Exploring the Future of AR and Spatial Computing with Greg Ivanov
In a recent instalment of Darabase Meets, Dominic Collins, co-founder and CEO of Darabase, delved into Greg Ivanov’s (Ex-Google Head of AR/VR and Lens, EMEA) rich background, his transition to exploring blockchain, and his insights on the next wave of digital transformation, particularly within the realms of spatial computing.
Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from their engaging discussion:
1. Philosophy to Technology: Unveiling Greg’s Journey
Greg’s journey into the tech realm began with a rather unconventional starting point: philosophy. This philosophical foundation, he believes, endowed him with a unique perspective on the evolution of technology. From there, Greg’s trajectory led him to Google, where he spent over a decade in various senior roles, delving into platform ecosystems, ads, search, and eventually, technologies like VR, AR, and spatial computing.
“I studied philosophy at university… but my interest in technology has always been abstract, less about the nitty-gritty of the tech itself, but more about the arc of where technology is headed and what form factors will be next and how we use tech.”
Reflecting on his tenure at Google, Ivanov highlights the pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of AR and VR. From the humble beginnings of Google Cardboard to the groundbreaking developments of Google Lens, Ivanov witnessed the rapid evolution of these technologies firsthand.
2. Blockchain Beckons: A Shift in Focus
Around 2017, Greg’s interest veered towards the realms of blockchain and cryptocurrency. While it was still early days for full-time immersion, Greg found himself drawn to the potential of these technologies. Fast forward to recent times, and Greg is now involved in discussions to launch a fund that will explore the next frontier of tech evolution.
The conversation covers how blockchain technology enables decentralised ownership and immersive experiences. Ivanov sees potential in tokenizing real-world assets and creating new forms of social interaction, all driven by user participation and ownership.
“Web3 holds the promise of a decentralised and user-driven future.”
3. The Dual Engines of Transformation: AR and Spatial Computing
A recurring theme throughout the interview is the pivotal role played by augmented reality (AR) and spatial computing in driving the next phase of digital transformation. These technologies, he believes, have the power to seamlessly integrate digital information into our physical environments, ushering in a new era of immersive experiences and enhanced interactions. Greg underscores the importance of designing AR experiences with a user-centric approach, ensuring that technology enhances rather than detracts from our daily lives. Greg states: “I envision a future where data and information are seamlessly integrated into the real world, creating a persistent augmented reality. This integration can enhance our daily experiences, provided it’s designed with user engagement and presence in mind.”
Looking ahead, Ivanov envisions a future where spatial computing blurs the lines between the digital and physical worlds. As technologies like Apple Vision Pro emerge, questions arise about the balance between hardware innovation and content platforms. Ivanov emphasises the importance of maintaining a user-centric approach at all times.
4. Global Trends and Regional Nuances
While acknowledging regional disparities in technology adoption, particularly in tech-forward regions like Asia, Greg highlights a global collective appetite for innovation and progress that embraces new technologies and their transformative potential. : “Asia stands out for its willingness to experiment and embrace new tech, such as gaming culture’s unique dynamics. However, overall, there’s a common thread in how people approach these technologies globally.”
5. Looking Ahead: Blockchain, Social Platforms, and Beyond
As the conversation draws to a close, Greg shares his excitement for the fusion of blockchain technology with social platforms, envisioning decentralised protocols that empower users and foster avenues for content creation within the realms of AR and spatial computing.
Additionally, he anticipates the impact of future hardware iterations on our daily lives, hinting at a landscape ripe with transformative possibilities: “I’m excited about the experiments in integrating blockchain and social platforms, particularly the development of decentralised protocols that empower users and enable new forms of content creation. Additionally, I’m curious about the next iteration of hardware and its potential impact on our daily lives.”
As we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape, Ivanov remains optimistic about the transformative potential of AR, spatial computing, and Web3. By prioritising meaningful innovation over gimmicks and maintaining a human-centric approach, we have the opportunity to shape a future that is both technologically advanced and inherently human.
Greg’s insights offer a tantalising glimpse into the ever-evolving tapestry of technology, with a particular focus on the transformative potential of spatial computing. Interested in watching more? Fill in the form below to watch the full episode and subscribe to our Darabase Meets series.
