metaverse

The World Economic Forum, in partnership with Accenture and Microsoft, unveiled at its Annual Meeting 2023 a working prototype of its Global Collaboration Village, a purpose-driven metaverse where organizations can convene to learn about, create solutions for, and take action on the world’s most pressing challenges.

Dutch startup Fectar has developed an app that teaches Ukrainian children to recognize mines. This first-ever interactive augmented reality (AR) hologram lesson was created for explosives education. The lesson stems from the question soldier Charles Valentine asked himself: “How can we help the Ukrainian people to demine their country if 30% of the ammunition fired has not exploded but is still there?”

Belgian developer Chris Umé (33) has created a 3D-deepfake version of Elvis Presley performing. The AR-installation was shown during the show America’s Got Talent. Members of the jury Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum en Simon Cowell were also programmed to take part in the performance. Umé says he has worked six weeks for 20 hours a day to get this result.

CIOs must take time to consider “what if” scenarios to avoid being blindsided by social, behavioural and technological disruptions, according to Gartner. “Disruptions are fundamental shifts that create lasting change, and successful organisations will be those that are prepared to address them,” said David Yockelson, VP analyst at Gartner. “We need to keep asking “what if” to remain open to opportunities presented by disruptions.”