The Comunicano Sunday Edition for December 15th 2024
Sunday. Sunday. Sunday.
Imagine the future arriving faster than you can swipe right. In a whirlwind of advancements, WhatsApp is no longer just your group chat buddy—it's becoming a complete calling solution. With a sleek built-in dialer for iPhones and iOS now allowing third-party apps to handle calls, WhatsApp might just dethrone Apple’s native phone app. It's not just convenience; it's reimagining connectivity, especially in crises. From Turkey’s earthquake zones to Indonesia’s disaster relief, WhatsApp proves that when the world shakes, communication saves….And speaking of saving, how about saving Christmas? Enter “Better Call Santa,” an app powered by AI that lets your kids chat with the big man himself. Their wish lists, powered by cutting-edge tech, might not make them nicer, but it certainly makes the holidays more magical.
Meanwhile, back on Earth—or beyond—antimatter propulsion is flirting with revolutionizing space travel. The energy potential is mind-blowing: one gram could fuel 23 Space Shuttles! But hold on, the price tag? $4 million per gram. With storage challenges that rival your teenager's closet, we're still light-years away from practical use…..Closer to home, Klarna is setting the bar for AI-driven transformation. The Swedish fintech giant slashed its workforce by 22% in a year, claiming one AI assistant can do the job of 700 employees. Efficiency? Yes. But it raises questions about balance—human ingenuity versus automation's allure.
And while tech takes jobs, it also creates them—like Light Robotics, launched by a former GPT-4 engineer. Their dream? Consumer-friendly companion robots. With offices in Shenzhen and Singapore, they're part of China’s ambition to lead the robotics revolution…. In venture capital, we’re seeing a philosophical duel. Benchmark Capital sticks to boutique strategies while Andreessen Horowitz goes big, raising mega-funds to chase dominance in AI and beyond. It’s a battle of scale versus craft—a story of the old guard meeting new ambition.
Meanwhile, everyday costs are soaring. YouTube TV is hiking rates to $82.99. But clever users discovered a hack: start the cancellation process, and they might just offer you a deal to stick around. It’s not just entertainment—it’s negotiation.
From WhatsApp’s crisis innovation to Klarna’s AI revolution, these stories remind us: the future isn’t just coming. It’s already here—blazing through crises, classrooms, and even Santa’s workshop. The only question? How we adapt, thrive, and stay ahead of the curve. You don’t need AI to answer that, You just need to keep reading… THE COMUNICANO!!!
Andy Abramson
VoIP Watch
What’s Up at WhatsApp—WhatsApp is enhancing its iPhone app by introducing a built-in call dialer, allowing users to directly input phone numbers and initiate calls without adding them to contacts. This feature, accessible via the "+" button in the Calls tab, mirrors the iPhone's native dialer and streamlines communication with new contacts and businesses. With iOS 18.2 now permitting third-party apps as default for calls and messages, WhatsApp is poised to become a comprehensive alternative to Apple's Phone app. Additionally, improvements in call quality and the ability to select specific participants for group calls further enhance the user experience.
A New Lifeline Service—WhatsApp has become an indispensable tool in crisis zones, facilitating communication during conflicts and natural disasters. Its end-to-end encryption ensures secure messaging, while its widespread adoption enables rapid information dissemination. In Indonesia, for instance, a "Disaster Bot" utilizes WhatsApp to map crises in real-time, aiding in disaster response efforts. Similarly, during the 2023 earthquakes in Turkey, citizens relied on WhatsApp to share information and visuals from affected areas, highlighting its role in emergency communication. However, challenges persist, including misinformation and the need for effective moderation without compromising user privacy.
Calling Santa—The "Better Call Santa" app brings holiday magic to families by enabling children to have personalized conversations with Santa Claus, powered by ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode. During these interactive calls, children can share their Christmas wish lists, which are then compiled within the app for parents to review. Available on the App Store for $5.99, the app primarily operates in English but can accommodate other languages upon request. This innovative use of AI technology enhances the festive experience, making it more interactive and memorable for both children and parents.
Space Watch
Ahead, Warp Speed—Antimatter propulsion holds the promise of revolutionizing space travel, offering energy densities far surpassing conventional fuels. A mere gram of antimatter could, in theory, power 23 Space Shuttles. However, significant challenges impede its practical application. Producing antimatter is currently exorbitantly expensive and energy-intensive; for instance, generating just one gram would require approximately 25 million kilowatt-hours of energy, costing over $4 million. Additionally, storing antimatter safely is problematic, as it annihilates upon contact with regular matter, necessitating advanced containment methods.Presently, scientists can confine antimatter for only about 16 minutes. Due to these obstacles, antimatter propulsion remains a distant prospect. Advancements in energy production and storage technologies are essential before this concept can transition from theoretical potential to practical reality.
AI Watch
You’ve Been Replaced—Klarna, the Swedish "buy now, pay later" firm, has significantly reduced its workforce by leveraging artificial intelligence. CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski stated that the company has not hired any new employees in the past year, during which its headcount decreased by approximately 22%, now totaling around 3,500 staff. This reduction is largely attributed to the implementation of AI systems capable of performing tasks previously handled by humans. Siemiatkowski noted that an AI assistant developed with OpenAI can perform the work equivalent to 700 employees. To encourage AI adoption, Klarna offers financial incentives to employees who enhance productivity through AI integration.
Who Needs The IT Guy—OpenAI's latest model, GPT-4o, enhances ChatGPT's capabilities by allowing users to share their screens for real-time assistance. This feature enables ChatGPT to provide immediate feedback on tasks like coding and math problems, streamlining workflows for professionals without technical expertise. The ChatGPT desktop application for macOS integrates this functionality, allowing users to highlight issues on their screens and receive instant solutions. This development positions ChatGPT as a versatile personal assistant, capable of assisting with various tasks through intuitive interactions.
Making The Numbers Add Up—AI-powered spreadsheets are revolutionizing data management by simplifying complex tasks and reducing the need for traditional formula mastery. These tools enable users to perform operations like merging datasets, calculations, and data analysis through intuitive, natural language commands, streamlining workflows and minimizing errors. Features such as automated data summarization, chart creation, and advanced data validation enhance accuracy and efficiency. By making advanced operations accessible to all users, AI-driven spreadsheets boost productivity and redefine efficiency in data management.
Robot Watch
Warning Will Robinson—Roger Jiang, a former OpenAI engineer who contributed to the development of GPT-4, has launched Light Robotics, a start-up focusing on consumer-facing companion robots. Established in August 2024, the company has offices in Shenzhen, China, and Singapore, and is actively recruiting talent in these regions. Light Robotics aims to advance the field of general-purpose robotics, aligning with China's strategic initiatives to bolster its robotics industry.
Venture Watch
A Tale of Two Firms—The debate between Benchmark Capital and Andreessen Horowitz represents a fundamental shift in the venture capital (VC) industry. Benchmark adheres to a traditional "small is beautiful" philosophy, focusing on boutique investments, minimal staff, and consistent fund sizes to maximize returns. In contrast, Andreessen Horowitz has embraced an expansive approach, raising mega-funds, diversifying into public assets, and scaling aggressively to dominate emerging sectors like artificial intelligence. This divergence highlights the tension between preserving the craft of early-stage investing and pursuing economies of scale. It underscores a broader question about VC's identity in an era where bigger players dominate with bloated funds but diluted returns.
Streaming Watch
The Price Isn’t Right—YouTube TV has announced a $10 price increase, raising the monthly subscription to $82.99, effective January 13th for existing members and immediately for new subscribers. In response, some subscribers have reported success in delaying this hike by initiating the cancellation process. Upon doing so, they received offers to maintain the current rate of $72.99 for an additional six months. This approach has been effective for some users when performed through a web browser on a computer, though it does not guarantee the same outcome for everyone. .
App Watch
Hold On—In response to rising suicide rates in Mexico's Yucatán region, the MeMind app has emerged as a vital mental health resource. Launched during the pandemic, MeMind offers users access to mental health support, including connections to professionals and therapeutic resources. By 2020, the app had attracted over 6,100 users, with at least 400 active daily, addressing concerns exacerbated by the pandemic. MeMind's impact extends beyond individual support; it has connected 10,000 at-risk individuals with mental health treatment, contributing to a 32% reduction in suicide rates in the region. This initiative exemplifies how digital tools can effectively address mental health challenges, particularly in areas with limited access to traditional services.
No More Lost and Found—United Airlines has introduced a feature allowing passengers to share Apple AirTag locations with the airline through its app. This tool addresses luggage mishandling, benefiting the less than 1% of customers whose bags don’t arrive with them. Integrated with Apple’s Share Item Location feature, the service offers real-time tracking, enabling United’s customer service to locate missing bags efficiently. This innovation follows a notable incident where a traveler tracked her lost bag to a different airport via AirTag but had to retrieve it herself due to airline miscommunication. United’s move simplifies such scenarios, offering travelers reassurance and fewer headaches in luggage management.
AV Watch
I’ll Fly Right Over—Flying car and self-driving vehicle manufacturers are increasingly targeting urban centers to introduce innovative transportation solutions. For instance, in the UK, construction has begun on the country's first flying taxi airport near Bicester Aerodrome, which is expected to be operational by early 2025. This "veriport," managed by Skyports Infrastructure, will facilitate electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aiming to revolutionize short-distance travel by significantly reducing journey times between major cities. In the realm of self-driving vehicles, companies like Waymo have expanded their autonomous taxi services to cities such as Los Angeles, covering areas from Santa Monica to downtown. Users can hail these driverless vehicles via the Waymo app, with plans to introduce the service in Austin by 2025. These advancements indicate a significant shift towards integrating autonomous and aerial vehicles into urban transportation networks, promising to enhance mobility and reduce congestion in metropolitan areas.
EV Watch
Hydrogen Trucks Get Rolling—Hyundai Motor Group has deployed 21 XCIENT hydrogen fuel cell electric semi-trucks at its Metaplant America (HMGMA) facility in Bryan County, Georgia. These Class 8 heavy-duty trucks, developed in collaboration with Glovis America, are designated for daily logistics operations, transporting vehicle parts from regional suppliers to the megasite. Each XCIENT truck is equipped with dual 90 kW fuel cell stacks, totaling 180 kW of power, and a 350 kW electric motor, providing approximately 470 horsepower and 1,650 lb-ft of torque. The trucks are expected to have a range of around 400 kilometers (250 miles) per refueling.
An EV RV—RollAway is set to revolutionize the RV rental market by offering electric RVs tailored for the EV era. Positioning itself as the "Cruise America" for electric vehicles, RollAway aims to provide eco-friendly travel options for modern adventurers. Their fleet will feature state-of-the-art electric RVs equipped with the latest technology to ensure a seamless and sustainable travel experience. With the growing demand for environmentally conscious travel solutions, RollAway's initiative is a timely addition to the industry, catering to the needs of today's eco-aware travelers.
Crypto Watch
Russian Roulette—Cryptocurrency exchanges serving Russian-speaking users are utilizing a Canadian-registered financial firm, Cryptomus, to process transactions. Operating under Xeltox Enterprises Ltd., Cryptomus is registered as a money service business with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC). It facilitates payments for various cybercrime services and enables cryptocurrency conversions into cash through accounts at major Russian banks, many of which are under Western sanctions. This situation highlights the challenges in regulating cryptocurrency transactions and the potential exploitation of financial systems to circumvent international sanctions.
