Tech Trends 2025: Exploring Futures of Living Intelligence

Mar 25, 2025

Get ready for a tech-infused spring break! Discover Apple's powerful new M4 processor and M3 Ultra chip, and the nostalgia of computing history. Explore the 2025 Tech Trends Report, revealing the synergy of biological and digital systems. Humanoid robots and AI are discussed, alongside the promise of quantum computing and metamaterials. The urgency of climate innovation and the exciting potential of small modular reactors shine through. Finally, dive into the ambitions of private ventures in cislunar space as they explore the future of technology.

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ANECDOTE

Sean's Tech Temptation

Sean Leahy almost bought a new Mac Studio, highlighting his struggle with Apple's appeal.
He detailed the specs of the new Mac Studio and MacBook Air, emphasizing their AI capabilities.

INSIGHT

M3 Ultra Chip and Local AI

Apple's new M3 Ultra chip empowers powerful local AI model running on consumer-grade computers.
This offers advantages in privacy, customization, and competitive edge, potentially changing how individuals and organizations interact with AI.

ANECDOTE

Computing Nostalgia

Sean Leahy and Andrew Maynard reminisce about early personal computing, including the Apple II and Macintosh.
They discuss the high cost and limited capabilities of these early machines compared to today's technology.

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Grab your flip flops and beach gear and join is us on this laid-back spring break episode, Sean and Andrew cover Apple’s latest hardware announcements, spotlighting the MacBook Air’s new M4 processor and the powerhouse M3 Ultra chip in the Mac Studio—both of which promise to accelerate AI workloads and offer impressive longevity. Andrew does his best to keep Sean from spending big $$$ on new computer hardware. Reminiscing about early computing nostalgia, they also explore the Future Today Strategy Group’s 2025 Tech Trends Report, discussing the merging of physical, digital, and biological technologies, the rise of humanoid robotics, and agentic AI pushing boundaries in research and day-to-day life. Along the way, they touch on metamaterials, tech alliances, the urgent innovations prompted by the climate crisis, breakthroughs in quantum computing’s error correction, and the burgeoning potential of private enterprises moving into cislunar space.

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Modem Futura is a production of the Future of Being Human initiative at Arizona State University. Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. To learn more about the Future of Being Human initiative and all of our other projects visit - https://futureofbeinghuman.asu.edu

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Host Bios:

Sean M. Leahy, PhD - ASU Bio
Sean is an an internationally recognized technologist, futurist, and educator innovating humanistic approaches to emerging technology through a Futures Studies approach. He is a Foresight Catalyst for the Future of Being Human Initiative and Research Scientist for the School for the Future of Innovation in Society and Senior Global Futures Scholar with the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory at Arizona State University.

Andrew Maynard, PhD - ASU Bio
Andrew is a scientist, author, thought leader, and Professor of Advanced Technology Transitions in the ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society. He is the founder of the ASU Future of Being Human initiative, Director of the ASU Risk Innovation Nexus, and was previously Associate Dean in the ASU College of Global Futures.

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