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a16z Podcast | QR. AR. VR.
18 segments available
In this hallway-style episode of the podcast, a16z partners Connie Chan and Kyle Russell discuss recent announcements at Facebook's annual developer conference, F8, in the context of trends such as: messaging and QR codes; brain computer interfaces; augmented reality and social VR; and, bots (again). As online platforms built on "real" identity and brands bring more of the real world into the digital realm, will we experience filter fatigue... or will the mundane become more profound?
Segments Timeline
Exploring Facebook's F8 Announcements
In this segment, a16z partners Connie Chan and Kyle Russell introduce the podcast episode focused on Facebook's recent announcements at the F8 developer conference. They highlight key topics including parametric QR codes, brain-computer interfaces, augmented reality, and social VR, setting the stage for a deeper discussion on how these technologies might influence user experiences.
"hi everyone welcome to the a 6 & C podcast today we're bringing you one of our internal hallways to all conversations about some of the things that Facebook announced last week at f8 its annual develo..."
The Rise of Parametric QR Codes
Kyle Russell discusses Facebook's launch of parametric QR codes, emphasizing their potential to enhance user interaction by linking to specific messaging bots. He shares examples of how businesses, like restaurants, can utilize multiple QR codes for tailored experiences, while reflecting on the historical challenges of QR code adoption in the U.S. and the hope that Facebook's push will educate users on their utility.
"so did Facebook announce anything in a fade on the messaging front you know with your writings on WeChat you're kind of our resident expert on that so I'm really curious to hear how you I think they m..."
QR Codes in China vs. the U.S.
Connie Chan contrasts the use of QR codes in China with their adoption in the U.S., explaining how WeChat has integrated QR codes as a primary method for adding friends and accessing services. She introduces the concept of 'mini programs' in WeChat, which allow users to engage with applications without downloading them, highlighting the innovative ways QR codes are utilized in China.
"into getting users more familiar with the concept so a little bit of maybe naive analysis I'd love to hear any pushback her response you've got is you know three five years ago in Silicon Valley if yo..."
Brain-Computer Interfaces: The Future of Input
The conversation shifts to Facebook's announcement regarding brain-computer interfaces, where they aim to interpret thoughts for typing. Kyle and Connie discuss the implications of such technology, comparing it to Elon Musk's Neuralink and reflecting on the challenges and potential of this emerging field. They explore the practicality of brain-computer interfaces and how they could revolutionize user interaction with technology.
"QR code can be is there anything I guess qualitatively different about how QR codes are used either in the real world or on the app side in China that reflect why there's been this kind of different s..."
The Evolution of Input Methods
Kyle Russell elaborates on the evolution of input methods, discussing past attempts at brain-computer interfaces and their limitations. He draws parallels with the transition from physical keyboards to touchscreens, emphasizing the need for frictionless user experiences. The segment concludes with reflections on how emerging technologies could reshape the way we interact with devices in the future.
"weird emerging computing things like the I and VR so I'm going to think about the spaces announcement for example actually so a segue I was going to do because it kind of touches on both of our areas ..."
Eliminating Friction in Digital Communication
The conversation shifts to the potential of brain-computer interfaces to streamline digital communication. The hosts discuss how these technologies could reduce typing friction, allowing users to express thoughts more quickly and efficiently. They reflect on the evolution of typing devices, from BlackBerry keyboards to touchscreens, and the implications for user experience in the digital age.
"really impractical for the vast majority of people I think the argument for it is you know eliminate as much friction as possible most people can't actually type it even like 60 words per second espec..."
Privacy Concerns with Brain Input Technology
This segment delves into the privacy implications of using brain-computer interfaces in public settings. The hosts discuss how these devices could eliminate the need for audio input, potentially reducing privacy concerns. They also explore the nuances of translating thoughts into digital expressions and the ethical considerations surrounding user data and emotional responses.
"shock me despite the lofty goals of getting those hundred words per minute you know kind of a success rate I have a strong feeling that what we're actually going to see is kind of getting ground truth..."
Augmented Reality: Facebook's New AR Content Studio
The hosts discuss Facebook's announcement of an AR content studio, which aims to enhance user interaction through augmented reality features. They describe how this platform will allow users to create engaging experiences, such as overlaying ratings on products in real-time. This segment highlights the competitive landscape of AR technology and the differing approaches of major companies like Facebook and Snapchat.
"guess hop on other things related to cool future of social yeah what you think about all the filters yeah so again to kind of summarize Facebook announced that in the same way that they've slowly been..."
The Novelty of AR Filters and User Engagement
In this segment, the conversation focuses on the novelty of AR filters and their impact on user engagement. The hosts speculate on the sustainability of interest in AR features, considering how frequently new filters are introduced. They discuss the potential for AR to enhance everyday experiences and the importance of keeping content fresh and exciting for users.
"interesting to think about kind of difference in how the big companies are looking at this snapchat obviously kind of continuance practice of we're just gonna own the entire experience this is a when ..."
Creating Engaging Content with AR Tools
The final segment explores how Facebook's AR tools can empower users to create and share more engaging content. The hosts reflect on the role of AR in transforming mundane moments into shareable experiences, drawing parallels with Snapchat's approach to user-generated content. This discussion emphasizes the importance of creativity and innovation in social media engagement.
"of a broader question though is you know if you look at the discussion around augmented reality there's the idea that AR and the form of things like headsets of hololens magically what Apple is maybe ..."
Creating Engaging Content with Filters
This segment explores how Facebook's face filters encourage users to share more of their everyday lives by making mundane moments more visually appealing. The speakers reflect on the implications of this trend for content creation and the potential dilution of meaningful interactions as users compete for attention with enhanced posts.
"seem more interesting so they want to share more content ya know if you look at things like that or features again similar to but with their own take from things like snapchat you know overlaying spec..."
The Impact of Social Media Metrics
The discussion delves into how public metrics on platforms like Instagram and Facebook can lead to 'happiness theater,' where users curate their lives for social validation. The speakers consider whether making everyday moments more interesting through filters can counteract this trend and promote healthier social interactions.
"pointer pushback against that is if you look at Instagram or Facebook the nature of having metrics publicly exposed people and comment counts and things like that means that content typically can devo..."
WeChat Moments vs. Facebook
In this segment, the speakers compare WeChat Moments to Facebook, noting how the absence of public like counts on WeChat fosters a different sharing mindset. They discuss the implications of this difference for user interactions and the pressure to maintain a curated social media presence.
"and this is where I find it so fascinating to contrast that with WeChat moments so we chat moments doesn't have that public count of likes or comments and therefore at least I look at myself and anecd..."
Exploring Virtual Reality Spaces
The conversation shifts to Facebook Spaces, a social application for Oculus Rift that allows users to interact in virtual environments. The speakers highlight the potential of VR to enhance social experiences, such as planning trips together through immersive 360-degree videos, and discuss the future of these technologies.
"are doing and so it doesn't lend itself to building a brand and same way that you do on Twitter or on Facebook and you know strength to that is very tight graph you're not concerned with those things ..."
The Social Dynamics of VR and AR
This segment addresses the common perception that VR is anti-social compared to AR. The speakers discuss the need for socially acceptable VR headsets and the evolution of user interactions in virtual spaces, drawing parallels to the early days of smartphone usage and the social implications of technology.
"things like playing 360 video around you while in a space also you know using having like a 3d rendered environment but the idea like one example they showed off was playing a 360 video of a like rive..."
The Evolution of Avatars and Identity
Chan discusses Facebook's approach to avatar creation, using machine learning to generate cartoonish representations of users. She raises questions about identity in VR, particularly for marginalized groups, and the freedom to express oneself in a digital realm without the constraints of real-world identity.
"sticky for generations of gamers right and if you look at Warcraft and then you compare it to the way spaces kind of personifies you in that world and then if I compare that to what within produced wi..."
The Future of Messaging and Bots
This segment focuses on the evolution of messaging platforms and the integration of chatbots. Chan critiques Facebook's handling of Messenger and the challenges in creating engaging bot experiences, emphasizing the need for better discovery and monetization strategies to drive user adoption.
"yeah and it's I want to be a cartoon alien maybe I just want to be me but different I actually saw interesting arguments raised from kind of you know thinking about being open to new and different ide..."
Bridging the Gap in Technology Adoption
Chan reflects on the disconnect between advanced technologies, like brain-computer interfaces, and basic functionalities in current platforms. She highlights the need for seamless user experiences, questioning why users still face challenges with simple tasks like entering payment information while discussing futuristic innovations.
"consider so kind of another question on the messaging and applications kind of living within messaging fryin is it's coming up on a year since kind of the big push towards chatbots and other forms of ..."