• Designing the Future of Luxury Automotive with David Blakemore
    Jun 4 2025

    How is immersive technology reshaping the future of luxury automotive design?

    In this episode of Immersive Futures, we sit down with David Blakemore, Head of Concepts at Bentley Motors, to explore how immersive tools, AI, and virtual workflows are transforming vehicle development—from early-stage concepts to future-facing experiences.

    Drawing on over 15 years at the forefront of innovation in one of the world’s most prestigious marques, David shares how technology is unlocking faster iteration, deeper insight, and entirely new ways to co-create with customers.

    Here’s what you’ll learn:

    How immersive design tools are accelerating development – Why virtual workflows are replacing traditional clay models and compressing multi-week iterations into hours.

    The evolving role of design teams – A shift from shaping physical products to engineering holistic, emotionally resonant customer experiences—inside and outside the car.

    Integrating AI in automotive workflows – Where AI accelerates concept validation, scenario modelling, and spatial configuration—and where human creativity still leads.

    From prototyping to portfolio planning – How immersive technology is being used beyond design—supporting early-stage platform strategy, competitive benchmarking, and cross-brand collaboration.

    Driving adoption of new tools internally – What it really takes to build stakeholder trust in virtual tools, and why correlation, visual fidelity, and usability are key.

    Mixed reality and the future of user testing – How emerging technologies like passive motion capture and holographic display are paving the way for headset-free design and valuation.

    🎧 Tune in for an inside look at how immersive tech is helping luxury automotive brands redefine not just how vehicles are designed but also how they’re experienced.

    🔔 Subscribe to Immersive Futures for more conversations shaping the future of immersive innovation.

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    43 mins
  • Where are AI, immersive tech, and digital culture heading next?
    May 30 2025

    In our latest episode of Immersive Futures, we speak with Leslie Shannon—futurist, author, and Head of Trend and Innovation Scouting at Nokia.

    Leslie brings sharp insight into how emerging technologies are shaping the way we work, live, and connect. As the author of Interconnected Realities and Virtual Natives, she shares a grounded view of where spatial computing, 5G, and immersive experiences are going—and what it all means for businesses, creators, and everyday life.

    From new creative possibilities to the evolving expectations of younger generations, this is a wide-ranging conversation with someone who’s been ahead of the curve for years.

    🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Immersive Futures for more expert conversations from the world of XR, spatial computing, and beyond.

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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Reimagining Retail with Simon Swain: Creativity & The Future of Immersive Experiences
    Mar 20 2025

    How is immersive technology revolutionising retail? How are AR, VR, and interactive installations reshaping in-store experiences and customer journeys?

    In our latest episode of Immersive Futures, we speak with Simon Swain from LG&P, a leader in retail innovation who has worked with major global brands to create engaging, tech-driven in-store experiences. With extensive expertise in blending creative ideas with immersive technologies,

    Here’s what to expect:

    Simon’s journey—The pivotal projects that revealed the true potential of immersive retail experiences.

    Immersive tech trends in retail—Which technologies are making the biggest impact, and how they’re shaping personalised customer journeys?

    Driving engagement through creativity—How interactive installations attract customers and enhance in-store experiences.

    Leadership insights—Balancing creative ambition with operational needs when working with high-profile retail brands.

    Overcoming challenges—Real-world lessons from immersive retail projects and how to keep experiences intuitive for both customers and staff.

    What’s next for immersive retail—How AR, VR, and emerging technologies will evolve the shopping experience over the next decade.

    🎧 Listen now for first-hand insights from a leader shaping the future of immersive retail experiences.

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    49 mins
  • Immersive Futures - John Dabill Former Senior Product Leader at HTC
    Feb 21 2025

    Where is immersive technology heading next? How are XR, AI, and evolving platforms reshaping industries?

    In our latest episode of Immersive Futures, we spoke with John Dabill, a former senior leader in HTC, VIVERSE, and other global immersive initiatives. With experience spanning immersive tech, IoT, and telecoms, John has led high-performing teams, driven innovation, and expanded immersive platforms worldwide.

    Here’s what to expect:

    ✅ John’s journey—The bold moves and key decisions that shaped his leadership.

    ✅ The future of immersive experiences—Who’s leading the charge, and where the biggest opportunities lie.

    ✅ Innovation challenges—How to turn ambitious ideas into scalable, real-world solutions.

    ✅ Scaling immersive platforms globally—What John learned from VIVERSE about growing in new markets.

    ✅ Governance & ethics in immersive tech—The steps businesses must take to prioritise privacy, transparency, and accountability.

    ✅ What’s next for immersive tech—How AI, hardware advancements, and shifting user expectations will drive the industry forward.

    We also discuss John’s next steps, AI’s growing role in XR, and the one change he would make to the industry today.

    🎧 Listen now for first-hand insights from a leader shaping the future of immersive technology. 🔔 Subscribe to Immersive Futures for more expert conversations on the evolution of immersive tech.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • The XRVerse with Ashraf Hamed - Head of Innovation at SAP
    Apr 24 2023
    In our latest XRVerse Podcast, our CEO, Martyn Makinson spoke with Ashraf Hamed, VP of Innovation at SAP. Founded over 51 years ago, SAP is a German multinational software corporation that provides enterprise software to manage business operations and customer relations. They operate in over 180 countries worldwide and the company comprises of over 100k people. Ashraf is an experienced leader in Business & IT with over 20 years of experience in roles such as Consulting and Program Directors. Within SAP, he manages a cross-functional team that develops new ways to experience enterprise applications, using emerging technologies like Metaverse, AR/VR and AI etc. He is also a keynote speaker at various events, including SAPPHIRE and SAP TechED, where he has delivered keynotes and innovative presentations with the SAP Board and partners. Martyn spoke to Ashraf on a broad range of innovation and Metaverse based topics such as - Does innovation become easier, as technology continues to evolve? - How important is the industrial Metaverse, and why does it matter? - How big of an impact will AI have on technologies such as AR/VR - What will be the biggest turning point for the Metaverse that will see it become mainstream? Check out the episode to learn more!
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    39 mins
  • The XRVerse with Miquel Vidal - Head of XRS at CBRE
    Feb 2 2023

    In our latest XRVerse Podcast, our CEO, Martyn Makinson spoke with Miquel Vidal,

    Head of XRS (Extended Reality Solutions) at CBRE. CBRE is one of the world's largest real estate organisations, employing over 100,000 professionals in over 100 countries.

    Miquel is a senior leader for CBRE's XR-related activity - including the first CBRE XRaaS, Extended Reality As A Service, which has successfully been deployed to a number of CBRE GWS front-line workers.

    Martyn chats with Miquel about Extended Reality (XR) and shares interesting insights about the impact of the industrial Metaverse on front-line maintenance workers. Other topics included:

    - The biggest challenges of implementing XR technology into a global organisation like CBRE, and how to overcome them

    - The advantages of using XR technology for front-line workers in the maintenance process

    - How XR technology can be used to encourage younger people to think about a career in front-line operations

    Check out the Podcast to learn more!

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    46 mins
  • The XRVerse with Ed Greig - Chief Distruptor at Delotte Digital
    Jan 12 2023

    In our latest XRVerse episode, Martyn speaks with Ed Greig, Chief Disruptor at Deloitte Digital.

    Deloitte Digital is a global digital agency focusing on integrated digital offerings to elevate the customer experience. Deloitte Digital is an “experience consultancy” that helps clients build customer-oriented organisations. Ed works with Senior Leaders across a broad range of global organisations to help them better understand emerging technologies such as XR (AR/VR).

    Ed shares his interesting journey into XR and talks about his vision for the Metaverse and its potential to impact our daily lives!

    Martyn also speaks with Ed across a broad spectrum of areas, including:

    - The key challenges and considerations for large-scale organisations implementing XR (AR/VR) technology

    - How organisations can successfully implement XR technology, ensuring successful long-term adoption

    - The approach taken with senior leaders to help them to ‘fall in love with the problem, not the solution’

    - What is the Metaverse, and how important is it to industry

    Check out the video to learn more!

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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • The XRVerse with Richard Ward - Venture Altruist & former XR/Metaverse Senior Manager at McKinsey.
    Jan 15 2023

    Martyn Makinson, CEO of FourPointZero, speaks with Richard Ward in our inaugural podcast. Richard is a highly experienced, entrepreneurial industry veteran in XR (AR/VR), Web3 and the Metaverse.

    Formerly working at the Management Consulting firm McKinsey & Company & Co, Richard shares valuable industry insights from his many years of experience delivering AR/VR/MR projects and his vision for the future of XR and the Metaverse

    Martyn also speaks with Richard across a number of topics, including:

    - How he started working with AR/Technology

    - The lessons learned from the large number of XR projects he's successfully delivered for some of the world's largest organisations

    - The really interesting phenomenon of RPM's (Richards Per Minute)!

    - Why most work-based VR simulations lack engagement, and some great solutions how to remedy it

    - The biggest challenges facing the XR industry

    Check out the video to learn more!

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    53 mins