TechFirst with John Koetsier

Do you need ChatGPT integrated into your new bike? How about an all-wheel drive bike? (OK: a 2-wheel drive ... but yeah, that's all-wheel drive!) In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier chats the CEO of Urtopia about their new AI-integrated 'smart bike with a mind'. The e-bike market is predicted to grow to about $26 billion by 2028, but Dr. Owen Chang explains how Urtopia is taking a different approach by developing most parts in-house to create a fully integrated, software-enabled product. He says their AI features, like ChatGPT integration, makes e-bikes safer and more personalised. It can also provide assistance including directions, making the ride safer and more enjoyable. Utopia is further developing its own version of GPT based on GPT-5, refining its potential functionalities. We also chat about the world's first e-bike that has drive motors on both wheels, providing more power and better traction. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:06 Exploring the Fusion GT Bike 01:47 The Design and Development Process 03:53 The Power of Dual Motor and Dual Battery System 06:51 The Future of Bikes: ChatGPT Integration? 07:12 The Role of AI in Utopia's Bikes 07:38 The Vision of Utopia: A Bicycle with a Mind 16:48 The Future of Smart Devices and E-bikes 25:30 Conclusion: The Bike as a Wearable Device

Can you deliver medical treatment by changing brainwaves instead of injecting drugs? Elon Musk has recently implanted his first Neuralink into a human patient. But can we get neurotech medical treatment without drilling holes in our skulls? Maybe ... According to Element, a startup with roots in MIT, we can. And they say they can read your brainwaves, manipulate them, and fix issues like sleep disorders, tremors, pain, as well as speeding up learning.  Today we're chatting with Meredith Perry, the CEO and former NASA astrobiology Researcher, plus Dr. David Wang, co-founder and CTO, who has a PhD in AI from MIT. This technology could potentially treat medical conditions ranging from sleep disorders and tremors to learning difficulties. We also discuss the future of medtech, envisioning an 'app store for the brain' where individualized treatments can be downloaded like apps, focusing on promoting the most optimized state of health for any given individual through real-time detection and diagnosis. 00:00 Intro to Neurotech and Neurostimulation 00:33 Welcome and Introduction of Guests 01:31 Understanding the Concept of Elemind's Neurotech Device 02:59 Exploring the Form Factor of the Device 04:23 How it works 07:28 Effectiveness and Impact of the Device 13:05 Future Plans and Vision for the Device 18:52 Potential and Impact of the Device on Healthcare 21:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Can someone hack your reality if you're wearing an Apple Vision Pro? In this episode of TechFirst, John Koetsier discusses the arrival of Apple's Vision Pro, a groundbreaking VR headset, and its associated privacy and security concerns with Synopsys principal security consultant Jamie Boote. They chat about how the device's advanced sensor systems can map out user environments, posing potential risks and security threats if hacked. Koetsier and Boote also consider Apple's past experience with hardware security and predict potential vulnerabilities and threats that may accompany this new technology. 00:00 Introduction to Apple Vision Pro 00:23 Privacy and Security Concerns 02:02 Potential Threats and Vulnerabilities 03:27 The Impact of New Technology on Security 04:20 Trust in Apple's Security Measures 06:25 Predictions for Future Security Issues 07:46 The Evolution of Software and Security 13:35 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier talks to Dan Hollenkamp, the CEO of Toggled, about the future of smart buildings in 2024. They discuss the difference between devices that are smart and just remote controllable, the continuous improvement in building systems, and emphasize on the usage of data for smart devices. Dan sheds light on how buildings should assist in facilitating our tasks, be predictive, and become an active member of the grid to help stabilize the energy demand. They also discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in smart buildings, the idea of buildings moving from energy consumers to energy load managers, and the impact of work from home and return to the office on smart buildings. Join them as they delve into the evolving world of smart buildings and their part in our future. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:13 The Future of Smart Buildings 02:23 Understanding Smart Devices vs. Remote Controllable Devices 02:43 The Role of Data in Smart Buildings 09:36 The Impact of Work from Home on Smart Buildings 11:45 Buildings as Energy Load Managers 15:54 The Role of AI in Smart Buildings 21:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this end-of-year podcast of TechFirst for 2023, host John Koetsier explores the future trajectory of Virtual Reality (VR) technology, especially its potential in 2024. The podcast features Rolf Illenberger, founder & CEO of VR Direct, who believes that 2024 will be a critical inflection point for VR with wide-scale adoption, particularly in enterprises. There is notable discussion on different VR headsets including the Meta Quest Pro, Quest Three, and the upcoming Apple Vision Pro, as well as the role of AI in VR. The conversation also dives into the challenges and opportunities VR presents for both the consumer and enterprise markets, with an emphasis on the need for intuitive user interfaces and valuable use-cases. The podcast concludes with Rolf's prediction that by the end of 2024, it would be vital for every enterprise to have a VR strategy. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:07 Discussion on VR Trends and Predictions for 2024 00:45 Interview with Rolf Dillenberger, CEO of VR Direct 01:12 The Host's Personal Experience with VR 01:44 The Future of VR: An Inflection Point 02:48 Enterprise Applications of VR 04:51 The Impact of Work from Home Trends on VR 06:24 The Role of Apple Vision Pro in VR 20:58 The Intersection of VR and AI 21:52 The Inflection Point for VR in 2024 26:36 Conclusion and Farewell

You’ve probably heard of Bhutan, and you may have heard of Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness measurement, which is about measuring how happy a country is as well as how wealthy a country is. Now the royal family in Bhutan is establishing an AI center to teach AI to locals ... and maybe bring Bhutan happiness -- and ethics -- to AI. To bring, as the princess puts it, "Ancient Wisdom & Ethics" to artificial intelligence. In this TechFirst, I chat with Enrique Hernandez about his and Princess Wangchuk's goal of bringing an AI center to Bhutan. Subscribe to TechFirst https://johnkoetsier.com/category/tech-first/ Wangchuk AI Center https://wangchukai.com/

Are you ready to dive into the emerging world of robot coworkers? In this video, originally recorded at Web Summit in Lisbon, I chat with special guest David Reger, CEO of Neura Robotics. We chat about what it will be like to work with robots, how we can ensure robots don't kill us (as is happening now, occasionally), and what will change about work and us in the process. We talk about: Working with Robots: A New Frontier The Future of Robot Partnerships Impacts on Different Industries Ensuring Safety and Trust The Role of AI in Human-Robot Interaction Transforming Work and Embracing Automation The Importance of Fairness and Equity Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges

In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier explores the global transition from traditional coil and magnet speakers to solid-state semiconductor alternatives with Mike Householder, a VP at XMEMS. The discussion includes the history of the speaker, the advantages of using solid-state semiconductors, and the future vision for sound technology. Mike also makes a big product announcement and provides insight into how his innovative technology will improve audio quality and enhance sound experiences in various devices like earbuds, phones, and home theaters. 00:00 Introduction to the Evolution of Sound Technology 00:31 The Limitations of Current Sound Technology 00:40 Introducing a New Silicon-Based Sound Technology 00:49 Interview with Mike Householder from XMEMS 01:12 Understanding the Old Tech: Coil and Magnet Speakers 03:08 The Advantages of Solid State Components 05:20 The Benefits of the New Tech for Manufacturers and Consumers 07:58 The Unique Sound Signature of the New Tech 16:32 The Path to Market Dominance and Upcoming Product Announcements 20:47 The Future of Sound Technology: Beyond Personal Audio 24:25 The Science Behind Ultrasonic Amplitude Modulation 30:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of TechFirst, host Jon Koetsier welcomes Emmy award-winning XR director Michaela Ternasky-Holland to delve into the world of immersive storytelling through technologies such as virtual reality (VR). Using her VR documentary project, On the Morning You Wake, as a case study, Michaela explains how the deeply immersive nature of VR can change the audience's perception of a global threat - nuclear weapons. She compares the engagement and impact of VR experiences to traditional 2D experiences, highlighting how the narrative and the audience's sense of agency play key roles in creating quality engagement. The discussion further explores the future of immersive storytelling, addressing their potential and challenges in the technology field. 00:01 Introduction and Context 00:34 Guest Introduction: Michaela Ternasky Holland 00:56 The Role of Technology in Storytelling 01:13 Discussing the Project: On the Morning You Wake 05:18 The Impact of VR on Audience Engagement 05:40 Challenges and Solutions in VR Accessibility 08:07 The Emotional Impact of VR Storytelling 10:55 The Future of VR and Storytelling 12:04 The Role of Research in VR Storytelling 19:07 The Intersection of VR and Gaming 21:30 The Ultimate Expression of Storytelling in VR 25:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

It all started with a stolen car. In 1983 Chicago resident David Meilahn's car was stolen. He bought a new one, a Mercedes Benz 280SL 2-seater. But then he needed to replace his old radio-phone ... and the sales rep told him there was something new: a cellular phone. He was one of the first few to be selected, then won a race to place the very first commercial cell phone call, which ended up being from Soldier Field in Chicago, IL, to Alexander Graham Bell's grand-daughter in Germany. This is his story, along with the story of Stuart Tararone, the AT&T engineer who helped build that system and still works for the company to this day.