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https://vimeo.com/933187949?share=copy ICREATE HELPS WALES BECOME FIRST UK NATION TO LAUNCH METAVERSE EXPERIENCE The immersive experience has been created by iCreate for Visit Wales to inspire future tourists by showcasing the range of experiences, places and attractions available to explore across Wales in real life. Visitors can navigate the Welsh-inspired landscape as a virtual version of themselves, whilst seeing a snapshot of the country’s culture and heritage through a range of features. These include: A historic castle with a hidden map of Wales to be found A cable car ride – similar to that in Llandudno – for visitors to travel from one side of the metaverse to the other An amphitheatre, like that which stood in Roman-era Caerleon, with screens showcasing highlights of Wales’ vibrant music and culture. Global visitors to the metaverse number 600 million annually across a number of metaverse platforms, with Wales’ one being hosted on the platform Spatial. This digital space adds to the ever-expanding ways Wales is advertising itself to would-be visitors.   As well as being the first UK nation to be in the metaverse, it is thought that Wales is also the first European nation to take this innovative approach to advertising itself to visitors through such a ‘world’.Discover places to eat drink and stay Anyone entering the Wales metaverse can take on quests too, including collecting dragons hidden across the ‘island’, and building a virtual interactive itinerary which showcases real-life places to stay, attractions and events. Steffan Powell, BBC News’ first ever gaming and culture correspondent, hosted a virtual launch event last week [Thursday 9 May]. Steffan said: Nothing prepares you for that feeling when you’re stood at the top of Pen y Fan for the first time drinking in the views or wandering the sand dunes of Three Cliffs Bay as the tide gently washes away. Through leveraging technology, this Wales metaverse experience will give potential visitors a flavour of all the exciting things you can see and do on a holiday in Wales. This is a fantastic opportunity to promote Wales to the world and an innovative way to potentially open millions of sets of eyes to the beauty of Cymru. In addition to this Wales Metaverse, Welsh Government’s Visit Wales is using billboard ads in the virtual world of Roblox. Much like in the real-world, these ads reach people in highly populated and visible locations, around one of the biggest metaverse communities in the world.  Minister for Tourism, Hannah Blythyn, said: The Wales Metaverse has been created to reach new audiences – wherever they may be in the world – and inspire them to visit our awesome nation for real. By showcasing some of the best Wales has to offer visitors in this incredibly innovative way, we’re putting Wales in an online sphere were millions of people already meet every day. The Welsh world has been created in partnership with Swansea-based Meta architects, iCreate. The Minister continued: Wales’ launch into the metaverse has also created a great opportunity to show-off the vast range of skills and businesses proudly working in Wales, such as iCreate. It’s a wonderful showcase of digital expertise working seamlessly to promote our vibrant tourism industry. iCreate founder Dawn Lyle, said: Our aim is to bring the endless possibilities of Wales to life in an immersive experience of exploration, helping audiences plan their dream itinerary in Wales while they complete mini quests in the metaverse experience. Wales punches above its weight when it comes to innovation and technology. We’re excited to be a part of this initiative, with the virtual space opening up new worlds of possibility to reach new audiences. The Visit Wales Metaverse is open to the public, and is accessible via smartphone, tablet, laptop, computer, and via Meta Quest headset. To explore Wales in the Metaverse, visit visitwales.com/metaverse more news

UNLEASHING THE POWER OF INNOVATION: EXPLORING VIRTUAL HACKATHONS In an era where technology thrives and the world becomes increasingly interconnected, traditional modes of collaboration are evolving. One such evolution is the rise of virtual hackathons, a groundbreaking phenomenon that brings together innovative minds from across the globe in a virtual environment. This article explores the concept of hackathons, their operational mechanisms, and the numerous advantages of hosting these events online. Defining Hackathons Hackathons, often referred to as “codefests,” are intense collaborative events that gather individuals with diverse skill sets to work on a specific project. They typically focus on software development, but can encompass various fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, or cybersecurity. Participants, known as “hackers,” form teams and compete against one another to create a functioning prototype or solution within a limited time frame, often spanning from a few hours to a few days. The Mechanics of Virtual Hackathons Virtual hackathons leverage online platforms and tools to facilitate the entire event. These platforms provide a digital space for participants to communicate, collaborate, and showcase their projects. Key elements of virtual hackathons include: Team Formation: Participants can join pre-existing teams or form new ones, often based on their skills and interests. Online platforms enable team building by providing forums or chat channels for individuals to connect with like-minded hackers. Problem Statements: Hackathons revolve around specific problem statements or challenges. Organizers present these challenges at the beginning of the event, setting the stage for participants to brainstorm innovative solutions. Time Constraints: Hackathons are known for their time-bound nature, often spanning from a few hours to a few days. The limited timeframe fuels intense collaboration and encourages teams to work efficiently to meet deadlines. Mentorship and Workshops: Virtual hackathons frequently offer mentorship and workshops to assist participants throughout the event. Experienced professionals and subject matter experts are available to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer insights into the problem at hand. Collaboration Tools: Virtual hackathons utilize a variety of collaboration tools, including project management platforms, code repositories, and communication channels. These tools enable efficient teamwork, code sharing, and documentation. Judging and Prizes: At the conclusion of a virtual hackathon, a panel of judges evaluates the prototypes or solutions created by each team. Criteria for judging typically include innovation, technical execution, and potential impact. Winning teams are awarded prizes, which can range from cash rewards to industry recognition and potential implementation of their solutions. Benefits of Virtual Hackathons Global Accessibility: Virtual hackathons eliminate geographical barriers, allowing participants from around the world to contribute their skills and expertise. This diverse talent pool fosters creativity and generates unique perspectives, resulting in innovative solutions. Enhanced Flexibility: Online platforms offer participants the flexibility to engage in hackathons while balancing their personal and professional commitments. The virtual environment permits individuals to join from any location, optimizing their time management and work-life balance. Cost-Effectiveness: Hosting a virtual hackathon eliminates the need for physical infrastructure, travel expenses, and accommodation costs traditionally associated with in-person events. This cost-effectiveness opens doors for more organizations, regardless of their budget, to organize and sponsor hackathons. Expanded Networking Opportunities: Virtual hackathons provide a platform for participants to connect with like-minded individuals, potential mentors, and industry professionals. These connections often extend beyond the event, fostering long-term collaborations and career opportunities. Diversity and Inclusion: The virtual nature of hackathons facilitates inclusivity by removing physical barriers and biases. Participants from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, can participate and contribute their unique perspectives, resulting in a richer problem-solving experience. Rapid Iteration and Learning: Virtual hackathons encourage participants to rapidly iterate their ideas and prototypes, resulting in accelerated learning and skill development. The intense collaborative environment facilitates knowledge sharing, allowing hackers to learn from each other’s expertise. Virtual hackathons represent an exciting evolution in the world of collaborative innovation. By harnessing the power of online platforms, these events break down geographical barriers, foster inclusivity, and provide a breeding ground for groundbreaking ideas. With their global accessibility, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, virtual hackathons are revolutionizing the way innovation takes place, offering countless opportunities for creative minds to come together and shape the future. more news

ARE YOU READY TO PLACE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE METAVERSE? The world is changing rapidly, and with the rise of new technologies and innovations, it seems as though anything is possible. One of the most exciting developments of recent years is the concept of a metaverse, a virtual shared space that blurs the lines between the physical and digital world. While the idea of a metaverse may seem like science fiction, it is becoming increasingly clear that it has the potential to transform various industries, from retail and real estate to entertainment and beyond. There are many ways in which the metaverse could impact business and offers a unique opportunity for companies to engage with customers in new and exciting ways, creating immersive experiences that are not possible in the physical world. For example, a clothing retailer could use the metaverse to create a virtual store where customers can try on clothes and see how they look in different settings. Similarly, a real estate developer could use the metaverse to create virtual tours of properties, allowing potential buyers to explore and visualise the space in a way that is not possible with traditional photographs and videos. There are several good examples of companies that have already begun exploring the metaverse and investing in virtual experiences. Nike, for example, has created a virtual store in the popular game Fortnite, where players can purchase real-world products and interact with the brand in a new and exciting way. Gucci, meanwhile, has launched a virtual sneaker try-on app, which uses augmented reality technology to allow users to see how different sneakers look on their feet. While the potential benefits of the metaverse are clear, we should acknowledge that there are concerns around data privacy, ownership, and governance in this new virtual world. As more and more people spend time in the metaverse, there will be a need to establish rules and regulations around how data is collected, used, and protected. Additionally, there are questions around who will own the virtual assets and properties that are created within the metaverse. Will they be treated as intellectual property, like patents and copyrights, or will they be subject to different rules and regulations? Seeking to establish these regulations, the Metaverse Standards Forum https://metaverse-standards.org/ has been created to provide a venue for cooperation between standards organisations and companies to foster the development of interoperability standards for an open and inclusive metaverse. Despite concerns, the metaverse represents a significant opportunity for businesses to innovate and adapt to a rapidly changing world. As the technology behind the metaverse continues to evolve and improve, it is likely that we will see even more companies experimenting with virtual experiences and finding new ways to engage with their customers. Whether it is through virtual stores, immersive advertising campaigns, or other creative initiatives, the metaverse offers a way for businesses to differentiate themselves and stand out in a crowded market. One of the key advantages of the metaverse is its ability to create a sense of presence and immersion that is not possible in other forms of media. While traditional advertising campaigns rely on passive viewing, the metaverse allows users to actively participate in the experience, creating a stronger emotional connection with the brand. This sense of presence is particularly important in today’s world, where consumers are increasingly looking for authentic and meaningful interactions with the brands they support. The metaverse has the potential to create new revenue streams for businesses. In addition to selling virtual products and experiences, companies could also generate income through advertising, sponsorships, and partnerships with other businesses. For example, a music streaming platform could partner with a virtual reality company to create immersive concerts that users can attend from anywhere in the world. Ultimately, the major  benefit of the metaverse is its ability to create a level playing field for businesses of all sizes. Unlike the physical world, where large companies with deep pockets have an advantage over smaller competitors, the metaverse offers a space where creativity and innovation are the most important factors. This means that small businesses and startups have an opportunity to compete with larger companies as equals. more news

APPLE AND FACEBOOK SLUG IT OUT TO DOMINATE THE METAVERSE Tim Cook and Mark Zuckerberg are set to go head-to-head in the race to dominate the metaverse, a virtual shared space that merges the physical and digital worlds. The Apple CEO has already declared the metaverse as the next big thing, and the company has been making strategic moves to position itself as a leader in this space. In recent months, Apple has made acquisitions in the augmented reality and virtual reality space, and has launched its own augmented reality platform, ARKit. This move has been well-received by developers, who have praised its ease of use and versatility. Apple’s strong track record of innovation has also put it in a good position to compete in the metaverse space.Cook has emphasised Apple’s commitment to privacy and security, stating that the company will not compromise these values in pursuit of the metaverse. He has also hinted that Apple’s approach to the metaverse will be different from Facebook’s, with a focus on creating a “metaverse for human connection” rather than a platform for advertising. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg also sees the metaverse as a key part of the company’s future. However, Facebook’s track record on privacy and security has raised concerns among some observers. Despite this, Facebook has a massive user base and significant resources, which could make it a formidable competitor in the metaverse space. Both Apple and Facebook have made significant investments in augmented and virtual reality, which are seen as key components of the metaverse. These technologies allow users to interact with digital content in a more immersive and lifelike way. The metaverse could have a significant impact on various industries, including retail, real estate, and entertainment. For example, retailers could create virtual stores where customers can try on clothes and see how they look in different settings. Real estate developers could use the metaverse to create virtual tours of properties, allowing potential buyers to explore and visualise the space in a way that is not possible with traditional photographs and videos. The metaverse represents a significant opportunity for businesses to differentiate themselves and stand out in a crowded market. However, there are concerns around data privacy and ownership in the metaverse, and these issues will need to be addressed for the metaverse to reach its full potential. Businesses will need to navigate these challenges and find ways to create immersive experiences that are both safe and enjoyable for users. The rivalry between Apple and Facebook over the metaverse is just beginning, and it will be interesting to see how the two companies approach this new frontier. While Apple’s focus on privacy and security could be a competitive advantage, Facebook’s massive user base and resources could give it an edge. Ultimately, the winner of this race will be the company that can create a metaverse that is both engaging and trustworthy for users. more news

THE FUTURE OF LIVE MUSIC?- DIGITAL TWIN AVATARS The rise of the Metaverse and digital avatars is transforming the music industry, creating new opportunities for artists to engage with their fans and create immersive experiences. The Metaverse is a virtual world that is being developed by tech giants such as Facebook and Microsoft. It is a new type of internet where people can interact with each other in a virtual space whilst enjoying a live artist performance. One of the key trends in the music industry is the use of digital avatars. Digital avatars are becoming increasingly popular as a way for artists to engage with their fans and create immersive experiences. ABBA is a prime example of an artist that is using digital avatars to create a virtual concert tour where fans can experience the band as they were in the 1970s. The virtual tour will feature digital avatars of the band members, allowing fans to see them perform as they did during the height of their fame. Digital avatars are also allowing artists to perform without the physical limitations of time and space. This creates new revenue streams through virtual concerts and merchandise. Virtual concerts are becoming increasingly popular, allowing artists to reach fans around the world without the need for physical travel. Merchandise sales are also booming, with fans eager to purchase virtual items such as digital t-shirts, hats, and other memorabilia. The technology behind digital avatars also offers opportunities for fans to interact with artists in new ways. For example, virtual meet-and-greets are becoming increasingly popular, allowing fans to connect with their favourite artists in a virtual space. Fans can also attend exclusive virtual events, such as album launches and Q&A sessions. However, the use of digital avatars in the music industry raises questions about the future of live music and whether virtual experiences will replace physical ones. Many music fans believe that nothing can replace the experience of attending a live concert. However, the pandemic has shown that virtual concerts can provide a unique and engaging experience for fans who are unable to attend physical concerts. The technology behind digital avatars also poses challenges in terms of data privacy and security. Digital avatars require a large amount of personal data, which can be vulnerable to hacking and other security threats. There is also the potential for digital avatars to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and biases, which can have negative consequences for society as a whole.Despite these challenges, the Metaverse and digital avatars are poised to revolutionise the music industry and transform the way that artists and fans interact with each other. The ability to create immersive virtual experiences will allow artists to reach new audiences and engage with fans in new and exciting ways. The use of digital avatars will also create new revenue streams for the music industry, helping to sustain the industry in an increasingly digital world. The rise of the Metaverse and digital avatars is transforming the music industry in exciting ways. Fatboy Slim’s recent Metaverse gig was a groundbreaking event that showcased the power of virtual concerts. The gig was held in a virtual world called Lost Horizon, which was created specifically for the event. Fans were able to enter the virtual world and watch Fatboy Slim perform in a stunning 3D environment. The gig was a huge success, with thousands of fans tuning in from around the world. The use of digital avatars allowed Fatboy Slim to perform without the physical limitations of time and space, creating a truly unique and immersive experience for fans. The success of the event highlights the potential of the Metaverse and digital avatars to transform the music industry and create new opportunities for artists and fans alike. The ability to create immersive virtual experiences is creating new opportunities for artists to engage with their fans and reach new audiences. However, the technology also poses challenges in terms of data privacy and security, as well as the potential for digital avatars to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and biases. Despite these challenges, the future of the music industry looks bright as the Metaverse and digital avatars continue to revolutionise the industry. more news

IS AI ART REALLY ART, OR SIMPLY STEALING FROM ARTISTS? Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing and changing the world in various ways. One of the most fascinating applications of AI is in the field of art. AI creates original pieces of art using algorithms trained on thousands of existing images and this has raised a lot of questions and concerns about whether AI art is actually stealing from existing artists, illustrators and photographers. The process of creating AI art is complex and involves many different techniques. For example, some AI art is created using a process called generative adversarial networks (GANs), which involves two machine learning algorithms working together to generate new art. One algorithm creates the art, and the other algorithm judges whether the art is of high quality or not. This process is repeated many times, and eventually, the algorithms produce high-quality pieces of art that are indistinguishable from human-created art. One of the main arguments against AI art is that it is not created by human beings, and therefore, it lacks the emotional and cultural context that human artists bring to their work. Critics argue that AI art is soulless and devoid of meaning because it is created using a cold, algorithmic process that does not reflect human experience. However, proponents of AI art argue that this view is overly simplistic and ignores the many ways in which AI art can be meaningful and culturally relevant. For example, AI art can be used to explore new artistic styles or to create entirely new forms of art that were previously impossible to create. It can also be used to create art that reflects the complexities of modern life, such as the impact of technology on our culture and the environment. Ultimately it is a complex debate that is set to run and run. While there are valid concerns about the impact of AI art on the art world, it is important to recognize that AI art is not simply a replacement for human creativity and skill, but rather a tool that can be used to enhance and enrich the world of art. While some may argue that AI art lacks the emotional and cultural context that human artists bring to their work, others see it as an opportunity to explore new artistic styles and create entirely new forms of art. more news

IS THE METAVERSE SAFE FOR OUR CHILDREN? The metaverse refers to a virtual shared space that can be accessed by users through the internet. It encompasses a wide range of virtual worlds, social media platforms, and online communities that allow users to interact with each other and experience a variety of digital environments. While the metaverse has the potential to be a valuable tool for children, it also presents a number of risks and challenges that must be addressed to ensure their safety. One of the biggest risks associated with children using the metaverse is exposure to inappropriate content, such as violence, hate speech, and adult material. In virtual worlds, children may also be at risk of cyberbullying, which can be especially damaging because it can occur 24/7 and can be difficult to escape. In addition, online predators can use the metaverse to target and exploit children, and children may also be at risk of developing addiction or other negative consequences if they spend too much time in virtual worlds at the expense of their real-world relationships and responsibilities. To make the metaverse safer for children, it’s important for parents and caregivers to take an active role in their children’s virtual lives. This includes setting clear guidelines and rules for how children can use virtual spaces, supervising their use of these spaces, and talking to them about how to stay safe online. Parents should also be aware of the types of virtual spaces their children are using and the content they are exposed to, and they should be prepared to intervene if they see any red flags. Many virtual worlds and social media platforms have tools and settings that can be used to help protect children from inappropriate content and online predators. For example, some platforms allow parents to restrict access to certain types of content, set up privacy settings, and monitor their children’s online activity. Parents should take advantage of these tools to help ensure their children’s safety. In addition to these technical solutions, it’s also important to educate children about the risks and dangers associated with the metaverse and to teach them how to be responsible and safe while using these spaces. Children should be taught about healthy usage time and balance their time in virtual and physical worlds. They should also be encouraged to think critically about the information they encounter online and to be skeptical of online claims and sources that seem too good to be true. Another important factor in making the metaverse safer for children is community engagement. Virtual worlds and online communities can be powerful tools for creating safe and supportive environments for children, but this requires active involvement from both parents and providers. Providers should be transparent about their policies and practices, and they should have mechanisms in place for responding to complaints and incidents of abuse. Parents and caregivers should also be active in online communities and should work with providers to help create safe and supportive environments for children. It’s also important to note that the metaverse is not just a single entity, but rather a collection of many different virtual worlds and online communities. This means that each virtual world or platform will have its own unique risks and challenges, and that the best way to ensure children’s safety will vary depending on the specific platform or world they are using. For example, virtual worlds that are specifically designed for children may have different safety considerations than social media platforms that are used by a wider range of users. In conclusion, while the metaverse has the potential to be a valuable tool for children, it also presents a number of risks and challenges that must be addressed to ensure their safety. Parents and caregivers must take an active role in their children’s virtual lives, and providers must be transparent about their policies and practices and must have mechanisms in place for responding to incidents of abuse. iCreate has also created an arm, Guardify, which provides organisations with consultative security services specific to the metaverse. In a nutshell this provides your space with a team of real life security staff, represented in avatar form. They can be present during online events to discretely monitor the behaviour of ‘guests’ in the space and take any appropriate action, leaving the event organisers to concentrate on curating the event itself. By working together, parents, caregivers, providers such as Guardify, and children themselves can help create safe and supportive environments in the metaverse that are beneficial for all users. more news

THE RISE OF THE METAVERSE In recent years, there has been a lot of buzz about a new digital world called the “metaverse.” But what exactly is the metaverse and why is it so important for our future? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the metaverse is and what its rise could mean for the future of technology and society as a whole. First of all, let’s define what the metaverse is. Simply put, the metaverse is a virtual world that exists in cyberspace and is accessible through the internet. It’s a place where people can interact with each other, as well as digital objects and environments, in real-time. Unlike traditional virtual reality, the metaverse is not limited to just one device or platform. Instead, it is a shared, decentralized network of digital spaces that can be accessed from anywhere in the world. The concept of a metaverse has been around for decades, appearing in science fiction works such as “Snow Crash” by Neal Stephenson and “The Matrix” trilogy. But in recent years, advancements in technology and the growing popularity of virtual reality have made the idea of a metaverse more tangible. One of the biggest drivers behind the rise of the metaverse is the rise of web3 and decentralized technology. Web3 is a new decentralized, open-source internet that is built on blockchain technology. It’s designed to be more secure, transparent, and user-centric than the current centralized web, where companies like Google and Facebook hold a lot of power and control over user data. The metaverse will be built on web3 technology, allowing for a more decentralized and open virtual world. The metaverse will not only be a new virtual world, but it will also be a new platform for commerce, communication, and entertainment. In the metaverse, people will be able to buy, sell, and trade digital goods, as well as participate in virtual events and experiences. Businesses will also be able to establish a presence in the metaverse, offering products and services to users in a new and innovative way. But the rise of the metaverse is not just about commerce and entertainment. It will also have a profound impact on the way we work and live. The metaverse will allow people to connect with each other in a new and more immersive way, regardless of geographic location. This will have major implications for remote work, education, and healthcare. For example, in the metaverse, people will be able to attend virtual classes, receive virtual medical consultations, and collaborate on work projects with colleagues from around the world. The metaverse will also be a new platform for innovation and creativity. With the power of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and decentralized technology, the metaverse will offer limitless possibilities for exploration and experimentation. Developers will be able to create new digital environments and experiences that were previously impossible, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in our digital world. more news

ICREATE FOCUS: WILL AI REPLACE HUMAN JOBS? Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to automate many tasks that are currently done by humans, and this has led to concerns that AI could lead to significant job loss in the future. However, it’s worth noting that AI is not just one technology, but rather a collection of technologies that can be used in many different ways. Some tasks are better suited for automation with AI than others, and some jobs are more likely to be impacted than others. In many cases, AI will complement human workers rather than replace them. For example, AI can be used to automate repetitive tasks or analyse large amounts of data, which can free up humans to focus on more creative or strategic work. In some cases, the use of AI can create new jobs, such as the need for people to design, build, and maintain the AI systems. However, it’s also true that some jobs may be at risk of displacement. In particular, jobs that are routine, predictable and can be easily described in a set of rules are more likely to be automated by AI. These are typically found in manufacturing, transportation, and administrative support. It’s important to note that the effect of AI on employment will vary depending on the specific sector, and the ways in which it is implemented. It’s also important to consider the broader societal impacts of AI, such as how to ensure that everyone has the skills and resources they need to adapt to a changing labour market. Overall, it’s likely that the impact of AI on jobs will be complex, and it will take time to fully understand how different industries and job types will be affected. It’s also important to think about how to mitigate the negative effects on workers and society, and how to take advantage of the opportunities that AI presents. But in our opinion generative AI should be embraced as the complimentary work tool that it is, alongside the likes of Office, Photoshop and any other software tool. more news