In a recent episode of the Web Visions podcast, Schlomo and Vic welcomed Gregarious Narain, Chief Product Officer of Snickerdoodle. The discussion centered around Snickerdoodle's new product aimed at consumer attention and engagement, providing valuable insights into their strategies and technologies.

Snickerdoodle transforms how consumer data is used by allowing users to own their "cookies" instead of tech giants. This shift empowers consumers to participate in how their data is utilized and monetized. Gregarious likened this to the Brave browser's BAT token system but without the need for a special browser or token trading complexities.

Snickerdoodle introduced the Share2Earn program, a new ad model that benefits both publishers and consumers. Users can share frame-based ads, earning tokens for each interaction. The system supports any ERC-20 token, making it versatile for advertisers. For example, a user who shares an ad earns 5 DGN tokens, while the viewer also earns 5 DGN tokens, splitting the advertiser's cost of acquiring attention.

Snickerdoodle's approach has seen significant uptake among Web3 projects. The Share2Earn program has facilitated around a dozen campaigns in the past two weeks, with 50 more in the pipeline. This model is particularly effective for bootstrap phases, helping new projects gain traction on platforms like Farcaster.

Growing organically on Farcaster remains a challenge due to its nascent stage and limited user base. However, Snickerdoodle's ad units offer a solution, providing a way for projects to justify their presence on the platform. This is particularly beneficial for increasing wallet shares for new tokens or driving specific actions like RSVPs for events.

Snickerdoodle is pioneering a consumer-centric approach to data and attention management, enabling users to benefit directly from their interactions. Their innovative use of traditional ad concepts in a Web3 context demonstrates a forward-thinking strategy that could reshape digital marketing dynamics. 

For more information, visit Snickerdoodle's website or follow them on Farcaster at @snickerdoodle and @share2earn.

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In this weeks episode, we go deep into all things ZkSync as a chain, and ZkSync as a service with Dr. Nick of Factory Labs.

The amount of discussion happening right now in the space around ZK has created lots of business application opportunities, so stay for the end of the interview for some job alpha!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visiblemagic.substack.com

The last week was full of interesting releases and announcements. Here is the recap.

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AI now means Apple Intelligence (on Apple devices)

Apple announced the launch of several new features, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), or how they called it – Apple Intelligence, security and deep integration of AI into iOS and OSX operating systems. The most interesting for us though was application automation features and enhanced security, addressing both developer and consumer needs.

One of the key features is "App Intents," which allows users to automate applications in iOS using AI. Unlike the previous Shortcuts automation feature, which was limited and complex to use, App Intents might enable more intuitive and flexible automation. Users could direct actions in applications similarly to how they use Siri, without needing programming knowledge. Personal Jarvis might be around the corner.

Apple also spent a lot of time on UX for AI features. I liked their integration of image generation AI models, similar to those used by MidJourney, to everyday tasks, like dynamic avatars and personalized emojis generation. This eliminates the need for detailed prompts for Midjourney and simplifies the UX by providing easy-to-use, customizable visuals. This feature definitely will benefit everyday communication through Apple’s messengers.

Security Concerns and AI Integration

Apple's decision to partner with OpenAI for their AI needs has raised some security concerns. With OpenAI's recent staff changes and the integration of their technology into Apple's ecosystem, questions about data security have tightened. Despite these concerns, the partnership aims to enhance Siri's capabilities by leveraging OpenAI's advanced models. Users' data will be sent to OpenAI servers, prompting Apple to ensure robust security measures.

Meta and AI in B2B

Meta is also leveraging AI in its services, particularly in WhatsApp for B2B customer service. This move aims to improve customer interactions and streamline business processes. WhatsApp's significant usage outside the U.S. makes it a strategic platform for integrating AI to enhance service efficiency and customer satisfaction.

AI in Video generation and Search

Luma.ai released their 5 seconds text-to-video generator. It’s still not OpenAI’s SORA, but a friend of ours created a video clip for his audio album, purely on Luma.ai. Recent collaborations between MIT, IBM, and other institutions, have released video indexing capabilities. AI can now differentiate and segment video content without manual input, enhancing search precision. This technology allows users to find specific segments within videos, such as cooking steps, more efficiently, demonstrating practical AI applications beyond generative models.

Final thoughts

Apple and Meta's recent AI integrations reflect the industry's shift towards more intuitive and automated user experiences. While these advancements promise improved functionality and efficiency, they also highlight the need for stringent security measures to protect user data. The evolution of AI in application automation, customer service, and video indexing showcases its potential to transform various aspects of technology and user interaction.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visiblemagic.substack.com

We recently sat down with Michael Israel, CRO of DripRewards, and got the inside scoop on how they are transforming community engagement on Discord.

Here’s what you need to know:

🚀 What is Drip Rewards?Drip Rewards is an innovative platform that empowers communities by turning regular fans into super fans. It’s not just about earning points; it’s about building deeper connections within your community.

🛠 Key Features:

* Micro-Economies: Create off-chain points and NFT ownership for web3 collections.

* Easy Setup: Integrate with your Discord server in under 5 minutes.

* Diverse Use Cases: From NFT groups to sports teams, Drip Rewards works for all.

💡 Why It’s Unique:Unlike traditional loyalty programs, Drip Rewards focuses on community-centric solutions. It’s about more than just repeat purchases—it’s about making every member feel like an essential part of the brand.

📈 Success Stories:Since launching in January, Drip Rewards has grown to 650 communities and 1.2 million Discord members! One standout success is 6079 AI, a startup using Drip to achieve thousands of social media interactions per quest.

🚀 What’s Next?Drip Rewards is looking to expand to Telegram and Slack, bringing their innovative engagement tools to even more platforms. 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visiblemagic.substack.com

Today I talked with the representative of Unlock Protocol, a company that's going to enhance the way we deal with online memberships and subscriptions. They're using blockchain technology to make paywalls and subscriptions easy-breezy with web3. Their ultimate goal is to open direct communication rails between communities and authors, with web3.

Think about this - when you sign up for your favorite website or a streaming platform, or a chat, it's not just a subscription or a purchase - it's like publicly attributing your address to a community. In fact, that doesn't just give you access. It gives you a kind of ownership. That's the idea of the Unlock Protocol. They use blockchain to manage memberships and even event tickets in a way that finally puts the power back in the hands of users and creators.

We feel like Unlock has always been a big supporter of openness and collaboration - an idea at the core of Unlock Protocol, much like blockchain. It's about building tools that anyone can use, modify, and share so that technology enables people, not just big companies.

However, our conversation was not just about e-commerce. Unlock Protocol is also building a community where developers can create the most amazing collaborations with new technologies. They're making things like special event tickets that remember you and maybe give you some rewards. Basically, Unlock builds a bridge between the web3 and the style we consume content every day. And you do not have to be crypto-native to use any resource built with Unlock. You can use regular payment methods with Unlock, like credit cards.

That's what seems to be happening with Unlock: tools are being given to a guy who wants to better connect with his fans from the web3 world or build a community. Educating customers on the technical aspects of web3 production and encouraging massive adoption will be important.

So let's keep our eyes on Unlock protocol. We will definitely give it a try in our or suggest to client projects!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visiblemagic.substack.com

Hello, digital pioneers and disruptors. Let me bring you insights from the frontier of the work revolution after a fascinating encounter with Track Lord, whom we met IRL at ETH Denver. Our conversation is about the seismic shifts that await our professional lives.

Track, whose name is as unique as his vision, introduced me to Quorum One, a collective that stands at the crossroads of technology and the future of work. But to call it just a collective would be an understatement. It’s a vision for a decentralized, blockchain-enabled future where DAOs are foundational, not just an afterthought. 

The pandemic has led many to reevaluate their work lives, and for Track and his collective, it became an opportunity to challenge and rethink our work's meaning. Quorum One is about more than embracing the virtualized future of work; it's about redesigning it to prioritize joy, satisfaction, and humanity.

In our conversation, we covered the spectrum from the depopulation trend in developed nations to the existential crisis facing the corporate world. Quorum One's mission is ambitious: not merely to disrupt but to reimagine and reconstruct the very fabric of corporate existence.

Quorum One offers a vision of a future where work is not merely a means to an end but a pathway to fulfillment. Track Lord's idea of a decentralized, joy-filled work environment is both interesting and necessary.

I was left with a sense of optimism and anticipation for the future. Quorum One represents more than a business venture. It's a movement towards a future where work is about connection, creation, and contribution.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visiblemagic.substack.com

Being on track with the evolution of social networks and developer ecosystems is an absolute must-have for Visible Magic. It's like witnessing history in the making, especially when you're smack in the middle of a revolution that's quietly reshaping how we think about connectivity, data, and privacy. Our recent conversation with Boris Mann is a reminder of why this stuff matters.

Boris, living in Canada, is a stalwart in the realm of open technologies and decentralized systems. His thoughts on the trajectory of social networks, the criticality of APIs, and the implications of proprietary platforms closing doors on innovation were nothing short of enlightening. It harks back to the days when Flickr introduced us to social sharing and APIs, a time when the web felt like a frontier of endless possibilities. Yet, as platforms grew, so did their walled gardens, leaving developers and users alike yearning for the freedoms once taken for granted.

Boris touched on the pain points felt by many in the tech community, especially around platforms like Twitter, which once served as a beacon for open developer engagement, only to gradually close off access. It's a sentiment I share deeply. The shift towards more closed ecosystems has not only stifled innovation but also left a void for those of us who want openness and connectivity.

For developers and tech enthusiasts, the conversation with Boris was a clarion call to support and invest in technologies that prioritize user agency and developer freedom. The rise of decentralized networks and protocols presents an opportunity to redefine our digital interactions on terms that are equitable, sustainable, and rooted in community.

As we look ahead, the challenge remains to build and support systems that embody the principles of openness and collaboration that once defined the early web. It's a mission that Boris Mann, myself, and countless others in the tech community are deeply committed to. The path forward may be fraught with challenges, but the potential to reclaim the internet as a space for genuine connection and innovation is a cause worth fighting for.

Fission project

But it's not all doom and gloom. Boris's involvement in projects like Fission, aimed at decentralizing the web, offers a glimmer of hope. His insights into the potential of federated systems and open protocols to rebalance the scales of power in the digital realm are both invigorating and necessary. As someone who's navigated the highs and lows of the tech world, from the explosive growth of early social platforms to the constriction of developer freedoms, Boris's perspective is a reminder of the importance of keeping the internet open and accessible. The Fission project looks really interesting, but we will cover that in the next episode

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visiblemagic.substack.com

In a competing world of blockchain technology, where the buzz is mostly around the flashy and speculative, Kathryn Colleen and the team at Geode Blockchain are focusing on practicality and genuine utility. In a recent podcast, I had the pleasure of diving deep into the ethos and aspirations of Geode, a blockchain Layer 1 solution that wants to refashion how we perceive and interact with decentralized technologies.

Geode isn't just another blockchain platform; it's a vision for a future where decentralization empowers every facet of our digital lives, from the way we transact to how we connect on social platforms. With a focus to be an independent Layer 1 (L1) solution, Geode aims to provide the foundational infrastructure for a new internet—a decentralized one where users have control and autonomy over their data and digital interactions.

Geode's mission is to replace centralized internet giants with decentralized applications (DApps) that offer real value to users. From providing e-commerce with DApp equivalents to reimagining social networking platforms without the intermediary, Geode wants to implement a useful stack from day one. It's a call to action for developers and innovators to contribute to a digital ecosystem that's equitable and user-centric.

One of the most compelling aspects of Geode is its commitment to practical applications. Kathryn shared several potential projects ripe for development on the Geode platform, such as a blockchain-based system for construction permitting. These aren't just theoretical ideas; they're real-world applications that can transform industries by making processes more transparent, efficient, and equitable.

Geode's governance model is designed to ensure that the platform remains true to its decentralized ethos. By allowing users to vote with their tokens and implementing mechanisms like conviction voting, Geode is setting a standard for democratic governance in the blockchain space. This approach not only fosters community engagement but also ensures that the platform evolves in a way that aligns with the interests and needs of its users.

The platform represents a shift towards a more user-centric internet, where the value generated by users is returned to them, rather than being siphoned off by centralized entities. It's a bold vision, but with the dedication and clarity of purpose demonstrated by Kathryn and her team, it's certainly within reach.

For developers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries looking to make a tangible impact in the blockchain space, Geode offers a fertile ground for innovation. Whether it's building DApps that serve real-world needs or contributing to the platform's governance and development, there's a role for everyone who shares Geode's vision for a decentralized future.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visiblemagic.substack.com

Hello, friends and fellow tech enthusiasts. Today we are going to talk about the future of gaming and the role of AI within this ecosystem together with Jon Wolheim. Having spent a considerable amount of time analyzing trends, speaking with industry innovators, and, most importantly, being a part of the gaming community, Jon is very versed in both Web3 gaming and AI.

The Web3 Gaming Evolution

Gaming has always been a dynamic field, but with the advent of Web3, we are witnessing a paradigm shift. The concept of decentralized gaming platforms promises not just immersive experiences but also empowers players with true ownership of in-game assets. Through our discussion, it became clear that Web3 gaming is not just a buzzword; it's going to stay. Imagine playing a game where every item you earn or buy isn't just a piece of code locked away by game developers but a tangible asset that you own and can trade freely. This isn't a distant dream – it's happening now.

AI's Role in Shaping Gaming's Future

AI's impact on gaming is profound and multifaceted. From creating more realistic NPCs (non-player characters) to enabling dynamic storylines that adapt to player choices, AI is redefining what games can be. In this conversation with Jon Wolheim, a visionary in the Web3 gaming space, the excitement about AI's potential was palpable. We're not just talking about improved graphics or faster processing; we're discussing AI's ability to craft worlds that feel alive, where each interaction is unique and every decision leads to a different outcome.

The Intersection of Web3, AI, and the Creator Economy

Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this technological convergence is its impact on the creator economy. Web3 and AI together are enabling creators to build and monetize gaming experiences in ways never before possible. Through platforms like FreeName.io, creators can secure their digital space with .gaming domains, fostering a new era of game development that is decentralized, open, and incredibly innovative.

As we delve into this new world, it's clear that there will be a lot of opportunities. Whether it's through developing new gaming experiences, creating AI-driven narratives, or participating in the burgeoning Web3 economy, there's a place for everyone in this future. It's a future where gaming is not just a form of entertainment but a living ecosystem that thrives on creativity, innovation, and community.

Embracing the Future

As I wrap up my thoughts on this exciting journey into the future of gaming and AI, I'm reminded of the importance of embracing change. The convergence of gaming, Web3, and AI is not just a technological evolution but a cultural one. It challenges us to think differently about what games can be and the role they play in our lives. It's a call to arms for creators, developers, and gamers alike to explore, innovate, and build the future of gaming together.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visiblemagic.substack.com

In the bustling world of tech and innovation, it's not every day that you come across a device that promises to redefine our interaction with the digital realm. Let’s dive headfirst into the future with Apple's latest marvel, the Apple Vision. This isn't just another piece of tech; it's a gateway to a new dimension, blending the physical and digital in ways we've only begun to explore.

The Apple Vision isn't just a gadget; it's a testament to Apple's relentless pursuit of innovation. Jay Donovan, CEO of Visible Magic, has had the privilege to live with this device for the last 2 weeks. We asked for his experience, and here are a few of his takeaways.

First, it's become clear that we're on the cusp of a revolution. The Apple Vision, with its sleek design and intuitive interface, is more than just a window to augmented reality (AR); it's a new lens through which we view our world.

Imagine a device that not only enhances your reality but does so with the elegance and simplicity we've come to expect from Apple. The Apple Vision does just that. Its ability to overlay digital information onto the physical world is nothing short of magical. Whether it's navigating the streets of a bustling city or visualizing complex data sets right before your eyes, the Apple Vision brings a new depth to our everyday experiences.

But it's not just about what the Apple Vision can do; it's about what it represents. This device is a harbinger of the future, a future where technology seamlessly integrates into our lives, enhancing our abilities and expanding our horizons. The Apple Vision is more than just a tool; it's a companion that understands you, anticipates your needs, and enriches your life in ways you never thought possible.

As Jay has integrated the Apple Vision into his daily routine, he found himself marveling at its potential. From professional applications like design and development to personal uses such as entertainment and education, the possibilities are endless. The Apple Vision isn't just changing how we interact with technology; it's redefining what it means to be connected.

Remarkable thing is that for some people perceiving information through the Apple Vision Pro headset is more comfortable in terms of quality than from a large desktop screen in front of them. Which was really intriguing. Because my experience with Oculus 3 was barely acceptable for text consumption – blurry and pixelated text was the biggest problem. But it might be my personal experience, I will need to clarify that yet. 

The Apple Vision is not just another product launch; it's a milestone in the journey of technology. It represents a leap towards a future where our digital and physical worlds merge, creating experiences that are richer, more intuitive, and more immersive than ever before. As we stand on the brink of this new era, one thing is clear: the Apple Vision is not just a vision of the future; it's the future itself, and it's a future I can't wait to explore.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit visiblemagic.substack.com