The Comunicano Sunday Edition for September 22nd 2024
Sunday. Slow down. Read the News.
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages...If you're reading, you're likely no stranger to the world of fast-paced technology, evolving at a rate quicker than the 4-minute mile. And speaking of speed, the tech giants are racing at a breakneck pace, trying to juggle progress and, well, a bit of damage control. But today, we find ourselves at the intersection of that very fast-moving world….On Social Media and Nighttime Not Being the Right Time, ah, California. The land of palm trees, movie stars, and now... social media watchdogs. They've put up a big stop sign, and it's not for jaywalkers in Los Angeles. No, it's for the social media platforms tempting our children, like a candy store open 24/7. With their endless scrolls and shiny features, they’ve found a way to glue young minds to screens like a moth to a flame. But California’s not having it anymore—they’re enforcing new rules to protect kids from becoming "users" in the most literal sense. Remember, folks, the nighttime is for dreaming, not for doom-scrolling.
On Advertising, AI, and the End of Innocence—Now, AI—I think that stands for *almost* intelligent. They say Perplexity, once a beacon of ad-free purity, has finally caved in. It's letting in the ads like a middleweight fighter past his prime. Now, there are questions about integrity, objectivity, and trust. Will the mighty algorithm be able to stay true to its purpose, or will it be swayed by the smell of cold, hard cash? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—something's always lost when the ads start rolling. Ask anyone who's seen the Super Bowl halftime show……AI’s Carbon Footprint? Not Exactly Green Energy, Folks—Speaking of AI, let’s shift gears to a little something we call "environmental consciousness." Yes, that’s right, the wizards behind ChatGPT are being told to pump the brakes on their carbon emissions. Turns out, running those big brainy machines requires a lot of juice. They say it’s the price of progress, but *when even your robot assistant leaves a carbon footprint bigger than Bigfoot’s*, it’s time to rethink the game plan.
OpenAI’s Logo Drama—O, Oh My—And while we’re on OpenAI, here’s one for the That’s Not What I Ordered department. They’ve gone and changed their logo, but the excitement in the office? Let’s just say it’s about as uplifting as a rainy day in Seattle. Some employees are looking at it sideways, thinking it’s got a vibe that doesn’t exactly say "innovation." Ominous is the word they’re using. A logo that stirs up feelings of dread? That's a bold strategy, Cotton. We’ll see if it pays off…..Apple’s Sweet 16 and a Fix for Every Fumble—But fret not, because if you’re in the market for a shiny new gadget, Apple’s got something for you—Sweet 16 is here, in all its iPhone glory. Whether you’re a casual snapper or a Zoom enthusiast, the iPhone 16 has you covered. And get this—if you break it? They’ve got a toolkit now! Yes, you can now channel your inner MacGyver, and Apple won’t scold you for it. It's a DIY world, folks. It is a brave new world where you can fix your phone and hopefully not break your warranty.
Boise, Idaho—Yes, You Read That Right—And now, a detour to Boise, Idaho, the tech world’s newest darling. Yes, the place once known for potatoes and wide-open spaces now boasts a booming tech scene. It’s where tech entrepreneurs and outdoor enthusiasts collide, and what is the result? Well, it’s a city that’s got a lot more going for it than the Boise River and a couple of hiking trails. But it sure doesn’t hurt to have them…..Amazon’s Office Comeback Tour—Ah, Amazon. Just when you thought you could work from your couch in perpetuity, they’ve pulled the rug out from under you. It’s back to the office, five days a week because Zoom isn’t cutting it for teamwork anymore. Andy Jassy says in-person collaboration is the secret sauce to innovation. And if you want to keep your job? I’d recommend setting that alarm clock.
The Satellite Slingshot—No Fuel, No Problem—And for the main event, folks, we’re talking about sending satellites into space without a single drop of rocket fuel. That’s right—no gas, no problem. It’s called SpinLaunch, and it’s like a giant catapult that flings satellites into orbit. I don’t know about you, but it sounds like something straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon. But hey, if it works, we might just be looking at the future of eco-friendly space exploration. It's an absolute moonshot, if you will.
In this high-speed, constantly evolving world, remember: it’s not about keeping up with the times; it’s about staying one step ahead. After all, in the words of a famous sports announcer, "The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat"—it’s what keeps us all on our toes. Well, that and more is our lineup for Sunday morning, folks.
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Have a Great Sunday!!!
Andy Abramson
Social Watch
Night Time Isn’t The Right Time—California has enacted a new law targeting social media addiction in children. It allows the state to penalize social media platforms if they are found to design features that deliberately cause children to become addicted to their services. This law is part of broader efforts to address mental health concerns and the impact of prolonged screen time on young users. The legislation reflects growing concern over how social media affects children's well-being.
AI Watch
Advertising is Perplexing—Perplexity's move to introduce advertising to its platform, which was previously ad-free. The concern is that the shift may compromise the quality and objectivity of the AI-driven search engine. This change raises questions about the balance between maintaining a user-friendly, unbiased tool and the need to generate revenue. The post emphasizes the potential trade-offs that could affect user trust and the overall experience.
AI Is Not Green—There are environmental concerns surrounding OpenAI's ChatGPT, focusing on the significant energy consumption and carbon emissions generated by training and running large AI models. The high computational demands required for AI development raise questions about sustainability, especially as AI adoption continues to grow. Companies like OpenAI are being urged to address these environmental impacts while maintaining technological progress.
Open AI Watch
O. Oh My—OpenAI staff members are reportedly unhappy with the company's new logo, which some employees find ominous. The redesigned logo has stirred internal dissatisfaction, with staffers expressing concerns over its aesthetics and the negative tone it might project. This development comes as OpenAI continues to evolve and expand, making such branding decisions more critical for the company's identity and public perception.
Read more about this in Spyglass.
Apple Watch
Sweet 16 What You Need to Know—When considering an upgrade to the iPhone 16 or 16 Pro, here's a breakdown of the key factors:
iPhone 16: Great for those who prioritize value, with features like the new macro photography mode, Action and Camera Control buttons, and the A18 chip supporting console-level games. Its vibrant color options and accessible price make it appealing, especially for those not needing Pro features.
iPhone 16 Pro: Ideal if you want superior camera zoom, 5x optical zoom, and improved battery life. The 16 Pro also includes ProMotion and always-on display tech, previously exclusive to Pro models.
Ultimately, unless you need advanced photography features or longer battery life, the iPhone 16 offers excellent value.
How To Fix An iPhone—Apple has introduced an official toolkit for iPhone 16 repairs, allowing users to fix their devices at home. This kit includes specialized tools designed to help replace parts like the battery, display, and camera without damaging the device. Apple’s move is part of its broader push towards supporting the right-to-repair movement and providing users with more control over maintaining their devices. For those interested in DIY repairs, this toolkit represents a major step forward in accessibility.
Data Center Watch
Life Inside—Take an interactive tour of Northern Virginia's booming data center industry, showcasing its pivotal role in global internet infrastructure. The region hosts large data centers due to its proximity to major internet exchanges. These centers consume significant energy, raising environmental concerns but driving technological innovation. The article explores how these facilities function and their impact on local communities.
Design Watch
Life After Apple-Jony Ive, Apple's former chief designer, continues to shape technology through his firm, LoveFrom, which works on design projects beyond consumer tech. Ive, known for iconic Apple products like the iPhone, left the company in 2019 but maintains a close relationship with Apple. His work at LoveFrom emphasizes sustainability and innovation, including collaborations with companies like Ferrari. Ive’s enduring influence shows in his commitment to combining form and function across industries.
The British Angle-Jony Ive, former Apple design chief, collaborated with Moncler for their September 2024 collection. This partnership blends Ive’s minimalist design ethos with Moncler's outdoor performance aesthetics. The collection emphasizes sustainability and innovation, incorporating new materials and focusing on timeless, functional designs. This collaboration marks a significant fusion of fashion and technology, aligning with Ive's post-Apple focus through his design firm, LoveFrom.
The Color for 2025—The color of the year for 2025, "Future Dusk," is a deep, bold shade that evokes mystery and sophistication. It represents the transition from day to night, symbolizing change and innovation. This choice reflects a forward-thinking approach to design and fashion, blending futuristic aesthetics with a timeless, moody allure. The color is expected to influence various industries, including interior design, fashion, and technology.
Venture Watch
15 and Going—GV (formerly Google Ventures) is celebrating 15 years as one of Silicon Valley’s most active venture capital firms. Founded in 2009, GV has backed over 1,100 startups across industries like life sciences, cybersecurity, and AI. The firm is notable for its hands-on, long-term approach, offering founders more than just capital, including access to Google’s vast technical resources. Looking forward, GV is focusing on generative AI and deep tech while aiming to create transformative companies that thrive across decades, not just funding rounds. This long-term vision reflects GV’s dedication to shaping future technologies.
Amazon Watch
Get Back To The Office, Now—Amazon has announced a shift back to a five-day in-office workweek starting in January 2025. CEO Andy Jassy emphasized that in-person collaboration enhances learning, brainstorming, and company culture. While some flexibility remains for remote work due to emergencies, the company expects most employees to work full-time in the office. This return reverses Amazon's hybrid policy from the pandemic era and aims to recreate the workplace dynamics present before COVID-19. The move reflects Amazon's belief that being together physically strengthens teamwork and innovation.
Many Unhappy Returns—Amazon's updated return policy for 2024 introduces new conditions that may affect customers. Some Prime members have reported that they now need to agree to terms before processing a return, which could involve restocking fees, partial refunds, or, in some cases, no refund at all. The changes, which are rolling out gradually, are creating concerns among shoppers who feel that the process has become more restrictive. While exceptions still apply to certain items, the update might prompt customers to reconsider their purchasing habits.
Mobile Watch
It’s Not Happening, Yet—T-Mobile and SpaceX have confirmed delays for their highly anticipated satellite-powered service aimed at covering dead zones with cellular connectivity. Initially set for a 2024 launch, the "Direct to Cell" service is now expected to roll out no earlier than early 2025. This delay stems from both technical and regulatory challenges. SpaceX is still short of the required 325 Starlink satellites to enable the service, and there are ongoing discussions with the FCC about power limits that could hinder the system's reliability. Initially, the service will offer only text messaging, with voice and data features coming later.
Satellite Watch
No Fuel. No Problem—A new innovation uses a giant catapult to launch satellites into orbit without the need for rocket fuel, significantly reducing costs and environmental impact. The system, developed by SpinLaunch, leverages kinetic energy to propel satellites at high speeds. This method aims to revolutionize space travel by providing a more sustainable and cost-efficient alternative to traditional rocket launches, offering potential for frequent, eco-friendly space missions.
Workplace Watch
Why Boise? Why Now—Boise, Idaho, is gaining a reputation as a cool, up-and-coming city with its growing tech sector, outdoor activities, and dynamic food scene. Notable highlights include Chef Cal Elliott’s boutique hotel, the Avery, and James Beard award-winning restaurant Kin. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the city's access to miles of trails, the Boise River, and its unique Boise Whitewater Park. The city's mix of small-town charm and cosmopolitan vibrancy makes it an attractive destination for newcomers and visitors alike.
Censorship Watch
The Chinese Wall—In 2023, China blocked access to several foreign AI tools, including ChatGPT and other generative AI sites. This move was part of the country's effort to control information flow and protect its own tech sector by encouraging the development of homegrown alternatives. The restriction led to a rise in demand for Chinese AI products and services, aligning with the government's push for technological self-reliance.
