In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler, unpack the realities behind today’s AI headlines. They explore OpenAI’s shift toward advertising, the growing human bottleneck in data center expansion, and why the AI conversation is moving beyond productivity toward physical and human-centred systems. The discussion dives into the surprising earning power of skilled trades, how XR is transforming workforce training, and why the metaverse was never just about VR headsets. From VRChat to The Sims, Cathy and Lee reveal where the spatial web is quietly taking shape, and what it all means for the future of work and technology.

Come for the tech and stay for the magic!

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
• 00:33 The Shift in AI Conversation: From Productivity to Humanity
• 05:15 OpenAI's Financial Crisis and the Ad-Supported ChatGPT Problem
• 11:31 Can AI Intentionally Give Wrong Answers to Keep You Engaged?
• 13:46 The Unexpected HVAC and Trades Shortage Fueling AI Infrastructure
• 16:34 How XR Technology Transfers Expert Knowledge to New Tradespeople
• 20:21 Meta's Metaverse Layoffs: Why Spatial Computing Is Still the Future
• 25:33 VRChat Breaks Records While Gaming Embraces Living Worlds
• 26:28 Luxury Brands Return to Gaming with Coach and The Sims
• 28:08 Bethesda Revamps Fallout 76 After TV Show Success
• 32:31 Book Recommendations and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler return from a holiday break to unpack the most important ideas and innovations from CES 2026. Cathy breaks down how the AI conversation has evolved beyond large language models into embodied AI, agentic systems, world models, and on-device intelligence. The discussion spans standout demos, from attention-aware robots and immersive VR experiences to smart wearables and biodegradable batteries. Cathy and Lee also question whether AI is solving real problems or becoming an innovation theatre. We end with a forward look at 2027 as a critical inflection point for AI devices from Apple, OpenAI, and Meta.

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

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: Welcome Back to Tech Magic in 2026

03:27 AI's Evolution: From Language Models to Embodied Intelligence

05:30 Glasses Galore: Meta Ray-Ban Displays and Wearable Utility

09:26 Robots Everywhere: From Laundry Folders to AI-Powered Lawnmowers

12:00 CES 2027 Inflection Point: Q3-Q4 2026 Device Announcements to Watch

16:11 Innovation Theater vs. Problem-Solving: Evaluating Real Tech Impact

18:21 Trinity Vehicle and Cool Concepts: NVIDIA and Will.i.am's AI-Powered EV

20:51 Biodegradable Paper Batteries: Flint's Sustainable Solution

23:04 XR Display Glasses and Next-Gen Wearables: X Real and Gaming Integration

24:01 Attention Labs: On-Device AI and Data Sovereignty in Robotics

27:53 Why On-Device AI Matters: Global Markets and Data Regulations

29:30 IXR Podcast Meetup: Felix and Paul's Interstellar Arc VR Experience

33:32 LEGO Smart Bricks: The Future of Educational Robotics

35:44 Final Thoughts: CES as Geekapalooza and Plans for 2027

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In this Greatest Hits episode of Tech Magic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the latest tech developments, from Meta's bold moves in AR to Apple's Vision Pro journey one year later. They highlight Meta's success with Ray-Ban AI glasses, Apple’s challenges in AR innovation, and how creators are evolving into media moguls. Cathy also interviews special guest Jeff Barrett, who shares insights on building sustainable creator careers, the rise of nano-influencers, and the global expansion of digital content platforms. Whether you’re into cutting-edge tech or the creator economy, this episode captures 2025’s emerging trends.

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

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

Jeff Barrett Bio

Jeff Barrett serves as the Chief Evangelist at the Shorty Awards, where he's been involved with the organization for 10 years. A former Shorty Award winner for Best Business Blogger, Barrett has evolved from a creator to an agency leader, demonstrating the possible progression within the creator economy. His journey began uniquely on MySpace and included creating a successful parody account on Twitter that inadvertently led to legitimate recognition in the marketing world. Barrett currently hosts the Shorty Awards show and runs a podcast called "It's No Fluke," which has produced over 130 episodes featuring leaders from major companies like Google, Meta, and the NFL.

Jeff Barrett on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics

• 00:00 - Intro & Tech News Overview
• 02:50 - The Future of American XR: Competition and Innovation
• 11:15 - Meta's Metaverse Strategy: Make or Break Year
• 28:18 - Apple Vision Pro: One Year Later
• 41:24 - Interview with Jeff Barrett: The Evolution of the Shorty Awards
• 47:32 - The Creator Economy: Trends and Future Growth
• 53:27 - Building Sustainable Creator-Brand Partnerships
• 01:02:34 - Creator Identity & Platform Evolution
• 01:07:55 - Final Thoughts & Media Recommendations

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