Looking Back and Forward: The Convergence of Emerging Technologies

By Erwin Hendriks, Tech Director at Springbok

A year ago, I shared my thoughts about the convergence of emerging technologies, where creativity meets cutting-edge tech. Now, it’s time to take a step back, reflect, and maybe even laugh at how wrong I might've been. Was I spot on, way off, dreaming too big, or just too early? So, let's dive into what actually happened and where I think we're headed next.

Creativity and Technology: Human vs. Machine or Human & Machine?

I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of creativity and technology. Over the past year, we’ve watched Generative AI evolve from buzzwords into practical tools that unlock new ways of thinking. At Springbok, these AI tools haven’t just automated tasks; they’ve turned into creative or technical sidekicks, pushing us beyond the boundaries we thought existed. Exploring these new possibilities and applying them to the brands we work with is truly exciting.

The real magic isn’t just in the tech itself; it’s in how it’s beginning to work alongside us. It’s not about replacing us and all about enhancing what we can do, blending human thought with machine logic. We’re still in the early days, but I believe if we steer this right, we’ll be able to amplify the human touch instead of drowning it out.

I often hear people say that AI will replace copywriters, designers, and coders, turning everyone into the next Rembrandt or Stephen King. Honestly, that’s a joke. I strongly believe this technology will only widen the gap between skilled and unskilled creatives. The truly skilled designers will accelerate even faster because they know how to guide (prompt engineering) and refine the AI’s output. Only specialist are able to do this, all others are just playing around with it. Instead of everyone becoming a designer, the real designers (or developer) will excel further and faster, ideating the next big thing in ways only creative humans can do... for now.

Spatial Computing: Still Waiting for the Spark

Spatial computing, oh boy, I had such high hopes for it this year. We even invested in a couple of Vision Pro headsets, spent countless hours playing with them, and built killer storylines for keynotes with partners and leaders in the field. My team and I had endless conversations about what this could mean for brands, especially in retail. But if I’m being honest, the commercial traction just isn’t there yet.

Despite all our geeking out and experiments, it feels like this tech is still incubating. But that’s okay; we’re planting seeds that will grow when the market is ready. As we say in Dutch, "de kost gaat voor de baat uit"—we’ve got to invest before we see the return, right?

Trying out this stuff has been both fun and inspiring. Even though it hasn’t led to immediate business outcomes, it’s made our jobs so much more enjoyable. Are we too early to the game? Maybe. But I don’t think so. I believe that by mid-2025, we’ll see more traction, with brands adopting these technologies to create immersive experiences. We’ll keep a close watch as this tech evolves and will come back on it in my next retrospective.?

AI and WebRTC: Where Real Humanized Conversations Are Possible

Seeing AI combine with WebRTC is where my passions truly collide. With my background in web development, I’m excited to see two of my biggest interests come together. I was already amazed by AI's power and the capabilities of LLMs, as well as how APIs enable the integration of systems to build innovative online services and tools. But until now, it’s mostly been text-based, relying on the clunky interface of typing into a keyboard.

Now, we’re entering a new era. By connecting face-rendering and lip-sync APIs to LLMs, we can create real-time digital personas that respond with gestures, emotional cues, and facial expressions. WebRTC supports this by enabling near real-life interactions with software that feels genuinely human and responds within milliseconds. This technology is transforming AI from a text-based interaction to a full-on conversation that starts to feel natural.

This shift opens up a world of possibilities in my opinion, support engineers, digital assistants, or even your own digital twin that you can simply talk to, without needing a keyboard. I see this as not just a breakthrough in technology but also a massive opportunity for brands to reshape how we interact with machines in the future.

The Futureverse: Where Gaming, Blockchain, AI, and Virtualization Meet

If you know me, you know I’ve been a blockchain and crypto geek since the early days, yes, even mining Bitcoin at the office and diving headfirst into the NFT space. HEE... but I’m still here, a bit older, a little more gray, but also a lot wiser, able to separate the wheat from the chaff. I’ve seen countless projects come and go, but Futureverse is building something truly remarkable. They’re not just creating a platform; they’re constructing a digital playground straight out of Ready Player One, pulling in big global brands like FIFA, Warner, and Reebok.

Futureverse has even partnered with Ernest Cline, the author of Ready Player One, to co-found Readyverse Studios, securing rights to his IP and even iconic elements like the DeLorean from Back to the Future. But it’s not about the shiny stuff, it’s what’s under the hood that really matters. Futureverse’s focus on Web3 principles and building a robust, interoperable infrastructure is where the true power lies.

Their approach to gaming isn’t just about play; it’s about building an economy-led experience where both holders and builders are rewarded. They’re pushing the boundaries with things like their Swappables Engine, enabling seamless integration of wallets and digital assets across platforms. Imagine taking your Fortnite avatar and skin into Roblox or Call of Duty, that's Web3 interoperability in action.

This kind of innovation is more than just tech hype; it’s transforming how we think about digital ownership and creating new levels of creativity, collaboration, and opportunity. It’s basically a new version of the internet. Not based on email credentials to log in, but where your wallet acts as your gateway, with everything integrated into it as your portal. This shift to decentralized identity means that your digital wallet isn't just a place to store assets, it becomes your access key to everything in the virtual world, from games and apps to marketplaces and social platforms. This is the foundation for a more interconnected and secure digital experience, where you have true ownership and control over your data and digital assets.

Were We Too Early or Just Right on Time?

Looking back, I don’t think it was too early, I think I was right on the money. The convergence of these technologies is happening now, even if the fireworks aren’t visible just yet. Concepts like spatial computing might still be simmering, but they’re undeniably shaping our world.

The metaverse, there, I said it. People often dismiss it as dead, irrelevant, or just another buzzword. But just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean it isn’t already here, shaping the world around us. For me, the metaverse is best defined as the place where my virtuality and reality meet. It’s not some far-off concept; it’s happening now, blending into our lives in ways that most people don’t even realize.

Think about it, how many digital experiences did you encounter this morning on your way to the office? From navigating with your smartphone to interacting with connected devices, the metaverse is already weaving itself into our daily routines, merging physical and digital experiences more seamlessly than ever. This isn’t just about the latest Rayban’s Meta glasses or flashy tech; it’s about the increasing convergence of digital and physical worlds that are becoming a natural part of our habitat.

Decentralization and blockchain are becoming crucial components in this landscape because they are key to democratizing technology, especially AI. It’s vital that we keep this power in the hands of open source, creators, builders, and users, not just a few big players. The metaverse isn’t some distant dream; it’s here, evolving right under our noses,? even if many people think they don’t want it.

The Path Ahead: Balancing Innovation with Realism

Here’s the thing, we need everyone on board to make this work. It’s not just about tech enthusiasts like me; we need the skeptics and critics to keep us grounded. We’re all in this together, figuring things out, stumbling, and moving forward.

At the end of the day, it’s about keeping momentum, reinventing not just marketing but ourselves. We’ve done it before with machines, the internet, and now with this new wave of tech. Perhaps all this innovation will help us make sense of what we’re doing here on earth, or at least make life more interesting for the next generation.

At Springbok, and for me personally, I’m all in on pushing the boundaries with Generative AI, WebRTC, blockchain, and beyond. It’s not about riding the wave; it’s about shaping it into something that truly serves humanity in this digital transformation.

These are exciting times for geeks like me. But we have to stay grounded. It’s easy to get lost in the thrill of innovation without considering its impact on real lives. We’re building tech not just for the sake of it, but to create meaningful change.

And let’s not forget the ethical side. As we push technological boundaries, we have a responsibility to ensure these innovations are used for good, not just profit. We need to think about privacy, data security, and the ethical implications of an AI-driven but human-led world. We have to make sure what we create empowers people, protects their rights, and makes a difference not just for today, but for generations to come.

What Do You Think?

So that's my current take on the state of these emerging technologies. But I’d love to hear your perspective. How do you see these technologies evolving? Are you excited about where they’re headed, or do you have concerns? Do you think we’re on the right path, or is there more we need to consider to make this work? Let me know your thoughts, let’s keep the conversation going.?

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