174: Robert Scoble, Augmented Reality and the Fourth Transformation

Today we discuss the business impact of augmented reality now and in the future with technology titan and "The Fourth Transformation" co-author Robert Scoble. Augmented Reality: Coming to a business near you “It’s clear that the world is going toward augmented reality (AR) or mixed reality,” says technology titan Robert Scoble. This means lots of challenges and opportunities for business as AR and artificial intelligence become a part of our daily lives. In this interview, Robert shares defining highlights from the three past tech transformations, and how they have impacted business and daily life. He says recent developments in AR have marked the beginning of “The Fourth Transformation.”  What does this mean for business, and how can we be a part of it? Should we be? Through each transformation, some of the biggest companies have disappeared as innovative mavericks have taken their place. Staying educated and thinking ahead to your customers’ needs are the keys to surviving this transformation! Join us as we dive into surprising ways AR is already being used, and how forward-thinking companies are preparing themselves for the day when mixed reality experiences are expected. “It’s gonna come!” says Robert, “…you can wait, or you can get in now and do it at a comfortable pace…” Highlights from the interview: What were the first three tech transformations, and what has brought us into the fourth? [5:15] Does Apple have anything up its sleeve to compete with predominantly PC-based systems we're hearing about? [13:25] Which businesses are looking closely at leveraging AR, and who is already using it? [15:38] How do we define goals around responding to a customer need vs. having the latest, sexiest tech? [20:00] What new privacy, security and social issues may come with the rise of VR? [29:10] About our guest: As entrepreneur in residence at Upload VR , Scoble travels the world looking for what's happening on the bleeding edge of technology. He's interviewed thousands of executives and technology innovators and reports what he learns in books ("The Age of Context," a book coauthored with Forbes author Shel Israel, has been released here), YouTube, and many social media sites where he's followed by millions of people. They have worked together on a new book about AR and AI, called "The Fourth Transformation" which you can order on Amazon here. As entrepreneur in residence at Upload, he spent 2016 working with the virtual reality ecosystem to figure out what media and conference businesses Upload needs to build next. He'll also be assisting startups in the Upload Collective (a coworking space) in their efforts to get to market. He has been a technology blogger since 2000, was one of five people who built Microsoft's Channel 9 video blog/community, worked at Fast Company Magazine running its TV efforts, and has been part of technology media businesses since 1993. Connect with Robert Facebook Twitter Related Content 360Connext® post, Magic Mirror Reflects Major Innovation for the Connected Consumer Customers That Stick® post, 5 Ways to Handle Unreasonable Customers Episode 143: How Augmented Reality is Changing Customer Experience Episode 103: Will Virtual Reality Make Customer Service More Real? Robert Scoble’s podcast, Inside VR & AR   Sponsor message: Develop your customer experience mission Do you know how to deliver the superior customer experience you visualize? We can help your team become a force for positive change, starting with a customer-centric mission. The Customer Experience Investigators™ at 360Connext specialize in helping companies across industries and around the globe. Developing and internalizing unique and scalable customer-focused missions has been crucial to their success. Want to compete with the other 89% of companies staying afloat by providing better experiences? You need a compass for making astounding changes in the customer experience while breaking down the silos that are holding you back. We offer evaluations, workshops, and roadmaps to keep your wheels firmly planted on the road to a customer-centric future. Join us on our mission To Create Fewer Ruined Days for Customers™ today. Visit us at 360Connext.com.   Take care of yourself and take care of your customers.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices