Gadget Lab
When the real world’s a mess, the metaverse that Facebook (er, Meta) is pitching might seem like a welcome refuge. Just strap on a headset and play some VR games in a sprawling digital realm. Fun for the whole family! At least, that’s what WIRED senior associate editor Adrienne So has been turning to lately to keep her small kids occupied.
But it’s not all virtual puzzles and endless sunshine. Meta has a track record of privacy and ethical lapses in its business practices that may give people pause before they strap on a VR headset. And inevitably, this meta-space might be monetized through ads, the way the current internet is…though some technologists have better ideas than others around what that might look like, WIRED senior writer Gilad Edelman says.
This week on Gadget Lab, Adrienne and Gilad join the podcast to talk about the weird ins and outs of bringing your family into the metaverse, and whether anyone will actually want to stay there.
Show Notes:
Read Adrienne’s story about how her family is trapped in the metaverse. Read Gilad’s Q&A with the creator of Second Life. Listen to our episode where Gilad and Kate Knibbs talk about NFTs.
Recommendations:
Adrienne recommends booking a tattoo appointment ASAP if you’re thinking of getting one, because lots of places are backed up right now. Gilad recommends mashed cauliflower. Lauren recommends the game Beat Saber.
Adrienne So can be found on Twitter @adriennemso. Gilad Edelman is @GiladEdelman. Lauren Goode is @LaurenGoode. Michael Calore is @snackfight. Bling the main hotline at @GadgetLab. The show is produced by Boone Ashworth (@booneashworth). Our theme music is by Solar Keys.
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2050 Investors
Economy, planet, markets and you
We are a mobile species. With the exponential development of transportation technologies and modes over the past centuries, we can now travel faster and further than ever before. But how will the world of transportation evolve by 2050? Will autonomous cars powered by AI and hyperloops with pods reaching speeds of 1000 km/h replace human drivers?
In this new episode of 2050 Investors, Kokou Agbo-Bloua wonders if we could really design a more sustainable way of getting around and contemplate a carbon-free future of transportation. He also asks John Saffrett, ALD Automotive’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, to share his perspective on mobility and the way car manufacturer have to adapt.
“2050 Investors” offers an investigation into tomorrow’s economic and market mega-trends, ahead of 2050’s global sustainability targets. Sourcing information directly from market practitioners, the financial press, research reports, the podcast provides you with insights from all around the globe. New episodes once every three weeks: please subscribe, leave comments and spread the word!
Credits. Presenter & Writer: Kokou Agbo-Bloua. Editor: Julien Moity, Vincent Nickelsen. Production Designer: Emmanuel Minelle, Radio K7 Creative. Executive Producer : Fanny Giniès. Sound Director: Antoine Larchet. Music: Rone. Graphic Design: Cedric Cazaly.
Whilst the following podcast discusses the financial markets, it does not recommend any particular investment decision. If you are unsure of the merits of any investment decision, please seek professional advice.
