The Comunicano Saturday Edition Februrary 15th 2025

NBA All Star Weekend

I address you not as a prophet of doom, nor as an idle observer of progress, but as one who has always championed the sovereignty of reason. And yet, as I look upon the age of artificial intelligence, I see a contradiction—a civilization that births great power but quivers in fear at the sight of its own creation.

Eric Schmidt speaks of AI’s potential for devastation, warning of a “Bin Laden scenario,” where rogue states wield it to design biological horrors. He seeks governance but hesitates at over-regulation, lest it stifle innovation. This, too, is the paradox of our time: we stand on the precipice of infinite potential, yet we tremble at the notion of responsibility.

A UK study warns of AI-generated misinformation causing bank runs. Do you not see? The problem is not the machine but the minds of men—those who, without the integrity of reason, are swayed by deception. It is not AI that destabilizes markets, but human irrationality. The same impulse once sparked panics in unregulated trading pits long before a single line of code dictated our economies.

In France, voice actors lament the erosion of their craft, their voices stolen and repurposed without consent. Here, the specter of injustice emerges—not by AI’s nature, but by those who wield it unethically. This is not a battle against technology but against those who do not respect the sovereignty of individual labor. If one’s voice is one’s property, let it be protected as fiercely as any physical possession.

And then there is the specter of governmental intrusion. The U.S. Department of Justice proposes to restrict Google’s AI investment, a misguided attempt to curtail the ambitions of the most capable. If antitrust laws served to prevent stagnation, they now threaten to strangle the very force that propels humanity forward. To tell a man that he must break apart his greatest work in the name of fairness is the creed of the looter, not the innovator.

Pope Francis and his advisers, too, enter the fray, warning that AI will exacerbate income inequality. And I ask: Does the machine create disparity? No, it is the nature of all progress to be first wielded by the competent before it is distributed to the many. The wheel did not make all men equal overnight, nor did the printing press, nor electricity. And yet, each, in time, lifted humanity to a higher plane. To fear this evolution is to deny the essence of civilization itself.

Even in the realm of commerce, the battle for control rages. OpenAI rejects Elon Musk’s bid to purchase the company, a move some claim is in defense of “humanity’s interests.” But whose interests are truly at stake? Is it not the right of those who build to determine the course of their creation? The attempt to centralize AI beneath committees and regulators will only ensure one thing: that those who do not understand it will dictate its fate.

And while others cower, there are those who move forward. Zeekr and Waymo unveil a mass-produced robotaxi, a testament to man’s ability to remake his environment according to his vision. Meanwhile, Figure AI and Meta invest in humanoid robotics, seeking to bring forth the next great leap in automation. These are the actions of creators, unburdened by the doubt that paralyzes their detractors.

What then, is the conclusion? AI is neither salvation nor damnation. It is a tool—an extension of man’s mind, his will, his ingenuity. The question is not whether it should be feared, but whether men will allow themselves to wield it rationally.

There is no morality in stagnation, no virtue in fear. If you seek to control AI, control first the irrational impulses of man. If you fear its consequences, fear instead the cowardice that halts progress. And if you wish to see AI serve humanity, then let it be guided not by the whims of regulators, nor the trembling hands of the superstitious, but by the minds of the rational, the builders, and the creators who refuse to be shackled by fear.

The age of AI is upon us. The choice is not whether to halt it or unleash it. The choice is whether we embrace it as men of reason or flee from it as slaves to our own terror. Choose, now, before the world chooses for you. For now, choose THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

AI Watch

Eric Schmidt Fears for AI 'Bin Laden Scenario (BBC News)—Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt warned about AI's potential misuse by rogue states to create biological weapons. He advocates for governmental oversight on AI development, cautioning against over-regulation that might hinder innovation. Schmidt emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to AI governance. [Read More Here]

AI-Generated Content Raises Risks of More Bank Runs, UK Study Shows (Reuters)—A UK study highlights the risks of AI-generated fake news potentially triggering bank runs. The report urges banks to enhance monitoring systems to identify disinformation that could destabilize customer confidence and lead to financial crises. [Read More Here]

By Humans, for Humans’: French Dubbing Industry Speaks Out Against AI Threat (Yahoo News)— The French dubbing industry, employing 15,000 people, is concerned about AI replacing human jobs. Actors' voices are being used without consent to train AI, prompting calls for ethical guidelines to protect the industry from AI encroachment. [Read More Here]

Anthropic Says US Google Search Proposal Will Hurt AI Investment (Bloomberg)— Anthropic, backed by Google and Amazon, argues that the US proposal to restrict Google's AI investments could harm innovation. The DOJ's suggestion to divest Chrome aims to address monopoly concerns but might impact AI advancements adversely. [Read More Here]

Pope Francis’ AI Adviser, Experts Raise Concerns About Artificial Intelligence (Catholic News Agency)—Pope Francis’ adviser, with other experts, highlighted AI's risks, including the potential for bio-weapons and exacerbating income inequality. The Vatican's involvement in ethical AI discussions underscores the need for global guidelines to ensure AI's responsible use. [Read More Here]

Mike Krieger on Product Building in AI (Spotify)—In a Generative Now podcast, Mike Krieger shares lessons from co-founding Instagram to leading product initiatives at Anthropic, an AI company. The discussion explores parallels between social media innovation and the challenges of AI product development, highlighting trends and opportunities within the AI sector. [Read More Here]

The EU AI Act's Influence on US Legislation (Hyperdimensional)—This article examines how JD Vance and other US policymakers are scrutinizing the EU's AI regulatory framework. The discussion highlights the potential adaptation of similar algorithmic discrimination bills within US states, reflecting on the broader implications for AI governance in America. [Read More Here]

Google Watch

Jeff Dean & Noam Shazeer – 25 Years at Google: From PageRank to AGI (DwarkeshPatel)—This interview with Jeff Dean and Noam Shazeer, two of Google's most influential technologists, explores their extensive contributions over 25 years at the company. Dean, Google's Chief Scientist, and Shazeer, an AI architect, discuss innovations like the Transformer, TensorFlow, and the Pathways project aimed at achieving AGI. They reflect on AI's evolution, emphasizing its impact on areas such as healthcare and education. The conversation also touches on the future of AI, including the potential for creating advanced reasoning systems and ethical considerations in AI deployment. [Read More Here]

RideShare Watch

Zeekr and Waymo Unveil Mass-Produced Robotaxi (Fox News)—In a groundbreaking collaboration, automaker Zeekr and autonomous driving technology company Waymo have introduced the Zeekr RT, the world's first mass-produced, purpose-built autonomous vehicle designed specifically for ride-hailing services. This innovative robotaxi is now ready for delivery to Waymo for extensive testing, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of self-driving transportation. The Zeekr RT aims to redefine urban mobility by providing a reliable and efficient autonomous ride-hailing experience. [Read more here]

Robot Watch

Figure AI is in Talks to Raise $1.5B at 15x Its Last Valuation (TechCrunch)—Figure AI, a robotics startup, is negotiating for $1.5 billion in funding at a valuation 15 times higher than its previous one. The company, which builds humanoid robots for both commercial and residential use, has already secured clients like BMW and aims to ship 100,000 robots. [Read More Here]

Meta Plans Investments Into AI-Driven Humanoid Robots, Memo Shows (Reuters) —Meta is forming a new division within Reality Labs to develop consumer humanoid robots, leveraging AI to advance its technology suite. The project, led by Marc Whitten, aligns with Meta's vision to expand its AI expertise. This development follows significant financial losses within Reality Labs but holds promise for future growth. [Read More Here]

Perplexity Watch

Perplexity just made AI research crazy cheap—what that means for the industry (Venture Beat)—Perplexity has disrupted the AI market by introducing Deep Research, a tool that provides comprehensive research reports quickly and cost-effectively. This innovation democratizes access to advanced AI capabilities traditionally locked behind expensive subscription models, as emphasized by CEO Aravind Srinivas. The broader implications for the industry include increased accessibility to AI tools and a shift towards open-source solutions, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape and fostering innovation. [Read More Here]

OpenAI Watch

OpenAI Rejects Elon Musk's $97.4 Billion Bid for Control of the Company (NY Times)—OpenAI's board, led by Chairman Bret Taylor, has unanimously rejected a $97.4 billion acquisition bid from Elon Musk and a group of investors. The decision was based on maintaining OpenAI's independence and its mission to ensure AI benefits all of humanity. Musk's interest aligns with his broader ambitions in the AI space, particularly following the launch of his AI startup, xAI. This development highlights the competitive dynamics and strategic interests shaping the future of AI innovation. [Read More Here]

OpenAI says its board of directors ‘unanimously’ rejects Elon Musk’s bid (TechCrunch)—OpenAI's board has unanimously rejected an acquisition offer from Elon Musk, valuing the nonprofit at $97.4 billion. The board's decision underscores their commitment to OpenAI's mission of ensuring AI benefits all of humanity. Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI, aimed to integrate OpenAI into his broader AI ambitions. However, the board emphasized the importance of maintaining OpenAI's independence to preserve its ethical standards and research goals. [Read More Here]

Amazon Watch

Amazon Delays AI-Powered Alexa Upgrade Amid Accuracy Concerns (The Washington Post)—Amazon's anticipated AI-enhanced Alexa upgrade, initially slated for late February, has been postponed to at least March 31 due to issues with response accuracy during testing. The new features, including personalized interactions and advanced functionalities, were expected to launch as a free trial. This delay underscores the challenges Amazon faces in refining Alexa's generative AI capabilities. The company has not provided a new definitive release date. This postponement comes as competitors like Apple and Google also navigate complexities in enhancing their voice assistants with advanced AI features.—Read more here

Amazon's Return-to-Office Policy Boosts Seattle's Downtown Activity (GeekWire)—In January 2025, Amazon's shift to a five-day in-office workweek for its 50,000 Seattle-based corporate and tech employees led to a significant uptick in downtown foot traffic. The Downtown Seattle Association reported an average of nearly 95,000 daily workers in the city's core, marking a 9% increase from January 2024. Notably, the South Lake Union and Denny Regrade areas, home to Amazon's headquarters, saw weekday averages of almost 46,000 workers, approximately 74% of January 2019 levels. This surge has revitalized local businesses, with Mondays and Fridays experiencing a 22% rise in foot traffic compared to the previous month. DSA President Jon Scholes observed that coffee shops are bustling, lunch spots are lively, and overall downtown activity has increased. This development is a positive sign for Seattle's post-pandemic recovery, as the city strives to rejuvenate its downtown area and support local enterprises. Read more here

Spotify Watch

Spotify Considers 'Music Pro' Tier with Enhanced Features (Digital Trends)—Spotify is reportedly planning to introduce a "Music Pro" add-on, priced at an additional $6 per month, offering higher-quality audio streaming and priority access to concert tickets. This move aims to cater to audiophiles and superfans, providing features like lossless hi-fi audio and early ticket sales. While competitors like Apple Music and Amazon Music already offer high-quality streaming at no extra cost, Spotify's proposed tier seeks to enhance user experience with exclusive perks. The company is still finalizing details, with regional pricing variations expected. This initiative aligns with Spotify's recent licensing agreements with major record labels, aiming to expand its premium offerings. Read more here

Dating Watch

The Loneliness Epidemic Is a Security Crisis (Wired)—As social isolation increases, romance scams have become a costly security issue, exacerbated by the use of generative AI by scammers. The ease with which these scams can be scaled due to AI technologies poses significant threats to individuals, with financial losses in the billions. The FBI warns that the exploitative potential of AI in these scams is only growing, urging awareness and preventive measures to tackle this evolving cybersecurity threat. [Read More Here]

Innovation Watch

Mining: The Backbone of America's Tech Future (Technical.ly)-The digital economy and green energy initiatives heavily depend on minerals like copper and nickel, underscoring mining's critical role in technological advancement. Recognizing this, the federal Tech Hubs program has allocated significant funds to projects to enhance mineral extraction efficiency and reduce environmental impact. For instance, Missouri University of Science & Technology received $28.5 million to develop an 18,000-square-foot test-bed facility. This initiative seeks to modernize mining processes, ensuring a sustainable supply chain for essential tech resources. Such efforts address national security concerns and stimulate local economies by creating jobs and fostering innovation in mining technologies. As the tech industry grows, a reliable and ethically sourced mineral supply becomes increasingly vital, positioning mining innovation at the forefront of America's technological progress. Read more here

Fintech Watch

Zelle Payments Surpass $1 Trillion in 2024 (CNBC)-Zelle, the peer-to-peer payment service, reported transactions exceeding $1 trillion in 2024, highlighting its growing popularity among consumers and businesses. This milestone reflects a significant increase in digital payment adoption, with Zelle facilitating quick and secure money transfers across various financial institutions. The service's expansion into small business payments and integration with banking apps have contributed to its widespread use. As digital payments continue to evolve, Zelle's achievement underscores the shifting landscape of financial transactions in the modern economy. Read more here

Crypto Watch

Tether Acquires Minority Stake in Juventus FC (Front Office Sports)—In a strategic move blending finance and sports, stablecoin issuer Tether has acquired over a 5% stake in Italy's Juventus Football Club. While the exact terms remain undisclosed, Tether's CEO, Paolo Ardoino, emphasized the investment aims to integrate digital assets, AI, and biotech with the sports industry. Despite Tether's purchase, Exor, the Agnelli family's holding company with a 64% stake in Juventus, confirmed it did not sell any shares. This investment marks a significant shift from traditional sponsorships, positioning Tether as a pioneer in sports ownership within the cryptocurrency sector. Read more here

Travel Watch

Pathfinder 1: The Airship Pioneering a New Era in Aviation (BBC Future)—Pathfinder 1, a state-of-the-art airship, is set to revolutionize modern aviation by offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to traditional air travel. Designed for cargo transport and passenger travel, this airship utilizes advanced materials and propulsion systems to minimize environmental impact. Its ability to access remote areas without the need for extensive infrastructure makes it ideal for delivering goods to hard-to-reach locations. As the aviation industry seeks greener solutions, Pathfinder 1 represents a significant step forward in reducing carbon emissions and promoting eco-friendly transportation. Read more here