The Comunicano Sunday Edition for March 16th 2025

Hoop Dreams Time

Good morning, everyone. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the latest headlines—not just as news, but as signposts of where we’re headed.

First, in what can only be described as a government oversight of epic proportions, Switzerland has spent $117 million on a jet that’s too big for its own capital’s airport. That’s right—Bern-Belp Airport can’t accommodate the government’s new Bombardier Global 7500, meaning it’s now stationed 40 kilometers away. The jet can’t even take off fully fueled from Bern’s runway. The lesson? Even nations known for precision can make logistical miscalculations.

Meanwhile, the UK is moving toward futuristic transport solutions, with Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic launching an electric air taxi service. Imagine skipping the traffic and soaring directly from Heathrow to the city in minutes. But before we get there, Joby needs to clear regulatory hurdles—a familiar roadblock for cutting-edge innovation.

And speaking of transport innovation, India has unveiled the world’s longest Hyperloop test tube at 410 meters. The vision? A future where high-speed, energy-efficient transport changes how we move, making bullet trains look like relics of the past.

On the AI front, Google is preparing to replace Google Assistant with Gemini, its advanced AI model. It’s a full-scale transformation that signals the end of an era for voice assistants. Meanwhile, Chinese companies are rapidly embedding DeepSeek AI into various industries, accelerating China’s push to lead in artificial intelligence.

But AI isn't perfect—far from it. A new study found that AI search engines often provide incorrect information, with some models getting it wrong more than 60% of the time. It’s a stark reminder that while AI may be powerful, it’s not always right.

Over in France, Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, has been granted temporary leave amid an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal activity on his platform. The case raises bigger questions about the responsibility of tech leaders in regulating content on their platforms.

And for Metallica fans, the band has teamed up with Apple to deliver an immersive concert experience through Apple Vision Pro. If you have a spare $3,499 lying around, you can watch them shred in stunning virtual reality.

Finally, the UFC is reportedly in talks with Netflix, considering a move that could reshape how combat sports are streamed. With ESPN+ struggling with technical issues, fans are demanding a more reliable and accessible way to watch fights.

So what do all these stories tell us? They tell us that we are in the midst of rapid transformation—whether in travel, technology, AI, or entertainment. And while innovation can bring remarkable breakthroughs, it can also bring unexpected challenges. The future is being written in real-time. The question is: Are we ready for it? I’m not sure, but I’ll keep you informed, always, in THE COMUNICANO!!!

Andy Abramson

Mistake Watch

Swiss Government's $117 Million Jet Too Big for Bern Airport (Luxurylaunches.com)—In a classic case of aviation overreach, the Swiss government's newly acquired Bombardier Global 7500 business jet, costing approximately $117 million, has encountered significant operational issues. Delivered in December 2024, the aircraft is too large for the facilities at Bern-Belp Airport, necessitating its stationing at Payerne Air Base, 40 kilometers from the capital. Additionally, Bern's runway is too short for the jet to take off with a full fuel load, limiting its long-haul capabilities. Further complications arose when the jet lacked certification for high-altitude airports, forcing officials to use commercial flights for parts of a South American trip. The jet replaces the smaller Cessna Citation Excel, which fit comfortably in Bern's hangars. Read more here

Travel Watch

Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic Partner to Launch UK Air Taxi Service (FastCompany.com)—Joby Aviation has teamed up with Virgin Atlantic to introduce an electric air taxi service in the UK. Joby's aircraft, capable of vertical takeoff and landing, can reach speeds up to 200 mph and cover distances of 150 miles per charge. This service aims to connect passengers directly from airports like Heathrow and Manchester to city centers, significantly reducing travel time. Customers will be able to book these air taxi rides through Virgin Atlantic's platforms. Before launching, Joby must secure necessary certifications and successfully roll out its services in the US. Read more here

India Unveils World's Longest Hyperloop Test Tube at 410 Meters (NDTV.com)—India has inaugurated a 410-meter-long Hyperloop test tube at IIT Madras, making it the longest such facility globally. This test track is a significant step towards developing Hyperloop technology, which promises ultra-fast, efficient transportation. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted this achievement during his visit, emphasizing India's commitment to pioneering futuristic transport solutions. Read more here

AI Watch

Google's Gemini to Replace Google Assistant Across Devices (ArsTechnica.com)—Google has announced that its AI platform, Gemini, will fully replace Google Assistant later this year. The transition will occur over the coming months, with users being upgraded from Assistant to Gemini. By the end of the year, Google Assistant will no longer be accessible on most mobile devices or available for new downloads from app stores. Devices running Android 9 or earlier with less than 2GB of RAM will continue to support the classic Assistant. Additionally, tablets, cars, and connected devices such as headphones and watches will also transition to Gemini. Google plans to introduce a new Gemini-powered experience for home devices like speakers, displays, and TVs, with further details expected at the Google I/O event in May. Read more here

AI Companies Seek Fair Use Exception for Training Data (The Verge)—OpenAI and Google are advocating for legal exceptions that would allow them to use publicly available copyrighted material for AI training without significantly impacting rights holders. These exceptions would enable the development of more advanced AI systems while addressing concerns about copyright infringement. The debate centers on balancing technological advancement with the protection of intellectual property rights. Read more here

Chinese Companies Rapidly Integrate DeepSeek AI Across Sectors (RestOfWorld.org) Chinese companies and government agencies are swiftly adopting DeepSeek's AI models across various industries, reflecting a national push for technological advancement. From automotive and medical fields to public services, DeepSeek's AI is being embedded to enhance efficiency and innovation. This widespread integration underscores China's commitment to leveraging homegrown AI technologies to bolster its global tech standing. Read more here

Debate Over Definition and Role of AI Agents Intensifies (TechCrunch.com)—The term "AI agent" has become increasingly prevalent, yet its definition remains ambiguous. Some view AI agents as autonomous entities capable of making decisions without human intervention, while others see them as tools that assist users in specific tasks. This lack of consensus has led to confusion among consumers and developers alike. As AI technology continues to evolve, clarifying the role and capabilities of AI agents is crucial for setting appropriate expectations and guidelines for their development and use. Read more here

Addressing AI Implementation Challenges (InformationWeek)—Organizations adopting AI technologies often face significant hurdles, including GPU shortages, network latency issues, and increased energy demands. These challenges can hinder performance and escalate costs. To overcome these obstacles, businesses must assess their IT infrastructure's readiness for AI, invest in scalable solutions, and develop strategies to mitigate potential bottlenecks. Read more here

AI Search Engines Frequently Provide Inaccurate Information, Study Finds (Futurism.com)—A recent study by the Tow Center for Digital Journalism reveals that AI search engines often deliver incorrect responses. Analyzing eight AI models, including OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini, researchers found that these systems provided wrong answers over 60% of the time. Even the most accurate model tested, Perplexity AI, had a 37% error rate, while Elon Musk's Grok 3 was incorrect 94% of the time. The study also highlighted issues with AI models confidently presenting misinformation and failing to properly cite sources, raising concerns about their reliability for information retrieval. Read more here

Baidu Introduces Advanced AI Models Surpassing Competitors (SCMP.com)—Baidu has launched two new AI models, including ERNIE X1, designed to enhance reasoning capabilities. ERNIE X1 reportedly matches the performance of DeepSeek's models but at half the operational cost, showcasing strengths in understanding, planning, reflection, and evolution. Additionally, Baidu's ERNIE 4.5 model demonstrates excellent multimodal understanding, covering images, audio, and video, and has outperformed OpenAI's GPT-4 on several benchmark platforms. Read more here

Telegram Watch

Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Granted Temporary Leave from France Amid Investigation (LeMonde.fr)—Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, has been authorized by a French judge to temporarily leave France for several weeks, allowing him to travel to Dubai. Durov was arrested in August 2024 near Paris and subsequently placed under formal investigation for allegedly facilitating illegal activities, including drug trafficking and money laundering, through his messaging platform. While under investigation, he was required to post a €5 million bail and was initially prohibited from leaving France. This development has added tension to Franco-Russian relations and sparked discussions about the responsibilities of internet platforms in monitoring illegal content. Read more here

Apple Watch

Metallica Releases Immersive Concert Experience for Apple Vision Pro Users (TheHollywoodReporter.com)—Metallica has collaborated with Apple to offer fans a free, immersive virtual reality concert experience exclusively for Apple Vision Pro users. Filmed during their M72 World Tour in Mexico City, the 25-minute video features performances of "Whiplash," "One," and "Enter Sandman," presented in ultra-high-resolution 180-degree video with spatial audio. The production utilized a custom stage setup with 14 immersive video cameras, providing viewers with an intimate and engaging experience. For those without the $3,499 headset, previews are available at Apple stores worldwide. Additionally, the concert's tracks will be released as an EP, Metallica Live From Mexico City, in spatial audio on Apple Music. Read more here

Apple to Support Encrypted RCS Messaging with Android Users (The Verge)—Apple has announced plans to enable end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging between iPhone and Android users. This development aims to enhance cross-platform communication security and improve the messaging experience for users across both ecosystems. Read more here

Startup Watch

Top 10 Startups from Y Combinator's Winter 2025 Demo Day (TechCrunch.com)—Y Combinator's Winter 2025 Demo Day showcased 160 startups, with notable trends in AI-generated codebases and cross-border fintech solutions. Approximately 25% of these startups reported that 95% of their codebases were generated by AI, highlighting a significant shift towards automation in software development. Additionally, several startups focused on facilitating easier global money transfers, reflecting a growing interest in cross-border financial technology. This cohort underscores the evolving landscape of startup innovation, with a strong emphasis on leveraging artificial intelligence and addressing global financial challenges. Read more here

Streaming Watch

UFC Considers Netflix Partnership Amid ESPN Streaming Issues (EssentiallySports.com)—The UFC is reportedly exploring a partnership with Netflix as its current broadcasting deal with ESPN faces challenges. Recent technical issues during UFC 313 on ESPN+ left many fans unable to access the event, leading to frustration among viewers and fighters who rely on pay-per-view (PPV) points. Fans are advocating for the elimination of the traditional PPV model in favor of a subscription-based service through Netflix, which could offer more consistent access to events. Industry insiders suggest that a deal with Netflix could mark a significant shift in how UFC content is distributed and consumed. Read more here

Marketing Watch

Strategies for CMOs in an AI-Driven Marketing Landscape (MarTech.org)—Chief Marketing Officers are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape by integrating AI automation, leveraging data-driven insights, and fostering creative strategies. This approach enables the development of more efficient and agile marketing teams. The focus is on balancing technological advancements with human creativity to enhance customer engagement and drive business growth. Read more here

Experience Marketing Breaks Conventions at SXSW (Brand Innovators)—At SXSW 2025, marketers emphasized the power of storytelling and experiential marketing in an era dominated by technology and AI. Speakers at the Leadership in Brand Marketing Summit highlighted the importance of creating memorable, human-centric experiences that foster genuine connections with consumers. Katie Babineau, CMO of Beyond Yoga, noted the necessity of engaging in two-way dialogues with customers. The summit also marked the launch of Brand Innovators' Experiential Marketing Advisory Board, aiming to explore innovative communication strategies that influence consumer behavior. Read more here

Robot Watch

SpaceX's Starship to Transport Tesla's Optimus Robot to Mars by Late 2026 (Reuters)—Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX, announced plans for the Starship spacecraft to embark on a mission to Mars by the end of 2026, carrying Tesla's humanoid robot, Optimus. This mission aims to test Optimus's capabilities in extraterrestrial environments. Musk also suggested that human landings on Mars could commence as early as 2029, though 2031 is more likely if initial missions proceed successfully. Starship plays a pivotal role in SpaceX's future satellite launch endeavors and Musk's broader vision of Mars colonization. Read more here

Vegas Watch

Alexander Wessely Crafts 'The End of Genesys' at The Sphere (Flaunt.com)—Swedish-Greek visual artist and director Alexander Wessely is renowned for blending physical and digital elements to create immersive, surreal landscapes. As head creative and stage designer for Anyma's The End of Genesys at The Sphere Las Vegas, Wessely explores themes of human-technology relationships. His designs feature massive androids soaring through extraterrestrial terrains reminiscent of Earth's beauty, with LED-wrapped stages draped in vines, resembling towers where Anyma performs. Wessely emphasizes the importance of balancing ancient symbols with modern technology to evoke deep human emotions, aiming to craft experiences that transcend traditional live shows. Read more here