SPATIAL SHIFT: The Technological Convergence of Computing, Mixed Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain
By Fabio Lalli
When Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone to the world in 2007, few could have imagined the revolutionary impact this device would have on our lives. At that historical moment, we were not only witnessing the birth of a new product, but the dawn of an entirely new era: the era of the smartphone. This epoch redefined how we communicate, connect, work, play, and live.
Today, as I write these lines, I feel a sense of déjà vu, a feeling that another “iPhone moment” is about to arrive, but this time for a different technology — or better yet, for a convergence of various technologies reaching maturity simultaneously. This convergence is setting the stage for a monumental transformation, involving not just one technology as mobile did, but artificial intelligence, blockchain, mixed reality, sensors, and connectivity, defining a new phase of the internet.
This phase is termed web3, which transitions the internet from a two-dimensional (2D) to a three-dimensional (3D) space, integrating new paradigms related to information ownership, decentralization, artificial intelligence, computational power, and interaction capabilities.
The change brought about by this technological convergence and the development of new devices entering the market is enabling the growth of another trend known as Spatial Computing. Spatial computing promises to merge the physical and virtual worlds into a seamless continuum. Alongside AI, which offers unprecedented levels of understanding, prediction, and personalization, spatial computing represents a further paradigm shift in human-machine interaction.
We are on the path to a future where augmented reality becomes the norm, enriching our living and working environments with virtual information and interactions. This makes our daily lives more connected, intuitive, technologically advanced, and potentially more humane. The impact of these technologies, particularly spatial computing, on modern society is enormous, encompassing not just personal and empathetic spheres, but also professional effectiveness and efficiency. On one hand, we will access information in a new mode; on the other, we will have interaction tools, new forms of learning, and work.
If reading these initial lines of the book leads to thoughts of a dystopian future where we permanently wear helmets or masks, as depicted in sci-fi series and iconic movies like Black Mirror or Ready Player One, I must say: no, I do not believe in such a world. I also hope from the depths of my heart that it will not come to pass.
The reason I decided to write this book, for which I thank #Egea for their trust, is based on a profound belief that the moment we are living in is a turning point for our society, comparable to the introduction of the iPhone and the development of smartphones as we know them today.
The recent introduction of devices like the Vision Pro, the updated Quest 3, and the evolution of other devices and smart glasses, alongside advances in generative artificial intelligence, are fueling a hype and enthusiasm in the tech sector not seen in years. However, this excitement is not unfounded; it is a prelude to an epochal change in how we interact with information, environments, and each other.
The journey I have undertaken over these years, which led me to write this book, has been both personal and professional. In recent years, I have had the privilege of working closely with brilliant individuals in design, user experience, and new technology development, collaborating with companies, projects, and events pushing the boundaries of the possible. I have witnessed firsthand what it means to design mixed reality projects in various contexts and industries, experiencing incredible successes and unforeseen challenges that led to the failure of projects seemingly destined for permanence. I have also had the opportunity to see a project transition from a paper idea to a real application, observing its impact on how people interact with the world around them and how some habits have changed.
When I recently had the chance to try new tools like the Quest 3, Vision Pro, and experiment directly with Generative AI systems, I realized there was a gap. There lacked a text that both explored the technical potential and applications of spatial computing and AI, and considered the broader implications of these technologies, including design methods and ethical reflections.
How will this Spatial Shift influence our way of living, thinking, and relating to each other? What design, technical, ethical, and social challenges must we anticipate and address? And perhaps most pressing of all, how can we ensure these technologies are used appropriately overall, rather than transforming us into beings completely isolated and addicted to digital and virtual stimuli?
These questions motivated my research and writing of this book. I wanted to create a text that serves as a first guide and starting point for those new to these concepts, and a unifying point of various ideas for those, like me, who have been immersed in these topics for years.
“Spatial Shift: The Technological Convergence of Computing, Mixed Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain” is not just a title; it is a statement of intent. In these pages, we will explore a bit of the history of augmented reality, the technological convergence that has brought us to today, terms, contexts, and areas where spatial computing and AI are not (and will not be) just tools in our hands, but foundations of a new reality. Although not entirely exhaustive, as we are at the beginning of this journey, we will see how these technologies can have a transformative impact in various industries, from healthcare to education, retail to entertainment, and how they are rewriting the rules of the game in terms of human interaction, productivity, and creativity.
Through this book, I hope to convey not only knowledge and understanding of these powerful technologies but also to inspire reflection on how we can use them to create a future where technology enriches our lives without overwhelming them. A future where the convergence of the physical and digital worlds takes us to new heights of innovation and human intimacy, without losing sight of the values that make us truly human.
Welcome to a journey towards the future.
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