Issue 169: Keep Virtual Reality Weird
Welcome to Backstory, a weekly newsletter turning global technology shifts into a three-minute read. This week, we’re thinking about virtual reality. – Mary Ames, Director of Strategy
THE BIG TAKE
Keep Virtual Reality Weird
Apple's much-anticipated mixed-reality headset has finally entered the market, receiving a spectrum of feedback. Critics point out its hefty design, while others argue that it showcases future potential yet is constrained by current technological capabilities. The emergence of eerie imagery, reminiscent of "Black Mirror," depicting individuals navigating urban environments in these headsets, underscores the mixed reactions. However, the advent of mixed reality in the mainstream is undeniable, and as technology and AI continue to advance, the widespread adoption of such devices seems inevitable.
What are we losing? One of VR’s earliest pioneers and recent critic of social media Jaron Lanier published an important piece in the New Yorker this week about the Apple Vision Pro and the future of VR. The piece is a fantastic reflection on the evolution of VR from its early conceptualization to its present state, highlighting its varied applications, from industrial uses to artistic expressions. He also explores the overestimations of VR's impact, contrasting past expectations with current realizations and the ongoing search for VR's "killer apps" in everyday life. Underscoring many of his ideas is the question of whether this technology should remain weird.
Keep it strange. Many groundbreaking technologies, including virtual reality, early internet, and artificial intelligence, embraced eccentricity by design, setting them apart in their infancy. This distinctiveness often fades as products become more mainstream, aiming for broader consumer appeal, possibly at the cost of losing the creative edge that weirdness brings. This process might be natural, yet the value of eccentricity in fostering innovation shouldn't be underestimated. When exploring products like the Apple Vision Pro, it's worth reflecting on the unconventional ideas that have shaped its development, celebrating the role of oddity in technological evolution.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“The winner of the game is the player who makes the next-to-last mistake.”
– Savielly Tartakower, Chess Player
CHART OF THE WEEK
This week, we are thinking about workplace productivity. According to Bloomberg, productivity has been erratic in American companies since the pandemic. How can office managers address this challenge?
OUR VIEWS THIS WEEK
Prioritizing Digital Well-Being: In today's tumultuous times, with ongoing global challenges and the undeniable lure of digital devices, it's crucial to prioritize our digital well-being. The habit of endlessly scrolling through our phones not only feeds addiction but also impacts our mental health. Taking a proactive step, such as dedicating a mere thirty minutes daily to disconnect, particularly before sleep, can significantly enhance our mental state. For a deeper dive into effective strategies for maintaining digital health, explore the insights published by Xische on this vital topic.
Addressing AI Bias: The challenge of bias in AI and advanced algorithms transcends technical hurdles, anchoring deeply in human influence. The creators of these guiding algorithms hold the key to the problem and its resolution. This week, we delve into strategies for mitigating bias, highlighting the unique position of tech-centric smaller states like the UAE in spearheading such initiatives. Explore our analysis to understand their strategic advantage.
SPOTTED ELSEWHERE
We get too many alerts: Our smart devices bombard us with too many notifications, cluttering our screens with non-essential information and disrupting our focus and productivity. Recognizing this issue and thinking about a way to fix it, The Wall Street Journal has compiled a collection of invaluable strategies to help curtail notification overload, offering a pathway to enhanced concentration and efficiency in our daily routines.
The power of being quiet. Finding actionable advice can be overwhelming in a world flooded with self-help literature. Yet, some straightforward strategies can significantly boost productivity and contentment, such as the underrated practice of silence. Nate Dickson delves into the transformative impact of holding back from voicing negative thoughts, highlighting the mental clarity and peace it brings. His enlightening newsletter post offers an in-depth exploration of this concept, advocating for the profound benefits of internal quietude. For more on this impactful approach, Dickson's post is wonderful.
QUICK HITS
Mars in stunning 4K video.
Software is beating the world.
Reimagining al-Andalus.
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