The metaverse is a virtual world that is the next phase of the internet. Companies like Microsoft, Apple and Meta are building technologies to make this world more accessible for people to use and develop.
But what does this next phase of the internet hold for us?
Technically, the next phase of the internet is still a project in progress, and it will be at least a year before we understand its true potential. But, it is safe to say that our realities will gradually merge with the digital world. We’re entering an ecosystem that welcomes our wildest imagination from creating different spaces, meeting people, experiencing products and even marrying!
The metaverse will facilitate us to create digital avatars that will interact with one another, providing a life-like experience. It’s a pandemic-proof solution that allows us to feel connected while still miles apart. Embracing this technology were Traci and Dave Gagnon, a couple based in New Hampshire who created a digital realm to welcome their friends and family to their virtual wedding.
It’s essential to recognise that ‘Meta’ is only a part of the metaverse. In actuality, people like you and I can create our metaverse, just like Microsoft, Apple and other brands like Nike, Balenciaga or Wendy’s. There is incredible potential for commerce, creativity and jobs in the metaverse. From crypto to NFTs, you will probably find it all in the metaverse.
Caption: Image Caption: Gucci enhancing the luxury brand experience in the metaverse
Sounds pretty exciting, right? But, what’s stopping us then?
The technology.
Roadblocks in making AR/VR mainstream
Heavy Gear
AR and VR technology have been around for quite some time; however, it’s only with the advent of the metaverse that they are gradually becoming mainstream.
Artificial intelligence or AR provides an enhanced reality. It means that you can interact with digital elements in natural environments. For example, the filters used on Instagram or Snapchat, or even catching Pokémon on Pokémon Go, are AR experiences.
Here’s a quick video that helps explain the concept:
How Do Instagram Filters Work? | AR Explained
On the other hand, virtual reality or VR transports you (not literally) into a digital environment where you can interact with other digital elements. It is popular in the gaming industry and is booming in healthcare.
These experiences require special LiDAR sensors or heavy equipment. The current gears developed by Oculus (now Meta) or Google are okay if you use them for a couple of hours. However, when it comes to the metaverse, the experiences will be immersive. It means that people might spend their entire day jumping from an office call to a party or even a gaming session. Therefore, having lightweight equipment will be crucial.
The current experiences are not quite satisfying, as shown in this experiment by Wall Street Journal:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtLTZUaMSDQ
Software Capabilities
To make metaverse a mainstream experience, we will require platforms that are easy to use to create avatars or digital worlds. Several companies like Meta, Microsoft, NVIDIA, UNITY and SNAP are building these platforms. A rising creator economy is exploring these platforms, but designing multiple virtual worlds will take time.
Privacy Policy Requires An Update
The metaverse allows you to meet and interact with strangers from around the globe. It’s not like we’ve not done this earlier, but the metaverse makes the experience seem a lot real. It poses a question of security and privacy. While companies, including Meta, speak of a safe and privacy-first space, we still have no governing bodies keeping a check on it.
AR and VR technologies are the building blocks of the metaverse. With the advancement in technology, you can expect to be a part of this world from your mobile, laptop or VR/AR headsets. We are at the forefront of an exciting, uncertain and probably life-altering future that will glue us to screens for a lot more hours than we do today.
2022 has a lot in store for us. Will these technologies devoid us of real-life experiences or democratise opportunities and worldly exposure? We can’t wait to find out!