Meta, Apple, XR Trends, the Future of Spatial Computing, and Creator Evolution with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

In this episode of Tech Magic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler dive into the latest tech developments, from Meta's bold moves in AR, to Apple's Vision Pro journey one year later.  They highlight Meta's success with Ray-Ban AI glasses, Apple’s challenges in AR innovation, and how creators are evolving into media moguls. Cathy also interviews special guest Jeff Barrett, who shares insights on building sustainable creator careers, the rise of nano-influencers, and the global expansion of digital content platforms. Whether you’re into cutting-edge tech or the creator economy, this episode captures 2025’s emerging trends.

Come for the tech, 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

Jeff Barrett Bio

Jeff Barrett serves as the Chief Evangelist at the Shorty Awards, where he's been involved with the organization for 10 years. A former Shorty Award winner for Best Business Blogger, Barrett has evolved from a creator to an agency leader, demonstrating the possible progression within the creator economy. His journey began uniquely on MySpace and included creating a successful parody account on Twitter that inadvertently led to legitimate recognition in the marketing world. Barrett currently hosts the Shorty Awards show and runs a podcast called "It's No Fluke," which has produced over 130 episodes featuring leaders from major companies like Google, Meta, and the NFL.

Jeff Barrett on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics

• 00:00 -  Intro & Tech News Overview
• 02:50 -  The Future of American XR: Competition and Innovation
• 11:15 -  Meta's Metaverse Strategy: Make or Break Year
• 28:18 -  Apple Vision Pro: One Year Later
• 41:24 -  Interview with Jeff Barrett: The Evolution of the Shorty Awards
• 47:32 -  The Creator Economy: Trends and Future Growth
• 53:27 -  Building Sustainable Creator-Brand Partnerships

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