The AI Supercycle, California's AI Safety Bill Vetoed, and the Future of AR/VR | E2017

TL;DR

Advances in AR and VR occur as technology reaches consumer readiness, but substantial hurdles remain.

Transcript

is now the time to create apps for AR if you recall the Google Glass days they had the little translation app and so you could look at a street sign and it would autot translate it for you I got to play with that blew my mind I also got to play with the Microsoft Hollow lens which was AR blew my mind and I never got to play with magic leap but I'm ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🚀 Timing is crucial for launching AR and VR startups, with successful companies capitalizing on consumer readiness and technological developments.
• 🇭🇰 Historical examples of AR and VR highlight both the potential and pitfalls of early innovations, stressing the importance of consumer acceptance.
• 🍵 There are risks associated with excessive notifications if AR technology is not handled thoughtfully, which could impair real-world interactions and experiences.
• 🌍 The current climate may be favorable for AR and VR due to advancements in hardware and applications that facilitate real-world utility.
• 💁 Successful AR and VR applications may require a focus on immersive experiences rather than mere augmentation of existing digital formats.
• 👾 Startups in this space need to carve out specific niches to succeed amidst competition from established tech giants.
• 👤 Brand trust and user experience are vital competitive advantages in a landscape dominated by large players.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are some historical examples of early AR and VR technologies?

Historical examples include the Seiki AI camera from Toni Dot, showcased in 2009, which aimed to enhance experiences in spaces like restaurants and museums. Additionally, Google Glass represented an attempt to merge digital notifications with daily activities, although it ultimately did not succeed in the consumer market.

Q: Why do the hosts believe now might be a good time to invest in AR and VR?

The hosts argue that technological advancements have reached a point where hardware quality is improving and sufficient consumer interest exists. They believe this combination makes investing in AR and VR more viable than in previous attempts when neither hardware nor application presence was strong enough.

Q: What concerns do the hosts have regarding the integration of notifications in AR technology?

They express concern that overwhelming notifications could disrupt social interactions and lead to a technology that adds stress rather than value. They debate whether augmented experiences can enhance daily life rather than just serve as another platform for distractions.

Q: How do the presenters view the role of startups in the AR and VR industries?

Startups will play a critical role in creating niche applications and experiences that capitalize on immersive technology. They believe that while major corporations might control the infrastructure, innovative startups can explore unique uses of AR and VR when executed properly.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The podcast discusses the evolution of AR and VR technologies, highlighting important historical milestones and the necessity of timing in startup success.

• Presenters explore the potential resurgence of interest in AR and VR, spurred by advancements in hardware and consumer demand for immersive experiences.

• They speculate on the future of these technologies, weighing the implications of constant notifications versus immersive experiences in daily life.