TechMagic with Cathy Hackl

In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl (yep, she’s back) and Lee Kebler open Pandora’s box - the tech edition. This episode’s all about navigating tech disruptions and learning to roll with the punches. From the AWS outage and OpenAI's controversial content policies, to Sora's impact on content creation, Pinterest's AI content controls, and Apple's quiet Vision Pro updates, they deep dive into it all! The AI landscape is evolving faster than you can say the word and so are its implications on content, creativity and commerce. 

Just like Cathy’s travels from Singapore to South Africa, your favourite Tech Magic pair are jetsetting into the world of technology, offering a global perspective on where we’re heading and the ethical questions we need to address.

Cathy Hackl Bio

Cathy 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 LinkedIn

Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn

Lee Kebler Bio

Lee 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 LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

• [00:00] Intro to TechMagic 
• [01:15] What the Hell AWS? How a Global Outage Caused Chaos
• [04:30] Going Global: Tech Perspectives from Singapore to South Africa
• [08:00] OpenAI's Sora 2: Questions of Purpose and Ethics
• [14:30] Pinterest Takes a Stand Against AI-Generated Content
• [17:00] OpenAI's Controversial Move into Adult Content
• [25:30] Apple's Quiet Hardware Updates and Vision Pro Changes
• [31:00] Gaming Evolution: From Atari to Interactive Documentaries
• [35:00] Final Thoughts and Future Conference Plans

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Lee Kebler and Adam Davis McGee explore the evolving intersection of AI, creativity, and ethics. Cathy is away this week and will rejoin the show next week. Meanwhile, Lee and Adam delve into OpenAI’s Sora 2 and its implications for digital rights, content authenticity, and ethical innovation. The hosts examine Nintendo’s research on gaming’s cognitive benefits, Apple Vision Pro’s NBA partnership, and the Windows 10 end-of-support scenario. They also discuss AI’s energy consumption and emerging global regulations on intellectual property. Perfect for tech enthusiasts, creators, and industry professionals, this episode provides balanced insights into the opportunities and responsibilities that accompany today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

Adam Davis-McGee Bio

Adam Davis-McGee is a dynamic Creative Director and Producer specializing in immersive storytelling across XR and traditional media. As Senior Producer at Journey, he led the virtual studio, pioneering cutting-edge virtual experiences. He developed a Web3 playbook for Yum! Brands, integrating blockchain and NFT strategies. At Condé Nast, Adam produced engaging video content for Wired and Ars Technica, amplifying digital storytelling. His groundbreaking XR journalism project, In Protest: Grassroots Stories from the Frontlines (Oculus/Meta), captured historic moments in VR. Passionate about pushing creative boundaries, Adam thrives on crafting innovative narratives that captivate audiences worldwide.

Adam Davis-McGee on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Intro: Welcome to Tech Magic with Lee Kebler and ADM
• 04:07 Exploring Artist Reactions to AI: Surprising Enthusiasm in LA
• 08:03 Sora 2: Ethical Concerns and Digital Rights
• 23:55 AI Content Bias: OpenAI's Power Consumption Story
• 33:20 Roblox's New Parent Council: Better Late Than Never
• 38:35 Nintendo Debunks Gaming Myths: Benefits for Attention Span
• 42:47 Apple Vision Pro: NBA License and VR History
• 46:41 Windows 10 Support Ending: What Users Need to Know
• 50:30 Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack the week’s biggest tech stories, from OpenAI’s latest announcements and Sora’s deepfake potential to Meta’s sold-out Ray-Ban smart glasses. They explore how AI integrations with platforms like Coursera, Canva, and Zillow could reshape how we access and trust information. The hosts also dive into the implications of skyrocketing AI startup valuations and reflect on the end of AOL dial-up, closing a chapter in internet history. Balancing enthusiasm with caution, they challenge listeners to consider the ethical, social, and creative consequences of an increasingly AI-driven world.

Come for the tech and stay for the magic!

Episode Highlights:

• The Privacy Implications of AI Video Generation – Cathy Hackl’s hands-on test of OpenAI’s Sora exposes major privacy challenges around biometric data and deepfake creation. By simply reading numbers and moving one’s head, users can generate hyper-realistic videos of themselves or others, without consent. While visuals are striking, voice replication remains flawed. Cathy and Lee caution that such tools blur ethical lines, raising urgent questions about consent, authenticity, and data ownership in creative AI adoption.

• OpenAI’s Vision for Information Control – Lee Kebler dissects OpenAI’s ambition to centralise online experiences through deep integrations with Coursera, Canva, and Zillow. By keeping users inside ChatGPT’s ecosystem, OpenAI could redefine how information flows, but at a cost. Cathy and Lee warn that algorithmic filtering may restrict perspective diversity, amplify bias, and erode the open web’s foundational freedom. Their advice: diversify digital sources to maintain balanced, transparent information access.

• The Rise of Consumer AR Hardware – Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses sell-out reveals the next leap in wearable adoption. Cathy and Lee analyse how fashion-forward design, practical utility, and accessible pricing have made AR more approachable. Positioned between novelty and necessity, these wearables hint at future accessibility, productivity, and communication uses. They stress that long-term success will depend on ergonomic design, battery life, and balancing innovation with real-world wearability.

• The AI Investment Bubble Warning Signs – Cathy and Lee discuss mounting worries from industry giants like Sam Altman and Jeff Bezos about inflated AI valuations. Unlike past bubbles driven by retail hype, today’s surge stems from institutional overconfidence and misunderstanding of AI fundamentals. Many investors conflate general AI with LLMs, fuelling unrealistic expectations.

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Intro: Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
• 01:44 Testing OpenAI's Sora: Deep Fake Capabilities and Privacy Concerns
• 15:02 OpenAI's Dev Day: Impressive Tools and Integration Announcements
• 18:09 The Dark Side of AI Integration: Information Control and Filter Bubbles
• 25:23 Apple's Vision Pro Updates and Meta's Ray-Ban Success
• 32:41 Farewell to AOL: The End of Dial-Up Internet Era
• 34:17 AI Startup Valuations: Warning Signs of a Tech Bubble
• 38:05 Final Thoughts: Music Recommendations and Show Wrap-Up

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler delve into the latest developments in tech, from Meta’s hardware updates to AI advancements and parental controls. Cathy interviews Tom Acland, CEO at Dassault Systèmes 3DEXCITE. Learn how the Apple Vision Pro is transforming enterprise collaboration and why we're finally reaching the tipping point for widespread adoption of spatial computing technology. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or industry professional, this episode delivers sharp insights into the intersection of AI, spatial computing, and enterprise innovation. Cathy and Lee also discuss why current LLMs won’t lead to superintelligence and they debate the impact of AI on sports.

Come for the tech and stay for the magic!

Tom Acland Bio

Tom Acland is the CEO at Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE division, where he drives innovation in enterprise spatial computing and manufacturing. He specialises in bridging engineering and media technology, helping clients like Hyundai, Virgin Galactic, and Deutsche Aircraft bring products to market through advanced visualization and collaboration tools. In this episode, Tom discusses Dassault Systèmes’ work with Apple Vision Pro and their 3D Live app, sharing insights on the future of spatial computing, mixed reality, and transforming enterprise collaboration.

Tom Acland on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cath Hackl and Lee Kebler
• 01:40 Meta Connect Reflections and Failed Demos
• 06:19 OpenAI's Hallucinations: Mathematical Inevitability
• 08:50 ChatGPT's Parental Controls and Real-World Applications
• 13:11 The Evolution of AI Music and Creative Tools
• 16:39 Friend.com: Marketing AI Hardware Without Mentioning AI
• 19:13 AI Boyfriends and Celebrity Voice Clones
• 31:37 Baseball's Robot Umpires: Technology vs Tradition
• 34:22 Interview: Tom Acland on Enterprise Spatial Computing
• 39:08 Dassault Systèmes' 3D Live App for Apple Vision Pro
• 42:52 Industries Embracing Spatial Computing Technology
• 46:28 The Future of Spatial Computing: Next 5-10 Years
• 50:55 Balancing Innovation with User Trust and Safety
• 54:10 Final Thoughts and Media Recommendations

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In this episode of TechMagic, host Lee Kebler is joined by Nic Hill, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Sawhorse Productions, to explore the latest tech developments shaping our digital world. Together, they break down Meta Connect’s memorable moments and mobile-first pivot with Horizon Worlds, Intel’s surprising $5B partnership with NVIDIA, and Lee’s first-hand experience with Waymo’s autonomous vehicles. The discussion also covers TikTok’s potential acquisition by Oracle and the future of AR glasses and spatial computing. With insider insights and thoughtful analysis, Lee and Nic unpack how legacy tech companies are navigating rapid innovation, offering a must-listen guide for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. Cathy is away this week and will rejoin the show next week.

Come for the tech and stay for the magic!

Lee Kebler Bio:

Lee 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 LinkedIn

Nic Hill Bio:

Nic Hill is the Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Sawhorse Productions, a full-service production and post house specialising in branded content, commercials, and scripted and non-scripted shows. With over 12 years of experience, Nic has assembled a talented team of experts in video production, editing, and comedy. Passionate about immersive metaverse experiences that blur the line between film and gaming, he delivers innovative content for leading brands, studios, and agencies worldwide. Previously, Nic worked as an independent film director and editor, creating internationally acclaimed documentaries. Based in Los Angeles, he enjoys DJing, biking, and family time.

Nic Hill on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Intro & Welcome from LA
• 05:31 Inside MetaConnect: A Front Row Perspective
• 08:15 Meta's Smart Glasses Evolution & Design Strategy
• 21:27 Horizon Worlds' Mobile-First Transformation
• 33:35 First-Hand Experience with Waymo's Self-Driving Cars
• 40:45 NVIDIA's $5B Investment in Intel: Gaming's Future
• 44:30 Oracle's TikTok Acquisition & Social Media Shifts
• 51:25 The Smart Glasses Arms Race: Amazon & OpenAI Enter
• 55:31 Final Thoughts: Alien Earth & AI Evolution

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore the future of hardware innovation, from Meta’s anticipated Connect event to Nintendo’s bold gaming moves. They unpack Meta’s AI-powered smart glasses collaborations, Amazon’s push into wearable tech, and Nintendo’s surprising Virtual Boy revival. Alongside hardware news, Cathy and Lee examine the deeper cultural and societal shifts at play, and how AI-driven personal superintelligence could reshape user experience, privacy, and even fashion. Packed with insider insights, this episode highlights why hardware is no longer just functional but increasingly a cultural statement at the intersection of technology and humanity.

• Next in Vogue Singapore: https://vogue.sg/nextinvogue/
• Singularity Summit South Africa: https://singularitysouthafricasummit.org/

Come for the tech, stay for the magic.

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Intro: Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
• 02:03 Apple's Disappointing Hardware Event: A Missed Opportunity
• 06:28 Meta Connect Preview: The Hypernova Moment for AI and XR
• 11:15 Meta's Smart Glasses Strategy: From Ray-Ban to Luxury Brands
• 17:30 The Vision for Personal Superintelligence and AI Evolution
• 28:00 Social Media's Algorithm Problem: A Facebook Case Study
• 36:50 The Hardware Race Heats Up: Amazon, HTC, and Samsung Join In
• 37:15 Nintendo's Virtual Boy Revival: A Controversial Return
• 44:10 Smart Game Pricing: Hollow Knight's Market Strategy Success
• 53:15 Final Thoughts: The Future of Tech, Media Recommendations, and Closing

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore the future of space and digital entertainment, and discuss AI-driven space operations, Roblox’s expansion with 100,000-player servers, and Paramount’s Call of Duty film adaptation. From esports acquisitions shaping global markets to safety and privacy in AI wearables, the conversation touches on several key tech trends that are influencing our world. Cathy interviews Thierry Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia. They uncover how Nokia built the first cellular network on the moon, laying the foundation for a sustainable lunar economy and future Mars missions.

Come for the tech and stay for the magic!

Thierry Klein Bio

Thierry Klein is the President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia, a pioneering figure in space communications and network infrastructure. With extensive experience in telecommunications and space technology, Klein leads research initiatives focused on AI, Web3, and new device technologies at the historic Bell Labs, which is celebrating its centennial year. He has played a pivotal role in delivering the first cellular network on the moon during the Intuitive Machines' IM2 mission, marking a historic milestone in space communications.

Thierry Klein on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Intro and Show Updates
• 02:20 Nokia's Innovation Campus in Finland - A Hub for Future Tech
• 04:44 Space Technology and Lunar Networks - Nokia's Groundbreaking Mission
• 27:36 Building the First Cellular Network on the Moon 
• 35:36 Transforming Astronaut Operations with Advanced Communications
• 40:41 The Future of Lunar Economy and Infrastructure
• 48:46 Interplanetary Communications and the Space Internet
• 55:13 AI's Role in Space Operations and Networks
• 01:10 Roblox Developer Conference Updates and Safety Features
• 01:19 Gaming Industry Updates: Call of Duty Movie and EVO Tournament News
• 01:27 Wearable AI Technology Review and Future Outlook
• 01:30 Closing Thoughts and Show Wrap-up

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In this exciting return of TechMagic in season 3, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler sit down with Kevin Rose, founder of Digg and partner at True Ventures, to explore the future of digital communities and human-first technology. Together, they discuss the ambitious Digg relaunch in partnership with Reddit’s co-founder, Alexis Ohanian, the challenges of building trust and safety on online platforms, and the disruptive role of AI in shaping content and jobs. 

From redefining how we talk about AI “hallucinations” to highlighting the rising importance of authentic human connection, this episode provides fresh insights into the evolving relationship between technology, community, and our shared digital future.

Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!

What you will learn:

• Building Trust in Digital Communities
• The Power of Niche Communities
• Strategic AI Integration
• The Return to Real-World Connection

Kevin Rose Bio

Kevin Rose is a pioneering tech entrepreneur, investor, and partner at True Ventures. He is best known as the founder of Digg, the first major social news platform. Over his 25+ year career, he has launched and led multiple ventures, including Revision3 (acquired by Discovery), Zero (the leading intermittent fasting app), and served as CEO of Hodinkee. Rose has been an early angel investor in Twitter, Square, Facebook, and more, earning recognition from Bloomberg, Forbes, MIT, and Time as one of the most influential figures in tech. His focus today is building trustworthy, human-first digital communities and advancing the future of online platforms.

Kevin Rose on LinkedIn 1

Kevin Rose on LinkedIn 2

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic Season 3
• 03:19 Adventures in Finland & India: Cathy's Global Tech Journey
• 07:05 ChatGPT Drama: Checking on AI Boyfriends
• 12:12 Kevin Rose Interview: The Return of Digg
• 18:22 Building Trust in Digital Communities
• 28:30 The Future of In-Person Meetups
• 32:19 AI Integration & Human Connection
• 39:16 Meta Connect & Smart Glasses Privacy Concerns
• 42:17 The Roblox Safety Debate
• 51:32 AWS vs. Salesforce: The Entry-Level Jobs Controversy
• 59:26 Finding Balance in a Tech-Saturated World
• 01:13:14 Final Thoughts: Gratitude & Music Recommendations

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Cathy and Lee are taking a break this month, and August is Greatest Hits time on TechMagic as we pull out some special episodes from our vault. In this Greatest Hits episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack the cutting-edge innovations transforming finance and commerce in 2025. Along with special guest Nabil Manji, SVP of Fintech Growth at Worldpay, the trio discusses the rise of digital wallets and embedded finance, as well as the power of AI agents and real-time payments. They explore how technology is redefining money movement on a global scale and tackle the impact of quantum computing on payment security. They look at the challenges of AI safety and what companies like Shopify are doing to lead the charge. A must-listen for anyone curious about the future of fintech.

What you will learn:

• How digital wallets are transforming global commerce
• Why embedded finance is revolutionizing delivery of financial services to customers
• The evolution of real-time payments across different global markets 
• How AI agents are reshaping commerce through automated purchasing 
• Why stablecoins are emerging as a crucial tool for cross-border payments 
• The impact of quantum computing on payment security 
• The challenges facing traditional retail experiences 
• Current concerns around AI chatbots and the need for stronger safety measures
• The growing pains of emerging tech trends, from Nintendo's preorder challenges to Meta's AI controversies

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

Nabil Manji Bio

Nabil Manji is the Senior Vice President and Head of Fintech Growth and Financial Partnerships at Worldpay, where he leads strategic initiatives in emerging payment technologies and financial partnerships. With extensive experience in the payments industry, he oversees how Worldpay collaborates with banks, fintech companies, and card networks to shape the future of money movement. His expertise in payment infrastructure and involvement in Worldpay's Global Payments Report make him uniquely qualified to discuss how technological innovations are transforming the way we think about and handle transactions in an increasingly digital world. His strategic vision for the intersection of technology and finance provides valuable 

insights for businesses and professionals interested in the future of payments and financial technology.

Nabil Manji on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler
• 02:44 AI & Mental Health: The Rise of Digital Therapy Solutions
• 09:51 Nintendo Switch 2: When Preorders Go Wrong
• 18:06 Slate Auto: Reimagining the Electric Truck
• 25:44 The Three Pillars of AI in Payments with Nabil Manji
• 39:37 Digital Wallets: The Evolution of Modern Payment Methods
• 46:20 Cryptocurrency as Payment Infrastructure
• 49:20 Understanding Embedded Commerce & Finance
• 53:57 Quantum Computing's Impact on Payment Security
• 01:03:47 Meta AI Controversy: Safety Concerns & Celebrity Voices

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Cathy and Lee are taking a break this month, and August is Greatest Hits time on TechMagic as we pull out some special episodes from our vault. In this Greatest Hits episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack viral AI trends, privacy concerns surrounding ChatGPT's photo location capabilities, and the future of spatial computing with special guest Tom Emrich, author of "The Next Dimension." They discuss the marketing power of augmented reality, including Avon’s 320% sales boost, and examine the evolution from smartphone-based AR to smart glasses and mixed reality. Tom introduces the “Play, Pilot, Proof” framework and explains why “presence” is the new P in marketing. It’s a compelling look at how digital and physical worlds are fast converging.

What you will learn:

• How AI tools like ChatGPT can identify photo locations with striking accuracy
• Why the "em dash" has become a telltale sign of AI-generated content
• The significance of "presence" as the new P in marketing 
• How dark factories are revolutionizing manufacturing with robot-only operations
• Why brands need to follow the "Play, Pilot, Proof" framework 
• How spatial computing is transforming from smartphone-based AR to wearable devices 
• The implications of viral AI trends for privacy and data collection
• The potential impact of AI replacing white-collar workers and C-suite executives
• How brands can leverage AR for marketing with conversion rate increases of up to 320%

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

Tom Emrich Bio

Tom Emrich is a pioneering product leader in spatial computing with over 15 years of experience in AR, VR, and wearables. He’s helped shape the future of human-technology interaction through roles at Meta and Niantic, where he led AR platform strategy, launched industry-first AR Ads, and introduced mixed reality experiences. As the author of The Next Dimension, Tom offers a definitive guide to using AR for business growth. He’s also an investor, startup advisor, and ecosystem builder, known for founding We Are Wearables and co-producing AWE. A recognized thought leader, Tom’s insights have been featured in Forbes, CNN, and The New York Times.

Tom Emrich on LinkedIn

Buy the Next Dimension here

Key Discussion Topics:

• 00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler
• 04:45 AI Trends: From Studio Ghibli to Dogs as Humans
• 08:25 ChatGPT's Photo Location Detection: Privacy Concerns Revealed
• 17:35 The Em Dash: How to Spot AI-Generated Content
• 25:30 Should You Say "Please" and "Thank You" to AI?
• 35:38 Interview: Tom Emrich on The Next Dimension of AR Marketing
• 40:51 How AR is Transforming the Marketing Funnel
• 44:29 The Evolution of Spatial Computing Hardware
• 50:13 "Presence" - The New P in Marketing
• 56:10 Humanoid Robots and Dark Factories: The Future of Manufacturing

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