Metaverse – what it is, how to get in, what makes it special

The metaverse is a virtual reality where people can interact with each other or with objects in real-time while being in a digital form. Essentially, it is a copy of the real world that has its own laws of existence and welcomes everyone.

What is the “metaverse” – more accurate information

On the internet, the metaverse is often compared to “The Matrix.” That is not correct. First, being in a digital world, a person is aware of it. Plus, there is no need to place a living organism in a capsule. To understand what the metaverse is, it’s better to refer to more interesting sources:

• The science fiction film “Ready Player One.” An excellent sci-fi film that is perfect for understanding what the metaverse is. By the way, the film clearly shows the end result that active development of the digital universe can lead to. That is, there will be an owner (the owner of the digital world) and slaves (users) who are destined to survive in the real world with the help of the metaverse.
• Sergei Lukyanenko’s book series called “Diver.” This includes “The Labyrinth of Reflections,” “Fake Mirrors,” and “Translucent Stained Glass.” The cycle of science fiction novels was written in 1997. But it demonstrates the metaverse in the world of “Dip Town” so effectively that the reader will immediately understand what it is about.
• The series “Loading.” Although the digital world is created for deceased people whose consciousness has moved into the digital realm, the two seasons of the series excellently show the structure of the metaverse. By the way, the series clearly shows what will happen to a digital image of a person when their money runs out. It’s important to remember – there is no free service everywhere.

How to get into the metaverse – tools and services

Officially, the metaverses are offered on three platforms: Roblox, Second Life, and Horizon Workrooms. These are giants of the industry, backed by billionaires from the Forbes top 10. While in testing mode, these platforms already demonstrate the digital world we aspire to. More accurately, the one we are being loaded into.

In fact, there are hundreds of metaverses. Life simulators like Fortnite, MMORPGs, or World of Warcraft provide the same impressions and emotions. By the way, these smaller digital worlds are more interesting in terms of convenience. Since they are not business projects. More likely, they operate for entertainment. Which is why they are valued. However, they can only interest gaming enthusiasts who understand.

We’ve understood the services. These are servers where you need to register and connect your equipment. Moving on to tools. You will need a digital user profile (3D avatar), which can be created directly on the server or made by yourself (or ordered from a specialist). The avatar must be created individually for each metaverse. Universality is rare here. Each manufacturer “pulls the blanket” over themselves. Perhaps this issue will be resolved over time, similar to the USB Type-C standard.

And for working in the digital world, VR or AR glasses are needed. The first option provides full immersion into the metaverse. AR glasses are an element of augmented reality that gives a sense of the real world. Besides glasses (or helmets), gloves and clothing with tactile sensors are required. All of this has been available on the market for a long time, but the price starts at $10,000 and goes higher. Additionally, for comfortable walking in the digital world, a special stand is needed. The price of such a stand is better not to mention. Only available to Gates, Zuckerberg, and other top-10 Forbes people.

Advantages and disadvantages of the metaverse for users

In terms of entertainment, it is definitely interesting. In the early stages of use. You can explore the world, interact with it, communicate, and have fun with friends or other users. But the digital world is in the hands of businessmen. Therefore, users will inevitably be drawn into the world of digital commerce. And here, everything looks interesting for buyers.

But there is one “but.” The owner of the metaverse will collect data about users. Their preferences, location, wealth, and so on. Basically, the same as Facebook does now. Only with more intensity. While in the digital world, a person often forgets about total control and may inadvertently reveal their fetishes or phobias. And this will be immediately recorded by the computer. Any user secrets will become the property of the business owner.

Here are a couple of examples of how people interact with the metaverse. For now, at the entertainment level. But this is a stage of enticing potential buyers. Over time, we will see a lot of advertising and restrictions on usage. After all, this is business. A very coordinated and well-thought-out business for decades ahead. Because the guys from Forbes will never give their money to projects that do not generate profit.