What Is Metaverse?
Two definitions describe the metaverse—the first states it's a post-realism gap blending a virtual site and a physical one, thus building a permanent and uninterrupted multi-user universe. The second one is more prosaic—according to it, the metaverse is defined as an online 3D location common for users engaging with other users/avatars and objects generated by a computer.
The term itself wasn't really on everybody's lips until recent years. It first emerged in 1992 as one of the nano words in an SF novel written by N. T. Stephenson. According to the book's plot, the metaverse was a cyber domain existing alongside the real timeline. Regardless of where or by whom it originated; the term became embedded into our reality. In this module, we will dive into the mechanics of the metaverse and look at the elements defining it.
Shedding Light on the Metaverse's Insides
A solid ground for this Internet's latest iteration is the incorporation of the following most robust robotics: ML and VR. They enable unimodal interrelationships with avatars, 3D space, and software. Via these interrelationships, the metaverse is frequently portrayed as an interconnected net of social and submerged platforms with multiple users. What is more, NFTs, in particular, and cryptocurrency, in general, are the outcome of a cryptographic ledger that ensures the ownership of virtual items throughout the metaverse.
So far, a couple of exclusive companies are functioning on the mechanics of engagement through a virtual ecosystem, with Microsoft and Meta being the most notable ones. And though enterprises are working in the same direction, they are in the process of developing an architecture for building a virtual location where things can look realistic.
The 7-Layer Structure
The blend of virtual and real encompasses 7 layers that, once together, have a major influence on user experience in a 3D place.
1. Experience
Here, any limits of a real (physical) place are removed. A real object is longer real in a 3D place. Metaverse is basically similar to real-life events—an adventure in a 3D world, from social engagement to games, shopping, or theaters. By dematerializing the real world surrounding us, the metaverse goes beyond shopping or e-sports and offers what reality can't—an authentic experience from anywhere in the world anywhere in the world without leaving the couch.
2. Discovery
Permanent push and pull disclose new experiences, where the term pull stands for an inbound system that incorporates information/experience search (search engines, content, live presence), and push means a practice during which users are informed about the experiences they'll gain (notifications, emails, online ads).
3. Creator economy
Like no other, this virtual place has a huge capacity for economic growth. Experts believe that very soon, we will witness a rise of enterprises creating brand new metaverse spaces, turning the whole process into mainstream. Content creators will be the driving force of the digital world, achieving success. Thanks to this, the creator economy has all the potential to turn into a multibillion-dollar industry.
4. Spatial Computing
Spatial computing means digitizing activities encompassing users, machines, objects, and ecosystems that occur to empower and boost interactions. To be more precise, this digitization binds MR, VR, and AR, enlivening the metaverse.
5. Decentralization
Here, decentralization represents the incorporation of specific mechanics and approaches that deprive unified/centralized bodies of control. In general, this allows using the metaverse' might most effectively. In a nutshell, that's when blockchain (with its approach to data safeguarding issues) appears.
6. Human interface
This devices-hardware-technologies layer allows metaverse users to enjoy proactive HCI navigating the non-real space through smart glasses or VR headsets. Even modern smartphones are no longer simple devices. They are portable, instantly and constantly connected, powerful regardless of their size, with embedded AI technologies, and ready to absorb a limitless number of apps.
7. Infrastructure
For a cross-functional metaverse, it's crucial to make use of a complex smart-technology architecture to enable quick linking of a device to the web for content (images, video, audio, text) delivery.
Web3 vs. Blockchain vs. Metaverse
These three concepts are more than simply similar or related. They are interconnected. In a virtual place, they back each other up by complementing one another, helping to develop the Internet that is more inclusive, secure, and open.
For example, gaming software named The Sandbox alongside Decentraland (a VR space) are, so far, the platforms establishing themselves as the Web3-Metaverse-Blockchain intersection. Aside from offering a VR adventure, they also authorize their avatars to create projects and craft virtual objects that can be later monetized.
Metaverse: Top 7 Features
3D avatars allow the establishment of a virtual self, thus making it possible to enjoy a metaverse on all levels.
Interactive adventure is realized via VR/AR technologies for uninterrupted user engagement and flawless through-virtual-environment navigation.
3D spaces (either new locations or replicas of existing ones) are real-time, with a fully functioning economy.
Customization is for users to create and tailor venues according to preferences by excluding or including features.
Interoperability allows users to gain the most from cross-metaverse-platform capability experience and advanced digital activities.
Interactivity is for uniting users from different real places, allowing them to react to each other online, engaging in the same way they would do in any real place.
Multi-device enables users to join the digital space and operate within its limits from a wide range of devices.
Closing Thoughts
Finally, when considering the possibilities, the metaverse offers, one should treat them as everlasting. This technology is now used for remote training, remote office work, games, leisure, concerts, etc. Furthermore, blockchain has a few leading applications in the metaverse. They comprise the use of cryptocurrency, the advancement of decentralized ecosystems, and the facilitation of the ability to exchange/use information.