The hosts discuss their uncomfortable recording setup and a recent event where they kept a speaker a secret. They reveal a mystery gift of a fashionable wooden bow tie but discuss its discomfort and potential danger. They explore the sense of community and connection experienced at events with like-minded individuals. The speakers discuss their visits to the Apple and Facebook campuses during a road trip. They discuss the speaker's observations of various tech company headquarters, including Facebook, Dropbox, Google, and YouTube. They discuss their visit to Facebook and the differences in office environments between Dropbox and Facebook. They discover hidden locations at Facebook and have a life-changing experience with virtual reality.
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Quick takeaways
The hosts discuss the novelty and efficiency of podcasting without visual distractions.
The positive feedback received from the audience at the Relaycon event highlights the excitement and preparation process of surprise appearances.
The Facebook offices' innovative layout and extensive amenities provoke curiosity and contemplation about the efficiency of open plan offices.
The hosts reflect on the transformative impact of virtual reality (VR), emphasizing its ability to alter perception and create a sense of presence in the virtual world.
Deep dives
Experience recording Cortex in person in San Francisco
The podcast hosts record a special episode of Cortex together in San Francisco, discussing the novelty of being in the same room and the efficiency of podcasting without visual distractions.
The first annual Relaycon surprise
The hosts attend the first annual Relaycon event, where one of the hosts has a surprise appearance. They discuss the excitement of the surprise, the preparation process, and the positive feedback received from the audience.
Visiting Facebook headquarters
The hosts visit the Facebook offices and are surprised by the innovative and town-like layout. They explore the extensive amenities, the enormous open office space, and the rooftop park. They also contemplate the efficiency and scale of such massive office spaces.
Reflections on open plan offices
The hosts express curiosity and skepticism regarding the efficiency of open plan offices, noting the seemingly low desk occupancy and the distracting nature of bustling tech campuses. They also ponder the potential benefits of such environments for personal projects versus work for larger companies.
Virtual Reality and the Brain
The podcast episode explores the profound impact of virtual reality (VR) on the brain and perception of reality. The hosts discuss their experience with the Oculus Rift and Touch controllers, highlighting how the brain quickly adapts to the virtual environment and accepts virtual hands as its own. They share personal moments of astonishing presence and immersion, where their brains fully buy into the virtual reality experience. The hosts emphasize that VR is not just about gaming, but a shift in how we perceive and interact with the world.
The Transformative Power of VR
The hosts compare the transformative impact of VR to significant life events, like getting married or experiencing hallucinatory drugs. They reflect on how the experience alters their perception of reality and triggers a fundamental shift in their minds. The hosts describe how VR creates a sense of presence and the feeling of truly existing in the virtual world. They also emphasize the brain's ability to extend physical sensations beyond the boundaries of the body and how VR takes advantage of this phenomena.
The Unforgettable Experience
The hosts share their reactions and vivid memories of exploring virtual environments with the Oculus Rift. They recall specific moments when their brains fully accepted the virtual world and reacted instinctively, such as catching a falling weapon in slow motion or cowering in response to a virtual threat. The hosts marvel at the seamless integration of visual, auditory, and tactile elements in VR experiences, noting that the brain quickly adapts to the new inputs and suspends disbelief. Despite the challenge of articulating the true impact of VR, the hosts express a strong desire to embrace this new medium and its limitless possibilities.