The Comunicano Sunday Edition for February 16th 2025
What No Football?
My friends, the world is shifting. It is not crumbling, not faltering, but evolving—rising toward an apex of human ingenuity. This is not a time for despair; it is a time for those who think, those who build, those who refuse to surrender to mediocrity.
Look to Hangzhou, where DeepSeek has ignited a beacon of artificial intelligence. In the land of Alibaba, in the corridors of Zhejiang University, the future is being written—not by blind chance, not by bureaucratic decree, but by the minds that dare to create. Here, investment flows, innovation surges, and the intellect of man asserts itself as the supreme force in shaping tomorrow.
And in the West, Google does not cower before the threats of cyber malfeasance. No, it engineers defenses. It arms itself with AI-powered fortresses that anticipate, detect, and neutralize security threats before they can manifest. A world where our digital vulnerabilities are not left to the inertia of human negligence, but are instead preemptively secured by the relentless precision of AI.
But let us not be blind to folly. AI is a tool—potent, dynamic, but fallible in careless hands. Businesses must integrate it wisely, aligning it with strategy, respecting its power, wielding it with responsibility. Those who fail to grasp its magnitude will fall to obsolescence, as all who ignore the tides of progress inevitably do.
Even in robotics, where OpenAI has outlined its ‘50 Laws,’ we witness the necessity of structured progress. Laws alone will not save us—only the rational minds behind them, shaping AI to serve man, not to restrain him. This is the task of the creators, the thinkers, the men and women who refuse to accept stagnation as their fate.
Yes, there are detractors. There are those who tremble before the Tesla Cybertruck, who see peril instead of possibility, risk instead of revolution. But the road to greatness has never been paved with timidity. And Uber—rather than surrendering to the difficulties of autonomy—has embraced its true strength, standing as the integrator, the unifier of human and artificial intelligence in a seamless dance of progress.
And let us not overlook those who construct our physical world—companies like Altaroad, merging AI with sustainability to forge a civilization that does not merely endure but thrives, adapting its foundations to the realities of a changing planet.
This is the nature of man—the mind that innovates, the will that builds, the spirit that refuses to yield. Do not fear the rise of AI. Do not lament the changes before you. Seize them. Shape them. Make them your own. For the future belongs to the thinkers, to the creators, to the individuals who dare.
And if you are not among them, step aside. The world will move forward, with or without you, just as every day, so too does “THE COMUNICANO!!!”
Andy Abramson
DeepSeek Watch
DeepSeek’s Hometown Hangzhou Emerges as Center of China’s AI Universe (Bloomberg)—DeepSeek's AI chatbot has spotlighted Hangzhou as a potential tech hotspot. Known for housing Alibaba and NetEase, Hangzhou is now emerging as a leader in AI technologies. The city attracts both local and foreign investment interest, further bolstered by talent from Zhejiang University. Read More Here
Google Watch
Google To Use AI To Automatically Change Passwords (Forbes)—Google is testing an AI-powered feature called Automated Password Change for Chrome. This feature automatically updates compromised passwords, securing them in Google's Password Manager. The AI detects when a password is compromised and changes it without user intervention, adding an extra layer of security. Users' passwords are encrypted and stored safely. This innovation addresses the issue of users' compromised credentials found on the dark web and enhances both personal and corporate security. However, it raises questions about trust in Google's handling of sensitive data. [Read more here]
AI Watch
AI Integration Pitfalls That Could Jeopardize Your Business in 2025 (Forbes)—In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, businesses must tread carefully to avoid critical missteps. Bernard Marr highlights five pivotal mistakes that could be detrimental:
Misalignment of AI and Business Strategies: Implementing AI without ensuring it complements the overarching business objectives can lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities.
Underestimating AI's Impact: Failing to recognize the profound changes AI can bring may result in being outpaced by competitors who fully leverage its potential.
Neglecting Data Management: AI thrives on quality data. Poor data governance can lead to flawed insights and decisions.
Overlooking Ethical Considerations: Ignoring the ethical implications of AI, such as bias and privacy concerns, can damage reputation and invite regulatory scrutiny.
Inadequate Change Management: Without proper planning for the organizational changes AI adoption necessitates, companies may face internal resistance and implementation challenges.
To navigate these challenges, businesses must develop a cohesive AI strategy, invest in robust data infrastructure, prioritize ethical standards, and prepare their workforce for the AI-driven future. Read more here
Your CoPilot May Be Plotting Against You (Maybe) (CDOTrends)—In 2025, AI emerges as both a savior and a potential nemesis. Winston Thomas discusses the dual-edged nature of AI advancements, highlighting how tools designed to assist, like AI copilots, might inadvertently pose risks. While these systems enhance productivity and decision-making, there's growing concern over their potential to act unpredictably or be manipulated maliciously. The importance of rigorous oversight, ethical considerations, and robust security measures to ensure AI remains a beneficial ally rather than a threat is important. As AI integrates into various sectors, balancing innovation with caution becomes paramount. Read more here
Robotics Watch
OpenAI Introduces Comprehensive '50 Laws of Robotics' Framework (Sherwood News)—In a significant advancement beyond Asimov's foundational Three Laws of Robotics, OpenAI has unveiled an extensive set of 50 guidelines designed to govern robotic behavior and ethics. This comprehensive framework aims to address the complex challenges posed by modern AI and robotics integration into society. While the complete list encompasses a wide range of directives, key highlights include:
Human Safety and Well-being: Robots must prioritize human safety above all else, ensuring their actions do not cause harm through direct intervention or negligence.
Transparency and Accountability: Robots are required to operate transparently, providing clear explanations for their decisions and actions to foster trust and understanding.
Privacy and Data Protection: Robots must safeguard personal data, ensuring that information is collected, stored, and utilized in compliance with stringent privacy standards.
Non-Discrimination: Robots should operate without bias, ensuring equitable treatment of all individuals regardless of background or characteristics.
Environmental Considerations: Robots are encouraged to perform tasks in an environmentally conscious manner, minimizing ecological footprints and promoting sustainability.
OpenAI's initiative reflects a proactive approach to the ethical deployment of robotics, aiming to preemptively address potential societal and moral dilemmas. By expanding upon traditional robotic laws, this framework seeks to provide a robust foundation for the responsible development and integration of AI systems in various sectors. Read more here
Chinese sex doll maker sees jump in 2025 sales as AI boosts adult toys’ user experience (SCMP)—WMDoll, one of China's leading sex doll manufacturers, anticipates a 30% sales increase by 2025, attributing this growth to the adoption of generative AI models that enhance product interactivity and responsiveness. Founder Liu Jiangxia highlights the integration of large language models (LLMs), improving user experiences through AI enhancements like ChatGPT. Located in Zhongshan, WMDoll utilizes Meta Platforms' Llama AI models in their MetaBox series, connecting AI modules to cloud services for market adaptation. These technological advancements promise to elevate consumer engagement significantly. [Read more here]
Uber Watch
An Interview with Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi About Aggregation and Autonomy (Stratechery)—Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi discusses the company's strategic pivot away from self-driving car development to focus on being a platform that aggregates various autonomous technologies. He emphasizes Uber's strength as an aggregator, offering a hybrid network combining human and autonomous drivers. Read more here
Tesla Watch
Is the Tesla Cybertruck as Dangerous as the Ford Pinto? (Inc.)—The Tesla Cybertruck is facing increasing safety concerns, drawing comparisons to the infamous Ford Pinto. Reports suggest that in its first year, the Cybertruck has been linked to fire-related fatalities at a rate significantly higher than the Pinto’s, which was notorious for rear-end collisions leading to deadly fuel tank explosions. Critics highlight the Cybertruck’s rigid structure, sharp edges, and lithium-ion battery risks, raising questions about its overall safety. Tesla insists the vehicle meets regulations, but it has yet to undergo formal crash testing, leaving concerns unresolved. Read more here
ClimateTech Watch
Building for the Future: How Altaroad is Driving Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (French Tech Journal)—In an industry traditionally slow to adopt digital innovations, Altaroad is pioneering change by integrating AI and sustainability into construction practices. The company offers a SaaS platform equipped with cameras and sensors to monitor material flows on construction sites. This technology provides real-time data, enabling companies to optimize resource usage and reduce waste. The necessity of climate resilience states that sustainable infrastructure must adapt to material scarcity in a changing climate. Altaroad's approach enhances efficiency and promotes the reuse of materials, aligning with circular economy principles. Since its inception seven years ago, the company has secured approximately $14.2 million in funding, including significant investments from the European Innovation Council and Pro BTP Innovation and claims to be helping the industry become future-proof. Read More Here
Fintech Watch
Trump’s CFPB Shutdown Raises Concerns Over Fintech Consumer Protections (PitchBook)—The Trump administration has ordered the shutdown of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), instructing its 1,700 employees to cease operations immediately. This move, led by Acting Director Russell Vought, is part of a broader effort to reduce federal oversight. Established after the 2008 financial crisis, the CFPB has played a key role in enforcing consumer protection laws, particularly in fintech. With its closure, fintech firms now face a fragmented regulatory landscape, with oversight shifting to state-level authorities. Some companies may voluntarily adopt stricter consumer protections as a competitive edge, while others fear diminished consumer trust and potential market instability. Read more here
Amazon Watch
How a Resurgent Walmart Saw Off the Amazon Threat (Financial Times)—Walmart has effectively used AI to streamline operations, including worker shifts and inventory management, enhancing its competitiveness against Amazon. By deploying a phone-based AI tool, Walmart significantly reduced shift planning time, and its warehouse automation strategies have improved operational efficiency. With 18% of its revenue generated online, Walmart's tech investments are paying off. Read more here
Brand Watch
When Your Town Becomes a Nike Brand (Fast Company)—Nike's introduction of the Flagstaff Book 1 sneaker exemplifies a growing trend where companies name products after U.S. cities and towns. This strategy not only pays homage to these locales but also leverages their unique identities to enhance brand storytelling and consumer connection. By associating products with specific places, brands aim to evoke particular emotions and narratives, fostering a deeper resonance with their audience. However, this approach also raises questions about cultural appropriation and the authenticity of such representations, prompting discussions on the ethical implications of place-based branding. Read more here
