The Metaverse

Ever since Facebook announced in October 2021 that it would be changing the name of its company to Meta, the term 'metaverse' has suddenly started popping up everywhere. But what exactly is the metaverse? And hasn't it existed for a long time already? In this blog, we'll explain what the metaverse is, what it can be used for, how virtual reality fits into the metaverse narrative, and what we can expect from the metaverse in the future.

Simply put, the metaverse is the digital world we inhabit. Think of an online multiplayer game where you're roaming around a virtual world with friends. In this digital world, you can essentially do anything you would in the real world, but from the comfort of your computer, game console, smartphone, or VR headset. But besides playing a game, there are many more applications for the metaverse. Meta (formerly Facebook) is particularly focused on the social aspect of the metaverse. What Meta aims to achieve is a complete digital world where you can roam and meet up with friends using an online avatar.

It's important to note that the metaverse is currently still a global concept. So, it's not yet possible to just casually 'meet up in the metaverse'. However, it is possible to meet up in a specific game, like for example VRChat. But the big difference is that when you meet up with a friend in VRChat, you can only stay in VRChat. Whereas if we were to meet up in the metaverse in the future, you could go to different games from the metaverse.

Virtual reality literally means 'virtual reality'. It's a complete digital environment where you can play a game, for example. Instead of sitting in front of a computer with a mouse and keyboard, you can experience the game in a much more realistic way with a virtual reality headset. The beauty of virtual reality is that with a VR headset, you're much closer to the action. You're literally seeing through the eyes of the game's protagonist (first person). This principle is perfect for the metaverse, as the aim is to make the metaverse as realistic and pleasant as possible for users.

A VR headset can therefore be seen as a means of getting into the metaverse. Just like a PlayStation or an Xbox can be used to enter the metaverse. And virtual reality can be seen as a way in which you enter the metaverse and interact with other people. Want to know more about what virtual reality is? Then read this blog post.

XR (extended reality) is the umbrella term for VR, AR, and MR. By XR, we therefore mean all forms of realities. The metaverse isn't limited to virtual reality but will also enter augmented and mixed reality. These forms combine the real physical world with the digital world. With augmented reality, you no longer isolate yourself from real reality but create a combination between the online world and the world you move around in. A simple example of this is an online video meeting using a program like Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Instead of only being able to see each other via a screen, with an AR headset you can show the other person something you see too. And all this in a small screen in the corner of your eye, so you can still do other things.

• Digital twins: a digital twin is an exact copy of something from the virtual world to the digital world. The most well-known example of a digital twin is Google Maps. Here, an exact copy has been made of all roads and routes from the real world, and you can look up exactly where you need to go online.
• Virtual training: as XR technology becomes more realistic, training can be carried out more effectively. Think of a pilot making his first flight with the help of a VR headset before he steps into a real plane.
• Social digital life: more and more companies are focusing on the social aspect of the digital world. Applications are no longer just geared towards gaming, but increasingly towards connecting with each other. Nowadays, you can meet up with a friend on the other side of the world without any problems.

Social and Professional Interactions in the Metaverse

The metaverse is not just a space for entertainment but is also developing as a platform for social and professional interactions. Virtual work environments, such as meeting rooms and 3D conference rooms, are gaining popularity and making international collaboration more accessible than ever. For companies, this means that employees can collaborate without physical constraints, with benefits such as lower travel costs and less need for office space. Virtual workspaces thus provide a sustainable and efficient solution for modern businesses, bringing colleagues from all over the world together in a shared digital environment.

Personal Experiences and Unique Possessions in the Metaverse

In the metaverse, consumers can discover new ways to have personal experiences and enrich their digital identity. From attending a virtual concert to visiting museums and making interactive journeys: the metaverse makes unique experiences accessible from home. In addition, the metaverse offers the opportunity to collect and personalize digital assets. Think of virtual clothing for your avatar, collectables or digital artworks that reflect your own virtual environment and style. These kinds of experiences not only make the metaverse exciting, but also a place where you can express yourself and build valuable memories.

Ethical Challenges and the Future of the Metaverse

Although the metaverse offers a world of possibilities, it also brings new challenges in terms of privacy, security, and accessibility. User protection becomes an essential topic within this digital environment, with a focus on ethical guidelines and regulations that ensure the metaverse remains a safe and inclusive space. A well-regulated metaverse not only helps individuals, but also gives companies confidence in developing applications for a wide audience. In this way, the metaverse can grow into a reliable and valuable platform for both social and economic interactions.

Questions? Feel free to get in touch!

Are you curious about the metaverse and virtual reality and do you have any questions? Or would you like to explore the possibilities yourself? Then feel free to contact us. We are more than happy to help with all your questions and advise you about the latest developments and products in this digital world!