Month: March 2022

As a devoted fan of Neal Stephenson’s work, attending his keynote at SXSW was a dream come true. Ballroom D was filled with an electric energy as enthusiasts gathered to hear from the visionary author himself. For me, there’s something truly magical about seeing and hearing your favorite author in real life.

Neal Stephenson holds a special place in the hearts of many, not only as the mastermind behind iconic works like “Snow Crash,” but also as a trailblazer in envisioning the concept of the metaverse. His insights and imagination have inspired countless individuals, myself included, who aspire to bring this technology to the forefront of mainstream reality.

“Snow Crash” remains a cornerstone of sci-fi literature, captivating readers with its vivid world-building and thought-provoking exploration of virtual reality. Stephenson’s visionary depiction of the metaverse has served as a catalyst for innovation in the tech industry, inspiring tech leaders to go “all in” on VR hardware and igniting imaginations and sparking conversations about the future of immersive experiences for the rest of us.

Attending the Neal Stephenson keynote was not just an opportunity to fan-girl, but also a chance to gain deeper insights into the intersection of technology, storytelling, and human experience. Stephenson’s ability to blend speculative fiction with technical expertise is truly unparalleled, and his keynote left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to be in attendance.

As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology and virtual reality, Neal Stephenson’s influence serves as a guiding light, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. His work inspires us to push the boundaries of innovation, challenge the status quo, and strive towards a future where the metaverse is not just a concept, but a tangible reality.

“The future is already here – it’s just not evenly distributed.”

Let’s embrace this sentiment as we embark on our own journeys to shape the future of technology and storytelling, drawing inspiration from visionaries like Stephenson every step of the way.

So here’s to the magic of seeing our favorite authors in real life, and to the endless possibilities that await us in the world of the metaverse…

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the world of volumetric capture at SXSW. As a volunteer for the demo, I found myself standing amidst metal trusses, surrounded by a setup of specialized lighting and cameras meticulously arranged to capture every angle without casting shadows.

The experience was nothing short of extraordinary. As I stood in the center of this intricate setup, I could feel the anticipation building. Then, with the anticipation of an X-ray at the dentist and the click of a button (I guess?), the magic unfolded. I was captured in 3D, my expression meticulously preserved in digital form. While the 3d capture wasn’t perfect, seeing that it was taken in a ballroom and not a green screen studio, it was till pretty cool.

But beyond the novelty of seeing myself in 3D, the experience left me contemplating the immense potential of volumetric capture technology. From immersive storytelling to virtual experiences, the possibilities are truly endless. Imagine being able to step into a virtual world and interact with digital avatars that look and move just like real people. It’s a glimpse into the future of immersive entertainment and communication.

As we continue to push the boundaries of technology, experiences like volumetric capture remind us of the power of innovation to transport us to new realms of possibility. And as I reflect on my own experience at SXSW, I can’t help but feel excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead in the world of immersive technology.

#3d #volumetricVideo