In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) are poised to reshape our daily lives, major industry players vie for dominance. Recently, Condé Nast signed a groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI, aligning itself with esteemed publishers and news organizations such as the Associated Press, Axel Springer, The Atlantic, and others. This alliance aims to harness AI’s potential to revolutionize content creation and dissemination. Yet, not all are on board; The New York Times and similar institutions have filed lawsuits against OpenAI and Microsoft, asserting these tech behemoths engaged in copyright infringement by utilizing their content for AI training. This legal battle underscores the friction between innovation and intellectual property rights in the digital age.
Meanwhile, London-based startup VividQ has successfully secured a notable $7.5 million in Series A funding. VividQ’s revolutionary technology generates immersive 3D and holographic experiences that eliminate the need for traditional screens, paving the way for futuristic visual applications. Collaborating with industry giants such as JVCKenwood, the company aims to integrate its technology into cutting-edge displays and automotive head-up displays. Led by Foresight Group LLP, this latest funding round had participation from new investors including GameTech Ventures and Ruttenberg Gordon Investments (RGI), alongside existing backers. Since its inception in 2017, VividQ has amassed over $30 million in total funding, marking a significant milestone in its journey to redefine visual experiences.
Turning to AR, Meta and Snap are set to unveil their latest AR glasses next month, highlighting their competitive fervor to dominate this emerging market. Despite Snap’s detour from a billion-dollar acquisition offer by Meta (formerly Facebook), the companies now find themselves in a technological arms race. On September 17th, Snap’s Evan Spiegel will introduce the fifth generation of Spectacles, while Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg is slated to debut the Orion glasses on September 25th. Both companies are aggressively investing in AR as the next colossal leap in computing platforms. However, hurdles remain; Meta has plowed billions into the Orion project and Snap’s financial stability appears precarious. These demonstrations are crucial, setting the stage for the rollout of consumer-ready AR devices.
Contrary to prior enthusiastic announcements, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas won’t be arriving in VR anytime soon. Back in October 2021, during a promotional launch for Meta’s rebranding, CEO Mark Zuckerberg excitedly proclaimed that his “favorite” game would soon join the Quest Metaverse. Despite these grand promises, Rockstar Games has remained conspicuously silent. The notion of a VR realm where players emulate criminal activities and confront law enforcement raises ethical questions and public safety concerns. While such a dark Metaverse seems inevitable, it’s imperative that responsible corporations take active steps to curb its development. Failure to do so could have dire repercussions.
AI’s creative potential also finds expression in The Visual Dome, an AI-driven artistic universe conceptualized by Tony Rapacioli, a music producer turned visual artist. With an accelerating global fanbase surpassing 700,000 followers on Instagram, The Visual Dome stands as a testament to AI’s transformative impact on art. This innovative project captivates both enthusiasts and professionals, bridging traditional and digital art forms.
AI isn’t just for enthusiasts; it’s also making strides in children’s entertainment. Storybook Studios recently launched “Space Vets,” an animated series that exemplifies a hybrid production model where traditional storytelling and AI-generated special effects coalesce. According to Creative Director Albert Bozesan, this method produces consistent narratives, distinguishing “Space Vets” from mere tech demos and trailers. Featuring human writers and voice actors augmented by AI tools, the show aims to push the boundaries of animated storytelling. Audiences can view episodes on Storybook Studios’ website, gaining a firsthand look at this novel approach.
However, not all AI applications inspire optimism. Deep fakes have emerged as a controversial tool, capable of superimposing any face onto different bodies, often with malicious intent. Known as Faceswap, this technology can make it appear as though celebrities or politicians are committing crimes, a tactic that has the potential to wreak havoc on social media platforms, particularly with the upcoming U.S. elections in November. Despite the implementation of safeguards, the misuse of deep fakes remains a looming threat, highlighting the pressing need for robust regulatory measures.
As we navigate this transformative era, these developments provide a snapshot into the rapidly evolving interplay between technology, creativity, and ethics, reminding us that while innovation holds vast potential, it must be conscientiously steered to benefit society at large.