Let’s trace it back to the 70s and the 80s when the internet emerged as a new form of communication, the evolution seemed impossible and people talked about it, only a few people knew about the information communication technology and how to use it but today it has advanced into a decentralized system, blockchain technologies, and token-based economy which is known as web 3.0. What is the Metaverse?
However, the term Metaverse has been hype for the past few years and big companies like Facebook (Meta), Apple, and Microsoft, are investing tons of billions in making it a mainstream phenomenon. More or fewer people have an idea of what it is, many still don’t have a clue while some don’t really understand the meaning and purpose.
This is why we put together this article to educate and break down what the Metaverse is all about.
When defined in a familiar term, The Metaverse is a network of 3D virtual worlds focused on a social connection where people can work, shop, play, and as well socialize. This is the next evolution of social technology, a place parallel to the physical realm.
I stated in my previous article that the Metaverse is a virtual space where people interact with each other using avatars in augmented and virtual reality technology. It’s not just a place of fun but it will be a place where we can work, socialize, and connect with others in an immersive, online experience.
Again, you can say that the Metaverse is a singular space that exists independently even when users are logged in and offers real-time interaction to users, that is to say, there is only one metaverse, Ideological, and it will be accessed through a single gateway.
The fiction behind the buzzword Metaverse.
The word Metaverse was coined from the 1992 science fiction novel called Snow Cash written by Neil Stephenson where programmable avatars in the form of humans interact with each other in a 3D virtual space in the metaphor of the real world. Meta and university – Metaverse.
Also in 2011, Ernest Cline wrote an anti-utopia science fiction novel called Ready Player One. The book depicts the year 2045 as being gripped by an energy crisis and global warming, causing widespread social problems and economic stagnation. The primary escape for people is a shared virtual reality landscape called The OASIS which is accessed with a VR headset and a wired glove.
Hardware device you can use to access the Metaverse
It is assumed that the Metaverse is not actualized at this stage. Start-up companies like Axie Infinity, and Decentraland have been operating with a limited metaverse for quite a long time including big companies like Apple and Meta. All these companies are working to build an exciting Metaverse for the future.
At this current stage, there’s no single Portal or gateway to access the Metaverse, multiple platforms offer different experiences in virtual reality through hardware devices both for complete immersion and augmented reality.
Here is the list of Top 10 Hardware devices used to access the Metaverse
- Oculus Quest 2
- Valve index
- Sony Playstation VR
- HTC Vive series
- HP Reverb G2
- Microsoft HoloLens
- Epson moverio
- MagicLeap
- Vuzix
- Google Glass Edition 2
1. Meta Quest 2
This is a virtual reality headset developed by Reality Lab formerly Oculus, it was unveiled on September 16, 2020, as the successor to the previous headset the Oculus Quest. It was later rebranded as Meta Quest 2 in November 2021.
2. Valve Index
This index is a second-generation headset released on June 28, 2019. It is a consumer reality headset developed and manufactured by Valve.
The valve index is a wired VR headset with advanced handheld technology, the remote can sense each finger and therefore significantly increase how realistic the VR world is inside the valve when compared to other headsets.
As a wired system, users must connect to a computer with steam VR in order to use it, the device uses two sensors that need to be installed in the playroom and have two wireless handheld remotes.
3. Sony Playstation VR
Playstation VR is a reality headset developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, it was released in October 2016. It is fully functional with the PlayStation 4. PlayStation VR sold over 5 million units worldwide as of December 31, 2019. Sony announced the PlayStation virtual reality 2 for PlayStation 5 at the 2022 Consumer Electronic show.
4. HTC Vive series
This is a virtual reality brand manufactured by HTC Corporation. It consists of virtual reality software and services, and hardware such as its titular virtual reality headset.
5. HP Reverb G2
If you’re looking to enjoy experiences or play high-quality games across a series of platforms, Reverb G2 is the best choice. HP Reverb G2 supports Windows Mixed Reality and Steam VR.
6. Microsoft HoloLens
This is a pair of mixed Reality smart glasses created and manufactured by Microsoft. HoloLens was the first head-mounted display running the Windows Mixed Reality platform under the Windows 10 computer operating system, it was released on March 30, 2016. The HoloLens contains an internal rechargeable battery, with average life rated at 2-3 hours of active use. It can also be used while charging.
7. Epson moverio
The Epson Moverio represents the third generation of the company’s portfolio of augmented reality smart glasses. Moverio has been the world leader in smart glasses, bringing the power of Augmented reality to a variety of industries and applications with a focus on image quality, comfort, and durability.
8. MagicLeap 2
This is an augmented reality headset designed to amplify enterprise productivity.
9. Vuzix
Vuzix Blades Augmented Reality smart glasses provide a wearable smart display with a see-through viewing experience. The experience is as wild as having your computer or smartphone screen information with you wherever you go.
It is the first AR designed where you can see overlaid information, indoor and outdoor, such as patient data, mapping directions, restaurant menu, weather information, alerts, and more without picking up a second screen. A perfect companion to a smartphone, allowing users to interact with their phone hands-free.
10. Google Glass Edition 2
This is an assisted reality wearable that helps businesses improve the quality of their output. It can also help users to work faster, smarter, safer, and more efficiently. It provides hands-on workers and professionals with glanceable, voice-activated assistance that is designed to be worn all day, it is very comfortable to wear and lightweight in nature.
What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
VR technologies immerse you in 3D spaces that go beyond the physical world, letting you feel like you’re in a three-dimensional world discovering new experiences. This technology is accessible through a web browser, VR consists of headsets and accessories such as controllers, motion trackers, treadmills, and 3D cameras for creators.
What is Augmented Reality (AR)?
Augmented reality is the integration of digital information with the user’s environment in real-time. AR lets you add playful virtual effects to photos and videos at the touch or swipe of a screen which means that augmented reality can be accessed with a smartphone and it enhances both the virtual and real world.
A clear difference between Virtual Reality and Augmented reality is that Augmented reality takes place in the physical environment with the information or objects added virtually. But Virtual Reality gives you a different experience by immersing you fully into the virtual world without the intervention of the real world.
What is Mixed Reality (MR)?
Mixed Reality is a hybrid of Augmented reality and virtual reality. It is the combination of the real and the virtual world to create a new virtualized environment, here, the physical and digital objects coexist and interact contemporaneously in real-time.
Related Questions
1. Who owns the Metaverse?
Nobody or any company owns the Metaverse. It is an independent virtual world that exists on its own, even when users log out of it. Big companies and startup companies are working to provide a gateway through which people can access the Metaverse.
2. Who created the MetaverseĀ
The concept of the Metaverse has been around for several decades and has been explored in various forms in literature, movies, and video games. However, it is difficult to attribute its creation to a single person or entity.
The term “Metaverse” was coined by Neal Stephenson in his 1992 science fiction novel “Snow Crash,” where it referred to a virtual reality space where people could interact with each other and digital objects in a fully immersive way. However, the idea of a shared virtual space had been explored in earlier works of fiction, such as William Gibson’s “Neuromancer” (1984).
In recent years, various companies and organizations have been working on developing their own versions of the Metaverse, including Facebook, Epic Games, and Decentraland. However, it remains a highly conceptual and evolving idea, and it is unclear what the final form of the Metaverse will be.
3. Who owns most of the properties in the MetaverseĀ
The Metaverse is a concept that refers to a virtual world where people can interact with each other through digital avatars, and it is not a single, centralized platform or network. As such, it is difficult to determine who owns most of the properties in the Metaverse as it is composed of various virtual worlds and platforms that have their own rules and ownership structures.
Some Metaverse platforms, such as Decentraland and Somnium Space, use blockchain technology to enable users to purchase and own virtual land and properties in their virtual worlds. In these platforms, the ownership of properties is recorded on the blockchain, which makes it possible to track the ownership of virtual assets.
However, the distribution of property ownership in these Metaverse platforms is likely to be highly unequal, with some individuals or groups owning a significant portion of the virtual assets. The exact distribution of ownership is not publicly available, and it is likely to vary depending on the specific Metaverse platform or virtual world in question.
Wrapping Up
The Metaverse is a concept that refers to a virtual shared space where people can interact with each other, participate in immersive experiences, and engage in various activities. It is often described as a fully realized virtual world, combining elements of gaming, social media, and virtual reality.
The idea of a Metaverse was first introduced in science fiction, but it has become increasingly relevant with the development of new technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. It is seen by many as the next step in the evolution of the internet, offering new possibilities for communication, commerce, entertainment, and creativity.