Congratulations on making it through another week! What better way to celebrate than a rundown on some of the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. From AI Voice to Humanoid Robots to the Future of Wearables, I've got you covered.

With that, let's get to it.

Advanced Voice Mode - Who needs friends? OpenAI's advanced voice mode is finally here. Now, you can talk to yourself in public and not be considered crazy. In all seriousness, it's a pretty impressive development, but what exactly should you do with the functionality?

Meta Connect 2024 - On the topic of AI Voice, the Zuckster is betting big on it as was clearly demonstrated at the Meta Connect 2024 event. Honestly, their latest AI developments are incredible, which is to be expected. However, would you be surprised to find out the maker of Facebook would create new tech with some serious long-term risks?

Meta Orion - While you might think AR & VR tech went the way a neutron star, you'd be wrong. Meta made the news again this week with a lot of noise about their Orion glasses. Honestly, watching a few videos, I wouldn't mind getting my hands on a pair, but don't get your hopes up. They won't be available to the public. However, my predictions on the trajectory of the tech are spot on.

Humanoid Robots - It's been a while since I stirred people's fears of humanoid robots taking over the world, but with all the advancement in 2024, I thought it was time to kick the hornet's nest again. If you thought they'd fallen to the wayside, prepare for a poor night's rest tonight because these things are getting crazy. On the bright side, you'll have a suite of options when deciding which one kicks down your door.

AI Governance Veto - If you were hoping new legislation might slow the freight train of AI development, prepare to have your hopes dashed. California governor Gavin Newson vetoed SB 1047 and its attempts to make our insane superpower safe for humanity. However, with compelling arguments like "that will cost money" and "it will slow down development," can you blame him?

Show Notes:

In this Weekly Update, Christopher examines the capabilities and implications of OpenAI's advanced voice mode becoming available for pro users, emphasizing its potential applications and possible hazards. He discusses MetaConnect 2024 highlighting Meta's advancements in AI voice technology, particularly its implications for content creation and virtual enhancements. Christopher also addresses the rapid progress of humanoid robots and their emerging roles in sectors like space exploration, healthcare, and home use. The episode ends on the potential societal challenges linked to AI and emerging technologies, including the ethical considerations and the need for balanced regulation, using California's vetoed AI safety bill as a case study.

00:00 - Introduction and Weekly Update Overview

01:22 - Exploring OpenAI's Advanced Voice Mode

05:39 - Practical Use Cases for AI Voice

13:26 - MetaConnect 2024 Highlights

24:19 - Introducing Meta Orion

31:19 - Humanoid Robots: The Next Frontier

40:40 - California AI Veto - Regulation and Governance

50:20 - Final Thoughts and Conclusion

#ai #metaconnect #aivoice #humanoidrobot #metaverse

It's that time of week for another rundown on the latest happenings at the intersection of business, technology, and human experience. As a favor, if you find these updates helpful, comment, like, and share it with a friend.

With that, let's get to it.

Copilot Wave 2 - Will Copilot 2.0 be the end of large swaths of professional jobs, as many advertisements subtly imply? I have concerns some leaders will fall for it, but it'd be a big mistake. A deeper reflection on how work is really performed quickly highlights AI's capability to replace human capacity.

LinkedIn AI - I understand social media platforms want to use their users' data to train their AI and ultimately improve their products. And, as a user, I recognize there are tangible benefits that come from engaging in that transaction. What I don't appreciate is that functionality being quietly turned on without a heads up, allowing me to understand the terms and make a conscious decision.

WFH Stereotypes - My post this week may have given you a teaser on my feelings about USA Today's gross misrepresentation of WFH/Hybrid employees by exploiting poorly gathered data from a recent survey. However, I have a lot more to say on the matter, and it's not about piling on the RTO hype but encouraging leaders to focus on performance not activity.

AI Environmental Concerns - How much are we willing to scorch the earth so AI can develop a catchy pirate jingle or draft an email that'd take 30 seconds of your time? At the rate we're going, the Earth might start to resemble our red planet neighbor in the span of our lives. What worse? There are completely reasonable solutions to all the problems if we'd just slow down a little bit.

End of Mortality? - Will AI really be the end of mortality as we know it? An upcoming documentary is shining light on the tragic stories of people who were sold that tale at elaborate prices but ultimately lost more than their savings. What's strange about the whole thing is that the person resurrected with tech never sees any benefit from it. I can't help but ask, who is all this even ending mortality for?

Show Notes: In this Weekly Update, Christopher explores Microsoft's new Copilot 2.0 and its potential impacts on business workflows, the ethical concerns surrounding LinkedIn's data usage for AI training, and the ongoing debate about remote work efficiency. Additionally, he examines the environmental costs of AI advancements, specifically the water consumption and energy dependencies and discuss the controversial emergence of digital 'eternity' bots aiming to keep deceased loved ones 'alive'. The episode calls for a holistic approach to integrating new technologies while highlighting the importance of human judgment and ethical considerations.
00:00 - Introduction and Overview
01:17 - Microsoft Copilot 2.0: Revolutionizing the Workplace?
13:03 - LinkedIn's Controversial AI Data Usage
21:39 - Debunking Remote Work Stereotypes
26:10 - Understanding Human Performance at Work
33:20 - Environmental Impact of AI
42:19 - The Ethics of Digital Immortality
52:33 - Final Thoughts and Cautionary Advice #ai #leadership #futureofwork #linkedin #flexibleworking

Is social media a force for good or a ticking time bomb? And, given it's not going anywhere, what can we do about it?

This week I'm exploring those questions and more with Matthew Krayton, Founder & Principal at Publitics as we seek to wield the double-edged sword that is social media and explore its profound impact on society.

We'll unpack the evolution of social media from its humble beginnings to the algorithm-driven powerhouse it is today, examining how these platforms have democratized access to information and given a voice to the voiceless. At the same time, we can't ignore how they're creating echo chambers that fuel division and misinformation.

Throughout it all, we don't shy away from the tough questions: How has social media changed our behavior, both online and offline? What are the psychological effects of living in a world where likes and shares can make or break our self-esteem? And perhaps most importantly, how can we navigate this landscape in a way that promotes a healthier, more connected society?

The whole thing is a fascinating look at how the same tools that connect us can also drive us apart. I think you'll find the conversation challenges assumptions and reveals the complex realities of our digital lives. It's my hope this episode will make you rethink your relationship with social media.

So, whether you're a digital native or someone trying to make sense of this ever-changing world, there's something here for everyone.

Show Notes:

In this episode, Christopher engages with Matt Krayton, founder and principal at Publitics, to scrutinize the profound effects of social media on society. We explore its evolution, political impact, and effects on human behavior and mental health. Matt shares his journey from aspiring teacher to digital media expert, offering insights into both the positive and negative ramifications of our connected world. Key themes include the democratization of information, anger-driven content, and strategies for healthier online engagement. The discussion also covers the emotional responses to social media, handling misinformation, crisis management, and the future ramifications of technologies like AI and deepfake.

00:00 - Introduction

09:05 - The Rise of Social Media in Politics

14:31 - The Impact of Social Media Algorithms

22:37 - The Dark Side of Social Media

32:35 - Influencer Culture and Perception vs. Reality

38:02 - The Illusion of Expertise

43:17 - The Trap of Social Media Validation

54:36 - The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

01:00:38 - Navigating the Future of Social Media

01:10:09 - Concluding Thoughts and Future Concerns

#SocialMedia #DigitalMedia #AI #MentalHealth #Politics