The Virtual Reality Race Is On

Apple and Meta Trying to Reinflate the Bubble [Morning Reckoning] June 06, 2023 [WEBSITE]( | [UNSUBSCRIBE]( The Virtual Reality Race Is On - 3D printer mania is a thing of the past… - Is virtual reality headed for the same fate? - Meta and Apple looking to reinflate the VR bubble… [There is MASSIVE change happening within our company]( And I want you to [hear about this – from me]( – otherwise this new policy could blindside you. This has gone into effect immeditaly, so I want you to understand exactly what it will mean for you. [So please, watch this video for my full announcement.]( [LEARN MORE]( Baltimore, Maryland June 06, 2023 [Greg Guenthner] GREG GUENTHNER Good morning Reader, A small buyout proposal quietly unfolded late last week, as 3D Systems Corp. (DDD) offered $1.2 billion for rival Stratasys Ltd. (SSYS). Some analysts say the proposal could start a new bidding war in the 3-D printer space. Stratasys has already rejected a potential takeover from Nano Dimension Ltd. (NNDM), another company that’s also apparently working on a merger with Desktop Metal Inc. (DM). But I don’t really care. In fact, I assume most investors aren’t paying attention to the 3D printing drama unfolding right now. Why should they? We’re talking about drama playing out between the scraps of a bubble that burst almost ten years ago. Remember 3D printers? In the early days of the post-Great Financial Crisis bull market, 3D printers were the tech wonders that would lead us into the future. The industry was supposed to rapidly evolve beyond industrial and hobbyist uses, and we were promised 3D printers in every garage in America. None of this happened, of course. Yes, 3D printer technology has improved over the past decade. But the market’s fascination with the 3D printer stocks came and went. 3D Systems was the flagship 3-D stock with the perfect ticker, soaring more than 2,600% between 2010 and its ultimate peak in 2013. After topping out in spectacular fashion, the stock went on to lose more than 90% of its value. Aside from a brief Covid Bubble sympathy rally in 2021, shares never materially recovered. [chart] Sure, I’ll still come across the occasional article detailing how 3D printing is about to revolutionize manufacturing or transform a specific industry. And this very well could be true. But as far as the market is concerned, the bubble is dead and buried. So, why even bring it up? Because right now, two prominent mega-caps are about to go to war over another sidelined tech bubble. And the outcome could have major repercussions for the furious tech snapback rally that’s dominated the market this year. [Download My New Survival Guide Today!]( I’ve created a BRAND-NEW “2023 Crisis Survival Guide” that I’m making available to all of my Strategic Intelligence readers today. This short 54-page document has everything you need to know to protect yourself and your family in times of crisis. Things like what foods to stock up on now, staying safe during periods of rioting and looting and more. Inside I break down all of the coming threats you face and how to prepare. [>> To see how to download your copy, click here now](. [LEARN MORE]( A Virtual Failure? Much like the 3D printing fad, virtual reality (and augmented reality, to some extent) was always supposed to be the next big thing. VR headsets were going to dominate gaming. Yet aside from some specialty titles, most popular video games remain on traditional consoles. Prototype wearables like Google Glass were also hailed as huge developments. But the nerdy specs never caught on, and consumers still prefer to keep their mobile tech on their phones — not their foreheads. These setbacks haven’t deterred the true believers. Facebook acquired VR headset maker Oculus nearly a decade ago for $2 billion, and has enjoyed middling success with the brand. But instead of running from past VR failures, Zuckerberg has gone all-in on VR. Heck, he changed the name of his company to Meta. The jury’s still out on that move. But to Zuck’s credit, he’s diving headfirst into the VR deep end. Meta just announced a new Quest 3 VR headset that is supposed to be smaller and more comfortable than its predecessors. The Quest 3 will retail for $500 later this year — and Meta is also dropping the prices of older Quest models in anticipation of the release. The timing of this announcement is especially interesting, since Meta was able to front run Apple’s Monday announcement of the highly-anticipated Vision Pro headset. Details are rolling in right as I’m about to hand this note off for publication. But from what I’ve seen, the Vision Pro looks like fancy ski goggles with a $3,500 price tag. Is this the beginning of a headset battle between two storied tech giants? More importantly, can Meta and Apple actually capture the world’s attention this time around… and re-inflate the VR bubble? VR, Take Two… At first glance, the Apple headset is insanely expensive. Then again, if you told me 20 years ago that people would gleefully fork over thousands of dollars for an iPhone, I’d think you were nuts. If there’s a company out there that can turn a novelty electronic device into a must-have product that generates billions in revenue, it’s Apple. While Meta has a decade-long head start in the VR game, Apple has the cool factor. That might not be a problem for Meta right away. But if the Vision Pro gains traction and Apple is able to scale and offer the same experience at a more reasonable price point, it could quickly become the top dog in the VR segment. Wearing goggles at my virtual workstation to immerse myself in the metaverse and attend meetings isn’t exactly my idea of fun. But it’s clear that Silicon Valley is desperate to plug us all into the Matrix. It worked with smartphones (when was the last time you were away from your phone for more than a few hours?). Some form of augmented reality will eventually catch on and become the standard interface. You don’t have to wear the silly glasses. Personally, I plan on holding out as long as possible. But you should at least be aware of where all this nonsense could be headed — and what companies are set to grab the biggest slices of the VR pie. Artificial Intelligence is the hot software ticket right now. But virtual reality hardware and experiences could soon bubble up in this tech-dominated market. I don’t think this fad will fade away quietly like those forgotten 3D printers… Apple stock just printed new all-time highs. Meta shares have rallied 200% off their November lows. It’s getting weird out there. But at least the trends are easy to spot. Best, [Greg Guenthner] Greg Guenthner Contributing Editor, Morning Reckoning feedback@dailyreckoning.com [New “WiFi Crypto” Token is Going NUTS!]( Only a handful of crypto investors know about this… But there’s a tiny, affordable device… That’s paid investors real crypto – every day, with zero work… Just for having a working WiFi connection! It sounds crazy, but it’s true… And [this 3:28 video]( explains everything. [Click here to view it NOW](. [LEARN MORE]( In Case You Missed It… Breaking the DC Swamp’s Laws Sean Ring, Editor [Sean Ring] SEAN RING Good morning Reader, Gather around, So you may hear, Of the midnight tides, Bringing black gold here. Paraphrasing Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a challenging task. In Paul Revere’s Ride, Longfellow waxed lyrical about the greatest alarm bell ever rung. Writing in 1860, on the eve of the Civil War, hoping to dissolve the tension, Longfellow noted that “hardly a man is now alive who remembers that famous day and year.” That year was 1775. Revere rode through Charlestown, Medford and then on through Lexington and Concord to warn the Americans that the British were coming! One if by land, and two if by sea; And I on the opposite shore will be, Ready to ride and spread the alarm Through every Middlesex village and farm, For the country-folk to be up and to arm. The poem is historically inaccurate. But with Longfellow’s poetic license, Revere became the ultimate messenger-warrior. What about this poetic rendition of events that puffs out your chest, straightens your back, raises your chin and clenches your fists? You may disagree. But I think it’s because Revere was a bad boy, shaking his fist at Mad King George III. Summer Movie Season, 1988 I couldn’t wait to see Die Hard. Moonlighting’s Bruce Willis, one of my favorite sitcom stars, finally hit the big time. He was excellent with Cybill Shepherd. Funny, sarcastic, and whip-smart, Willis’ David Addison was a hoot in every episode. But what would he be like on the big screen? So many TV stars had tried to make the jump but failed. Would Willis be any different? Sitting in my comfy seat with salty popcorn, Twizzlers, and a Coke, I remember being disappointed at what a dick John McClane was. Grouchy, unhappy to be in California and downright ornery to his successful wife, I was surprised Willis even took the role. But then… he appeared. Hans Gruber. The greatest villain ever committed to film. As I watched the movie, I questioned myself. Why was I having these feelings? Was I actually rooting for the bad guy? Suave, debonair and urbane, Gruber didn’t move through scenes so much as glide through them. He was the epitome of cosmopolitan, wore tailored suits, a trimmed beard and could speak multiple accents. (At the time, I had never heard of Alan Rickman… and didn’t know he was an Englishman playing a German!) His wit, sarcasm and dialogue were as rich as a French gateau, compared to the Reese’s Pieces Hollywood had previously fed me. Something had changed in me that day. Or, more precisely, activated a dormant gene. I’d say it was lucky because I’d later find out girls preferred bad boys to good ones… [Man Who Predicted Bitcoin Warns: “Don’t Buy Bitcoin!”]( [Click here to learn more]( James Altucher first predicted Bitcoin all the way back in 2013… And ever since, he’s been one of the biggest advocates for it. But now, he’s warning Americans that buying Bitcoin could be a big mistake… [Click here now to see why](. [LEARN MORE]( Why Do Girls Always Go for the Bad Boys? In our late summer, autumn, or winter years, we rue the days when we didn’t know any better. “If I knew then what I know now…” we often say as we lament our past indiscretions. But Mark Twain had it right. We regret what we haven’t done far more than what we did. And that leads me to the ladies. So many women I’ve met in my life wanted a man who was just a bit naughty. Not an evil man. Or an unjust man. And certainly not a bully. But one who would break the rules when the rules didn’t — or shouldn’t — apply. So, fine… I’d be a bit naughty. Heck, [@seaniechaos]( my Twitter handle, is the nickname my old Kiwi girlfriend gave me in honor of our wild nights in London. I wear that badge with honor nearly twenty years later. As to my confusion, Jordan Peterson, a Canadian psychologist, professor and public intellectual, cleared it up for me. Peterson called Beauty and the Beast a real female hero myth and used it to make his point. (And his point is, essentially, biology.) Peterson says Beauty — Belle — is intelligent, resourceful and truthful… everything a man wants in a woman. But she doesn’t go for the psychopathic Gaston. She’s too smart for that. Belle wants The Beast. The Beast is a terrible man… but he’s got potential. He can guard the walls and make a safe haven for the children. The Beast is productive enough to be valuable and generous enough to share the proceeds of his endeavors with his family. In short, women want their men to be dangerous, but dangerous on their behalf. Paradoxically, this “bad boy” behavior is the way to preserve the family line. And that’s what the female wants. The Beast Who Controls Himself Again, women aren’t looking for evil men. Just naughty men. Ones who’ll break the rules when necessary to protect their family. In an interview with Jocko Willink of Extreme Ownership fame, Peterson said this: A good man is not a harmless man. A good man is a very, very dangerous man who has that under voluntary control. Peterson’s point is that men incapable of cruelty aren’t fully formed. “Nice guys” who can’t contemplate cruelty are at the mercy of those who can. And that’s the most vulnerable someone can be. The definition of Peterson’s “good man” describes many of our fictional heroes. James Bond. Indiana Jones. Jack Aubrey. Jack Ryan. Rick Blaine. And it probably describes your grandfather and your uncles. Maybe even your father. I know it describes mine. That’s why we love and trust these men. That’s why we aspire to be like them. What Does This Have to Do With Anything? We had our editorial meeting yesterday and it went off on the most extraordinary tangent. Paradigm Press VP Doug Hill asked the group about oil. Our good friend Byron King jumped in immediately to talk about it. But it took a turn towards that black gold, from the country by the Black Sea, using a “shadow fleet,” as Byron called it, to keep the world economy afloat. Like my 14-year-old self, I know I shouldn’t be rooting for the “bad guys” or the people “breaking the law” as set by the DC Swamp. But I’m with Cicero, who once said, “The more laws, the less justice.” There’s a difference between natural law (thou shalt not kill) and legislation (thou owe the military-industrial complex 39.6% of your income). Cicero knew many laws do not necessarily guarantee true justice or a well-functioning legal system. Instead, he suggested too many laws can lead to confusion, loopholes and a lack of clarity in applying justice. Simplicity, clarity, and fairness in legal systems are far better than an excessive and convoluted legal framework. And when too many laws exist, black markets tend to form. [Over 62 And Collect Social Security? Take Action Immediately!]( [Click here to learn more]( [If you’re over the age of 62 and currently collect Social Security, you need to prepare now](. Because Biden has given our country the worst inflation in decades – and many warn things will only get worse from here. Worse yet, the Social Security check you receive now may not keep pace with inflation… [Which is why, if you don’t act now, you could fall behind in the months ahead](. Is your retirement at immediate risk? [Click here now to get the simple, step-by-step actions to survive inflation](. [LEARN MORE]( Black Markets A black market is an illegal or unregulated market where goods or services are traded without government oversight or authorization. The wild west of commerce is where the forbidden fruit becomes the hot commodity. Certain goods and services may be prohibited by law or heavily regulated, either due to safety concerns, ethical reasons, or simply the whims of a rogue government. But there's always someone willing to supply where there's a demand, even if it means operating outside the boundaries of legality. So, the black market steps in to fill the gaps. It's where you can find all sorts of illicit goodies, like illegal drugs, counterfeit products, smuggled weapons, endangered wildlife, pirated media, or even black gold. In short, if there's a law against it, you'll likely find it thriving in the black market. Why do black markets form? Here are a few possibilities: - Prohibition or Illegalization: When certain goods or services are prohibited or heavily regulated by the government, it creates a gap between the demand and the legal supply. Black markets thrive by providing access to prohibited or restricted items, such as illegal drugs, banned weapons, or counterfeit goods. - Economic Factors: Economic disparities, high taxes, or excessive regulations can create an environment where legal markets become inaccessible or unaffordable for some individuals. - Limited Supply or Scarce Resources: When essential commodities become scarce, black markets can arise to distribute goods in high demand but in short supply. This includes food shortages, fuel crises, or medical supplies during emergencies. - Evading Taxes or Regulations: Some individuals or businesses evade taxes, regulations, or bureaucratic red tape. By operating outside the legal framework, they can avoid paying taxes, circumvent licensing requirements, or bypass costly compliance measures. - Cultural or Social Factors: Cultural or social norms may clash with legal restrictions. This can be observed in gambling, sex work, or the trade of cultural artifacts, which are heavily regulated or considered illegal but still in demand. - Failed Government Policies: In cases where government policies fail to address social or economic needs adequately, black markets can arise as a form of self-regulation or survival strategy. Wrap Up If you’ve been reading the Rude or the Reckoning for a while now, you know we are entirely against the USG and EU sanctions imposed on Russia. Not because we think Vlad Putin is a nice guy, but because we knew and called very early that the sanctions would hurt the US and EU citizenry and not Russia’s. And we were right from Day One. These sanctions are what’s creating this incredible black market for black gold. To be completely upfront, the people running these markets are probably “good men,” as we defined above. It takes a lot to oppose the allegedly most powerful military and economy globally. As someone in Europe paying top euro for gas, I’m grateful these black marketeers keep the prices lower than they would have been. But over the next few weeks, Brian Maher, Byron King and I will look into the questions about the illicit oil trade here in the Old World. So keep watching out for the Rude and the Reckoning as we explore the topic more in-depth. And if you have any of your own questions, be sure to email me [here](mailto:feedback@dailyreckoning.com). Have a lovely rest of your week! All the best, [Sean Ring] Sean Ring Contributing Editor, The Morning Reckoning feedback@dailyreckoning.com Twitter: [@seaniechaos]( Thank you for reading The Morning Reckoning! We greatly value your questions and comments. Please send all feedback to [feedback@dailyreckoning.com.](mailto:dr@dailyreckoning.com) [Greg Guenthner] [Greg Guenthner, CMT,]( is chief strategist at Forge Research Group. He has spent the better part of the past two decades developing long-term and short-term strategies with a single goal in mind: to help everyday investors generate outstanding returns and control their financial futures. Greg’s charts, analysis, and insights have appeared in Marketwatch, Forbes, Yahoo Finance, and many other financial publications. [Paradigm]( ☰ ⊗ [ARCHIVE]( [ABOUT]( [Contact Us]( © 2023 Paradigm Press, LLC. 808 Saint Paul Street, Baltimore MD 21202. By submitting your email address, you consent to Paradigm Press, LLC. delivering daily email issues and advertisements. 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