Tech Brew Ride Home
Is Avocado… Toast?
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Meta's AI model, Avocado, has faced delays due to performance issues, with release now expected in May.
- A landmark trial regarding social media addiction may set legal precedents for future lawsuits against platforms.
- Streaming services like Peacock and Disney+ are adopting similar features influenced by TikTok to boost engagement.
- The tech shift to mobile banking with the iPhone has significantly impacted the job market for bank tellers.
Summary
Meta Delays AI Model Launch
Meta's upcoming AI model, codenamed Avocado, has faced delays due to performance issues compared to other leading models from competitors like Google and OpenAI. Despite improving over their previous models, Avocado's performance fell short, leading to an expected release in May. CEO Mark Zuckerberg had previously pushed ambitious timelines and investments into AI, but as internal tests revealed shortcomings, expectations were tempered. Discussions about temporarily licensing other AI technologies are underway as the competition in AI models heats up.
Social Media Addiction Trial Updates
The landmark social media addiction trial is wrapping up, with closing statements delivered to the jury. The lawsuit centers on a plaintiff claiming social media exacerbated her mental health issues. Meta and YouTube have argued that personal struggles predate social media use and provided evidence of tools available to mitigate its effects. The trial could set precedents for future lawsuits against social media companies.
Streaming Platforms Standardizing Features
Video streaming apps are evolving towards homogeneity as Peacock introduces new AI-driven features for personalized viewing experiences, while Disney+ launches its short-form video feed, ‘Verts’, similar to TikTok. These developments showcase an industry trend towards integrating AI and short-form content to attract mobile-first viewers and increase engagement, reflecting the growing influence of platforms like TikTok.
The Impact of iPhones on Bank Tellers
In a thought-provoking long read, the discussion centers on the decline of bank teller jobs, attributing it more to the rise of mobile banking via iPhones rather than ATMs. Historical insights reveal that while ATMs didn’t displace bank tellers, the technology shift to mobile banking created a new paradigm that made traditional roles obsolete.
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Show notes
Meta’s big new AI model is delayed because they still can’t get to state of the art. The social media addiction trial is winding down. All the video apps are going to end up looking exactly like one another eventually. And, of course, the Weekend Longreads Suggestions.
Meta Delays Rollout of New A.I. Model After Performance Concerns (NYTimes)
Lawyers in landmark social media addiction trial make final appeals to the jury (AP)
Peacock expands into AI-driven video, mobile-first live sports, and gaming (TechCrunch)
Disney+ is rolling out its TikTok-like ‘Verts’ short-form video feed (TechCrunch)
Weekend Longreads Suggestions:
Why ATMs didn’t kill bank teller jobs, but the iPhone did (David Oks's Blog)
James Mason in a cave with a cat (Joel Morris's Substack)
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