WEB3, DAO, and NFTS @SXSW

WEB3, DAO, and NFTS @SXSW and Top Tech Trends for 2022 View this email in your browser

Battle of the Acronyms: WEB3, DAO, and NFTS Dominate Conversations at SXSW

After a two year COVID related hiatus, SXSW returned (In Person!) in Austin, Texas. While many of the big brand activations stayed home, the big themes this year were DAOs, NFTs, and web3. With nearly three dozen SXSW crypto-themed panels and sessions and even Zuckerberg dropping in announce NFTs are coming to Instagram, and on the streets of Austin there was excitement and energy, even as folks struggled with various QR codes. Tech trends can also be found in a new short film starring Colin Farrell called After Yang. It’s set in an AI-enhanced future and tells the story of a nuclear family that is both racially diverse and android inclusive. Trust me, when I tell you, it’s so powerful, you will grieve for a robot.

Elsewhere, Accenture also revealed its top tech trends for the year, with Web3 predictably topping the list. Although we live in uncertain times, as we begin to see digital inclusion and equity helping the world explore the art of the possible, it feels like we are not just building the future of the web and business but also a better world for all. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one here at SXSW.

And — for a powerful look at the future, Media Cartographer Evan Schapiro will release the brand new media 2022 map, recorded live at SXSW. Sign up for tickets here.

All of this, as the world holds its collective breath, hoping for an end to the atrocities in Ukraine. You can lend your support here. We always like to hear from you Steve@NYCMediaLab.org

Steven Rosenbaum
Executive Director
The NYC Media Lab

Must-Read

Event Recap Austin’s SXSW 2022: NFTs Everywhere

It was impossible to escape nonfungible tokens or NFTs at this year’s SXSW. Outside of the crypto bro culture, others explored various concepts provided by some of the biggest brands in the world. But for many, the jury was out on what value it offers other than a vague promise that it might make you some extra money one day in the future.

Ben McKenzie, who is best known for his roles on TV shows including Gotham and The OC, has made no secret of his frustration with celebrities shilling the latest crypto project. But at SXSW, he hosted a panel warning that the widespread use of crypto-related products at the festival seemed to be a marketing tool.

Coin Telegraph/ 2 min read

SXSW arguably ran the risk of acting as a giant echo chamber where techies recharged their confirmation bias around NFTs, crypto, DAO, Blockchain, and the future of the web. Everyone from tech CEOs to TikTok influencers participated in panels and descended on lavish brand activations to hear the unified message. But outside of SXSW, there are many obstacles to overcome.

The success of any new technology will be determined by mainstream adoption. In a world where socially conscious consumers are moving away from buying stuff they want but don’t need, will they embrace digital assets and see the value of digital ownership in a virtual world? Whether NFTs are the future or the emperor’s new clothes will remain a hotly contested debate long after SXSW 2022.

IndieWire/ 5 min read

Accenture Lists top 5 Tech Trends for 2022

Accenture’s latest tech trends article suggests that Web3 is undoubtedly no gimmick or passing fad and that Web3 will put the ‘me’ in the metaverse. With Blockchain as the backbone, we are heading towards a decentralized internet where no single entity will be able to control the flow of information online.

However, this idealistic vision is a stark contrast to the building of a centralized trusted news initiative used to battle misinformation online. As emerging technologies continue to converge, our digital world is beginning to evolve, but the future is much more complex than you might think.

VentureBeat/ 2 min read

How many movies can you name that creates a positive vision of a tech-fueled future? Unfortunately, we have become accustomed to dystopian tales where AI, robots, and technocrats have enslaved society. Thankfully, After Yang is a beautiful and strange new movie that offers a more positive message while raising questions around privacy, our relationship with technology, and its power. But more than anything, it will be remembered for making you grieve for a robot for the first time.

Wired/ 3 min read

Fueled by AI, IoT, and Blockchain innovations, digital transformation has been accelerating rapidly across industries. But as the world’s data is growing at the edge, the stark differences in digital equity and inclusion have become clear. Access to technology, underrepresentation within tech companies, and bias within technology itself contribute to this stark digital divide.

Janice Zdankus shares why she is optimistic that new ideas gained from working on social innovation and technology innovation for social impact will help us explore the art of the possible.

MIT Tech/ 18 min read

FLUF World: The CRAZIEST SXSW 2022 Event

According to Marc Freccero, FLUF World was the craziest SXSW 2022 event yet. It consisted of 3 giant domes with tons of bars and incredible musical acts. In addition, the FLUF World NFT collectibles have been blowing up and demonstrating how successful the company has been. But this was only one of many NFT parties which also celebrated their journey so far. The Doodles NFT Party was one of the most talked-about SXSW 2022 Events and further proof that it doesn’t matter if you love or hate the NFT scene; you can no longer ignore it.

Marc Freccero YouTube/ 2 min watch

Watch Here

What We’re Listening To

Why Integration is Key to IoT Success

In this episode of the IoT for All Podcast, the hosts discuss the role of integration in IoT, how it has evolved, and why it’s a critical factor in the success of an IoT deployment. At the end of the podcast, they discuss IoT challenges and advise companies looking to integrate IoT into their business.

Apple Podcasts/ 19 min

Listen Here

Virtual Events & Jobs

The Creator Economy vs Media Death Stars
Tue, March 29, 2022. 11:00 AM — 12:00 PM EDT

The NYC Media Lab’s Executive Director Steven Rosenbaum will engage Evan Shapiro in a crisp and provocative conversation. As platforms like Apple TV and Netflix dig deep to spend huge dollars on content, will creators become little more than highly paid properties of the platforms they serve?

Shapiro is a mapmaker, and in this presentation of the battles ahead, Rosenbaum will endeavor to turn Shapiro’s maps into a guidebook for how creators can navigate their path toward a future as kings of content. Kings, or court jesters? That remains to be seen. Live Q&A with Evan Schapiro to follow.

Female Founders Forum
Wednesday, March 25, 2022

Are you a female founder, investor, or aspiring entrepreneur? Then, join this year’s Female Founders Forum, which is powered by NYU. It will bring together female founders, investors & members of the New York University Community, for a half-day of inspiration, conversation & networking, in order to expand opportunity & community building for current & future female founders.

This event is open to all female founders, investors & supporters (both NYU & non-NYU affiliated).

Youtube & TikTok Creator Meetup
Saturday, March 26, 2022

If you are a Youtube or TikTok content creator, this is the event for you!
This is an event to meet other content creators in the NYC area. This event aims to bring creators together & help each other grow.

A Deeper Look

What Is A DAO?

The concept of a virtual Decentralized Autonomous Organization or DAO with equal ownership by participants is gaining momentum and entering the mainstream. With Web3 and metaverses waiting on the horizon, organizations need to start thinking about building products that will give them an advantange over slow-moving competitors.

However, we have your back if you want to learn more about what a DAO is, how they work, the business benefits, drawbacks, and where they are being used today. So check out this handy guide and let us know what excites you about the road ahead.

Slash Gear/ 6 min read

Read More Today’s newsletter written in partnership with Neil C. Hughes, the Tech Blogger and host of Tech Talks Daily