The Web 3.0 Report - 08/06/23

The Web 3.0 Report is our bi-weekly newsletter helping readers keep their fingers on the pulse of everything Web 3.0 whether that be Blockchain, NFTs, the Metaverse, or of course, AR/VR.?Today we focus on the Apple Vision Pro, AI being used to detect deep fake content for Deezer, warning on AI advancement and the Meta Quest 3.

A Look into The Future - The Apple Vision Pro

Industry experts have largely speculated that the future of consumer technology was moving towards both augmented and virtual reality. However, until this week there has been a great deal of scepticism regarding the feasibility of mixed reality tech for everyday use. After finally unveiling their long awaited headset Apple showcased the future of consumer technology, the Apple Vision Pro. Promotional videos showcased users engaging with apps, 3D models, and video without the need for a controller but by simply tracking where the user's eyes were looking and confirming their commands with the tapping of their fingers. Each feature showcased how mixed reality headsets could revolutionise consumer technology in the way we work, play and create by doing away with the computer, TV and smartphone. Unsurprisingly then the Apple Vision Pro does not require a connection or plugin to a desktop or smartphone to work but in of itself is a standalone product with its own unique spatial operation system the VisionOS. Despite its impressive features though there are challenges that lie ahead before a real shift into mixed reality can take shape, namely the price point and miniaturisation. At an eye watering $3,500 dollars the Apple Vision Pro will not be affordable for the general consumer and is not by any means subtle in its size. Similar in kind to the iPhone this is likely the first generation of Apple’s mixed reality product line, as the price comes down and the design becomes sleeker, the Apple Vision Pro could shift from a product for professionals to a product for everyone.?

Deezer Takes on Deep Fake Vocals with AI

Deezer, a streaming service, has developed technology to identify and potentially remove songs that mimic the voices of popular artists using artificial intelligence (AI). The French company aims to eliminate illegal and fraudulent content to protect artists. Deezer's tool tags music created with generative AI, particularly songs using synthetic voices of existing artists, and alerts labels, artists, and rights holders, who can then decide on appropriate action. The company's CEO, Jeronimo Folgueira, supports the ethical use of AI in music creation but warns against diluting the streaming catalogue with machine-generated music solely for economic gain. Deezer also employs its tool to detect and eliminate "fake artists" who produce numerous songs to manipulate royalty payments. Deezer is working with Universal to explore changes in royalty payment calculations to better reflect individual listener choices and support smaller artists.

AI - A Moment to Pause

Matt Clifford, an adviser to UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak on artificial intelligence (AI), has warned that AI could reach a level of power within two years that could potentially be of danger to the safety of humans. Fortunately, his comments come as Sunak plans to present his vision for the UK to play a central role in global AI regulation to US President Joe Biden. The UK aims to establish an AI watchdog similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency and propose a new international research body. One expert and ex business officer for Google X Mo Gawdat has gone as far to suggest a 98% tax on all business practices utilising AI to slow down AI development. Clifford stressed the need for global regulation of AI to prevent the development of highly capable systems that may become difficult to control. Prominent experts, including pioneers of AI, have also raised concerns about the risks associated with the technology. While AI has the potential for positive contributions, Clifford emphasised the urgency of understanding and controlling its impact to the same degree as we have of other global emergencies such as climate change.

The Meta Quest 3 - Too Little Too Late?

Amid the all the hype and news surrounding the Apple Vision Pro Meta announced the upcoming launch of Meta Quest 3, their new mixed and virtual reality headset. The device is expected to be released later this year and will feature higher resolution and improved performance than its previous generation. It will have a slimmer and more comfortable form factor, offering high-resolution color mixed reality features and pancake optics for enhanced resolutions. The Meta Quest 3 will be powered by Qualcomm's next-generation Snapdragon XR2+ chipset, providing twice the graphics performance. Meta's announcement however has was seemingly dwarfed by Apple’s new mixed reality headset. For many, Apple’s product, despite the price tag, paints a more vivid image of the next generation of consumer tech. The company plans to provide more details about the headset at Meta Connect 2023 in September but despite being the cheaper option Meta’s headset may begin to seem somewhat outdated.