Grumpy Old Geeks - Episode 671: "Lorum Ipsum Is My Sister"

Release Date: October 26, 2024
Hosts: Jason DeFilippo, Brian Schulmeister, with Dave Bittner

1. Self-Driving Cars: Waymo's Progress in San Francisco vs. Santa Monica

Jason and Brian kick off the episode by discussing the latest developments in self-driving technology, focusing on Waymo's deployment in San Francisco and Santa Monica.

• Waymo's Success in San Francisco: Despite initial skepticism, Waymo's self-driving cars have gained traction in San Francisco. Anecdotes from friends like Chen highlight positive user experiences, such as the absence of a driver and the ability to play personal music during rides.

• Challenges in Santa Monica: Contrastingly, Waymo faces difficulties in Santa Monica due to complex traffic, pedestrian activity, and diverse transportation modes like bikes and scooters.

Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo (00:55): "Can you believe it or not?"

2. HBO's "Money Electric" Documentary and Satoshi Nakamoto Controversy

The hosts delve into the recent HBO documentary "Money Electric," which claims to reveal Satoshi Nakamoto, the elusive creator of Bitcoin.

• Peter Todd's Involvement: Peter Todd appears in the documentary with a wink, suggesting he might be Satoshi. However, he later clarifies his identity, leading to backlash from the crypto community.

• Safety Concerns: Todd expresses fears for his safety post-documentary, citing increased risks of robbery and harassment due to unfounded claims linking him to Bitcoin's creation.

Notable Quote:
Brian Schulmeister (04:25): "Okay, I."

3. Meta's "AI Me" and Artist Pushback Against AI Training

Jason introduces Meta's new video titled "AI Me," which he criticizes for its portrayal of AI and lack of understanding of artists' concerns.

• Artist Protests: Over 10,500 artists, including prominent figures like Julianne Moore and Tom York, have signed an open letter opposing AI systems that use their work without licensing.

• Underlying Issues: The core problem isn't the AI tools themselves but how they're trained—using artists' intellectual property without compensation or consent.

Notable Quote:
Brian Schulmeister (07:29): "And the fact that Meta put this thing out is really a testament to how much they don't give a shit."

4. X (Formerly Twitter) Updates on Privacy and AI Data Usage

The conversation shifts to X's recent policy changes related to data sharing for AI training.

• Privacy Policy Changes: X now allows user data to be shared with third-party collaborators for AI model training, a move that raises concerns about user consent and data security.

• Enforcement Skepticism: Both hosts express doubt over the effectiveness of enforcing these new policies, predicting it will lead to more loopholes and complications.

Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo (10:25): "He's not going to sell it to anybody but himself."

5. OpenAI's Internal Struggles and Departures

The episode covers recent high-profile resignations from OpenAI, highlighting internal disagreements over the company's direction.

• Miles Brundage's Exit: A senior advisor leaves OpenAI, citing the need for more independence and expressing concerns over the company's for-profit shift and the lack of proper guardrails for AGI development.

• Broader Implications: This trend of departures signifies potential instability within OpenAI as it grapples with ethical and operational challenges.

Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo (15:07): "They are trying to do something... Let's figure something out."

6. Google’s Synth ID: AI Watermarking Tool

The hosts explore Google's new Synth ID tool aimed at watermarking AI-generated text to identify artificial content.

• Functionality: Synth ID inserts hidden watermarks during text generation without compromising output quality, proving effective in large-scale tests.

• Potential Loopholes: Despite its promise, both hosts speculate on ways users might circumvent the watermarking, rendering the tool a temporary fix in the ongoing AI integrity battle.

Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo (20:22): "It's going to be whack a mole."

7. 23andMe's Decline and Data Privacy Issues

Jason and Brian discuss 23andMe's financial struggles and significant data breach that jeopardized nearly 7 million users.

• Business Model Flaws: 23andMe's reliance on single-use consumer engagements without a sustainable model for repeat business has led to a drastic drop in company value.

• Privacy Concerns: Without HIPAA coverage, users' genetic data remains vulnerable to sales and misuse, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.

Notable Quote:
Brian Schulmeister (21:27): "Nobody did that because."

8. Federal Trade Commission's New Rules on Online Reviews

The FTC announces a final rule banning businesses from manipulating online reviews and testimonials, explicitly addressing AI-generated content.

• Regulatory Impact: The rule prohibits false endorsements, fake followers, and incentivized reviews, aiming to enhance the authenticity of online shopping experiences.

• Enforcement Doubts: Hosts remain skeptical about the FTC's ability to enforce these measures effectively, fearing minimal change in the current "shithole" state of online reviews.

Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo (24:45): "So where are the Internet police?"

9. Entertainment and Science News Highlights

The duo transitions to lighter topics, covering recent updates in entertainment and science.

• Science: Discovery of seven new frog species in Madagascar named after Star Trek characters, symbolizing exploration.

• Entertainment: Updates on various TV series, including "Star Trek Lower Decks," "Midnight Mass," and changes in production teams due to controversies.

Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo (35:31): "Nobody of that company watched Jurassic Park."

10. Technology Tools and Updates

Jason and Brian review new tech tools and software updates that impact their workflows.

• Perplexity AI: Introduction of Perplexity’s Mac app with enhanced features, though Brian remains hesitant about integrating AI tools into his routine.

• SetApp and Software Recommendations: Discussion on the benefits of SetApp subscriptions, including access to tools like Spark for email and CleanMyMac for system optimization.

Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo (53:32): "I'd like to see the threads numbers."

11. Closing Remarks: Shoutouts and Farewells

The episode concludes with personal updates, shoutouts, and acknowledgments of recent passings.

• Personal Milestones: Jason celebrates 666 days of sobriety in alignment with Halloween.

• Tributes: Honoring the lives of Philip Zimbardo, Ward Christiansen, and Fernando Valenzuela, reflecting on their impacts.

• Upcoming Events: Anticipation for the Dodgers vs. Yankees World Series matchup.

Notable Quote:
Jason DeFilippo (42:34): "I'm a big fan of Iron Maiden."

Conclusion

In this episode of "Grumpy Old Geeks," Jason DeFilippo and Brian Schulmeister offer a critical and humorous take on the latest in technology, AI controversies, privacy issues, and pop culture. From the strides and setbacks of self-driving cars to the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI training, the hosts provide insightful commentary peppered with their trademark grumpiness. Engaging discussions on regulatory changes, industry departures, and innovative tech tools keep the conversation dynamic and relevant. The episode wraps up with heartfelt tributes and personal anecdotes, maintaining the show's balance between informative content and relatable banter.

Links and Resources:

• Google Synth ID: Google AI Synth ID
• Perplexity AI Mac App: Perplexity AI
• SetApp Subscription: SetApp
• Diff Text Tool: Diff Text
• Web Design Museum: Web Design Museum

For more detailed discussions and resources, visit the show notes at GOG Show 671.