The Comunicano Sunday Edition for October 20th 2024

More than AI...Much More

Ah, the world of technology—moving faster than a cat chasing a laser pointer, and twice as unpredictable. Let’s take a stroll through the latest headlines, shall we?

First up: AI is everywhere, and if you’re not feeling its presence, you’re probably still using a rotary phone. Cloudflare’s Matthew Prince is here to remind us that AI is driving us toward a future of hyper-localized internet infrastructure. You know, because what we really needed was another reason to stress over privacy and regulation. But hey, at least your self-driving car might shave a few milliseconds off its reaction time!….Speaking of things we can’t forget, Meta’s working on AI memory features for WhatsApp. Yes, that means soon your favorite chat app will remember all the things you don’t—whether it’s your grocery list or that awkward conversation with your ex. Useful? Sure. A little creepy? Maybe. But hey, it’s all part of Meta’s grand plan to make our lives *that* much more automated.

Now, over in Hollywood, filmmakers are worried about AI stealing their jobs. Meanwhile, Big Tech is rolling out the red carpet for AI-driven text-to-video tools, promising to revolutionize storytelling. Who needs human creativity when you’ve got an algorithm, right? I’m sure this will end well—probably with more robot-generated rom-coms than we ever asked for…..In the world of education, AI-powered tools are making their way into classrooms. Teachers are cautiously optimistic, balancing the need for innovation with concerns about privacy and equity. But let’s be honest: the robots may be able to grade papers, but they’ll never quite master the art of the teacher glare. Humans still have that market cornered.

Over at Dropbox, they’ve launched "Dash for Business," an AI-powered search tool. Now, you can search your entire digital existence across apps in real time. Perfect for when you can’t remember which app you left that one important document in—Google Drive, Slack, Dropbox? Dash’s got your back. Just another step toward our inevitable future as highly productive, but thoroughly disorganized, cyborgs….As for Google, its dominance as the internet’s search overlord is under threat. AI-powered alternatives like ChatGPT are stepping up with their conversational, personalized search experiences. Imagine a world where you don’t Google everything—wild, I know. But don’t panic just yet. Google’s still here, for now, lurking in the background, ready to remind us why we love typing random questions into a search bar.

And what’s an update without some EV drama? Adoption is speeding up in states like California, where nearly 20% of new car sales are electric, while places like North Dakota are still figuring out how to plug them in. But the pace is picking up, and innovative battery tech like Nio’s swapping stations might just solve that pesky range anxiety. It’s like trading in your AA batteries—except, you know, with a car.

Finally, in a world that still loves its “smart” gadgets, we’ve got everything from 5G USB-C dongles to FCC rules requiring hearing aids to play nice with smartphones. Because, let’s face it, even our ears need an upgrade these days.

So, folks, buckle up. The future is racing toward us, AI in the driver’s seat, and everything else hanging on for dear life. But hey, at least you’ll have excellent 6G connectivity when it all comes crashing down. Those stories and lots more are all here today, in THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

Apple Watch

Playing Catchup—Apple is reportedly lagging behind rivals in AI development but plans to catch up in 2025 by introducing advanced features such as a more sophisticated Siri, generative emoji, and enhanced on-device AI for privacy. These improvements will roll out across its ecosystem, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs with A17 or M1 chipsets. While competitors like Google are already offering some similar features, Apple is focused on improving through new hardware, software, and increased engineering efforts to close the gap.

AI Watch

It’s The Age of AI—The future of internet infrastructure is changing as AI becomes more integrated into everyday technologies. Cloudflare's CEO, Matthew Prince, highlights how AI, particularly in inference, is driving the need for edge computing and localized networks. He emphasizes the importance of reducing latency for real-time AI decisions, especially in applications like driverless cars. The conversation also touches on challenges like increasing regulation, network privacy, and the rise of hyper-localized internet architectures due to global balkanization. AI, infrastructure demands, and evolving privacy concerns will reshape the future internet.

Forget Me Not—Meta is reportedly working on integrating AI memory features into WhatsApp, which would allow the app to remember user preferences, ongoing tasks, and specific details from chats. This personalized memory would enhance the overall user experience by providing more relevant responses and help users keep track of tasks. Meta's move is part of its broader push to integrate AI across its platforms, aimed at creating more intuitive and efficient communication tools. This feature could significantly change how users interact with the app.

Hollywood Squares—Filmmakers are concerned about AI's impact on creativity and jobs, while Big Tech companies, including Meta, are pushing to show AI's potential in the film industry. Meta is collaborating with Hollywood filmmakers to develop text-to-video tools, aiming to streamline production processes and introduce new possibilities in storytelling and content creation. The initiative seeks to convince creators of AI’s benefits in enhancing filmmaking, despite fears of job displacement.

Higher Learning—New York City teachers are experimenting with AI-powered tools to enhance classroom learning. They are exploring how AI can assist with lesson planning, provide personalized feedback, and streamline administrative tasks. While AI shows potential in improving educational outcomes, there are concerns about privacy, equity, and the role of technology in the classroom. Teachers are navigating these new tools with caution, balancing innovation with the need to maintain human connections in education.

Stopping Sabotage—Anthropic's research on "sabotage evaluations" focuses on assessing the risk of AI systems using maliciously or intentionally causing harm. They explore how to measure and mitigate risks related to AI systems' ability to undermine human goals or safety in various scenarios. The evaluations aim to ensure safer AI deployment by identifying potential failure modes and vulnerabilities. This research is part of broader efforts to align AI behavior with human intent and prevent misuse.

Dropbox Watch

Go Fetch—Dropbox has launched "Dash for Business," an AI-powered tool for universal search, allowing teams to find and organize content across various apps like Dropbox, Google Drive, Slack, and more. It enhances productivity by providing real-time search results and in-depth content access controls, helping businesses manage security risks. Dash also includes AI-powered features like content summaries and tailored answers, improving the search experience. With integration into IT admin workflows via tools like Nira, Dash for Business offers centralized content management and heightened data protection. Available now in the U.S., it will expand globally in 2025.

Google Watch

And Away We Go—There’s the possibility of a future internet without Google Search as AI-powered tools and alternative search engines evolve. The burning question is whether users and businesses are prepared for this shift as the growing competition from AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT offers personalized and conversational search experiences. The potential impact on advertising, content discovery, and internet habits is discussed, with concerns about how a Google-less world could reshape online ecosystems.

EV Watch

Faster. Faster. Faster—EV adoption across the U.S. remains uneven, with significant gaps between states. In early 2024, states like North Dakota and Mississippi saw less than 2% of new car sales as EVs, while California and Colorado reached nearly 20%. However, the gap is shrinking—lower-adopting states have grown their EV ownership faster since 2021. Factors such as charging infrastructure and legislation like California's Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) program drive adoption. Some states, like Oklahoma, defy trends, seeing growth despite lacking incentives. The shift toward EVs is happening, but the pace varies dramatically across the country.

It’s Time To Change—Nio's innovative battery-swapping technology was highlighted in a YouTuber's 550-mile EV road trip across China. By swapping a 75-kWh battery for a 150-kWh unit in minutes at one of Nio’s 2,000 swap stations, the driver showcased a range of 554 miles. This approach, along with semi-solid-state battery technology, offers a solution to range anxiety and could reshape EV adoption. The system's ease, combined with Nio's AI integration, demonstrates significant potential for EVs in both China and the U.S. industry.

Fire Safety—The U.S. is planning to combat electric vehicle (EV) fires using innovative technology aimed at tackling the unique challenges they present. As EVs become more common, the risk of battery fires, which are difficult to extinguish due to their chemical composition, is rising. The new approach includes advanced suppression systems and fire-retardant materials designed to handle these intense, prolonged fires. Authorities are working to improve safety protocols as they prepare for widespread EV adoption.

Hey Taxi—Waymo's self-driving cars are becoming a common sight in San Francisco, with over 100,000 rides now offered across major cities like LA, Phoenix, and San Francisco. Despite early challenges, Waymo has gained popularity, with residents preferring the quiet, autonomous rides. The company is expanding into cities like Austin and Atlanta, and partnering with Uber. However, safety concerns and regulatory issues persist, as the company faces scrutiny over collisions and other incidents. Waymo is also eyeing international expansion, but profitability remains uncertain as the robotaxi market grows.

Racing Ahead—China's electric vehicle (EV) makers are fiercely competing for market dominance by offering buyers cutting-edge technology and luxury features at competitive prices. Companies like BYD and Nio are leveraging advancements in battery technology, autonomous driving, and premium design to attract both domestic and international customers. As global demand for EVs rises, these automakers are working to differentiate themselves in a crowded market, aiming to lead the next wave of innovation.

Instagram Watch

No Housing Shortages—John Coleman, a Washington, D.C. realtor, has gained internet fame with his energetic Instagram reels showcasing homes across the city. His short, engaging videos, which feature homes ranging from $230,000 to over $3 million, have garnered a significant following, reaching over 40,000 followers in a year. Coleman's success stems from blending real estate knowledge with entertaining content, which attracts both potential buyers and curious viewers. Despite the social media fame, his focus remains on making connections with buyers, sellers, and building his brand.

Drone Watch

War Games—DJI, a Chinese drone maker, is suing the U.S. Department of Defense over its inclusion on a list of entities with alleged ties to China's military. DJI argues that the Pentagon's decision to add it to the "Chinese military companies" list lacks evidence and has caused significant harm to its reputation and business. This legal action follows DJI's earlier sanctions, which limited its access to U.S. technologies and markets. The case reflects broader tensions between U.S. regulators and Chinese tech firms over national security concerns.

Smartphone Watch

Golden Hearing—The FCC has introduced new regulations requiring all phones and hearing aids to be compatible with one another. This rule, which will take effect soon, aims to ensure that people who use hearing aids can easily connect them to smartphones without any issues, improving accessibility. This move builds on earlier efforts to make mobile devices more user-friendly for those with hearing impairments and marks a step toward better inclusivity in mobile technology.

App Watch

Noted—The iOS 18 Notes app has received a significant overhaul, introducing new features aimed at improving organization and usability. Key updates include better collaboration tools, enhanced formatting options, and more intuitive ways to manage and access your notes. These improvements allow users to easily share, tag, and organize their notes with more control and flexibility.

Private Time—The iPhone’s Focus mode can help users manage both personal and professional tasks without needing a separate work phone. Focus mode allows users to filter notifications and apps based on their current activity, effectively creating boundaries between work and personal life. This feature offers customizable settings to control which apps and contacts can send notifications during specific times, helping to reduce distractions and improve productivity. It’s a solution for those who miss the simplicity of having a dedicated work phone.

Dining Watch

I Love The Sound of Breaking Glass—When a glass breaks in a restaurant, resist the urge to applaud. If you're the one who broke it, stay calm—staff will assist. The server will likely replace your drink, depending on the circumstances, but don’t expect a full refill if only a little was left. Keep your party, especially kids, in shoes to avoid accidents. For restaurant employees, cleaning up quickly and avoiding broken glass near ice bins is critical. It’s part of the job, and accidents happen.

Do What—British people find the way Americans order food in restaurants to be strange and even frustrating. Specifically, Brits are puzzled by the extensive customization that Americans often request, such as making substitutions or requesting changes to dishes on the menu. This approach contrasts with the British style of accepting what’s offered without modifications. The cultural difference highlights how Americans expect flexibility in dining, while Brits prefer to adhere to the menu as presented.

Space Watch

Spacewear—Axiom Space and Prada have teamed up to design the next-generation spacesuit for NASA’s Artemis III mission, marking humanity's return to the Moon. Unveiled at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan, the Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) blends cutting-edge space technology with Prada's expertise in high-performance materials. The suit features enhanced flexibility, safety, and protection against extreme lunar temperatures and dust, allowing astronauts to endure up to eight-hour moonwalks. This stylish yet functional design signifies a unique partnership that integrates luxury fashion with space exploration.

Health Watch

Get Some Sleep—There are four key reasons why you may wake up feeling tired, even after a full night of sleep. These include the accumulation of adenosine in the brain from REM sleep, disruptions caused by sleeping with a partner, going to bed too late due to circadian rhythms, and going to bed hungry, which can impact sleep quality. These factors contribute to morning drowsiness, despite sufficient sleep hours.

Workplace Watch

Unhealthy Conditions—Allegations of unsafe working conditions on YouTuber MrBeast’s new show, "Beast Games," have raised concerns about labor practices in digital media. A lawsuit from contestants claims they were exploited, prompting discussions on the need for industry-standard protections. Digital productions often lack the oversight seen in Hollywood, where unions ensure worker safety and fair practices. Calls for increased union involvement in online content creation highlight the challenges of balancing creative control with worker welfare. MrBeast's representatives have acknowledged steps to learn from these issues.

Workout Watch

Another Brick in The Wall—Studio Job and Gufram have re-released their "Punch a Wall" punching bag, now available in an unlimited edition. This design combines industrial aesthetics with functional art, featuring a red-brick pattern that contrasts soft polyurethane with the hard appearance of bricks. Handcrafted by Gufram artisans, the punch bag is durable, weather-resistant, and a playful yet functional addition for boxing enthusiasts or as an artistic statement. Originally introduced in 2017, this design brings a whimsical, nostalgic touch to any interior space.

Telecom Watch

Tiny 5G-T-Mobile and TCL have launched the TCL LINKPORT IK511, the first 5G RedCap USB-C dongle in North America. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X35 modem, the device delivers speeds up to 220 Mbps, bringing 5G connectivity to IoT and lower-performance devices without compromising speed or battery efficiency. Priced at $96, the dongle supports features like network slicing and T-Mobile-specific services, expanding the 5G ecosystem. This launch marks a key step in integrating more devices into the 5G network while promoting broader adoption across various industries.

5G. Move It On Over—Researchers at University College London, led by Zhixin Liu, achieved a major 6G breakthrough, reaching wireless speeds of 938 Gbps—over 9000 times faster than 5G. This advancement enables downloading over 20 movies per second by transmitting data across frequencies from 5 to 150 GHz. Utilizing orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM), the team maximized bandwidth efficiency, solving long-standing synchronization issues. This discovery sets the stage for future 6G networks, promising ultra-fast connections that will revolutionize everything from smart cities to autonomous vehicles. Full rollout is still years away, but this is an exciting leap forward.