Re: Life - Business & Technology

While Vince Dalton and Marrilyn Hewson spent time conversing at the Future Tech Penthouse, a group of famous internet personalities hosted a weekly stream podcast on the Infinity Channel platform.

A young blonde 19-year-old woman configured her new streaming production equipment courtesy of Future Tech's Infinity Channel Partner Fund which provided high-resolution cameras, studio microphones, and other equipment to its contracted media presenters like Wonder Alice.

She double-checked the Infinity Unreal Stream settings to ensure the studio microphone and 4K camera before going live with a professionally designed five-minute countdown timer that featured licensed music from the vast Future Tech Broadcasting catalog.

Wonder Alice initiated a NetServ voice call on her Infinity workstation, and invited her podcast guests before going online and saying, "On behalf of myself and the Infinity Channel, I'd like to thank you all for tuning in to my weekly show! Joining me today is my usual co-host, the ever-popular Austin-local live streamer, Sodapoppin. Funnily enough, our special guest is also from Future Tech's home city, Formula 1 Championship contender, Randall Stevens! Before we delve into Randall's experience as an F1 rookie, how are both of your weeks going so far?"

Sodapoppin was his usual casual demeanor and replied, "Nothing much other than streaming War Online for eight hours a day, but the money is good so I can't complain."

Randall amicably stated, "After the Italian Grand Prix last weekend, I've spent my downtime with family and attending technical meetings about car adjustments over voice calls. It's been a while since we first met at the Dalton Manor, Alice. I appreciate you guys for inviting me on the podcast."

Sodapoppin interjected by jokingly saying, "I'm so jealous you guys get invited to Future Tech's exclusive parties. When will I get the chance to live the high life?"

Wonder Alice bantered back, "You're already living the high life by earning a ton of money streaming for the Infinity Channel, Soda. Go visit Future Studios to meet the higher-ups, instead of locking yourself in that man cave yours every day."

The three podcast attendees shared a laugh on stream, while the chat egged on Sodapoppin for his dorkiness.

Wonder Alice continued the conversation by curiously asking, "This show is a variety podcast that mostly discusses current gaming trends but let me ask you something about racing to start. Randall, you probably get this question a lot around the paddock but how does it feel to be a championship contender during your rookie year in F1?"

The 18-year-old driver honestly answered, "No need to worry, Alice. Doing interviews is part of my job as a Future Tech ambassador. Formula 1 pundits began comparing my recent successful races to Lewis Hamilton's rookie title run in 2007 but I do my best to focus on the immediate challenges instead of thinking too far ahead especially with my teammate winning a bunch earlier in the season. It also helps that we're driving the fastest cars on the grid."

Wonder Alice nodded over the video conference and replied, "I'm sure Future Tech is very happy about your willingness in interacting with media people like me. I've kept up with Formula 1 now that an American driver is representing our country in the sport and I feel like it takes more than just a fast car to win races."

Sodapoppin joined the conversation by inquiring, "I don't know much about racing and all that jazz, but could you explain the reasons why the Future Tech F1 car is superior to cars built by more established brands like Ferrari or Mercedes?"

Randall entertained his honest question by saying, "The FT F1 cars had been quick since the beginning of the season as you can tell by our one-two finishes in Australia and Malaysia, but the recent advancements in engine and material technology are benefitting everyone in motorsports. My engineering knowledge is far from the professionals on the team but I can share an example. Future Tech's latest recipe for its fuel complex with additional synthetic compounds decreased energy loss from burning by 20%, pushing all the cars on the grid to a consistent 1,500 horsepower before turbo boost kicks in."

Sodapoppin jokingly replied, "Isn't racing already a dangerous sport? I can't even imagine what an accident would look like going 200 miles per hour."

Alice interjected, "Soda, it happens more often than you think. Randall was involved in an accident with Sebastian Vettel at the Belgian GP a few weeks ago as they raced side by side through Eau Rouge. It set his championship run back by at least three races."

Randall honestly commented, "We both hit the barrier at 57 Gs but luckily, Future Tech redesigned the standard FIA monocoque to withstand higher forces now that cars are much faster. Accidents happen in motorsports all the time and that crash made it a bit more difficult to win the championship this year but I can't blame my fellow competitors."

Sodapoppin raised his eyebrows in surprise and replied, "Oh shit, I'm sorry to hear that, Randall. I'm glad you made it out alive."

The young driver explained, "Thanks, man. I'm aware it's a dangerous sport but I trust Future Tech in providing safety resources to the FIA like their new ambulance and vehicle recovery AVs."

Wonder Alice performed her Infinity Channel responsibilities by saying, "To the hundreds of thousands watching the podcast right now, I suggest you support Randall at the United States GP in Austin and buy tickets before it's sold out. Before we discuss Randall Stevens' recent foray into live-streaming racing games on the Infinity Channel, let me choose a question from the chat for him to answer."

The chatbox began to explode with inquiries directed to the young driver related to random subjects like dating, money, and politics.

Wonder Alice spent a few seconds deciding the best one and said, "Thanks to 'Racer4Fun' for your question. They ask, how often does Randall drive his one-of-five Koenigsegg Agera SFV?"

Randall chuckled before answering, "Honestly, the Agera SFV is the only car I own but I barely drive it when I'm in Austin. It's fairly inexpensive to maintain, comparable to a Corvette, but CAVs are more practical for traveling around the city. I value it more as a collectible than a daily driver."

Wonder Alice acted as the host and said, "Thanks for the response, Randall. Now let's move forward by talking about your involvement in streaming on the Infinity Channel."

Sodapoppin jokingly interjected, "Aren't you earning enough money by racing in F1 but now you want to take our jobs? Though seriously, I'm glad personalities from different industries are entering the streaming world. More exposure for me, hehe."

Randall shared a laugh before saying, "I appreciate the warm welcome. I don't often live-stream my simulator racing but it does help connect me with the fans that make my job a reality. Aside from that, I've been involved in Future Studios' latest project led by John Carmack. The racing features in the newest Everlife expansion were merely a prototype for a fully-fledged FIA-sponsored online racing platform. Future Tech will release more information and media coverage about the new game during the Austin GP in November."

The moment Randall revealed behind-the-scenes tidbits about a racing simulator developed by Future Tech, gaming enthusiasts of iRacing, Gran Turismo, and Forza went crazy over chat clamoring for more in-depth information.

As the podcast host, Wonder Alice, inquired for the viewers, "I understand if you can't share much about the project but can I ask if the gaming experience would be fairly similar to Formula 1 race simulators?"

Randall confidently answered, "Even better. The online racing platform involved more than just game developers, but also mechanical engineers and physicists, to model all the integral aspects of racing like tire tread, track temperature, component thermodynamics, and weather. It's so good that I would suggest buying a Hypervisor for a full virtual reality experience. The craziest part that I can share about the project is its partnership with the FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile). Amateur racers can earn FIA points for performing well during the official races and potentially be recruited by established motorsport teams. My dad had to work three jobs to get me through my expensive karting career. Future Tech wants to make the sport as accessible as possible for those interested in pursuing racing."

Sodapoppin jokingly interjected, "Then maybe my racing career isn't dead in the water yet."

Alice nodded her head and commented, "In your dreams, Soda. I bet you'll be best friends with the barrier in no time."

The three laughed out loud and discussed Randall's plans for streaming more content and being active on social media for another thirty minutes until they changed subjects to a bit more personal topics.

Sodapoppin curiously asked a random question, "I know Alice is acquainted with Vince Dalton from hanging out with each other after E3 this year, but how did you meet the big boss of Future Tech, Randall?"

The young driver replied, "I met Vince by chance, actually. I've been too busy racing around Europe for the GP2 series that I wasn't aware of him and his business until the COTA (Circuit of the Americas) manager assigned me to coach him for a track day last year. I was very lucky to have met him, or else it would have been challenging to find a seat in Formula 1. Though I wonder what he's up to these days."

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Check the glossary chapter for current business stats.

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