Observed 005

The first of '25

Hi there,

Welcome to "Observed," your direct line into the lively discussions that shape our work at Obsolete. This week’s Show and Tell sessions explored AI hitting the desktop with the unveiling of Nvidia’s new $3,000 machine, the implications of the changes Meta is making to moderation on their their platforms, and how Salesforce is freezing the hiring of developers, turning to AI for all their coding needs.

Here's our analysis of what's genuinely important and what your business needs to consider.

Tools

Desktop AI Gets Real

NVIDIA's announcement of their new AI computer - a Mac Mini-sized device capable of running substantial AI models locally - signals a significant shift in how organisations might deploy AI. The system's ability to run 200-billion parameter models while using just 250 watts of power makes on-premises AI more feasible for sectors handling sensitive data, from healthcare to financial services.

This development arrives alongside other notable CES innovations, including advances in accessibility technology and practical AI applications. We're particularly interested in developments around AI-enhanced tools for hearing assistance and real-time captioning, suggesting a trend toward AI that genuinely augments human capabilities rather than replacing them.

Why It’s Important:

This development could enable AI adoption in scenarios where cloud-based solutions raise privacy or security concerns. It's particularly relevant for organisations working with confidential information or in regulated industries. The emphasis on efficiency and accessibility also suggests a maturing AI landscape where practical applications take precedence over theoretical capabilities.Social Media's Moderation Pivot

Opinion

Social Media’s Moderation Pivot

Meta's announcement about scaling back human fact-checkers sparked intense discussion about the future of content moderation. While positioned as an AI-driven evolution, the shift raises significant questions about regional impacts and regulatory compliance. EU requirements and the UK's Online Safety Bill may create divergent standards across markets, potentially leading to fragmented user experiences and complicated business communications strategies.

The implications extend beyond simple content filtering. We're seeing early signs of regional splintering in social media governance, reminiscent of how China developed its own social media ecosystem. This could fundamentally change how global brands manage their social presence and engage with audiences across different regions.

Why It’s Important:

Businesses need to prepare for potentially fragmented social media landscapes where content standards vary by region. Marketing strategies may need to become more localised, and companies should consider developing region-specific approaches to social media engagement. The move toward AI moderation might require new approaches to content creation and community management.rmining the integrity of communication.

Industry

Productivity Gains Reshaping Workforce Planning

Salesforce's announcement about halting developer hiring due to AI-driven productivity gains offers a glimpse of how organisations are rethinking workforce planning. Rather than wholesale replacements, we're seeing a trend toward natural attrition combined with AI augmentation. This mirrors patterns already emerging in creative industries, where roles evolve rather than disappear entirely.

The World Economic Forum's latest Future of Jobs report adds context to these shifts, highlighting the need for strategic workforce planning that accounts for both AI capabilities and human expertise. We're seeing particular impact in sectors where repetitive tasks can be automated, allowing teams to focus on higher-value activities.

Why It’s Important:

The focus should be on strategic workforce planning, rather than viewing it as a simple replacement technology. Organisations need to consider how AI might change role requirements and skill needs over time, planning for evolution rather than revolution.

That’s it for this week’s "Observed." As always, we’re committed to thoughtful and ethical exploration of AI’s potential. Stay tuned for more insights from our Show and Tell sessions as we continue to shape the future of AI together.

The Obsolete team