Welcome back humans.

Everything old is new again, at least with AI! Whether it’s Apple finally making a move on integrating AI with upgraded text messaging or old school newsrooms getting a sprinkle of AI… one things for sure, two things are for certain: AI continues to reshape the way we are living our lives in every aspect….

Here’s what you need to know about AI today:

• Apple Gets 'Siri-ous' About AI w/ Text Messages

• NY Times Mixes AI with Old-School Reporting

• Neuralink's N1: Telepathy in the Making?

#1 Apple Gets ‘Siri-ous’ About AI

Apple is on the brink of a significant advancement in AI technology, particularly in enhancing Siri's capabilities in text messaging.

This substantial upgrade promises to bolster privacy measures and seamlessly integrate Siri into the iPhone's core operating system.

Their goal is to basically create a more native, conversational AI experience.

About time.

The enhanced Siri is expected to demonstrate an advanced understanding of context and memory, allowing it to recall previous conversations.

This capability will lead to more relevant and fluid interactions, elevating the user experience.

This strategic move is part of Apple's broader initiative to embed generative AI technology across its suite of applications, including both Siri and the Messages app.

But that’s not it, Apple is also poised to introduce new functionalities in text messaging.

The integration of Rich Communication Services (RCS) in its Messages app is a perfect example.

RCS integration will enhance messaging features, providing users with a richer, more dynamic text messaging experience.

These developments underscore Apple's dedication to enhancing user privacy and interaction, setting new standards in the mobile technology landscape.

💡 My take:

This isn’t the newest story, originally announced last year but update last week (see link above), but I think it’s important because of the move to interfaceless companies/products/apps in AI. I talked about this last year but I’m seeing more and more examples of products doing serious numbers without and app. Nuts (but also exciting if you’re a founder). Some of the real innovations with AI will come when technologies merge and overlap like we’re seeing here. It’s not just that companies will become interfaceless, ditching complex visual screens, it’s that a large perfect of the world actually already operates via messenger platforms. Hey there WeChat and What’sApp. When Apple finally rolls out this change it will be significant because, aside from AI integration, Apple’s on device AI will make interacting with these interfaceless apps simpler than interacting with the “app” itself.

#2 NYT’s Explores AI Newsroom

The New York Times is stepping into the future by assembling a dedicated team to delve into generative AI and machine learning within its newsroom.

The team will be a blend of savvy engineers and sharp-eyed editors, all set to pilot and explore the possibilities of generative AI and other machine learning tech.

The Times is clear on one thing: their seasoned reporters, writers, and editors will remain at the helm of their journalism.

AI's role? It's about augmenting, not replacing, the human touch in news reporting.

Though The Times has had its ups and downs with generative AI in the past, it's now ready to tap into its potential benefits while maintaining the high standard of journalistic integrity it's known for.

This move isn't unique to The Times, as many other news outlets are also keen to explore how AI can shape the future of journalism.

The goal?

To blend the best of both worlds – the insights of AI and the wisdom of human journalists – to keep delivering top-notch news in an ever-evolving digital age.

💡 My take:

This newsletter is still young but this is exactly what we have been talking about for the past several months. It’s also why I keep saying AI is here (it’s actually been here, lol), it’s not one of these things that is forthcoming. What is interesting about this is the newspaper industry, likely one of the most old school industries there is, sees where things are going and is like: “Aight, bet.”

That says a lot, lol.

So many are focused on “AI taking over” that we often forget before technologies completely take over there is a transition and adoption period. That is what we are seeing when we see announcements or innovations like this that toute “AI-assisted” solutions.

#3 Neuralink’s N1: Telepathy in the Making?

Neuralink is pushing the boundaries of technology with its N1 Implant, a brain implant that's not just high-tech but also cosmetically discreet.

This implant packs a punch with 1024 electrodes spread over 64 ultra-thin threads, all seamlessly placed in the brain area that's all about movement.

Here's the interesting part: it captures your brain's signals and zips them wirelessly to an app.

This app then translates your brain's chatter into actions and intentions.

And the power source? A nifty, small battery that's wirelessly charged, making it a breeze to use no matter where you are.

The N1 Implant is a key player in Neuralink's ambitious goal to develop a universal brain interface.

This tech isn't just for show – they claim it's mainly about empowering those with significant medical needs.

Giving them back control and autonomy.

Their first rollout, dubbed Telepathy, is all set to revolutionize the lives of people who've lost limb function.

Neuralink announced its first successful human implant yesterday.

💡 My take:

It’s giving frankenstein. It’s giving mad scientist.

Sigh… I get humanity’s need to consistently push boundaries to push innovation forward but this isn’t a technology I can get on board with. And it’s not just because Elon has become increasingly annoying over the years. The technology: Human Brain Interfaces can be impactful to many in need but my issue especially for technologies that are this invasive is regulation. It needs to go beyond the typical medical safety standards because what we are discussing isn’t just about medicine. It’s about the transference of your data (your thoughts and brain impulses) across a third party network (in this case Neuralink) to an app (also owned by Neuralink). I know I sound like a broken record but this is why data privacy laws are so important and that we have lawmakers in office who actually understand technology. I’m sure hidden in some expertly crafted terms of service you are opting in to give away ownership of your data (brain impulses) in exchange for using the product. They will say, “Well there is nothing that you can do with this data anyway.” Sound familiar? We’ll go in circles until a data privacy law is actually put in place.

Not to mention when you apply AI to this type of data you like get worlds and realities that can be created from the source material of our brains. That’s a lot of dystopian to take in.

P.S. And they have the nerve to call it Telepathy. Lol. If playing in your face was a person.

💩Sh*ts & Giggles

That’s all for today folks!

But before I go, you might be interested in this free Masterclass that I’m doing this week titled, “What’s Your AI Strategy?” Basically I’ve noticed a few things:

1. Big companies have teams of people working on what their AI strategy is.

2. Startups are building AI micro-saas companies faster than you can say AI.

3. Mid-market companies are just trying to keep up with all the developments and, because of a lack of talent or time, literally don’t have an AI strategy for their business.

If you’re an exec at a mid-market company this might be for you. Check it out here.

Ok fr that’s all for today folks!

See you on the interwebs,

AB