TechMagic with Cathy Hackl

In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the latest developments in AI, gaming IP, and practical technology trends shaping the industry today. They explore why the current AI skepticism signals maturity, how AI solutions are moving beyond flashy features, and the rise of gaming as a prime entertainment and commercial frontier. In the second segment, Cathy interviews Adam Cohen-Aslatei, CEO of Three Day Rule, about how human-centered AI is transforming matchmaking. They discuss voice-first technology, data-driven compatibility, IRL dating resurgence, coaching as a skill, and why AI amplifies intuition rather than replacing human connection. Come for the tech and stay for the magic! Cathy Hackl Bio Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming.  Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more.  Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn 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 LinkedIn Adam Cohen-Aslatei Bio Adam Cohen Aslatei is the CEO of Three Day Rule, one of the longest-standing matchmaking companies in the United States, with over 15 years of industry experience. With a background spanning dating app development, including roles at Bumble and the Meet Group, he brings a unique perspective on the evolution of digital dating and human connection. Adam is recognized for pioneering the integration of AI-driven matchmaking with traditional human-centered approaches, leveraging over 80,000 successful match data points to create outcomes-focused dating solutions. Adam Cohen Aslatei on LinkedIn Key Discussion Topics:  00:00 Intro03:15 AI's "So What?" Question: Moving Beyond Hype to Real Utility06:22 Apple Intelligence and Gmail Show the Power of Unobtrusive AI Integration10:18 The Trough of Disillusionment: Why We're Excited About AI's Reality Check12:22 Robotic Snow Removal and Vocational Work: AI Supporting Human Infrastructure17:33 Tech Magic Transitions to New Home with Big Plans Ahead18:45 Three-Day Rule: Building AI Matchmaking on 15 Years of Real Data20:24 How AI Sentiment Analysis Detects Truth in Dating Compatibility25:28 Voice-First Technology Creates More Authentic Human Connection29:13 Why In-Real-Life Dating Experiences Beat Endless Digital Swiping31:18 Dating as a Learnable Skill: How Coaching Increases Match Success by 40%34:45 Three Day Rule's 70-80% Success Rate vs. Dating Apps' 9% Failure40:09 Gaming IP Movies and the End of Marvel Fatigue43:41 Super Mario Galaxy, Iron Lung, and the Rise of Game Adaptations46:48 Fallout Series Success: How Gaming IP Drives Video Game Sales49:51 Gaming's Hidden Economy: Slot Machines, Free-to-Play, and Esports Silos51:17 Walmart and Unity SDK: Selling Physical Products in Virtual Worlds52:04 1.1 Million Unity Developers Get New Revenue Channels Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.