What does it mean?

Tech industry loves to make buzzwords trend and currently it is after the word ‘Metaverse’.

The hype behind the term Metaverse started with Facebook rebranding itself as ‘Meta’ and followed by announcement from Microsoft about acquisition of ‘Activision Blizzard’ for USD 70 Billion and then Google also invested USD 39.5 Million into private equity funds for Metaverse. Why are they doing it? May be they know a thing or two more than we do? However, those of us who are into Sci-fi genre of movies or shows might have got the idea upon watching the vintage ‘Johnny Quest’ series or Ready Player 1.

The concept is not perfect yet, but that has not stopped businesses to get involved as companies like Gucci, JP Morgan, HSBC, Coco cola are some firms that have dabbled with the concept until now.

To be specific in explaining the term in a scientific manner, Metaverse is a version of internet as a universally single and virtually immersive world, which is backed by technologies of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), extended reality (XR), multisensory extended reality, and simulated reality.

To be more simplistic, Metaverse is a 3D virtual world network that focusses on establishing social connection. For instance, you plan to attend a wedding while not at all suited up, all you have to do is wear some device like a virtual reality headset within the comfort of your couch, chose your avatar and there you are.

The concept is beyond just games now as Metaverse has blurred the lines between virtual and real as UAE recently saw the first Metaverse wedding as well. Check this out!

The unfortunate situation that the world faced with pandemic showed that we needed to change the definition of socializing and many of us realized the value of internet in facilitating our lives. The Digi-verse evolved into being an inherent part of our daily lives with people now moving towards their hand held devices for everything, rather than opening up their laptops. Now we have Metaverse!

Is it a game changer?

Well, the things that they are doing with the technology of Metaverse are definitely a game changer. Physical convergence with digital world, Metaverse is what’s next. Imagine watching your friend in a digital world where you cannot make out the difference if it is real or fake. Some games like fortnite and minecraft gave us a hint of how Metaverse is going to be. It gets more n more interesting. Axi infinity reported that players were able to make a living using experience points n that’s what people in Philippines did when they were not able to go to work. This was just the beginning. Of course, not all of us are gamers but what matters is the technological adaption to produce multiple possibilities.

How you game, eat and shop or even hang out with friends or even how you work!

Here are the possibilities that we know so far: –

• Cafes and dining

You don’t have to dress for the occasion, at least not the real you because your avatar can join friends for a coffee. Here is a video sample of how a virtual café looks: –

If it’s new then it has to be in Dubai! The Metaterrace Café at DIFC, Dubai merges Metaverse with the real world. Visitors to the café can enjoy their time with a brilliant view of the iconic Burj Khalifa with friends who might be in different parts of the globe physically.

Check it out here.

• Building communities and buying plots

That’s right! If buying real places weren’t enough, now you will be able to buy virtual properties as well. Check this video out: –

• Attend concerts

Metaverse may open a new dimension to LIVE entertainment as we take a cue from this pandemic. With the help of wearable tech, people will be able to get a better view of the performance of their favorite artist, all while saving cost of transport and compromising on their comfort level. By the way, this is already happening, check this out!

• Dress for the occasion

Fashion Brands such are not only offering you to get power suits for your avatar virtually but accepting payments in cryptocurrencies as well. Now that’s what you call next level experience.

• Play Game

This one is obvious. Metaverse will take gaming to another level by making it immersive. Take ‘Farcana’ for example in which gamers actually plays with full armor and devices that help read and understand emotions which is then reflected to the player’s gaming avatar. The players earn real bitcoins based on their mission. Now that’s rewarding!

The possibilities with Metaverse are endless with us scratching just the surface now. What do you think about the future of Metaverse? Share with us!