The Next Next Thing in AI and AR

Shifting Focus: Meta and Apple’s New Directions

Meta is seemingly shifting gears, deprioritizing its VR and Oculus business to concentrate on replicating the success of its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. This move is logical — VR seems to be taking a backseat as AI takes the spotlight, and Meta’s smart glasses have emerged as a standout AI gadget. In the same vein, The Information reported that Apple is now focusing on a more affordable Vision headset rather than a direct successor to the Vision Pro. These developments hint at significant changes that could reshape our expectations for VR and AR technology.

Unpacking the Changes with Industry Experts

With David stepping away, Alex Heath joined Nilay and myself to delve into what’s happening with AR and VR in Silicon Valley. Our conversation touched on more than just the industry giants. We explored a new universal remote with a big screen and a niche audience, Framework’s new laptop with an unusual processor, and the impact of Qualcomm’s new laptop processors, which are finally available to the public.

AI Takes Center Stage

The discussion inevitably pivoted to AI, given the significant news in that space. Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI’s former chief scientist, has launched a new AI company. While his business plan remains unclear, his grand visions for AI's future are unmistakable. Additionally, Perplexity appears to be straining relationships to establish a competitive AI search engine, and the tension between creators and AI companies over data usage and customer relationships is intensifying.

Lightning Round: Fashion and Tech

In our lightning round, we touched on surprising fashion trends within the tech industry. From tech CEOs becoming fashion icons to workers hiring expensive fashion consultants, the intersection of style and technology has never been more evident.

Cool Gadgets and Industry News

Here's a roundup of everything discussed in this episode, beginning with some notable gadgets and tech industry updates:

• Happy Windows on Arm Day.

• Qualcomm Inside: Qualcomm’s new laptop processors are now available for review and purchase, promising to shake up the industry.

• Apple Innovations:Hands-Free Unlocking: Apple's new feature won’t work with existing smart locks. Wireless CarPlay: Apple’s latest CarPlay innovation requires a wireless setup.
  

• Universal Remote: A new device aims to control your smart home without a hub.

• Framework’s RISC-V Laptop: The Framework Laptop 13 is set to be one of the first RISC-V laptops in the world.

• Apple’s Vision Pro: Apple’s team is reportedly working on a more affordable version of the Vision Pro headset.

• Meta’s New Wearables Group: Meta has formed a new group focused on wearables while laying off some employees.

AI Developments and Controversies

Our conversation about AI included several significant developments:

• New AI Company: OpenAI’s former chief scientist is launching a new AI venture.

• Perplexity’s Controversies: The AI company continues to upset publishers with its practices.

• AI Video Tools: New tools are emerging, though some are already copying intellectual property, such as Disney’s.

• Anthropic’s Fast AI Model: The company introduces a new, speedy AI model with an innovative interaction method.

• AI and Social Networks: AIs are increasingly encroaching on social media spaces.

• TikTok AI Ads: Upcoming TikTok ads may feature AI avatars of popular creators.

• McDonald’s AI Experiment: The fast-food giant pauses its AI drive-thru order tests for now.

Lightning Round Highlights

Our lightning round covered:

• Nvidia’s Market Value: Nvidia has surpassed Microsoft as the world’s most valuable company.

• US Lawsuit Against Adobe: Adobe faces a lawsuit over allegedly deceptive subscription practices.

• Tech and Fashion: Tech CEOs are now fashion icons, with workers hiring $500-an-hour fashion consultants.

Stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News for more updates and in-depth discussions on the latest in tech, AI, and beyond!