Future+ Fridays | Issue52

1. Lancôme enters Roblox with the LANCÔME IDÔLE HOUSE

What's happening: Lancôme has joined many brands on Roblox, launching its first game on the platform, LANCÔME IDÔLE HOUSE. This initiative follows Lancôme's previous digital engagements, such as virtual pop-up stores and tours.

TLDR:

• Lancôme is becoming the inaugural brand to utilise the new Rewarded Playables product developed in partnership between Polycount.io and Roblox.

• Rewarded Playables give brands the opportunity to easily enter the Roblox ecosystem with a quick turnaround (from design to market in under two months), test and learn, easily brand-able with branded 3D world and quests, customising demographics and branded rewards.

• The game is fused with the chic modernity of Lancôme, users can ear free UGC, can select their favourite make-up shade, got into the Lancôme recording studio and more!

• Lancôme previous virtual initiatives include interactive VR pop-up stores, and the Domaine de la Rose virtual tour.

Why it matters: Lancôme's entry into Roblox underscores the rising interest in the metaverse and gaming platforms. By offering an engaging and immersive experience, Lancôme is redefining brand engagement, especially with younger audiences. The initiative's success hinges on its appeal to the target demographic and its seamless integration into Lancôme's overall marketing strategy. The Rewarded Playable feature, developed by Polycount and Roblox, provides a swift and impactful way for brands to establish a presence on the platform.

2. Spotify partners with ElevenLabs to simplify AI-narrated audiobook releases

What's happening: Spotify is partnering with ElevenLabs to expand its selection of AI-narrated audiobooks, allowing authors to use digital voices to produce audiobooks in 29 languages.

TLDR:

• Spotify’s Findaway Voices now accepts AI-narrated audiobooks created with ElevenLabs, text to speech & AI voice generator.

• While AI-generated audiobooks are already permitted on Spotify, Findaway Voices only accepts digitally produced audiobooks from "specific partners" (e.g., Google Play Books). Each recording must pass a review before publication.

• Independent authors can publish audiobooks with zero upfront costs and keep 100% of royalties from Spotify streams.

• ElevenLabs allows quick audiobook creation by uploading text files and using a simple narration editing tool with a process that includes seamless distribution to Spotify and other retailers through Findaway Voices.

• All AI-narrated audiobooks will be clearly marked with the metadata on Spotify and across other retailers “This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.”

Why it matters: The collaboration between Spotify and ElevenLabs democratises audiobook creation, offering independent authors a low-cost, efficient path to publication. While quality and listener preferences for AI narration remain factors to watch, this partnership introduces exciting opportunities for accessibility, profitability, and innovation within the audiobook industry.

3. Apple to bring AI features to Vision Pro Headset

What's happening: Apple plans to introduce AI-driven features to its Vision Pro headset, including a new spatial content app and an enhanced guest user mode, with an update expected in April.

TLDR:

• With the AI integration of ‘Apple Intelligence,’ Apple will bring features like Writing Tools, Genmojis, and the Image Playground app to the Vision Pro.

• Developers might get access to these features in beta as early as this week, allowing them to integrate and test new tools ahead of the public release.

• This move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to incorporate AI into its devices, including ongoing talks with Tencent and ByteDance to integrate their AI models into iPhones sold in China.

• After launching at $3,499 in February 2024, the Vision Pro saw an initial surge in sales but faced waning demand due to its high price and competition from cheaper headsets like Meta’s Quest.

• The updated guest mode aims to make sharing the headset easier, potentially broadening its appeal for households and businesses.

• By adding AI-driven features, Apple hopes to set the Vision Pro apart from Meta’s more affordable and increasingly popular VR headsets.

Why it matters: Apple's push to integrate advanced AI features into the Vision Pro is a strategic move to revive interest in its pricey mixed-reality headset. As competition in the AR/VR space heats up, adding compelling new tools and content could help Apple attract new users and retain existing ones. Plus, partnerships in China signal a broader ambition to strengthen its AI ecosystem globally.

4. Clone Robotics unveils creepy new full-body android

What's happening: Robots are making the headlines these days, and one especially has frightened some of us. Clone Robotics has introduced its Protoclone V1 android, a full-bodied, faceless robot designed to mimic human anatomy with eerie realism.

TLDR:

• The Protoclone V1 is a faceless, anatomically accurate android with over 200 degrees of freedom, 1,000 Myofibers, and 500 sensors.

• An android is a robot designed to mimic human appearance and behaviour, while a humanoid refers to anything with a human-like form, not necessarily a robot.

• The android features a unique cooling system that simulates human sweating using real water.

• Clone Robotics calls this moment the “ground zero for the age of androids”. Unlike other research-focused androids, Clone aims to commercialise its robots for home use.

• The company plans to release 279 Alpha units in 2025 with pricing comparable to a limited-edition supercar (currently available for pre-order).

• The Clone Alpha is a musculoskeletal android designed for the home, pre-installed with practical and social skills—such as memorising your home layout, managing kitchen inventory, engaging in witty dialogue, performing household chores, and even learning new tasks through the Telekinesis training platform.

Why it matters: The Protoclone V1 represents more than just another humanoid robot; it signifies a leap toward creating lifelike synthetic humans. Unlike many companies, such as Tesla and Figure AI, which prioritise practical, machine-like designs, Clone Robotics is pursuing the vision of unsettlingly realistic androids. This technology could revolutionise how robots are integrated into daily life, offering unprecedented capabilities in household assistance and beyond. However, it also provokes important questions about our societal comfort with machines that closely resemble and potentially behave like humans.

5. Loom: The platform giving old clothes a new life

What's happening: Loom is a new platform connecting consumers with fashion professionals to upcycle old clothing into fresh, custom designs, promoting sustainability and creativity in fashion.

TLDR:

• Consumers can upload garments they want to upcycle and receive personalised design proposals from a network of fashion professionals.

• The platform was founded by the former global merchandising lead at Burberry who has over 15 years of experience in the fashion industry.

• Loom's advisory board includes Pan Phillipou (former CEO of Diesel), Georgie Hyatt (founder of Rotaro), and Stuart Trevor (founder of AllSaints and contributing designer on the platform).

• The prices for the services start at £30 for simple alterations, £80 for dyeing services, and £150 for bridal redesigns, with entire garment transformations and bridal projects particularly popular.

• The platform promotes a circular economy by giving old clothes a new purpose while supporting independent designers.

Why it matters: In today's fashion industry, where second-hand and vintage shopping are surging in popularity, Loom capitalises on the growing consumer interest in sustainability and creativity. The platform offers a unique way to refresh wardrobes while reducing waste by connecting users with a network of talented designers. Unlike traditional resale platforms, Loom not only gives garments a second life but also fosters a vibrant design community, providing designers with opportunities for collaboration and exposure. With industry experts on board, Loom is set to revolutionise how we think about fashion and consumption, making a lasting impact on sustainability in the industry.