AI, Gaming, and the Future of Human Connection: Microsoft Edge, Niantic’s $3.85B Sale, and More with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler

In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the latest in AI, gaming, and digital innovation. They explore how companies can move beyond AI hype to real-world applications, the evolving landscape of social platforms post-COVID, and why Niantic's $3.85B gaming sale signals a shift in geospatial AI. They also examine Microsoft's overlooked accessibility tech, AI-powered gaming coaches, and the rising battle for AR dominance. With sharp insights and candid analysis, this discussion unpacks the most pressing trends shaping the future of technology and human connection.

Cathy Hackl Bio

Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming. 

Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more. 

Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn

Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn

Lee Kebler Bio

Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.

Lee Kebler on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic: Innovation, AI & Everything In Between
• 02:34 Microsoft Edge's Surprising Text-to-Speech Revolution
• 08:38 The Rise of IRL Connection in a Digital Age: Base.club & Beyond
• 23:12 Debating Corporate AI Strategy: Tools vs Hype
• 42:11 Niantic's $3.85B Gaming Sale & Pivot to Geospatial AI
• 44:24 Roblox Cube: Democratizing Game Development with AI
• 46:12 Xbox Copilot & Discord's Game-Changing SDK Integration
• 49:22 Silicon Valley's AGI Predictions: Hype vs Reality
• 56:33 The Future of AR: Google, Meta, and Snap's Glass Wars
• 01:06:46 Final Thoughts: Book Recommendations & Cultural Impact

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