The Metaverse has become increasingly popular and has experienced a surge in excitement and expectations. However, amidst all the hype, the true essence and practicality of the Metaverse have been lost. In order to clarify and provide a comprehensive understanding of the Metaverse, we will redefine it as the Metaverse Nexus.
The term “Metaverse” is derived from two words – “meta” and “verse.” While “verse” refers to a large world or universe, the meaning of “meta” in this context is beyond or transcending. Therefore, the Metaverse can be understood as a second world or a universe beyond our own.
In his book, The Metaverse, Matthew Ball sheds light on the confusion surrounding the concept of the Metaverse. He highlights an attempt by CNBC Jim Cramer to explain the Metaverse to investors, emphasizing the idea of being able to order a shirt worn by someone in a virtual world. This example demonstrates the potential of the Metaverse being a platform for various experiences and transactions.
The author Neal Stephenson, who introduced the term “Metaverse” in his book Snow Crash, describes the current state of the Metaverse as nascent. According to Matthew Ball, there are nine infrastructure pillars that are necessary for the development of the Metaverse. These include virtual worlds, 3D environments, real-time rendering, interoperability, scalability, persistence, synchronicity, individual presence, and continuity of data.
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These pillars form the foundation for the Metaverse and dictate its characteristics and functionalities. The Metaverse is envisioned as a digitally-created, continually evolving world where individuals can have a sense of presence and immersion. It encompasses various aspects of life, including social interactions, economics, culture, and more.
Apple has recently announced its vision of the Metaverse, which they refer to as Spatial Computing. This approach focuses on utilizing advanced technology to create practical and immersive experiences that connect individuals and promote creativity, rather than simply immersing users in a virtual world.
In order to make the concept of the Metaverse more tangible and accessible, The Metaverse Insider categorizes it into three distinct parts: the Social Metaverse, the Enterprise Metaverse, and the Industrial Metaverse. These categories intersect and overlap, forming the practical use cases of the Metaverse.
The Social Metaverse is centered around social interactions and entertainment. Virtual worlds and dedicated VR applications like VRChat provide access to these virtual experiences. WebAR experiences and AppAR applications also contribute to the Social Metaverse, allowing users to access it through their smartphones.
The Enterprise and Industrial Metaverses cater to businesses and industries, providing them with tools and platforms for collaboration, design, and virtual simulations. These Metaverses can be accessed through browsers, smartphones, tablets, or computer applications. Customized development, such as the use of SDKs or APIs, is often required to meet the specific needs of each business entity.
The history of the Metaverse can be traced back to humanity’s innate desire for collaboration and information sharing. Language was the first step in this evolution, enabling us to communicate abstract thoughts and ideas. The printing press and the Metaverse are subsequent steps in the quest for instant communication and widespread access to information.
The first wave of computing began in 1959 with the development of the first mainframe computer by IBM. This marked the beginning of the era of computing technology. The second wave brought about significant advancements, including the introduction of mixed reality headsets, such as the “Sword of Damocles,” developed by Ivan Sutherland and Bob Sproull in 1968.
These historical milestones provide valuable insights into the evolution of communication and technology, ultimately leading us to the Metaverse. The Metaverse Nexus represents the convergence of these waves and embodies the breadth of sectors and use cases that the Metaverse encompasses.
Accessing the Metaverse depends on the specific subcategory one wishes to explore. In most cases, virtual or augmented reality headsets are recommended for a more immersive experience. However, access to the Social Metaverse can also be achieved through internet browsers or smartphone applications.
In conclusion, the Metaverse Nexus redefines and expands the concept of the Metaverse, shedding light on its practical applications and broader implications. It encompasses various sectors and use cases, connecting individuals, businesses, industries, and governments. Understanding the Metaverse is crucial for harnessing its full potential and driving innovation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
