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• Disney has formed a new unit, the Office of Technology Enablement (OTE), to coordinate its use of AI and mixed reality.
• The OTE, led by Jamie Voris, will focus on fast-moving areas of technology and align various projects with Disney's broader strategy.
• Disney's move reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry, leveraging AI and mixed reality to enhance consumer experiences.
• However, the use of these technologies raises ethical concerns, highlighting the need for responsible and ethical use.

Disney, the media giant, has taken a significant step towards harnessing the potential of emerging technologies. The company has announced the formation of a new business unit, the Office of Technology Enablement (OTE), dedicated to coordinating Disney's use of artificial intelligence (AI) and mixed reality. The OTE will be led by Jamie Voris, the film studio's chief technology officer, who previously spearheaded the development of Disney's app for the Apple Vision Pro mixed reality device.

The OTE will focus on fast-moving areas of technology, such as AI and mixed reality, which blends the physical and digital worlds. It will not centralize work on these projects, but rather, ensure the various projects around the company fit with its broader strategy. The Office of Technology Enablement, which launches with a core leadership team, is expected to grow to about 100 employees.

Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman emphasized the importance of this new group in a statement, The pace and scope of the advances in AI and XR (extended reality) are profound and will continue to impact consumer experiences, creative endeavors and our businesses for years to come - making it critical that Disney explore the exciting opportunities and navigate the potential risks.

Disney's Strategic Move in the Tech-Driven Entertainment Industry

Disney's move to form a dedicated emerging technologies group is not an isolated event. It reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where companies are increasingly leveraging AI and mixed reality technologies to enhance consumer experiences and streamline operations.

In the past, companies like Nvidia have made significant strides in the AI space, with their powerful graphics processing units (GPUs) becoming essential for training AI models. This has made Nvidia a cornerstone in the AI revolution, with its market value standing at $3.39 trillion, within striking distance of Apple's $3.52 trillion valuation.

Similarly, Google has been making significant advancements in AI and mixed reality technologies. The company recently announced five new Android features that aim to improve user experience across a variety of platforms, from accessibility tools to enhanced navigation. These updates leverage artificial intelligence, expand earthquake alerts, and enhance integration with wearable devices.

Ethical Concerns in the Age of AI and Mixed Reality

However, the use of AI and mixed reality technologies also raises ethical concerns. The digital resurrection of late actors, for instance, has ignited a firestorm of debate. This technological marvel, bringing back to life celebrated actors more than a century after their demise, underscores a profound ethical quandary at the intersection of awe-inspiring innovation and deep-seated moral concerns.

As we navigate this new frontier, a multidisciplinary dialogue involving artists, creators, technologists, ethicists, legal experts, and the public is crucial. Such discussions should aim not only to harness the benefits of these technologies but also to ensure they do not infringe upon the dignity and wishes of those who have passed.