Revolutionizing Reality: Exploring the Future of XR and Innovation with Alan Smithson
In this episode of Unified Reality, we dive into the transformative world of Extended Reality (XR) with Alan Smithson, co-founder of Metavrse and a visionary leader in immersive technology. From his humble beginnings in the music industry to spearheading innovations in XR and education, Alan shares insights that are shaping the future of digital interaction and creation.

🎧 Topics Covered:

Alan’s journey from DJ to XR innovator
How Metavrse is democratizing 3D creation
The future of Web3, NFTs, and digital ownership
The Apple Vision Pro and the XR hardware revolution
Unlimited Awesome: Gamifying education for the AI age
🌐 Learn more:
Metavrse
Unlimited Awesome

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Introduction
As our reality becomes an ever-evolving tapestry of the digital and physical, XR and the metaverse stand at the forefront of this paradigm shift. These technologies are not only transforming industries but are also redefining human interaction and creativity. In this episode, Alan Smithson, a leading expert in XR, discusses how these innovations are paving the way for a unified reality where boundaries between virtual and real-world experiences blur seamlessly.

The Origin Story
Alan’s journey into XR is rooted in his passion for music. As a DJ and mixtape creator, he explored the emotional power of sound. However, his entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to the intersection of music and technology. Developing touchscreen DJ platforms marked his first foray into creating user-friendly tech.

His pivotal moment came in 2014, when he experienced VR for the first time. Instantly, he recognized the boundless potential of immersive experiences to revolutionize communication, learning, and creativity. This realization inspired the launch of Metavrse, a platform designed to make 3D virtual creation accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise. Alan’s vision was clear: to democratize the metaverse by enabling creators to craft immersive experiences with the same ease as building a website.

Bridging the Physical and Digital
A central theme in Alan’s philosophy is "unified reality"—a seamless integration of physical and digital worlds. This concept embodies the future of XR, where immersive technologies enhance real-world interactions without creating friction or complexity.

Alan highlighted the importance of accessibility in XR, stressing that the next wave of innovation must focus on breaking down barriers for creators and users. Through AI-driven, browser-based tools, Metavrse aims to lower the entry threshold, allowing creators to build engaging, immersive environments effortlessly. This shift opens doors for XR adoption across various industries, including retail, education, healthcare, and entertainment.

Industry Insights: The Hardware Evolution
The evolution of XR hardware has been a game-changer. From the rudimentary Google Cardboard to state-of-the-art devices like the Apple Vision Pro, technological advancements have drastically improved XR experiences. Alan believes that these innovations are instrumental in driving mainstream adoption.

Host: Azad Abbasi
Filming and Editing: Rich Destiny

www.geniusxr.ai

In this illuminating episode of Unified Reality, host Azad dives into a fascinating conversation with Will Selviz, a pioneering 3D artist and entrepreneur whose global journey has shaped his creative perspective. From Venezuela to Kuwait, and now Montreal, Will has consistently pushed the boundaries of 3D content, AR, and immersive experiences.

A Journey Across Continents: From Venezuela to Montreal

Will’s story begins in Venezuela, where his passion for creativity and technology was sparked at an early age. Growing up, he honed his artistic skills, often sketching with whatever supplies he could gather. His journey then took him to Kuwait, where exposure to diverse cultures and educational opportunities expanded his horizons. Reflecting on his upbringing, Will shared:

"My earliest memory was becoming obsessed with drawing. I used to borrow supplies from classmates just to keep sketching."

Now in Montreal, Will continues to innovate, blending his multicultural experiences into his work, creating impactful 3D content and immersive activations.

Transitioning from 2D to 3D: A New Creative Dimension

For Will, the shift from traditional art forms to 3D was transformative. His background in photography served as a bridge to mastering 3D design, ultimately leading him to experiment with augmented reality (AR). He explained:

"The transition from 2D to 3D felt like learning a new language. Photography played a crucial role in helping me understand composition and lighting in a 3D space."

Will’s early adoption of AR, even before it became mainstream, demonstrates his forward-thinking approach to merging art and technology.

Crafting Experiential Activations for Global Brands

Will’s innovative approach to 3D content has led to collaborations with major brands such as Nike and Sprite. His ability to create immersive brand experiences, where digital and physical realms intersect, is a hallmark of his career. He described:

"Immersive content is about engaging all the senses. Whether it’s the fizz of a soda or the dynamic visuals of an AR filter, the goal is to create a multi-sensory experience that resonates."

These activations not only captivate audiences but also redefine how brands connect with their consumers.

Supporting BIPOC Creatives Through Rendered Magazine

As the founder of Rendered Magazine, Will is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the creative industries. He prioritizes hiring and mentoring BIPOC youth, providing opportunities for underrepresented voices.

"Whenever there’s an opportunity, my first instinct is to uplift people of color. It’s about creating pathways where they didn’t exist before."

Rendered Magazine serves as a platform to amplify diverse perspectives, reflecting Will’s dedication to community-building.

Embracing AI as a Creative Tool

Will views AI as an essential tool in the modern creative toolkit. While discussing its role in his workflow, he noted:

"AI is like a bicycle or a car—it helps you move forward, but balance is key. It’s a tool to enhance creativity, not replace it."

He leverages AI for inspiration and efficiency, integrating it thoughtfully into his projects without compromising artistic integrity.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Global Influence: Will’s multicultural experiences enrich his creative approach.
• Innovative Storytelling: Transitioning to 3D opened new possibilities for immersive narratives.
• Community Impact: Rendered Magazine empowers BIPOC youth in creative industries.
• AI Integration: AI serves as a v

www.geniusxr.ai