SXSWORLD

SXSW.COM | M A R C H 8 , 2 0 1 8 | SXS W O R L D 2 7 "I've been shocked at the speed with which VR technology is advancing. It all appears to be happening much faster than I predicted in my novel." also a Golden Age for cinema and the decade that gave rise to the information age we now live in. Growing up in the '80s, I was part of the first generation to have a home video game console, a home computer, and a video cassette recorder — all these technologies that would end up having a profound effect on my life, and on human civilization. VR and AI technology have advanced a lot even since the novel was published in 2011. Are we getting closer to the OASIS? I've been shocked at the speed with which VR technology is advancing. It all appears to be happening much faster than I pre- dicted in my novel. And the really astounding thing is that many of the people who are directly involved in bringing this new tech- nology about have told me that Ready Player One helped inspire them to work on VR in the first place. Helping to inspire real scientists to bring about a new technology is one of the greatest honors a science fiction author can receive, in my opinion. What was it like to work with Steven Spielberg? It's the most enjoyable and gratifying experience I've ever had in my life. He's such a kind and generous man, while also being an amazing collaborator. And he loves movies more than anyone I've ever met. What are you most excited about regarding the film's release? I'm excited for people to see our movie. It's an incredibly fun, char- acter-driven adventure story. I think audiences are going to love it. "Ready Player One Experience with VIVE VR" takes place Friday, March 9 through Sunday, March 11 at Brazos Hall (204 E 4th St). Ernest Cline will be a Featured Speaker in the Entertainment Influencers track on Monday, March 12 at 12:30pm in Room 18ABCD at the Austin Convention Center. www.gotopills.com Many of us don't realize that almost 80% of our medications are off-label meaning they have not been approved by the FDA for safety or even if they work for the prescribed condition, age, gender, or duration. Consumers can use GoToPills on the web or use the free iPhone, Android, and Amazon apps. Using the off-label checker you will know within seconds if the medication you are taking is off-label and that is powerful information to have at your fingertips. GoToPills also offers a suite of prescribing tools for healthcare providers that are designed to increase patient safety and lower the risk of off-label lawsuits. Off-label drugs are not FDA-approved and drug companies are not required to disclose off-label information in their prescribing materials. Taking a Medication That is Not FDA - Approved? Cline (R) with Ready Player One Director Steven Spielberg. Photo by Jaap Buitendijk

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