The Comunicano Sunday Edition February 23rd 2025

You know, when I look at the world today, I don’t see a lack of innovation. I see a lack of courage. I see people who are afraid—afraid to take risks, afraid to challenge the status quo, afraid to think differently.

Look at journalism. Once, it was about storytelling, about uncovering the truth. Now? Journalists are training AI models to do their jobs, refining the very algorithms that will replace them. They’re not fighting for their craft—they’re surrendering to inevitability. But technology should be a tool for empowerment, not obsolescence. The real question isn’t how we train AI—it’s how we use it to elevate human potential.

In Silicon Valley, startups are raising billions without ever facing the public. They’re avoiding scrutiny, dodging accountability, hoarding ideas instead of launching them into the world. That’s not vision. That’s fear. The companies that change the world aren’t the ones that hide in the shadows. They’re the ones that put their ideas out there and let the world judge them.

Meanwhile, OpenAI is making a big show of policing the ethical use of AI. But let’s be honest—who decides what’s right and wrong? Who gets to say what’s misinformation and what’s truth? Innovation thrives in the open, not behind locked doors. If AI is going to shape the future, it should do so through transparency, not control.

And then, of course, there’s the flying car. The humanoid robot. And, AI-powered cancer detection. These are incredible breakthroughs. They remind us of what’s possible when we push the boundaries of technology. But progress isn’t just about making cool things—it’s about making things that matter. Things that improve lives, that give people superpowers, that allow them to do what they never thought possible.

The real battle isn’t AI versus humanity. It’s stagnation versus progress. It’s between those who cling to what’s comfortable and those who dare to build something better.

So ask yourself: Are you going to watch the future happen, or are you going to create it?

Because the ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world… are the ones who do. Those are reads THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

Media Watch

Journalists Transition to AI Training Roles Amid Industry Decline (Nieman Lab)—As traditional journalism opportunities dwindle, professionals are finding new roles in AI model training. Platforms like Outlier, operated by Scale AI, recruit journalists to enhance large language models (LLMs) for tech giants such as OpenAI, Meta, and Microsoft. Tasks include data labeling, prompt drafting, and output evaluation, with compensation around $35 per hour. This shift offers a lifeline for journalists facing a 59% increase in industry job cuts in 2024, enabling them to leverage their skills in research and fact-checking within the burgeoning AI sector. Read more here

Valley Watch

AI Startups in Silicon Valley Thrive Without Going Public (New York Times)—As the AI boom continues, Silicon Valley startups are staying private longer, thanks to massive venture capital investments. Companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are raising billions in funding rounds, avoiding the scrutiny of public markets while accelerating AI development. This shift reflects a broader trend where startups prioritize private funding to maintain operational flexibility. However, with soaring valuations and increasing regulatory interest, some may eventually face pressure to go public. Meanwhile, competition among AI firms remains fierce, as new players emerge to challenge incumbents like Google and Microsoft. Read more here

OpenAI Watch

OpenAI Intensifies Efforts to Combat Malicious AI Usage (OpenAI Blog)—OpenAI has released a comprehensive report detailing its proactive measures to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence by authoritarian regimes and malicious actors. The company emphasizes the importance of "democratic AI" and outlines strategies to disrupt activities such as surveillance, influence operations, scams, and cyberattacks. By leveraging AI-powered investigative tools, OpenAI aims to protect democratic societies from adversarial threats. This initiative reflects OpenAI's commitment to ensuring that AI technologies benefit humanity while mitigating potential harms. The full report provides insights into the trends and case studies of threats that have been successfully disrupted. Read more here

AI Watch

Elton John Calls for UK Copyright Rules Rethink to Protect Creators from AI (The Guardian)—Sir Elton John, alongside figures like Simon Cowell and Kate Mosse, is urging the UK government to reconsider proposed copyright relaxations that would allow tech companies to use creative works for AI without explicit permission. They advocate for an opt-in system to safeguard artists' intellectual property and livelihoods. John emphasizes that weakening copyright protections could jeopardize the UK's leadership in the creative sector. Artists such as Billie Eilish and Stevie Wonder have echoed these concerns, calling for stricter regulations to prevent AI from undermining human creativity. However, some, like Daniel Bedingfield, view AI as a positive force in music's future. Read more here

AI-Driven Blood Analysis Enhances Early Cancer Detection in Hong Kong (South China Morning Post)—Hong Kong's pioneering scientists are leveraging artificial intelligence to revolutionize blood analysis for early cancer detection. Building upon the success of non-invasive prenatal testing, researchers are developing AI-driven techniques to identify cancer-related genetic markers in blood samples. This advancement aims to facilitate early diagnosis, improving treatment outcomes and patient survival rates. The integration of AI enhances the accuracy and efficiency of these tests, positioning Hong Kong at the forefront of medical innovation in oncology diagnostics. This initiative reflects a significant stride in utilizing technology to combat cancer through early intervention. Read more here

Understanding AI Agents and Their Impact (NBC News)—AI agents are autonomous programs designed to perform tasks on behalf of users, ranging from scheduling appointments to managing complex data analyses. These agents utilize machine learning algorithms to adapt and improve their performance over time. Their integration into various industries is transforming workflows, enhancing efficiency, and reducing human error. However, concerns about privacy, security, and the potential displacement of jobs persist. As AI agents become more sophisticated, it's crucial to establish ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks to ensure their responsible deployment. Read more here

AI Chatbots Bridging Mental Health Gaps in Schools (The Wall Street Journal)—In response to the shortage of school counselors, educational institutions are turning to Sonny, a hybrid chatbot developed by Sonar Mental Health. Sonny combines artificial intelligence with human oversight, offering students a supportive platform to discuss mental health concerns. Professionals in psychology and crisis intervention vet the AI's responses, ensuring appropriate guidance. Currently, Sonny serves over 4,500 students across nine school districts, particularly in low-income and rural areas. While not a replacement for human therapists, Sonny provides a valuable supplementary resource, helping schools identify and address student needs effectively. Read more here

AI-Generated Historical POV Videos Spark Fascination and Debate (BBC News)—AI-generated videos offering first-person perspectives of historical periods have gone viral on TikTok, captivating millions with immersive depictions of ancient Rome, Egypt, and medieval London. Creators like Dan from the UK and Hogne from Norway aim to evoke the essence of these eras, though they acknowledge historical inaccuracies in their content. Historians express concerns over potential misinformation, emphasizing the importance of critical engagement and accurate representation in educational contexts. While these videos can inspire interest in history, experts caution against relying on them as factual sources. The creators encourage viewers to conduct their own research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the past. Read more here

Convergence's Proxy Surpasses OpenAI's Operator in Browser-Use Agents (VentureBeat)—A new wave of AI-powered browser-use agents is emerging, promising to transform how enterprises interact with the web. These agents can autonomously navigate websites, retrieve information, and even complete transactions. However, early testing reveals significant gaps between promise and performance. While OpenAI's Operator has garnered attention, Convergence's Proxy is gaining traction due to its focus on enterprise applications and superior performance in real-world tasks. Companies are advised to evaluate this rapidly evolving landscape carefully, as established players and startups take different approaches to solving the autonomous browsing challenge. Read more here

Data Center Watch

California Legislators Target Data Centers' Energy Consumption (The Markup)—California residents face the highest electricity rates in the continental U.S., partly due to wildfire prevention costs. Now, the growing energy demands of data centers, especially those supporting AI systems like ChatGPT, are raising concerns about further rate increases. In response, state lawmakers have introduced bills to prevent consumers from subsidizing data center infrastructure and to promote energy efficiency. Proposed measures include mandating energy usage disclosures, establishing efficiency standards, and offering tax incentives for data centers utilizing clean energy. Similar legislative efforts are emerging in other tech-centric states to address the environmental and economic impacts of expanding data center operations. Read more here

VoIP Watch

Beware of WhatsApp Calls from These International Prefixes (LaGradaOnline.com)—Users are cautioned against returning missed calls from unknown international numbers, as scammers often use high-cost premium lines to exploit victims. Authorities have identified specific country codes frequently associated with such scams, including Albania (+355), Ivory Coast (+225), Ghana (+233), and Nigeria (+234). These calls may ring briefly to entice users to return the call, leading to unexpected charges. To protect yourself, avoid answering or returning calls from unfamiliar international numbers, and consider using spam-blocking tools to reduce the risk of falling victim to these schemes. Read more here

Apple Watch

Steve Jobs Persuaded U2 to Collaborate Without Payment (Luxurylaunches.com)—In 2004, Steve Jobs orchestrated a remarkable deal by convincing U2 to feature in an Apple commercial and launch a special edition iPod without any monetary compensation. Despite U2's initial request for Apple stock as payment, Jobs stood firm, leading the band to agree to the collaboration. This partnership resulted in the black and red U2-branded iPod and exclusive releases on iTunes, benefiting both parties significantly. Bono later reflected on the experience, acknowledging their fortunate association with Apple's rising success. Read more here

Apple Removes Advanced Data Protection in UK Amid Government Pressure (BBC News)—Apple is disabling its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the UK following government demands for access to user data under the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA). ADP provides end-to-end encryption, meaning not even Apple can access user-stored content. The UK’s request, which Apple strongly opposes, has led the company to withdraw the feature rather than create a security “backdoor.” Critics argue this weakens cybersecurity, while privacy advocates warn of dangerous global precedents. Meanwhile, US politicians have voiced concerns, with some suggesting a reassessment of intelligence-sharing agreements with the UK. Read more here

X Watch

X Introduces AI-Generated Ads to Reengage Advertisers (Adweek)—X is launching AI-powered advertising tools designed to automate ad creation and performance analysis. This initiative aims to streamline the advertising process, making it more efficient for businesses to develop and manage their ad campaigns. By leveraging artificial intelligence, X seeks to enhance ad relevance and effectiveness, thereby attracting advertisers back to its platform. This move comes as part of X's broader strategy to regain market share in the competitive digital advertising landscape. Read more here

EV Watch

Flying Car Soars Over Traffic in Historic First Flight (New York Post)—Alef Aeronautics has released groundbreaking footage of a flying car successfully navigating over traffic, marking a significant milestone in transportation history. The video showcases the vehicle's ability to transition from driving on roads to taking flight, offering a glimpse into the future of urban mobility. This development brings the long-envisioned concept of flying cars closer to reality, potentially transforming how people commute and reducing congestion in densely populated areas. Read more here

Meta Watch

Public Sentiment Shifts Against Tech Titans Musk and Zuckerberg (Axios)—A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals that a significant portion of Americans hold unfavorable views of tech moguls Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. The data indicates that 54% of adults have a very or mostly unfavorable opinion of Musk, while Zuckerberg faces even greater disapproval, with 67% viewing him unfavorably. This sentiment reflects growing public skepticism towards the influence and practices of major technology companies and their leaders. Read more here

Robot Watch

Humanoid Robot Springs to Life in Viral Video (New York Post)—A viral video has surfaced featuring an eerily realistic humanoid robot, described as the "world's first bipedal, musculoskeletal android." The footage captures the robot's lifelike movements, sparking discussions about the advancements and ethical implications of humanoid robotics. This development signifies a leap forward in creating robots that closely mimic human physiology and motion, potentially impacting industries ranging from healthcare to customer service. Read more here

Shapeshifting Robotics Breakthrough Reveals Adaptive Materials (The Debrief)—Researchers have developed a robotic material capable of shapeshifting and carrying multiple times its own weight. Inspired by science fiction, this breakthrough in adaptive materials technology enables robots to morph their structure to navigate various environments and perform complex tasks. The material's ability to change shape and support significant loads opens new possibilities in robotics, potentially leading to advancements in fields such as search and rescue, medical devices, and industrial automation. Read more here

Hardware Watch

ASUS Unveils Mouse with Built-In Aromatic Oil Diffuser (Engadget)—ASUS has introduced an innovative mouse featuring a built-in compartment for aromatic essential oils. This design allows users to enjoy pleasant fragrances during computer use, enhancing the overall user experience. The mouse offers standard functionalities, including two buttons, a scroll wheel, and adjustable DPI settings, and connects via Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz wireless USB dongle. Available in Iridescent White or Rose Clay finishes, the Fragrance Mouse is set to launch in the U.S. by late April or early May, though pricing details have not been disclosed. Read more watch

Sports Watch

House Settlement Poses Challenges for International Athletes (Front Office Sports)—The House v. NCAA settlement introduces a revenue-sharing model for Division I athletes, but international students on visas may face legal hurdles in accepting these payments. Immigration laws restrict certain types of income for visa holders, and receiving revenue-sharing funds could jeopardize their legal status in the U.S. This situation affects thousands of international athletes, prompting discussions on how to navigate compliance with both NCAA policies and federal immigration regulations. Read more here

MLS Commissioner Discusses Scheduling Amidst League Competition (Front Office Sports)—MLS Commissioner Don Garber has addressed the league's current scheduling challenges, noting that the existing calendar places MLS in direct competition with other major sports leagues. As the league enters its 30th season, discussions are underway to potentially adjust the schedule to align more closely with international soccer standards. Such changes aim to enhance the league's visibility and reduce overlap with other sports, thereby attracting a broader audience and fostering growth within the competitive sports landscape. Read more here