Currently the metavers are on everyone's lips after the target announcement (former Facebook).We will see how innovative is Mark Zuckerberg's proposal, projects that never finished curdling and decentralized metavers.
What are metaversos
We can understand it as a combination of different technologies.Some of the most important will be the virtual reality, augmented reality and the video.Users will "live" within this completely digital space.
According to supporters of virtual reality, there users will work, play or interact, among others.We can attend concerts, conferences, make virtual trips around the world and much more.
Matthew Ball, managing partner of the Capital firm Epyllion Industries, in February 2021, wrote on his website: "At this time, we are at the cusp of the next Internet".
What is the origin of the metaversos
The origin of the metaversos or at least the idea of them is in the book Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson in 1992.This novel refers to a 3D virtual world that is inhabited by avatars of real people.The idea has served to influence many videogames and series or science fiction movies.Ernest Cline's Ready Player One novel follows the steps of Stephenson's novel.
Snow Crash talks about the US future in a satirical way.The world is dominated by different corporations, something that the same sounds a lot.We have as the protagonist a hacker teacher who performs katanas fights in a virtual nightclub.
Snow Crash: Neal Stephenson Stephenson, Neal (Author)10,71 EURLast update on 2022-01-24
On the other hand, we have Ready Player One whose virtual world is called Oasis.Cline treats it as a practically utopian world of escapism in the very dark future.
Those who are lovers of science fiction surely remember the Battlestar Galactica series.A spin-off was made called a caprica that also treats the metaversos.In this case it is a dark virtual world of violence, alcohol and hackers.History tells us the origin of the humanoid zylon.
Come on, that all metavers end up being something great, but they end up becoming highly dark.Everything indicates that developing metavers is not a very good idea, but here we are.
Ready Player One: The Global Bestseller and Now A Major Steven Spielberg Movie Cline, Ernest (Author) 11.60 Eur
Last update on 2022-01-24
How we should define metaversos in reality
Beyond a digital space where people have representation through avatars, there is no exact deficion.It is speculated that it could be an evolution of the Internet as we know it today.We have compiled some possible definitions:
Then we have different broad taxonomies about metaversos.Raph Koster, video game designer, establishes distinctions between online worlds, multivers and metaversos.Koster indicates that online worlds are digital spaces, from 3D environments to text -based environments focused on a certain topic.
Also speak of the multiversos as "multiple different worlds connected in a network, which do not have a shared topic or set of rules".More or less this would refer to Oasis at Ready Player One.
Finally, Koster emphasizes that a metovers would be "a multiverse that interopens more with the real world".Here elements are added such as augmented reality, virtual reality dressing rooms for stores or even applications such as Google Maps.
Second Life, the first metaverso
We must go to the year 2003, when the Second Life social network was opened.The idea of metavers, therefore, is not precisely new.Different lands began to acquire and virtual items were sold.Before Second Life we already had Cybertoown with 3D design in virtual space.
We could say that Second Life did not work then because the technologies were not quite mature.We had no virtual or augmented reality, Internet connections were not the best and graphic technology was green.
Habbo Hotel
It was a project created by Sulake Corporation Oy, a Finnish company that launched the project in August 2000.Interestingly in September 2003 it expanded to the Spanish and Italian markets.Currently continues.
This metaverso project is raised as an online forum where to chat.They did not stay there, you could also create a character, go through different areas, build, change look, customize different elements, etc..
Roblox
Online video game platform, where we have a game creation system and where virtual worlds can be created.I use its own graphic engine and is available for PC, iOS, Android and Xbox One.Highlight that this title was launched on September 1, 2006 and would currently have an important resurgence.
What technology require metaversos
Virtual and augmented reality are highly accessible.Currently, these two segments are very prominent markets today.It is estimated that Facebook would have sold about 8 million oculus quest 2 glasses.Some virtual reality games have also generated more than 1 million dollars in sales.
Of course, these figures are very small if we buy them with the sale of smartphone, computers and consoles.Also if we compare it in sales volume and profits with games.But we must consider that the virtual and augmented reality market 10 years ago did not exist just.
Apple would be working on virtual reality glasses and the Chinese company Nreal has marketed augmented reality sunglasses with a rather affordable price.
Note that not only large companies are working on metaversos.There are projects of decentralized virtual worlds that use cryptocurrencies and NFT.These projects are based on the concept of web3.A term widely used by decentralized network services where users have data control at all times.
What metavers exist (or are coming)
Let's see the most outstanding projects that are already available or that are yet to come
Goal (Facebook)
Recently Mark Zuckerberg announced that his company Facebook would be called Meta.This makes it clear that the commitment to metavers is very important.To take this step, they have been preparing for some time, being an example the acquisition of Oculus in 2014.
Meta proposes a virtual world where people's avatars are connected through work, different travel or experiences through virtual reality glasses.Zuckerberg believes that this technology could replace the Internet as we currently conceal.
Highlight that Facebook has already flirted with cryptocurrencies (more or less).His Libra digital currency project ended up starring regulators and criticism from the cryptocurrency community.It seems that the idea of his own digital asset was focused on metavers.
Microsoft
The company has been using holograms software for some time.Currently, you are developing mixed and extended reality applications for its MESH platform.It is a solution that combines the real world with mixed and virtual reality.
Recently, Microsoft has stood out how you want to bring mixed reality, virtual holograms and avatars to Microsoft Teams for 2022.For next year they also want 3D connected ritual spaces.Stores and workplaces could be included.
Microsoft and the United States Army work on the development of Hololens 2 for augmented reality.They seek to improve realism for the training, fight and essays of the soldiers.In addition, Xbox Live already connects millions of gamers worldwide.
Epic Games
Within Fortnite concerts such as Ariana Grande and Travis Scott have already been held.Musical films or debuts have also enjoyed themselves.It has also enjoyed a replacement of the historic speech "I have to Dream" by Martin Luther King Jr in 1963.
In addition, Epic Games is working on the development of photorealist digital humans with his Metahuman Creator.We could thus create our ‘Doppelgenger’ digital in the next open world games.
Roblox
This digital universe is characterized by integrating games developed by users.It houses role games such as Bloxburg and Brookhaven, where users can build their own homes, work and explore.Lately, it has grown in popularity due to copies of the "squid game".
Recently, Roblox has left with a capitalization greater than 5.000 million dollars.David Baszucki, founder of Roblox, public on his Twitter account the following message: "One more step towards compliance with our #Metaverse vision".
Currently, they are associated with the Vans footwear company to develop Vans World.It would be a virtual skate park where players can dress with brand clothes.In addition, Gucci Garden has opened where we can try and buy clothes and accessories of this brand in digital version.
Minecraft
Despite the one of years that this game has and that the graphics are not the best, it continues to have great popularity.A few years ago Microsoft acquired Mojang, a company developed by Minecraft.It has enormous popularity among children and not so children for their simple mechanics and the number of options it offers.
During the pandemic there were many who returned to this infinite title.It has more than 140 million active users every month, something that many other games already wanted.Popularity is maintained due to the huge amount of mods that exist for this game.
Other cases
The metavers will arrive to replace the current Internet
Internet will continue to exist with metavers, a new more layer will simply be added.We simply have the "visible" Internet that we access daily when we enter this or other websites.Then we have the Deep Web, a series of websites or "visible" internet sections that are not indexed.Within the Deep Web are login systems, for example.Finally, we have the Dark Web, that dark internet where it is better not to enter.
Zuckerberg sells it as an improved version of the Internet.It emphasizes that it allows "different experiences that you could not necessarily have on a 2D application or website"
Tim Sweeney moves on the same line.Although we can do many of the things we can do today.We can watch videos, play with friends or buy, but with addition.
Theoretically one of the benefits of metavers would be the "presence".We will have the feeling of interaction with places and people.We can meet with co -workers in a virtual environment thanks to Spatial and Facebook Horizon.
If we see it as a whole, it is more logical to think of a complement to the modern Internet to a complete replacement.There are aspects that can be interesting, such as a virtual dressing room where to preview how you will have a garment.We really do not need a complete store, but a selection of clothing according to our tastes.
Currently hardware to support a detailed virtual environment is expensive.We will need a really powerful computer and virtual reality glasses, something that can cost several thousand euros.The consoles are not yet prepared for the power that can be required for high detail.
We must take into account that everything works in real time, so the problem increases.Not all Internet connections are prepared for such data volume.So for now it seems that the Internet in 2D is completely replaced by a 3D Internet.
When Meta arrived, Mark Zuckerberg's proposal
Well, we must say that at the moment Zuckerberg's metovers is little more than a concept.Meta has presented the idea and have announced strong investments, but barely began to build.Now we need to see who add to the project and how can you come true.
We also have the lack of technologies that can make this idea real.We lack virtual reality devices that make us feel and move as if we were in that universe realistically.In addition, an infrastructure at the design level is missing.We barely have a few virtual cubicles used in the tests, there are missing buildings, streets, areas and others.
In addition, really complex technical infrastructure is required.Large centers are required capable of supporting data flow.Internet connections in many cases are far from supporting this new technology.We could have large doses of LAG in crowded areas or if there are abnormal phenomena.We must also look at security, an aspect of which little is talking about.
Goal, Facebook metavers, it would take a decade at least to be a functional reality.
What can we find or do in metavers
We are still in a very initial phase in this metavers and it is very difficult to know that we can do inside.Surely new market niches will emerge, new ideas what to do in these worlds and endless possibilities.Currently, we can consider the following spaces:
Gaming and entertainment
One of the bases of the metaversos are video games.Roblox is a metoverso that allows you to develop games inside.Minecraft is a game that allows you to develop anything, being able to create cities, a library with prohibited texts in many countries or an entire civilization.
There is a world to explore metavers and video games.
Training
The formation segment, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has had to adapt and reinvent.Children, youth and adults have had to stay at home due to pandemic.But at the same time, it is necessary to continue training or continue with the training.In addition, we will see an increase in different online formation.
Through metavers and virtual reality we can train in things that currently require face -to -face.Electrical installations, plumbing, repair of electronic equipment, welding, etc., we can learn them without the need for face -to -face.Also learn to play different musical instruments.
Teleworking (with steroids)
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many to begin to telework and explore this way of working.Vecher or zoom (or similar) meetings are now with webcam and sometimes very crazy situations occur.They already consider metavers for this type of meetings that will give a whole new chalice and will be different.We will have an avatar that will allow us to interact with the rest of the people in our fictitious room.
To buy online
One of the segments that can benefit the most from metavers, are online purchases.Currently acquiring online clothing is a certain risk, since you don't know how it can look.Through metavers and augmented reality you can get an idea of how your clothes will look.
But in addition, we will have new segments.Digital Clothing Designers for Avatars, Personal Shopper Digital to help us in our purchases, etc..It is undoubtedly the most potential segment within metavers.
Sport
Something that we will undoubtedly have in the future in metavers are digital sports.There is no doubt that we will have racing simulators, football, basketball, fighting and other sports.We can practice any sport, and of course, manufacture like us alone.
Logically, playing at Santiago Bernabeú or running in Montmeló with a formula 1 is not accessible to 99.99% of mortals.Through metavers, we could do it.Can you imagine a Doncic plug or take a hand to hand to Mbappé?
We can train in the gym from our home without having the equipment.In the end, a series of devices and elements will be generated that will allow us to feel all those sensations that we can only feel physically.
What do cryptocurrencies have to do with metavers
They will have a really important role in metavers.For these spaces a new economy will be needed, in this case, based on digital currencies.Cryptocurrencies will be crucial, as Facebook (now goal) has demonstrated when trying its centralized Libra currency.This Facebook proposal now makes more meaningful to announce your own metovers.
A new economic system is required for metavers and cryptocurrencies are placed as the best option.Some position themselves as clear candidates to be used for this new market.Solana, Avalanche and Cardano are the best located at the moment.Ethereum, specifically Ethereum 2.0, it could be an alternative if it meets what is announced.
In addition, this web3, a more decentralized and more open Internet proposal to everyone.Inside we find the simple login system by blockchain addresses.We can access Sushiswan or Uniswap through our metamask wallet.This means that we will not have to create a thousand users, with a simple public address, which can be from Metamk.
We also have the NFT (non -fungible token) that are stored in the blockchain.If we acquire a unique element, it will be stored in our portfolio.The NFT strength is that they are impossible to steal and demonstrate property.Only we can access them thanks to our private keys.So cryptocurrencies and underlying blockchain technology are the pillars on which metavers should be built.
In short, cryptocurrencies should be the basis of metavers for purchasing.Then it will be missing the courage of centralized and normally opaque companies such as Microsoft, Facebook or Google, bet on them or create their own centralized currencies.
But as a great alternative to these metavers, we have decentralized metaversos.Digital spaces built on a blockchain that are increasingly popular.Everything indicates that the decentralized and free metaversos of corporations that can change the rules to their criteria will be the future.We will see below some examples of very promising decentralized metavers.
Decentralized metavers
Decentralized metavers based on Blockchain technology are still in an initial phase, but they have been winning in interest for some time.Let's see some of the most interesting projects.
Decentraland
It is a metaversos that works within the Ethereum blockchain.Seeks to develop a global community of users operating within a shared virtual world.
Users within this space can buy and sell digital properties, at the same time you can explore, interact and play within this virtual world.Gradually the platform has evolved to add interactive actions, payments within the platform and communication between users.
It has two types of tokens:
Everything works thanks to a set of smart contracts based on blockchain technology.It allows participants to vote on changes in policies, land auctions and subsidies for new developments.
The Sandbox
Metaverso that is also executed within the Ethereum blockchain.Thanks to a set of smart contracts, a decentralized virtual world focused on gaming can be managed.
Simply, The Sandbox is a game where players can buy digital plots.Likewise, it allows generating experiences about them by sharing space with other users.It is based on the same blockchain as Dentreland and the idea is quite similar.
The plots in The Sandbox are called Land and are NFT type (yes, as in Dentreland).But it has two native tokens with specific functions:
Cryptovoxels
We can define it as a world of virtual reality that is built on Ethereum.This project allows us to buy and sell virtual properties and other digital assets in the world of Cryptovoxels.
The idea of this virtual world is quite similar to Minecraft.The project was born as a combination of several elements.We have on the one hand, real estate in a world of virtual reality.Integrates a lot of digital elements and is based on a cryptocurrency economy.
The project has attracted creators who have made constructions and also speculators.There are also users who have entered to explore it and see their operation.
Final words about metaversos
We have seen that metavers are not exactly a new thing, but a literary idea that I already adapted.Networks like Second Life and Habbo Hotel had limited success.Technology was still very green and Internet connections were not yet optimized.
We recommend this article where we explain what cryptocurrencies are and why
We headed a second era of metavers.We will have centralized and controlled metaversos side by opaque and decentralized metavers.Virtual reality glasses and augmented reality will play a really important role in these new metavers.Everything indicates that cryptocurrencies also play an important role in future metavers.
But we are still far from seeing the metavers as they are selling them.Facebook, well, now the company called a goal that was previously called Facebook would take up to a decade to be able to launch a complete product.Then you will see how access, the technology we will need and the cost of technology will be.We assume that the party will be paid by the brands that are announced and we, with our data.
What do you think about metavers and the way they can change the future of the Internet?
