TechMagic with Cathy Hackl

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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In this Greatest Hits episode of TechMagic, host Cathy Hackl is joined by Samantha G Wolfe, founder of PitchFWD and NYU adjunct professor, to explore how AI and emerging tech are redefining relationships. From AI-generated love letters to dating in virtual environments, they examine the evolving boundaries between authentic connection and digital convenience. The duo discusses the ethics of emotional AI, the importance of human messiness, and the need for “non-AI pledges” in romance. Packed with Cathy’s real-world experiments and insightful commentary, this episode is essential for anyone navigating love, intimacy, and connection in a world increasingly shaped by technology.

What you will learn:
How AI companions are being used beyond loneliness relief
Why the "messiness" of human relationships remains valuable
How to navigate the balance between technology-enhanced and authentic human connections in modern dating using Cathy’s Tech Intimacy Scale
The emerging challenges of AI-generated messages in relationships
Why creating "non-AI relationship pledges" might become important
How spatial computing and 3D interactions could transform the future of digital dating and what Cathy’s building to disrupt this space
Why human presence and in-person connections remain crucial

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

Samantha G Wolfe Bio
Samantha G Wolfe is the founder of Pitch Forward and an adjunct professor at NYU, where she teaches pioneering courses on avatars, AI agents, and virtual beings. With a background in psychology, television, and emerging tech, Sam specializes in brand strategy for bleeding-edge technologies, helping visionary companies clearly articulate their value and future impact. Her expertise spans AI, spatial computing, XR, haptics, and metaverse innovation across 20+ industries. Known for her clarity, depth, and contagious enthusiasm, she bridges the gap between innovation and understanding through thought leadership, marketing strategy, and education, empowering the world to grasp the true potential of tomorrow’s tech.

Samantha G Wolfe on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic: Special Episode on Tech, Love & Life
02:47 Dating in the Age of AI: Government Restrictions and Digital Romance
12:20 Beyond Loneliness: The Many Reasons People Use AI Companions
16:05 The Value of Human "Messiness" in Relationships
21:00 Reimagining Digital Dating Through 3D Presence
38:15 The Non-AI Relationship Pledge: Setting Digital Boundaries
44:53 The Tech Intimacy Scale: Finding Balance in Modern Love
50:20 Dating AI Chatbots: A Week-Long Experiment Preview
58:54 Closing Thoughts: The Future of Human Connection
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In this Greatest Hits episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Adam Davis McGee dive into the cutting edge of spatial computing, AI, and extended reality. Join Cathy and Adam as they unpack Meta’s XR partnership with Palmer Luckey, Snap’s smart glasses ambitions, and Apple’s sleek AR design strategy. Cathy dives into the strange world of vibe coding and discovers anyone can gamify the pitfalls of the dating scene. The conversation also explores AI dating experiments, haptic tech in entertainment, and the evolving ethics of privacy in a spatially connected world. With insights from AWE and ILMxLAB, they reflect on the shift from storytelling to “story living” and highlight key legislation shaping AI security. A must-listen for anyone tracking the future of tech-human interaction.
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

Adam Davis-McGee Bio
Adam Davis-McGee is a dynamic Creative Director and Producer specializing in immersive storytelling across XR and traditional media. As Senior Producer at Journey, he led the virtual studio, pioneering cutting-edge virtual experiences. He developed a Web3 playbook for Yum! Brands, integrating blockchain and NFT strategies. At Condé Nast, Adam produced engaging video content for Wired and Ars Technica, amplifying digital storytelling. His groundbreaking XR journalism project, In Protest: Grassroots Stories from the Frontlines (Oculus/Meta), captured historic moments in VR. Passionate about pushing creative boundaries, Adam thrives on crafting innovative narratives that captivate audiences worldwide.

Adam Davis-McGee on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics:

00:00 Intro: Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl
06:33 Meta's Eagle Eye: Military XR Partnership with Palmer Luckey
14:05 Apple's Liquid Glass: Paving the Way for AR Glasses
17:25 Haptic Innovation: Apple's F1 Movie Trailer Experience
19:18 Human vs AI: Why F1 Racing Needs the Human Element
22:27 Browser History Dating: AI's Latest Match-Making Experiment
26:27 Snap's Vision: Consumer Smart Glasses Coming in 2026
31:27 From Storytelling to Story Living: ILMxLAB's Immersive Future
33:54 Closing Thoughts: Summer Break Announcement

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