Tech Brew Ride Home
Wed. 11/20 – AI To Read The Books
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- Authors are increasingly faced with offers to allow their works to be used for AI training, raising ethical and economic questions about the value of their creations.
- Google's Android 16 developer preview is out early, signaling a shift towards more organized OS releases and reduced fragmentation for developers.
- Sony's introduction of cloud streaming for PS5 via PlayStation Portal represents an innovative leap, despite initial limitations.
- Trump's commerce secretary nomination of Lutnick reinforces the intertwining of politics and crypto, potentially influencing future regulations.
- Blue Sky's rapid growth indicates a shift in social media landscape dynamics, challenging existing platforms like Instagram.
- The sale of location data poses significant risks to national security, evidencing a need for better regulation within data broker markets.
Summary
AI Training and Author Rights
The podcast opens with discussions surrounding a recent deal between Microsoft and HarperCollins to use nonfiction books for training AI models, which has sparked controversy among authors. Brian emphasizes the risks authors face, spotlighting Daniel Kibble Smith's viral recommendation to reject offers for AI training. Kibble Smith criticized the idea of authors being compensated for their work being used in AI systems, arguing it undervalues genuine human connections in writing. In contrast, Penguin Random House is taking a different stand, amending its copyright notices to prohibit the use of their books for AI training.
Android 16 Developer Preview
The episode transitions to Android news, highlighting the early release of the Android 16 developer preview. This new update aims to reduce fragmentation and provide app developers with ample time to prepare. Key features include an embedded photo picker and medical record support, with an expected platform stability milestone scheduled. This proactive approach looks to enhance the Android ecosystem compared to previous years.
PlayStation Portal Cloud Streaming
Switching gears to gaming, Sony’s announcement of beta cloud streaming features for the PlayStation Portal is discussed. The new service will allow PS5 game streaming for premium subscribers, though it comes with limitations on performance and features. Brian cautions about its initial limitations but acknowledges its potential to enhance the gaming experience.
Crypto's Ascendancy and Political Implications
A noteworthy political development features Trump nominating Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, as commerce secretary, with implications for the crypto sector, particularly related to stablecoin operations. The segment highlights Lutnick's background and outspoken stance favoring Bitcoin as a commodity, suggesting a future that could impact cryptocurrency regulations.
Blue Sky's Growing Popularity
The podcast touches on the soaring user base of Blue Sky, which is rapidly approaching competitiveness with Instagram Threads. With a marked uptick in daily active users and website visits, Brian outlines the growth trajectory of Blue Sky and its implications for social media dynamics.
Risks of Smartphone Tracking on National Security
Finally, Brian summarizes an investigation revealing the vulnerabilities associated with smartphone tracking, particularly concerning US military personnel in Germany. Highlighting how data brokers sell location data that could expose sensitive details about military operations, this segment raises important questions about privacy, security, and the implications for both personal and national safety.
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Show notes
Now authors are being approached about training AI on their books, and some are not pleased. The new Android development cadence is here. More signs crypto is ascendant. More signs that Bluesky has taken off. And a case in point for why governments and militaries are worried about smartphone tracking.
Links:
Microsoft Signs AI-Learning Deal With News Corp.’s HarperCollins (Bloomberg)
Penguin Random House underscores copyright protection in AI rebuff (The Bookseller)
The first Android 16 developer preview just landed: Here’s what you need to know (Android Police)
Sony’s new PlayStation Portal update lets you stream PS5 games from the cloud (The Verge)
Howard Lutnick, Tether's Wall Street Banker, Is Trump's Pick for Commerce Chief, Not Treasury Secretary (CoinDesk)
Bluesky tops 20M users, narrowing gap with Instagram Threads (TechCrunch)
Anyone Can Buy Data Tracking US Soldiers and Spies to Nuclear Vaults and Brothels in Germany (Wired)
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