Listen Up: Adweek's TechMagic Podcast with Cathy Hackl
By Greg Kahn
Emerging Tech Exchange
Founder & CEO
Published on November 29, 2023
My appearance on the podcast TechMagic, hosted by my good friend, Cathy Hackl, just landed. Take a listen.
Here are just a few items we covered:
Beyond the Hype Cycle: Having evolved the Internet of Things Consortium into the Emerging Tech Exchange, which is designed to connect everyone from startups to established brands on the how to capitalize on constant change, I've witnessed firsthand the ebb and flow of tech trends, from IoT to 5G, Crypto, and now AI.
My mission generally is to show how we can break the usual sequence of inflating potential of new technologies and the inevitable disillusionment that follows when they don't immediately deliver.
At the moment, the two main technologies are at the start of the hype cycle: generative AI and spatial computing. One important point to note: we can’t look at them in silos. Both technologies are part of a larger, interconnected ecosystem, though each is evolving at their own pace.
The Metaverse and Spatial Computing: The hype around the metaverse and spatial computing is a prime example. Companies like Meta have rebranded to align with these technologies prematurely. However, the market is gradually warming up to spatial computing, and a key turning point could be Apple's Vision Pro release in 2024.
Apple's Vision Pro: Apple's spatial computing device and platform probably won’t be considered an instant mainstream hit. But the company’s track record should give it time to build marketplace momentum. Plus, its substantial retail presence — something Meta and other AR/VR headset players haven’t had — is a major differentiator in terms of the comparative advantage Apple has. That retail aspect alone will set the stage for widespread adoption and experimentation beyond the typical product launch trade shows like CES. In turn, Apple’s market-making move will likely catalyze other tech giants and established players to innovate in the spatial computing space into 2025.
Transitioning to a Post-Mobile Era: The next decade will see us heading towards a post-mobile era. We’re going to see technology integrate more closely with our senses of sight, sound, and touch. Spatial computing, whether in the form of sunglasses or goggles, is poised to become a mainstream reality.
I’ll be sharing more from my talk with Cathy over the next few weeks. But for now, Tune in to TechMagic with Cathy Hackl to hear our full discussion on these transformative trends and the future of tech. And as always, let me see your thoughts and insights on these evolving technologies here or reach out to me directly.
Greg Kahn
Emerging Tech Exchange
Founder & CEO
