AI Influencers, Feminine Futurism, VR Landscape, and Apple Vision Pro vs. Meta Quest with Katie McIntyre and Lee Kebler

In this episode of TechMagic, host Lee Kebler and guest co-host Katie McIntyre discuss AI and VR's evolving roles in technology, fashion, and marketing. Katie, a Toronto-based designer and founder of Matriarch, shares insights on "feminine futurism" and the challenges of AI influencers, highlighting potential ethical risks, particularly around body image. They critique Apple’s Vision Pro, comparing it with Meta’s VR approach, and question whether Apple understands user needs. The conversation explores the balance between AI and human connection, emphasizing that while AI offers intriguing tools, it cannot replace authentic relationships, urging more ethical development in tech innovation.Come for the tech, and stay for the magic!Lee 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 LinkedInKatie McIntyre BioKatie McIntyre is a visionary Creative Director, Fashion and Industrial Designer, Film Director, VFX Artist, Ivy League Lecturer, and Women’s Rights Advocate. Founder of Katie McIntyre Studio, she collaborates with artists like Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Lizzo, crafting iconic album and product designs, films, and VFX for live shows. Her “feminine futurism” philosophy drives collaborations with brands such as Mugler, Puma, and Amazon, and her work has graced stages like Coachella. Named a “World’s Leading Female VFX Artist” by Time and a “Leader of Tomorrow” by the St. Gallen Symposium, she is also CEO of Matriarch, dedicated to empowering women through innovative design.Katie McIntyre on LinkedInKatie McIntyre Studio WebsiteKey Discussion Topics00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction2:38 - Puma's AI Influencer Announcement10:01 - Authenticity in Marketing16:31 - Ethical Considerations of AI Representation22:21 - Apple's Product Announcements and M4 Chip28:01 - Critique of Apple Vision Pro and VR Strategy32:11 - Market Demographics and User Behavior36:13 - Applications of VR in Industry48:01 - AI as a Substitute for Human Friendship Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.