The Web 3.0 Report - 16/03/23

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 Niantic's efficacy for AR, leaked parts for Apple's mixed reality headset, Lego and Epic games metaverse partnership, and the potential for AI singularity in the near future.

Niantic - Gen Z Need AR Embedded into Marketing Strategy

Gen Z make up around a quarter of the world population and as consumers are the first generation to grow up in the world of digital media. One could argue they have become desensitised to many forms of digital marketing in the vast mediascape they engage with on a daily basis. Caitey Lacey, Senior Director of Product Marketing for Niantic, has argued that augmented reality is the new medium of marketing to break through the noise and engage gen Z consumers. Shopify, one of the largest online retailers, found that users who engage with immersive experiences have a 94% higher conversion rate than traditional forms of digital media. The main reason being that we feel a stronger sense of security making online purchases within our own physical space or on our own person, what better way to capitalise on a generation built on e-commerce and digital media than augmented reality.?

Leaked Parts for Apple’s Mixed Reality Headset

Potential leaks for Apple’s mixed reality headset came in this week having many speculate on if the parts leaked are true or false. In a tweet from MrWhite128 later reposted by MacRumors and 9to5Mac it shows the connector cables between the left and right side of the headset. The pictures, however, are suspicious to say the least in their sourcing and could, according to verge, be a piece from another Apple product namely the Homepod. Either way if the leaks are legitimate this could mean Apple is beginning to produce parts on mass which more than likely will mean they are set to announce their headset at WWDC this year. The big shoes Tim Cook had to fill following Steve Jobs passing leaves Apple’s mixed reality headset as a chance for Cook to secure his legacy after 7 years of development.?

Epic Games and Lego Launch Partnership for a Child Friendly Metaverse

Lego has officially made their stake on a child friendly metaverse in partnership with Epic Games. The plan is for the two brands to develop an entirely digital world where users can interact and play with Lego products, Lego’s annual report emphasised they were keen to “explore building a fun and safe metaverse for children”. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, said “Lego’s timeless brand and commitment to quality align perfectly with Epic’s vision for the metaverse, and we can’t wait to see what we can create together.”. When it comes to digital experiences, Lego has always been at the forefront of innovation within the toy sector making this move seem like just a natural step for the brand. So far Lego has invested a $2bn in Epic Games as of April 2021, so we can surely expect something big in the works.

AI Singularity - Sooner than you Think

Last year the Metaverse, Crypto and NFT’s were at the forefront of discussion in the marketing space, the next buzz word to enter the fray has been seemingly ushered in by the popularity of ChatGPT namely Artificial intelligence, AKA, AI. Leading AI researchers have speculated on the eventual arrival of singularity for AI, the point where AI exceeds human intelligence. For many the forecasts predict this date is still decades away, however, in a 6,500 word blog post sourced by a number of AI researchers it has speculated that “most or all knowledge work may be automatable in the not-too-distant future”. For many the advancement of this tech can be intimidating under fear that many jobs, such as writing a newsletter, could become obsolete causing significant disruption in the job market. Many have argued to begin learning about programming and training AI now as a means to ensure many in the workforce remain valuable down the line.?