The Augmented Horizon

More is happening in technology beyond just generative AI! Advancements in Extended Reality (AR, VR, Mixed Reality), Robotics, Quantum Computing, and HCI are redefining our reality. We keep you one step ahead of everyone else.

TL: DR - I sort through the best new tech news, so you do not have to!

Hey Guys, Did I Ever Tell You About How We Went Extinct?

This week, there are a lot of robots and cybernetics in the newsletter. I have been going down the rabbit hole, learning about how science has this burning desire to recreate life. However, I still have some pretty impressive AI & augmented reality. From people wondering if we are giving Sam Altman too much power to Google Maps’ new AR feature, a history lover’s dream, and a round-up of 3 no-code AR generation tools you must try. And if you thought your dog was cool, wait until you meet the wheeled robot dog turning heads everywhere. Don't forget to check out Neura's humanoid robot, 4NE-1, making us wonder if we’ve stepped into a sci-fi flick.

BUT FIRST…The Future Emergence of True Cyborgs and Their Implications for Humanity

In a world where the lines between science fiction and reality blur, the prospect of creating true cyborgs that seamlessly integrate biological and technological elements looms large. Recent advancements in neuroscience and biotechnology suggest that this future might be closer than we think. However, the journey towards this reality and its implications for humanity raises profound questions.

Neuroscientist Kenneth Kosik's work on brain organoids provides a glimpse into this future. These 3D lab-grown models mimic the human brain's structure and function, offering potential pathways to consciousness for synthetic beings. Meanwhile, advances in biotechnology have enabled the growth of complex body parts in labs, pushing the boundaries of regenerative medicine and prosthetics.

Yet, as TechCrunch reported, the integration of living skin on robots starkly embodies the cyborg vision from science fiction. This development not only enhances the human-machine interface but also introduces a set of ethical and philosophical dilemmas about the nature of life and identity.

The conversation around these advancements is not just about technological feasibility but also about the broader implications for society. Will these cyborgs have rights? How will they alter the human experience and societal norms? And crucially, what does their emergence mean for the fundamental understanding of consciousness and human identity?

As we stand on this frontier, the discourse must encompass the excitement of technological breakthroughs and a rigorous examination of the ethical, legal, and social implications. Creating true cyborgs could revolutionize treatment and rehabilitation, redefine human capabilities, and even challenge the essence of being human.

THINGS YOU SHOULD BE READING

OpenAI’s Sam Altman vs. Silicon Valley’s Chaos: Does He Have Too Much Power?

Sam Altman and Gary Marcus are battling it out over AI’s role in taming or igniting Silicon Valley. It's a clash of the Titans with plenty of sparks flying.

Read more https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/aug/03/open-ai-sam-altman-chatgpt-gary-marcus-taming-silicon-valley

Exoskeletons Help Paraplegics Walk Again

Miracle or technology? These exoskeletons are giving paraplegics the ability to walk again, proving that the future is now.

Read more https://greekreporter.com/2024/07/28/exoskeletons-paraplegics-walk-again/

Meet the Wheeled Robot Dog, Your New Best Cyberfriend

The Unitree Go2 wheeled robot dog is here, and it's as adorable as it is high-tech. This robo-pet is turning heads and wagging tails.

Read more https://newatlas.com/robotics/unitree-go2-wheeled-robot-dog/

Google Maps’ New AR Feature

History buffs, rejoice! Google Maps just dropped an AR feature that's not just cool; it's insanely cool. Explore history like never before.

Read more https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/vr-ar/google-maps-just-dropped-a-new-ar-feature-and-its-insanely-cool-for-history-fans

Neura's Humanoid Robot Unveiled

Meet 4NE-1, the humanoid robot from Neura that's set to change everything we know about robotics. It's the future of AI in a very human-like package.

Read more https://techcrunch.com/2024/07/31/neura-shows-off-humanoid-robot-4ne-1/

XR PRODUCTS TO CHECK OUT

Do you think producing AR experiences involves time, money, and a large team of engineers? Do you think so again? Here are three companies that bring AR development into the no/low-code world, making it accessible to just about everyone.

8th Wall: Acquired by Niantic in 2022, 8th Wall is a prominent WebAR platform that enables cross-platform development with a SLAM engine. It's recognized for advanced features like human AR and sky effects but requires familiarity with JavaScript, WebGL, and HTML5.

ZapWorks: Offered by Zappar, ZapWorks features tools like Studio, Designer, and a Universal AR SDK. It's noted for excellent support and tutorials, and capabilities like face tracking in WebAR. It's more affordable than 8th Wall and includes hosting and content development tools.

Blippar: Blippar, a UK-based company, provides easy-to-use AR solutions with its no-code tool, Blippbuilder. It focuses on SaaS for AR creation and is renowned for partnerships with major brands.

Interesting Jobs in Tech

Coming soon! I am working with companies and recruiters in the space to add jobs. Do you have any? Please send me the details, and I will include them soon!

I’ve already started to get some submissions and leads for roles, although not all are in the extended tech space. If you want to reach out, please do so at the link above (I'm still setting up the process).

Product:

• Chief Product Officer

Engineering:

• Principal Engineer

• 2 different “Founding Engineer” roles

• Senior Backend Engineer

• Senior Fullstack Engineer

Key Events Summer 2024

• VRTO - Toronto, Canada - June 2024

• SIGGRAPH - Vancouver, Canada - August 11-15, 2024

• F8 Refresh - Online - June 2024

• E3 - Los Angeles, USA - June 11-13, 2024

• VivaTech - Paris, France - June 12-15, 2024

• EuroHaptics - Nottingham, UK - June 10-13, 2024

• Metaverse Expo - Seoul, Korea - June 26-28, 2024

• Venice Film Festival - Venice, Italy - August 28-September 7, 2024

• AI & Big Data Expo World Series - Santa Clara, USA - June 5-6, 2024

• TechConnect World - Washington, DC, USA - June 17-19, 2024

• Auto.AI - San Francisco, USA - June 26-28, 2024

• AI4 2024 - Las Vegas, USA - August 12-14, 2024

• AI & Big Data Expo 2024 - Santa Clara, USA - June 5-6, 2024

• HCI International 2024 - Washington, DC, USA - June 29-July 4, 2024

Check out the running list of industry events and conferences for 2024.

Have any questions or additions?

Are there any issues or corrections? Just let us know.
Portions of this email were assisted by artificial intelligence.