180. Part 2 With John McCrea

This section discusses the ambitious initiative by John McCray and Silicon Graphics to develop a web software bundle called Web Force, launched in early 1995. They aimed to democratize web creation tools, make web authoring more accessible, and leverage the visual capabilities of Silicon Graphics hardware to push the web’s multimedia potential. The project involved securing OEM deals with Netscape, developing HTML editing software, and creating marketing campaigns including print ads and a nationwide tour. The launch was timed to be rapid and intense, with a focus on establishing Silicon Graphics as a key player in the new web ecosystem and to challenge Microsoft’s dominance.

This section covers the complex negotiations and collaborations between Silicon Graphics, Netscape, Sun Microsystems, Java, and others during the mid-90s. John McCray explains the importance of early licensing deals with Java and the strategic moves to promote open standards like VRML and OpenGL in the face of Microsoft’s proprietary threats. Key moments include joint endorsements during high-profile press conferences and a fierce industry standoff reminiscent of the early days of PC standards. These efforts aimed to establish open web standards and counter Microsoft's attempt to dominate web technology.

John reflects on leaving Silicon Graphics in 1998 amid industry decline, and his subsequent ventures into early e-commerce with Affinia and other startups. Affinia aimed to build a central hub for online products and advertising, capitalizing on the booming web market until the bursting of the dot-com bubble around 2000. He shares personal insights about the bursting of the internet bubble, the exuberance of the late 90s, and the sobering effect of the crash, including reflections on investment mania and the lessons learned from a period of rapid growth and sudden decline.

This section discusses the current state and hurdles of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). John emphasizes the technical challenges involved in creating immersive, believable VR experiences that feel natural and avoid sickness, predicting that mainstream adoption may still be several years away. He points out the hardware limitations and the complexity of making AR glasses unobtrusive and seamlessly integrated into daily life. Despite past frustrations with VR hype, he remains optimistic about the long-term potential of VR and AR technologies, especially in entertainment and social interaction.