End User, a short sci-fi story by Alastair Reynolds

07/19/23 • 33 min

We are BACK for season 2!
In this season's premiere episode, we're taking a slightly different approach. We're diving into the world of science fiction with a special treat.
We are incredibly honored to present a story penned by Alastair Reynolds! Known for his masterful storytelling in hard science fiction, Reynolds' work often explores the vastness of space and the intricacies of time, challenging our perceptions of reality and humanity.
"End User" is a short tale exploring the near future of augmented reality.

Our protagonist, Doug, navigates life with a new pair of AR glasses, the Gaugs. As Doug immerses himself in this hyperreality, he grapples with the implications of this technology on his personal life and society at large.
If you've read his "Revelation Space" series, you know the future is complex and often hiding dangers one might not anticipate.

"End User" is a chilling reminder of the potential futures we may encounter as technology continues to evolve and reshape our world. Join us in this episode as we delve into this thought-provoking narrative and discuss its implications for our digital future.
Whether you're a long-time listener or just discovering us, we invite you to join us on this cyberdelic journey.
Let's continue to question, learn, and shape our digital future together. Welcome to Season 2 of The Cyberdelic Podcast!

If you're into cyberdelics or want to know more about spatial computing, we're building the future of precise positioning.
https://linktr.ee/aukilabs

If you're into cyberdelics or want to know more about spatial computing, we're building the future of precise positioning.
https://linktr.ee/aukilabs

Previous Episode

Midjourney Tripping

In the new episode of the Cyberdelic Podcast, we go on a Midjourney trip!

We talk about text-to-image tools like Midjourney and how AI generators have rapidly advanced in complexity. Now we can create not only fictitious people, objects, and locations but also entire visual styles.

Users can type prompts to receive artwork that resembles a comic book, game art, a historical diagram, a realistic photograph, and so much more. The AI is always here doing its best to conjure it for us.

We discuss whether we can use these tools for augmented reality storytelling and communication and ask if the psychedelic state beyond memetic boundaries can benefit from AI-generated images.

Tools like Midjourney are already democratizing the ability to express what’s on someone’s mind. Having these at one’s disposal can help anyone realize an artistic potential, not by learning to draw by hand but by learning to think more clearly about what they want to visualize.

Perhaps a good artist or the near future will have to be more of a clear thinker than a craftsperson and hunt for ideas at the edge of known memeplexes.

If you're into cyberdelics or want to know more about spatial computing, we're building the future of precise positioning.
https://linktr.ee/aukilabs

Next Episode

Spatial Computing Horizons: Impact of Augmented Reality - Interview with Alastair Reynolds

Welcome back to The Cyberdelic Podcast!

In today's deep dive, we're navigating the intricate dance between technology and humanity with the renowned science fiction author-scientist Alastair Reynolds and our own Nils Pihl.

Together, they delve into the profound implications of augmented reality as portrayed in Alastair’s narratives and the looming Vision Pro revolution on the horizon. They share concerns about AR’s potential to distort reality and deceive us, leading to disconnection, but also acknowledge its transformative capabilities for authentic communication on a level never before experienced.

They tackle the existential challenges posed by our universe's relative positioning and the wonders of computational astronomy.

The conversation serves as a reminder of technology's dual nature and the importance of harnessing its potential responsibly.

Let's explore, question, and shape our digital future together.

Dive in with us on The Cyberdelic Podcast!
Alastair Reynolds’ recommendations:
- Rick Beato, multi-instrumentalist, music producer and educator: https://www.youtube.com/@RickBeato

Ward Carroll, veteran F-14 Tomcat radar intercept officer, writer, and military storyteller: https://www.youtube.com/@WardCarroll

M3GAN Trailer: https://youtu.be/OoDHM_A1axc

Freedom Fry, a French/American folk duo: https://youtu.be/cmE7-5Zx9gM

If you're into cyberdelics or want to know more about spatial computing, we're building the future of precise positioning.
https://linktr.ee/aukilabs