The Metaverse has been the talk of the town for quite a while now, and it’s been keeping up with developments to match the demand of time—as it should.
While it’s now been a constant topic in corporate talks, there are still questions and unclear premises on what the Metaverse really is and what are the technologies that are under its umbrella.
We’ll begin this discussion by reintroducing Metaverse to you.
What Is the Metaverse Exactly?
For people who are just casually browsing the internet, there might still be a few misconceptions on what the Metaverse is and how it operates on a bigger scale.
So let’s settle this common misconception once and for all: Isn’t Facebook Metaverse—as in, Facebook just rebranding itself?
Yes and no. We’ll explain.
Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, did rename the company Meta and announced that they would become a “metaverse company” in 2021. So yes, in a way and on a smaller scale at that, Facebook is Metaverse.
However, Metaverse, in its entirety, is an online space; and no one owns it (well, at least not yet). Everyone is just a key player in that sphere—even Meta (Facebook).
When a layman who’s rather familiar with technology is asked what the Metaverse is, your best bet of response is simply “a virtual world.” In actuality, the Metaverse is a post-reality virtual world, and it is designed for humans to be avatars of themselves.
A thorough discussion and present-day applications can be read here.
The Technologies that Help Develop the Metaverse
The science and beauty that backs the Metaverse does not end in a virtual world layout that mimics a rather familiar computer game. What makes it stand out is its construction that’s built with strong technology to make it a wholistic experience overall.
- Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the better-known metaverse technologies present today. It is the technology of using the computer to do tasks and projects that were typically requiring human intelligence to complete.
While AIs are typically presented through robots; however, it is important to note that AI is a system of artificial intelligence and is not necessarily partnered with the robotics technology.
How does AI power the virtual world?
While we enjoy Siri and Alexa in the real world, AI proves itself essential even in the development of the metaverse. Its main contribution is the simulation of the the real world in the metaverse by creating a digital version of it, fueling social interactions within the metaverse.
- Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) is one of the cornerstones in the Metaverse movement. AR is when a blank wall suddenly becomes, for example, a game screen where you can slash beats with an AR light saber (a stick in real life) like the video game Beat Saber.
A good example is the movie Her (2013), which is also a good reference for artificial intelligence. Throughout the film, it is shown that the male character lead, Theodore, plays a game with a swearing alien child. The alien child’s world is a perfect example of an augmented reality.
How does AR power the virtual world?
While AI stimulates the real world, AR makes up the digital world. It is the science that makes users feel like 3D is part of our surroundings. In simpler terms, AR provides a spectacular vision of the virtual world in the human’s field of vision. And that’s what makes AR a powerful technology that helps develop the metaverse.
- Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR), more often than not, is mistakenly used interchangeably with AR. However, the heart of virtual reality is that it is not merely a simulation of the real world. It is purely fictional. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that you can access any AR using your smartphone, but VRs are only accessible via headset (Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR, Google Daydream View, or Google Cardboard).
A good example of VR is Ford’s initiative to use VR in designing their cars for an accelerated development and quicker turnaround time. From sketching the car design in 2D sketch using pens and pencils, they jumpstart production by a 3D view using VR controllers and goggles.
How does VR power the virtual world?
VR, as its name suggests, is an incredibly strong aid in reaching the ultimate goal of the metaverse – to create a virtual world. The presence of VR allows humans (users) to immerse themselves in interactive activities.
- Mixed Reality
By the name itself, mixed reality (MR) is a combination of actual reality and virtual reality. Mixed reality is evident when objects from the real world and virtual world interact with each other in real time.
The best, most familiar example of an MR is the Pokémon Go phenomenon. Another great reference for an MR is the movie Jumanji, which explores both real and augmented realities in one setting.
How does MR power the virtual world?
MR is so powerful it brings the best of augmented reality and virtual reality together to display a seamlessly integrated reality, providing completely new experiences for the users. Because of its ability to create an experience atop an existing environment, MR is able to provide creative assistance to its users without altering anything in real life.
- Blockchains
Security never goes out of style, especially in the metaverse where the future of businesses depends on. This is where blockchains comet to play. Blockchains function as a digital ledger that records transactions and distributes them across the network to promote and heighten security.
Good examples (and probably would ring a bell) are cryptocurrency or Bitcoin. However, another example that would feel closer today is Spotify. The music app giant has recently acquired Mediachian, a startup blockchain to provide solutions to music attribution.
How do blockchains power the virtual world?
Metaverse is business, and blockchains provide transparency in ownership within this universe. These are the systems that record transactions and distribute these across the entire network, making it impossible to change, cheat, or hack the system.
So, What’s Happening in Metaverse Today?
Long are the days when virtual realities are a thing of fiction. Today, the Metaverse functions as a big playing ground in marketing and advertising.
Furthermore, the number of companies that are embracing the Metaverse is ever-so growing. Giants like Ford and Microsoft are making the headlines for their leap in joining the futuristic Metaverse.
The 5 technologies mentioned above are continuously being upgraded and more seen today than ever before. It is expected that slowly and surely easily accessible and more familiar to all people of every industry.
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