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Pioneering the Business Metaverse with Architect-Turned-Tech-Entrepreneur, Alex Smaga: Insight into AI Applications and the Future of Digital Spaces
Ever wondered how an architect can bring a fresh perspective to the digital space? Join us as we engage in a vibrant conversation with Alex Smaga, an innovative architect turned tech entrepreneur, who's now the CEO of W3rlds.
The unique Metaverse platform he's spearheading is a game-changer, enhancing both external and internal communication needs for businesses in the emerging metaverse. Alex shares his fascinating journey from crafting physical spaces to pioneering digital ones, and how security and support form the bedrock of his creation. Venture further with us into the captivating crossroads of Artificial Intelligence and the metaverse. Are AR glasses the key to helping those with hearing impairments? Can AI be used to create NPCs in this virtual world? Alex gives us his insights on these potential applications and more. We discuss the crucial role of data, the prospects of personalized 3D assets, and how AI can be a game-changer in sales and awareness creation, all within the expansive realm of the Metaverse. Tune in for an enlightening episode packed with insights on the future of business and technology. Feel free to reach out with your questions and thoughts – we'd love to hear from you!
From Architecture to the Metaverse: A Journey of Transformation
Ever wondered how an architect turned entrepreneur is shaping the future of technology? This article dives into the fascinating journey of Alex Smaga, CEO of W3rlds, a Metaverse platform for businesses.
We'll explore his transition from running a small architecture company to creating immersive experiences in augmented reality. You'll learn about the challenges he faced during the pandemic and how it led him to reevaluate his options and venture into new territories. We also delve into what building and designing in this digital universe entails, highlighting key aspects like gamification and user interaction.
The impact that such technological advancements can have on our lives is immense. The way we interact with our surroundings could be completely transformed, opening up endless possibilities for both individuals and businesses alike.
Intrigued by these concepts? Stay tuned as we answer all your questions about this exciting new frontier in detail!
Background and Introduction to W3rlds
In this episode of the Web Three CMO Stories podcast, host Yuri Bilast welcomes guest Alex Smaga, an architect turned entrepreneur and CEO of W3rlds, a Metaverse platform for businesses. Alex's background as an architect has shaped his vision for the future and how technology can transform the environment around us. He shares his journey from running a small architecture company to starting a startup focused on floor plan generation for office spaces. Unfortunately, the pandemic had a devastating impact on their business, leading Alex to reevaluate his options.
After losing everything, including money and people around him, Alex was faced with a choice: go back to work or pursue something new. It was during this time that he remembered a dream he had many years ago about changing the physical environment around us using technology. This sparked his interest in augmented reality (AR) as a means to create immersive experiences that could transform the way we interact with our surroundings. With this vision in mind, Alex teamed up with Ivan, an experienced AR developer, and together they started building W3rlds.
Building and Designing in the Metaverse
When it comes to building and designing in the Metaverse, there are both parallels and differences compared to the physical world. While there may not be physics in the Metaverse, the basic rules of design still apply. For example, avatars in the Metaverse have a size and area around them, just like physical objects in the real world. This means that architects and designers need to consider these factors when creating spaces in the Metaverse.
An interesting aspect of designing in the Metaverse is the importance of gamification. In traditional architecture, the focus is primarily on creating functional spaces with aesthetically pleasing designs. However, in the Metaverse, there is an added layer of gamification that needs to be considered. It's not just about the walls and objects within a space, but also about creating interactive and engaging experiences for users.
One example of this can be seen with Metaverse architecture firms that are using W3rlds' platform. These firms are not only focused on creating visually appealing spaces, but also on incorporating gamification elements into their designs. This means that users can not only explore the physical aspects of a space, but also engage with interactive elements that enhance their overall experience.
When it comes to businesses using the Metaverse, both internal and external communication play a crucial role. Many businesses are utilizing the Metaverse for external communication purposes such as marketing and immersive commerce. However, internal communication within organizations is equally important. The Metaverse can be used for human resources, education, onboarding, and more.
Future of the Metaverse and its Impact on Businesses
The future of the Metaverse holds great potential for businesses, and there are several key aspects to consider. One significant development is the upcoming release of Apple's VR headset. This has the potential to greatly impact the Metaverse and platforms like W3rlds. As an architect and entrepreneur, Alex Smaga is excited about this development because it aligns with his vision of using augmented reality (AR) to change the environment around us.
Personalization is another important aspect for businesses in the Metaverse. Brands and businesses need to create personalized experiences for their audience to stand out in the crowded digital landscape. This can be achieved through various means, such as customizing the visual appearance of spaces, incorporating brand elements, and tailoring interactions based on user preferences.
The concept of an open Metaverse is also crucial for the future of the digital realm. An open Metaverse allows users to seamlessly travel between different platforms and experiences, similar to how one can travel between countries or continents in the physical world. This interoperability fosters a sense of freedom and exploration, enabling users to engage with various Metaverse spaces and connect with different communities.
Avatars play a significant role in the Metaverse as they serve as digital representations of individuals. People identify themselves with their avatars, and these avatars can become their digital identities. In the future, it is likely that individuals will have a single avatar that they can use across multiple Metaverse platforms, allowing for consistent representation and interaction.
AI integration in the Metaverse is an area that holds immense potential. AI can enhance user experiences by providing personalized recommendations, automating tasks, and even facilitating real-time translations. For example, AI-powered translation services could enable seamless communication between users speaking different languages within the Metaverse.
Looking ahead, AI will continue to evolve and play a significant role in the Metaverse. One area where AI can have a substantial impact is content generation. While generating 2D content is already well-established, the challenge lies in generating high-quality 3D content. However, with the rapid advancements in AI technology, it is expected that generating realistic and immersive 3D content will become more accessible in the near future.
Data and analytics are crucial for businesses operating in the Metaverse. Understanding user behavior, engagement metrics, and other relevant data points can help businesses measure the success of their Metaverse presence and make informed decisions. Platforms like W3rlds provide analytics that track user activity, such as the number of unique users and time spent in a space. Additionally, advancements in eye-tracking technology can provide valuable insights into user preferences and interactions within the Metaverse.
Wrapping Up the Metaverse Journey
As we conclude our exploration of Alex Smaga's journey and his Metaverse platform, W3rlds, there are a few key takeaways to remember.
The design principles in the Metaverse parallel those in the physical world but with an added layer of gamification. This creates interactive and engaging experiences for users beyond just exploring spaces.
The future of the Metaverse holds immense potential for businesses. With developments like Apple's VR headset, personalization opportunities, open Metaverses allowing seamless travel between platforms, AI integration enhancing user experiences and data analytics providing valuable insights into user behavior.
Avatars play a significant role as they serve as digital identities across multiple platforms enabling consistent representation and interaction.
With all these exciting advancements on the horizon, one can't help but wonder: How will businesses adapt to fully harness this potential? And how will this change our interactions within both virtual and physical environments? Until we delve deeper next time...
Alex Smaga on the Web3 CMO Stories podcast
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
[00:53] Can you explain a bit more about your background and what W3RLDS is?
[03:46] Do you notice any parallels or differences in the design process between the physical world and the Metaverse?
[05:18] Can you discuss the value proposition for businesses in the metaverse and why they should consider it for their B2B operations?
[07:57] What are your thoughts on Apple's upcoming VR headset and how do you anticipate it might impact your company, W3RLDS?
[09:41] Do you have any tips or insights on how businesses and brands can effectively personalize the experience for their audience in the Metaverse?
[12:45] What's your vision for the use of avatars in the metaverse? Will people use the same avatar across different Metaverse platforms, or will there be multiple digital identities and avatars for different purposes?
[14:28] Do you think that in the future, with advancements in AI and translation technologies, it will be possible for people to communicate seamlessly in their native languages even in the metaverse, overcoming language barriers?
[15:41] Are there any other ongoing or future developments you see in the intersection of AI and the metaverse that you'd like to discuss?
[17:52] How do you measure the success of metaverse initiatives, and do you have any suggestions or methods, as used within W3RLDS, for evaluating their effectiveness?
NOTABLE QUOTES
"All the time I think that technology could help us to change the environment around us faster, with cheaper, and only one technology could help us in this case I think the augmented reality." - Alex Smaga
"Yeah, I also like about this that it is for businesses, because most metaverses you think about gaming, you think about other stuff, but you have built this really for businesses." - Joeri Billast
"Metaverse is not a platform, it's one big thing." - Alex Smaga
" We always make the comparison with the wave. As a surfer, you want to catch the wave before it starts, and now you are before the big wave. But once the wave starts, it's good now, if people are listening, to take action now and to discover the metaverse and see what it can do for your business." - Joeri Billast
"In the future, number of data in the metaverse is much, much bigger than in their plus web. Three, like in web to internet, because using their headsets Apple headsets or meta headsets, doesn't matter. We could track your eyes how many times you spend to see in this corner or this corner on this item." - Alex Smaga
MENTIONED RESOURCES
W3rlds - https://www.w3rlds.com/