TechMagic: Adobe’s Project Primrose

Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler are back for the second episode of TechMagic, the show that dives deep into the technology journey from fashion to space. In this episode, Hackl and Kebler share their insights on wearable technology and the game developer industry. Plus, Hackl shares an interview with futurist, Faith Popcorn.

Hackl and Lee dive into the future of fashion, including Anifa Mvuemba, founder of Hanifa who went viral with her 3D fashion show. Adobe’s Project Primrose showcases what fabric might be in the future—changing shape and color. Plus Kebler gives us a sneak peek reaction to the Meta Quest 3.

Big news in the game developer industry as Hackl and Kebler discuss changes to game developer teams, how long it should take to make a video game and how Gen Z and gamer moms are changing gaming expectations. Microsoft became the third-largest video game company in the world with its acquisition of Activision. And Roblox Livetopia welcomes Arm & Hammer. Hackl and Lee touch on politicians who use voice AI to translate robocall ads into different languages. AI wearables keep coming, but which form factor will be the winner? Plus, check out Hackl and TechMagic producer Lily Sndyer’s A Wearable World at awearableworld.com.

Finally, Hackl informs us that Futurist is a job title and explains what Strategic Foresight as a field of study. Futurist Faith Popcorn then joins Hackl for a guest interview.

Stream the new episode below, listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or find it on Spotify.

Key Takeaways:

• 2:00 – 4:58 – Fashion, Glasses, and the Quest 3: Mvuemba shows her creative genius
• 4:59 – 11:19 – Adobe Sneaks and Project Primrose: Adobe released a low-polymer fabric in the form of a dress. The same fabric is woven into a handbag. The dress didn’t work for Kebler. Are we really jumping straight to wearable billboards?
• 11:20 – 21:13 – Game developer industry: How long it takes to create a AAA game? What’s most important, how long is the game? Is the future of game development is smaller teams? Game developers have transferable skills. First-person shooters are getting tired. Nintendo finds formulas that work well and keeps them fresh.
• 21:14 – 24:14 – Arm & Hammer entered the gaming space: Baking Soda in Livetopia Roblox. It’s cute, adorable, in a good location.
• 24:15 – 27:19 – Microsoft completes Activision acquisition: This makes Microsoft the third-largest video game company in the world. The stereotypical gamer is done.
• 27:25 – 30:44 – Voice AI in politics: Mayor Eric Adams uses AI to translate his robocalls.
• 30:45 – 39:36 – AI Wearables: AI Pin from Humane, Rewind Pendant – it’s about transparency. Check out A Wearable World Cathy and Producer, Lily Snyder wrote. Plus what’s the prime form factor for a post-smartphone world?
• 39:37 – 45:25 – Futurist is not a made-up title: Strategic Foresight is a field of study.
• 45:30 – Interview with Faith Popcorn