The AI XR Podcast

Devon Eriksen, author of the sci-fi novel 'Theft of Fire', dives into the intricate relationship between technology and storytelling. He discusses the importance of cultural preservation in the age of AI, drawing parallels to indigenous challenges. The conversation shifts to the philosophical idea of intelligence as universal property and whether we might live in a simulation. Eriksen also shares insights from his creative journey transitioning from software engineering to sci-fi, exploring how the genre can inspire hope amidst darker narratives.

Jess Loren, CEO of Global Objects, discusses the fascinating world of photoreal digital twins in film and gaming. She shares insights on cutting-edge scanning technologies like LiDAR and photogrammetry that capture everything from insects to stadiums. The conversation dives into Hollywood's transformation amid tech shifts, the nostalgia-driven modern media landscape, and the future of virtual production. Jess also highlights the importance of a clean digital archive for cultural preservation and the role of AI in revolutionizing the industry.

On this episode of the AI/XR Podcast, Charlie Fink, Ted Schilowitz, and Rony Abovitz welcome Brent Bushnell, co-founder of DreamPark, for an energizing conversation about the future of mixed reality entertainment. Brent shares how DreamPark turns public spaces into interactive theme parks using Meta Quest 3 headsets, enabling immersive gameplay on city streets, at malls, and even music festivals. The hosts reflect on the legacy of Magic Leap, the overlooked brilliance of the Magic Leap game Dr. Grordbort's Invaders, made exclusively for Magic Leap by New Zealand's WETA studio. Rony compares Brent’s vision to Walt Disney, and the brainstorm an entire Dream Park business plan, discussing everything from retrofitting dead malls to launching pop-ups at Buc-ee’s and Walmart. Along the way, they discuss the shortcomings of Apple Vision Pro, Magic Leap’s lost potential, and the promise of scalable location-based XR. Equal parts XR therapy session and founder love-fest, this episode captures what happens when tech dreamers like Brent Bushnell find a working prototype.Thank you to our sponsor, Zappar!Don't forget to like, share, and follow for more! Follow us on all socials @TheAIXRPodcasthttps://linktr.ee/thisweekinxr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this episode, Charlie, Ted, and Rony are joined by longtime tech entrepreneur Greg Shove, who shares lessons from a career spanning seven startups and multiple pivots—including a missed opportunity to buy Amazon in 1996. Now CEO of Section, Shove has repositioned the company from an online business school to an enterprise AI transformation consultancy. He discusses the shift from pandemic-era digital learning to workforce upskilling for companies deploying large language models. The conversation covers AI’s “cut and create” phases, the moral imperative to retrain displaced workers, and the risk of becoming an AI “passenger” rather than a “driver.” Shove warns of cognitive offloading and the commodification of knowledge work, suggesting that skilled trades may prove more resilient in the age of automation. The hosts reflect on AI’s Orwellian dynamics and the widening education gap in America. Thank you to our sponsor, Zappar!Don't forget to like, share, and follow for more! Follow us on all socials @TheAIXRPodcasthttps://linktr.ee/thisweekinxr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bilawal Sidhu, former Google Maps PM and TED AI curator, shares his fascinating journey from childhood Flash animations to shaping immersive technology like Google Earth VR. He discusses the evolution of AI and the cultural impact of media satire, especially regarding political discourse. The conversation delves into the ethics of deep fakes, the potential of personalized AI podcasts, and the future of filmmaking in an AI-driven landscape. Sidhu emphasizes the balance between technology and storytelling, sparking a lively dialogue on innovation and ethics.

In this engaging discussion, director Rob Minkoff, known for The Lion King, explores how AI is transforming Hollywood's economic landscape. Filmmaker Ellenor Argyropoulos shares her profitable experiences using AI, highlighting its benefits for independent creators. Writer-director John MacInnes predicts a future with fewer traditional roles, focusing on the rise of creator-driven content. The trio delves into the challenges of IP theft, synthetic actors, and the human essence in storytelling amidst technological evolution.

In this episode of the AIXR podcast, Charlie Fink, Ted Schilowitz, and Roni Abovitz engage in a deep conversation with Christopher Summerfield, a researcher from Google DeepMind and author of 'These Strange New Minds.' They discuss the latest developments in AI, ethical considerations, the role of AI in society, and the implications of AGI. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on education, the need for government regulation, and the balance of power in AI development. Summerfield emphasizes the importance of guardrails for AI deployment and the potential benefits of AI in various sectors, while also acknowledging the risks and challenges that come with it.Thank you to our sponsor, Zappar!Don't forget to like, share, and follow for more! Follow us on all socials @TheAIXRPodcasthttps://linktr.ee/thisweekinxr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ananya Chadha, founder of Quander.co and a Stanford grad with a tech background from Neuralink and IBM, shares insights on navigating marketing in the age of content overload. She emphasizes that distribution challenges overshadow product quality for businesses today. The conversation delves into AI's evolving role in marketing, Meta's hefty investments, and the rise of low-quality AI-generated content. They explore how startups can enhance visibility while maintaining ethical values amidst the Silicon Valley hustle and discuss the intersection of neuroscience and technology.

Recorded in Prague, this special episode of the AI/XR Podcast features Charlie Fink in conversation with Somnium Space founder and CEO Artur Sychov. Charlie test-drives the $3,500 Somnium VR1 headset—so sharp it out-resolves human vision—and the two dive into the future of immersive tech. Artur lays out his no-nonsense definition of the metaverse: it’s not the metaverse if it’s not in VR, not persistent, and not decentralized. He praises Apple’s Vision Pro as the best dev kit ever made and says VisionOS could be the foundation of spatial computing for the next 50 years. Meta, on the other hand, gets a reality check for spending $100 billion while still depending on Apple and Google’s platforms. Thank you to our sponsor, Zappar!Don't forget to like, share, and follow for more! Follow us on all socials @TheAIXRPodcasthttps://linktr.ee/thisweekinxr Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Randy Marsden, a former Apple exec and co-founder of Skidattl, and Colton Marsden, his business partner, delve into the transformative potential of augmented reality. They discuss how Skidattl aims to simplify AR with geo-anchored virtual signage that enhances real-world interactions. The duo reflects on Apple's AI strategy, Tim Cook's leadership, and the balance between innovation and accessibility. They emphasize the importance of user-friendly tech in everyday life while also addressing the evolving landscape of AI in entertainment and creativity.