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The Immersive Wire

The Immersive Wire

By Tom Ffiske

Analysis of immersive technologies (the metaverse, VR, and AR). Hosted by Tom Ffiske from the Immersive Wire.
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Pushing innovation in immersive, with Aki Jarvinen

The Immersive WireMay 26, 2020

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37:11
The metaverse needs a better story

The metaverse needs a better story

I believe a key issue is that we are not telling the story of the metaverse clearly or well enough. The lack of direction confuses media reports time and time again, as people spin it into a more negative incarnation. (Unhelpfully, the word “metaverse” primarily comes from dystopian novels). Our lack of clarity hurts outside awareness – and perhaps leads to business hesitancy. One survey found that 41% of UK citizens have “no understanding whatsoever” of the metaverse. The same was shown in a YouGov poll in the US. Yes, the survey showed regional differences; twice as many people in China would take part in metaverse experiences compared to Brits and Americans. Yet it still demonstrates that a passive dismissal permeates across the UK and US, and likely beyond the two.

Why the cynicism? I cover a few reasons in the newsletter, but what ties them together is a lack of a cohesive narrative. A good story is important in the business world because it maps out where we are going with our work. It’s intangible but important. I’ve seen immersive healthtech companies short-sell their services; some dryly label themselves as “integrated services companies,” rather than pioneers that help companies to save lives. One phrase stays on PowerPoint decks, while the other is more likely to leave a human impact after the meeting.

Most importantly, it provides a horizon to build towards. As Mary Bateson said, “the human species thinks in metaphors and learns through stories.” I do not want the metaverse to be packaged into a negative parable. I believe that we need to better tell how the metaverse will develop or grow – or risk its history being shelved in a dusty corner of the library. How we get there is opaque, but I have a story in mind.

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Tom Ffiske writes about immersive technologies at the Immersive Wire, a newsletter and website dedicated to all things VR, AR, and the metaverse. His goal is to bring a curated digest of the analysis that matters, helping professionals interested in immersive to reach new heights.




Aug 08, 202313:09
Defending the metaverse in the new age of AI
Aug 05, 202309:01
Trailer - The Immersive Wire

Trailer - The Immersive Wire

Receive concise analysis on the metaverse and spatial computing, giving you a competitive edge.

Aug 05, 202300:34
Ramblings about immersive events

Ramblings about immersive events

In this episode, we explore immersive events (such as VRDays Europe, VR Awards, AWE), and think about what the best approaches are when it comes to running them. 

If you like to level up your knowledge on the metaverse, VR and AR, then consider subscribing to the highly-praised Immersive Wire newsletter: www.immersivewire.com

Nov 14, 202109:01
Leading a VR company, with Marek Polčák

Leading a VR company, with Marek Polčák

Marek Polčák is the Co-Founder of VRgineers. We explore what it takes to build a VR company, and how it has grown over time. 

Aug 31, 202015:41
The importance of senses in VR films, with Charlotte Mikkelborg

The importance of senses in VR films, with Charlotte Mikkelborg

Charlotte Mikkelborg is a British director and producer who become known for her work directing gripping character-driven film and virtual reality.

Charlotte Mikkelborg explores immersive filmmaking, including techniques and the use of senses. The filmmaker explores her process from making a new film to driving interest in her productions.

Aug 24, 202032:08
How to nurture a growing immersive community, with Asha Easton

How to nurture a growing immersive community, with Asha Easton

Asha Easton works at Immerse UK. She has run workshops with the XR Diversity Initiative in London to up-skill underrepresented groups in media and technology, and has spoken on panels internationally. Her focus at KTN is to expand the ImmerseUK community and grow the immersive tech ecosystem around the country.

Aug 16, 202032:57
How to design VR video games, with Nick Witsel

How to design VR video games, with Nick Witsel

Nick Witsel is a Games Designer at Vertigo Games. We discuss the building process of a video game; what aspects to consider, how it is different from console gaming, and the insights that come from working in the area for some time. 

Aug 10, 202025:34
Entering the VR and AR industry as someone new, with Randa Dibaje

Entering the VR and AR industry as someone new, with Randa Dibaje

Randa Dibaje is a VR/AR developer at PwC, having recently entered the industry. We explored the thoughts of an early entrant, including where areas may grow in the future. 

Aug 03, 202029:54
The people behind the immersive industry, with Helen Bellringer

The people behind the immersive industry, with Helen Bellringer

Helen is a Multi-disciplined Creative Director, specialising in the dynamic intersection where technology, humans and music meet. At Solarflare Studio she works with brands, artists and non-profit organisations to help them harness the connective powers of frontier technologies, to tell their stories in new divergent ways.

Jul 27, 202035:56
Creativity in the immersive industry, with Dan Page

Creativity in the immersive industry, with Dan Page

Dan Page of Opposable Group is Creative Director at Bristol VR Lab, a coworking space in England for startups working in XR and surrounding industries. Prior to running the lab he ran VR World Congress, a three day conference and expo that took place in Bristol with 1000+ delegates. He's been working in VR for six years and is regularly called upon as a commentator and consultant in the space.

Jul 20, 202035:13
Learning new skills with virtual reality via memory palaces, with Aaron Ralby

Learning new skills with virtual reality via memory palaces, with Aaron Ralby

Aaron Ralby is a language and memory training specialist and entrepreneur. He is currently developing Munx VR, a Virtual Reality platform for building memory palaces.


We explore how memory palaces can be built in VR, and explore what benefits they bring to learners. 

Jul 13, 202028:14
How to build VR communities, with Daniel Dyboski-Bryant and Lorelle VanFossen

How to build VR communities, with Daniel Dyboski-Bryant and Lorelle VanFossen

Daniel Dyboski-Bryant and Lorelle VanFossen are both part of Educators of VR, and collaborate closely to build expansive and innovative worlds were people can socialise and group together. 

Daniel Dyboski-Bryant co-founded Educators in VR with Lorelle VanFossen, an open global, cross-platform network of learners, teachers, trainers, and researchers meeting, learning and collaborating in and with VR. They are developing programs and projects to democratize education using virtual reality through partnerships, sponsorships, and grant programs world-wide.

We explore how these communities build and develop, and the new sorts of connections made over time. 

Jul 06, 202053:58
How to market enterprise VR, with James Watson

How to market enterprise VR, with James Watson

James started his career in digital marketing and innovation over 20 years ago, he has spent the last 5 years developing enterprise VR solutions for companies including Major League Baseball, Shell, GE and DHL. Currently as Chief Marketing Officer at Immerse he is working across industry sectors to help drive the adoption of enterprise VR training.

In this episode, we explore how to market VR enterprise solutions among many other topics. 

Jun 29, 202031:07
Using augmented reality to educate children, with Ed Barton

Using augmented reality to educate children, with Ed Barton

Ed is the CEO and co-founder of Curiscope, a Brighton based startup pioneering the use of virtual and augmented reality to inspire kids.

In the episode, we explore how AR is a great way to educate children, and how the Brighton community flourished. 

Jun 22, 202024:43
Building immersive experiences for consumers and businesses, with Sam Watts

Building immersive experiences for consumers and businesses, with Sam Watts

Sam Watts has been driving adoption of immersive technologies within enterprise and entertainment at Make Real for over 5 years, enabling businesses and customers to understand and validate use cases for implementation of Virtual and Augmented Reality devices and content. From EDF Energy to Vodafone, Oculus and Sony, Sam has seen over 75 immersive applications deployed at scale, in offices, studios, museums, arcades, homes and even fields in the glorious British countryside. Prior to joining Make Real, Sam managed and operated European and global Quality Assurance and Localisation teams for Zynga, NCsoft, Epic Group PLC and worked with online learning products for BBC, Channel 4, Sony PlayStation, HMRC, HSBC, British Airways and many more.

Jun 15, 202041:24
Using VR to dull pain, with Sarah Ticho

Using VR to dull pain, with Sarah Ticho

Sarah Ticho is the Founder of Hatsumi, who has also worked as a producer, researcher and curator specialising in arts, health and immersive technology.

We talked about the benefits of VR in healthcare, particularly when it comes to dulling pain. How can immersive tech help save lives? 

Jun 08, 202026:36
Pushing innovation in immersive, with Aki Jarvinen

Pushing innovation in immersive, with Aki Jarvinen

Aki Järvinen is a Senior Experience Researcher, Immersive at Digital Catapult. He helps UK businesses adopt AR and VR, and push their boundaries at the company through design and research.

May 26, 202037:11
Digital twins and AR/VR, with Nicola Rosa

Digital twins and AR/VR, with Nicola Rosa

Nicola Rosa is the Global Head of Immersive Learning at Accenture. Nicola is currently part of the Accenture Digital UKI, where he is the Go-To Market Lead for XR (AR, VR, and MR). We discussed the growth of gaming brands during the pandemic, and the sense of immersion that technology brings to experiences.

We explore the role of digital twins and how it will impact all areas of immersive tech, from manufacturing to retail. We also lightly touch on the topic of devices reading our minds, as well as the progression of the tech over the next decade.

May 17, 202001:01:41
Exploring intimacy and virtual reality, with Kazimir Bielecki and Lennie Varvarides

Exploring intimacy and virtual reality, with Kazimir Bielecki and Lennie Varvarides

Kazimir Bielecki and Lennie Varvarides are from DYSPLA, a neurodivergent, Tottenham based studio lead by the award-winning disabled artists. Supported by the Arts Council England, DYSPLA produces the work of neurodivergent storymakers.

May 12, 202056:02
Favourite virtual reality games to play, with Jonny Keeley from Igloo Vision

Favourite virtual reality games to play, with Jonny Keeley from Igloo Vision

Jonny Keeley is a photographer and filmmaker working in the immersive industry for "Shared VR" company Igloo Vision. When he isn't doing that he's either out shooting Landscapes as @ItsJonnyKeeley on Instagram or touring with his band Fight The Bear. Jonny covers his love of immersive, and which experiences he goes for.

May 05, 202034:36
How to analyse virtual and augmented reality, with Leo Gebbie from CCS Insight

How to analyse virtual and augmented reality, with Leo Gebbie from CCS Insight

Leo Gebbie is a Wearables and Extended Reality Analyst at CCS Insight, joining the company over a year ago to track all that is happening across both industries. Leo explores his current smartwatches, some of his favourite immersive events he attended, and his Animal Crossing island.

Apr 26, 202051:18
22.04.2020 - The Immersive Wire

22.04.2020 - The Immersive Wire

Summary of what's happening in the immersive industry (VR, AR, and MR), hosted by Tom Ffiske from Virtual Perceptions.

Apr 21, 202004:02
Using drones for virtual reality, with Or Lev-Cohen

Using drones for virtual reality, with Or Lev-Cohen

The Immersive Wire Interview profiles the people behind the industry. The podcast focuses less on the company they represent, and more on the people working in the background. What makes them tick? What are they passionate about? How has their personal life been impacted by their work? 

On the first episode of The Immersive Wire is Or Lev-Cohen, a final-year Industrial Design student from Tel-Aviv. Lev-Cohen is looking into how immersive tech can be used with drones to provide people with a flying experience that they can control. In particular, he focuses on where his passion comes from, the intricacies for designing products for fringe audiences, and his views on the future of immersive flying.

Apr 20, 202035:01
15.04.2020 - The Immersive Wire

15.04.2020 - The Immersive Wire

Summary of what's happening in the immersive industry (VR, AR, and MR), hosted by Tom Ffiske from Virtual Perceptions.

Apr 14, 202003:60
09.04.2020 - Weekly Virtual Perceptions Summary

09.04.2020 - Weekly Virtual Perceptions Summary

Summary of what's happening in the immersive industry (VR, AR, and MR), hosted by Tom Ffiske from Virtual Perceptions.

Apr 09, 202003:40
01.04.2020 - Weekly Virtual Perceptions Summary

01.04.2020 - Weekly Virtual Perceptions Summary

Summary of what's happening in the immersive industry (VR, AR, and MR), hosted by Tom Ffiske from Virtual Perceptions.

Mar 31, 202004:14
18.03.2020 - Weekly Virtual Perceptions Summary

18.03.2020 - Weekly Virtual Perceptions Summary

Summary of what's happening in the immersive industry (VR, AR, and MR), hosted by Tom Ffiske and Lena Mandahus from Virtual Perceptions.

Mar 17, 202011:21
11.03.2020 - Weekly Virtual Perceptions Summary

11.03.2020 - Weekly Virtual Perceptions Summary

Summary of what's happening in the immersive industry (VR, AR, and MR), hosted by Tom Ffiske from Virtual Perceptions. 

Mar 10, 202007:49