TechMagic with Cathy Hackl

Meta Connect, Intel-NVIDIA Deal, Waymo Autonomous Ride, TikTok Oracle Talks, and AR Glasses with Lee Kebler and Nic Hill

In this episode of TechMagic, host Lee Kebler is joined by Nic Hill, co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Sawhorse Productions, to explore the latest tech developments shaping our digital world. Together, they break down Meta Connect’s memorable moments and mobile-first pivot with Horizon Worlds, Intel’s surprising $5B partnership with NVIDIA, and Lee’s first-hand experience with Waymo’s autonomous vehicles. The discussion also covers TikTok’s potential acquisition by Oracle and the future of AR glasses and spatial computing. With insider insights and thoughtful analysis, Lee and Nic unpack how legacy tech companies are navigating rapid innovation, offering a must-listen guide for tech enthusiasts and professionals alike. Cathy is away this week and will rejoin the show next week.Come for the tech and stay for the magic!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 LinkedInNic Hill Bio:Nic Hill is the Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Sawhorse Productions, a full-service production and post house specialising in branded content, commercials, and scripted and non-scripted shows. With over 12 years of experience, Nic has assembled a talented team of experts in video production, editing, and comedy. Passionate about immersive metaverse experiences that blur the line between film and gaming, he delivers innovative content for leading brands, studios, and agencies worldwide. Previously, Nic worked as an independent film director and editor, creating internationally acclaimed documentaries. Based in Los Angeles, he enjoys DJing, biking, and family time.Nic Hill on LinkedInKey Discussion Topics:00:00 Intro & Welcome from LA05:31 Inside MetaConnect: A Front Row Perspective08:15 Meta's Smart Glasses Evolution & Design Strategy21:27 Horizon Worlds' Mobile-First Transformation33:35 First-Hand Experience with Waymo's Self-Driving Cars40:45 NVIDIA's $5B Investment in Intel: Gaming's Future44:30 Oracle's TikTok Acquisition & Social Media Shifts51:25 The Smart Glasses Arms Race: Amazon & OpenAI Enter55:31 Final Thoughts: Alien Earth & AI Evolution Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meta Connect, Ray-Ban AI Glasses, Amazon’s Smart Eyewear, Nintendo’s Virtual Boy Revival, and AI Superintelligence with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore the future of hardware innovation, from Meta’s anticipated Connect event to Nintendo’s bold gaming moves. They unpack Meta’s AI-powered smart glasses collaborations, Amazon’s push into wearable tech, and Nintendo’s surprising Virtual Boy revival. Alongside hardware news, Cathy and Lee examine the deeper cultural and societal shifts at play, and how AI-driven personal superintelligence could reshape user experience, privacy, and even fashion. Packed with insider insights, this episode highlights why hardware is no longer just functional but increasingly a cultural statement at the intersection of technology and humanity.Next in Vogue Singapore: https://vogue.sg/nextinvogue/Singularity Summit South Africa: https://singularitysouthafricasummit.org/Come for the tech, stay for the magic.Key Discussion Topics:00:00 Intro: Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler02:03 Apple's Disappointing Hardware Event: A Missed Opportunity06:28 Meta Connect Preview: The Hypernova Moment for AI and XR11:15 Meta's Smart Glasses Strategy: From Ray-Ban to Luxury Brands17:30 The Vision for Personal Superintelligence and AI Evolution28:00 Social Media's Algorithm Problem: A Facebook Case Study36:50 The Hardware Race Heats Up: Amazon, HTC, and Samsung Join In37:15 Nintendo's Virtual Boy Revival: A Controversial Return44:10 Smart Game Pricing: Hollow Knight's Market Strategy Success53:15 Final Thoughts: The Future of Tech, Media Recommendations, and Closing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Moon Communications, Space Commerce, AI Wearables, Gaming Safety, and Global Esports with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler, and Thierry Klein

In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler explore the future of space and digital entertainment, and discuss AI-driven space operations, Roblox’s expansion with 100,000-player servers, and Paramount’s Call of Duty film adaptation. From esports acquisitions shaping global markets to safety and privacy in AI wearables, the conversation touches on several key tech trends that are influencing our world. Cathy interviews Thierry Klein, President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia. They uncover how Nokia built the first cellular network on the moon, laying the foundation for a sustainable lunar economy and future Mars missions.Come for the tech and stay for the magic!Thierry Klein BioThierry Klein is the President of Bell Labs Solutions Research at Nokia, a pioneering figure in space communications and network infrastructure. With extensive experience in telecommunications and space technology, Klein leads research initiatives focused on AI, Web3, and new device technologies at the historic Bell Labs, which is celebrating its centennial year. He has played a pivotal role in delivering the first cellular network on the moon during the Intuitive Machines' IM2 mission, marking a historic milestone in space communications.Thierry Klein on LinkedInKey Discussion Topics:00:00 Intro and Show Updates02:20 Nokia's Innovation Campus in Finland - A Hub for Future Tech04:44 Space Technology and Lunar Networks - Nokia's Groundbreaking Mission27:36 Building the First Cellular Network on the Moon 35:36 Transforming Astronaut Operations with Advanced Communications40:41 The Future of Lunar Economy and Infrastructure48:46 Interplanetary Communications and the Space Internet55:13 AI's Role in Space Operations and Networks01:10 Roblox Developer Conference Updates and Safety Features01:19 Gaming Industry Updates: Call of Duty Movie and EVO Tournament News01:27 Wearable AI Technology Review and Future Outlook01:30 Closing Thoughts and Show Wrap-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Digg Relaunch, AI Ethics, Online Trust, Platform Safety, and Human Connection with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler, and Kevin Rose

In this exciting return of TechMagic in season 3, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler sit down with Kevin Rose, founder of Digg and partner at True Ventures, to explore the future of digital communities and human-first technology. Together, they discuss the ambitious Digg relaunch in partnership with Reddit’s co-founder, Alexis Ohanian, the challenges of building trust and safety on online platforms, and the disruptive role of AI in shaping content and jobs. From redefining how we talk about AI “hallucinations” to highlighting the rising importance of authentic human connection, this episode provides fresh insights into the evolving relationship between technology, community, and our shared digital future.Come for the Tech, stay for the Magic!What you will learn:Building Trust in Digital CommunitiesThe Power of Niche CommunitiesStrategic AI IntegrationThe Return to Real-World ConnectionKevin Rose BioKevin Rose is a pioneering tech entrepreneur, investor, and partner at True Ventures. He is best known as the founder of Digg, the first major social news platform. Over his 25+ year career, he has launched and led multiple ventures, including Revision3 (acquired by Discovery), Zero (the leading intermittent fasting app), and served as CEO of Hodinkee. Rose has been an early angel investor in Twitter, Square, Facebook, and more, earning recognition from Bloomberg, Forbes, MIT, and Time as one of the most influential figures in tech. His focus today is building trustworthy, human-first digital communities and advancing the future of online platforms.Kevin Rose on LinkedIn 1Kevin Rose on LinkedIn 2Key Discussion Topics:00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic Season 303:19 Adventures in Finland & India: Cathy's Global Tech Journey07:05 ChatGPT Drama: Checking on AI Boyfriends12:12 Kevin Rose Interview: The Return of Digg18:22 Building Trust in Digital Communities28:30 The Future of In-Person Meetups32:19 AI Integration & Human Connection39:16 Meta Connect & Smart Glasses Privacy Concerns42:17 The Roblox Safety Debate51:32 AWS vs. Salesforce: The Entry-Level Jobs Controversy59:26 Finding Balance in a Tech-Saturated World01:13:14 Final Thoughts: Gratitude & Music Recommendations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embedded Finance, Digital Wallets, AI Agents, and Payment Innovation in 2025 with Cathy Hackl, Lee Kebler, and Special Guest Nabil Manji

Cathy and Lee are taking a break this month, and August is Greatest Hits time on TechMagic as we pull out some special episodes from our vault. In this Greatest Hits episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler unpack the cutting-edge innovations transforming finance and commerce in 2025. Along with special guest Nabil Manji, SVP of Fintech Growth at Worldpay, the trio discusses the rise of digital wallets and embedded finance, as well as the power of AI agents and real-time payments. They explore how technology is redefining money movement on a global scale and tackle the impact of quantum computing on payment security. They look at the challenges of AI safety and what companies like Shopify are doing to lead the charge. A must-listen for anyone curious about the future of fintech.What you will learn:How digital wallets are transforming global commerceWhy embedded finance is revolutionizing delivery of financial services to customersThe evolution of real-time payments across different global markets How AI agents are reshaping commerce through automated purchasing Why stablecoins are emerging as a crucial tool for cross-border payments The impact of quantum computing on payment security The challenges facing traditional retail experiences Current concerns around AI chatbots and the need for stronger safety measuresThe growing pains of emerging tech trends, from Nintendo's preorder challenges to Meta's AI controversiesCome for the tech, stay for the magic!Nabil Manji BioNabil Manji is the Senior Vice President and Head of Fintech Growth and Financial Partnerships at Worldpay, where he leads strategic initiatives in emerging payment technologies and financial partnerships. With extensive experience in the payments industry, he oversees how Worldpay collaborates with banks, fintech companies, and card networks to shape the future of money movement. His expertise in payment infrastructure and involvement in Worldpay's Global Payments Report make him uniquely qualified to discuss how technological innovations are transforming the way we think about and handle transactions in an increasingly digital world. His strategic vision for the intersection of technology and finance provides valuable insights for businesses and professionals interested in the future of payments and financial technology.Nabil Manji on LinkedInKey Discussion Topics:00:00 Welcome to Tech Magic with Cathy Hackl & Lee Kebler02:44 AI & Mental Health: The Rise of Digital Therapy Solutions09:51 Nintendo Switch 2: When Preorders Go Wrong18:06 Slate Auto: Reimagining the Electric Truck25:44 The Three Pillars of AI in Payments with Nabil Manji39:37 Digital Wallets: The Evolution of Modern Payment Methods46:20 Cryptocurrency as Payment Infrastructure49:20 Understanding Embedded Commerce & Finance53:57 Quantum Computing's Impact on Payment Security01:03:47 Meta AI Controversy: Safety Concerns & Celebrity Voices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.