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The metaverse is quite possibly the future of the internet. To help our readers learn more about it, we've started this metaverse interview series. These are the questions we've compiled to ask experts in blockchain, DAOs, NFTs, and game development, within the HackerNoon community. The series is intended for tech professionals to contribute their insights about the current state and the future of the metaverse. If you too would like to start contributing to Hacker Noon, you can do so here. If you also want to publish your thoughts about the metaverse, answer the template here. HackerNoon Reporter: So let’s start! First, tell us a bit about yourself. For example, name, profession, and personal interests. My name is Matthew Proffitt. I’m a 26-year old, six-figure freelance consultant, financial analyst (certified FMVA), and content marketer that has helped more than 30 companies secure funding—over $500 million altogether since 2017. I specialize in ESG, emerging tech, and disruptive tech. Some days I type upward of 1500/2000 words per hour (without dictating) and some days, my ADHD gets the best of me, so I go down the dopamine rabbit holes and type like 50 words per hour. Thankfully, I get paid for ideas and insights in addition to content. I enjoy gaming, photography, reading, writing, listening to, and recently making music. I don’t have any music published yet, but I’ve been dabbling for about a year now. I’ve served as a thought-leader “behind the curtain” in more than 20 industries including Web 3.0, cloud computing, drones, cybersecurity, and management consulting. Please sum up what the metaverse is in 1 to two paragraphs. The metaverse is, essentially the next step in the human experience. Millennials have been a fortunate generation in many ways. We’ve seen the transition from AOL (before my time, haha.) to Web 2.0 and the wonders that HTML, among other elements, has brought. We saw the birth of technology like Augmented Reality and Quantum Computing IRL. (There are QCs available to businesses now—we live in the future.) Now, the metaverse is becoming a sovereign space for creators and consumers. It’s a place where people can go to build things that they own. It’s impossible to own a forgery of an NFT, for example. Someone can own the same image, even identical image attributes, but never a fake NFT, something people seem to forget when calling “theft” and other (still offensive) actions out. At a high level, the metaverse is a fusion of infrastructure, technology, experience, identity, and proof of ownership. Are you currently, directly or indirectly, working on building a metaverse? I support Web 3.0 and metaverse businesses alongside other clients. I’ve collaborated with a few NFT projects for ideation on things like world-building and story crafting, marketing, and many other things. I’m indirectly working on building in the metaverse. I attended NFT-focused event on Feb. 23rd, 2022. It was hosted , a non-profit network that supports underdog entrepreneurs in the Appalachian Highlands. I also just finished a grant-related PR for a Web 3.0 client that may prove infrastructural in the months and years to come. FoundersForge In your opinion, is the metaverse inevitable, or is it just another passing trending tech topic that'll lose hype? There’s no avoiding it any more than there was avoiding bitcoin. It will definitely lose hype—by nature, hype is meant to fade. The Gartner “ ” is a common reference for people seeking to learn which stage of adoption a given type of technology is in. Technology Hype Cycle Why is the metaverse such a revolutionary concept? The metaverse is revolutionary because there has never been a phase in human history that we could bring so many disruptive forces together at once. I would go so far as to say that . Once we find effective means to combine manufacturing, logistics, machine vision, , and automation, and all formats of AI/ML into the mix, I don’t think anyone can see where we will end up. To me, the metaverse is a summary of technological progress to date. we are building the singularity today quantum computing autonomization To sum it up, It’s the . beginning of the next chapter in human history What can people build in the metaverse that we can't build on the Internet, or in virtual reality today? What limitations of our current technology does the metaverse free us from? Simply put, the metaverse doesn’t necessarily free us from technological limitations by existing. It does, however, open new potential avenues of progress. Things like immersive AR/VR are already here—I’ve spent a fair bit of time exploring through my Quest 2, but I know I’m just scratching the surface. The most important thing that I see people building in the metaverse is experience. We’re now building experiences based on things that we own. It’s like when you’re playing a game—you farm for loot, grind away hours of your life, and you own the items you get, right? Not in Web 2.0—if a developer shuts their game down, you’ve got nothing. Seeing games like (This link will take you to the Darkwinds Discord server) that lost their footing (and developers) can still exist after losing the founding team—held by a community—it’s exhilarating. Darkwinds How are the metaverse and blockchain technology related? Can we build a metaverse without blockchain tech? This depends on how you relate concepts that underpin these concepts. Blockchain is, effectively, to the metaverse what seconds, minutes, and hours are to this portion of reality. If we compare block time against an average of 10 minutes ($BTC), we’re just converting from minutes into block time. So as far as I’m concerned, no. they’re inextricably linked—inseparable. History is written by the victors —Winston Churchill If you apply this concept to blockchain, it holds true, no matter what method we use to reach consensus. Effectively, there’s a multiverse of orphaned, rejected, and abandoned blocks—each containing a different shard of reality—a timeline of its own. The metaverse as I see it, cannot exist without blockchain—distributed consensus and an immutable ledger of history. How quickly do you think the metaverse will be developed? How much can we expect metaverse tech to grow in the next 5 to 10 years? Given recent changes in public markets and available technology, I expect to see massive growth. In particular infrastructure and quality of life enhancements, such as the Hyundai//IonQ partnership for lithium battery research. Other advancements have been made, with respect to silicon-based quantum computing components and even quantum logic gates. Further, investments from the private sector and media (looking at you, Zuckerburg and Meta) have drastically accelerated public sector awareness of the concept. It’s kind of forcing people to accept the impending advancements. I’ll take a second to split out various tech components of the modern metaverse and what/how I expect to see progress. I’m only going to touch on areas where I’ve provided thought-leadership, whether as a byline or as a ghostwriter—blogs, eBooks, whitepapers, etc. Quantum computing: We will continue to see growth in commercial-grade quantum computers, with widely-respected companies like placing by 2028. Some of the other industry leaders, like (quantum software development.) For some framing, quantum-driven Natural Language Processing (QNLP) was able to in 2020. IonQ 1000+ qubit quantum computers on the horizon Classiq accommodate both grammar AND meaning for words and sentences There’s also been recent progress in quantum networking and quantum encryption. the longest range free space network that I’ve heard of to date employs quantum entanglement to a satellite over 1,200km away. There is already a as well, as of 2021. multinode quantum network A paper published by in Nov. 2021 reported that Google researchers, in collaboration with Stanford, had successfully created time crystals—quantum particle systems that organize themselves into a periodic pattern of motion that is rather than in space. Simply put, it’s , a new category of phases of matter altogether. Nature periodic in time simultaneously stable and always changing Gaming: I’ve been into gaming for over a decade—including co-founding two esports organizations to promote mental well-being and help address some of the toxicity underpinning the gaming and eSports communities. When I started them, I ended up taking on more than I could handle, so despite strong (Top 10 out of over 90 teams) Amateur placements at events like NJROD: King of The Couch (a Halo and Call of Duty-focused event at the time), national placements for Magic the Gathering, and a host of other teams, such as CS:GO and Hearthstone, we decided to shutter the ventures. Blockchain/Crypto/Web 3.0: We will continue to see new and exciting projects in the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) space in addition to Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and expansions upon Peer-to-Peer (P2P) finance elements, such as insurance. Flash loans were an exciting topic in 2021 for things like arbitrage, where your potential losses were able to be mitigated. One comical example was an individual —but ultimately paying only 0.2 $ETH (the cost of gas). buying their own CryptoPunk for $500 million Distributed Autonomous Organizations (DAOs)—I still remember when the Ethereum DAO was hacked in like 2017. The potential for benefit here is crazy, increased by an order of magnitude, at least, if combined with the other tech mentioned in this interview. DAOs can resolve nearly all of the G (governance-related) concerns in the ESG space if we utilize it properly over the next few decades. It’s not a silver bullet, however. Things like “Oracles” that onboard real-world data onto blockchains are just one key component of realizing the full potential of DAOs. I’ve seen a lot of discussion around stablecoins (such as , a former client of mine) and liquidity mining (such as Aave and curve), or pooling funds and letting someone else invest them—also known as “Yield Farming” between 2020 and 2021. There’s been some exciting progress there. Ultimately, you should only ever invest what you can afford to lose, however. Nothing is free—risk is an intangible currency all its own, you pay the risk upfront when you exchange value in any format. Everex Global Musicians like “Lil Bubble” have also made some meme-worthy songs, like this one about yield farming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42pUCIjC6ks And this one about DeFi as an overarching concept: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PEs1Ezk9htU There has been a lot of mainstream visibility over the last couple of years, in particular as institutions like Goldman Sachs have , so much so that a wave of new scandals regarding governing-body personnel, such as Federal Reserve (FED) staff have incited sweeping sanctions on stock and crypto trading restrictions for FED personnel, including: begun investing funds into crypto Officials must provide 45-day non-retractable notice for transactions, receive pre-approval for purchases and sales and hold investments for at least one year Transactions will be prohibited during periods of heightened financial market stress ( ) Fortune.com Mobile processing: Qualcomm, Google, Apple, NXP Semiconductors, Samsung, and Ericsson are major mobile processing unit producers. Qualcomm Snapdragon, Google “Tensor”, Ericsson “NovaThor”, and other units have proven capable of impressive performance in a very small form factor. The Oculus Quest 2, as an example to kinda bring things back around to the metaverse, uses the Qualcomm XR2 mobile processing chipset (a variant of the Snapdragon 865 chipset that’s found in higher-end phones like the S20 Ultra from Samsung. It also uses the Adreno 650 graphics processor (GPU) from Qualcomm. It’s the first standalone VR headset to cross into “trillion floating-point operations per second” (Teraflops) territory. For comparison, a PS5 is capable of 10.3 Teraflops. That’s really exciting because the Quest 2 uses only about 5W of power for its mobile processor (CPU), whereas a PS5 uses a Zen-2 based custom processor. For all of its system operations, it uses 200W during gaming and purportedly as much as 90W just for watching Netflix. ( ) Note: These are two different sets of measurements showing the scale of difference—not a direct “apple and apple” comparison Energy Efficiency/ESG: We’re starting to see some crazy stuff here. There’s an AI that can control plasma now, by itself. It can even control the shape of the plasma. This may mean huge things for the safety and efficiency of nuclear power in the not-so-distant future. I’ve been really excited about this since I ghostwrote an article on Tokamak nuclear reactors, it was initially in 2017. I cannot link my article because it was ghostwritten, but we’re seeing really exciting stuff these days. inspired by this release from Tokamak Energy That doesn’t even begin to summarize it, though. I had a conversation with someone regarding a product that could work to balance carbon footprints and maybe even work to convert some of our waste products (like carbon dioxide, etc.) into energy—they were looking to raise funds, but we ultimately drifted apart before agreeing on a deal. Other things are under study and research here, like advanced air filtration (some are exploring air filtration to resolve pollution issues and aid in the reduction of climate change factors.) Tesla, of course, is making news with their (very) recent switch to (Lithium Iron Phosphate, specifically) for their standard-range vehicles. These are the , according to Power-Sonic, a battery manufacturer. producing Iron-based batteries safest lithium batteries that you can buy In conjunction with a multi-billion dollar initiative by the US Department of Energy, this may mean that the lower range is a far lesser concern. Now, when we are able to deploy stable nuclear reactors, we will quickly reach a tipping point wherein electric energy is far more sustainable than fossil fuels. If you think about it, your gas tank is basically just a (refillable) chemical potential battery. Some lead-based batteries last as long as 20 years, far longer than your current average car lifespan. Cybersecurity: There have been countless hacks over the last few years, including OpenSea, which has been a controversial compromise. People need to be aware that emails may be sent using HTML, also known as a “Deep Fake” email. Sites like allow users to send emails . Deadfake has begun imposing a footer at the bottom of emails sent from their service and uses trackable means in case of criminal activity, in order to prevent situations like this, whether related to it or not. Deadfake From anyone as a visibly authentic email address Security deserves an additional mention here as well—the OpenSea hack reminded me of the in 2017 (I ) which was worth 150,000ETH (only $30 million at the time ($220), is equivalent to over $412 million at a modern ETH price of $2,750) Ethereum Parity wallet breach covered the event here Since the SolarWinds attack a couple of years ago, businesses have realized that simply unit testing the components and requisites of software isn’t sufficient. Companies like ReversingLabs have developed solutions for whole-picture software testing, before a software deployment, which helps mitigate modern risks. Self-healing systems are also becoming increasingly relevant—as more than just jargon. Artificial Intelligence: Solving all forms of optimization problems, power management, predictive analytics, data science, the possibilities here are ever-evolving and seem limitless. In 2021, the first AI hyperoptimization model was deployed—an AI that trains new AIs. It’s able to do countless hours of initial training in just seconds. I could spend the next hour of typing at 1400wph, discussing advancements here, and still just scratch the surface. Logistics and Shipping: , , and more have been hot topics from 2017 through 2021, and continue to be hot in 2022. Recent evolution of things like driver shortages, dock detentions/delays, and shipment container-hauling chassis have led to newsworthy port backups and stalls in the supply chain. Odds are pretty high that you or someone you know has seen shelves barren as of late, sometimes for days to weeks at a time. COVID has definitely contributed, but some things, like the chassis shortages, have been backlogged for a year or more. Amazon and Walmart are struggling to find logistics support, FedEx seems to be struggling, and many third-party logistics providers are starving for talent. Self-driving cars can aid with resolving the talent struggles but are not market-ready for full autonomy yet. Seoul Robotics displayed a “ ” at CES 2022. Warehouse optimization automated warehouses LVL5 CTRL TWR One simple use case for this might be a CRM integration that verifies customers’ location-based details, such as weather, so businesses aren’t sending out SMS coupons for sleds when it’s seventy degrees outside. Manufacturing: Holy cow, we’re seeing the birth of the first fully autonomous factories and robots that can both feel pain and respond to it themselves. . They’re capable of complex tasks such as independently loading products and pallets onto trucks, and more—with no human intervention. Japan and the US are already —the perceptible culmination of tech required for fully automated factories and fully automated self-driving cars. Robots can now detect damage and repair themselves as well as other robots working on collective standards for 6G communications What is your hope for the metaverse? Do you have any worries or does the concept pose any threats? I have high hopes for it. I see the metaverse as an opportunity for humans to create truly sustainable industry, fully-immersive entertainment, and experiences, and resolve many trust-based issues that exist in the modern market. We may see a world of anything we can ever want within the next 20 years. I have a wide array of concerns as well, of course. We’ve got AI and machine-related ethics, defining the human experience to enable people to continue living full, deep, fulfilling lives, and even concerns regarding the addictiveness of AR/VR, gaming addiction, and more. Then there’s the prospect of mind-reading technology (Neuralink to name one business in the space), and a whole host of potential dystopian and apocalyptic scenarios. I’m not a doomsday type of guy, but I’m not blind to the possibilities, either. We have to work together and consistently adhere to and test our morals & ethics to ensure a bright tomorrow for humanity, specifically the generations to come. Thanks for your time! Any final words? I like to talk to people who do stuff. I welcome all formats of feedback and conversation, as long as people are respectful. I’m the guy that people come to when everyone says their idea is crazy, who helps them launch and raise funds. Most of the time, it’s people that are just ahead of their time. This article definitely covers more than just the metaverse, but I think it’s important to see progress as a whole, how the pieces come together, and where businesses can fit into the puzzle. That’s what I’m passionate about—stepping into the unknown and figuring out what connections exist, and which ones need to exist. I’m happy to answer any questions that I am able to.

There’s No Avoiding The Metaverse, It is the Next Chapter in Human History

If you are not aware of Intelligent Automation, then you surely have heard about Artificial intelligence. It is a combination of AI that helps to originate the complete process of small businesses. Technology is one of the most significant elements that help to evaluate and grow small businesses, and if you want to operate automation, then you should acknowledge Robotic Process Automation and beyond. In this guide, we will explain to you the importance of Intelligent Automation and what benefits it brings to business holders. This detailed guide will surely be informative for you in different ways. Let's start the guide. What is Business Automation? Business Automation is a process of utilizing technology to process with the business methodologies. The trend of using business automation is not new, as many businesses have been operating it for a long time. However, the cost varies, the usage is also getting better with time, and the quality is also improving. Today, businesses are getting more and more opportunities on how to do business automation more efficiently and reliably. When we talk about business automatic, the first term that comes to our mind is Robotic Automation technology that is widely used by many businesses. Let's put a light on a few primary reasons for which businesses are using new technologies for business automation for all the right reasons. Those reasons include: 1- Considering Customers Needs It doesn't matter how efficiently and accurately you have designed your website app; the main thing that should be your priority is to look for the needs of your customers and fulfill their issues. Whatever product you have designed should be able to solve your customer's issues effectively. More often than not, digital transformation practices begin by investigating how computerized innovations can be utilized to rethink the experience of your customer, and it is absolutely one of the best ways. Hence, it is one of the main reasons that we came across after deep analysis. 2- Back-office Management Tasks Digital Transformations bring a huge impact on the tasks performed at the back office. However, it is a fact that the work or operation is done at the back office doesn't get the deserving attention and, unfortunately, often gets neglected. All this situation resulted in a costly legacy system and complicated to handle patchworks. If we look back, these things have always been neglected, but today, many businesses have started paying special consideration towards the management tasks of the back office to avoid different expenses and issues. 3- Misuse of Time and Opportunity What can be worse than misusing the time and opportunity that is the biggest asset of business? However, this misusage is not limited to the back-office. At the customer end, it is also very common and brings a lot of difficulties and issues. The biggest concern is at the front-office, where a lot of time and opportunities have been wasted. It also resulted in an increase in employer turnover. Whenever businesses or companies hire a new member in their team, their training becomes complicated and slow, which is another adverse point. Even when employees are fast learners, the complexities in the system make them annoyed and frustrated. What is Intelligent Automation Now let's talk a bit about intelligent automation in detail for better and easy learning. It is a term that relates to the Artificial Intelligence Application. Furthermore, it comprises all the latest technologies, including Cognitive automation, Computer Vision, and Machine learning. One can't deny the importance of Intelligent automation because through IA; you can better a better insight into your business. If a business wants to succeed, then they should never take Intelligent automation for granted because it let them know how to get benefits from the opportunities effectively and reliably. What is Robotic Process Automation Robotic Process Automation is a process of monitoring and analyzing the work routine of all the employees working in a business by using different Robotic tools. It is beneficial in many ways as it eliminates the chance of human error by catching them immediately. It brings different automation ideas to the table in no time that can't be possible with a human mind. One of the worth mentioning benefits it provides is setting the employer free from the manual task that needs to be done again and again. It completely values the time and lets businesses proceed faster. Artificial Intelligence The widely used terms with which many people are already aware. In the back office, Robotic Process Automation does all the automating functions, including the request of address changes, different statement requests, invoice operations, and a lot more. Now, here the actual problem arises. The requests that arrive at them often in different document form that took a lot of time to process. Inevitably the human mind has to digitize the data in different fields and documentation in order to process it. On the other hand, Machine Learning algorithms know how to make the process done efficiently. The algorithms order report types, recognize and measure normal dialects, and distinguish and extricate key information fields, including subjects, invoice information, PO numbers, and much more. Conclusion One of the major mistakes that businesses often make is having misconceptions regarding intelligent Automation. It is not only about the systems that automate service in the performance. Through automation, you can get to know a lot about your business, so the actual use of this automation is to never ignore the issues that you come across and use that feedback to improve the performance. The insights help a lot in making different decisions regarding improved business performance. The technologies that you use help your team members to acknowledge the refillable elements to highlight usual challenges. The tools that you use should be helpful for the workers so that they can proceed with the work efficiently. I hope you will find this detailed guide on Intelligent automation helpful.

3 Key Reasons Why Intelligent Automation Is Important For Your Business

By , Co-Founder at Chronicled (2015-present). on . Samantha Radocchia Originally published Quora With over 83 million passengers traveling through Dubai International Airport, it was the world’s third busiest airport in 2016. The city itself is booming, with an annual population growth of just over 10%. While it’s the undisputed business hub of the Middle East, Dubai has set an ambitious goal: To be the first blockchain-powered government in the world by 2020. It’s a bold transition for the city but one that might not be as far-fetched as you think. Blockchain-powered smart cities are more attainable than people imagine. The uses for blockchain within cities are nearly endless, but there are some major areas where blockchain will represent a dramatic improvement. Let’s look at a few of those areas to see how blockchain can impact city life in the coming years. After all, if Dubai’s experiment with blockchain-powered government works out, there’s no telling who might follow suit. Inefficiencies Cities around the world are already working to become what we call “smart cities.” They’re using IoT connected devices to do everything — from detecting gunshots to monitoring traffic and air quality. And guess what? All of those IoT devices can be registered on the blockchain. There are plenty of opportunities to add blockchain to city systems that are already connected. These systems gather plenty of data that could be placed on the blockchain. Upgrading to blockchain would make it easier for city governments to access and manage that data. Say, when the light in an IoT connected lamp post goes out, it could trigger an automatic message to officials in charge of replacing it. Right now, there are silos of data. Not every security camera or electronic lock is made by the same company. Not every parking garage uses the same parking sensors to determine capacity. If we could securely organize all of that data onto an interoperable backbone, then law enforcement (or government officials or whoever is allowed access to the data) would be able to get that access without going through multiple separate parties. Blockchain could help solve many city inefficiencies almost immediately. Public Safety Communication and data sharing can have a positive effect on public safety as well. Recently, I had a conversation with a company in Boston who is trying to use the blockchain space for public safety data in police departments. Their data is very loosely organized. Silos of data are inaccessible to police stations in different neighborhoods within the same city. The current system is very rudimentary, partly because there’s no better way to share sensitive data between departments. Blockchain can provide a secure system for sharing sensitive data. Wires won’t be crossed, and opportunities won’t be missed due to a lack of communication. This still has to be weighed against a citizen’s right to privacy and the government’s limit to tracking individuals. But it’s good to see people are talking about sharing data and working on preventative measures, such as analyzing crime statistics and planning police patrols around that information. Public Transportation Most major cities rely heavily on public transportation. Some of them can’t operate without it. There are opportunities to put blockchain to work here. New York City recently awarded a to transition from their refillable MetroCard to electronic readers. Right now, New York commuters have to manually swipe the cards and refill with money as needed. In cities like San Francisco and London, you don’t even need a card. You can scan your phone and deduct payment from connected accounts such as Apple Pay or PayPal. $573 million-dollar contract The next step would be to use a blockchain-based system for pay. If commuters have a blockchain wallet on their smartphone, they could pay for any transit pass, loyalty programs, or purchase without a card. And that may give extra incentive to take public transport. Smart Incentives Another interesting aspect of blockchain-powered cities is how they can incentivize citizens to make positive decisions. Here’s a hypothetical: Say you decide to take public transportation to work every day this coming week instead of driving. When the wallet registers you’ve used public transportation all week, you get a discount on your energy bill for that month. Or maybe you’re credited for one free bus ride. Whatever it is, the incentive has to gently push people towards ethical, sustainable, and transparent ways of consuming and producing goods and services. This could lead to more sustainable, habitable cities with fewer issues and inefficiencies. At the end of the day, that’s what blockchain can help us accomplish — smarter, healthier cities. And if Dubai makes good on their goal in 2020, we may have an example to follow in just a few years. By , Co-Founder at Chronicled (2015-present). on . Samantha Radocchia Originally published Quora For more trending tech answers from , visit . Quora HackerNoon.com/quora

Can an Entire City Run on the Blockchain?

WS17 Quick Links Transport to and from WS17 WS17 app WS17 venue map Conference schedule Conference speakers Night Summit After party events Before The Conference Fail to plan, and plan to fail! You will be speaking to a lot of people, so make sure you know what you want them to remember about you. Focus on what sets you apart and try to keep it fun — people always remember banter over facts. Also, bring throat lozenges or mints — you’ll be doing a lot of talking. Pitch- – Make sure you beforehand! You will need it when registering (either at the venue or the airport). Registration is mandatory for all attendees. App download the app — I’d advise some antibacterial hand gel as you’ll be shaking hands with a lot of people, who will also be in contact with a lot of people. Cold/flu season is in the air, and you want to stay in tip top health. Medication in Lisbon is very expensive, so it might be a good idea to bring some cold/flu tablets and tissues just in case. Hygiene — For those who didn’t go to Web Summit last year, you probably aren’t prepared for how big the actual venue is. Whatever you’re imagining, double it! So if there is one thing you do, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Shoes — Make sure you pick out the talks you want attend, booths you want to visit and outline what you hope to achieve. Downloading the will make it easier to manage your schedule. The app has a great map of the venue, making it easier to move between talks. Try to get to the event early, so you can get your bearings beforehand. Agenda app — Arrange 1-on-1 meetings via the with the key people you want to speak to. As Web Summit has an amazing Night Summit, why not arrange to go for dinner, or meet them at one of the night events. Alternatively, you could arrange breakfast/lunch at some of Lisbon’s local cafes. Meetings app — You will need lots of cards! Make sure you jot down brief bullet points on the back of each card (location, interests, and areas for collaboration). And keep a small with you, so you can keep track of your conversations. Cards business notebook — Bring water, or a refillable water bottle, and snacks. It’ll be a long day, and even though lots of booths have food, it’s usually sugar filled treats which will leave you feeling lethargic, and the food trucks always have long queues. Nourishment — The average temperature is around 18°C (63°F), but can drop to about 11°C (52°F) in the evening (bring a jacket). During WS17, it’s set to be , so I’d suggest bringing some SPF. Early 20s is borderline tropical (especially for those of us coming from Ireland), so make sure you pack the right clothes. Weather quite sunny — Outline your goals. Maybe you want to increase your network, or build partnerships or perhaps you’re looking for an investor. Whatever your motive is, do your homework. If you want to speak to specific people, find out a bit about them beforehand. Goals — Make sure you have at least one backup portable charger, or spare battery. And for those travelling from outside Europe, don’t forget your adaptor! Chargers During The Conference Be ready for queues! — Register for the event at the airport, this will save you a lot of time at the venue! Airport registration: 4th — 10am to 11pm, 5th — 7am to 11pm, 6th — 7am to 11pm, 7th — 7am to 3pm. Venue registration: 6th — 12pm to 8pm, 7th — 8am to 5pm, 8th — 8am to 5pm, 9th — 8am to 3pm. Registration — There are lots of cost effective ways to get to and from the venue, and the Web Summit team have done an amazing job at outlining all . It might be useful to know that the venue is called Fil & Altice Arena, and was previously known at MEO Arena. Transport your options — There are queues for everything, particularly for the bathroom and food trucks. Be warned! Queues – No suitcases or large bags are allowed in the venue, only laptop bags or smaller. There are cloakrooms, but you will have to queue, so I’d suggest only bring extra luggage if absolutely necessary. Luggage — There will be lots of super cool SWAG, so try to keep some space in your suitcase, and bring a backpack. Once it’s full, it’s time to walk away from the free t-shirts. SWAG — There will be WiFi at the venue, however it will be shared with thousands of other people, so don’t expect 5* coverage. For those that need WiFi, I suggest arranging a cost-effective data bundle with your network provider. WiFi — There are some amazing food trucks between 2 of the main expo halls, however be prepared for massive queues. And compared to the local eateries, the prices are a bit pricey. Food — Give yourself a bit of time before talks to figure out conference hall locations. As I mentioned before, the venue is HUGE and it’s easy to get lost. Make sure you plan the talks you want to see, and get there at least 15–20 minutes early to get a decent seat. Talks — Conferences are not all about business. Some of the best connections are made at the : 6th — Bairro Alto & Principal Real. 7th — Pink Street and Cais do Sodre. 8th — LX Factory. Make the most of the app, connect with people, and sign up for one of the many . Or why not arrange an evening with some of your fellow attendees, . Mingle Night Summit after hours events join me here — Make sure you’re involved in the conversations on social media. Use #websummit or #websummit2017 for your tweets. Social — There are lots of co-working spaces for those who need to get some work done: , , , and . Co-working Co-work Lisboa Liberdade 221 Entrepreneurs Break Product Tank Village Underground — Conferences are all about networking. It might be intimidating at first, but you will quickly get into the swing of things. Take the time to listen to people, and find out ifyou can be of help to them. If you can put them in contact with someone relevant, make sure you do so. Avoid ‘salesy’ pitches, instead connect with people on a personal level. Network After The Conference Don’t forget to nurture your new contacts! — One of the biggest mistakes people make when attending events is forgetting to follow up. If you don’t take anything from the event, then it was probably a waste of time. Take the time to follow up with those that you would like to pursue, either a personal or professional relationship with. Send a personalised email, something like: Follow-Up Hey XXX, It was great to meet you at Web Summit. I hope you had fun, and got a chance to check out XXX restaurant. How was your travel back to XXX? I’d love to catch up with you when you have a chance, to discuss how we can collaborate on ideas. Let me know when you’re free. Thanks Quick Tips for Visiting Lisbon Praça do Comércio (Central square) With an abundance of attractions, beautiful beaches, museums, and buildings covered in gorgeous tiles, Lisbon is a feast for the eyes. I’ve compiled a list of some of my top must see places, useful tips and ideas for your stay in Lisbon. — Fado music is a must see for anyone visiting Lisbon. My top suggestion for a great Fado bar is in Bairro Alto. Alfama is also full of amazing Fado singers, quaint cafes and stunning rooftop views. Fado A Tasca do Chico — The dish of the day (pratos do dia) is usually good value for money, especially for those on a budget. Try to avoid anywhere with multilingual menus, as prices are significantly higher. Tapas style food is very common, and at affordable prices, it’s a great option for group meals. Seafood is a huge part of Lisbon’s cuisine, due to its close proximity to the sea. Portugal’s national dish, Bacalhau, a salted cod used in lots of local recipes and stews. Food — Most traditional restaurants close between 3–8, so be prepared to eat late. Waiters often bring you food that you didn’t order, don’t be afraid to send it back, otherwise you’ll be charged for it. Check out in . Restaurants Time Out Market Cais do Sodre — All of Lisbon’s coastline beaches are connected via . Praia Sao Pedro and Praia de Carcavelos (return tickets are less than €3) are considered 2 of the nicest local beaches. If you take this line, make sure you check out (free bikes available) and . Beaches Lisbon-Cascais railway Cascais Estoril — Lisbon’s efficient public transportation, CARRIS (buses, trams and funiculars), is very affordable. If you’re looking to travel via CARRIS and the Metro, make sure you get Viva Viagem card (€6 for 24-hour card) or LisboaCard (€18.50 for 24-hour card). Transport — Pickpockets are on the lookout, particularly at night. Avoid dark alleyways, and stay with a group in well-lit areas. You can expect to be approached several times by people selling drugs, especially at some of the main tourist attractions. Just ignore them! Beware — For help with planning costs, check out this guide from . For anyone on a budget, this should come in handy. Costs The Savvy Backpacker list from Budget Traveller — Check out some of these free walking tours: , , and Tours Lisbon Chill-Out Free Tour Pancho Free Tours New Europe Free Tours Discover Walks — is a chill rooftop bar and restaurant with unbelievable views of Lisbon, which can only be accessed via a car park — trust me, this is a ! Another amazing find is . What better way to enjoy the view of red rooftops, than with some live music at sunset! To save yourself a steep climb, and take the . Rooftops Park Bar must Largo de Graca Funicular da Bica — If visiting cafés is your thing, then make sure you check out LX Factory (Night Summit location on 8th November). What was once dominated by industrial factories, is now full of cafés, shops, and incredible underground art. Cafés — My top must see attractions are: in Belém and in central Lisbon. There are too many to mention, for more read guide . Attractions Monastery Of Jerónimos São Jorge Castle The Savvy Backpacker’s — For a coastal view of Lisbon, there are a few low cost . I’d recommend the , which passes under the suspension bridge and the Cristo Rei statue. For great views of Alfama and Baixa, hop on the Ferries commuter ferries Cais do Sodré ferry ferry at Terreiro do Paço — Another must for first timers in Lisbon, Tram 28 passes through picture-perfect neighbourhoods like Baixa, Graça, Alfama, Estrela and gets you to . I’d suggest you get a 24-hour pass, and start at , otherwise you’ll be standing for over an hour, sandwiched between people. Tram 28 São Jorge Castle Martim Moniz station — Spanning the Tagus river, the 25 de Abril Bridge is a dead ringer for the infamous San Francisco landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge. One of the most photographed places in Lisbon, the connects Lisbon to . Best views are from the main square, , which overlooks the Tagus river. Make sure you visit , and take the lift to ruins. Bridge 25 de Abril Bridge Almada Praça do Comércio Santa Justa street Igreja do Carmo church Neighbourhoods Lisbon is brimming with so much culture, and while it’s impossible to see everything, here is a brief overview of some of the main areas. has some of the oldest buildings in the city, and has a fantastic variety of amazing clubs, fado singers, cafes and restaurants. Bairro Alto is great for those that want to do a bit of shopping. Chiado is the oldest neighbourhood, traditionally for fishermen, filled with winding streets, cafes, restaurants, fado music, (Tuesday & Sunday) and the stunning São Jorge Castle. Alfama Santa Clara flea market is the main business area of Lisbon, located downtown and was completely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. Baixa is home to the famous bakery, that serves the best Pastel de nata (Portuguese egg tart), but be prepared for queues! While you’re there, check out . is the best free contemporary and modern art museum. Give yourself half a day to explore Belém. Belém Pastéis de Belém Mosteiro Dos Jeronimos Museu Berardo — A 40-minute from Lisbon (€2.40 return ticket), UNESCO World Heritage city Sintra is a treasure. Grab a tuk-tuk, or brave the steep 1.5km hike to . Surrounded by national park, you can visit the ancient ruins of . You’ll need to set aside a full day for Sintra. Sintra train ride Palacio de la Pena Serra de Sintra Castelo dos Mouros — Once a coastal fishing town, Cascais is now a popular escape for wealthy visitors and Portugal’s very own royal family. If sun and sandy beaches is your thing, then the 30-minute train ride is well worth it, if you plan on spending the day. Cascais — Once owned by the Queen of Portugal, Obidos is the perfect place for picturesque towns, and a relaxing day trip. You won’t need more than half a day to enjoy this walled town, but make sure you factor in one-hour train ride each way. Obidos Mic Drop! So, there you have it! A comprehensive ‘Ultimate Guide to Lisbon’ for anyone attending Web Summit this year. For the solo travellers reading this, make sure you link up with fellow attendees, this is the beauty of Web Summit! You’re more than welcome to join us, and let me know what you’re most interested in doing. register here

Ultimate Survival Guide for Conferences | Web Summit

You can jump to any section of y The National Cislunar Science & Technology Strateg here. OBJECTIVES U.S. science and technology leadership in Cislunar space will continue to support the responsible, peaceful, and sustainable exploration and use of Cislunar space, including the Moon, by all spacefaring nations and entities. Fostering scientific discovery, economic development, and international cooperation are essential to sustaining this leadership. To realize this vision, the U.S. government has adopted the following four high-level S&T objectives. Objective 1: Support research and development to enable long-term growth in Cislunar space Cislunar space is the gateway to the rest of the Solar System. It is a valuable place for us to test our systems and operations in preparation for future robotic and human missions to destinations in deep space. The Moon also has the potential to be a source of new scientific advances and resources to drive economic growth. To unlock these benefits and set the stage for humanity’s future in space, this objective includes the following clusters of sub-objectives: (1) R&D to enable enduring human presence, (2) R&D to best utilize Cislunar space for science, and (3) programs needed to ensure availability and readiness of a skilled workforce to support all efforts outlined in this strategy and beyond: Enable Enduring Human Presence The technologies that may be used for crewed missions into the Solar System—to Mars and beyond— have not yet been fully defined, leaving room for innovative concepts to be matured. Cislunar space should be used to experiment and innovate, while developing reliable and cost-effective technologies to support long-duration crewed missions beyond the Moon. The U.S. government will support the development of orbital and Lunar surface technologies and other scalable capabilities that support an enduring human presence on planetary surfaces. These include refuellable Lunar landers, environmental control and life support, lunar surface power systems, mobile and dustresistant spacesuits, surface mobility in extreme environments, and sustainable habitats on planetary bodies. The United States will identify and support engineering research on systems critical for these capabilities. Develop and demonstrate capabilities and emerging technologies that enable an enduring human presence in Cislunar space and inform crewed missions to Mars and beyond. Further, the United States government will support Lunar resource assessments, as well as the advancement of research, development, and demonstration of capabilities for using materials sourced from the Moon and other celestial bodies. Such capabilities include resource characterization and surveys, manufacturing of components from in-situ materials, autonomous assembly of structures, construction of structures that maximize the use of in-situ materials, and processing of useful molecules such as water and oxygen. The U.S. government, in collaboration with private entities, will demonstrate the ability to use the products created by these capabilities to enable an enduring human or robotic presence on the Lunar surface. U.S. government organizations will leverage collaborations with private entities to enable capabilities for large-scale ISRU and advanced manufacturing at the Moon, consistent with the U.S. National Strategy for In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing. Use of Lunar materials should be included in the trade space for Lunar surface elements and operations. There are limited data on the health effects of long-duration human spaceflight, leading to large uncertainty in the design of architectures for crewed exploration of deep space. The United States will use the Moon and Cislunar space to conduct research and gather data on radiation effects on crew performance and health, the effects of microgravity and partial gravity, psychological effects caused by isolation and confinement in a space environment, and the effects caused by simultaneous exposure to these aspects of the extreme space environment. Potential countermeasures, such as artificial gravity or metabolic stasis, should also be investigated and demonstrated. Long-duration Lunar exploration missions should be designed to provide insight on these factors that would clarify requirements and mitigation techniques for missions to Mars and other destinations across the Solar System, as well as enable enduring human presence on the Moon. Conduct research to better understand and mitigate the negative effects on humans caused by the space environment. Though microgravity and radiation are hallmarks of the space environment, there are additional challenges associated with long-duration human space exploration that must be further investigated. Many unresolved issues regarding space exploration cannot be solved through engineering alone, such as the guiding ethics of human expansion into space, long-term cooperative models for space development, and equitable governance structures for space communities. The United States will enable and support research in the social sciences to advance our understanding of these issues. This research will also encourage the scientific community and broader public to think more deeply about humanity’s long-term future in space. Support social science research related to crewed exploration and permanent inhabitation of deep space to support enduring human presence in space. Advance Cislunar Science The U.S. science community identifies scientific goals, questions, and recommended missions for the U.S. government for each traditional space scientific field by a Decadal Survey of that field. Further, NASA’s Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG) provides analysis of the scientific, commercial, technical, and operational issues to further Lunar exploration objectives. These collective efforts support the prioritization of U.S. scientific objectives in Cislunar space. The U.S. government will, in consultation with international collaborators, continue to build and maintain a Cislunar-focused science objectives summary, to include priorities identified in the Decadal Survey and analyses of LEAG as well as broader space science interests. This summary will identify the most compelling scientific studies to be accomplished in Cislunar space. The summary will be a primary factor in guiding planned Cislunar research and technology developments of the U.S. government. Maintain a Cislunar-focused science objectives summary to comprehensively identify the highest-priority scientific opportunities in Cislunar space. Following the identification and prioritization of science opportunities in Cislunar space, the U.S. government will advance technologies as well as develop additional practices and guidelines to enable and protect Lunar science. This may include development of technology for Lunar far-side radio astronomy, advancement of space science instrumentation, research of the Lunar surface environment to investigate its impact on equipment, and enhancement of communication technologies for enabling these Lunar science activities, especially in the Shielded Zone of the Moon. These practices should be developed in a coordinated, balanced approach and should consider the unique environment of Cislunar space. New technologies are also required to explore the polar regions that may contain significant amounts of volatile compounds that are especially important for resource utilization. Develop and enhance technologies to enable near-side, far-side, and polar Lunar science. Support Our Workforce The successful execution of the bold yet critical objectives in Cislunar space requires an expanded and advanced technical workforce. The United States Space STEM Task Force Roadmap will identify gaps and priority areas for encouraging early preparation at the K-12 level and entrance into the STEM educational and early-career pathways for space-related employment at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels, including broadening participation and opportunities. Institutions of higher education are critical in space exploration, especially in their education of the scientists and engineers who will carry out the research envisioned, make new discoveries, and take the next steps. In particular, the training of graduate students to work in interdisciplinary teams is critical. The United States will support a diverse set of institutions, including minority serving institutions, and encourage space-related careers by groups underrepresented in STEM to prepare the technicians, scientists, engineers, geodesists[12] and critical non-STEM occupations responsible for executing Cislunar space exploration and development. For the future technical workforce within the U.S. government, agencies will especially leverage programs to develop an advanced technical workforce, such as scholarship-for-service programs. The academic community has played an essential role in space exploration in past decades, and U.S. government investment in university laboratories and academic relationships will ensure continuation of that role. In addition, a STEM-literate citizenry is needed to support space-related work: the great power of space exploration to excite people of all ages should be leveraged in both formal and informal learning environments. Develop and support programs to train and retain diverse future generations of the space workforce. [12] Several groups have discussed the ongoing need for geodesists, including through the reports Evolving the Geodetic Infrastructure to Meet Scientific Needs, National Academies; America’s loss of capacity and international competitiveness in geodesy, the economic and military implications, and some modes of corrective action, The American Association for Geodetic Surveying This content was initially published on in November 2022. whitehouse.gov This content has been broken-up into bite sized sections, each with unique headlines and AI-generated lead images, in line with the provisions of Creative Commons 3.0.

Building Bridges to the Stars: U.S. Charts a Course for Sustainable Cislunar Exploration

Modern marketing is a multifaceted field driven by both innovation and proven strategies, uniting a myriad of sub-disciplines and areas of specialization. While digital marketing focuses on harnessing online platforms, from search engines to social media, content marketing employs compelling narratives and impactful content strategies. Traditional marketing, while being age-old, still emphasizes the power of print ads, television spots, and radio broadcasts. This intricate blend of old and new, digital and physical, narrative and analytical, underscores the field's dynamic nature. As marketing professionals delve into this domain, they're constantly in pursuit of the next groundbreaking idea. A crucial part of this search involves crafting hypotheses—educated guesses or predictions—about how certain moves can impact business goals, whether to bolster sales, elevate engagement, or achieve other objectives. For instance, a brand might deduce that launching a loyalty program would enhance customer retention and increase the average transaction value. A redesigned website layout might be seen as a catalyst for user engagement, leading to increased on-site time and potential conversions. Yet, operating based solely on assumptions without thorough validation poses significant risks. A poorly executed loyalty program might alienate existing customers, and an unfamiliar website design could bewilder users, leading to fewer site visits. It is therefore imperative to carefully test any marketing hypothesis before it is acted upon to avoid potential financial losses, damaged brand reputation, or missed opportunities. With this article, I aim to provide support to both seasoned marketers and newcomers in sharpening their hypothesis-testing techniques. Drawing from my extensive experience in marketing, I have curated this guide to highlight challenges and showcase best practices in this critical arena. Together, we will explore the art and science of hypothesis testing in marketing, equipping both seasoned professionals and newcomers with the knowledge and tools they need to make data-driven decisions and achieve marketing success. So, how can one navigate the complexities of marketing hypotheses and ensure they’re more than just educated guesses?" Systematic Hypothesis Creation: Embracing the SMART and HADI Frameworks In marketing, every decision is consequential. Each choice, be it minute or monumental, can influence the direction of a campaign or the broader brand strategy. Hypotheses serve as clear guidelines in the intricate landscape of marketing, ensuring that strategies are based not just on intuition but on well-thought-out assumptions. For these hypotheses to be effective, they must . Why is precision so essential? An unclear or too broad hypothesis can lead to misallocated resources, misinterpreted data, or misaligned goals. To mitigate these challenges, professionals often turn to to draft their hypotheses, ensuring they're not only direct but also measurable and actionable. be both clear and precise structured frameworks One standout tool I prefer the most is the SMART framework. Understanding the SMART Framework Often used in contexts like project management, goal setting, and yes, formulating marketing hypotheses, the SMART framework stands out for its simplicity and precision. Each letter of the acronym "SMART" details a quality that a hypothesis should embody: : A hypothesis should be distinct and clear, devoid of vagueness. Instead of making broad statements, it should pinpoint exact areas of focus. S (Specific) The hypothesis should be accompanied by metrics or indicators that can be tracked and evaluated. Whether it's percentage growth, numerical values, or specific performance metrics, having measurable outcomes helps in assessing the success or areas of improvement. M (Measurable): : The hypothesis should be realistic, rooted in the existing capabilities, and take into account the limitations. While it's essential to have ambitious goals, the hypothesis should still align with what the company can practically achieve given its resources, technology, and current market position. A (Achievable) : Every hypothesis must align with overarching business and marketing goals; it should tie back to broader objectives, ensuring efforts are directed towards what truly matters to the company. R (Relevant) : Setting a clear timeline is crucial. When should the hypothesis be tested, and what results be expected? Whether it's a short-term goal spanning weeks or a long-term aim over several quarters, defining a time frame ensures accountability and helps track progress in an orderly manner. T (Time-bound) "Increasing email open rates by 10% through personalized subject lines will result in a 15% increase in click-through rates within two months." Here, specificity is clear as it targets email open rates and click-through rates. Measurability is evident from the percentage metrics. Achievability is implied by setting a realistic 10% increase, as opposed to an unrealistic goal such as, say, expecting a 70% increase in email open rates overnight. Relevance is tied to broader objectives like boosting online engagement. Time-boundedness is explicit with the two-month period. Consider the hypothesis : , consider the statement, "Increasing email open rates through personalized subject lines will boost click-through rates." This hypothesis, while directionally correct, lacks measurability and time constraints. Without specific metrics or a defined timeframe, its execution and evaluation can become hazy, potentially leading to inefficiencies. In contrast Delving into the HADI Framework Beyond SMART, another approach to hypothesis creation I usually use is the HADI framework. Unlike SMART, which focuses on the attributes of the hypothesis itself, HADI offers a sequential roadmap for the hypothesis testing process: Clearly state the assumption or prediction. H (Hypothesis): : Outline the strategic steps to validate the hypothesis. A (Action) Emphasize data collection methods to substantiate the hypothesis. D (Data): Analyze the data to derive meaningful conclusions. I (Insights): The HADI framework ensures that hypothesis testing isn't just about having a well-crafted assumption, but about having a clear strategy for validation and learning. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, ensuring a seamless flow from conception to conclusion. Alternative Approaches While SMART and HADI are widely revered in the industry, other frameworks, such as the LEAN (Learn, Experiment, Analyze, and Normalize) and CLEAR (Collaborative, Limited, Emotional, Appreciable, Refinable) methods, have their proponents. Though these methodologies offer unique perspectives, they might not encapsulate the comprehensive nature of SMART or the sequential logic of HADI, potentially making them less holistic for marketing hypothesis testing. Adopting Agility: How the Agile Methodology Reinvents Hypothesis Testing Given the volatile nature of marketing environments, static and unadaptable strategies often fall short. Marketing teams require flexibility in action and decision-making, much like software development teams, which frequently face evolving requirements and unpredictable challenges. This is where the principles of , which originated from , can be employed to drastically improve the process. But how exactly does this fit into our discussion on systematic hypothesis testing? Agile methodology software development Iterative Process Agile is, in essence, an iterative approach that promotes continuous feedback and adjustment. It breaks down vast projects or campaigns into smaller chunks – "sprints" – each with a clear goal and timeframe, allowing teams to focus, execute, and then assess the outcomes, refining the process with each cycle. Similarly, by breaking down testing processes into shorter cycles or 'sprints', marketers can validate hypotheses in phases. This iterative approach ensures real-time feedback incorporation, letting teams tweak hypotheses or testing methods as they progress. Consider the case of a business wanting to understand the impact of video content on user engagement. Rather than producing a year's worth of videos and hoping for the best, an agile marketer might break this hypothesis testing into several sprints: Produce and launch a pilot set of three videos over a month, focusing on varied content types. Sprint 1: Evaluate the engagement metrics - watch time, shares, and comments. Use the data to refine video content strategy. Sprint 2: Produce more videos of the most successful type(s), introducing minor variations in content presentation or video length, and gauge which variation performs best. Sprint 3: In this way, the Agile approach ensures constant learning, refining, and pivoting, allowing marketers to stay aligned with consumer preferences and market dynamics. Are there other benefits to Agile in hypothesis testing? The advantages of adopting Agile in hypothesis testing go beyond the power of iterative sprints. For instance, traditional methodologies often resist change once a plan is laid out. However, in marketing, change is the only constant. An Agile approach facilitates flexibility, allowing strategies to pivot based on real-time data or unforeseen external factors. Moreover, . Regular 'stand-ups' or meetings ensure every team member is aligned and aware of project progress, allowing for immediate feedback and knowledge sharing. This democratization of information fosters collective ownership of the testing process, driving efficiency and shared responsibility. Agile methodologies prioritize collaboration and transparency Furthermore, Agile places significant emphasis on . After each sprint, teams analyze what went well and what didn’t, ensuring continuous improvement and refinement for subsequent sprints. retrospective learning Harnessing AI and Data Analytics: The New Frontiers in Hypothesis Testing While structured frameworks and methodologies offer a foundation, the tools and technologies we utilize can significantly amplify our hypothesis-testing efforts. In our data age, traditional tools and methodologies often lack the capacity to sift through the enormity of information at our disposal. This is where the amalgamation of comes to the forefront, revolutionizing the way we test marketing hypotheses. Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics Mobilizing The Power of AI in Data Analysis Contemporary AI technology, with its ability to mimic cognitive functions such as learning and problem-solving, can be employed to analyze vast datasets at speeds humanly unattainable. For instance, imagine an e-commerce brand wanting to test the hypothesis that product recommendations based on browsing history will boost sales. Employing AI algorithms can help them dynamically adjust product recommendations for thousands of users in real-time, tracking their purchase behaviors against these recommendations. Data Analytics: Drawing Tangible Insights Data Analytics tools allow marketers to delve deep into data, converting raw numbers into actionable insights. Consider a brand hypothesizing that their social media advertisements are more effective during weekends. With advanced Data Analytics, they can dissect metrics such as ad engagement, conversion rates, and click-through rates by days of the week, providing concrete evidence to either support or refute their hypothesis. Real-life Integration A practical example of this synergy between AI and Data Analytics is Netflix. The streaming giant uses AI algorithms to analyze viewer preferences and behaviors, offering tailored content recommendations. Through Data Analytics, they gauge the success of these recommendations, correlating them with metrics like viewer retention and content popularity. By systematically testing and refining their recommendation engine using these tools, they ensure heightened user engagement and satisfaction. In Conclusion The road to marketing success is riddled with uncertainties. However, by embedding systematic practices into hypothesis testing, marketers can pave a smoother path. The convergence of structured frameworks like SMART and HADI, the adaptive nature of Agile methodology, and the prowess of AI and Data Analytics ensures that the decision-making process is both data-driven and nimble. While the responsibility of crafting the right hypothesis lies with the marketer, these tools and methodologies serve as reliable allies, illuminating the journey. As you embark on your next marketing endeavor, bear in mind that systematic hypothesis testing isn't merely a step in the process; it's the backbone of informed and impactful strategies. Dive into data, harness technology, stay agile, and let your evidence-driven decisions propel your brand to newfound heights.

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The New Phase

The Rise of GameFi and the Next Generation of Gaming Arcade, a GameFi platform, has announced that it will be extending its full-scale economic ecosystem for play-to-earn gaming and expanding the GameFi ecosystem by partnering with Mission Pool Operators. The Mission Pool Operator may lease NFTs to undertake in-game tasks, increasing the value of all GameFi players. The GameFi platform links gaming assets to players and distributes incentives across platform users, favoring consistent and passive earnings. The Mission Pools, which anybody may join to participate in the ecosystem's benefits, are at the heart of this idea. Joining a Mission Pool entails staking gaming NFT assets that reward fees and prizes accumulated through the Arcade protocol. In principle, the GameFi platform provides index-like visibility to play-to-earn gaming initiatives on various blockchains, like Solana, BNB Chain, Avalanche, Ethereum, Polygon, and others. Arcade builds on the Mission Pools idea by adding Mission Pools Operators (MPOs). An MPO may lease non-fungible tokens to execute in-game activities and participate in play-to-earn processes and interactions. Everyone, including gaming guilds, eSports teams, and professional players, may become MPOs. The only criteria are using a particular quantity of $xARCADE digital assets to run their Mission Pool of choice. The team will keep working to decrease the entrance barrier to play-to-earn gaming and its associated benefits. The present emphasis of the platform is on low-income neighborhoods that are recognized for generating great players. Furthermore, because of the power of decentralization, anybody may make use of these possibilities. Play-2-Earn Vs Traditional Games In Play-2-Earn, traditional games may be reimagined with behaviors that unite rather than divide participants. As the traditional gaming industry grew and people began to invest additional time online, the digital world and reality became more indistinguishable. On the other hand, traditional games have left significant gaps in their ability to connect them to their surroundings in a more cohesive experience, even though many gamers were already used to interacting in numerous virtual worlds. This divergence quickly brought attention to the concept of the metaverse. Because the videogame is more than just a game, players are encouraged to do more than participate in exhilarating gaming. Indeed, with the arrival of the blockchain, the play-2-earn model has extended to include real-world economics, complete with significant earning possibilities, such as the ability to create resellable user-generated content (UGC) – previously impossible in the gaming business. In the wake of Axie Infinity's breaking success, which has resulted in an explosion of investments in the game sector, several platforms seek to present their unique services in the Play-2-Earn arena. In 2021, Ethereum saw an increase in prominence among DeFi and GameFi applications, including the mainstreaming of native decentralized exchanges like Uniswap and the popularity of games like Decentraland, The Sandbox, and others. Image credits: and . Javier Martínez Sean Do Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to remove informational asymmetry existing today in our digital markets by performing due diligence, asking the right questions, and equipping readers with better opinions to make informed decisions. The writer holds Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Solana and Cosmos. The writer has a vested interest in the story.

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