The Comunicano Sunday Edition for September 15 2024

It's Sunday--some funnies. Some sports. Some news. and more...

Good morning. It’s football season. Baseball is in the September playoff races. Hockey team are getting ready to go into training camp and while it’s still hot outside, the tech world keeps heating up around AI.

This morning I played around with the new Google Gemini Live on my Android Pixel 7. To say it’s impressive as a very polished beta is an understatement. Compared to Google’s more widely deployed “Assistant” it’s lightyears ahead of it in conversational skills and the ability to reason. And, unlike Alexa or Siri, it really does come off like your talking to a entry level assistant. But it has it’s limitations. While it can compose content for you, like writing the text of an email or an SMS message, it can’t actually write the email in Gmail. YET. While it can suggest places to go for say coffee or pizza, it’s not yet relying on Google Maps in real time so it makes suggestions that are not as specific as if you entered the request in Google Maps.

But, it is very smart in other ways. When I asked what are the best wine bars to go to in Paris it replied with Willi’s Wine Bar first off, right out of the gate. Now, friends know I’m very close friends with Willi’s founder and owner, Mark Williamson for over 25 years now, and some may even remember being a groomsman in my wedding in France at Domaine D’Aupilhac, so you can imagine the excitement when Gemini rattled off Willi’s in the very sexy Australian access I chose.

Unfortunately, my enthusiasm was a bit dashed when Gemini, or Gem, as I call her, suggested a coffee shop in my neighborhood. The only problem was the place is in Salt Lake City. Oh well. All of that said, what I saw and heard already is encouraging, as it showed me that Google is first out of the gate with a more natural AI agent approach, but my feeling is Siri won’t be left at the alter. As far as Alexa, we just all need to wait and see when Amazon delivers a more Prime time AI with her marriage to Claude.

Now, let’s look at the stories shaping today…..

What’s in a name? OpenAI’s new "o1" model isn’t just about thinking faster—it’s about thinking deeper. With chain-of-thought reasoning baked in, this AI tackles complexity head-on, solving problems even humans can’t. Its smaller sibling, "o1-mini," offers a more affordable, faster alternative, but the real power lies in their ability to humanize AI. Apple is already using this integration to make coding and problem-solving easier….California’s making waves with its AI Safety Bill (SB 1047). It’s aimed at keeping AI innovation alive while preventing risks. Tech companies are uneasy, but Elon Musk backs it as necessary for a safer AI future. If passed, this bill could set the gold standard for AI regulations across the U.S….

Meanwhile, Andreessen Horowitz is doubling down on AI copilots—agents that will soon handle white-collar tasks like scheduling and data entry. The promise? A world where AI does the mundane, freeing professionals for the creative, high-level stuff…..Robots are also shaking up NYC, with companies like Opentrons automating everything from medical testing to construction. It’s part of a larger shift as talent flows from Silicon Valley to the Big Apple, bringing a new wave of robotics innovation….In sports, the NBA is taking player comfort seriously with new custom Airbus A321neo jets to ease travel stress.

In tech-meets-sports, Ant International is expanding its global reach by partnering with Tottenham Hotspur, a growing trend of tech companies using sports to gain visibility….Finally, from baked potatoes trending on TikTok to reMarkable’s sleek color e-ink tablets, it’s clear: whether AI, robots, or potatoes, the future is here, and it’s changing everything—from the way we work to how we snack.

Those stories and more are all here in today’s Sunday Edition of THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

AI Watch

What’s In A Name—OpenAI has unveiled the "o1" model, a highly anticipated "reasoning" AI designed to handle more complex questions and solve problems faster than humans. Alongside it, the smaller and cheaper "o1-mini" is also launching. Though more advanced in reasoning than previous models, the "o1" series is slower and more expensive than GPT-4o. Its integration into existing systems, such as Apple's partnership with OpenAI, aims to humanize AI while enhancing its functionality in real-world tasks like coding and problem-solving.

o1 Explained—OpenAI's o1 model introduces a significant leap in AI reasoning by utilizing chain-of-thought methodology, enhancing its ability to solve complex problems like competitive programming and scientific questions. Unlike previous models, o1 is trained to consistently "think out loud" without extra prompting, improving accuracy by taking more time to compute during inference. This shift toward "test-time compute" marks a new AI paradigm where longer processing leads to better outcomes. Ideal for businesses and advanced tasks, o1 pushes the boundaries of AI-driven reasoning.

California’s AI Safety Net—California's AI Safety Bill (SB 1047) is set to reshape AI regulation by requiring safety testing for large AI models. The bill targets models that require over $100 million in training data, including systems like those developed by OpenAI and Anthropic. Its goal is to mitigate the potential risks of AI while allowing innovation to continue. Despite amendments that softened liability provisions, tech giants worry about the bill stifling growth, while supporters like Elon Musk see it as a necessary step for safety. If signed, it could set a precedent for national AI regulation.

Come Fly With Me—Andreessen Horowitz argues that every white-collar job will soon have an AI copilot, with some evolving into fully automated AI agents. These tools will handle tasks like data entry, scheduling, and document processing, while also integrating various data sources to create more efficient workflows. Startups should focus on "AI-ifying" pain points within workflows to gain a competitive edge over incumbents. This shift will significantly enhance productivity across many professions, potentially automating up to 50% of tasks in certain roles.

Replacement Theory—AI, once envisioned as a revolutionary force, is becoming more of an enhancement to existing products than a standalone category. Companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are integrating AI into everyday software and devices, boosting functionality through features like improved voice assistants, text summaries, and automation of tasks. This trend shifts AI’s role from futuristic, all-knowing chatbots to practical, embedded tools that enhance daily life and work productivity. While this approach benefits tech giants, it may lead to the consolidation of AI startups, pushing the industry toward more integrated, user-centric applications.

The Cost of A Conversation—Building conversational AI involves a wide range of costs, from initial development to ongoing operational expenses. Key expenses include data acquisition, infrastructure (like cloud services), and model training, which can run into the millions, particularly for large language models. High-end models like GPT-3 require significant computational power, often driving costs up for startups and smaller organizations. However, advances in efficiency, like network pruning and AI optimization startups, are emerging to help mitigate these costs, making AI more accessible to a broader range of businesses.

Know The Language of AI—Generative AI has its own set of key terms that are essential for beginners to understand. The most fundamental ones include "GPT" (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), which is the backbone of models like ChatGPT, known for generating human-like text. Another is "GAN" (Generative Adversarial Networks), which uses two competing neural networks to produce realistic images or data. "NLP" (Natural Language Processing) focuses on the interaction between humans and computers through language, while "Transformer" refers to the neural architecture driving most modern AI models, especially for text and language tasks.

Workplace Watch

Some Junior Coders Are Out of Work—As AI coding assistants improve, the role of junior developers may diminish, with software teams focusing on senior developers and AI specialists to oversee AI-generated code. Leaders like Anna Demeo and David Brooks suggest that future dev teams will be leaner, prioritizing critical thinking, system design, and business alignment. AI will handle coding, security, and compliance, shifting developers' roles from writing code to editing and managing AI outputs. However, some experts caution against overestimating the benefits, warning that AI adoption could disrupt teams and bring hidden costs in the long term.

Data Center Watch

The Cost of Power—As data centers rapidly expand in Ohio, they are placing significant strain on the state’s electric grid. Major companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft are building or expanding data centers in central Ohio, leading to skyrocketing electricity demands. Data centers consume vast amounts of energy, but they create few jobs once operational, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the region's power supply. Utilities like AEP Ohio are exploring ways to fund infrastructure improvements by requiring data centers to commit to paying for their projected energy usage, even if they don't use it, to protect residential customers from cost hikes.

OnlyFans Watch

Creating Money—Matthew Ball’s analysis of OnlyFans highlights its remarkable financial growth, with revenues hitting $6.3 billion in 2024. The platform's success is attributed to its high revenue-sharing model (80%) for creators and the shift towards transaction-based spending. OnlyFans is increasingly becoming a dominant player in the adult content industry, with top creators earning significantly more than the majority. The company is also exploring potential disruptions from generative AI and virtual creators. Despite challenges, OnlyFans continues to evolve as a key player in the creator economy.

Friends Watch

It’s Not True—The depiction of tight-knit "friend groups" popularized by TV shows like *Friends* and *Sex and the City* is unrealistic in this era. The pressure to have such a group can harm self-esteem, as modern adult friendships are often more fragmented due to life's complexities. Experts suggest that accepting diverse social circles and adjusting expectations can alleviate stress while encouraging self-reflection on where these insecurities stem from. Building meaningful connections without the "core group" myth is more aligned with today's social realities.

Venture Watch

Not Everybody Loves a Sale—Cash-strapped startups outside of AI are increasingly forced to accept mergers and acquisitions at deep discounts, with buyers setting terms and founders in no position to negotiate. Many venture capitalists push struggling companies toward sales to return some capital to investors. Meanwhile, AI startups continue to see strong demand, bypassing traditional advisors for fundraising. Yet, even in AI, an "acquihire" trend emerges, where tech giants buy top talent. This signals potential caution for AI firms if the current boom slows.

Robot Watch

Robots Take Manhatten—New York City is becoming a hotbed for robotics innovation, with startups like Opentrons leading the way in automating tasks from medical testing to construction. Bill Gates, alongside other high-profile investors, has backed companies like Opentrons, which aims to revolutionize fields such as life sciences with its robots that reduce manual lab work. These advancements highlight how robots are deployed in everyday services, from roof installations to massages, positioning New York as a key player in the robotics industry. This is part of a broader trend of tech talent relocating to NYC from places like Silicon Valley.

It’s A Dog’s Life at Jaguar Land Rover—Range Rover and Boston Dynamics are collaborating where Jaguar Land Rover is testing robot dogs for vehicle inspections. Boston Dynamics' robots, known for their agility, are helping improve efficiency and safety by inspecting hard-to-reach areas in the manufacturing process. This innovative use of robotics aims to enhance vehicle production while maintaining quality and reducing human risk in potentially hazardous tasks.

Sports Watch

The NBA’s Flights of Fancy—The NBA is acquiring 13 customized Airbus A321neo aircraft to enhance team travel, leasing them from SMBC Aviation Capital. Delta Air Lines will operate the jets, while Comlux will handle the VIP interior customization. These planes, featuring lie-flat beds and advanced jetlag-reducing technology, aim to improve player comfort during the grueling 82-game season. This investment reflects the league’s focus on player welfare and efficient travel, a significant upgrade for NBA teams with potential implications for other sports leagues.

Show Me The Money—Ant International has partnered with Tottenham Hotspur, a prominent English Premier League club, in a global expansion effort. This collaboration aims to boost Ant International's brand visibility and extend its market reach. Tottenham Hotspur, known for its strong international fan base, provides a valuable platform for the company's growth. The partnership reflects a growing trend of tech companies leveraging sports partnerships for brand expansion.

Elon Watch

Watching The Detectives—Elon Musk's security has intensified to the level of a small-scale Secret Service, with up to 20 bodyguards, many of whom are armed, and a medical professional always on hand. The increased threats, including stalkers and a recent incident near Tesla’s Austin factory, have led to a more isolated lifestyle for Musk.

His security expenses run into millions annually, involving private firms like Gavin de Becker & Associates. Musk’s codename within his security team is reportedly "Voyager," reflecting his elevated protection.

Security Watch

The Russians Are Coming—The U.S. State Department has accused RT, a state-backed Russian media outlet, of covertly supplying military equipment to Russian forces, including sniper rifles, body armor, and drones. RT allegedly operates through online crowdfunding platforms and has ties to Russian intelligence, using a cyber unit to influence campaigns globally.

The network is also linked to operations aimed at swaying elections and destabilizing governments, such as Moldova's. This revelation adds to ongoing scrutiny of RT's activities amid Russia's war in Ukraine.

Content Watch

Where Content Grows—According to recent reports, Malaysia's digital content industry has the potential to significantly boost its economic growth. The sector, driven by animation, gaming, and multimedia innovations, can create high-value jobs and attract foreign investment. This growth aligns with Malaysia's broader goals of enhancing its digital economy and positioning itself as a regional leader in the tech space. Government initiatives also focus on supporting digital entrepreneurs and expanding the industry’s global reach.

TikTok Watch

One Potato, Two Potato—The TikTok-driven resurgence of the baked potato, particularly in the UK, has led to a spike in popularity for jacket potatoes, with Preston-based Spud Bros leading the charge. Their creative toppings and viral appeal have captured the attention of a new generation, transforming the humble potato into a trendy, customizable meal option. This revival taps into nostalgia and simplicity while benefiting social media's ability to create culinary trends.

Check out this TikTok Video.

Food Watch

Pizza Pizza— When visiting a pizza shop, be on the lookout for red flags that suggest a less-than-stellar experience. Messy entrances, bland or absent pizza smells, and dried-out slices under a heat lamp all point to poor quality. Shops should prepare fresh dough daily, cook with quality ingredients, and make their own sauces. Avoid places that focus on multiple cuisines or have poor reviews. A great pizza shop will entice all five senses, serve fresh pies, and offer a well-curated menu focused on pizza excellence.

Device Watch

It’s Just reMarkable—The reMarkable Paper Pro introduces a color e-ink display, a significant upgrade over its predecessors, enhancing productivity tools like note-taking, document review, and sketching. With a larger screen, improved performance, and color support, it's designed for users who need better visual organization and creativity in their workflows.

New features include up to 20,000 colors, better storage and processing power, and a new Type Folio case. This makes the Paper Pro a compelling option for professionals seeking a minimalist but powerful digital paper experience.

Trailer Watch

Tulsa King-Dwight "The General" Manfredi, played by Sylvester Stallone, is back in action, looking to expand his empire into wind turbines. As he dives into this new venture, he's also battling legal trouble with a $3 million bail set. Competition is heating up, and Dwight is ready to face it head-on, using his usual aggressive tactics. The upcoming season is packed with high stakes, unexpected adversaries, and intense action as Dwight navigates this challenging new territory. Expect more fights and strategic moves as he builds his future.

Music Watch

Move It On Over—Two friends have developed a simple yet effective tool that enables seamless playlist transfers between Apple Music and Spotify. This innovative solution simplifies what was previously a frustrating process for music lovers who switch platforms. The tool, praised for its user-friendliness, addresses a common pain point and works smoothly across both services, making it easier to enjoy music across different apps without losing personalized playlists. By focusing on ease of use and efficiency, this tool offers a valuable service for users of both streaming platforms.

Music Video Of The Day

The Buena Vista Social Club is a legendary group of Cuban musicians who gained global recognition in the 1990s. Their self-titled 1997 album, produced by Ry Cooder, featured the hit Chan Chan and revived traditional Cuban music. The project’s success led to a documentary film and introduced the world to iconic performers such as Compay Segundo and Ibrahim Ferrer.