AI and The Metaverse on Other Stages
By Greg Kahn
Emerging Tech Exchange
Founder & CEO
Published on October 24, 2023
I’ve been fully immersed in the conference season these days.
I had an enlightening Fireside Chat at The Economist Metaverse Summit on Oct. 10, where I appeared with Kirthiga Reddy, co-founder & CEO of Virtualness (full disclosure: one of my advisory clients) and Adi Abili, Head of web3 at AB InBev, a dinner I hosted provided a deeper discussion about “What’s Next?”
Specifically, we explored just how the shift from web2 to web3 must correct the aspects of digital media that have caused so much hand-wringing and angst, particularly in terms of the impact on our kids.
Web3 is a chance to do better. Why do I believe we can lift our sights higher? Because, among other things, recognizing the connection between consumer loyalty and digital collectibles, which provide special access to a brand or artist’s biggest fans, will be less about impulsive “clicks” than creating transformative and transportive environments people will want to immerse themselves in.
Web3 is about decentralization — and everyone from niche startups to established brands and enterprises need to factor this emerging set of technologies into their growth models. (There’s no “one-size fits all approach.” Whether your company is exploring web3 or remains in a “wait-and-see” mode, we should talk.)
As my guests noted, the pressure is coming from two trends gaining strength. There’s government regulators who are more aggressive when it comes to safeguarding consumer privacy. Then there’s the changing expectations from consumers themselves. People are increasingly demanding greater control and transparency when it comes to accessing their data.
Those two pressure points will result in dramatic changes in interactive media.
Another area all companies will be facing in 2024: the rise of spatial computing.
Understanding of hybrid virtual & physical realities through mobile phones to headsets must start with a sense of collective humanity based on clear ethics at its core. It’s nothing less than a rethinking of the way we build our digital worlds, especially after the last 10 years where our society’s are more polarized, more isolated with our phones and our self-selected media bubbles.
Because spatial computing will be based on collaboration and community, I believe the medium will naturally tend toward healthier experiences.
But it’s up to leaders — the investors and entrepreneurs who will build the programs and features powering spatial computing and the media companies and brands who will shape the messaging. Consumers will respond to this crucial chance to reset digital experiences.
As this night proved, it’s truly inspiring to gather the top creators, startups, investors, entrepreneurs, and established leaders together is how we build the community that will chart the paths for the next wave of spatial computing innovation.
I’m proud to say that ethos is reflected in the clients I advise. If you're wondering about what these technologies mean for your company’s future growth, reach out and let’s explore the practical, real-world path forward.
Greg Kahn
Emerging Tech Exchange
Founder & CEO
