The Second Biggest Tech Story of the year
AI+AR+VR = Apple's Mixed Reality Headset.
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Friends,
For my friends in education, do read The First Year of AI College Ends in Ruin.
But today, I want to delve into the second most significant story of the year: Apple's imminent VR Headset. This cutting-edge device is part of the larger wave of technological advancements, including augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. When these technologies converge, they have the potential to create unprecedented opportunities and impact our lives even more profoundly than the internet. Moreover, they are likely to revolutionize various sectors, including training and education. I’m not going to bring back the M word (Metaverse) - but this is a step in that direction.
To ensure widespread adoption, it is crucial to make VR headsets more accessible in terms of price and fashion. Lowering the cost and improving the design of these devices will encourage a broader range of people to embrace the technology. Equally important is the availability of compelling and immersive content. In my humble opinion, this factor plays the most significant role in attracting users and showcasing the capabilities of VR and AR. It's worth noting that VR training has already demonstrated remarkable results, with a 70% retention rate and four times faster learning compared to traditional methods. As such, the potential impact on education is immense, and we find ourselves at a pivotal moment of change. I’m biased though - but if any industry is ripe to be ripped up by tech, education is.
On June 5, Apple will unveil its Headset at its upcoming developer conference. This device combines virtual and real-world experiences, which may initially sound unconventional. However, let's not forget that when the iPod and Apple Watch were first introduced, they also raised eyebrows.
Back in the day, portable music players were bulky, had limited storage capacity, and were cumbersome to operate. Then, Apple introduced the iPod, revolutionizing the way we consumed music. Similarly, the Apple Watch had a rocky start in 2014, with people unsure of its value. Features like "Digital Touch," allowing users to send heartbeats and sketches, didn't immediately capture the imagination. Nonetheless, Apple persevered, continuously refining and enhancing the product. Today, the Apple Watch is a multi-billion dollar success, appealing to fitness and health fanatics - but also to those who need to see their notifications by the minute.
Mixed reality headsets encounter similar obstacles to other Apple products breaking into our psyche. They suffer from clunkiness, short battery life, and a lack of killer applications. While they have gained popularity among gamers and tech enthusiasts, they have yet to achieve mainstream adoption. Nevertheless, Apple may once again disrupt the status quo and alter the game.
Apple has an inherent ability to identify untapped potential and transform it into a resounding success. Their commitment to creating a seamless experience across their vast array of devices is evident in products like AirPods, Apple Watch, and HomePod. The integration of these devices with iPhones and other Apple gadgets propelled AirPods to become a massive hit. Considering this track record, one can only imagine the possibilities that lie ahead with a mixed reality headset. Rumours suggest it will seamlessly connect with FaceTime and other Apple services, further enhancing the overall user experience.
Reports also indicate that Apple is developing a FaceTime-like live chat feature to demonstrate the headset's capabilities. Additionally, they are relying on developers to create mind-blowing applications that fully leverage the potential of mixed reality. With such developments on the horizon, it's safe to say that we can expect astonishing innovations in the near future.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the price. It is rumored that the Apple VR Headset will come with a hefty price tag of around $3,000. However, let's not forget the trajectory of Apple's previous products. The MacBook Air, for instance, debuted with a staggering starting price of $1,799, but over time, its cost decreased, and it is now available for $999. So, it's reasonable to assume that, with time, mixed reality headsets will become more affordable. Analysts predict that prices could drop to around $700 within a few years. Although this amount remains substantial, it represents a step in the right direction.
Apple is prepared to disrupt the status quo, redefine what is possible, and potentially create an entirely new reality. As we have witnessed in recent developments, such as Sam Altman's congressional testimony, regulatory considerations are critical across all industries. Addressing concerns regarding the regulation of AI and the potential negative implications of excessive reliance on VR is essential. However, these technologies offer tremendous opportunities for positive social connections and personal growth. Transitioning to a more natural, 3D world can enhance communication and foster meaningful connections. By 2025, it is projected that 50% of companies worldwide will actively seek innovative solutions offered by VR and AR technologies, highlighting the increasing interest and investment in this field. Who knows how AI will feature - but no doubt the platform for experience will be part of the blue print - and will bake in AI generated content as is the way these days.
Apple is in risky territory - but if Apple did not innovate, we wouldn’t be where we are. I’m certainly no fanboy - but taking mixed VR mainstream seems to me to be Apple’s duty and not Meta’s. And maybe then we might be able to actually experience screenless laptops and visit a a VR AI generated concert of dead and alive pop stars jamming in our living room.
Stay Curious - and don’t forget to be amazing,
PS. This Coca-Cola’s AI Masterpiece: 21st-century art about art advert is genius.
Here are my recommendations for this week:
Morning Brew —Get smarter in 5 minutes with Morning Brew. There's a reason over 4 million people start their day with Morning Brew - the daily email that delivers the latest news from Wall Street to Silicon Valley. Check it out! It’s free.
TikTok creators use AI to rewrite history: A viral trend imagines alternate timelines in which Western imperial nations never came to power.
Japan Is Unmasking, and Its Smile Coach Is Busy - After three years of Covid-era masking, some Japanese people feel their facial expressions are a bit rusty. Japan related: Japan’s sleepy tech scene is ready for a comeback
What I’ve Learned After Holding 1000 Interviews - How to hire in startups and big companies. Related: How to find meaningful work
Music as Experience, the Looming AI Battle and Time - an excellent summary of the crossroads of where Music is right now.
How to Disagree Productively - Disagreements with people whose opinions or ideas differ from ours are common in the workplace. When handled appropriately, disagreements lead to better results — but they are not usually viewed that way. Work-related: How to Deal With Your Doom Pile
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Sam Altman on AI Regulation: The 30-minute summary of the 3-hour senate hearing that you need to watch. Also: What every CEO should know about generative AI and ChatGPT Is Already Obsolete
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Google, Meta, and Amazon’s next frontier: AI-generated ads - AI is touching every industry. If you are going to advertise on Google - and probably anywhere, there will be AI to transform your message. Also see: ChatGPT Vs Bard: Which Can Better Analyze A Stock? - stock picking AI style.
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Just LOVING this content! Too many superlatives to mention!!