Data Download: Are We Ready For The MetaVerse?

7 min readNov 13, 2021

Data Download: Are We Ready For The MetaVerse? Are you ready, Player One? Cloud computing in the journey to net-zero, The right to repair, and more.

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Are you ready, Player One?

As the COP26 summit came to a close this week, green tech entered the spotlight, and the world’s top CIOs began discussing the role of cloud computing in the journey to net-zero. But, as the world started to question the throwaway society and cost of all our gadgets, Apple uncharacteristically backed down from punishing iPhone users for daring to repair their screens.

After Zuckerberg’s recent announcement that Facebook would be rebranding to Meta, this week it was revealed that Unity is buying Peter Jackson’s Weta Digital in a $1.625 billion deal that will help prepare for the Metaverse. So could a Ready Player One future be waiting on the horizon? Maybe it’s time to take a deeper look into who is building the Metaverse.

As our inboxes begin to struggle from the onslaught of Black Friday and Cyber Monday Emails, we have been scouring the internet for the best early Black Friday deals. Unfortunately, we have yet to find a full-body haptic feedback suit. But you will be the first to know if we do.

Finally, check out the lessons learned when annoyed parents built their own open-sourced school app, only for the City authorities to call the cops.

What will next week bring?

Best,
Steve

Steven Rosenbaum
Steve@NYCMedialab.org
Executive Director
The NYC Media Lab Must-Read The Role of Cloud Computing in the Journey to Net Zero

The IDC recently predicted that global data usage will reach 163 zettabytes by 2025. As a result, businesses are beginning to unpack how green AI and ethical tech can help them rethink sustainability. But cloud computing is quickly emerging with opportunities around making net-zero a reality.

Tech Monitor/ 4 min read Read More Unity Is Buying Peter Jackson’s Weta Digital to Help Prepare for the Metaverse

A digital gold rush is underway as big tech races to stake a claim in the Metaverse. Unity is on a mission to be at the forefront of the charge with the acquisition of Peter Jackson’s Weta Digital in a $1.625 billion deal. In the gold rush of 1849, those selling supplies such as shovels and tents made the most money. In buying Weta Digital, Unity will hope to bring the Metaverse to life with vastly superior 3D models.

Engadget / 1 min read Read More Tech+Media Who’s Building the Metaverse?

Although Mark Zuckerberg put the Metaverse in the headlines with the rebranding of Facebook to Meta, it’s been big business before the announcement. Last year, over 12 million players watched a virtual Travis Scott concert, and millions more attended Ariana Grande’s virtual Fortnite “Rift Tour” in the summer. Zuckerberg already has some catching up to with NVIDIA, Roblox, and Epic Games enjoying success, but now is the time to explore who is building the Metaverse.

Reuters / 4 min read Read More Apple Backs Off of Breaking Face ID After DIY iPhone 13 Screen Replacements

Do we really need a new smartphone every 12–24 months? Of course, many users would happily replace their cracked screen or old battery if it were more affordable. But, for the first time in as long as we can remember, Apple performed a u-turn this week and advised they would be backing off from breaking Face ID if a user was brave enough to opt for a more affordable DIY iPhone 13 screen replacement.

The Verge / 1 min read Read More Here Are the Best “Early Black Friday” Deals We’re Seeing Right Now

This week, many people set up their email messaging rule to automatically move marketing messages containing Black Friday or Cyber Monday into a separate folder. But if you are looking for gadgets or tech deals, here is an early list of what we can expect in the next few weeks. Unfortunately, there are no signs of hoverboards, jet packs, or haptic suits just yet.

Ars Technica / 14 min read Read More What We’re Watching The Metaverse & Storytelling Panel (Summit 2021)

As new platforms offer uniquely holistic worlds of virtual existence, a panel of experts will discuss virtual life, the economy of the Metaverse, and, ultimately, its impact on the self.

Our Metaverse & Storytelling Panel from NYC Media Lab’s Summit 2021: Future Imperfect on October 6, 2021. Speakers: Dana Martens (Moderator), Director of Communications & Special Projects at the Design Futures Initiative; Evo Heyning, Chair of Open Metaverse Interoperability Group; Dirk Lueth, Co-Founder of Upland

Is the Metaverse today’s Ready Player One? What happens when our virtual and analog lives blend beyond distinction? Will avatars, digital currencies, and machine-generated content take over the media landscape? This panel dives deep into the ever-evolving world of new media, human interaction, and creative storytelling.

nycmedialab, YouTube / 48 min watch Watch Here What Were Listening To What’s Next for USB-C The Verge’s Dieter Bohn joins Rod Whitby, CTO of ASTC, Verge senior reporter Chaim Gartenberg, and Ken Pillonel, a hacker in Switzerland, in a conversation about USB-C’s fractious history and fraught future. They discuss why cables are getting confusing labels for faster 240W charging standards and how the EU has proposed a mandatory USB-C connection on all devices, even iPhones.

Spotify / 1 hour 3 mins listen Listen Here Virtual Events & Jobs Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit
November 16–18, 2021

Recent global events have shown that innovation is essential for enterprises to survive and flourish. But accelerating digital innovation brings new complexity and risk. As a security and risk management leader, you can enable your enterprise to embrace the technologies of tomorrow today — and do it in the safest possible manner.

The virtual event offers a comprehensive update on cybersecurity threats and solutions, vulnerability management, ransomware, and new best practices for cloud security.

The Electrified Future
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
12:00pm — 1:00pm ET

We are approaching a generational shift towards a more sustainable & equitable energy future. Through its Innovation Studios, Newlab is focused on reimagining energy systems & future-proofing infrastructure. From smart grids to novel EV charging & energy storage deployments, Newlab is working with entrepreneurs, engineers, & inventors to integrate renewable energy into industries & cities & shape a new energy market that benefits everyone.

Forbes 2021 Next 1000 Summit
November 12, 2021

There has never been a rule book for entrepreneurship, but as the past 18 months have shown, crisis times can also create opportunities for innovative self-starters. The Next 1000 celebrates a group of brave entrepreneurs and creatives who have been able to pivot, grow, or launch their businesses during the pandemic. A Deeper Look These Parents Built a School App. Then the City Called the Cops

In 2018, Stockholm launched the infamous Skolplattform. The app promised to make the lives of up to 500,000 children, teachers, and parents in Stockholm easier. But for thousands of busy parents, it turned into a tech nightmare that only succeeded in making people angry. So a developer and the CEO of a Swedish innovation consulting firm worked with parents to build their own open-source version.

Rather than becoming an inspiring tech story, the officials called the police claiming the app and its cofounders may have committed a criminal data breach and asked cybercrime investigators to look into how the app worked.

WIRED / 14 min read Read More

Data Download: Are We Ready For The MetaVerse?

Written by NYC Media Lab