For today’s episode, we’re heading back in time to series 1, when I spoke to Philip Rosedale - founder of Second Life and Co-founder of High Fidelity which specialises in real-time spatial audio. Listen here.
We discuss how as a child, Philip was fascinated by the idea of virtual worlds and how, with a background in physics and engineering, he set about creating Second Life which launched in 2003. It grew massively as the internet took off and as technology and the world finally caught up with Philip’s vision. And, even today, almost two decades on, Second Life is populated by one million active users whom over the years have generated hundreds of millions of dollars in income through selling virtual goods and services.
Philip’s goal with Second Life was to prove a viable model of a virtual society and economy - something that has never been more needed or wanted than during the pandemic which saw the world suddenly stuck at home, with many experiencing grave loneliness.
We also discuss his work on spatial audio, what he is most excited about, where he sees the future of VR and audio going as well as how tech can be used to create a better and more equal world.
In this wonderfully wide-ranging conversation, Philip opens up about his early influences, his ability to see into the future and how he executes when the tech, not always the world, is ready.
He also tells me about his latest company – High Fidelity which specialises in spatial audio - and where he envisions the field going, as well as the future of virtual reality, education, crypto, live music, how tech can and should be harnessed for good, and how closely he believes the link is between virtual reality and reality.
Listen here or wherever it is you listen to your podcasts.
Enjoy!
Header image of Philip Rosedale by Christopher Michel