and Meta are also enhancing voice AI, intensifying the market competition.

It’s Not What You Think—Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and famed designer Jony Ive are collaborating on an AI-focused device that could reshape how people interact with technology. Reportedly funded by SoftBank's Masayoshi Son, the project explores a product that departs from traditional smartphones, leveraging AI to create a more intuitive user interface. While details remain sparse, the partnership hints at ambitious efforts to merge cutting-edge AI with innovative hardware design, potentially setting a new standard in consumer technology.

AI Watch

Views on AI—Ben Thompson discusses how AI's first wave mirrors the digitization of enterprises, starting with back-office automation. He contrasts two tech philosophies: Google's AI-driven approach (doing tasks for users) versus Microsoft's AI as an empowering tool. He highlights Microsoft's Copilot, which aims to improve enterprise productivity, but notes challenges in changing work habits. Salesforce's CEO Marc Benioff views the next AI wave as "agents" replacing workers, focusing on improving business outcomes, not just augmenting employees.

Above the Clouds—AI is transforming B2B applications, moving beyond cloud-based solutions to create more intelligent, data-driven systems. AI is enabling businesses to optimize operations, enhance customer service, and automate decision-making processes at a larger scale. The integration of AI into B2B software opens doors to advanced analytics, personalized experiences, and more efficient workflows, pushing the boundaries of what business applications can achieve in various industries.

Podcast Watch

Sign of the Times—The New York Times is introducing paid podcast subscriptions on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, charging $6/month or $50/year for access to archived episodes and early releases. Recent episodes will remain free. This move aims to boost subscription revenue for more audio content development. Home delivery and all-access Times subscribers can verify their subscriptions to continue full access on these platforms. The Times sees this as a way to expand its audio business, with the potential to pivot based on listener behavior.

Spotify Watch

More Lists In More Places—Spotify is expanding its AI Playlist feature to Premium users in the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand. This tool allows users to create custom playlists based on creative prompts, such as specific moods, genres, or themes. Launched earlier in the U.K. and Australia, AI Playlist uses generative AI to enhance personalization, helping users discover new music and craft playlists for various occasions. As the feature rolls out, Spotify aims to refine it based on user feedback and expand its functionality.

TikTok Watch

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow—TikTok has announced that it will shut down its separate TikTok Music app. Launched earlier in Brazil and Indonesia, the app aimed to rival platforms like Spotify and Apple Music but failed to gain significant traction. The shutdown reflects TikTok's decision to focus on integrating music features within its main platform rather than maintaining a standalone app. Existing users will be notified of the closure, and any subscriptions will be handled accordingly.

Microsoft Watch

Trust Who—Microsoft is doubling down on Trustworthy AI by focusing on security, safety, and privacy in AI systems. It announced new capabilities like Azure AI Studio’s risk assessments, Copilot transparency, and AI content safety to address bias, data privacy, and secure data handling. This builds on Microsoft's broader Responsible AI principles, ensuring that AI is reliable for customers and developers. These innovations will enhance industries like healthcare, education, and finance, reinforcing Microsoft's commitment to trustworthy, responsible AI. The goal is to drive human potential by ensuring AI is secure and ethical.

Ghost Kitchens Watch

Your Fired—A former CloudKitchens employee has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging wrongful termination after informing her superiors about her pregnancy. The lawsuit claims that CloudKitchens, founded by former Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, violated labor laws by terminating the employee after she sought maternity leave. The case highlights potential issues within the startup regarding workplace discrimination and employee rights. Kalanick and CloudKitchens have not commented publicly on the allegations.

Advertising Watch

What’s Your Number—Meridian Credit Union’s latest campaign, *World of Numbers*, portrays a dystopian society where people are reduced to mere numbers. Directed by Dan French, the ad critiques the depersonalized nature of traditional banking, contrasting it with Meridian’s commitment to customer-centric values. The eerie, unsettling visuals emphasize the importance of treating customers as individuals rather than numbers, aligning with Meridian’s broader “Banking is Different” philosophy. This campaign highlights Meridian’s focus on social responsibility and community engagement.

Movie Trailer of The Day

Music Video of the Day

I’ve been a Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry fan since the 70s. Ferry continues the Roxy era, crooning layered pop-rock tunes to this day. Today, he debuted “I Thought.”

App of The Day

Google’s NotebookLM

Google's NotebookLM is an exciting new entry into the world of AI-powered tools, positioning itself as more than just a note-taking app. It’s an advanced research assistant designed to help users make sense of their information faster and more efficiently. Built by Google Labs and first launched under the experimental banner “Project Tailwind,” NotebookLM harnesses the power of large language models (LLMs) to transform how we engage with documents.

What Makes NotebookLM Stand Out?

1. AI-Driven Document Insights

The core appeal of NotebookLM is its ability to analyze and summarize your documents. Whether you upload PDFs, Google Docs, or even web pages, the AI steps in to create concise summaries, generate insights, and organize key points. The platform is perfect for those working with a large volume of information—think students, researchers, writers, or anyone juggling a pile of data. Rather than wade through countless pages, NotebookLM allows users to ask specific questions and receive AI-generated responses based on their uploaded content. This feature ensures faster access to key information, making it a valuable tool for users who need to quickly grasp complex topics.

2. Summaries and Knowledge Synthesis

NotebookLM doesn't just stop at summaries—it helps users synthesize information into formats that are easy to digest. Imagine uploading a set of research papers and, with just a few clicks, generating a study guide or an FAQ based on those materials. NotebookLM helps transform scattered ideas into structured knowledge, saving time and effort while improving understanding.

3. Inline Citations for Reliability

One of the standout features is NotebookLM’s focus on maintaining accuracy. Every response the AI generates is accompanied by inline citations and references to the original documents. This ensures that users can trace back each piece of information to its source, adding a layer of credibility and transparency that’s often missing from other AI tools.

4. Expanding Functionality

Google has been continuously improving NotebookLM since its initial release. The tool now includes support for Google Slides and web URLs, enabling users to integrate different types of media into their research. Additionally, its ability to analyze images, charts, and diagrams from uploaded documents has opened up new possibilities for fields like data science, education, and corporate training.

5. Versatile Applications

While NotebookLM has been primarily designed for academic or research contexts, its flexibility has attracted a wider range of users. Local governments have started utilizing it for policy drafting, businesses are leveraging it for training materials, and even game designers have explored its potential for crafting role-playing scenarios. The ability to organize information across various formats and media makes it a tool with broad potential.

How It Compares to Other Tools

Compared to popular note-taking and knowledge management apps like Evernote, Microsoft OneNote, or Notion, NotebookLM stands apart by integrating artificial intelligence deeply into the user experience. While those apps provide a platform for organization, NotebookLM does the heavy lifting by processing, summarizing, and analyzing data for the user. Rather than merely storing notes, it enhances how you use them. That said, it’s more experimental in nature, and while it offers unique features, it’s still being refined based on user feedback.

Best Use Cases

- Researchers: Streamline the process of reviewing papers, generating insights, and keeping track of citations.

- Students: Use NotebookLM to create summaries and study guides for exams without needing to manually sift through textbooks and notes.

- Writers: Organize complex storylines or articles, extract relevant information from multiple sources, and fact-check as you go.

- Educators: Create comprehensive lesson plans by uploading materials and quickly turning them into teaching resources like FAQs and presentations.

Getting Started

Google has made the onboarding process for NotebookLM intuitive. Once you have access (it’s currently available via limited rollout), you create a “notebook” by uploading your documents. From there, you can start interacting with the AI by asking it questions, requesting summaries, or generating other formats from the documents you uploaded. Users are also encouraged to explore integrations with Google Slides and web links for even greater versatility.

Availability

NotebookLM is currently available through Google Labs, with a gradual rollout starting in the U.S. and expanding to other regions. It’s free to use during its experimental phase, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Those interested can check it out via NotebookLM’s official site.

Final Thoughts

NotebookLM is a forward-thinking tool that pushes the boundaries of what note-taking software can do. Its deep integration of AI elevates it beyond conventional apps, making it not only a place to store ideas but a tool to truly understand and engage with your material. While still in development, it shows immense promise for anyone who works with large amounts of information and needs to quickly transform it into actionable knowledge. With features expanding regularly and its free availability during the trial phase, NotebookLM is definitely worth exploring if you're looking to supercharge your research and writing processes.