(This is a two-part series on the metaverse and how it is creating so much fuss in the internet)
Ah, the metaverse. For the untrained gray matter, the word may sound like it’s been concocted out of some sci-fi novel.
The metaverse is making a lot of noise in the virtual stratosphere. Some say it is “the future” of the internet. Others just go “Duh, metaverse what?” and scratch their heads.
The metaverse is confusing and, according to some techies — not for the faint-hearted. Despite its apparent convoluted appeal, people are flocking into it; well, at least those with the know-how and wherewithal.
In an attempt to make some sense out this (realm), we’ll go ahead and dumb down this thing that’s taking the world by storm.
Meta What?
The word “metaverse” is rooted in Neal Stephenson’s 1992 dystopic, cyberpunk novel Snow Crash, explored in Ernest Cline’s “Ready Player One,” and many other science fiction tropes in the contemporary age.
However, the metaverse today is no longer fictional; in fact, it’s within our reach!
The metaverse combines all the latest technologies that have been shaping the 21st century, namely virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (VR), 4D audio, and eye-tracking. All of these work together to provide users the ultimate virtual experience within a virtual universe.
A defining characteristic of the metaverse is that it is an interoperable and interconnected network of various real-time 3D virtual worlds. It can be experienced simultaneously and persistently by an unlimited number of users all over the world.
Related Reading | Samsung Unveils New Metaverse World ‘My House,’ Attracts Over 4 Million Visits In Less Than 1 Month
Total crypto market cap at $1.96 trillion in the daily chart | Source: TradingView.com
What’s In The Metaverse?
While the metaverse is filled with endless mysteries, it’s actually just the physical world stored in the digital realm.
To represent the physical matters, metaverse contains various digital elements such as 3D avatars, music, videos, games, shops, and other activities which are backed by a virtual economy. You can meet people, participate in virtual events, host gatherings, and earn money while at it.
While navigating the metaverse, there are a lot of similar features that you can encounter and activities you can do which are present in the real world.
The greatest distinction between the digital and the physical realm is that the metaverse can be conjured anywhere – from the comfort of your own home to public spaces – using just your computer and VR goggles. Use motion-sensing controllers to control your virtual avatar and use a microphone to communicate with others.
Metaverse Rising
The metaverse is still maturing, but it has shown significant potential for development recently.
As of today, the latest and most famous examples of the metaverse are Fortnite, Roblox, Cryptovoxels, Decentraland, and The Sandbox. Some of these are VR platforms while others are online gaming.
Facebook top honcho Mark Zuckerberg also unveiled in July last year that the social media behemoth is planning to bet it all on “Meta,” its metaverse counterpart. In August, Facebook made headlines for launching a VR app that allows people to take part in meetings in VR.
The number of big brands entering the metaverse is increasing rapidly. From Adidas, Google, Microsoft, Ferrari, to Sony – these companies are creating out-of-this-world experiences by entering the metaverse.
(To be continued tomorrow)
Related Reading | Ferrari Eager To Prance Into The Metaverse and NFTs — Are EVs No. 2 Priority?
Image from Pixabay, chart from TradingView.com