Metaverse Marketing: Recent Episodes
Adweek
On Adweek's Metaverse Marketing podcast, host Cathy Hackl takes listeners on a journey into the future and prepares marketers to master the metaverse. Get up to speed on the tech that’s shaping the future of the internet; discover new opportunities and overcome the challenges presented by the metaverse; and learn how brands can prepare for tomorrow, today.
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In this episode, Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler discuss the current state of technology, AI, gaming, and the importance of human connection in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. They share insights on global tech trends, the future of gaming, and the significance of ownership and authenticity in digital media.
keywords: technology, AI, gaming, digital ownership, human connection, global tech trends, UGC, generative AI, tech landscape, innovation
Key topics
- Current state of technology and AI
- The evolution of gaming and UGC platforms
- Ownership and digital rights in media
- Global conversations on AI and quantum computing
- The importance of human connection in tech development
Takeaways
- Technology is at a point of recalibration, with a focus on responsible innovation.
- The gaming industry is shifting towards user-generated content and digital ownership.
- Global conversations on AI are expanding beyond generative AI to include quantum and material sciences.
- Ownership of digital media remains a concern, with a preference for tangible and owned content.
- Human connection remains central to meaningful technology use and development.
Chapters
00:00Introduction and return to podcast
02:02Ownership of the podcast and its significance
03:18The changing landscape of technology and AI
04:55Overextension and recalibration of tech expectations
07:31Global conversations on AI and other emerging technologies
10:43Broader perspectives on innovation and global tech hubs
13:19Market trends and the return of startup innovation
17:21Content discovery challenges and digital ownership
20:07The future of gaming and user-generated content
26:16The decline of physical media and ownership issues
29:03Hollywood's embrace of gaming IP and UGC
32:16Launching new gaming studios and independent development
34:05The importance of authentic innovation in tech
37:33Interesting recent tech news and societal impacts
40:43Human connection versus technological automation
44:34The impact of AI on jobs and societal shifts
46:49Closing thoughts and future outlooks
In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Keblerunpack the week’s biggest tech stories, from OpenAI’s latest announcements and Sora’s deepfake potential to Meta’s sold-out Ray-Ban smart glasses. They explore how AI integrations with platforms like Coursera, Canva, and Zillow could reshape how we access and trust information. The hosts also dive into the implications of skyrocketing AI startup valuations and reflect on the end of AOL dial-up, closing a chapter in internet history. Balancing enthusiasm with caution, they challenge listeners to consider the ethical, social, and creative consequences of an increasingly AI-driven world.
Come for the tech and stay for the magic!
Episode Highlights:
- The Privacy Implications of AI Video Generation – Cathy Hackl’s hands-on test of OpenAI’s Sora exposes major privacy challenges around biometric data and deepfake creation. By simply reading numbers and moving one’s head, users can generate hyper-realistic videos of themselves or others, without consent. While visuals are striking, voice replication remains flawed. Cathy and Lee caution that such tools blur ethical lines, raising urgent questions about consent, authenticity, and data ownership in creative AI adoption.
- OpenAI’s Vision for Information Control – Lee Kebler dissects OpenAI’s ambition to centralise online experiences through deep integrations with Coursera, Canva, and Zillow. By keeping users inside ChatGPT’s ecosystem, OpenAI could redefine how information flows, but at a cost. Cathy and Lee warn that algorithmic filtering may restrict perspective diversity, amplify bias, and erode the open web’s foundational freedom. Their advice: diversify digital sources to maintain balanced, transparent information access.
- The Rise of Consumer AR Hardware – Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses sell-out reveals the next leap in wearable adoption. Cathy and Lee analyse how fashion-forward design, practical utility, and accessible pricing have made AR more approachable. Positioned between novelty and necessity, these wearables hint at future accessibility, productivity, and communication uses. They stress that long-term success will depend on ergonomic design, battery life, and balancing innovation with real-world wearability.
- The AI Investment Bubble Warning Signs – Cathy and Lee discuss mounting worries from industry giants like Sam Altman and Jeff Bezos about inflated AI valuations. Unlike past bubbles driven by retail hype, today’s surge stems from institutional overconfidence and misunderstanding of AI fundamentals. Many investors conflate general AI with LLMs, fuelling unrealistic expectations.
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Intro: Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
- 01:44 Testing OpenAI's Sora: Deep Fake Capabilities and Privacy Concerns
- 15:02 OpenAI's Dev Day: Impressive Tools and Integration Announcements
- 18:09 The Dark Side of AI Integration: Information Control and Filter Bubbles
- 25:23 Apple's Vision Pro Updates and Meta's Ray-Ban Success
- 32:41 Farewell to AOL: The End of Dial-Up Internet Era
- 34:17 AI Startup Valuations: Warning Signs of a Tech Bubble
- 38:05 Final Thoughts: Music Recommendations and Show Wrap-Up
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler delve into the latest developments in tech, from Meta’s hardware updates to AI advancements and parental controls. Cathy interviews Tom Acland, CEO at Dassault Systèmes 3DEXCITE. Learn how the Apple Vision Pro is transforming enterprise collaboration and why we're finally reaching the tipping point for widespread adoption of spatial computing technology. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or industry professional, this episode delivers sharp insights into the intersection of AI, spatial computing, and enterprise innovation. Cathy and Lee also discuss why current LLMs won’t lead to superintelligence and they debate the impact of AI on sports.
Come for the tech and stay for the magic!
Tom Acland Bio
Tom Acland is the CEO at Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE division, where he drives innovation in enterprise spatial computing and manufacturing. He specialises in bridging engineering and media technology, helping clients like Hyundai, Virgin Galactic, and Deutsche Aircraft bring products to market through advanced visualization and collaboration tools. In this episode, Tom discusses Dassault Systèmes’ work with Apple Vision Pro and their 3D Live app, sharing insights on the future of spatial computing, mixed reality, and transforming enterprise collaboration.
Tom Acland on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cath Hackl and Lee Kebler
- 01:40 Meta Connect Reflections and Failed Demos
- 06:19 OpenAI's Hallucinations: Mathematical Inevitability
- 08:50 ChatGPT's Parental Controls and Real-World Applications
- 13:11 The Evolution of AI Music and Creative Tools
- 16:39 Friend.com: Marketing AI Hardware Without Mentioning AI
- 19:13 AI Boyfriends and Celebrity Voice Clones
- 31:37 Baseball's Robot Umpires: Technology vs Tradition
- 34:22 Interview: Tom Acland on Enterprise Spatial Computing
- 39:08 Dassault Systèmes' 3D Live App for Apple Vision Pro
- 42:52 Industries Embracing Spatial Computing Technology
- 46:28 The Future of Spatial Computing: Next 5-10 Years
- 50:55 Balancing Innovation with User Trust and Safety
- 54:10 Final Thoughts and Media Recommendations
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In this episode of TechMagic, host Lee Kebler is joined by Nic Hill, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Sawhorse Productions, to explore the latest tech developments shaping our digital world. Together, they break down Meta Connect’s memorable moments and mobile-first pivot with Horizon Worlds, Intel’s surprising $5B partnership with NVIDIA, and Lee’s first-hand experience with Waymo’s autonomous vehicles. The discussion also covers TikTok’s potential acquisition by Oracle and the future of AR glasses and spatial computing. With insider insights and thoughtful analysis, Lee and Nic unpack how legacy tech companies are navigating rapid innovation, offering a must-listen guide for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. Cathy is away this week and will rejoin the show next week.
Come for the tech and stay for the magic!
Lee Kebler Bio:
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Nic Hill Bio:
Nic Hill is the Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Sawhorse Productions, a full-service production and post house specialising in branded content, commercials, and scripted and non-scripted shows. With over 12 years of experience, Nic has assembled a talented team of experts in video production, editing, and comedy. Passionate about immersive metaverse experiences that blur the line between film and gaming, he delivers innovative content for leading brands, studios, and agencies worldwide. Previously, Nic worked as an independent film director and editor, creating internationally acclaimed documentaries. Based in Los Angeles, he enjoys DJing, biking, and family time.
Nic Hill on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Intro & Welcome from LA
- 05:31 Inside MetaConnect: A Front Row Perspective
- 08:15 Meta's Smart Glasses Evolution & Design Strategy
- 21:27 Horizon Worlds' Mobile-First Transformation
- 33:35 First-Hand Experience with Waymo's Self-Driving Cars
- 40:45 NVIDIA's $5B Investment in Intel: Gaming's Future
- 44:30 Oracle's TikTok Acquisition & Social Media Shifts
- 51:25 The Smart Glasses Arms Race: Amazon & OpenAI Enter
- 55:31 Final Thoughts: Alien Earth & AI Evolution
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Keblerexplore the future of hardware innovation, from Meta’s anticipated Connect event to Nintendo’s bold gaming moves. They unpack Meta’s AI-powered smart glasses collaborations, Amazon’s push into wearable tech, and Nintendo’s surprising Virtual Boy revival. Alongside hardware news, Cathy and Lee examine the deeper cultural and societal shifts at play, and how AI-driven personal superintelligence could reshape user experience, privacy, and even fashion. Packed with insider insights, this episode highlights why hardware is no longer just functional but increasingly a cultural statement at the intersection of technology and humanity.
- Next in Vogue Singapore: https://vogue.sg/nextinvogue/
- Singularity Summit South Africa: https://singularitysouthafricasummit.org/
Come for the tech, stay for the magic.
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Intro: Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
- 02:03 Apple's Disappointing Hardware Event: A Missed Opportunity
- 06:28 Meta Connect Preview: The Hypernova Moment for AI and XR
- 11:15 Meta's Smart Glasses Strategy: From Ray-Ban to Luxury Brands
- 17:30 The Vision for Personal Superintelligence and AI Evolution
- 28:00 Social Media's Algorithm Problem: A Facebook Case Study
- 36:50 The Hardware Race Heats Up: Amazon, HTC, and Samsung Join In
- 37:15 Nintendo's Virtual Boy Revival: A Controversial Return
- 44:10 Smart Game Pricing: Hollow Knight's Market Strategy Success
- 53:15 Final Thoughts: The Future of Tech, Media Recommendations, and Closing
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore the future of space and digital entertainment, and discuss AI-driven space operations, Roblox’s expansion with 100,000-player servers, and Paramount’s Call of Duty film adaptation. From esports acquisitions shaping global markets to safety and privacy in AI wearables, the conversation touches on several key tech trends that are influencing our world. Cathy interviews Thierry Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia. They uncover how Nokia built the first cellular network on the moon, laying the foundation for a sustainable lunar economy and future Mars missions.
Come for the tech and stay for the magic!
Thierry Klein Bio
Thierry Klein is the President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia, a pioneering figure in space communications and network infrastructure. With extensive experience in telecommunications and space technology, Klein leads research initiatives focused on AI, Web3, and new device technologies at the historic Bell Labs, which is celebrating its centennial year. He has played a pivotal role in delivering the first cellular network on the moon during the Intuitive Machines' IM2 mission, marking a historic milestone in space communications.
Thierry Klein on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Intro and Show Updates
- 02:20 Nokia's Innovation Campus in Finland - A Hub for Future Tech
- 04:44 Space Technology and Lunar Networks - Nokia's Groundbreaking Mission
- 27:36 Building the First Cellular Network on the Moon
- 35:36 Transforming Astronaut Operations with Advanced Communications
- 40:41 The Future of Lunar Economy and Infrastructure
- 48:46 Interplanetary Communications and the Space Internet
- 55:13 AI's Role in Space Operations and Networks
- 01:10 Roblox Developer Conference Updates and Safety Features
- 01:19 Gaming Industry Updates: Call of Duty Movie and EVO Tournament News
- 01:27 Wearable AI Technology Review and Future Outlook
- 01:30 Closing Thoughts and Show Wrap-up
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In this exciting return of TechMagicin season 3, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler sit down with Kevin Rose, founder of Digg and partner at True Ventures, to explore the future of digital communities and human-first technology. Together, they discuss the ambitious Digg relaunch in partnership with Reddit’s co-founder, Alexis Ohanian, the challenges of building trust and safety on online platforms, and the disruptive role of AI in shaping content and jobs.
From redefining how we talk about AI “hallucinations” to highlighting the rising importance of authentic human connection, this episode provides fresh insights into the evolving relationship between technology, community, and our shared digital future.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
What you will learn:
- Building Trust in Digital Communities
- The Power of Niche Communities
- Strategic AI Integration
- The Return to Real-World Connection
Kevin Rose Bio
Kevin Rose is a pioneering tech entrepreneur, investor, and partner at True Ventures. He is best known as the founder of Digg, the first major social news platform. Over his 25+ year career, he has launched and led multiple ventures, including Revision3 (acquired by Discovery), Zero (the leading intermittent fasting app), and served as CEO of Hodinkee. Rose has been an early angel investor in Twitter, Square, Facebook, and more, earning recognition from Bloomberg, Forbes, MIT, and Time as one of the most influential figures in tech. His focus today is building trustworthy, human-first digital communities and advancing the future of online platforms.
Kevin Rose on LinkedIn 1
Kevin Rose on LinkedIn 2
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic Season 3
- 03:19 Adventures in Finland & India: Cathy's Global Tech Journey
- 07:05 ChatGPT Drama: Checking on AI Boyfriends
- 12:12 Kevin Rose Interview: The Return of Digg
- 18:22 Building Trust in Digital Communities
- 28:30 The Future of In-Person Meetups
- 32:19 AI Integration & Human Connection
- 39:16 Meta Connect & Smart Glasses Privacy Concerns
- 42:17 The Roblox Safety Debate
- 51:32 AWS vs. Salesforce: The Entry-Level Jobs Controversy
- 59:26 Finding Balance in a Tech-Saturated World
- 01:13:14 Final Thoughts: Gratitude & Music Recommendations
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Cathy and Lee are taking a break this month, and August is Greatest Hits time on TechMagic as we pull out some special episodes from our vault. In this Greatest Hits episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack the cutting-edge innovations transforming finance and commerce in 2025. Along with special guest Nabil Manji, SVP of Fintech Growth at Worldpay, the trio discusses the rise of digital wallets and embedded finance, as well as the power of AI agents and real-time payments. They explore how technology is redefining money movement on a global scale and tackle the impact of quantum computing on payment security. They look at the challenges of AI safety and what companies like Shopify are doing to lead the charge. A must-listen for anyone curious about the future of fintech.
What you will learn:
- How digital wallets are transforming global commerce
- Why embedded finance is revolutionizing delivery of financial services to customers
- The evolution of real-time payments across different global markets
- How AI agents are reshaping commerce through automated purchasing
- Why stablecoins are emerging as a crucial tool for cross-border payments
- The impact of quantum computing on payment security
- The challenges facing traditional retail experiences
- Current concerns around AI chatbots and the need for stronger safety measures
- The growing pains of emerging tech trends, from Nintendo's preorder challenges to Meta's AI controversies
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Nabil Manji Bio
Nabil Manji is the Senior Vice President and Head of Fintech Growth and Financial Partnerships at Worldpay, where he leads strategic initiatives in emerging payment technologies and financial partnerships. With extensive experience in the payments industry, he oversees how Worldpay collaborates with banks, fintech companies, and card networks to shape the future of money movement. His expertise in payment infrastructure and involvement in Worldpay's Global Payments Report make him uniquely qualified to discuss how technological innovations are transforming the way we think about and handle transactions in an increasingly digital world. His strategic vision for the intersection of technology and finance provides valuable
insights for businesses and professionals interested in the future of payments and financial technology.
Nabil Manji on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler
- 02:44 AI & Mental Health: The Rise of Digital Therapy Solutions
- 09:51 Nintendo Switch 2: When Preorders Go Wrong
- 18:06 Slate Auto: Reimagining the Electric Truck
- 25:44 The Three Pillars of AI in Payments with Nabil Manji
- 39:37 Digital Wallets: The Evolution of Modern Payment Methods
- 46:20 Cryptocurrency as Payment Infrastructure
- 49:20 Understanding Embedded Commerce & Finance
- 53:57 Quantum Computing's Impact on Payment Security
- 01:03:47 Meta AI Controversy: Safety Concerns & Celebrity Voices
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Cathy and Lee are taking a break this month, and August is Greatest Hits time on TechMagic as we pull out some special episodes from our vault. In this Greatest Hits episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack viral AI trends, privacy concerns surrounding ChatGPT's photo location capabilities, and the future of spatial computing with special guest Tom Emrich, author of "The Next Dimension." They discuss the marketing power of augmented reality, including Avon’s 320% sales boost, and examine the evolution from smartphone-based AR to smart glasses and mixed reality. Tom introduces the “Play, Pilot, Proof” framework and explains why “presence” is the new P in marketing. It’s a compelling look at how digital and physical worlds are fast converging.
What you will learn:
- How AI tools like ChatGPT can identify photo locations with striking accuracy
- Why the "em dash" has become a telltale sign of AI-generated content
- The significance of "presence" as the new P in marketing
- How dark factories are revolutionizing manufacturing with robot-only operations
- Why brands need to follow the "Play, Pilot, Proof" framework
- How spatial computing is transforming from smartphone-based AR to wearable devices
- The implications of viral AI trends for privacy and data collection
- The potential impact of AI replacing white-collar workers and C-suite executives
- How brands can leverage AR for marketing with conversion rate increases of up to 320%
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Tom Emrich Bio
Tom Emrich is a pioneering product leader in spatial computing with over 15 years of experience in AR, VR, and wearables. He’s helped shape the future of human-technology interaction through roles at Meta and Niantic, where he led AR platform strategy, launched industry-first AR Ads, and introduced mixed reality experiences. As the author of The Next Dimension, Tom offers a definitive guide to using AR for business growth. He’s also an investor, startup advisor, and ecosystem builder, known for founding We Are Wearables and co-producing AWE. A recognized thought leader, Tom’s insights have been featured in Forbes, CNN, and The New York Times.
Tom Emrich on LinkedIn
Buy the Next Dimension here
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
- 04:45 AI Trends: From Studio Ghibli to Dogs as Humans
- 08:25 ChatGPT's Photo Location Detection: Privacy Concerns Revealed
- 17:35 The Em Dash: How to Spot AI-Generated Content
- 25:30 Should You Say "Please" and "Thank You" to AI?
- 35:38 Interview: Tom Emrich on The Next Dimension of AR Marketing
- 40:51 How AR is Transforming the Marketing Funnel
- 44:29 The Evolution of Spatial Computing Hardware
- 50:13 "Presence" - The New P in Marketing
- 56:10 Humanoid Robots and Dark Factories: The Future of Manufacturing
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Cathy and Lee are on leave this month, and August is Greatest Hits time on TechMagic as we pull out some special episodes from our vault. In this Greatest Hits episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore cutting-edge innovations, from AI agents to Meta’s fashion-forward Ray-Ban smart glasses. Special guest Melissa Medina, CEO of eMerge Americas, discusses South Florida’s rise as a global tech hub and previews their upcoming conference featuring industry leaders like Palmer Luckey and Daymond John. The hosts also dive into gaming news from GDC, NVIDIA’s latest advancements, and the evolution of "vibe coding" in software development. Packed with industry insights and engaging discussions, this episode is a must-listen for tech enthusiasts, developers, and innovation leaders alike.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Melissa Medina Bio
Melissa Medina Jiménez is the co-founder, CEO, and President of eMerge Americas, a venture-backed platform transforming Miami into a global tech hub. Under her leadership, the annual eMerge Americas conference has grown to attract 20,000+ attendees from over 50 countries. A University of Florida graduate, Melissa also studied at ESADE in Barcelona. She is a partner at Medina Ventures and leads the Medina Family Foundation. Passionate about innovation and community impact, she champions Miami’s tech growth while raising her five children.
Melissa Medina on LinkedIn
eMerge Americas Website
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler
- 02:09 The Hidden Musical Talents of Tech Leaders - Lee's Harmonica Journey
- 06:55 Inside DC's Tech Scene: AI Summit & Chip Diplomacy Discussions
- 13:14 The Global AI Race: Who Will Be #3 After US and China?
- 19:35 South by Southwest 2024: Music Takes Center Stage
- 31:02 Gaming Industry Updates: GDC Preview & Nintendo Switch News
- 38:37 Meta's Fashion Future: Partnership with Coperni for Smart Glasses
- 43:25 The Rise of AI Agents: From Simple Tasks to Complex Automation
- 53:54 The Evolution of Coding: From Machine Language to AI-Assisted Development
- 1:00:19 Special Interview: Melissa Medina on Miami's Tech Transformation
- 1:11:53 Key Takeaways & Looking Ahead to Future Tech Developments
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While TechMagic hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler are on vacation, they spotlight a must-hear episode of Adspeak by Adweek. In this episode, Ryan Joe speaks with Adweek’s Rebecca Stewart and Audrey Kemp to unpack the fallout from Cannes Lions 2023, where AI-manipulated case studies led to major award revocations, most notably involving agency DM9. The trio explores how AI is reshaping creative submissions, the ethics of “scam ads,” and the introduction of new global integrity standards. For marketers, creatives, and agency leaders, this episode offers an urgent look into the future of advertising awards in an AI-driven world.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic.
Ryan Joe Bio
Ryan Joe is the Editor-in-Chief of Adweek, serving as the episode's primary host. With deep industry knowledge, he guides the discussion on award integrity and evolving standards in advertising recognition, particularly in light of recent controversies involving AI and creative submissions.
Ryan Joe on LinkedIn
Rebecca Stewart Bio
Rebecca Stewart is the Brand Editor at Adweek, bringing extensive expertise in advertising awards and industry recognition programs. Her in-depth knowledge of the Cannes Lions ecosystem and award evaluation processes provides valuable context on both historical practices and emerging challenges in creative recognition.
Rebecca Stewart on LinkedIn
Audrey Kemp Bio
Audre Kemp is Adweek's Agency Reporter, specializing in investigating and reporting on industry developments. Her detailed coverage of the DM9 controversy and subsequent changes to Cannes Lions' integrity standards offers crucial insights into the evolving landscape of advertising awards and accountability.
Audrey Kemp on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Intro: Welcome to Tech Magic's Special Episode
- 02:51 Understanding the Cannes Lions Award Hierarchy
- 06:17 Inside the Award Submission Process
- 09:38 The Rise of "Cannes Bait" and Scam Ads
- 12:48 DM9's AI Scandal: How It Unfolded
- 18:20 New Global Integrity Standards at Cannes
- 21:45 Balancing Creativity with Commercial Impact
- 24:48 Final Thoughts: The Future of Industry Awards
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In the season finale of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack the latest tech trends, from Meta’s neural interface bracelet and Apple’s liquid glass UI redesign to Nintendo Switch 2’s record-breaking launch. They’re joined by special guest Johanna Salazar, co-founder of FoodStream Network, who shares her mission to build human-centered tech that addresses food insecurity and fosters community.
The episode also explores pressing topics, including metadata copyright in AI training, the future of voice communication, and why inclusive, bilingual platforms are crucial in today’s global digital ecosystem. With industry insights and bold predictions, Cathy, Lee, and Johanna offer a powerful close to the season and tease what’s ahead when the show returns in September.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Johanna Salazar Bio
Johanna Salazar is a media executive, tech founder, and strategist with over 20 years of experience leading innovation at Viacom, MTV, Paramount, and IMG. She oversaw national production for MLS Season Pass on AppleTV and has built high-performing teams across global media and tech. As Co-Founder of FoodStream Network and Two Goats, she blends emerging tech, content, and community to drive impact. Born in Colombia, Johanna hosts The Media Machine podcast and champions systems that serve people and the planet.
Johanna Salazar on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to TechMagic Season 2 Finale
- 01:30 The Evolution of Tech: From VR to AI's Dominance
- 11:45 Meta's Neural Interface & The Future of Wearable Tech
- 16:35 Nintendo Switch 2: Breaking Sales Records Despite Limited Launch
- 22:15 Interview with Johanna Salazar: From Media to Tech Innovation
- 27:14 The Four Pillars Framework: Profits, Process, People & Planet
- 30:51 FoodStream Network: Building Tech Solutions for Food Security
- 40:25 Apple's Liquid Glass UI: Design Challenges and Vision Pro Connection
- 48:05 AI Fatigue & The Metadata Copyright Question
- 54:49 Looking Ahead: Space Communications & Season 3 Preview
- 56:47 Manhattan Jazz Quintet & Season Finale Sign-off
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On this TechMagicepisode, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler welcome Jeff Shardell, founder and CEO of Humble Brands, to hear about his journey from leading at Google to redefining sustainability in the CPG world. Jeff shares how his tech background shaped his approach to eco-friendly product design, scaling consumer goods, and building an authentic celebrity partnership with Jason Momoa.
Cathy and Lee also dive into cutting-edge mixed reality news, from ByteDance’s lightweight Pico headset to Oakley’s NASA visor collaboration. Plus, how Gen Z’s gaming habits are reshaping career paths. With updates on AI’s impact on gaming jobs and Roblox’s new adult dating features, this episode bridges the worlds of innovation, sustainability, and immersive tech. The hosts also preview what’s coming in Season 3 after their summer break.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Jeff Shardell Bio
Jeff Shardell is the CEO and Founder of Humble Brands, a sustainable personal care company known for its natural deodorants and eco-friendly packaging. With a distinguished background in tech leadership, including roles at Google during its early growth phase and Netscape, Jeff leveraged his experience scaling companies to revolutionize the CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) industry. He co-founded gloss.com, which was later acquired by Estée Lauder, before launching Humble Brands with a mission to create better-for-you personal care products while reducing environmental impact.
Jeff Shardell on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Intro and Welcome Back, Cathy
- 04:15 Music, AI and the Future of Live Entertainment
- 13:12 AI's Impact on Gaming: Candy Crush Layoffs & Industry Changes
- 29:18 Jeff Shardell: From Google Executive to Humble Brands Founder
- 35:00 Building Authentic Celebrity Partnerships in CPG
- 40:23 Sustainable Innovation: Beyond Plastic Packaging
- 51:35 ByteDance's New Mixed Reality Hardware & Industry Trends
- 56:20 Space Tech: Oakley's NASA Visor Collaboration
- 01:00:31 Gen Z Gaming Skills Becoming Career Opportunities
- 01:07:08 Season Wrap-up & Summer Break Announcement
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In this episode of TechMagic, Cathy Hackl is on vacation so host Lee Kebler is joined by Adam Davis McGee, where they unpack the latest tech headlines shaping the future of AI, VR, and gaming. They break down Secretary Marco Rubio's call for AI regulation following a deepfake incident and Denmark’s trailblazing AI liability laws. The duo also explores Apple Vision Pro’s potential design upgrades, the unexpected Zoom integration in Meta Quest, and Nintendo’s controversial Switch 2 game key card approach. Plus, they discuss how Atari’s 1979 chess program outwits ChatGPT, revealing current AI limits. Tune in for sharp insights on the evolving balance between tech innovation and responsibility.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Adam Davis-McGee Bio
Adam Davis-McGee is a dynamic Creative Director and Producer specializing in immersive storytelling across XR and traditional media. As Senior Producer at Journey, he led the virtual studio, pioneering cutting-edge virtual experiences. He developed a Web3 playbook for Yum! Brands, integrating blockchain and NFT strategies. At Condé Nast, Adam produced engaging video content for Wired and Ars Technica, amplifying digital storytelling. His groundbreaking XR journalism project, In Protest: Grassroots Stories from the Frontlines (Oculus/Meta), captured historic moments in VR. Passionate about pushing creative boundaries, Adam thrives on crafting innovative narratives that captivate audiences worldwide.
Adam Davis-McGee on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Intro: Welcome to Tech Magic with Lee Kebler and ADM
- 03:25 AI Regulation: From Political Confusion to Real Action
- 17:15 The Rise of AI-Generated Music and Content Authentication
- 37:10 The Hidden Cost of AI: Electricity Bills Spike Across 13 States
- 41:45 Apple Vision Pro: Design Missteps and Future Updates
- 50:05 Meta Quest's Evolution: From Gaming to Zoom Integration
- 54:30 When Old Meets New: Atari Chess vs Modern AI
- 58:20 Nintendo Switch Key Cards: Digital vs Physical Gaming Culture
- 01:02:00 Final Thoughts & Show Wrap-up
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Imagine a future where the emerging tech radically transforms human dating experiences.
On this episode of TechMagic, tech futurist Cathy Hackl explores first hand the future of love and dating in the age of AI and humanoid robots. Cathy’s experiment with AI matchmaking shows its impact and limitations on human connections. The hosts discuss the importance of preserving human interactions and communications using the AI tech.
Come for Tech, Stay for Magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Episode Highlights:
- Cathy Interviews Two Humanoid Robots - Cathy speaks with two humanoid robots on love and connection, gaining insights into how AI is responding to questions all about love
- The Impact of AI in Modern Dating - Cathy shares an insightful perspective about the need for human connection over dating a humanoid robot. She highlights the reality of the dating space which is to find warmth, connection and presence which isn’t provided by AI.
- The AI Dating Models - Cathy discusses one of her experiments with AI matchmaking which was to bring two people together at a TED event she attended and find out if they are a match, she finds out that the couple who were a match met a day prior and had experienced a connection. This result emphasized the important need for humans - connection. The future is about presence and human connection.
- The Humanoid Love - Cathy talks about her latest experience with dating four AIs - Chad (Chad GPT), Jim (Gemini, Google), Mateo (Meta AI), and Claude from Anthropic. She shares how much fun the experiment is and how it is shaping her view about love.
Key Discussion Topics:
- 27:10 AI and The Future of Relationships
- 28:08 Human Connections or AI attachments?
- 28:44 AI Matchmaking Experiment at TED
- 29:50 The Humanoid Love Experiment
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On this TechMagicepisode, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler break down the latest trends shaping our AI-powered future, as well as the policy and state of AI in DC. From Meta’s $100M AI recruitment strategies to their game-changing partnerships with Oakley and Prada for smart glasses, the duo explores how AI and hardware innovation are converging. They unpack the ethical and emotional nuances of human-AI relationships, the rise of AI-generated content, and how companies like Salesforce are integrating AI into core operations. Additionally, they discuss the Nintendo Switch 2’s distribution challenges and Meta’s ambitious hardware plans. Whether it’s corporate AI integration, wearable tech, or the battle for AI talent, this episode offers a sharp look at the risks and opportunities driving tech’s next chapter.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler
- 04:12 The Dangers of AI Relationships: Why We Need Human Connection
- 11:18 AI Regulation Debate: States' Rights vs Federal Control
- 15:13 DC's Rising Role as a Tech Power Center
- 23:54 Meta's Quest 3S Xbox Edition: A Game-Changing Partnership
- 28:40 Nintendo Switch 2's Success and Hardware Challenges
- 36:50 Meta vs OpenAI: The $100M Talent War
- 43:12 Meta's Smart Glasses Evolution: Oakley & Prada Partnership
- 48:00 Coming Next Week: Dating Robots & AI Love Stories
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On this TechMagicepisode, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Keblerunpack the complex relationship between humans and AI, from Cathy’s immersive week dating four AI boyfriends to growing concerns around AI-generated content. Cathy dives into the strange world of vibe coding and discovers anyone can gamify the pitfalls of the dating scene. The discussion spans Meta’s new smart eyewear partnerships with Oakley and Prada, VRChat’s innovative brand integration with Sawhorse Studios, and alarming developments in military AI contracts. With Adam Davis McGee joining the conversation, the trio also shares insider highlights from AWE (Augmented World Expo). Together, they explore how AI is reshaping creativity, jobs, and relationships, while emphasizing the importance of preserving human connection and authenticity in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Adam Davis-McGee on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
- 02:48 Dating AI: Inside the Experiment with Four Virtual Boyfriends
- 08:24 The Limitations of Perfect: When AI Gets Too Performative
- 17:22 Digital Dopamine: The Psychology of AI Relationships
- 23:48 Tech Meets Military: The Rise of AI Defense Contracts
- 31:10 AI Content Saturation and the Return to Human Connection
- 39:22 Doubling Down on Human Skills in an AI World
- 45:13 Meta's Smart Glasses and VRChat's Brand Evolution
- 52:04 Nostalgia Goes Virtual: Classic 3D Experiences in VR
- 56:45 Final Thoughts: Finding Balance Between Tech and Human Connection
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Adam Davis McGee dive into the cutting edge of spatial computing, AI, and extended reality. Lee is on sick leave this week and we wish him a speedy recovery! Join Cathy and Adam as they unpack Meta’s XR partnership with Palmer Luckey, Snap’s smart glasses ambitions, and Apple’s sleek AR design strategy. Cathy dives into the strange world of vibe coding and discovers anyone can gamify the pitfalls of the dating scene. The conversation also explores AI dating experiments, haptic tech in entertainment, and the evolving ethics of privacy in a spatially connected world. With insights from AWE and ILMxLAB, the hosts reflect on the shift from storytelling to “story living” and highlight key legislation shaping AI security. A must-listen for anyone tracking the future of tech-human interaction.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Adam Davis-McGee Bio
Adam Davis-McGee is a dynamic Creative Director and Producer specializing in immersive storytelling across XR and traditional media. As Senior Producer at Journey, he led the virtual studio, pioneering cutting-edge virtual experiences. He developed a Web3 playbook for Yum! Brands, integrating blockchain and NFT strategies. At Condé Nast, Adam produced engaging video content for Wired and Ars Technica, amplifying digital storytelling. His groundbreaking XR journalism project, In Protest: Grassroots Stories from the Frontlines (Oculus/Meta), captured historic moments in VR. Passionate about pushing creative boundaries, Adam thrives on crafting innovative narratives that captivate audiences worldwide.
Adam Davis-McGee on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Intro: Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl
- 06:33 Meta's Eagle Eye: Military XR Partnership with Palmer Luckey
- 14:05 Apple's Liquid Glass: Paving the Way for AR Glasses
- 17:25 Haptic Innovation: Apple's F1 Movie Trailer Experience
- 19:18 Human vs AI: Why F1 Racing Needs the Human Element
- 22:27 Browser History Dating: AI's Latest Match-Making Experiment
- 26:27 Snap's Vision: Consumer Smart Glasses Coming in 2026
- 31:27 From Storytelling to Story Living: ILMxLAB's Immersive Future
- 33:54 Closing Thoughts: Summer Break Announcement
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On this TechMagicGreatest Hits episode, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler welcome AI thought leader Sandy Carter, author of AI First, Human Always, and COO of Unstoppable Domains for a deep dive into AI-driven leadership and technological transformation. They break down the latest innovations, from Apple’s Vision Pro developer workshop to Meta’s bold moves in AR and spatial computing. Sandy shares expert insights on how business leaders can embrace AI while staying human-centric. Plus, hear exclusive details on her upcoming SXSW keynote. Whether you're an entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or AI pioneer, this episode is packed with game-changing knowledge you won’t want to miss.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Intro & Welcome to TechMagic
- 01:18 Inside Apple's Vision OS Developer Workshop Experience
- 04:13 Apple Vision Pro: Beyond the Initial Sales Numbers
- 07:07 The Future of Apple's Spatial Computing Strategy
- 13:35 Meta's Latest Developments in AI and XR
- 20:51 Meta's AR Glasses and $50M Creator Fund Discussion
- 26:05 Nostalgia: Early Days of VR Development
- 30:06 Interview with Sandy Carter: AI First, Human Always
- 37:40 Transforming Business Leadership in the AI Era
- 42:28 Making AI Accessible for Companies of All Sizes
- 47:07 Innovation in AI Content: The Living Book Concept
- 50:52 Where to Find Sandy Carter's Work & Resources
- 52:13 Key Takeaways & Closing Thoughts
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack the latest breakthroughs in AI and their ripple effects across industries. Cathy dives into the strange world of vibe coding and discovers anyone can gamify the pitfalls of the dating scene. They discuss how AI democratizes app creation, they examine Business Insider’s bold move toward a 70% AI-driven newsroom, Apple’s strategic push into gaming, and XR military collaborations from Meta and Microsoft. From wearable AI to the future of digital work, Cathy and Lee offer a sharp, balanced look at how AI is reshaping our world.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Intro: Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
- 03:45 The Rise of Vibe Coding: Non-Developers Creating Sophisticated Apps
- 15:30 Business Insider's AI Adoption and the Future of Journalism
- 25:45 The Hidden Cost of Replacing Entry-Level Jobs with AI
- 35:20 Social Media's Evolution in the Age of AI Content
- 45:15 Apple's Gaming Strategy: Studio Acquisition and Platform Development
- 55:30 XR Military Contracts: Meta, Microsoft, and Palmer Luckey's Partnership
- 01:05:00 Next Week at AWE: Live Broadcasting and Upcoming Conversations
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Keblerreunite to explore the latest in AI, tech hardware, and digital retail with special guest Dina Fierro, an Advisor and Fractional Marketing Leader. From Roblox’s real-world commerce integration to Google’s new XR glasses, the trio dives into how AI transforms distributed commerce, digital fashion, and the consumer experience. They also unpack wearable tech trends, spatial computing, and the ethical frontiers of AI-powered content creation. Whether you're a tech leader or brand builder, this episode delivers sharp insights on where innovation meets human connection in the future of retail.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Dina Fierro Bio
Dina Fierro is a visionary marketing leader with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of beauty, fashion, culture, and technology. She has held senior roles at Christian Louboutin, NARS, and Shiseido Americas, where she led groundbreaking digital initiatives across AI, social commerce, and mixed reality. Known for blending creativity with innovation, Dina has launched industry-first experiences on platforms like Roblox and TikTok. A sought-after speaker, mentor, advisor, and fractional marketing leader, she helps brands translate cultural shifts into strategic, consumer-centric growth.
Dina Fierro on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler
- 03:00 Adventures in Big Sur: When Google Maps Leads You Astray
- 04:30 Exploring Japan: Robotics, Culture and Innovation
- 14:01 The YouTube AI Content Crisis: A New Era of Disinformation
- 20:13 AI in the Workplace: Why Companies Shouldn't Replace Humans
- 32:04 Interview with Dina Fierro: The Future of Retail & Commerce
- 34:21 The Evolution of Distributed Commerce
- 46:11 Future-Proofing Brand Strategy in the AI Era
- 54:12 The Fashion Challenge of Wearable Tech
- 58:59 Texas Social Media Laws & Gaming Platforms
- 01:02:31 The ChatGPT Coffee Ground Divorce Story
- 01:08:36 Book Recommendations & Looking Ahead to AWE
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In this Greatest Hits episode of Tech Magic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the latest tech developments, from Meta's bold moves in AR to Apple's Vision Pro journey one year later. They highlight Meta's success with Ray-Ban AI glasses, Apple’s challenges in AR innovation, and how creators are evolving into media moguls. Cathy also interviews special guest Jeff Barrett, who shares insights on building sustainable creator careers, the rise of nano-influencers, and the global expansion of digital content platforms. Whether you’re into cutting-edge tech or the creator economy, this episode captures 2025’s emerging trends.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Jeff Barrett Bio
Jeff Barrett serves as the Chief Evangelist at the Shorty Awards, where he's been involved with the organization for 10 years. A former Shorty Award winner for Best Business Blogger, Barrett has evolved from a creator to an agency leader, demonstrating the possible progression within the creator economy. His journey began uniquely on MySpace and included creating a successful parody account on Twitter that inadvertently led to legitimate recognition in the marketing world. Barrett currently hosts the Shorty Awards show and runs a podcast called "It's No Fluke," which has produced over 130 episodes featuring leaders from major companies like Google, Meta, and the NFL.
Jeff Barrett on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 - Intro & Tech News Overview
- 02:50 - The Future of American XR: Competition and Innovation
- 11:15 - Meta's Metaverse Strategy: Make or Break Year
- 28:18 - Apple Vision Pro: One Year Later
- 41:24 - Interview with Jeff Barrett: The Evolution of the Shorty Awards
- 47:32 - The Creator Economy: Trends and Future Growth
- 53:27 - Building Sustainable Creator-Brand Partnerships
- 01:02:34 - Creator Identity & Platform Evolution
- 01:07:55 - Final Thoughts & Media Recommendations
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In this episode of TechMagic, host Cathy Hackl is joined by Samantha G Wolfe, founder of PitchFWD and NYU adjunct professor, to explore how AI and emerging tech are redefining relationships. From AI-generated love letters to dating in virtual environments, they examine the evolving boundaries between authentic connection and digital convenience. The duo discusses the ethics of emotional AI, the importance of human messiness, and the need for “non-AI pledges” in romance. Packed with Cathy’s real-world experiments and and insightful commentary, this episode is essential for anyone navigating love, intimacy, and connection in a world increasingly shaped by technology.
What you will learn:
- How AI companions are being used beyond loneliness relief
- Why the "messiness" of human relationships remains valuable
- How to navigate the balance between technology-enhanced and authentic human connections in modern dating using Cathy’s Tech Intimacy Scale
- The emerging challenges of AI-generated messages in relationships
- Why creating "non-AI relationship pledges" might become important
- How spatial computing and 3D interactions could transform the future of digital dating and what Cathy’s building to disrupt this space
- Why human presence and in-person connections remain crucial
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Samantha G Wolfe Bio
Samantha G Wolfe is the founder of Pitch Forward and an adjunct professor at NYU, where she teaches pioneering courses on avatars, AI agents, and virtual beings. With a background in psychology, television, and emerging tech, Sam specializes in brand strategy for bleeding-edge technologies, helping visionary companies clearly articulate their value and future impact. Her expertise spans AI, spatial computing, XR, haptics, and metaverse innovation across 20+ industries. Known for her clarity, depth, and contagious enthusiasm, she bridges the gap between innovation and understanding through thought leadership, marketing strategy, and education, empowering the world to grasp the true potential of tomorrow’s tech.
Samantha G Wolfe on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic: Special Episode on Tech, Love & Life
- 02:47 Dating in the Age of AI: Government Restrictions and Digital Romance
- 12:20 Beyond Loneliness: The Many Reasons People Use AI Companions
- 16:05 The Value of Human "Messiness" in Relationships
- 21:00 Reimagining Digital Dating Through 3D Presence
- 38:15 The Non-AI Relationship Pledge: Setting Digital Boundaries
- 44:53 The Tech Intimacy Scale: Finding Balance in Modern Love
- 50:20 Dating AI Chatbots: A Week-Long Experiment Preview
- 58:54 Closing Thoughts: The Future of Human Connection
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In this episode of TechMagic, Cathy Hackl shares an exciting announcement, whilst co-hosts Lee Kebler and Adam Davis McGee dissect the latest shifts in AI, gaming, and digital privacy. From the delayed launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 to Meta’s controversial AI-driven ad strategies, the duo tackles pressing ethical, legal, and technological questions. They explore Visa’s investment in AI agents, Spotify’s AI DJ, and the societal impact of chatbots and deepfake legislation. With candid insights and sharp analysis, Lee and ADM shed light on the balance between innovation and responsibility, highlighting how AI reshapes industries, public trust, and the digital future.
What you will learn:
- Why GTA 6's delay to 2026 signals broader challenges in game development timelines
- How Meta's AI-powered advertising strategy could revolutionize digital marketing
- Why AI chatbots present significant safety concerns for minors
- The implications of new US legislation targeting deep fake pornography
- How Visa's AI agent payment system could transform automated purchasing behaviors
- Why Meta Ray-Ban's default AI privacy settings raise significant data concerns
- How AI models prioritize objectives over truthfulness, with accuracy rates below 50%
- Why AI-generated evidence in legal proceedings requires new regulatory frameworks
- The impact of Spotify's AI DJ feature on the future of personalized music curation
- The challenges of training AI on potentially compromised or biased internet data
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Introduction & Birthday Greetings for Cathy
- 01:36 AI's Impact on Tech: A Bumpy Road Ahead
- 05:10 GTA 6 Delay & Roblox Brand Partnerships
- 07:14 AI Chatbots: Safety Concerns for Young Users
- 13:09 Google's Responsible Approach to AI Development
- 14:29 New Legislation on Deepfake Content
- 19:55 AI-Generated Evidence in Legal Proceedings
- 24:25 The Truth Problem: AI's Accuracy Below 50%
- 28:23 Training AI on Internet Data: Garbage In, Garbage Out
- 30:58 Visa's AI Shopping Assistant Plans
- 36:09 Meta's AI-Powered Advertising Revolution
- 43:24 Meta Ray-Ban Privacy Settings Update
- 45:37 AI DJs & The Future of Music Curation
- 51:20 Closing Thoughts & Next Week's Preview
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack the cutting-edge innovations transforming finance and commerce in 2025. Along with special guest Nabil Manji, SVP of Fintech Growth at Worldpay, the trio discusses the rise of digital wallets and embedded finance, as well as the power of AI agents and real-time payments. They explore how technology is redefining money movement on a global scale and tackle the impact of quantum computing on payment security. They look at the challenges of AI safety and what companies like Shopify are doing to lead the charge. A must-listen for anyone curious about the future of fintech.
What you will learn:
- How digital wallets are transforming global commerce
- Why embedded finance is revolutionizing delivery of financial services to customers
- The evolution of real-time payments across different global markets
- How AI agents are reshaping commerce through automated purchasing
- Why stablecoins are emerging as a crucial tool for cross-border payments
- The impact of quantum computing on payment security
- The challenges facing traditional retail experiences
- Current concerns around AI chatbots and the need for stronger safety measures
- The growing pains of emerging tech trends, from Nintendo's preorder challenges to Meta's AI controversies
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Nabil Manji Bio
Nabil Manji is the Senior Vice President and Head of Fintech Growth and Financial Partnerships at Worldpay, where he leads strategic initiatives in emerging payment technologies and financial partnerships. With extensive experience in the payments industry, he oversees how Worldpay collaborates with banks, fintech companies, and card networks to shape the future of money movement. His expertise in payment infrastructure and involvement in Worldpay's Global Payments Report make him uniquely qualified to discuss how technological innovations are transforming the way we think about and handle transactions in an increasingly digital world. His strategic vision for the intersection of technology and finance provides valuable insights for businesses and professionals interested in the future of payments and financial technology.
Nabil Manji on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler
- 02:44 AI & Mental Health: The Rise of Digital Therapy Solutions
- 09:51 Nintendo Switch 2: When Preorders Go Wrong
- 18:06 Slate Auto: Reimagining the Electric Truck
- 25:44 The Three Pillars of AI in Payments with Nabil Manji
- 39:37 Digital Wallets: The Evolution of Modern Payment Methods
- 46:20 Cryptocurrency as Payment Infrastructure
- 49:20 Understanding Embedded Commerce & Finance
- 53:57 Quantum Computing's Impact on Payment Security
- 01:03:47 Meta AI Controversy: Safety Concerns & Celebrity Voices
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack viral AI trends, privacy concerns with ChatGPT's photo location capabilities, and the future of spatial computing with special guest Tom Emrich, author of "The Next Dimension." They discuss the marketing power of augmented reality, including Avon’s 320% sales boost, and examine the evolution from smartphone-based AR to smart glasses and mixed reality. Tom introduces the “Play, Pilot, Proof” framework and explains why “presence” is the new P in marketing. It’s a compelling look at how digital and physical worlds are converging fast.
What you will learn:
- How AI tools like ChatGPT can identify photo locations with striking accuracy
- Why the "em dash" has become a telltale sign of AI-generated content
- The significance of "presence" as the new P in marketing
- How dark factories are revolutionizing manufacturing with robot-only operations
- Why brands need to follow the "Play, Pilot, Proof" framework
- How spatial computing is transforming from smartphone-based AR to wearable devices
- The implications of viral AI trends for privacy and data collection
- The potential impact of AI replacing white-collar workers and C-suite executives
- How brands can leverage AR for marketing with conversion rate increases of up to 320%
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Tom Emrich Bio
Tom Emrich is a pioneering product leader in spatial computing with over 15 years of experience in AR, VR, and wearables. He’s helped shape the future of human-technology interaction through roles at Meta and Niantic, where he led AR platform strategy, launched industry-first AR Ads, and introduced mixed reality experiences. As the author of The Next Dimension, Tom offers a definitive guide to using AR for business growth. He’s also an investor, startup advisor, and ecosystem builder, known for founding We Are Wearables and co-producing AWE. A recognized thought leader, Tom’s insights have been featured in Forbes, CNN, and The New York Times.
Tom Emrich on LinkedIn
Buy the Next Dimension here
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
- 04:45 AI Trends: From Studio Ghibli to Dogs as Humans
- 08:25 ChatGPT's Photo Location Detection: Privacy Concerns Revealed
- 17:35 The Em Dash: How to Spot AI-Generated Content
- 25:30 Should You Say "Please" and "Thank You" to AI?
- 35:38 Interview: Tom Emrich on The Next Dimension of AR Marketing
- 40:51 How AR is Transforming the Marketing Funnel
- 44:29 The Evolution of Spatial Computing Hardware
- 50:13 "Presence" - The New P in Marketing
- 56:10 Humanoid Robots and Dark Factories: The Future of Manufacturing
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack the latest from the TED conference, including Cathy’s AI matchmaking experiment and Google's XR glasses demo. They explore OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s controversial take on intellectual property, the growing urgency for AI regulation, and how international tariffs reshape tech manufacturing. The duo also dives into evolving gaming platforms like Among Us 3D and Meta’s Horizon tools, raising key questions around privacy, education, and empathy in leadership. It's a wide-ranging, thought-provoking discussion on where technology is headed—and how society can keep pace.
Episode Highlights:
- Google’s XR Glasses and the Rise of AI-Powered Memory—Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore Google’s new XR glasses, which retain spatial memory and allow users to interact with remembered environments. They discuss how persistent AI memory could redefine personal computing and digital assistance.
- Meta, Roblox, and the Future of Text-to-3D World Building—The hosts explore how platforms like Meta and Roblox use AI to transform simple text into immersive virtual worlds. They weigh the creative potential against the risk of low-quality content flooding digital spaces.
- Automation vs. Employment in the Age of AI – Lee and Cathy unpack how AI and robotics are displacing workers across sectors. They analyze the rising adoption of automation in manufacturing and the urgent need for education reform to ensure economic sustainability and job creation.
- The Creative Rights Battle in AI Training Data – Sam Altman’s TED talk sparks a heated debate about AI models being trained on copyrighted content. The hosts discuss the ethical dilemma, calls for creator compensation, and how tech leaders must build fair frameworks for the future.
- Gaming’s Evolution with Among Us 3D and Meta Horizons – Cathy and Lee spotlight the shift toward cross-platform, immersive gaming. From Among Us 3D to Meta’s Horizon tools, they explore how gaming is becoming a testing ground for virtual presence, collaboration, and digital identity.
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
- 04:02 Inside the TED Conference: Robots, AI, and Global Tensions
- 15:35 The Future of Virtual Worlds: Meta and Roblox's AI Building Tools
- 31:30 The AI Employment Paradox: Automation vs Human Workforce
- 43:39 OpenAI and IP Rights: Sam Altman's Controversial TED Talk
- 50:12 AI Ethics and Regulation: Navigating New Legal Challenges
- 57:21 Among Us 3D: Cross-Platform Gaming Evolution Announced
- 59:13 Final Thoughts: Technology, Education, and Society's Future
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Lee Kebler and Adam Davis-McGee break down the most significant shifts in tech, from Nintendo’s Switch 2 delays to the EU’s bold €20B AI infrastructure push. They unpack Honor’s deepfake detection breakthroughs, Kawasaki’s quadrupedal robot horse, and tariffs disrupting major product launches. With a live update from Cathy Hackl from TED2025, the episode also explores the future of AR wearables and why four-legged robots might outpace their humanoid counterparts. Whether you're into cutting-edge gadgets or global tech policy, this episode offers a sharp, fast-paced look at what’s shaping our digital future.
What you will learn:
- Why Nintendo's Switch 2 anti-scalping measures represent a new approach
- How the EU's €20 billion AI gigafactory initiative signals a shift in global tech
- The evolution of deep fake detection technology into a $15.7 billion market by 2026
- Why Kawasaki's robotic horse represents a practical approach to autonomous mobility
- The significance of Honor's AI deep fake detection technology
- Why quadrupedal robots may prove more practical than bipedal designs
- How companies like Meta and Google are approaching AR glasses development
Come for the tech and stay for the magic!
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Lee Kebler
- 03:20 Nintendo Switch 2: Fighting Scalpers with Smart Pre-Orders
- 13:02 Gaming Price Evolution: From Game Boy to $80 Games
- 15:15 Valve's New VR Headset: The $1200 Deckard Revolution
- 22:37 Google Debuts AR Glasses at TED: Meta's New Competition
- 34:42 EU's €20B AI Investment: Building Europe's Tech Future
- 38:21 Honor's AI Deep Fake Detection Goes Global
- 44:05 Kawasaki's Robo-Horse: The Future of Quadruped Robotics
- 56:06 Wrap-Up: Next Week with Cathy Hackl
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler break down the latest in AI, gaming, and entertainment. They discuss OpenAI’s education initiatives, the viral Studio Ghibli AI trend, and Apple’s AI strategy. Plus, get insights into Nintendo Switch 2 rumors and the rise of immersive experiences like Meow Wolf. This episode also introduces a new segment hosted by Adam Davis McGee, diving into the evolving relationship between technology and storytelling. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or an industry insider, TechMagic keeps you ahead of the curve on emerging trends and groundbreaking innovations.
What you will learn:
- Why OpenAI's new Academy signals important shifts in AI education and transparency
- How the viral Studio Ghibli AI trend raised concerns about data privacy and copyright
- Why Apple's approach to AI training may prove more sustainable long-term
- The latest updates on Nintendo Switch 2
- How Generation Alpha is revolutionizing dating through gaming platforms
- Why immersive experiences like Meow Wolf are reshaping entertainment
- Key developments in Netflix's evolving approach
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic: Innovation & Beyond
- 00:46 TreeFort Tech Festival: A Pacific Northwest SXSW
- 07:22 OpenAI Academy Launch & Data Privacy Concerns
- 16:06 Nintendo Switch 2: What to Expect from the Big Reveal
- 20:22 Gen Alpha's Dating Revolution: Gaming Meets Romance
- 23:02 Black Mirror Season 7 & Netflix's Interactive Future
- 28:04 The Rise of Immersive Entertainment: Meow Wolf & Beyond
- 30:45 ADM's New Segment: Sundance's Move & The Future of Indie Film
- 34:43 Music Spotlight: Jazz is Dead & Show Wrap-up
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the latest tech innovations shaping our world. They explore AI’s growing role in fast-food automation, the rapid expansion of VR social platforms, and how Gen Alpha is redefining dating through gaming. The episode also unpacks Spain’s strict AI content laws, the Take It Down Act to combat deepfakes, and AI’s groundbreaking impact on healthcare. With discussions on AI copyright regulations and the future of digital interaction, this episode offers a compelling look at how technology is transforming our daily lives—and why responsible innovation matters.
What you will learn:
- Gen Alpha Dating: How Technology is Changing Teen Relationships
- GDC Recap: Meta's Quest Success and VR Social Growth
- AI in Drive-Throughs: The Future of Fast Food Ordering
- Using AI to Transform Healthcare and Patient Care
- AI Copyright Laws: Human Input vs Machine Generation
- Spain's AI Content Laws and Protecting Against Deepfakes
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
- 4:35 Gen Alpha Dating: How Technology is Changing Teen Relationships
- 11:25 GDC Recap: Meta's Quest Success and VR Social Growth
- 20:30 AI in Drive-Throughs: The Future of Fast Food Ordering
- 26:39 Using AI to Transform Healthcare and Patient Care
- 32:54 AI Copyright Laws: Human Input vs Machine Generation
- 39:07 Spain's AI Content Laws and Protecting Against Deepfakes
- 45:17 Wrap-Up: Music Recommendations and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the latest in AI, gaming, and digital innovation. They explore how companies can move beyond AI hype to real-world applications, the evolving landscape of social platforms post-COVID, and why Niantic's $3.85B gaming sale signals a shift in geospatial AI. They also examine Microsoft's overlooked accessibility tech, AI-powered gaming coaches, and the rising battle for AR dominance. With sharp insights and candid analysis, this discussion unpacks the most pressing trends shaping the future of technology and human connection.
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic: Innovation, AI & Everything In Between
- 02:34 Microsoft Edge's Surprising Text-to-Speech Revolution
- 08:38 The Rise of IRL Connection in a Digital Age: Base.club & Beyond
- 23:12 Debating Corporate AI Strategy: Tools vs Hype
- 42:11 Niantic's $3.85B Gaming Sale & Pivot to Geospatial AI
- 44:24 Roblox Cube: Democratizing Game Development with AI
- 46:12 Xbox Copilot & Discord's Game-Changing SDK Integration
- 49:22 Silicon Valley's AGI Predictions: Hype vs Reality
- 56:33 The Future of AR: Google, Meta, and Snap's Glass Wars
- 01:06:46 Final Thoughts: Book Recommendations & Cultural Impact
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore cutting-edge innovations, from AI agents to Meta’s fashion-forward Ray-Ban smart glasses. Special guest Melissa Medina, CEO of eMerge Americas, discusses South Florida’s rise as a global tech hub and previews their upcoming conference featuring industry leaders like Palmer Luckey and Daymond John. The hosts also dive into gaming news from GDC, NVIDIA’s latest advancements, and the evolution of "vibe coding" in software development. Packed with industry insights and engaging discussions, this episode is a must-listen for tech enthusiasts, developers, and innovation leaders alike.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Melissa Medina Bio
Melissa Medina Jiménez is the co-founder, CEO, and President of eMerge Americas, a venture-backed platform transforming Miami into a global tech hub. Under her leadership, the annual eMerge Americas conference has grown to attract 20,000+ attendees from over 50 countries. A University of Florida graduate, Melissa also studied at ESADE in Barcelona. She is a partner at Medina Ventures and leads the Medina Family Foundation. Passionate about innovation and community impact, she champions Miami’s tech growth while raising her five children.
Melissa Medina on LinkedIn
eMerge Americas Website
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler
- 02:09 The Hidden Musical Talents of Tech Leaders - Lee's Harmonica Journey
- 06:55 Inside DC's Tech Scene: AI Summit & Chip Diplomacy Discussions
- 13:14 The Global AI Race: Who Will Be #3 After US and China?
- 19:35 South by Southwest 2024: Music Takes Center Stage
- 31:02 Gaming Industry Updates: GDC Preview & Nintendo Switch News
- 38:37 Meta's Fashion Future: Partnership with Coperni for Smart Glasses
- 43:25 The Rise of AI Agents: From Simple Tasks to Complex Automation
- 53:54 The Evolution of Coding: From Machine Language to AI-Assisted Development
- 1:00:19 Special Interview: Melissa Medina on Miami's Tech Transformation
- 1:11:53 Key Takeaways & Looking Ahead to Future Tech Developments
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On this TechMagicepisode, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler welcome AI thought leader Sandy Carter, author of AI First, Human Always, and COO of Unstoppable Domains for a deep dive into AI-driven leadership and technological transformation. They break down the latest innovations, from Apple’s Vision Pro developer workshop to Meta’s bold moves in AR and spatial computing. Sandy shares expert insights on how business leaders can embrace AI while staying human-centric. Plus, hear exclusive details on her upcoming SXSW keynote. Whether you're an entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, or AI pioneer, this episode is packed with game-changing knowledge you won’t want to miss.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Sandy Carter Bio
Sandy Carter is a renowned technology executive and author of "AI First, Human Always," her seventh book published by Wiley. As a leading voice in artificial intelligence and business transformation, she has interviewed over 450 companies to gather insights on AI implementation and leadership strategies. Known for her expertise in emerging technologies and innovation, Carter is a regular Forbes contributor and featured keynote speaker at South by Southwest for seven consecutive years. Her latest work focuses on helping businesses of all sizes navigate the AI revolution, providing practical guidance on integrating artificial intelligence while maintaining human-centric approaches. Carter's experience spanning roles at major technology companies like IBM and Amazon, combined with her deep understanding of AI applications for enterprises and small businesses, makes her a trusted authority in digital transformation and AI leadership.
Sandy Carter on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Intro & Welcome to TechMagic
- 01:18 Inside Apple's Vision OS Developer Workshop Experience
- 04:13 Apple Vision Pro: Beyond the Initial Sales Numbers
- 07:07 The Future of Apple's Spatial Computing Strategy
- 13:35 Meta's Latest Developments in AI and XR
- 20:51 Meta's AR Glasses and $50M Creator Fund Discussion
- 26:05 Nostalgia: Early Days of VR Development
- 30:06 Interview with Sandy Carter: AI First, Human Always
- 37:40 Transforming Business Leadership in the AI Era
- 42:28 Making AI Accessible for Companies of All Sizes
- 47:07 Innovation in AI Content: The Living Book Concept
- 50:52 Where to Find Sandy Carter's Work & Resources
- 52:13 Key Takeaways & Closing Thoughts
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler, along with special guest Richard Attias, CEO of the Future Investment Initiative (FII), explore the latest trends in AI, spatial computing, and gaming. They discuss the future of Apple Vision Pro, the challenges of productizing AI, and the rise and fall of Humane AI Pin. They also highlight the potential of user-generated content (UGC) in gaming, with a focus on Grand Theft Auto VI. Richard shares his vision for purpose-driven investments and the global impact of AI and technology. Tune in to gain valuable insights into how these developments impact global competitiveness and the evolving tech landscape.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Richard Attias Bio
Richard Attias is a globally recognized strategist, producer, and CEO of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, a global nonprofit foundation driven by data with an investment arm and one agenda: Impact on Humanity. He is also the Founder and Chairman at Richard Attias, He has organized high-profile events such as the Davos in the Desert summit and the New York Forum Africa, bringing together world leaders, investors, and innovators to address critical global challenges.
Richard is passionate about purpose-driven investments and aligning capital with innovation to shape a better future for industries, economies, and societies. His work has positioned FII as a catalyst for transformative change on the global stage.
Richard Attias on LinkedIn
Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute on Linkedin
Key Discussion Topics:
- 00:00 Intro
- 03:17 Apple Vision Pro and Spatial Computing
- 12:23 AI in the Workplace: Feature vs. Product
- 20:32 The Rise and Fall of Humane AI Pin
- 29:35 Gaming and User-Generated Content (UGC)
- 43:57 Purpose-Driven Investments: Interview with Richard Attias
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In this episode of TechMagic, Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore groundbreaking innovations from Saudi Arabia’s LEAP conference to Meta’s ambitious hardware plans. They discuss Meta’s vision for 10 million Ray-Ban smart glasses by 2026, Apple's Vision Pro updates, advances in humanoid robotics, and the future of AI regulation. With insights on quantum computing, wearable tech, and military mixed reality, this episode delves into the rapidly evolving tech landscape and its impact on global industries.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 Intro: Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler
- 01:35 Inside LEAP: Saudi Arabia's Massive Tech Conference
- 04:05 Quantum Computing: Moving from Concept to Reality
- 06:45 Global AI Perspectives: Beyond US-China Dynamics
- 12:53 Meta's Hardware Ambitions: 10M Ray-Ban Smart Glasses by 2026
- 17:15 Tech Giants' Dilemma: Focus vs. Diversification
- 21:29 Apple Vision Pro Updates: Intelligence Integration Coming Soon
- 23:50 The Robot Revolution: Tech Companies Enter the Race
- 27:58 Industry Updates: Unity Layoffs & Final Thoughts
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In this episode of Tech Magic, host Lee Kebler welcomes special guest Adam Davis-McGee for an insightful conversation that explores the latest in AI, VR, and accessibility tech, including OpenAI’s custom chip ambitions, legal updates on AI-generated content, and groundbreaking haptic displays, making NBA games accessible to blind and low-vision fans. They also discuss the evolution of music technology, Meta’s Horizon platform challenges, and the security concerns surrounding AI tools in government. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of emerging technology. For this episode, co-host Cathy Hackl is away attending the LEAP conference in Saudi Arabia.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Adam Davis-McGee Bio
Adam Davis-McGee is a dynamic Creative Director and Producer specializing in immersive storytelling across XR and traditional media. As Senior Producer at Journey, he led the virtual studio, pioneering cutting-edge virtual experiences. He developed a Web3 playbook for Yum! Brands, integrating blockchain and NFT strategies. At Condé Nast, Adam produced engaging video content for Wired and Ars Technica, amplifying digital storytelling. His groundbreaking XR journalism project, In Protest: Grassroots Stories from the Frontlines (Oculus/Meta), captured historic moments in VR. Passionate about pushing creative boundaries, Adam thrives on crafting innovative narratives that captivate audiences worldwide.
Adam Davis-McGee on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 - Intro & Update from Cathy in Saudi Arabia
- 03:10 - Music Tech Innovation: NAM Conference Highlights
- 07:10 - AI Copyright Laws: New Rules for Creative Works
- 14:17 - OpenAI's Bold Move into Chip Design
- 21:53 - Meta's Horizon Challenges & VR Gaming Future
- 29:15 - Innovative Haptic Display for Blind Sports Fans
- 34:04 - Super Bowl Tech: Minimalist Marketing Trends
- 38:54 - Final Thoughts & Recommendations
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In this episode of Tech Magic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the latest tech developments, from Meta's bold moves in AR, to Apple's Vision Pro journey one year later. They highlight Meta's success with Ray-Ban AI glasses, Apple’s challenges in AR innovation, and how creators are evolving into media moguls. Cathy also interviews special guest Jeff Barrett, who shares insights on building sustainable creator careers, the rise of nano-influencers, and the global expansion of digital content platforms. Whether you’re into cutting-edge tech or the creator economy, this episode captures 2025’s emerging trends.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Jeff Barrett Bio
Jeff Barrett serves as the Chief Evangelist at the Shorty Awards, where he's been involved with the organization for 10 years. A former Shorty Award winner for Best Business Blogger, Barrett has evolved from a creator to an agency leader, demonstrating the possible progression within the creator economy. His journey began uniquely on MySpace and included creating a successful parody account on Twitter that inadvertently led to legitimate recognition in the marketing world. Barrett currently hosts the Shorty Awards show and runs a podcast called "It's No Fluke," which has produced over 130 episodes featuring leaders from major companies like Google, Meta, and the NFL.
Jeff Barrett on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 - Intro & Tech News Overview
- 02:50 - The Future of American XR: Competition and Innovation
- 11:15 - Meta's Metaverse Strategy: Make or Break Year
- 28:18 - Apple Vision Pro: One Year Later
- 41:24 - Interview with Jeff Barrett: The Evolution of the Shorty Awards
- 47:32 - The Creator Economy: Trends and Future Growth
- 53:27 - Building Sustainable Creator-Brand Partnerships
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In this episode of TechMagic, Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore groundbreaking trends in tech. They discuss the rise of DeepSeek AI and its disruption of traditional business models, the strategic importance of spatial computing and XR technologies for U.S. leadership, and key takeaways from the NAM show. The duo highlights open-source innovation, shifts in AI adoption, and hardware advancements shaping the future. Listeners gain valuable insights into how these developments impact global competitiveness and the evolving tech landscape.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 Intro
- 01:27 The DeepSeek Disruption
- 13:15 U.S. Leadership in Spatial Computing
- 32:16 NAM Show's AI-Free Innovation
- 39:50 Super Bowl Tech Predictions
- 44:11 Retro Gaming Nostalgia
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore the latest innovations from CES 2025, delving into groundbreaking AI developments and the dynamic creator economy. They reflect on the impact of AI on technology and society, share insights from global tech hubs, and discuss the future of dating technology. With engaging discussions on the evolving landscape of social media and the attention economy, this episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of innovation and culture.
Come for the Tech stay for the Magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 Intro
- 02:44 AI RAN Alliance
- 05:21 The Creator Economy in Dubai
- 10:21 Tech's Growing Presence in Washington, DC
- 12:08 The Attention Economy
- 24:38 Emerging Tech Hubs and Global Perspectives -
- 44:47 The Future of Dating Technology -
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In this exciting episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler kick off 2025 live from CES in Las Vegas. They delve into the latest AI trends, explore groundbreaking health tech like Withings' innovative health tracking mirror, and discuss the buzz around the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. With insights into AI’s growing role across industries, reflections on CES's vibrant atmosphere, and a light-hearted look at quirky innovations, Cathy and Lee provide an engaging mix of humor, predictions, and expert analysis. Tune in for a captivating journey through the ever-evolving world of technology!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 Intro
- 03:15 AI Takes Center Stage at CES
- 05:05 The Wild World of Startups
- 10:28 Positive Vibes Amidst Challenges
- 12:43 Anticipation for NVIDIA's Keynote
- 28:17 Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks
- 31:24 Fortnite's Media Evolution
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In this Greatest Hits episode, we revisit an outstanding show from earlier this year. Join us on TechMagic, where Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler look back at the tech events of 2024 and recap the latest tech developments. They discuss the buzz surrounding CES, Apple Vision Pro's release, and spatial computing's evolving landscape. They also dive into the intersection of AI and journalism, explore the future of gaming, and delve into a groundbreaking innovation—the eTongue, which mimics human taste. Packed with insights, predictions, and lively conversation, this episode offers a refresher at one of the best episodes in 2024.
Come for the Tech, and stay for the Magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech and gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platform strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
[00:00] Intro
[00:04:10] Apple Vision Pro Announcement
[00:12:01] The Future of Spatial Computing
[00:19:13] OpenAI vs. New York Times Lawsuit
[00:30:16] The Rise of AI in Daily Life
[00:46:16] Walmart and Unity Partnership
[01:04:23] The eTongue: A Taste of the Future
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In this second part of the 2024 retrospective episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler reflect on AI's profound impact across industries in 2024. They discuss YouTube’s groundbreaking decision to allow users to request the removal of AI-generated impersonations, highlighting its promise and challenges in content moderation. The hosts revisit key moments from the Roblox Developers Conference, where AI was leveraged to innovate virtual commerce and redefine brand engagement for younger audiences. They also examine Intuit’s controversial layoffs amid AI-focused hiring, raising questions about the future workforce. Through these discussions, they explore how AI shaped creativity, commerce, and careers in a transformative year.
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech and gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platform strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 - AI Content Removal on YouTube
- 01:18 - Concerns Over Enforcement Mechanisms
- 02:01 - The Nature of Creativity and AI
- 04:05 - Highlights from the Roblox Developers Conference
- 05:42 - Intuit's Layoffs and AI Initiatives
- 06:12 - The Future of Work in a Tech-Driven World
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In this first part of a two-part episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler reflect on the key developments in the gaming industry in 2024. They explore Mike Verdu's appointment as Netflix’s VP of Generative AI for Games, his creator-first vision, and the rise of AI-driven tools to accelerate game development. The duo discusses Atari's nostalgic comeback, highlighted by founder Nolan Bushnell's insights on affordable VR tech like the Oculus Quest 3. They also tackle the staff exodus at Annapurna Interactive and its potential impact. The episode concludes with gaming-meets-music innovations, including Fortnite's Lofi Girl map, signaling a transformative era for gaming and media convergence.
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech and gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platform strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 - Introduction to Generative AI in Gaming
- 01:39 - The Nostalgic Return of Atari
- 03:13 - Impact of the Oculus Quest 3
- 03:45 - Turmoil at Annapurna Interactive
- 07:09 - The Convergence of Movies and Video Games
- 09:21 - Evolving Media Properties
- 10:16 - The Lofi Girl Map in Fortnite
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While Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler take a short holiday break, TechMagic brings you an interview with Katie McIntyre, Founder and Design Lead of Matriarch. Katie was a TechMagic guest cohost earlier in the season, and Time Magazine has ranked her as one of the leading female VFX artists and has featured her creations.
Katie discusses her groundbreaking work in feminine futurism and shares her unique approach to integrating feminist art principles into design and technology. She also reflects on her experiences at Apple and Google and the challenges of being a woman in tech. She also unveils her new brand, Matriarch, aimed at empowering women in the tech and design industries. Tune in to hear about Katie's efforts to reshape the intersection of fashion, technology, and culture while inspiring the next generation of creatives.
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech and gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platform strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Katie McIntyre Bio
Katie McIntyre is a Creative Director, Fashion & Industrial Designer, Film Director, VFX Artist, Ivy League Lecturer, and Women’s Rights Advocate. As the founder of Katie McIntyre Studio, she collaborates with renowned artists like Nicki Minaj, Lizzo, The Weeknd, and Cardi B, designing iconic album covers, couture, and VFX for live shows. Her innovative philosophy of feminine futurism, which blends feminist principles with design and technology, has earned her international recognition and keynote speaking opportunities at prestigious institutions, including Harvard, Duke, and Carnegie Mellon.
Katie has partnered with top brands like Mugler, Puma, and Nike, and her designs have been worn by stars such as Lizzo and Shenseea. As CEO of her brand, Matriarch, she advocates for empowerment through groundbreaking design and technology products. Her automotive design, Dakini, showcased by Mugler and Vogue Singapore, has made waves in the automotive industry. Named one of Time's "World’s Leading Female VFX Artists," McIntyre continues to inspire and innovate.
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In the latest episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into their predictions for the tech landscape in 2025, exploring topics like AI, gaming, and the evolving role of technology in daily life. Cathy shares her optimism for the launch of World Labs and a shift in dating tech, while Lee highlights the indie gaming resurgence. They also reflect on concerns like China's influence in tech and the need for educational reform. The episode wraps up with personal goals for 2025, including health tech advancements and Lee's projects in writing and music distribution.
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech and gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platform strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 - Introduction and Context
- 04:14 - Lee’s Tech Prediction for 2025
- 06:23 - Cathy’s Prediction: AI Will Continue to be Talk of the Town
- 08:07 - Will Epic acquire Niantic?
- 10:35 - Will Intel Sell Part of its Business to a Competitor?
- 13:02 - Bringing Chip Manufacturing Back to America
- 19:40 - Prediction of Tough Times Ahead for Apple
- 23:20 - Impact of Geo Politics on Tech
- 29:32 - Excitement over CES
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In this episode of Tech Magic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Keblerdive into the aftermath of a global Microsoft outage, share personal anecdotes, and present predictions for 2025 across three categories: obvious, unexpected, and controversial. Topics include the Nintendo Switch 2, generative AI, IPO trends, Intel’s potential business moves, challenges for Apple, and the evolving “new space race.” Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 - Introduction and Context
- 06:45 - Prediction Framework
- 08:30 - Obvious Prediction: Nintendo Switch 2
- 11:00 - Generative AI Trends
- 14:20 - Unexpected Predictions: Niantic and Epic Games
- 17:45 - Intel's Business Direction
- 21:00 - Controversial Predictions: Apple Challenges
- 24:30 - Geopolitical Tensions in Space
- 29:00 - Closing Thoughts
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In this episode of Tech Magic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore the latest in technology, innovation, and media trends. They dive into the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and Cathy’s involvement with AI at CES and discuss shifts in media consumption, including the evolution of streaming services. The duo also covers Meta’s role in sports broadcasting, smart glasses, and gaming news like Purina's virtual pet game on Roblox. The episode also discusses new music tech innovations and reflects past trends. Filled with insights and personal stories, this episode offers a dynamic look at the intersection of tech and creativity.
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 - Introduction and CES Excitement
- 02:11 - Media Consumption Trends
- 03:32 - Amazon's Freevee Discontinuation
- 08:28 - Excitement for 'Fallout' Series
- 12:34 - Meta and Sports Broadcasting
- 17:02 - Virtual Pets
- 21:08 - Smart Glasses and AR Technology
- 29:16 - Virtual Pet Games
- 34:01 - Music Technology Innovations
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore the latest in tech, from Nintendo’s expansion into physical experiences with Super Nintendo World, to the evolution of the metaverse and AI’s rapid growth. They discuss exciting developments such as AI company Perplexity's soaring valuation, OpenAI’s new hire to lead robotics, and Apple's smart glasses project. The hosts also reflect on wearable tech and its intersection with fashion and a thought-provoking conversation on AI and brain chip technology. A dynamic episode on the convergence of gaming, AI, wearables, and immersive experiences!
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 0:00 - Introduction and Nintendo News
- 5:36 - The Evolving Metaverse
- 12:11 - AI and Startup Valuations
- 18:23 - OpenAI's Robotics Initiative
- 24:23 - Wearables and Smart Glasses
- 30:09 - The Intersection of Technology and Fashion
- 36:15 - The Brain Microchip Decision Debate
- 42:45 - Implications of Technology on Autonomy
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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the exciting world of gaming, AI, and consumer tech. They discuss the innovative "Virtual Vote" initiative in Roblox to boost Gen Z voter participation, Nintendo's surprise music app launch, and Netflix's strategic move with Mike Verdu in generative AI for games. The episode also explores the complexities of AI in Hollywood, including the respectful revival of Christopher Lee in "Lord of the Rings" and Robert Downey Jr.'s commitment to his likeness. Cathy and Lee also analyze the gaming industry's trends and consumer interest in XR hardware while highlighting Oprah's endorsement of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses. With insights on wearables and AR technologies, this episode offers a rich look into the future of tech—don't miss it!
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 0:00 - Introduction and Current Events
- 5:31 - Virtual Vote Initiative at Roblox
- 12:23 - Nintendo's Music App Launch
- 18:01 - Netflix’s VP of Generative AI
- 24:33 - AI in Hollywood Discussions
- 30:13 - Disney's Office of Technology Enablement
- 36:01 - Gaming Industry Predictions
- 42:44 - Consumer Interest in XR Hardware
- 48:55 - Meta's "Brave Eye" Sunglasses
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In this episode of TechMagic, host Lee Kebler and guest co-host Katie McIntyre discuss AI and VR's evolving roles in technology, fashion, and marketing. Katie, a Toronto-based designer and founder of Matriarch, shares insights on "feminine futurism" and the challenges of AI influencers, highlighting potential ethical risks, particularly around body image. They critique Apple’s Vision Pro, comparing it with Meta’s VR approach, and question whether Apple understands user needs. The conversation explores the balance between AI and human connection, emphasizing that while AI offers intriguing tools, it cannot replace authentic relationships, urging more ethical development in tech innovation.
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Katie McIntyre Bio
Katie McIntyre is a visionary Creative Director, Fashion and Industrial Designer, Film Director, VFX Artist, Ivy League Lecturer, and Women’s Rights Advocate. Founder of Katie McIntyre Studio, she collaborates with artists like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Lizzo, crafting iconic album and product designs, films, and VFX for live shows. Her “feminine futurism” philosophy drives collaborations with brands such as Mugler, Puma, and Amazon, and her work has graced stages like Coachella. Named a “World’s Leading Female VFX Artist” by Time and a “Leader of Tomorrow” by the St. Gallen Symposium, sheis also CEO of Matriarch, dedicated to empowering women through innovative design.
Katie McIntyre on LinkedIn
Katie McIntyre Studio Website
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction
- 2:38 - Puma's AI Influencer Announcement
- 10:01 - Authenticity in Marketing
- 16:31 - Ethical Considerations of AI Representation
- 22:21 - Apple's Product Announcements and M4 Chip
- 28:01 - Critique of Apple Vision Pro and VR Strategy
- 32:11 - Market Demographics and User Behavior
- 36:13 - Applications of VR in Industry
- 48:01 - AI as a Substitute for Human Friendship
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In this episode of TechMagic, host Cathy Hackl and co-host Lee Keblerdiscuss a range of timely topics, from AI developments and spatial computing to space exploration and sustainability. Cathy shares her experience at the Singularity University Summit in South Africa, reflecting on the continent's tech innovation. The hosts dive into Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses, Vario’s simulation tech, and the significance of transparent innovation in VR. They also explore lunar farming, Adobe’s AI focus, and copyright shifts in publishing. Cathy and Lee celebrate marketing visionary Justin Brennan and discuss the implications of AI on creativity at the Adobe MAX conference. The episode wraps up with reflections on space tourism and future tech trends, inviting listeners to share their thoughts.
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 - Introduction and Personal Updates
- 07:52 - Meta News: Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
- 11:45 - Prototype VR Headset Discussion
- 14:35 - Vario and Simulation Technology
- 20:19 - Industry Recognition: Justin Brennan
- 22:52 - Adobe MAX Conference Insights
- 28:46 - Penguin Random House's Copyright Policy
- 31:59 - AI Regulations and Legal Battles
- 34:43 - Dispatch from the Fringe: Off-Planet Farming
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In this episode of TechMagic, host Cathy Hackl and co-host Lee Keeblercelebrate their first anniversary while reflecting on their experiences at events like the Digital Design Days in Milan. They discuss the importance of creativity in technology, critique a new alarm clock, and dive into Apple's latest immersive film, "Submerged." Cathy shares her insights on the evolving metaverse and the tech industry's rapid changes, including SpaceX's recent successes and Adobe's AI advancements. Don't miss Lily's intriguing segment on preserving digital lives for future historians. Tune in for lively discussions on innovation and the future of tech!
Come for the tech, and stay of the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 0:00 - Introduction and Celebrating One Year
- 5:01 - Cathy’s Experience at Digital Design Days
- 10:01 - A Critique of New Tech Products
- 15:01 - Apple's "Submerged" and Immersive Video
- 20:01 - Reflections on VR and the Metaverse
- 25:01 - Industry Developments and AI Legalities
- 30:01 - Dispatch from the Fringe: Preserving Digital Lives
- 35:01 - Future Trends in Technology
- 40:01 - Final Thoughts and Listener Engagement
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In this episode of TechMagic, Cathy is on away, so Lee Keebler hosts today's episode along with Adam Davis-McGee. They discuss Meta Connect, including the buzz around Meta's new AR glasses, Orion, and the implications of privacy concerns linked to smart tech. The discussion also tackles the rise of deepfakes and the future of AI with insights on OpenAI and NVIDIA's recent developments.
Come for the tech, and stay of the magic!
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Adam Davis-McGee Bio
Adam is an experienced Creative Director and Producer with a passion for creative storytelling in both the XR space and traditional media. From ideation to execution, he thrives on crafting compelling experiential narratives that captivate audiences and push creative boundaries. Adam is the Director of Partnerships at Collimation. Before that, he served as Senior Producer at Journey, Director and Producer at IN PROTEST, and Producer at WIRED.
Adam Davis-McGee’s Website
Adam Davis-McGee on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- 00:00 - Intro
- 04:01 - The Surprising Struggle Over Ray-Bans and AI Upgrades
- 06:19 - A Glimpse Into the Future of Everyday AR
- 12:40 - The Unraveling of Privacy in a Tech-Driven World
- 18:07 - How Deepfakes Are Impacting Our Youth
- 27:07 - NVIDIA’s Bold Move and the Future of Safe AI Innovation
- 39:34 - Zuckerberg’s VR Revolution
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In this episode of TechMagic, host Cathy Hackl and co-host Lee Keebler explore technology, gaming, and AI developments. They discuss Lee's experiences at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo, including Nolan Bushnell's insights on Atari and the Oculus Quest 3's competitive pricing. Cathy shares her participation in a MetLife event focused on women in STEM and her excitement about Meta's Orion holographic AR glasses. The conversation covers AI's implications, recent regulatory changes, and advancements in spatial computing, culminating in discussions about future trends in tech and gaming, alongside personal anecdotes and industry insights.
Come for the tech, and stay of the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
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In this episode of Tech Magic podcast, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore the hot and happening events in tech, innovation, AI, and gaming. They kick things off with the Portland Retro Gaming Expo, and then celebrate Nintendo's 135th birthday, and discuss Snap's new AR spectacles and their controversial subscription model. As they gear up for Meta Connect, they predict new devices and advancements in VR and AR, alongside highlights from Twitch Con and HTC's new VIVE XR headset. They also discuss Neurable’s claimed BCI breakthrough: fact or publicity stunt? The hosts reflect on the evolving intersection of technology and entertainment.
Come for the tech, and stay of the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
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Join hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on this episode of the TechMagic podcast as they explore what’s hot and happening in tech, innovation, AI, and gaming. This week, Cathy and Lee will explore upcoming innovations from the Snap Partner Summit, including new AI and potential hardware announcements. Get the scoop on Annapurna's sudden staff exodus and its impact on the indie gaming scene. Discover the buzz around the Fallout TV adaptation's Emmy wins and the controversial Minecraft movie trailer. Plus, an exciting update on brain-computer interfaces and their applications. This episode is packed with cutting-edge tech insights and industry news you won’t want to miss.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
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Join hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on this episode of the TechMagic podcast as they explore what’s hot and happening in tech, innovation, AI, and spatial computing. Join them as they discuss the latest Apple event and the potential for spatial computing. They also dive into the exciting announcements from the Roblox Developer Conference and the partnerships that will shape the future of virtual commerce. As anticipation builds for Nintendo’s upcoming release and potential new hardware innovations, get a sneak peek into the rumors and expectations surrounding Nintendo's upcoming release. Don't miss out on this exciting conversation about the future of technology and gaming. Tune in now!
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
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Cathy and Lee are back from their break! 🎉
Join hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on this episode of the TechMagic podcast as they explore what’s hot and happening in tech, innovation, AI, and spatial computing. They discuss the recent Roblox Developers Conference and the growth of international creators on the platform. Get insights on the potential announcements at Apple's event and Sony's cancellation of their VR headset. Discover the shocking news about Meta discontinuing their Spark platform and the impact on Instagram filters. Explore Meta's future plans, including partnerships, AI integration, and advancements in hardware. Don't miss out on their predictions for the upcoming Meta Connect event. Tune in for surprises and interesting discussions!
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
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With Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on a recording break for the next couple of weeks, we would like to introduce you to another sister podcast. This time, we bring you a hot episode from The Garage. Join your hosts,Dan Massimino and Evan Hovorka, as they talk to Sean Muller, the founder and CEO of iSpot, a company focused on unified measurement for Streaming, TV, and Social Video Effectiveness.
Listen in as they talk about the evolution of TV and video advertising. Sean discusses Ispot TV's journey from real-time ad tracking to optimizing video investments across multiple channels. He highlights the industry's shift from linear to connected TV (CTV) and the growing role of ad-supported models and nontraditional networks like YouTube and Amazon. The discussion covers the importance of standardized measurement, the integration of retail media networks, and how AI is transforming advertising strategies. Sean also explains the concept of walled gardens and explores its challenges. He touches on using identity management for precise targeting and personalization and its impact on the ROI of your ad spend.
Subscribe now for an engaging and insightful experience!
Sean Muller Bio
Sean Muller is the Founder and CEO of iSpot.tv, the leading TV ad measurement solution trusted by hundreds of leading brands, agencies, and networks. Founded in 2012, iSpot was the first company to bring real-time transparency to linear TV advertising and later became the first to commercialize Smart TVs for measurement purposes at scale. iSpot is known for transforming the marketplace by delivering rapid creative assessment, business outcome, and cross-screen TV measurement that networks and brands can use to plan, buy, and optimize TV advertising.
Sean has founded or served as a key executive in more than a dozen ventures, including Demand Media, MediaNet Digital, eNom, and The Wedding Tracker. He graduated from the University of Washington and lives in Bellevue, WA, with his wife and two boys.
Sean Muller on LinkedIn
iSpot Website
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With Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on a recording break for the next few weeks, we would like to introduce you to “Marketing Vanguard,” our sister podcast. The word “vanguard” is defined as “a group of people leading the way in new development or ideas.” Marketing Vanguard: the podcast spotlights the people who are driving the marketing industry forward. The podcast is hosted by our friend and colleague, Jenny Rooney.
This episode features Jenny in conversation with Kate Huyett, CMO of Bombas, a comfort-focused sock and apparel brand on a mission to help those in need. Many marketers will tell you that performance marketing and altruistic company missions run on parallel tracks that don’t intersect. They’re wrong.
Listen in as Kate explains how Bombas aligns performance marketing with its company mission. Discover Kate’s transition from Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs to leading marketing at Bombas. She reveals Bombas's mission, its evolution, and innovative marketing strategies. Explore the significance of brand, collaboration, and marketing’s cross-functional dynamics. With insightful stories and future plans, this episode is essential listening for marketing enthusiasts.
Subscribe now for an engaging and insightful experience!
Kate Huyett Bio
Kate is Bombas's Chief Marketing Officer. Over the last five years, she has been responsible for profitably growing the company's ad spend, driving customer loyalty, and telling the brand story through both online and offline channels. In her role, Huyett oversees the company's marketing department, which includes acquisition, retention, partnerships, digital products, insights, and data and analytics.
Huyett graduated from Dartmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography & Economics. After graduating, she pursued a career in Private Wealth and Investment-Grade Capital Markets at Goldman Sachs. Over the last decade, Huyett has honed her expertise in strategically growing start-ups through a mix of marketing channels. Prior to Bombas, she served as VP of Marketing at online dating site HowAboutWe, leading the company through an acquisition, and as Director of Marketing, Americas at Transferwise, overseeing its North American expansion.
Kate Huyett on LinkedIn
Bombas Website
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With Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on a recording break for the next few weeks, we continue to bring you more from our special series of “Greatest Hits” episodes from the TechMagic podcast. In this episode, Cathy and Lee explore captivating topics in technology, gaming, and innovation. Cathy shares her insights from the MIT Future Compute Event and previews Apple's upcoming WWDC. She also interviews Stanley Pierre-Louis, President and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, discussing gaming trends and their cultural impact. We also feature an exclusive chat on messaging platforms and their invitation for ramping interaction.
Subscribe now for an engaging and insightful experience!
Explore ESA’s 2024 Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry.
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Stanley Pierre-Louis Bio
Stanley Pierre-Louis has served as ESA’s President and CEO since 2019. Stan first joined ESA as its Senior Vice President and General Counsel in 2015, where he led the legal, policy, and regulatory affairs function for the association. His responsibilities included advocacy on First Amendment, technology, and intellectual property issues, as well as supervising the global content protection program. He also oversaw all governance, compliance, and contractual matters and served as the Corporate Secretary to ESA’s Board of Directors.
Before joining ESA, Stan served as Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel for Intellectual Property at Viacom Inc. There, he was responsible for developing strategies to protect digital content, managing major intellectual property litigation, and revamping the cybersecurity governance program.
Stanley Pierre-Louis on LinkedIn
ESA Website
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Whilst Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler take a recording break over the next few weeks, we are bringing you this special “Greatest Hits” episode of the TechMagic podcast, where they discuss gaming, tech, and AI and connect with the original “Dear Franny,” Francesca Hogi, Founder of The True Love Society. Cathy and Lee start by exploring the potential of gaming platforms as a more organic and interactive way to meet and connect with others and touch on some recent hardware developments, including the world's first screenless laptop and AI-enabled headphones with cameras. The original episode with Francesca was one of the most viewed and downloaded episodes of TechMagic!
Francesca is a writer, love coach, podcast host, TED speaker, and certified matchmaker. She shares her journey from a corporate lawyer to an award-winning love coach, using online dating to develop her dating skills and eventually become a certified matchmaker. Discover the shift in online dating culture and the importance of coaching in finding love. Explore the challenges of dating apps and the impact of technology on human connection.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Francesca Hogi Bio
Francesca Hogi is a writer, coach, podcast host, TED speaker, certified matchmaker, brand collaborator, and event curator and host. Her passion lies in helping people center love holistically in their personal and professional lives, as well as in business. As an internationally recognized and award-winning love coach, Francesca disrupts the dating status quo with her passionately pragmatic expertise on navigating modern love and making true love inevitable. In her role as a consultant, she helps her clients tell better, more empowering stories about love inside their organizations and in marketing. She has designed and hosted bespoke events for Soho House, TED, and more.
In 2023, Francesca gave a TED talk on the myth of true love and the opportunity to transcend what she’s termed “The Fairytale Industrial Complex.” She’s been a featured love expert on 12 episodes of NBC's The Today Show with Kathie Lee and Hoda, in The New York Times, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, and more. She is the founder of The True Love Society membership community and hosts the podcast Dear Franny, where she gives candid love advice.
Francesca Hogi on LinkedIn
Francesca Hogi on Instagram
Francesca Hogi on X
Francesca Hogi Website
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Join Cathy Hackl on the latest episode of the TechMagic podcast as she interviews Matthew Ball, CEO of Epyllion, Venture Partner, Senior Adviser at McKinsey, and best-selling author. In part one of the interview, Cathy and Matthew discuss whether AI is a bubble, the sustained growth of Nvidia, the convergence of entertainment and gaming at platforms like Disney and Netflix, and the role of brands in advertising in games. Cathy and Matthew also discuss the role of head-mounted devices in creating the Metaverse and the challenges of mass adoption at one end and a lack of resource allocation at the development end.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Matthew Ball Bio
“I spend my time thinking about the way technology is disrupting established business models and structures, identifying the next great company, and helping these companies grow.”
Matthew Ball is the CEO of Epyllion, a diversified holding company that makes angel investments, provides advisory services and produces television, films, and video games.
He is also a Venture Partner at Makers Fund, a Senior Advisor to KKR, and a Senior Advisor to McKinsey & Company, and he sits on the boards of numerous start-ups.
His first book, “The Metaverse”, was published in July 2022 and became an instant national and international bestseller. Ball is also an “Occasional Contributor” to The Economist, holds bylines at Bloomberg, The New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal, and wrote the August 8, 2022 cover story for Time Magazine.
Matthew Ball on LinkedIn
Epyllion Group Website
Matthew Ball Personal Website
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Join hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on the latest episode of the TechMagic podcast as they explore what’s hot and happening in tech, innovation, AI, and spatial computing. Cathy shares her experience of attending the Christie's Art and Tech Summit, where she was one of the keynote speakers on spatial computing. Cathy and Lee discuss the recent news about Dr. Fei Fei Li raising significant money for her startup focused on spatial intelligence. They discuss how Apple was allegedly found to have used YouTube content without consent in their AI models and the need for a legal reckoning in data usage and fair use standards.
Cathy and Lee discuss the formation of a union by employees at Bethesda Game Studios and the potential implications for the gaming industry. The episode also includes a sneak preview of an exclusive interview with Matthew Ball. The full interview will be featured in the next episode.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
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Join hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on the latest episode of the TechMagic podcast as they explore the latest news from the world of AI and gaming, including the current state of AI and its potential bubble, the growth of NVIDIA, layoffs at Intuit, and the crossover between Rec Room and Nintendo Switch. They also highlight Saudi Arabia's investment in eSports, the country's partnership with the International Olympics Committee, and the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund's entry into gaming.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
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Join hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on the latest episode of the TechMagic podcast as they dive into the latest tech, gaming, AI, and spatial computing news. From discussing Walmart's partnership with elf cosmetics in Roblox to Nintendo's unique approach to AI, they cover a wide range of fascinating topics. Discover the integration of physical world commerce into virtual platforms and the growing influence of AI in everyday life. Gain insights into parental control and responsible internet usage, and explore the potential applications of large vision models. With recommendations for resources and upcoming events, this podcast is a must-listen for tech enthusiasts.
Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- Walmart's partnership with e.l.f. Cosmetics in Roblox
- Nintendo's approach towards artificial intelligence
- The availability of games is spreading across multiple platforms
- Growing influence of AI in everyday life
- Parental control and responsible internet usage
- Large vision models and their potential applications
- Recommended resources and companies to follow
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Join hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on the latest episode of the TechMagic podcast as they dive into the latest tech, gaming, AI, and spatial computing news. Join them as they discuss the exciting integration of cameras and spatial experiences in Apple's new products. They also share their thoughts on developments in spatial computing and the innovative approaches of companies like HTC and Meta. Cathy and Lee also talk about the upcoming release of a new book called "Metaverse" by Matthew Ball, which aligns with their views on spatial computing and includes a whole new chapter on AI. They riff on the need for new language and terminology to keep up with technology advancements and share their experiences and insights from the industry.
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- Apple's Potential Integration of Cameras and Spatial Experiences
- Possibility of Apple Intelligence Coming to Apple Vision Pro Headset
- Discussion on Spatial Computing and the Importance of Hardware
- HTC's Innovative Approach to Form Factor in Headsets
- Mark Zuckerberg's Mention of AI Holographic Glasses
- Meta's Organizational Restructure and Optimism about Meta's Future
- Discussion on the Book "Metaverse" by Matthew Ball
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Join hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on the latest episode of the TechMagic podcast as they dive into the latest tech, gaming, AI, and spatial computing news. Join them as they delve into the exciting world of technology and innovation. They cover various fascinating topics, from Mr Beast's potential beverage and mobile game launch to Apple's possible partnership with Meta on AI. Discover Apple's approach to AI, the rise of camper vans with advanced technology, and the potential future collaboration between Apple and Epic Games. They also discuss gaming, decentralized servers, Discord's integration with TuneIn, and the upcoming announcements from Google and Meta.
Cathy also interviews Edward Saatchi, a British businessman and filmmaker. He is the chief executive officer of Fable Simulation, an artificial intelligence-powered virtual being company. His latest project is Showrunner, a platform for creating and watching AI-powered TV shows. He was formerly a producer at Oculus Story Studio and the CEO and co-founder of NationalField, a political technology company.
Edward Saatchi Bio
Edward is an Emmy Award-winning entrepreneur, producer of Oculus Story Studio’s Lost, Henry, Dear Angelica and Quill, and co-founder of Oculus Story Studio. He founded NationalField as part of the Obama Campaign and was named as Forbes 30 under 30 in technology for his technical contributions to the 2008 and 2012 campaigns with NationalField. In 2017, Saatchi and Pete Billington co founded Fable Studio.
His latest project is Showrunner, a platform for creating and watching AI-powered TV shows. It leverages simulations built by Fable Simulation to generate dynamic, AI-driven content. Users can upload themselves, friends, or characters into a simulated city called Sim Francisco, which serves as the backdrop for the shows.
Edward Saatchi on LinkedIn
Showrunner Website
Key Discussion Topics
- Mr Beast's Beverage and Mobile Game Rumors
- Advanced Technology in Camper Vans
- Apple and Meta (formerly Facebook) Partnership on AI
- Apple's Approach to AI as a Feature
- Apple and Epic Games Rivalry
- Discord's Partnership with TuneIn
- Introduction to Edward Saatchi
- Discussing the limitations of chatbots
- Edward discusses the potential of Showrunner to create a rich and immersive universe
- Edward's disappointment with the current focus on passive consumption of AI-generated content
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In this episode of Tech Magic, Lee Kebler and Adam Davis-McGee cover a range of fascinating topics, including the use of artificial intelligence in the art industry, the impact of internet access on underprivileged communities, and the exciting advancements in brain-computer interfaces. They also delve into thought-to-speech technology and its potential implications for communication with animals. With discussions on technology, accessibility, and creativity, this podcast is sure to captivate listeners. And just in case you’re wondering, Cathy is away to attend the Cannes Film Festival. She will be back next week.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic!
Adam Davis-McGee Bio
Adam Davis-McGee is a Los Angeles-based Director and Producer with extensive experience in traditional and XR media. With a background in New Media and Music Business from NYU's Tandon School of Engineering and certifications in Immersive Design and Virtual Production, Adam brings a wealth of expertise to his projects. He has led the groundbreaking Walmart Land project at Journey, produced viral content for Wired/Ars Technica, and co-created the series "In Protest: Grassroots Stories from the Frontlines" on Oculus headsets.
His career highlights include spearheading the virtual studio at Journey, where he led a remote team to deliver innovative virtual experiences, most notably for Walmart Land, which attracted over 18 million visitors. At Condé Nast, Adam produced engaging video content for Wired/Ars Technica, amassing millions of views.
Adam has also co-created and directed the acclaimed series "In Protest: Grassroots Stories from the Frontlines," filmed across multiple US locations and launched on Oculus headsets. His diverse portfolio includes roles as a Creative Consultant for The Prince Estate and a Creative Partner at Loupe Visual Art Streaming Platform. Adam is passionate about storytelling, emotional engagement, and fostering brand loyalty through cutting-edge digital solutions.
Adam Davis-McGee on LinkedIn
Journey Website
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- The New York Times and AI
- Expired Federal Program and Internet Access
- Government Subsidies for Educational Tools
- Brain-Computer Interfaces and Neuralink
- Implications for Communication with Animals
- Evolution of Tech Tools and Digital Mourning
- Gaming and Money Laundering
- Blending Photography with AI
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Join hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on the TechMagic podcast as they dive into Apple's recent Developers Conference. They discuss their underwhelming impressions of the conference and share their thoughts on updates to Apple TV, the new camera lens with Canon, the immersive video series "Submerged," and the integration of Apple intelligence and open AI. They also touch on Palmer Luckey's new hardware and head-mounted display, IKEA's foray into Roblox, and the concept of a virtual GDP. Don't miss out on their discussion on AI beauty pageants and models, and stay tuned for a dispatch from the Cannes Lions Festival in the next episode!
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- Discussion on Apple's recent Developers Conference
- Disappointment with the Siri revamp and lack of excitement around it
- Speculation on Palmer Luckey's announcement
- Discussion on IKEA's launch into Roblox
- Confusion and skepticism about AI beauty pageants and models
- Announcement of Cathy attending the Cannes Lions Festival
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Join hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on the TechMagic podcast as they dive into the latest tech, gaming, AI, and spatial computing news. From discussing Apple's upcoming WWDC and the Ted AI podcast's success to exploring the potential of AI in entertainment and dating apps, this podcast covers it all. Get updates on hardware news, social media regulations, and even a breakthrough dental regrowth drug. Cathy also interviews Francesca Hogi, who is passionately pragmatic about true love. Francesca is a recovered corporate lawyer turned dating disruptor, TED speaker, brand collaborator, and host of the Dear Franny Podcast.
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- Introduction and Predictions for Apple WWDC
- Ted AI Podcast
- Dating in Gaming Spaces
- Hardware News - The first screenless laptop and NVIDIA's digital human microservices
- Regulation of Social Media Algorithms and Twitter's Content Rules
- AI-Enabled Headphones
- Cathy Hackl welcomes Francesca Hogi
- Francesca’s transition from a corporate lawyer to becoming a love coach
- The challenges faced by dating apps
- Concerns about the use of AI algorithms in determining matches
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Join hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler on the Tech Magic podcast as they dive into fascinating topics like technology, gaming, and innovation. Hear about Cathy's experiences and insights from the MIT Future Compute Event and the upcoming Apple WWDC. Cathy also interviews Stanley Pierre-Louis, President and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association, and discusses gaming trends and their cultural significance. Don't miss the surprise discussion on messaging platforms and their invitation for listener interaction. Subscribe now for an engaging and enlightening listen!
ESA’s 2024 Essential Facts About the U.S. Video Game Industry
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- Cathy's Experiences at MIT's Future Compute Event
- Discussion on Apple's WWDC and Interest in Gaming
- Introduction of Guest Stanley Pierre-Louis, President and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA)
- Key findings from ESA’s 2024 report
- Gaming as a platform for parents to bond with their children
- The Role of the Entertainment Software Rating Board
- Generation Alpha and their Engagement in Gaming
- Potential Growth of Immersive Gaming Formats
- Economic Impact of the Gaming Industry
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This week, you can join Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler in a far-reaching exploration of the recent movements in gaming, Google’s I/O conference, and Dell’s expansion of their AI-focused hardware line.
The pair couldn’t miss discussing Google’s announcement of a new pair of AR glasses, which they debuted during a project Astra demo recently. They also return to the always-developing and always-intriguing subject of Apple Vision Pro and the reports of a global expansion. integration of Lofi Girl's music into Fortnite and the upcoming Classic event in Roblox.
With insights and opinions on these exciting developments, you won't want to miss this conversation. Plus, they even talk about a Dune-inspired suit that recycles sweat and their love for the Back to the Future franchise. Tune in now and be part of the conversation!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- Technology and innovation
- Gaming news
- Lofi Girl's music
- Classic event in Roblox
- Google I/O
- AR glasses
- AI hardware
- Content moderation
- Apple Vision Pro
- Spatial computing
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Join Cathy and Lee in this engaging podcast as they discuss the latest advancements in AI, computer vision, and spatial computing. From OpenAI's impressive ChatGPT model with computer vision capabilities to Apple's global launch of their Apple Vision Pro headset, they explore how these technologies will shape various industries.
Get exclusive insights from Cathy and Lee as they discuss the future potential of see-through displays and Meta's investments in VR. Don't miss out on this informative and thought-provoking conversation about the future of spatial computing and virtual reality.
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Cathy Hackl Bio
Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.
Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.
Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into the splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- OpenAI's Spring Update
- Hardware and OpenAI's Focus on Computer Vision
- Apple's Global Expansion with Apple Vision Pro
- Advancements in AI, Computer Vision, and Spatial Computing
- Impressive Displays and Challenges
- Apple's Crown Feature and Going In and Out of Reality
- Meta's Investments in VR and Competing with Apple
- Niantic's Mixed Reality Pet and Cathy's Upcoming Keynote
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In this episode of Tech Magic, with Cathy away on safari, Lee is joined by Lily Snyder to dive into a world of fascinating tech topics. From the Rabbit R1 device's clever AI capabilities to the FTC's challenge to combat voice cloning, there's something for everyone. They also explore the potential of AI music tools, discuss the Apple Vision Pro, and ponder the challenges of transitioning to touch screens. They even delve into bizarre XR devices and innovative uses of VR technology. So, join Lee and Lily as they share their excitement and curiosity about the ever-evolving world of technology. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative podcast!
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Lily Snyder Bio
Lily is a tech expert with over a decade of experience in the tech industry who helps tech professionals tell their stories, whether that’s by writing and editing books and articles or producing podcasts like Tech Magic!
She uses all her training in business analytics, SDLC, project management, and Agile Scrum to build metaverse strategies for brands, many of which are in the top Fortune 500.
Lily Snyder on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler Bio
Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into the “splinternet” theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Key Discussion Topics
- Rabbit R1
- AI Music Tools
- Apple VR Pro and Hand Controls
- Meow Wolf’s innovative spa in Austin, Texas
- OpenAI's collaboration with the Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Bizarre XR devices
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Join Cathy and Lee in this engaging podcast as they discuss the latest news and trends in technology and innovation. From Meta's opening of its Horizon OS to Apple's focus on enterprise and brainwave protection laws, they cover a wide range of fascinating topics.
They unpack the latest AI blunders, from Drake's controversial Tupac deepfake to a Catholic group's rogue "AI priest" chatbot.
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Key Discussion Topics
- Meta's 30% quarterly VR revenue growth amid metaverse push
- Drake using deepfakes of Tupac and Snoop Dogg in a new song
- Catholic group's "AI priest" chatbot giving unsanctioned responses
- Discord replacing online forums as a hub for niche communities
- Walmart bringing physical-digital commerce to Roblox
- Apple potentially needs a new strategy for Vision Pro adoption
- Emerging "AI wearables war" with devices like Meta's Ferrari glasses
- AI's potential to disrupt hearing aids and other legacy industries
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Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Lily Snyder on LinkedIn
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Join Cathy and Lee in this engaging podcast as they discuss the latest news and trends in technology and innovation. From Meta's opening of its Horizon OS to Apple's focus on enterprise and brainwave protection laws, they cover a wide range of fascinating topics.
Discover the potential of brain implants for artificial vision and explore the positive impacts of gaming on cognitive function. With their enthusiastic and optimistic approach, Cathy and Lee provide valuable insights and opinions that will leave you excited about the future of technology.
Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!
Key Discussion Topics
- Apple Vision Pro and its potential integration with cars
- Signing of the first law protecting consumers' brainwaves in Colorado
- Artificial vision through brain implants
- Positive and negative aspects of technology
- Gaming and its cognitive benefits
- Marketing tactics and video game adaptations
- Language around technology and the internet
- Five best and weirdest new technologies
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Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Lily Snyder on LinkedIn
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In this episode, Cathy and Lee talk about social media, AI, and digital shopping technology. Cathy and Lee talk to each other over AirChat, a new social audio app. They discuss its pros and cons as an audio app. Cathy and Lee segway into AI including Apple’s ReaLM tech, a deepfake camera, and an update on Humane’s AI Pin. Cathy and Lee talk about the importance of legislature and governance about deepfake AIs, especially in vulnerable populations. Online shopping makes its way onto the show as Amazon admits its “Just Walk Out” technology never worked.
Producer Lily Snyder brings you the Dispatch from the Fringe. In this episode, she talks about inception VR hacks.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic.
Show Notes:
- Airchat Explained: What Is It, How It Works, and How to Use It
- Apple claims its on-device AI system ReaLM 'substantially outperforms' GPT-4
- A new camera can undress people almost in real time—to send a message about AI
- Humane's AI "Pin" Is a $700 Flaming Dumpster Fire
- Marques Brownlee The Worst Product I've Ever Reviewed... For Now
- Amazon Fresh kills “Just Walk Out” shopping tech—it never really worked
- The Web Became a Strip Mall
- VR headsets can be hacked with an Inception-style attack
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Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Lily Snyder on LinkedIn
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In this episode, Cathy and Lee talk Cathy’s experience at Summit at Sea. They discuss Apple closing discontinuing development on the Apple car and how Apple could expand its ecosystem to robots and home. Cathy and Lee discuss AI-first gadgets and how to discern AI hype. They bring you the latest updates in gaming because everyone is a gaming company, plus the next computing platform.
Cathy interviews guest, Ori Inbar, co-founder of the Augmented World Expo and founder of Super Ventures.
Producer Lily Snyder brings you the Dispatch from the Fringe.
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In this episode, Cathy and Lee talk about their favorite April Fools pranks in tech. Cathy shares an April Fool’s from Gary Marcus about an OpenAI sneak peek. More in AI news, the CEO of StabilityAI stepped down. Lee talks about Lego’s apology for using AI art. Cathy and Lee debate the “AI legal iceberg.” Cathy and Lee segway into what’s happening on the Internet including Steve Wozniak suing YouTube, Pornhub being blocked in Texas, and why video games can’t quit microtransactions. Lee explains Oregon’s governor signing the nation’s first right-to-repair bill. Cathy interviews Andrew Rosen, founder of PARQOR and author of the Medium Shift.
Show Notes:
- Nintendo April Fool’s
- Stability AI Founder Emad Mostaque Tanked His Billion-Dollar Startup
- Lego is the latest brand to apologize for using AI art
- The AI Industry Is Steaming Toward A Legal Iceberg
- Lawsuit against YouTube led by Steve Wozniak set to continue
- Pornhub is now blocked in Texas. Could Florida be next?
- Why The $183 Billion Video Game Industry Can't Quit Microtransactions
- Oregon governor signs nation’s first right-to-repair bill that bans parts pairing
- Apple sues former iOS engineer for allegedly leaking Vision Pro, Journal app details
- Vladimir Putin orders creation of Russian game consoles, Steam-like cloud delivery, and OS
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Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Lily Snyder on LinkedIn
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In this episode, Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler discuss a wild week in laws and regulations. Kebler shares a Florida Bill that will prohibit those 14 years and younger from joining social media. While some social media regulation could be useful, the question is, how is it enforceable? They discuss the implications of the Internet divided and monitored State by State for companies and consumers.
Later in the episode, they talk about an AI resolution passed by the UN General Assembly. Lee talks about the bonuses and gaps in the Tennessee ELVIS Act to ensure an artist’s likeness cannot be created by AI. They recommend you read Bills that are passed to find the gaps and talk to your representatives.
Show Notes:
- DeSantis Approves Social Media Ban For Kids Under 14 In Florida: What To Know
- General Assembly adopts landmark resolution on artificial intelligence
- Cindy Gallop Ted Talk Make Love, Not Porn
- ELVIS Act has left the building - Can TN Stop AI?
- Stability.ai
- Stability AI Founder Emad Mostaque Plans To Resign As CEO, Sources Say
- IPFS
- SceneScript: an AI model and method to understand and describe 3D spaces
- Laurie Segall AI deep-faked relationship
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Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Lily Snyder on LinkedIn
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In this week's episode, Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler give their impressions on the NVIDIA GTC keynote. Cathy and Lee talk about the Game Developers Conference (March 18-22). The NVIDIA Omniverse will stream into the Apple Vision Pro. Plus, AI that can see the world. Cathy and Lee talk about AI in game development after Roblox’s AI announcement. Cathy and Lee touch on VR hardware like XREAL and the PSVR2. They discuss the hardware/content paradigm. Is it all fad or fiction? Listen in to find out. Cathy interviews Monique Ruff-Bell, Chief Program & Strategy Officer at TED.
Show Notes:
- Game Developers Conference 2024
- NVIDIA GTC 2024
- Roblox’s new AI features reduce the time it takes to create avatars and 3D models
- Sony Hits Pause on PSVR2 Production as Unsold Inventory Piles Up
- This AI robot massaged my back and butt: 5 reasons I'm quitting human masseuses
- GDC 2024: XREAL Announces XREAL Hub And More
- How the fashion industry will use Apple’s Vision Pro headset
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Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Lily Snyder on LinkedIn
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In this episode, Cathy Hackl records from SXSW. She shares what she’s seen so far. Cathy prepares to give her talk about Spatial Computing and AI wearables on the XR stage. Cathy and Lee discuss gaming news, spatial computing and the spatial computing market. They also talk about AI safety and regulation news. Is it all fad or fiction?
Show Notes:
- SXSW: The Age of Spatial Computing & AI Wearables is Here
- 2024 Future Today Institute Tech Trends Report
- Nintendo versus Emulator
- Gaming giant EA shutters Seattle-area studio launched by Halo co-creator
- EA Embraces AI, Says 60% of Its Game Development Could Be Impacted
- Epic Games just got unbanned by Apple — again
- Spatial Computing Interest
- Blackwells Capital Calls on Disney to Prioritize Artificial Intelligence, Spatial Computing
- Spatial Computing Market Size to Grow USD 1304 Million by 2030 at a CAGR of 13.1%
- Welcome to the Valley of the Creepy AI Dolls
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Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Lily Snyder on LinkedIn
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On the latest episode of TechMagic, Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler discuss the state of gaming and do a deep dive into why so many layoffs are happening in gaming and tech. They discuss AI’s impact on gaming as well as how AI deepfakes could affect teens. They also talk about AI wearables and spatial computing.
Improve your marketing performance. Adobe and Meta solutions help advertisers optimize ad targeting, decrease cost per action, and see a more complete picture of campaign activity.
Show Notes:
- SXSW: The Age of Spatial Computing & AI Wearables is Here
- Text to Game: AI made a game from a single image
- Buzzy VR startup Spatial pivots to games
- Despite Massive Layoffs In Gaming, Media Giants Like Netflix Are Embracing The Sector
- Sony to lay off 900 workers from PlayStation division, or 8% of unit's global workforce
- Tech guru Jaron Lanier: ‘The danger isn’t that AI destroys us. It’s that it drives us insane’
- Apple Vision Pro 'could allow fans to virtually stand NEXT to Messi'
- Resurrecting loved ones as AI 'ghosts' could harm your mental health
- Copyright Liability On LLMs Should Mostly Fall On The Prompter, Not The Service
- Samsung ring to “simplify everyday wellness”
- Meta’s big vision for face computers might be better than Apple’s
- How Wi-Fi sensing became usable tech
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Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
Lily Snyder on LinkedIn
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In the season finale of AIQ, host Cathy Hackl welcomes Mike Pell, Director of the Microsoft Garage in New York. Pell, a seasoned technologist and author, shares his insights on the future of technology, particularly focusing on AI, spatial computing, and mixed reality.
During the discussion, Pell shares his journey in the tech industry, starting from the early days of Macintosh and co-founding a software company. He highlights his contributions to innovations such as inventing the PDF and Acrobat at Adobe. He then shares his thoughts on the creative potential of AI, particularly in enabling people to achieve tasks they couldn't before. He discusses how tools like Microsoft Copilot assist users in various tasks and workflow, how AI tools are accelerating the prototyping process, and his prediction for a shift towards ambient computing, where technology seamlessly integrates into the environment.
We get it. The digital advertising industry is changing rapidly and it’s hard to keep up. Finding ways to grow is proving harder than ever.
At Microsoft Advertising we are committed to finding a better way forward. With us, you'll have access to valuable Microsoft audiences while enabling you to reach new audiences across the open web. We are paving the way for an exciting new era in our industry by harnessing the power of generative AI, integrated into our advertising technology and consumer experiences. Our full suite of advertising capabilities, built on a strong backbone of industry-leading AI and deep audience intelligence, provides the tools you need to create powerful growth possibilities.
With Microsoft Advertising, you'll have the opportunity to connect with new audiences, create powerful growth possibilities, and overcome the challenges you face so you can truly grow. Don't miss this opportunity to discover what's possible with Microsoft Advertising. Visit our website at www.microsoftadvertising.com to learn more about how we can help your business. Join us in creating a brighter future.
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In this week's episode, Cathy and Lee talk about the AI, spatial computing, and tech hype cycles. Cathy thinks spatial computing is in the Innovation Trigger section of the chart. Cathy gives her first impressions of the Humane AI Pin. Lee visits Super Nintendo World in LA. Cathy and Lee discuss layoffs at Nike and discuss companies that created virtual studios.
Improve your marketing performance. Adobe and Meta solutions help advertisers optimize ad targeting, decrease cost per action, and see a more complete picture of campaign activity.
Show Notes:
- 8 TED Talks To Help You Prepare for The Era Of AI-Driven Spatial Computing
- Google Lays Off Thousands More Employees Despite Record Profits One Year After Laying off 12,000 Employees As Workers Begin Worrying AI is Slowly Replacing Them
- Nike lays off tech leaders as company cuts costs
- LG-Made Quest Pro 2 Will Reportedly Ship In H1 2025
- Apple Ponders Whether to Develop Smart Glasses, Fitness Ring
- The First TV Series
- A woman is marrying an AI hologram, ushering in a weird new era for human-robot relationships
- Hybrid couple - Alicia Framis
- Your fingerprints can be recreated from the sounds made when you swipe on a touchscreen — Chinese and US researchers show new side channel can reproduce fingerprints to enable attacks | Tom's Hardware (tomshardware.com)
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On the latest episode of AIQ presented by Microsoft Advertising, host Cathy Hackl sits down with Sandy Carter, the Chief Operating Officer at Unstoppable Domains to discuss the future of business and the role of AI within it.
During the conversation, they talked about the potential of AI to transform industries, the importance of technologies like the blockchain in ensuring authenticity and trust, and the significance of women's involvement in shaping the AI landscape. Carter also discusses her book, "The Tiger and the Rabbit," which explores the intersection of AI, the metaverse, and Web3 and the importance of forming agile "rabbit teams" to drive innovation and the potential for AI to enhance personalization.
We get it. The digital advertising industry is changing rapidly and it’s hard to keep up. Finding ways to grow is proving harder than ever.
At Microsoft Advertising we are committed to finding a better way forward. With us, you'll have access to valuable Microsoft audiences while enabling you to reach new audiences across the open web. We are paving the way for an exciting new era in our industry by harnessing the power of generative AI, integrated into our advertising technology and consumer experiences. Our full suite of advertising capabilities, built on a strong backbone of industry-leading AI and deep audience intelligence, provides the tools you need to create powerful growth possibilities.
With Microsoft Advertising, you'll have the opportunity to connect with new audiences, create powerful growth possibilities, and overcome the challenges you face so you can truly grow. Don't miss this opportunity to discover what's possible with Microsoft Advertising. Visit our website at www.microsoftadvertising.com to learn more about how we can help your business. Join us in creating a brighter future.
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In this episode, Cathy and Lee talk about the types of robots they want to see after Lee sees a trash-filtering robot during his travels. Cathy announced the pre-order of her 5th book, Spatial Computing An AI-Driven Business Revolution with Irena Cronin. Cathy and Lee segway to the Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 hardware. Cathy and Lee talk about Sora, Gen AI text to video. Lee fights with his ChatGPT. The hosts end with the future of amusement parks and entertainment.
Show Notes:
- Spatial Computing: An AI-driven Business Revolution is announced
- Mark Z’s personal video response to the AVP
- Meta's CTO calls its AR glasses prototype "the most advanced thing we've ever produced as a species"
- Meta’s big vision for face computers might be better than Apple’s
- TikTok’s native app arrives for the Vision Pro
- Apple Arcade takes players into a new dimension with spatial gaming
- Sora Gen AI Video is here
- Interactive 'Dungeons & Dragons' theatre show to premiere in New York
- NTU develops thinner-than-hair stretchable tech to mind-control robots
Improve your marketing performance. Adobe and Meta solutions help advertisers optimize ad targeting, decrease cost per action, and see a more complete picture of campaign activity.
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Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn
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Lily Snyder on LinkedIn
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From shaping consumer experiences to revolutionizing the ad creation processes, the integration of generative AI into advertising is slowly reshaping the industry as we know it.
On the latest episode of AIQ presented by Microsoft Advertising, host Cathy Hackl sits down with Corporate Vice President Kya Sainsbury-Carter to discuss Microsoft's journey in leveraging AI to enhance advertising experiences for consumers, advertisers, and publishers.
At Microsoft Advertising we are committed to finding a better way forward. With us, you'll have access to valuable Microsoft audiences while enabling you to reach new audiences across the open web. We are paving the way for an exciting new era in our industry by harnessing the power of generative AI, integrated into our advertising technology and consumer experiences. Our full suite of advertising capabilities, built on a strong backbone of industry-leading AI and deep audience intelligence, provides the tools you need to create powerful growth possibilities.
With Microsoft Advertising, you'll have the opportunity to connect with new audiences, create powerful growth possibilities, and overcome the challenges you face so you can truly grow. Don't miss this opportunity to discover what's possible with Microsoft Advertising. Visit our website at www.microsoftadvertising.com to learn more about how we can help your business. Join us in creating a brighter future.
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In this week's episode, Cathy and Lee recap the Super Bowl and the tech they noticed during the show. Lee finally got to demo the Apple Vision Pro and they discussed the use of AI on the device, as well as how it compares to the Meta Quest 3. Cathy and Lee talk about Disney’s $1.5 billion stake in Epic Games.
Later in the episode, Cathy interviews Nic Hill, Co-Founder and Head of Interactive at Sawhorse Productions.
Producer Lily Snyder brings you the Dispatch from the Fringe.
Cathy introduces AIQ, a limited-run podcast presented by Microsoft that aims to help professionals level up their AI knowledge.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic.
Show Notes:
- Cathy’s HBR Article: How Early Adopter Companies Are Thinking About the Apple Vision Pro
- FCC declares AI-generated voices in robocalls are illegal
- The FTC isn’t too happy with Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard layoffs
- Brilliant Labs’s Frame glasses serve as multimodal AI assistant
- Disney to take $1.5 billion stake in Epic Games, maker of Fortnite
- AI Companies Take Hit as Judge Says Artists Have “Public Interest” In Pursuing Lawsuits
- SNL New Game Skit
- How virtual power plants are shaping tomorrow’s energy system
- Nic Hill on LinkedIn
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Lee Kebler on LinkedIn
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Introducing AIQ Presented by Microsoft Advertising, a new limited podcast series hosted by Cathy Hackl dedicated to leveling up your IQ around all things Artificial Intelligence.
Over the next four weeks, the series will focus on Generative AI. What is it, how can brands use it to their advantage, and what pitfalls should they avoid?
In episode one, Hackl sits down with Jenny Nicholson, ECD and Creative Strategist at Queen of Swords who shares how to get started with AI, why you should look at curiosity more than fear, and how you can start thinking about GPTs.
We get it. The digital advertising industry is changing rapidly and it’s hard to keep up. Finding ways to grow is proving harder than ever.
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In this week's episode, Cathy announces the launch of her new company, Spatial Dynamics. Cathy talks about her experience with the Apple Vision Pro and shares her first reactions to the Vision Pro apps. In other news, Roblox is introducing AI for real-time chat translations, the biggest female streamer on Twitch, Pokimane, is leaving the platform, and Palworld is quickly becoming a best-selling independent game on Game Pass. They segway into AI news and discuss The New York Times creating an AI division.
Join us back on the feed this Friday for the first episode of AIQ, a brand-new limited series hosted by Cathy Hackl, which will help level up your knowledge when it comes to all things AI. Presented by Microsoft Advertising
Show Notes:
- Roblox introduces AI-powered real-time chat translations
- Palworld best selling 3rd party game on Games Pass
- Pokimane leaves Twitch
- Apple might be buying an AI startup
- NY Times explores AI team
- AI in product placement
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In this episode, host Cathy Hackl and guest host Lee Kebler talk about the launch of Apple Vision Pro and continue their conversations around spatial computing. They segway into AI with talks of Taylor Swift deepfakes and possible legislation to protect against deepfakes. They also discuss robots and haptics and why “personas”, a reflection of you, works for a 3D presence.
Producer Lily Snyder brings you the Dispatch from the Fringe.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic.
Show Notes:
- Taylor Swift deepfakes spark calls in Congress for new legislation
- The Tremendous Yet Troubled State of Gaming in 2024
- Robot avatar lets people see and feel things remotely through VR
- How TikTok created a new accent – and why it might be the future of English
- Your Satellite Needs a Tow? Call the Semi Trucks of Space
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In this episode, Cathy and Lee talk about the change in work culture with Millenials and Gen Z.
Cathy talks about her experience ordering the Apple Vision Pro. The best-selling game of 2023 was Hogwarts Legacy. Minecraft partnered with Planet Earth for education. Walmart closed its R&D unit, Store No. 8. Producer Lily Snyder brings you the Dispatch from the Fringe.
Show Notes:
- Cathy’s experience pre-ordering the Apple Vision Pro
- What is Spatial Computing? (by Cathy Hackl)
- YouTube and Spotify Won’t Launch Apple Vision Pro Apps, Joining Netflix
- BofA upgrades Apple stock to Buy citing Vision Pro and generative AI as growth catalysts
- Las Vegas Could be Game for Atari-Themed Casino Resort - Casino.org
- Gamechangers, trends, and concerns — how AI is dominating the tech space | Watch
- For the first time since 2008, the best-selling game wasn’t ‘Call of Duty’ or a Rockstar Games title
- Experience Planet Earth III with Minecraft | Minecraft Education
- WSJ News Exclusive | Walmart Closes Store No. 8 Innovation Unit
- Alex Kipman’s new company: Analog
- What is Nightshade?
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Tech and gaming executive, Cathy Hackl and guest host Lee Kebler release their 14th episode of TechMagic, the show that dives deep into today’s tech news and explores the future of tech and gaming. This week Cathy is at the World Economic Forum in Davos. She’ll share more next week when she’s back on the podcast.
In this episode Lee and producer, Lily Snyder, host the show. Lee and Lily reminisce about Palm Pilots and tech gadgets before smartphones and discuss devices like the Rabbit R1. Lee and Lily talk about Apple Vision Pro updates. Apple released an advanced multimodal system called Ferret, which excels beyond Chat GPT-4 in computer vision tasks.
Show Notes:
- Davos World Economic Forum
- The 7 Most Important AI Gadgets You Need to Know About
- Apple says its Vision Pro is ‘spatial computing,’ not VR
- ‘Rec Room’ to Roll Out Full-body Avatars in March
- How Apple’s New AI Shakes Up the AI World by Seeing What GPT-4 Misses
- UNIVERSITY ENROLLING AI-POWERED "STUDENTS" WHO WILL TURN IN ASSIGNMENTS, PARTICIPATE IN CLASS DISCUSSIONS
- UK's antitrust agency is going to put the screws to US big tech in 2024
- AI to Make the Metaverse Relevant Again, CES 2024
- Tween taste is expensive these days. Blame social media.
- ZooGears TheButter — a "piano" for dogs
- Flappie AI cat door
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This episode is all about the Apple Vision Pro!
The Vision Pro is set to launch on February 2, 2024. Cathy and Lee are spatial computing veterans. They discuss the impact of this spatial computing launch news and how Apple won CES without even being on the ground at the event. They discuss the opportunities that lay ahead for professionals in the new era of spatial computing.
Cathy and Lee segway into discussing more tech layoffs in gaming. Then they talk about AI, fair use, and journalism. Elvis Presley returns as a hologram. Walmart and Unity’s partnership brings physical goods to games.
Show Notes:
- AI Is A Critical Building Block For Spatial Computing
- Apple Vision Pro available in the U.S. on February 2
- CES 2024
- This AI stock trader engaged in insider trading — despite being instructed not to – and lied about it
- A New Kind of AI Copy Can Fully Replicate Famous People. The Law Is Powerless.
- Elvis Presley is coming back with the help of holographic projections
- Walmart and Unity team up to bring immersive commerce for physical goods to games
- Media Executives Covett Games, But Are Ill Suited to Run Them (Andrew Rosen)
- This E-tongue mimicks human taste and recommends wine with different foods
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TechMagic starts off the year with an inspiring interview to help you get your creative endeavors started in 2024.
Hackl interviews Jeffery B. Madoff, author of Creative Careers: Making a Living with Your Ideas. Creatives can control their careers whether inside corporate America or launching something new in 2024. Get inspired with great ideas and creativity in the new year.
Jeffery Madoff is an Adjunct Professor at Parsons School of Design, keynote speaker, playwright, and producer.
Come for the tech, stay for the magic.
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On this week's episode, Hackl and Kebler talk about Murderbot Diaries, a Hugo Award-winning sci-fi book series. Hackl and Kebler discuss the Figma Adobe merger failure. Hackl and Kebler talk about Marriott Bonvoy Land in Fortnite and Asgard’s Wrath 2 in VR. OpenAI suspends ByteDance’s account. Kebler tries to break ChatGPT 4. Hackl and Kebler discuss Epic, Meta, and Unity joining the Alliance for OpenUSD.
Hackl interviews Nick Vinckier, Director of Corporate Innovation at Chalhoub Group.
Producer Lily Snyder brings you the Dispatch from the Fringe.
Show Notes:
- Apple is adapting the Hugo Award-winning sci-fi book series Murderbot
- Figma and Adobe are abandoning our proposed merger
- Fortnite’s Marriott Bonvoy Land is a ghost town of video game sadness
- VR’s killer app has finally arrived” - IGN gave it a perfect score and called it a masterpiece
- OpenAI suspends ByteDance’s account after it used GPT to train its own AI model.
- Alliance for OpenUSD Unveils Roadmap for Core USD Specification and Ecosystem Collaboration
- Nick Vinckier on LinkedIn
- The hottest new climate technology is bricks
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On this week's episode, the EU becomes the first governing power to enact laws around artificial intelligence.
Next, Hackl and Kebler discuss an article in the NY Times that focused on using AI to talk to the dead. Hackl talks about the benefits of AI for historical preservation. Also, ‘Tis the Season for Gaming and VR, as Hackl and Kebler discuss the success of the Fortnite x Lego collab and how the Meta Quests outsold AirPods on Amazon’s Black Friday sales.
Hackl interviews Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos, founder of Abundance Studio. Kostopoulos is a strategy and emerging technology advisor.
Producer Lily Snyder brings you the Dispatch from the Fringe.
Show Notes:
- EU Reaches Agreement on New “AI Act”: The World’s First Comprehensive AI Law
- Using A.I. to Talk to the Dead
- AI Can Reshape the Physical World—If We Regulate It Properly
- Fortnite x Lego Official Launch Trailer
- Would you believe a VR headset outsold AirPods during Black Friday? It happened
- Dr. Lydia Kostopoulos on LinkedIn
- Latinas pioneras en la IA: dando forma al futuro, un algoritmo a la vez
- Want to Trick an LLM? Try Asking It Nicely or Use Argentinian Spanish
- DLD Conference in Munich
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In this episode, Hackl and Kebler talk about games, musical avatars, and the ecological impact of generative AI.
The musical group, Kiss, retires to leave the music to their avatars. Hackl shouts out Future Chicken, a game developed by Catherine Winder and Annabel Slaight. Kebler discusses the environmental impact of generative AI prompts from MIT. Hackl and Kebler segway into the Eminem Fortnite concert.
Hackl interviews Irena Cronin, Co-Founder & SVP of Product at DADOS Technology.
Producer Lily Snyder brings you the Dispatch from the Fringe.
Show Notes:
- Kiss say farewell to live touring, become first US band to go virtual and become digital avatars
- Kids Want Digital Currency And Subscriptions More Than New Games This Xmas
- The Game Awards trailer gets us hyped for the games of 2024
- Fortnite’s Eminem concert teased the future of the game
- A former Lucasfilm exec created this time-traveling chicken to help kids cope with climate change
- Making an image with generative AI uses as much energy as charging your phone
- Irena Cronin on LinkedIn
- Who wants to farm potatoes in the metaverse? Exploring Roblox’s corporate hell-worlds
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In this episode, Hackl and Kebler talk about a possible Lego x Fortnite launch, Fortnite partnering with Oakley, Fortnite Creative and the importance of thumbnails. They also discuss gesture technology, like the early “slide to unlock” to today’s double tap on the Apple Watch. Hackl gives her reaction to the Vario XR 4 and they discuss the spatial computing sessions at AWS re:Invent event. Kebler and Hackl talk about an article from The Guardian that talks about women in AI, and Cathy wishes for more Godmothers of AI.
Hackl interviews Zoe Scaman, founder of Bodacious on gaming, Gen Alpha, and the multiplayer brand.
Show Notes:
- Everything you need to know about the Lego x Fortnite collab
- Varjo XR-4 Promises Mixed Reality "Practically Indistinguishable From Natural Sight"
- Will Hand Gestures Replace Touchscreens and Keyboards?
- Most advanced virtual and mixed reality headsets for professionals – Varjo
- Finnish startup Varjo launches new $3,990 mixed-reality headset to take on Apple, Microsoft
- AWS re:Invent
- Save the Date: Spatial Computing at AWS re:Invent 2023
- Where are all the ‘godmothers’ of AI? Women’s voices are not being heard
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Over the weekend, Sam Altman was fired from OpenAI and a lot of tech news and tech drama unfolded over the last few days. Hackl and Kebler share their thoughts on OpenAI, Altman, and why the big losers of this news story are potentially the users.
Hackl shares her first article published in the Harvard Business Review was just published and shares why it's about more than just mixed reality, it’s about the future of human-computer and human-to-human interaction, and yes, AI is at the core of Spatial Computing. The hosts also chat about Roblox’s latest virtual fashion report, and also how a TikTok makeup trend might be just a fad or could be the future.
Hackl interviews Greg Kahn, CEO at GK Digital Ventures and President and CEO at Emerging Tech Exchange. Producer Lily Snyder brings you the Dispatch from the Fringe.
Show Notes:
- What Leaders Need to Know About Spatial Computing (by Cathy Hackl)
- A Wearable World (by Cathy Hackl & Lily Snyder)
- FIU and tech futurist Cathy Hackl announce the launch of Virtual Fashion Design Endowed Scholarship
- Roblox’s 2023 Digital Expression, Fashion & Beauty Trends Report
- TikTok Trend - makeup from the uncanny valley
- Swallowable device to track vital signs
- Scientists invent micrometers-thin battery charged by saline solution that could power smart contact lenses
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In this episode, Hackl and Kebler talk about the Mac Pro Mini and developing for the Apple Vision Pro.
Hackl attended the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) awards and why we’ll eventually see more people from tech at fashion events. The conversation of fashion and AI leads Hackl and Kebler to share their views of the Humane AI Pin released on November 9. Kebler is wary of voice control as the main control for technology devices.
Hackl interviews Cynthia Miller, Head of Innovation at 11:11 media.
Producer Lily Snyder brings you the Dispatch from the Fringe.
Key Highlights:
- 1:00 - Podcast intro with co-host Lee Kebler.
- 1:22 - What we did last week: Hackl talks about her time at the CDFA awards. Lee and Hackl discuss the Humane AI pin. Humane AI Pin, fad or future?
- 17:00 - Should wearables be singular devices that do things very well?
- 18:00 - OpenAI Dev Day and GPTs.
- 24:40 - Guest interview with Cynthia Miller, Head of Innovation at 11:11 Media
- 44:00 - Dispatch from the Fringe
- 47:45 - Outro
Show Notes:
- CFDA Awards
- Humane AI Pin
- General Magic
- Cynthia Miller on LinkedIn
- Rats Use the Power of Imagination to Navigate and Move Objects in a VR Landscape
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Cathy Hackl and guest host Lee Kebler are back with episode five of TechMagic, the show that dives deep into our tech futures and current tech and gaming news. In this episode, Hackl and Kebler talk about the new Beatles song made possible by machine learning. Hackl talks about playing video games with her kids. Hackl and Lee talk about Fortnite which released an OG map that generated 102 million hours of play and broke records. Zumba is coming to virtual reality and Kebler’s grievance with VR fitness subscriptions.
Hackl interviews guest, Pico Velásquez, Founder and CEO of VIIRA Inc.
Producer Lily Snyder comes back with the Dispatch from the Fringe. In this segment, Snyder shares the weirdest story in tech this week. VR is going to space!
Key Highlights:
- 1:00 - Podcast intro with co-host Lee Kebler.
- 1:22 - What we did last week: Lee The Beatles released their final song, “Now and Then”. Used machine learning to separate vocals from old recorded tape. Cathy plays video games with her kids and the benefits of playing together and is getting ready to attend the CFDA Awards in NYC, one of the biggest nights in fashion.
- 13:01 - Fortnite and the gaming industry: Launched an original Fortnite map. 44.7 million players 102 million hours of play.
- 20 - Tech and Sports: Sports is evolving. Flag Football will be an Olympic sport. Zumba will be released on virtual reality.
- 29:13 - Guest interview: Cathy speaks with Pico Velásquez, Founder and CEO of VIIRA Inc.
- 56:29 - Architectural design in spatial computing. Keebler and Hackl talk about engineering design as a vertical for spatial computing.
- 57:20 - Dispatch from the Fringe
- 1:00 - 1:04:50 - Outro
Show Notes:
- The Beatles Song
- Why you should play video games with your kids
- As OG ‘Fortnite’ Breaks Records, ‘Call Of Duty’ Players Want Verdansk Or Blackout Back
- Flag football will be part of 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Here’s what to know
- Pico Velásquez on LinkedIn
- HTC’s Vive Focus 3 has a new, far-out mission: astronaut mental health
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Cathy Hackl and guest host Lee Kebler are back with the fourth episode of TechMagic, the show that dives deep into our tech futures and current tech and gaming news. In this episode, Hackl and Kebler talk about President Biden’s AI executive order and AI governance. They discuss Humane’s AI wearable that is to launch on November 9, ask ChatPGT questions about mental health and reminisce about Call of Duty which turned 20 this year. Marriott releases a map in Fortnite. Plus, which are a fad and which are the future?
Hackl interviews guest, Ari Peralta, CEO of Arigami, about sensory design.
Producer Lily Snyder comes back with the Dispatch from the Fringe. In this segment, Snyder shares the weirdest story in tech this week.
Show Notes:
- Use the code TECHMAGIC30 for 30% off Adweek’s NexTech event.
- One AI Device to Rule Them All
- Biden’s AI Executive Order
- People are speaking with ChatGPT for hours, bringing 2013’s Her closer to reality
- Call of Duty turns 20
- Marriott Launches a Virtual City in Fortnight
- What is Prenuvo?
- Ari Peralta on LinkedIn
- Arigama
- Ryanair in Roblox Hits 1 Million Virtual Fights
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In this episode, Hackl and Kebler talk about artificial intelligence in the music industry and the ethics of using lyrics to train AI. In a separate segment, they talk about Apple and AI.
The discuss Hackl’s visit to The Sphere in Las Vegas for opening night and the gaming industry taking over The Sphere during TwitchCon. Plus, which are a fad and which are the future?
Key Highlights:
- 6:41 - 9:10 - What we did last week: Cathy visits The Sphere in Las Vegas. Lee attends the Augmented Enterprise Summit.
- 9:11 - 20:07 - AI and the music industry: The ethics behind using lyrics to train AI. Using AI artists to mimic real people and pushing the boundaries of musical innovation.
- 20:08 - 32:41 - The Vegas Sphere. The outside of The Sphere displayed ads for Microsoft and Sony during TwitchCon. Cathy gives us her first-hand account of seeing The Sphere on opening night. Can brands and artirts repurpose their Sphere content?
- 32:42 - 38:34 - AI and Apple: Is Apple playing catch up on generative AI? Lee thinks so. Cathy thinks Apple is always one step ahead, they just don’t show their cards.
- 38:35 - 39:21- Break
- 39:23 - 57:30- Guest Interview with David Armano: Cathy interviews David Armano, Senior Director at Soul Machines about AI and Armano’s perspective on the future of work.
- 57:43 1:00:50- Dispatch from the Fringe with Producer Lily Snyder: Genetically modified silkworms produce bionic spider silk. It’s a spiderverse out there!
- 1:00:51 - 1:03:18 - What Cathy and Lee are dressing up as for Halloween and the new FNAF movie.
Show Notes:
- The Music’s First Reckoning with AI
- Apple, caught by surprise in generative AI boom, to spend $1 billion per year to catch up: Report
- Inside Apple’s Big Plan to Bring Generative AI to All Its Devices
- Xbox and PlayStation battle it out at The Sphere
- David Armano on LinkedIn
- Silkworms modified to make spider silk
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Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler are back for the second episode of TechMagic, the show that dives deep into the technology journey from fashion to space. In this episode, Hackl shares a guest interview with futurist, Faith Popcorn and talks about AI and Faith’s storied career and work with brands.
Kebler gives us a sneak peek reaction to the Meta Quest 3. Hackl and Kebler discuss how long it should take to make a video game and how Gen Z and Gamer moms are changing gaming expectations. Microsoft became the third-largest video game company in the world with its acquisition of Activision. AI wearables keep coming but which form factor will be the winner?
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In the first episode of TechMagic,Cathy Hackl, tech futurist, visionary, and pioneer, and technology lead Lee Kebler shared their insights on the latest stories in gaming, AI, and fashion tech. Their discussion guides businesses and brands on how to discern which are fads and what is the future.
Hackl and Kebler discuss the retirement of Unity’s CEO, John Riccitiello, and the future of game engines. They talked about what brands need to look out for when they launch online video games like Fortnite. They moved on to artificial intelligence and voice print rights. Finally, Hackl and Kebler went into space with Prada and Axiom Space.
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In a world where technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, staying informed and connected with the latest trends and innovations has never been more crucial. Enter "TechMagic with Cathy Hackl," a brand-new weekly podcast that promises to be your ultimate guide to the ever-evolving world of technology. The first episode debuts on October 11.
This is not your run-of-the-mill tech podcast. It's a captivating journey into the heart of technology, where fluff takes a backseat, and in-depth exploration takes center stage. Hosted by tech futurist, visionary, and pioneer Cathy Hackl herself, this podcast is your passport to understanding the profound impact of technology on our lives. From AI, spatial computing, virtual worlds, gaming, XR, to brain compute interfaces, to space exploration, synthetic biology, frontier tech and beyond, TechMagic seeks to provide clarity in an age of accelerated technology change.
TechMagic with Cathy Hackl also invites you into the minds of tech and brand leaders. Through exclusive interviews, you'll gain access to the wisdom and experiences of those at the forefront of innovation. Discover how these visionary leaders across the globe are leveraging technology to revolutionize their industries. It's more than just a podcast; it's your portal to understanding and embracing the future.
Subscribe now, and join Cathy Hackl on this journey into the heart of tech – where magic becomes reality and where the future becomes the present.
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In this special bonus episode, Cathy sits down with Avery Akkineni, President of Vayner3. At Vayner3, Akkineni is leading the mission to guide the world's largest enterprises in navigating the next iteration of connected consumer behavior.
During the conversation, they discuss her work, what she thinks about AI, and her vision of the future.
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In this special bonus episode, Cathy sits down with Gary Vaynerchuk, serial entrepreneur & chairman of VaynerX. During the conversation, they discuss everything from Metaverse, Web3, AI, and beyond.
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The metaverse is still in extremely early development-it feels almost like a party that just started. How does its audience grow? How can it improve upon issues in the current iteration of the internet? Companies are focusing on a human-centered development paradigm, with an almost anti-big tech attitude. This episodes explores how Web3 and Meta can reach more skeptical audiences.
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This year's New York Fashion week featured some interesting concepts incorporating web3 and the metaverse. Video games like Roblox and Second Life have skins and avatars that are expressions of how players present themselves. Fashion, web3, and the metaverse are inevitably meeting at an intersection that celebrates creativity and self-expression.
In this episode of Metaverse Marketing, we explore how the world of fashion is expanding into web3 and the metaverse and how companies can meet consumers with new experiences.
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You have probably felt some major shifts around work in the last couple of years. Quarantine, economic downturns, quiet quitting, and even more transitions in the labor market than ever before. Just about everyone's job has changed in some way, and developments in metaverse technologies promise that things will just keep changing.
In this episode of Metaverse Marketing, we are going to explore how the world of work and education are expanding and what you can do to keep up.
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The Metaverse market opportunity could be in the trillions of dollars, and every brand is trying to make sense of what this means to them. Unlike past financial opportunities, this one comes with entirely new ways to make money and even new types of money because the definition of value itself is changing.
In this episode of Metaverse Marketing, we'll talk to Web3 and metaverse pioneers about the different approaches to commerce that they are experimenting with and the new commerce models that are evolving.
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As a brand marketer, you are always looking to connect with as many audiences as possible, but have you ever felt like you're missing touch with what the new generations want? Maybe you thought you could prove you were in on the joke by throwing in a, how do you do fellow kids? Only to realize that meme is now 10 years old. The world is changing and so are our brands' audiences.
On this episode of Metaverse Marketing, we're looking at how the Metaverse and Web3 can help you develop new customer journeys to reinvigorate your brand and meet your audiences where they are.
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And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at podcast@adweek.com.
Have you ever wondered if you have someone out there in the world that looks just like you? A study from a research institute in Spain found that most of us have several lookalikes out there. Why do we share this with you? Because the same is becoming true for our physical world.
Technology has helped us map many streets and roads, which we use to navigate to our destinations on a daily basis. But much more than meets the eye is happening underneath the surface. We are creating digital twins of our cities, neighborhoods, and even our homes.
On today's episode of Metaverse Marketing, we investigate how Metaverse technologies are bridging the physical and virtual worlds, allowing individuals to literally change their surroundings.
Follow Cathy on Twitter: @CathyHackl
Subscribe to Adweek's Metaverse Marketing on your favorite podcast platform!
You can listen and subscribe to all of Adweek’s podcasts by visiting adweek.com/podcasts.
Stay updated on all things Adweek Podcast Network by following us on Twitter: @adweekpodcasts.
And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at podcast@adweek.com.
You may know a lot of metaverse skeptics or you might be one yourself.
For many people, the metaverse conjures up visions of lonely, unhappy people wearing VR headsets to escape reality. While we hope that through this podcast, you come to realize that the metaverse and web3 are so much more than people in headsets, the feeling is understandable. After all, the term "metaverse" does originate in a dystopian novel.
Today on Metaverse Marketing, we're talking dystopias and utopias, the fears that can sabotage your brand's foray into the metaverse, and how we can make the ideals of web3 and the metaverse a reality.
Follow Cathy on Twitter: @CathyHackl
Subscribe to Adweek's Metaverse Marketing on your favorite podcast platform!
You can listen and subscribe to all of Adweek’s podcasts by visiting adweek.com/podcasts.
Stay updated on all things Adweek Podcast Network by following us on Twitter: @adweekpodcasts.
And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at podcast@adweek.com.
Welcome to the second season of Adweek's Metaverse Marketing podcast. We are excited to dive deeper this season into how the metaverse is changing our world both on and offline.
In this premiere episode, host Cathy Hackl explores what it truly means to build a community and why it is such a hot topic in Web3 and the metaverse.
Follow Cathy on Twitter: @CathyHackl
Subscribe to Adweek's Metaverse Marketing on your favorite podcast platform!
You can listen and subscribe to all of Adweek’s podcasts by visiting adweek.com/podcasts.
Stay updated on all things Adweek Podcast Network by following us on Twitter: @adweekpodcasts.
And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at podcast@adweek.com.
Welcome back, fellow pioneers! About a year ago we made a big bet that business professionals would be interested in better understanding what the metaverse meant for them and the brands and companies they work for. And what a year it's been. So much has happened since our last episode.
Nowadays, all eyes are on the metaverse and Web3, and for good reason. Every week seems to bring with it further acceleration, and it can feel hard to keep up with the pace of change. The most prominent companies in the world are investing in virtual worlds and new commerce models. They're building out new platforms and markets for engaging with their customers, but they aren't the only players. Visionaries across science, art technology, fashion, gaming, and entertainment are expanding our vision for what is possible when we build this new reality.
It's not really a question anymore of whether the metaverse is going to happen. It is already being worked on and it is too big to ignore, but what will it look like long term? What values will prevail? What could go wrong and how will it change us?
Join us for the second season of Adweek's Metaverse Marketing, presented by Meta, as we explore these questions and help you prepare for tomorrow.
We started this journey in an effort to better understand where the future of the internet is heading, as well as to help you explore the metaverse. And just as we were doing that, something quite interesting happened.
Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, announced that the company will become a metaverse company and marked the shift with a name change to Meta. If ever there was a timestamp in history, this would be it. While Facebook may be a part of that journey, as we've heard it time and time again from experts throughout this season, no one company will own the metaverse and no one person's vision for the future of the metaverse will prevail. We're all building it together.
But what will the future of the metaverse look like? In episode 8 of Adweek’s Metaverse Marketing podcast, we explore what the next decade of the metaverse will look like, how it will enable new kinds of ontological exploration, how brands can future-proof their businesses and enter the metaverse, and the implications of the metaverse on future generations.
It was May 2019 when Dutch startup, The Fabricant, made a splash on the fashion scene with the debut of their Iridescence dress, a luminous cape-like gown that glowed with highlights of purple. But this was no ordinary dress.
The Iridescence dress is a digital asset that was auctioned on the blockchain for $9,500 and delivered by digitally tailoring the dress onto the photos of the buyer. For those paying attention to what is happening in the fashion industry, it was this sale that made us rethink what is valuable in fashion.
In episode 7 of Adweek’s Metaverse Marketing podcast, we will discuss what fashion could be when divorced from physics and explored only as a creative expression, how direct-to-avatar might just be the next direct-to-consumer, and perhaps the most important question of all, what will you wear in the metaverse?
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When the American digital artist known as Beeple sold a digital artwork at Christie’s Auction House for over $60 million, it became the most expensive NFT ever sold at an auction. It was a metaverse moment that crystallized the hype surrounding this new form of digital media. But what exactly is an NFT and why are they so important?
NFT stands for non-fungible token and is essentially a unique and noninterchangeable unit of data stored on a digital ledger such as the blockchain. These tokens can be linked to anything from art, texts, video or even bits of code. So, what does this have to do with the metaverse?
In episode 6 of Adweek’s Metaverse Marketing podcast, we will explore the rise of non-fungible tokens, how they have impacted the worlds of art, fashion, collectibles, and real estate, their place in the metaverse, and how they can unlock new opportunities to engage with audiences, as well as new revenue streams.
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What if it was possible to walk the halls of Hogwarts, explore the deserts of Tatooine, or be emersed into J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth? Would you want to explore one of these imaginary worlds? "People like the idea of an escapist experience, whether that be on TV, in a video game, or on some kind of shared virtual space,” says Anshel Sag, Principal Analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy. “I think that helping people to momentarily escape reality is really what entertainment's purpose is."
The metaverse presents itself as a realm of infinite possibilities and opportunities to make those dreams a reality, but how we get there is still being established.
In episode two of Adweek’s Metaverse Marketing podcast, we explored how collaboration and co-creation are important aspects of digital citizenship in the metaverse. In episode four, we discussed how gaming is building its rules and infrastructure. Today we're looking at gaming's close cousin, entertainment, and how it's the glue holding everything together.
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When most of your time spent with others is on digital platforms, is your digital identity a better representation of who you are than your physical identity? As we look forward towards the future, our avatars will play an increasingly important role in how we enter the metaverse and how we represent ourselves there. "The purpose of the avatar inside the metaverse is to really truly look inside ourselves," Kelly Vero says. The avatar can become an exploration of the self, but it can also give us the opportunity to be multiple selves, explore multiple identities, or different facets of identity at once.
In the metaverse, everyone can create a unique identity, no matter how similar or different to your physical appearance and IRL identity. Identity is oftentimes heavily influenced by culture. And the culture of the past 30 years has been informed largely by one thing—the internet.
The internet and the evolution of social media have made way for all types of conversations about identity, self-determination and even gender. So how will the next evolution of the internet—the metaverse—inform our identity in the future? That's the question we'll explore in this week's episode of Adweek's Metaverse Marketing podcast.
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According to 2021 research from Statista: 38% of video game players are ages 18 to 34 and 7% are 65 years and older. In 2021, women accounted for 45% of gamers in the U.S. And lastly, two out of every five people across the world are gamers.
They're not only your kids, but also your aunt, friend, and possibly even your grandma. You need to look no further than gaming to start seeing your first glimpses of the metaverse.
Gaming—and particularly multiplayer games—have paved the way for the metaverse, especially when it comes to infrastructure. So much of internet culture is driven by fun and games, so it makes sense that the next evolution of our digital lives will continue to be shaped by gaming culture. However, gaming as we know it is just the beginning.
While early experiments are linking the blockchain to gaming, there's still no universal standard for an economic system in the metaverse, which makes it messy and hard to pin down. As you'll hear on this episode of Adweek's Metaverse Marketing podcast, once we agree on such a system for transferring money and ownership, a whole new world of opportunity is likely to be unlocked.
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The moment you take your first step into the metaverse, you'll immediately notice the passionate community of builders that are architecting the future of the internet right before your eyes. And they're not going at it alone—instead, they're leveraging the power of collaboration to move at a speed that would be impossible for any single creator.
As brands begin to foray into this territory, one critical truth should always be top of mind: collaboration and co-creation are two of the most important building blocks of web 3.0. Empowering "collectors" (not "consumers") to collaborate with each other and co-create alongside your brand is a recipe for success in the metaverse.
In this episode of Adweek's Metaverse Marketing podcast, you'll hear all about the strategic shifts that leading projects, creators and brands are making to harness the collective power of groups to thrive in the metaverse.
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"Metaverse" is a word that's hard to define — and means different things to different people. The term was coined by sci-fi writer Neal Stephenson in his 1992 novel, "Snow Crash," to describe a world similar to that which was later popularized in Ernest Cline's 2011 book, "Ready Player One," which was adapted into a film by Steven Spielberg.
In these stories, the metaverse is a persistent virtual world—accessible by VR goggles—where users can fully live out their lives digitally. But is that the future metaverse we can actually expect?
On episode 1 of Adweek's Metaverse Marketing Podcast, we're joined by metaverse experts to hear how exactly they define the word "metaverse".
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Today, Adweek is announcing the release of our newest original podcast series — Metaverse Marketing. Part audio documentary, part interview podcast, Metaverse Marketing explores the role of marketing in Web 3.0 and hopes to help listeners make sense of the metaverse beyond just the hype. The podcast is hosted by leading metaverse strategist and CEO of Futures Intelligence Group, Cathy Hackl.
On Adweek's Metaverse Marketing podcast, host Cathy Hackl takes listeners on a journey into the future and prepares marketers to master the metaverse. Listeners can expect to be brought up to speed on the tech that’s shaping the future of the internet; discover new opportunities and overcome the challenges presented by the metaverse; and learn how brands can prepare for tomorrow, today.
Over the course of 8 episodes, the first season of the podcast will explore how the metaverse will impact fashion, sports, entertainment, gaming, culture, and even identity. Listeners will hear from the minds that are shaping the metaverse, the brands that are already entering it, and will find out how digital culture is shaping our reality.
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