Podcasts about VR

Earth Must Die sets the tone, followed by Ubisoft shake-ups, vanished VR mods, DLC oddities in Monster Hunter Wilds, and New World heading for shutdown The post BRB UK 666: Milky Milky appeared first on Big Red Barrel.

Rumors are starting to pick up in 2026, with more information emerging about the upcoming iPhone 18 and M5 MacBook Pros. Could we finally see new Studio Displays this year? And end-to-end encryption for RCS messages could finally be coming to iOS. iPhone 18 Pro: Dynamic Island may move to top-left screen corner. Some MacBook Pro configurations see up to a two-month delay ahead of possible next-gen M5 MacBook Pro release. The icon history of various Apple software. New Studio Display or Pro Display XDR spotted in regulatory database. Google Gemini-Powered Siri will reportedly have these 7 new features. Apple Watch blood sugar monitoring a step closer as new tech launches. The Smartlet dual watch band is the most ridiculous Apple Watch accessory yet. Apple Vision Pro owners will get a great assortment of classic arcade games in VR soon. Red Bull's 2026 Formula 1 launch puts Apple hardware front and center. Civilization VII is coming to Apple Arcade. As pressure mounts for Apple to pull the X app, xAI says Grok will stop undressing people. In case you ever doubted it, Apple Car was real -- reveals Airbnb. End-to-end encryption for RCS messages surfaces in iOS 26.3 beta. Apple is fighting for TSMC capacity as Nvidia takes center stage. Apple testing new App Store design that blurs the line between ads and search results Picks of the Week Andy's Pick: Dolly Parton & Trio, with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt Stephen's Pick: Aqara U400 Smart Lock UWB Jason's Pick: Also the Aqara U400 Smart Lock, but UWB locks in general. Hosts: Leo Laporte, Andy Ihnatko, and Jason Snell Guest: Stephen Robles Download or subscribe to MacBreak Weekly at https://twit.tv/shows/macbreak-weekly. Join Club TWiT for Ad-Free Podcasts! Support what you love and get ad-free audio and video feeds, a members-only Discord, and exclusive content. Join today: https://twit.tv/clubtwit Sponsor: bitwarden.com/twit

There's a big new Animal Crossing update out now which hopefully doesn't mean that there's another global pandemic around the corner! We're chatting about everything that's new in the update, as well as some VR related layoffs and what that means for the future of the platform, a leaked release date for Forza Horizon 6 and the great new indie 3D platformer Big Hops.Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code FILTHY at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/filthy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Dirtybird Radio, Jamie and Kiraleigh crank up the energy as Los Angeles-based duo Max Low. Melt those mid-winter blues away as the pair spin some of their favorite dancefloor heaters and throw in a few originals to boot. VR warm-up set:LANCR - "I Know That I Mean It" [Late Night Munchies]Hunter Reid - "Lately" [Almost Like We Met]Maxinne x Cami Jones - "What We Do (Shane Fernandes Remix)" [Summer-ized Sessions]Sacha Robotti & Felix feat. Eric D. Clark - "Whistleman" [Dirtybird Records]Max Low guest set:Max Low - IDDaft Punk - Technologic (Shapeshfter Remix)POLOVICH - Pretty FriendsSIMIO - X-AMOUNTSielo, Sam Collins - Don't StopArdalan, Shaded (LA), Life on Planets, Black V Neck - Spiraling Max Low - My AddictionNIIKO X SWAE - AyerGoodboys - Positive Mental AttitudeGenesi - TempoKaskade & CID ft. Anabel Englund - Vision BlurredBart Skils, Layton Giordani - Deadly ValentineCosmic Gate, Sarah De Warren, AVIRA - How This Ends

As PlayStation's aggressive pursuit of crossmedia success continues, we have a new piece of news worth considering in the form of the casting of Kratos in Amazon's upcoming God of War series. 6'6" American actor Ryan Hurst has won the coveted role, joining notable writers, directors, and a famous showrunner to make what could very well be Sony's most promising TV property yet. We discuss. Plus: A notorious developer known for more than a thousand asset flip-slash-Trophy farming games has all of its titles removed from the PSN, compelling evidence circulates that 2016's The Division is getting a Definitive Edition on PS5 somewhat imminently, Xbox's Fable joins Avowed as yet another game slated for Sony's console, Call of Duty sales purportedly plummet 60% year-over-year, and more. Then: Listener inquiries! With Colin only a few Platinums away from 200, is there any game he's specifically targeting for the milestone? Following the closure of Meta's largest VR studios, is the pursuit of virtual reality in games officially dead? Could Sea of Thieves be the actual, original extraction shooter (for lack of a better term)? Do we anticipate we'll ever win the Golden Globe for Best Podcast? Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro0:30:04 - Rest in Peace Mojo0:34:17 - Golden Globe's best podcast0:37:48 - Stand down Dave0:38:38 - Long Island lore0:43:56 - Ryan Hurst is Kratos0:56:57 - The Division: Definitive Edition?1:04:21 - Is Sony doing something about Trophy slop games?1:20:34 - Forza Horizon 5 sells over 5 million on PS51:26:51 - Fable is coming to PS51:41:15 - Is Call of Duty failing?2:04:02 - PS+ Extra Games2:06:58 - PSN Top games 20252:11:36 - What We've Been Playing (Mega Man 11, Destiny 1, Kingdom Hearts 2)2:28:58 - Colin's 200ths platinum plans2:32:39 - Lillymo DLC2:39:40 - Forgiveness for a 4 year old's gaming skills?2:43:56 - Fallout Season 22:48:49 - Meta shutting down studios3:04:07 - Why doesn't Sea of Thieves get enough credit? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeff and Christian welcome video game youtuber Jakejames Lugo to the show this week to discuss Lego's Ocarina of Time set, new info about Resident Evil Requiem, the closure of top-tier VR gaming studios, and more!The Playlist:Jakejames:  Ball X Pit, Star Wars Outlaws (PS5), Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection, Metroid Prime 4Christian: Cyberpunk 2077 Switch 2 edition, Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0Jeff: Galactic Glitch, DunecrawlParting Gifts!

Great follow ups from last week, including a VR incident, a fish tank mishap and more, including how bad things always come in threes and throwing your Aunty down the stairs. Enjoy the rest of your week trendsetters!Ever wanted to watch the Podcast? Check out full visual, uncut and ad-free versions on our Patreon. Only $5 a week plus access to all of our exclusive vlogs. Our four part film series from Darwin is now out, over 2 hours of exclusive content from a wild trip in the NT: patreon.com/alphablokespodcastBetter Beer: Jog in a can, win in a tin, the athletes choice. Try their new Halfy's at any bottle-o near you: https://www.betterbeer.com.au/Neds: Whatever you bet on, take it to the neds level: https://www.neds.com.au/SP Tools: Schmicker tools for an even schmicker price, use code "ALPHA" at checkout for 10% off and check out their brand new catalogue: sptools.comPapa Macros: ready made unreal meals if you're too flat out to meal prep Sunday arvo. Use the code "ALPHA" for $30 off your first order or "ALPHA10" for any reoccuring order for 10% off at papamacros.com.au OR simply use the links below:$30 off your first order: https://www.papamacros.com.au/?coupon-code=ALPHA&sc-page=shop10% off: https://www.papamacros.com.au/?coupon-code=Alpha10&sc-page=shop0:00 - Intro2:15 - Knuckles Proper True Yarn8:27 - Carry Ons1:11:00 - Winning Yarn / Callup Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ILP# 430 1/18/2026https://lordsofgaming.net/LORDS AFTER DARK on Insider Game App! ANDROID: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidergaming.appIOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/insider-gaming/id67539846481) ADVANCEDGG Use Code "IRONLORD" for 10% off https://advanced.gg/pages/partner-ironlords?_pos=12) VALARI PILLOW Use Code "ILP15" valari.gg/?ref=ironlordspodcastroundtable3)  ILP MERCH: https://ironlordspodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/allsofgaming.net/4) NZXT & IRON LORDS PC Use Affiliate LINK: https://nzxt.co/Lords5) HAWORTH Gaming Chairs & ILP Use Affiliate LINK: https://haworth.pxf.io/4PKj7M*********************************************************00:00 - ILP#430 Pre-Show24:32 - ILP Intros54:54 - Patreon Questions1:14:34 - Forza Horizon 6 Leak & Xbox Release Date Predictions ft Kidsmoove2:31:20 - Fallout 3 & New Vegas Remake Rumors2:47:01 - Highguard Game Awards Advertising Controversy3:28:43 - The Division 3 Boss Leaves for Battlefield ft SlomoBackSlap4:28:12 - ILP#430 Outro*********************************************************Welcome to The Iron Lords Podcast!Be sure to visit www.LordsOfGaming.net for all your gaming news!ILP Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6XRMnu8Tf1fgIdGlTIpzsKILP Google Play:play.google.com/music/m/Iz2esvyqe…ron_Lords_PodcastILP SoundCloud: @user-780168349ILP Itunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/iron-…uiR-IgF6cE9EQicIILP on Twitter: twitter.cm/IronLordPodcastILP on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ironlordspodcast/ILP DESTINY CLAN:www.bungie.net/en/Clan/Detail/178626The Iron Lords and the Lords of Gaming have an official group on Facebook! Join the Lords at:www.facebook.com/groups/194793427842267www.facebook.com/groups/lordsofgamingnetwork/Lord COGNITO--- twitter.com/LordCognitoLord KING--- twitter.com/kingdavidotwLord ADDICT--- twitter.com/LordAddictILPLord SOVEREIGN--- twitter.com/LordSovILPLord GAMING FORTE---twitter.com/Gaming_ForteILP YouTube Channel for ILP, Addict Show & all ILP related content: www.youtube.com/channel/UCYiUhEbYWiuwRuWXzKZMBxQXbox Frontline with King David: www.youtube.com/@xboxfrontlineFollow us on Twitter @IronLordPodcast to get plugged in so you don't miss any of our content.

Pat, Zach, and Rick get together to talk about The Tuggys 2026 Nominees, the death of VR gaming, Hellblade 3 rumors, and the games coming out in 2026!

Click Here to Text us. Yes really, you totally can.The boys are back in town to discuss what those tech guy FREAKS are bringing to the Consumer Electronic show. Plus other things!Guess WhatA scented candle that smells like pizza and ranch, for you sickos out thereThe Consumer Electronic ShowEven WeirderGuy definitely not suffering from nicotine withdrawal symptoms claims a ghost stole his cigarettes!Is VR the future...for PRISONS?The future of sex dolls! (budget)The future of sex dolls! (luxury)Did that statue just FORTNITE DANCE?Beyond The PaleWe talk about the Miracle at Fatima! Shared religious experience...or an early encounter with a UFO?My sources:Source 1Source 2Source 3Source 4Whatcha Wanna Talk About?We play another round of the dating/matchmaker game! Special thanks to Leo Allen for the SEXY AS HELL theme music.Check Out Our Website!Join our Discord!Check out our Merch Store HERE!Follow us @theneatcast on TikTok!Follow us @neatcastpod on BlueskyFollow us @neatcastpod on Twitter!Follow us @neatcastpod on Instagram!Follow us @theneatcast on Facebook!

After years of secrecy and many delays, Xbox is set to pull the lid off one of its most anticipated RPGs at the upcoming Developer Direct. First rumored in 2017 and announced in 2020, Fable has been baking at Playground Games, the prolific racing game studio, for a long, long time. Now, Xbox promises a deep dive on everything from combat and choice to British humor and chickens. Is it do or die time for Fable? How does its early year showing shake up the already packed summer showcase? Will we finally get a release date? Perhaps just a release year? Indeed, there are so many questions, but most of these will be announced very shortly! Please keep in mind that our timestamps are approximate, and will often be slightly off due to dynamic ad placement. 0:00:00 - Intro0:06:26 - A time games did play for us0:12:04 - The Rook speaks0:14:41 - Baby Dukes on the way0:18:04 - Motivating ourselves after work0:24:22 - Would Matty interview Todd Howard again?0:36:29 - Avowed is headed to PS5 with its biggest update yet0:50:54 - Forza Bros collect their biggest win yet0:59:50 - Hellblade 3 is the focus1:10:16 - Towerborne releases February 26 for $251:16:55 - Masters Of Albion releases on April 22nd, 20261:21:39 - Crimson Desert's map size debate1:26:07 - Is ATLUS finally revealing Persona 6 this year?1:32:43 - Division 3 will have as big an impact as Division 11:38:19 - Details on the secret Witcher 3 expansion1:42:54 - Stellar Blade Boss speaks out on AI use case1:47:59 - Meta closes several VR studios1:58:44 - Everything we learned about Divinity in Larian AMA2:19:46 - What We're Playing2:42:16 - Developer Direct confirmed for January 22nd Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the Xbox Expansion Pass, we break down the reported Forza Horizon 6 leak, preview the upcoming Xbox Developer Direct, and cover the latest industry layoffs impacting Meta, Ubisoft, Unity, and multiple VR studios. We examine new Alinea Analytics data on how Xbox titles are performing on PlayStation, react to the Resident Evil Requiem showcase, and discuss updates on Fable, Gears of War E-Day, Halo Campaign Evolved, Final Fantasy VII Remake on Xbox, and the newest Game Pass releases. A focused look at the biggest Xbox and gaming stories of the week. Support XEP: https://www.patreon.com/XboxExpansionPass BlueSky (Luke): @InsipidGhost  Contact: InsipidGhost@gmail.com BlueSky (Logun): @CaptLogun  Check out Keelhauled: A Sea of Thieves Podcast for more Sea of Thieve's content. If you enjoy the show, please consider leaving a review on iTunes or Spotify - it's one of the best way to support the show. Thank you!    

Nearly two years ago, Apple showed off what an AI-powered Siri might do. That Siri never materialized, but thanks to a deal with Google for its Gemini tech, it might finally have a chance to work. David and Nilay discuss the ins and outs of the deal, and what it might mean for both Apple's and Google's ambitions in AI. (They also talk about the onslaught of new lawsuits from publishers related to Google's adtech antitrust case, including from our parent company Vox Media. Disclosure is our brand.) After that, they talk about Grok's horrific deepfake problem on X, and why everyone involved deserves the blame. Then it's time to pour one out for VR and the metaverse, which is losing steam as Meta loses interest and continues to pivot to AI. RIP Supernatural, a surprise hit of an exercise app! Finally, in the lightning round, it's time for Brendan Carr is a Dummy, the latest Paramount / Warner / Netflix drama, the Trump Phone, and the Digg reboot. Further reading: The Atlantic, Penske, and Vox Media have all sued Google for antitrust violations Apple picks Google's Gemini AI for its big Siri upgrade What Apple and Google's Gemini deal means for both companies Google's Gemini AI will use what it knows about you from Gmail, Search, and YouTube  Why Google Gemini looks poised to win the AI race over OpenAI  A “conscious decision” from OpenAI.  X hasn't really stopped Grok AI from undressing women in the UK  Advocacy groups demand Apple and Google block X from app stores  UK pushes up a law criminalizing deepfake nudes in response to Grok X claims it has stopped Grok from undressing people, but of course it hasn't   Meta plans to lay off hundreds of metaverse employees this week  Meta confirms Reality Labs layoffs and shifts to invest more in wearables  Meta is closing down three VR studios as part of its metaverse cuts  Meta's layoffs hit the studio that made Batman: Arkham Shadow, too.   Supernatural Will No Longer Get New Content Or Features  FTC won't appeal court decision permitting Meta to buy Within The best thing to do in VR is work out FCC chair Brendan Carr is pressed on removing ‘independent' from its website.  Verizon gets FCC permission to end 60-day phone unlocking rule  Anthropic wants you to use Claude to ‘Cowork' in latest AI agent push  Paramount sues after Warner Bros. Discovery rejects its latest deal Netflix is reportedly considering an all-cash offer for Warner Bros.  The new Digg is launching an open beta.  Elon Musk Cannot Get Away With This Subscribe to The Verge for unlimited access to theverge.com, subscriber-exclusive newsletters, and our ad-free podcast feed.We love hearing from you! Email your questions and thoughts to vergecast@theverge.com or call us at 866-VERGE11. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Use code RUFFTALKVR at checkout to save on any game or hardware on the Meta Quest store and help support the show!On this episode we are joined by two Coconuts for Mighty Coconut to talk about Walkabout Mini Golf's newest course Tiki A Coco! We have today Don Carson - Senior Art Director, and Nate Terhune - tech artist. Listen as we get to know these two more and learn more about their newest course!Big thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Become a supporter of the show today at  https://www.patreon.com/rufftalkvrDiscord: https://discord.gg/9JTdCccucSPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/rufftalkvrIf you enjoy the podcast be sure to rate us 5 stars and subscribe! Join our official subreddit at https://www.reddit.com/r/RuffTalkSupport the show

Ben Backus, Chief Science Officer, and James Blaha, CEO and Founder of Vivid Vision, discuss their work addressing binocular dysfunctions and improving visual field testing. Their innovative visual test uses a consumer-grade VR headset to deliver a gamified, less stressful, more engaging experience for patients, encouraging longer, more frequent testing. This approach also improves dataset precision and overcomes barriers in clinical trials for new therapeutics for diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, potentially accelerating the development of vision-saving treatments. Ben explains, "Vivid Vision addresses two conditions. One of them is binocular dysfunctions, which include conditions like amblyopia, strabismus, and convergence insufficiency. And the other one that we're really focusing strongly on now is visual field testing, which is especially important to use for monitoring people who have glaucoma. It also gets used for screening tests for glaucoma, and it's an especially important part of getting new therapeutics approved for any medication that is going to try to preserve your sight. That includes macular degeneration, a particular flavor of macular degeneration, degeneration called geographic atrophy, inherited retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, and stroke. It's the visual field test that we are putting the majority of our effort into, but we still also treat binocular dysfunction."   James elaborates, "I originally got started, I guess, because I grew up with some binocular vision disorders. I had a lazy eye and a crossed eye, also known as strabismus and amblyopia. And I had kind of the traditional experience as a kid where I was not cooperative with the treatments, wearing my eye patch, and doing eye exercises, and that sort of thing. And I wasn't successfully treated as a kid. About 60% of the time, that's the case in the US, where kids are not successfully treated for conditions. Then, when I was older, in my mid-twenties, I got interested in this topic through a TED talk by a neuroscientist, Sue Barry. That ultimately caused me to make the first prototypes, and I was able to gain 3D vision depth perception from some of those first prototypes. And that's ultimately what caused us to start the company." #VividVision #VRHealthcare #EyeHealth #MedicalTechnology #DigitalHealth #VisionTesting #Innovation #Glaucoma #MacularDegeneration #Amblyopia #HealthTech #VirtualReality #PatientCare #EarlyDetection #ClinicalTrials seevividly.com Download the transcript here

Ben Backus, Chief Science Officer, and James Blaha, CEO and Founder of Vivid Vision, discuss their work addressing binocular dysfunctions and improving visual field testing. Their innovative visual test uses a consumer-grade VR headset to deliver a gamified, less stressful, more engaging experience for patients, encouraging longer, more frequent testing. This approach also improves dataset precision and overcomes barriers in clinical trials for new therapeutics for diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, potentially accelerating the development of vision-saving treatments. Ben explains, "Vivid Vision addresses two conditions. One of them is binocular dysfunctions, which include conditions like amblyopia, strabismus, and convergence insufficiency. And the other one that we're really focusing strongly on now is visual field testing, which is especially important to use for monitoring people who have glaucoma. It also gets used for screening tests for glaucoma, and it's an especially important part of getting new therapeutics approved for any medication that is going to try to preserve your sight. That includes macular degeneration, a particular flavor of macular degeneration, degeneration called geographic atrophy, inherited retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, and stroke. It's the visual field test that we are putting the majority of our effort into, but we still also treat binocular dysfunction."   James elaborates, "I originally got started, I guess, because I grew up with some binocular vision disorders. I had a lazy eye and a crossed eye, also known as strabismus and amblyopia. And I had kind of the traditional experience as a kid where I was not cooperative with the treatments, wearing my eye patch, and doing eye exercises, and that sort of thing. And I wasn't successfully treated as a kid. About 60% of the time, that's the case in the US, where kids are not successfully treated for conditions. Then, when I was older, in my mid-twenties, I got interested in this topic through a TED talk by a neuroscientist, Sue Barry. That ultimately caused me to make the first prototypes, and I was able to gain 3D vision depth perception from some of those first prototypes. And that's ultimately what caused us to start the company." #VividVision #VRHealthcare #EyeHealth #MedicalTechnology #DigitalHealth #VisionTesting #Innovation #Glaucoma #MacularDegeneration #Amblyopia #HealthTech #VirtualReality #PatientCare #EarlyDetection #ClinicalTrials seevividly.com Listen to the podcast here

Nvidia can officially sell its chips in China, but not if China doesn't let anyone buy them. Tesla will stop selling FSD beginning next month. Matthew McConaughey says NOT alright alright alright to unauthorized AI use of his voice. And another story about how AI is disrupting the consultancy game. Exclusive: China's customs agents told Nvidia's H200 chips are not permitted, sources say (Reuters) Meta is closing down three VR studios as part of its metaverse cuts (The Verge) Tesla Driver-Assist System FSD Will Switch to Subscription-Only, Musk Says (Bloomberg) Matthew McConaughey Trademarks Himself to Fight AI Misuse (WSJ) Microsoft's Spending on Anthropic AI Is on Pace to Hit $500 Million (The Information) Apple Struggling With Key Material Shortage as AI Chips Drain Supply (MacRumors) McKinsey challenges graduates to use AI chatbot in recruitment overhaul (FT) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler return from a holiday break to unpack the most important ideas and innovations from CES 2026. Cathy breaks down how the AI conversation has evolved beyond large language models into embodied AI, agentic systems, world models, and on-device intelligence. The discussion spans standout demos, from attention-aware robots and immersive VR experiences to smart wearables and biodegradable batteries. Cathy and Lee also question whether AI is solving real problems or becoming an innovation theatre. We end with a forward look at 2027 as a critical inflection point for AI devices from Apple, OpenAI, and Meta.Come for the tech, stay for the magic!Cathy Hackl BioCathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She's one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming. Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue's Forces of Fashion, and more. Cathy Hackl on LinkedInSpatial Dynamics on LinkedInLee Kebler BioLee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi's, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.Lee Kebler on LinkedInKey Discussion Topics: 00:00 Intro: Welcome Back to Tech Magic in 202603:27 AI's Evolution: From Language Models to Embodied Intelligence05:30 Glasses Galore: Meta Ray-Ban Displays and Wearable Utility09:26 Robots Everywhere: From Laundry Folders to AI-Powered Lawnmowers12:00 CES 2027 Inflection Point: Q3-Q4 2026 Device Announcements to Watch16:11 Innovation Theater vs. Problem-Solving: Evaluating Real Tech Impact18:21 Trinity Vehicle and Cool Concepts: NVIDIA and Will.i.am's AI-Powered EV20:51 Biodegradable Paper Batteries: Flint's Sustainable Solution23:04 XR Display Glasses and Next-Gen Wearables: X Real and Gaming Integration24:01 Attention Labs: On-Device AI and Data Sovereignty in Robotics27:53 Why On-Device AI Matters: Global Markets and Data Regulations29:30 IXR Podcast Meetup: Felix and Paul's Interstellar Arc VR Experience33:32 LEGO Smart Bricks: The Future of Educational Robotics35:44 Final Thoughts: CES as Geekapalooza and Plans for 2027 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I'm joined by Virginie Raphael — investor, entrepreneur, and philosopher of work — for a wide-ranging conversation about incentives, technology, and how we build systems that scale without losing their humanity. We talk about her background growing up around her family's flower business, and how those early experiences shaped the way she thinks about labor, value, and operating in the real economy. That foundation carries through to her work as an investor, where she brings an operator's lens to evaluating businesses and ideas. We explore how incentives quietly shape outcomes across industries, especially in healthcare. Virginie shares why telehealth was a meaningful shift and what needs to change to move beyond one-to-one, supply-constrained models of care. We also dig into AI, venture capital, and the mistakes founders commonly make today — from hiring sales teams too early to raising too much money too fast. Virginie offers candid advice on pitching investors, why thoughtful cold outreach still works, and how doing real research signals respect and fit. The conversation closes with a contrarian take on selling: why it's not a numbers game, how focus and pre-qualification drive better outcomes, and why knowing who not to target is just as valuable as finding the right people. If you're thinking about the future of work, building with intention, or navigating entrepreneurship in an AI-accelerated world, this episode is for you. And for more conversations like this, join us at Snafu Conference 2026 on March 5th, where we'll keep exploring incentives, human skills, and what it really takes to build things that last. Start (0:00) Reflections on Work, Geography, and AI Adoption Virginie shares what she's noticing as trends in work and tech adoption: Geographic focus: she's excited to explore AI adoption outside traditional tech hubs. Examples: Atlanta, Nashville, Durham, Utah, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, parts of the Midwest. Rationale: businesses in these regions may adopt AI faster due to budgets, urgency, and impatience for tech that doesn't perform. "There are big corporates, there are middle and small businesses in those geos that have budget that will need the tech… and/or have less patience, I should say, for over-hub technologies that don't work." She notes that transitions to transformational technology never happen overnight, which creates opportunities: "We always underestimate how much time a transition to making anything that's so transformational… truly ubiquitous… just tends to think that it will happen overnight and it never does." Robin adds context from her own experience with Robin's Cafe and San Francisco's Mission District: Observed cultural and business momentum tied to geography Mentions Hollywood decline and rise of alternative media hubs (Atlanta, Morocco, New Jersey) Virginie reflects on COVID's impact on workforce behaviors: Opened a "window" to new modes of work and accelerated change: "There were many preexisting trends… but I do think that COVID gave a bit of a window into what was possible." Emphasis on structural change: workforce shifts require multi-year perspective and infrastructure, not just trends. Investor, Mission, and Capital Philosophy Virginie clarifies she is an investor, not a venture capitalist, resisting labels and prestige metrics. "I don't call myself a venture capitalist… I just say investor." Focuses on outcomes over categories, investing in solutions that advance the world she wants to see rather than chasing trendy tech sectors. "The outcome we want to see is everyone having the mode of work that suits them best throughout their lives." Portfolio themes: Access: helping people discover jobs they wouldn't otherwise know about. Retention / support: preventing workforce dropouts, providing appropriate healthcare, childcare, and caregiving support. "Anyone anywhere building towards that vision is investible by us." Critiques traditional venture capital practices: Raising VC money is not inherently a sign of success. "Raising from a VC is just not a sign of success. It's a milestone, not the goal." Concerned about concentration of capital into a few funds, leaving many founders unsupported. "There's a sense… that the work we do commands a lot less power in the world, a lot less effectiveness than holding the capital to hire that labor." Emphasizes structural, mission-driven investing over chasing categories: Invests in companies that prevent workforce dropouts, expand opportunity, and create equitable access to meaningful work. Portfolio strategy is diversified, focusing on infrastructure and long-term impact rather than quick wins. "We've tracked over time what type of founders and what type of solutions we attract and it's exactly the type of deal that we want to see." Reflects on COVID and societal trends as a lens for her investment thesis: "COVID gave a bit of a window into what was possible," highlighting alternative modes of work and talent distribution that are often overlooked. Labor, Ownership, and Durable Skills Virginie reframes the concept of labor, wages, and ownership: "The word labor in and of itself… is something we need to change." Interested in agency and ownership as investment opportunities, especially for small businesses transitioning to employee ownership. "For a very long time… there's been a shift towards knowledge work and how those people are compensated. If you go on the blue-collar side… it's about wages still and labor." Emphasizes proper capitalization and alignment of funds to support meaningful exits for smaller businesses, rather than chasing massive exits that drive the VC zeitgeist. AI fits into this discussion as part of broader investment considerations. Childhood experience in family flower business shaped her entrepreneurial and labor perspective: Selling flowers, handling cash, and interacting with customers taught "durable skills" that persisted into adulthood. "When I think of labor, I think of literally planting pumpkin plants… pulling espresso shots… bringing a customer behind the counter." Observing her father start a business from scratch instilled risk-taking and entrepreneurial spirit. "Seeing my dad do this when I was seven… definitely part of that." Skills like sales acumen, handling money, and talking to adults were early lessons that translated into professional confidence. Non-linear career paths and expanding exposure to opportunity: Concerned that students often see only a narrow range of job options: "Kids go out of high school, they can think of three jobs, two of which are their parents' jobs… Surely because we do a poor job exposing them to other things." Advocates for creating more flexible and exploratory career pathways for young people and adults alike. Durable skills and language shaping work: Introduction of the term "durable skills" reframes how competencies are understood: "I use it all the time now… as a proof point for why we need to change language." Highlights the stigma and limitations of words like "soft skills" or "fractional work": Fractional roles are high-impact and intentional, not temporary or inferior. "Brilliant people who wanna work on a fractional basis… they truly wanna work differently… on a portfolio of things they're particularly good at solving." Work in Progress uses language intentionally to shift perceptions and empower people around work. Cultural significance of language in understanding work and people: Virginie notes that language carries stigma and meaning that shapes opportunities and perception. References Louis Thomas's essays as inspiration for attention to the nuance and power of words: He'll take the word discipline and distill it into its root, tie it back into the natural world." Robin shares a personal anecdote about language and culture: "You can always use Google Translate… but also it's somebody learning DIA or trying to learn dharia, which is Moroccan Arabic… because my fiance is Moroccan." Human-Positive AI, Process, and Apprenticeship Virginie emphasizes the value of process over pure efficiency, especially in investing and work: "It's not about the outcome often, it's about the process… there is truly an apprenticeship quality to venture and investing." Using AI to accelerate tasks like investment memos is possible, but the human learning and iterative discussion is critical: "There's some beauty in that inefficiency, that I think we ought not to lose." AI should augment human work rather than replace the nuanced judgment, particularly in roles requiring creativity, judgment, and relationship-building: "No individual should be in a job that's either unsafe or totally boring or a hundred percent automatable." Introduces the term "human-positive AI" to highlight tools that enhance human potential rather than simply automate tasks: "How do we use it to truly augment the work that we do and augment the people?" Project selection and learning as a metric of value: Virginie evaluates opportunities not just on outcome, but what she will learn and who she becomes by doing the work: "If this project were to fail, what would I still learn? What would I still get out of it?" Cites examples like running a one-day SNAFU conference to engage people in human-centered selling principles: "Who do I become as a result of doing that is always been much more important to me than the concrete outcomes of this thing going well." AI Bubble, Transition, and Opportunity Discusses the current AI landscape and the comparison to past tech bubbles: "I think we're in an AI bubble… 1999 was a tech bubble and Amazon grew out of it." Differentiates between speculative hype and foundational technological transformation: "It is fundamental. It is foundational. It is transformative. There's no question about that." Highlights the lag between technological introduction and widespread adoption: "There's always a pendulum swing… it takes time for massively transformative technology to fully integrate." AI as an enabler, not a replacement: Transition periods create opportunity for investment and human-positive augmentation. Examples from healthcare illustrate AI's potential when applied correctly: "We need other people to care for other people. Should we leverage AI so the doctor doesn't have to face away from the patient taking notes? Yes, ambient scribing is wonderful." Emphasizes building AI around real human use cases and avoiding over-automation: "What are the true use cases for it that make a ton of sense versus the ones we need to stay away from?" History and parallels with autonomous vehicles illustrate the delay between hype and full implementation: Lyft/Uber example: companies predicted autonomous vehicles as cost drivers; the transition opened up gig work: "I was a gig worker long before that was a term… the conversation around benefits and portability is still ongoing." AI will similarly require time to stabilize and integrate into workflows while creating new jobs. Bias, Structural Challenges, and Real-World AI Experiments Discusses the importance of addressing systemic bias in AI and tech: Shares the LinkedIn "#WearThePants" experiment: women altered gender identifiers to measure algorithmic reach: "They changed their picture, in some cases changed their names… and got much more massive reach." Demonstrates that AI can perpetuate structural biases baked into systems and historical behavior: "It's not just about building AI that's unbiased; it's about understanding what the algorithm might learn from centuries of entrenched behavior." Highlights the ongoing challenge of designing AI to avoid reinforcing existing inequities: "Now you understand the deeply structural ingrained issues we need to solve to not continue to compound what is already massively problematic." Parenting, Durable Skills, and Resilience Focus on instilling adaptability and problem-solving in children: "I refuse to problem solve for them. If they forget their homework, they figure it out, they email the teacher, they apologize the next day. I don't care. I don't help them." Emphasizes allowing children to navigate consequences themselves to build independence: "If he forgets his flute, he forgets his flute. I am not making the extra trip to school to bring him his flute." Everyday activities are opportunities to cultivate soft skills and confidence: "I let them order themselves at the restaurant… they need to look the waiter in the eye and order themselves… you need to speak more clearly or speak loudly." Cultural context and exposure shape learning: Practices like family meals without devices help children appreciate attention, respect, and communication: "No iPad or iPhone on our table… we sit properly, enjoy a meal together, and talk about things." Travel and cultural exposure are part of teaching adaptability and perspective: "We spent some time in France over the summer… the mindset they get from that is that meals matter, and people operate differently." Respecting individuality while fostering independence: "They are their own people and you need to respect that and step away… give them the ability to figure out who they are and what they like to do." Parenting as a balance of guidance and autonomy: "Feel like that was a handbook that you just offered for parenting or for management? Either one. Nobody prepares you for that… part of figuring out." Future of Work and Technology Horizons Timeframes for predicting trends: Focus on a 5-year horizon as a middle ground between short-term unpredictability and long-term uncertainty: "Five years feels like this middle zone that I'm kind of guessing in the haze, but I can kind of see some odd shapes." Short-term (6–18 months) is more precise; long-term (10–15 years) is harder to anticipate: "I'm a breezy investor. Six months at a time max… deal making between two people still matters in 18 months." Identifying emerging technologies with latent potential: Invests in technologies that are ready for massive impact but haven't yet had a "moment": "I like to look at technologies that have yet to have a moment… the combo of VR and AI is prime." Example: Skill Maker, a VR+AI training platform for auto technicians, addressing both a labor shortage and outdated certification processes: "We are short 650,000 auto technicians… if you can train a technician closer to a month or two versus two years, I promise you the auto shops are all over you." Focuses on alignment of incentives, business model innovation, and meaningful outcomes: "You train people faster, even expert technicians can benefit… earn more money… right, not as meaningful to them and not as profitable otherwise." Principles guiding technology and investment choices: Solving enduring problems rather than temporary fads: "What is a problem that is still not going to go away within the next 10–15 years?" Ensuring impact at scale while creating economic and personal value for participants: "Can make a huge difference in the lives of 650,000 people who would then have good paying jobs." Scaling, Incentives, and Opportunity Re-examining traditional practices and identifying opportunities for change: "If you've done a very specific thing the exact same way, at some point, that's prime to change." Telehealth is an example: while helpful for remote access, it hasn't fundamentally created capacity: "You're still in that one-to-one patient's relationship and an hour of your time with a provider is still an hour at a time." Next version of telehealth should aim to scale care beyond individual constraints: "Where do we take telehealth next… what is the next version of that that enables you to truly scale and change?" Incentives shape outcomes: "Thinking through that and all the incentives… if I were to change the incentives, then people would behave differently? The answer very often is yes, indeed." Paraphrasing Charlie Munger: "Look for the incentives and I can tell you the outcome." Founders, Pitching, and Common Mistakes Pet peeves in founder pitches: Lack of research and generic outreach is a major turn-off: "I can really quickly tell if you have indeed spent a fraction of a minute on my site… dear sir, automatic junk. I won't even read the thing." Well-crafted, thoughtful cold inbound pitches get attention: "Take some time. A well crafted cold inbound will get my attention… you don't need to figure out an intro." Big mistakes entrepreneurs make: Hiring too early, especially in sales: "Until you have a playbook, like don't hire a sales team… if you don't have about a million in revenue, you're probably not ready." Raising too much capital too quickly: "You get into that, you're just gonna spend a lot more time fundraising than you are building a company." Comparing oneself to others: "You don't know if it's true… there's always a backstory… that overnight success was 15 years in the making." Sales Strategy and Non-Sales Selling Approach is contrarian: focus on conversion, not volume: "It is not a numbers game. I think it's a conversion game… I would much rather spend more time with a narrower set of targets and drive better conversion." Understanding fit is key: "You gotta find your people… and just finding who is not or should not be on your list is equally valuable." Recognizes that each fund and business is unique, so a tailored approach is essential: "The pitch is better when I'm talking to the quote unquote right people in the right place about the right things." Where to Find Virginie and Her Work Resources for listeners: Full Circle Fund: fullcirclefund.io  Work in Progress: workinprogress.io  LinkedIn: Virginie Raphael  Where to Access Snafu Go to joinsnafu.com and sign up for free.  

This episode of Skin in the Game features a deep, candid conversation with Felix Hartmann, founder of Hartmann Capital on what it really means to build and invest at the frontier of technology.Felix's story starts long before hedge funds and venture capital. He moved to the U.S. from Germany during the 2008 financial crisis, initially planning to stay for just a year. That plan changed quickly. Early exposure to markets, coding, and emerging technology led him down a path of trading, crypto infrastructure, and eventually founding his own firm and launching Hartmann Capital the same day he signed his first apartment lease.A major theme throughout the episode is conviction through firsthand experience. Felix doesn't invest from a distance. He tests products, uses them extensively, and looks for signals that can't be captured in a pitch deck. Whether it's VR games, smart glasses, or brain computer interface technology, he believes the clearest insight comes from being a real user and understanding how a product fits into daily life.The conversation explores why Felix shifted away from liquid crypto trading and toward long-term venture investing in frontier categories like VR, spatial computing, wearables, and neural interfaces. He explains how hardware limitations slowed VR adoption, why smart glasses may be closer to a breakout moment, and how enterprise use cases often precede consumer adoption. The discussion also touches on sub-vocal communication technology that allows people to interact with devices without speaking out loud and why it could fundamentally change how humans interface with machines.Saxon and Felix also discuss the realities of investing on the “bleeding edge,” where traditional metrics don't exist and patience is required. Felix breaks down how power-law outcomes often come from non-consensus bets and why underfunded categories tend to attract the most mission-driven founders.The episode closes with reflections on geography, talent, and ecosystem building from Florida's role in capital formation to the continued importance of Silicon Valley and Los Angeles for early-stage innovation.

Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster.Join at RocketMoney.com/KINDAFUNNY Go to Factormeals.com/kindafunny50off and use code kindafunny50offto get 50% off your first box, plus Free Breakfast for 1 Year. Come to our In Review Live Show in SF! January 28th!!!Get tickets at Kindafunny.com/SketchFest Meta closes some big VR studios, we finally have some new Steam Machine info, and Ninja Theory is no longer working on Project Mara. Thank you for the support! Run of Show - - Start - Meta has closed several studios, including ‘Splosion Man studio Twisted Pixel and Asgard Wrath's Sanzaru Games - Chris Scullion @ VGC - Steam Machine Verified requirements will have 'fewer constraints' than Steam Deck, says Valve - Bryant Francis @ Game Developer - Ad - New Hellblade That's More of a 'Game' Reportedly In the Works, Ninja Theory No Longer Working on Project Mara - Tom Philips @ IGN - ‘EA is getting more shit than they deserve': Split Fiction director Josef Fares defends Hazelight's publishing partner - Chris Scullion @ VGC - Boss of Stellar Blade Developer Says It Needs to Use AI to Compete With Overwhelming Manpower of China and U.S. Studios - Vikki Blake @ IGN - "Backyard Sports" animated special reveals first look at voice cast - Variety - Wee News! - SuperChats & You‘re Wrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it possible to reconstruct a 4,500-year-old wonder of the world – and let millions of people walk inside it? In this episode, we're joined by Peter Der Manuelian, Harvard Egyptologist and Director of the Giza Project, and Fabien Barati, CEO and co-founder of the immersive technology company Excurio, to explore how rigorous archaeology and cutting-edge virtual reality came together to create Horizon of Khufu: An Immersive Expedition to Ancient Egypt. Drawing on decades of excavation records, architectural data, and historical research, Peter and his team served as the project's primary scientific advisors, ensuring the virtual Great Pyramid of Giza reflects the latest archaeological evidence. Fabien and the Excurio team translated that scholarship into a shared, large-scale VR experience — allowing participants to traverse the Giza Plateau, enter the Great Pyramid, witness daily life in ancient Egypt, and attend the funerary rites of Pharaoh Khufu… In this episode, we explore: How Harvard's Giza Project data was transformed into a walk-through VR pyramid Why historical accuracy matters in immersive archaeology What muon tomography reveals about hidden voids inside the Great Pyramid How VR can balance preservation with global access to cultural heritage What the future holds for immersive expeditions and digital archaeology With over one million visitors worldwide, Horizon of Khufu has become a landmark example of "edutainment," making fragile and inaccessible heritage sites available to global audiences while preserving their integrity for future generations. Ready to learn more about this fascinating project? Tune in now! More on Peter: https://anthropology.fas.harvard.edu/people/peter-der-manuelian More on Fabien: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabien-barati-5b20205/?originalSubdomain=fr

Dean Takahashi is the dean of tech writers and a 25-year veteran correspondent covering consumer electronics, gaming, and emerging technology for GamesBeat. He's covered every major tech transition—from mobile's rise to VR's boom-and-bust cycles to the current AI explosion—with a skeptical eye and a talent for finding the human story beneath the hype. This is his fifth appearance on the AI XR Podcast.For CES 2026, Dean walked the floors across the Convention Center, the Venetian Expo Center (Eureka Park), Pepcom, and Showstoppers, emerging with a clear reading: China has decisively shifted from periphery to center stage in consumer electronics manufacturing, American incumbents are pulling back and rethinking their booth strategy, and the economics of CES itself are in transition. Robotics companies are moving from prototype to commercial faster than expected—but they still can't answer basic questions about pricing and labor displacement.News: Sony cuts its booth to demo an electric car instead of TVs. Samsung skips the show floor entirely for the first time. Nvidia takes over the Fontainebleau to showcase its role in robotics enablement. Lenovo dominates the Sphere with a Gwen Stefani concert. Chinese robotics companies proliferate with laundry folders, latte makers, and toilet-cleaning units. Roomba files for bankruptcy; Chinese competitors take over the robotic vacuum market.Key Moments:[00:01:23] Dean receives his virtual green jacket as a five-time returning guest and Charlie thanks him for his insights[00:03:00] China takeover at CES: TCL dominates Central Hall, ROED owns the XR booth, robotics companies fill the floor[00:06:00] Nvidia's Fontainebleau takeover and the "chest-pumping" show of force; why scale messaging still matters[00:14:18] The robotics explosion explained: Nvidia's digital twins, Cosmos world models, and synthetic testing accelerate time-to-market[00:19:00] The pricing problem: robotics companies won't answer how much their products cost; the minimum wage rental model doesn't translate globallyWhen American companies built the show, CES reflected American manufacturing dominance. Now that China manufactures most consumer electronics, CES reflects that shift—and the implications ripple through labor, supply chains, and where the next epicenter of innovation will be. Dean, Charlie, and Ted grapple with what CES 2026 signals about global manufacturing advantage and why the geography of tech matters more than we think.This episode is brought to you by Zappar, creators of Mattercraft—the leading visual development environment for building immersive 3D web experiences for mobile headsets and desktop. Mattercraft combines the power of a game engine with the flexibility of the web, and now features an AI assistant that helps you design, code, and debug in real time, right in your browser. Build smarter at mattercraft.io.Listen to the full post-CES debrief and subscribe for weekly conversations at the intersection of AI, XR, and consumer technology.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Krvavé protesty v Íránu. Svrhnou islámský režim ajatolláha Chameneího? Vrátí se monarchie? A nepoletí taky do Teheránu americké jednotky Delta Force? Téma pro íránistku Zuzanu Kříhovou z FF UK. Ptá se Matěj Skalický.

Krvavé protesty v Íránu. Svrhnou islámský režim ajatolláha Chameneího? Vrátí se monarchie? A nepoletí taky do Teheránu americké jednotky Delta Force? Téma pro íránistku Zuzanu Kříhovou z FF UK. Ptá se Matěj Skalický.Všechny díly podcastu Vinohradská 12 můžete pohodlně poslouchat v mobilní aplikaci mujRozhlas pro Android a iOS nebo na webu mujRozhlas.cz.

USE CODE 'ATPOD' FOR A FREE WEEK OF ADULT TIME!On this week's episode, host Bree Mills is joined by Lana Smalls and Scarlet Skies! The trio jump straight into chaos with a round of Would You Rather before diving into the perks (and curses) of being roommates, yawning at the worst possible times, mascots that shouldn't be sexy (but somehow are), Shakespeare hot takes, sugar daddies, a LOT of cheese discourse, feet pics, sock auctions, first gngbng stories, questionable party decisions, and c*m textures. Along the way, they jump into a game of Who Said It?, unpacking their most unhinged tweets, plus chats about lesbian movies, Girlcore: Escape From Camp Conversion, Lexi Luna & Sophia Locke twinning, Nosferatu cosplay, and SO MUCH MORE!Lana Smalls: https://www.instagram.com/lanasmalls/Scarlet Skies: https://www.instagram.com/scarletsinning/Bree Mills: https://www.instagram.com/thebreemills/ The Adult Time Podcast: https://bemyfan.com/TheAdultTimePodcastABOUT ADULT TIME:Adult Time is a digital subscription platform for a new era of adult entertainment. We are a brand built by people who believe in a future where mature audiences can safely, securely, and proudly have a place in their lineup for premium adult content. In addition to our addictive programming, Adult Time is dedicated to creating a personalized content experience for all our viewers with 400+ channels, 60,000 episodes, and VR and interactive toy integration.

For this installment of the show, we broadcasted with Tom Vernon! A lo-fi house artist that both Luxury Noise and YUNG SHIRO 白 have loved for years, Tom's humble, friendly affect and willingness to share his thoughts made him a perfect guest for "Hot Takes"; and we excitedly picked his brain about topics like hardware vs. software in production, binging artists' discographies, and Octopath Traveler. Starting his outsider house production while still in high school, Tom Vernon has since become a prominent name in the scene, releasing on reputable labels like Shall Not Fade, regularly appearing on lo-fi house Youtube mixes and Spotify playlists, and even playing live shows for crowds in VR chat. As an artist that Luxury Noise and Shiro both treasure, the time we got to spend with Tom Vernon went by rapidly, and we made the most of our time with him as we could! We held all chat submitted questions until the final half-hour of the episode runtime, discussing all manner of things, such as early 2010's deep house, field recordings in Japan, and staying alive while the music industry burns down. Tom gave us the 411 on his perfect show line-up, bad lo-fi house tropes, and In-N-Out Burger. Don't miss conversations about "rally house" music, echo and reverb in electronic music, and producing with all free plug-ins. If you weren't there for our visit with left field house producer Tom Vernon live, give it a listen, and be sure to join the public community Discord server and check out the latest Spotify playlists as well!   "Hot Takes" is a safe space for all opinions! Join the conversation at https://linktr.ee/hottakesvapor

SPONSORS: - Don't miss out on all the action this week at DraftKings! Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up using https://dkng.co/bears or through my promo code BEARS. - Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/BEARS. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. - Sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/bears - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at https://shopify.com/bears The OG Bears are back on this absolutely unhinged episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave! Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura dive headfirst into VR porn disasters, accidental virtual orgies, and the terrifying realization that Oculus might actually be ending humanity. Bert recounts a weekend alone that spirals into nine virtual orgies, soul-stealing eye contact, and panic-induced controller fumbling in a pitch-black room. The Bears also unpack loneliness, online hate comments, incel psychology, and how social media gives angry dudes a place to scream just to feel noticed. From there, things somehow get deeper: wealth guilt, excess consumption, purging hundreds of shoes and jackets, Mounjaro weight loss, beating Jelly Roll in the next 2 Bears 5K, parenting chaos, friendship evolution, Jake Paul as a “god,” and why success is always part luck. Enjoy the Bears while they're here. https://www.instagram.com/stavvybaby2 https://www.instagram.com/chrisdcomedy/ 2 Bears, 1 Cave Ep. 323 https://tomsegura.com/tour https://www.bertbertbert.com/tour https://store.ymhstudios.com Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. New York: call 8778- HOPENY or text HOPENY. Connecticut: call 888-789-7777 or visit https://CCPG.org. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino in Kansas. Wager tax pass-through may apply in Illinois. Twenty one plus in most states. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see https://DKNG.co/audio Limited time offer. Chapters 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:14 - Bert's First Threesome 00:05:58 - Mean Comments 00:13:05 - Hanging With The Kids During Christmas 00:30:02 - Stroke Of Luck 00:34:11 - Excess & Purging Stuff 00:44:05 - Weight Loss, Mounjaro & Jelly Roll 00:55:15 - Jake Paul Is A God? 01:01:01 - Wrap Up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ILP# 429 1/11/2026https://lordsofgaming.net/LORDS AFTER DARK on Insider Game App! ANDROID: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidergaming.appIOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/insider-gaming/id67539846481) ADVANCEDGG Use Code "IRONLORD" for 10% off https://advanced.gg/pages/partner-ironlords?_pos=12) VALARI PILLOW Use Code "ILP15" valari.gg/?ref=ironlordspodcastroundtable3)  ILP MERCH: https://ironlordspodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/allsofgaming.net/4) NZXT & IRON LORDS PC Use Affiliate LINK: https://nzxt.co/Lords5) HAWORTH Gaming Chairs & ILP Use Affiliate LINK: https://haworth.pxf.io/4PKj7M*********************************************************0:00 - ILP #429 Pre-Show15:20 - ILP #429 Intro30:00 - NY Video Games Critic Circle Guest Intros39:00 - Ronald Gordon Gaming History43:57 - Giovanni Colantonio Gaming History48:07 - Ryan O'Callaghan Gaming History54:48 - What The NY Video Games Critic Circle Means to Us1:09:05 - NY Game Awards & GG Fest1:22:05 - The Circle's TOP 5 Video Games Or Franchises of all time2:07:55 - GTA 6 Delayed Again?2:39:22 - Fable Developer Direct Lineup & Xbox 2026 Game Lineup Rumors3:46:26 - ILP #429 Outro*********************************************************Welcome to The Iron Lords Podcast!Be sure to visit www.LordsOfGaming.net for all your gaming news!ILP Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6XRMnu8Tf1fgIdGlTIpzsKILP Google Play:play.google.com/music/m/Iz2esvyqe…ron_Lords_PodcastILP SoundCloud: @user-780168349ILP Itunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/iron-…uiR-IgF6cE9EQicIILP on Twitter: twitter.cm/IronLordPodcastILP on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ironlordspodcast/ILP DESTINY CLAN:www.bungie.net/en/Clan/Detail/178626The Iron Lords and the Lords of Gaming have an official group on Facebook! Join the Lords at:www.facebook.com/groups/194793427842267www.facebook.com/groups/lordsofgamingnetwork/Lord COGNITO--- twitter.com/LordCognitoLord KING--- twitter.com/kingdavidotwLord ADDICT--- twitter.com/LordAddictILPLord SOVEREIGN--- twitter.com/LordSovILPLord GAMING FORTE---twitter.com/Gaming_ForteILP YouTube Channel for ILP, Addict Show & all ILP related content: www.youtube.com/channel/UCYiUhEbYWiuwRuWXzKZMBxQXbox Frontline with King David: www.youtube.com/@xboxfrontlineFollow us on Twitter @IronLordPodcast to get plugged in so you don't miss any of our content.

On this episode of the Ruff Talk VR podcast we are announcing the winners for this years 2025 Ruff Talk VR Awards! It was a tough pick for these categories, and even just being a nominee is a big deal in a market with so many great releases. Listen for the winners!Use code RUFFTALKVR at checkout to save on any game or hardware on the Meta Quest store and help support the show!Big thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Become a supporter of the show today at https://www.patreon.com/rufftalkvrDiscord: https://discord.gg/9JTdCccucSPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/rufftalkvrIf you enjoy the podcast be sure to rate us 5 stars and subscribe! Join our official subreddit at https://www.reddit.com/r/RuffTalkVR/Support the show

Use code RUFFTALKVR at checkout to save on any game or hardware on the Meta Quest store and help support the show!This is a bonus episode on the podcast feed of our YouTube Live community hangout from Saturday! Come hangout with us during the live which is usually Sunday at 3pm ET (Exact details weekly are on our Discord). Listen as we hangout and talk VR with some of our community!Showcase form: https://forms.gle/HxwkK9zuwydwbkKM8Big thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Become a supporter of the show today at  https://www.patreon.com/rufftalkvrDiscord: https://discord.gg/9JTdCccucSPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/rufftalkvrIf you enjoy the podcast be sure to rate us 5 stars and subscribe! Join our official subreddit at https://www.reddit.com/r/RuffTalkSupport the show

Los Angeles-based Mikey V is a true house head who, as an artist, producer, vocalist, DJ, event promoter and label head, has been lifting up the scene for well over a decade. Now joining the Dirtybird flock as one of the collaborators on Sacha Robotti's upcoming album, Mikey V throws down the first Dirtybird Radio guest set of the year packed with all-out heaters and unreleased treats. VR warm-up set:WRDO - "Signs (Claude VonStroke Remix)" [Almost Like We Met]Radio Slave feat. Kameelah Waheed - "All Rize (DJ Minx Remix)" [Rekids]Pricila Diaz, Afonso Caravaggio - "Vilão Romântico" [D'Quebra]Teknicoz, jjtsu - "Rollin" [Qwerk]Mikey V guest set:Sacha Robotti, SYREETA, Mikey V, Blakkat - Manifest - DirtybirdDino Lenny - Not About The Volume - RekidsMikey V - Fancy - IDShiba San - Off - ReliefMikey V - In The Clouds - IDShadow Child - String Thing - DirtybirdJordan Peak - Front To Back - DFTDJeff Service - Mic Check - Purveyor UndergroundHKNC, 1TWO - Groove Culture - HottraxMikey V - Freaky Lil Mama - IDFreenzy Music - Riddim - Mood ChildSolardo, Mandal - Lemon & Lime - Sola

Keylas gode man betalade inte räkningarna / Vräkningar ökar och barn drabbas/ Migrationen minskar/ Hunden Stella var borta i nästan en vecka men hittades av drönare Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radios app. Av Jenny Pejler och Roza Bicer.

We are joined today by Steve Corrigan - head of developer relations at Roto VR! This VR accessory looks to blend immersion and haptics, while reducing VR nausea. Listen as we get to know Steve and learn more about Roto VR!Save 25% off a Roto VR chair using code word RuffTalkVR at checkout!Use code RUFFTALKVR at checkout to save on any game or hardware on the Meta Quest store and help support the show!Big thank you to all of our Patreon supporters! Become a supporter of the show today at https://www.patreon.com/rufftalkvrDiscord: https://discord.gg/9JTdCccucSPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/rufftalkvrIf you enjoy the podcast be sure to rate us 5 stars and subscribe! Join our official subreddit at https://www.reddit.com/r/RuffTalkVR/Support the show

Gamertag And Bradley Podcast Episode 1, hosts Bradley Lynch and Gamertag VR delve into the evolving landscape of virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR) technologies. They discuss the Apple Vision Pro, the recent Steam Frame announcement, and Meta's strategic responses to these developments. The conversation covers the enhancements in the Quest 3, the implications of foveated rendering, and the anticipated user interface for Steam Frame. They also explore the importance of comfort in VR headsets, the future of spatial computing, and the potential for eye tracking to revolutionize gaming experiences. The episode concludes with reflections on their VR journeys and aspirations for the future.

Prodigy is out this week. This week we talk about New Year's Eve, Fallout x Call of Duty, Roblox age verification, CES, Boston Dynamic robots, BYD vs Tesla, Minnesota ICE killing, Pebble, Star Wars, Venezuela, Greenland, Ariana Grande SNL, Kevin Hart, Dave Chapelle, VR, Sentenced to be the Hero, the Video Game Awards, Knights of the Old Republic, Far Cry TV show, Call of Duty TV show, Percy Jackson, Welcome to Derry, and more! Come follow us: http://www.beenhadproductions.squarespace.com/bthanbti SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/bthanbtiI Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BthanBTI/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/bthanbti Twitter: @BthanBTI iTunes: https://itun.es/i6SJ6Pw YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BlackerThanBlackTimesInfinity Rescue + Residence https://www.rescueresidence.org/ Donate: https://www.givebutter.com/R_R_Champions

Pressure exposes the truth. It reveals who's prepared, who's present, and who's pretending. And whether you're standing over an eight-foot putt to win the Masters or staring down a boardroom full of investors, the mechanisms that make you crumble — or come alive — are the same. In this powerful conversation, Derek Belch—founder & CEO of STRIVR, former Stanford kicker, entrepreneur, and competitive golfer—breaks down the psychology of high-stakes performance.  Derek shares what truly separates people who execute under pressure from those who collapse, why the myth of "balance" is misleading, and the mindset that's helped him build a pioneering tech company while simultaneously pursuing his quest to qualify for a PGA Tour event. In this episode, you'll learn: Why pressure is a privilege—and the hidden gift inside nervousness The difference between preparation that helps vs. preparation that hurts How VR training reveals the brain's decision-making blind spots Why perspective is the golfer's most underdeveloped mental skill How to reframe pressure as opportunity instead of consequence Why so many founders burn out—and how to avoid becoming one of them The real meaning of work-life balance for high achievers Derek's biggest lessons from pursuing scratch golf in his 40s Whether you're a golfer, entrepreneur, or high performer hungry for the next level, this episode will reshape the way you prepare, practice, and perform. Get your pencils ready and start listening.  P.P.S. Curious to learn more about the results my clients are experiencing and what they say about working with me? Read more here. More About Derek Derek Belch is a former Stanford Cardinal kicker turned entrepreneur, best known as the founder and CEO of STRIVR, a pioneering virtual reality company that builds immersive training for NFL teams, Fortune 500 companies, and the U.S. military.  A multi-degree Stanford graduate with an MBA from USC, Derek left coaching at Stanford to launch STRIVR out of the university's Virtual Human Interaction Lab and has since been recognized on Sports Business Journal's "Forty Under 40" list.  Today, he balances leading STRIVR with his own quest to become a scratch golfer and hosts The Golfing CEO Podcast, where he explores the intersection of performance, leadership, and the game of golf. Play to Your Potential On (and Off) the Course Schedule a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call Subscribe to the More Pars than Bogeys Newsletter Download my "Play Your Best Round" free hypnosis audio recording. High-Performance Hypnotherapy and Mindset Coaching Paul Salter - known as The Golf Hypnotherapist - is a High-Performance Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who leverages hypnosis and powerful subconscious reprogramming techniques to help golfers of all ages and skill levels overcome the mental hazards of their minds so they can shoot lower scores and play to their potential. He has over 16 years of coaching experience working with high performers in various industries, helping them get unstuck, out of their own way, and unlock their full potential. Click here to learn more about how high-performance hypnotherapy and mindset coaching can help you get out of your own way and play to your potential on (and off) the course.  Instagram: @thegolfhypnotherapist  Key Takeaways: Pressure exposes preparation — nerves mean you care. Simulation (or mental reps) accelerates decision-making under stress. Perspective is the most underrated skill in golf and entrepreneurship. Tournament golf is a completely different sport than casual golf. You must know who you are to handle long-term stress effectively. Balance isn't real; clear values and non-negotiables are. Founders and golfers fail when expectations and identity collide. Key Quotes: "Pressure is a privilege — nerves simply mean you care." "If I've put in the work, it's in God's hands after that." "Visualization is VR on steroids — but golf still demands feel." "You can play golf once a week and expect scratch results? Expectations matter." "Burnout isn't about hours; it's about losing alignment with who you are." "Tournament golf is a different sport. Completely." "Perspective is everything. Even par is not the definition of scratch." Time Stamps: 00:00: Pressure Situations in Sports 02:52: The Importance of Preparation 05:26: VR and Simulation in Training 08:20: Golf and Visualization Techniques 11:12: Reframing Pressure as Opportunity 14:13: The Concept of Balance in Life 16:53: Identity and Performance Under Pressure 28:00: Navigating Challenges in Business and Golf 31:35: The Importance of Self-Reflection and Commitment 35:36: Understanding Burnout and Stress Management 38:59: Perspective: The Key to Success in Golf and Business 48:17: Final Thoughts: Dignity and Playing Fast

This week! The first podcast of the new year! We go over some recent passings, Space Invaders is added to Arcade Archives, some Switch games might be getting Switch 2 Editions soon, Yakuza 0 Director's Cut, VR stuff, Promise Mascot Agency, Squeakross, Ghost of Yotei, and much, much more. Join us, won't you? https://youtube.com/live/BinG_aDOSfU Links of interest: Vince Zampella passing David Rosen passes away Space Invaders out as part of Arcade Archives Pikmin 3 Deluxe and Splatoon 3 get new Switch 2 ratings Play Comics: Peanuts Games w/Phil Yakuza 0 Director's Cut Pinball FX VR Walkabout Minigolf LEGO Bricktales Premium Bowling Promise Mascot Agency Squeakross Ghost of Yotei Ace Combat 7 Greg Sewart's Extra Life Page Player One Podcast Discord Greg Streams on Twitch Joe Montana Football - Generation 16 #131 Add us in Apple Podcasts Check out Greg's web series Generation 16 - click here. And take a trip over to Phil's YouTube Channel to see some awesome retro game vids. Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/p1podcast. Thanks for listening! Don't forget to visit our new web site at www.playeronepodcast.com. Running time: 01:30:55

There was a time when a movie title sequence was just the moment you grabbed your popcorn and waited for the real show to start. But in the mid-90s and early 2000's, that changed forever with films like Seven and shows like Mad Men and Stranger Things. The title sequence became a prologue—a metaphor for the film itself. This is a preview of a premium episode. To listen to the full interview, head over to our Substack:https://designbetterpodcast.com/p/mikon-van-gastel Our guest today, Mikon Van Gastel, was right there in the trenches of that revolution. After a formative and intense education at the Cranbrook Academy of Art—where the only teachers were artists in residence and your toughest critics were your peers—Mikon cut his teeth at the legendary studio Imaginary Forces. Today, Mikon is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Sibling Rivalry, a hybrid brand studio and production company he founded with his best friend, Joe Wright. They've built a reputation for work that blurs the lines between branding, storytelling, and architecture.z In this episode, we explore the sheer scale of modern experience design. Mikon takes us behind the scenes of his work for the Sphere in Las Vegas—a venue he calls the “Champions League of content creation”. We discuss how to design for shared emotion, balancing the “collective gasp” of a 20,000-person audience with moments of intimate connection. We also dig into the business of creativity. Mikon opens up about the “sleepless nights” of running an agency in a project-based economy and how he refuses to transition fully into a management role, preferring to write treatments and stay hands-on with the work on nights and weekends. Whether you are designing software interfaces or directing films, Mikon's philosophy on collaboration and stripping away the noise to serve the core idea is something we can all learn from. Bio Mikon van Gastel is Director, CEO, and Co-Founder of creative agency Sibling Rivalry, based in New York and Miami. Originally from Holland, he earned his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art before launching his career at Imaginary Forces, where he designed award-winning title sequences for feature films and theatrical trailers. Van Gastel's work spans multiple disciplines, with notable projects in architecture and experience design including MoMA's interactive signage system, BMW World in Munich, the digital displays at Santiago Calatrava's World Trade Center Oculus, and most recently, immersive films for the world's first keynote inside The Sphere in Las Vegas. He also created a VR series with renowned curator Paola Antonelli. He continues to direct commercial campaigns and product launches for major brands including Apple TV+, Ford, Google, Target, BVLGARI, and Vogue, working with high-profile talent such as Drake, Taylor Swift, Lionel Messi, and Lewis Hamilton. Van Gastel speaks internationally about design integration and emerging industry trends at cultural and educational institutions worldwide. *** This is a premium episode on Design Better. We release two premium episodes per month, along with two free episodes for everyone. Premium subscribers also get access to the documentary Design Disruptors and our growing library of books: You'll also get access to our monthly AMAs with former guests, ad-free episodes, discounts and early access to workshops, and our monthly newsletter The Brief that compiles salient insights, quotes, readings, and creative processes uncovered in the show. And subscribers at the annual level now get access to the Design Better Toolkit, which gets you major discounts and free access to tools and courses that will help you unlock new skills, make your workflow more efficient, and take your creativity further. Upgrade to paid ***

Ever wondered what it takes to run luxury and international hotel brands? On this episode of The Modern Hotelier, David Millili and Steve Carran sit down with Ron Pohl, President of World Hotels and Head of International Operations for Best Western, to talk all things hospitality.Ron shares his journey from growing up in Ohio to leading hotels across the globe, and gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run luxury, upscale, and international hotel brands. They dive into hot topics like hotel storytelling, guest experiences, sustainability, and how technology like AR, VR, and AI is shaping the future of hospitality.What you'll learn in this episode:The strategy behind growing Best Western & World Hotels into 18 brands worldwideHow storytelling and crafted hotel experiences drive guest loyalty and ROIThe role of sustainability and technology as revenue driversLessons on building a successful career in hospitality and leading teamsWatch the FULL EPISODE on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sSky7DGRyTY Links:Ron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-pohl-8214205/WorldHotels and International Operations for BWH Hotels: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US.htmlFor full show notes head to: https://themodernhotelier.com/episode/242Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-...Join the conversation on today's episode on The Modern Hotelier LinkedIn pageConnect with Steve and David:Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/%F0%9F%8E...David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mil.

AI has mastered language, sort of. But the real world is way messier.In this episode of TechFirst, John Koetsier sits down with Kirin Sinha, founder and CEO of Illumix, to explore what comes after large language models: world models, spatial intelligence, and physical AI.They unpack why LLMs alone won't get us to human-level intelligence, what it actually takes for machines to understand physical space, and how technologies born in augmented reality are now powering robotics, wearables, and real-world AI systems.This conversation goes deep on: • What “world models” really are — and why everyone from Fei-Fei Li to Jeff Bezos is betting on them • Why continuous video and outward-facing cameras are so hard for AI • The perception stack behind robots and smart glasses • Edge vs cloud compute — and why latency and privacy matter more than ever • How AR laid the groundwork for the next generation of physical intelligenceIf you're building or betting on robotics, smart wearables, AR, or physical AI, this episode explains the infrastructure shift that's already underway.GuestKirin SinhaFounder & CEO, Illumixhttps://www.illumix.com

Jeff and Christian welcome Ashley Esqueda back to the show this week to discuss the potential for more gaming hardware price increases in 2026, a new Silent Hill game every year, and modders changing Breath of the Wild into a first-person VR game! The Playlist: Ashley: Yakuza 0, Hades II  Christian: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond; Backbone Pro Jeff: Arc Raiders, Dunecrawl. Nex Playground Tabletop Time: Ashley: Let's Hit Each Other With Fake Swords, Exploding Kittens: The Board Game, Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Christian: That Escalated Quickly Jeff:  Five Alive Parting Gifts!

ILP# 428 1/4/2026https://lordsofgaming.net/LORDS AFTER DARK on Insider Game App! ANDROID: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.insidergaming.appIOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/insider-gaming/id67539846481) ADVANCEDGG Use Code "IRONLORD" for 10% off https://advanced.gg/pages/partner-ironlords?_pos=12) VALARI PILLOW Use Code "ILP15" valari.gg/?ref=ironlordspodcastroundtable3)  ILP MERCH: https://ironlordspodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/collections/allsofgaming.net/4) NZXT & IRON LORDS PC Use Affiliate LINK: https://nzxt.co/Lords5) HAWORTH Gaming Chairs & ILP Use Affiliate LINK: https://haworth.pxf.io/4PKj7M*********************************************************00:00 - ILP 428 Preshow28:58 - ILP 428 Intro1:03:23 - Lords After Dark & ILP Anime Patreon Updates1:18:21 - Fallout 5 Rumors & Bethesda Development Debate1:51:11 - Jez Corden Joins The Realm!2:19:20 - Next Gen Consoles Delayed? King Vs Cog #BendTheKnee Stakes Raised3:33:57 - The PS5 Has Been Jailbroken4:00:37 - Doug Bowser Retires From Nintendo4:15:15 - ILP 428 Outro*********************************************************Welcome to The Iron Lords Podcast!Be sure to visit www.LordsOfGaming.net for all your gaming news!ILP Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6XRMnu8Tf1fgIdGlTIpzsKILP Google Play:play.google.com/music/m/Iz2esvyqe…ron_Lords_PodcastILP SoundCloud: @user-780168349ILP Itunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/iron-…uiR-IgF6cE9EQicIILP on Twitter: twitter.cm/IronLordPodcastILP on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ironlordspodcast/ILP DESTINY CLAN:www.bungie.net/en/Clan/Detail/178626The Iron Lords and the Lords of Gaming have an official group on Facebook! Join the Lords at:www.facebook.com/groups/194793427842267www.facebook.com/groups/lordsofgamingnetwork/Lord COGNITO--- twitter.com/LordCognitoLord KING--- twitter.com/kingdavidotwLord ADDICT--- twitter.com/LordAddictILPLord SOVEREIGN--- twitter.com/LordSovILPLord GAMING FORTE---twitter.com/Gaming_ForteILP YouTube Channel for ILP, Addict Show & all ILP related content: www.youtube.com/channel/UCYiUhEbYWiuwRuWXzKZMBxQXbox Frontline with King David: www.youtube.com/@xboxfrontlineFollow us on Twitter @IronLordPodcast to get plugged in so you don't miss any of our content.

In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom podcast, host Stewart Alsop sits down with Josh Halliday, who works on training super intelligence with frontier data at Turing. The conversation explores the fascinating world of reinforcement learning (RL) environments, synthetic data generation, and the crucial role of high-quality human expertise in AI training. Josh shares insights from his years working at Unity Technologies building simulated environments for everything from oil and gas safety scenarios to space debris detection, and discusses how the field has evolved from quantity-focused data collection to specialized, expert-verified training data that's becoming the key bottleneck in AI development. They also touch on the philosophical implications of our increasing dependence on AI technology and the emerging job market around AI training and data acquisition.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to AI and Reinforcement Learning03:12 The Evolution of AI Training Data05:59 Gaming Engines and AI Development08:51 Virtual Reality and Robotics Training11:52 The Future of Robotics and AI Collaboration14:55 Building Applications with AI Tools17:57 The Philosophical Implications of AI20:49 Real-World Workflows and RL Environments26:35 The Impact of Technology on Human Cognition28:36 Cultural Resistance to AI and Data Collection31:12 The Bottleneck of High-Quality Data in AI32:57 Philosophical Perspectives on Data35:43 The Future of AI Training and Human Collaboration39:09 The Role of Subject Matter Experts in Data Quality43:20 The Evolution of Work in the Age of AI46:48 Convergence of AI and Human ExperienceKey Insights1. Reinforcement Learning environments are sophisticated simulations that replicate real-world enterprise workflows and applications. These environments serve as training grounds for AI agents by creating detailed replicas of tools like Salesforce, complete with specific tasks and verification systems. The agent attempts tasks, receives feedback on failures, and iterates until achieving consistent success rates, effectively learning through trial and error in a controlled digital environment.2. Gaming engines like Unity have evolved into powerful platforms for generating synthetic training data across diverse industries. From oil and gas companies needing hazardous scenario data to space intelligence firms tracking orbital debris, these real-time 3D engines with advanced physics can create high-fidelity simulations that capture edge cases too dangerous or expensive to collect in reality, bridging the gap where real-world data falls short.3. The bottleneck in AI development has fundamentally shifted from data quantity to data quality. The industry has completely reversed course from the previous "scale at all costs" approach to focusing intensively on smaller, higher-quality datasets curated by subject matter experts. This represents a philosophical pivot toward precision over volume in training next-generation AI systems.4. Remote teleoperation through VR is creating a new global workforce for robotics training. Workers wearing VR headsets can remotely control humanoid robots across the globe, teaching them tasks through direct demonstration. This creates opportunities for distributed talent while generating the nuanced human behavioral data needed to train autonomous systems.5. Human expertise remains irreplaceable in the AI training pipeline despite advancing automation. Subject matter experts provide crucial qualitative insights that go beyond binary evaluations, offering the contextual "why" and "how" that transforms raw data into meaningful training material. The challenge lies in identifying, retaining, and properly incentivizing these specialists as demand intensifies.6. First-person perspective data collection represents the frontier of human-like AI training. Companies are now paying people to life-log their daily experiences, capturing petabytes of egocentric data to train models more similarly to how human children learn through constant environmental observation, rather than traditional batch-processing approaches.7. The convergence of simulation, robotics, and AI is creating unprecedented philosophical and practical challenges. As synthetic worlds become indistinguishable from reality and AI agents gain autonomy, we're entering a phase where the boundaries between digital and physical, human and artificial intelligence, become increasingly blurred, requiring careful consideration of dependency, agency, and the preservation of human capabilities.

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Currents series, host Lauren Koffman, DO, MS, speaks with Nilufer Yalcin, MD, a neurointensivist at Boston Medical Center, about her Currents article on the use of virtual reality in neurorehabilitation. Together, they explore the neuroscience behind virtual reality–based therapies, including multisensory engagement, cortical reorganization and the role of motivation and reward pathways in recovery. Their conversation also examines different VR modalities, the current evidence supporting motor and cognitive rehabilitation and emerging applications in the ICU setting. Dr. Yalcin further highlights practical considerations such as feasibility and standardization, as well as future directions for the field, including brain-computer interfaces and tele-rehabilitation. To read the full article, visit Currents: Virtual Reality for Neurorehabilitation: Mechanisms, Modalities, and Clinical Applications. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.