Metaverse has become popular recently but is not a new concept. The earliest basic idea associated with the Metaverse started in the 19th century. In 1838, Sir Charles Wheatstone introduced “binocular vision,” a combination of two images for different eyes to create a 3D image. The first use of “metaverse” was made by Neal Stephenson in his novel “Snow Crash” in 1992. In this novel, Stephenson mentions the Metaverse as a virtual place where his characters use avatars to interact. In 2010, Palmer Luckey developed a prototype for VR headsets. These headsets had an impressive 90-degree field of view. In 2012, Luckey launched Oculus VR, which Facebook later acquired in 2014 for $ 3 billion. Also, in 2014, Samsung and Sony announced the creation of VR headsets. The same year, Google released Google Glass and low-cost Cardboard VR headsets. Facebook’s rebranding to Meta in 2021 was one of the most popular activities in metaverse history.
Seriously, What is Metaverse?
The Metaverse is a virtual world representing aspects of the physical world using advanced technologies. The technologies popularly used include Augmented Reality(AR), Virtual Reality(VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital currencies, and social media platforms. Using Metaverse, you can spend your time in a digital world doing things that excite you. You can create your customized avatar and interact with other avatars and digital objects. Metaverse is mainly considered a 3D video game, but Metaverse is not just limited to games. Apart from gaming, you can use it for education, socializing, project creation, partying, fashion, and entertainment, to name a few use cases. Metaverse consists of four different types based on their use cases. Let’s take a look at these:
Metaverse Software and Hardware Requirements
As we have discussed the use cases, importance, and types of the Metaverse, it’s also essential to understand the software and hardware requirements needed. So, let’s dive into that.
Software Requirements
The recommended software requirements that you need to have a smooth metaverse experience are listed below:
OS: At least Windows 7 or 8.Memory: Minimum 4GB RAM.Processor: Quadcore 2.0 GHz or more.Graphics: SM 3.0-compatible, DirectX 9.0c-compatible, Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS, 512MB VRAM or better.Storage: Minimum 8 GB free space.Network: High-speed Broadband Internet connection.DirectX: Version 9.0c.
Hardware Requirements
You can get a basic immersive experience on a budget with Google Cardboard, which starts at just $9.00. But, if you want to get a great metaverse experience, you need to go for the devices listed below: Oculus Quest 2: Oculus provides a quality VR experience to the users with their Quest 2 headsets. You can connect these VR headsets to your mobile device or PC. Skinetic by Actronika: VR headsets provide a great virtual reality experience. Skintec takes this experience to the next level by adding a sense of touch. HoloLens 2 by Microsoft: HoloLens is a significant leap for Microsoft’s AR ventures. They also coined the term “mixed reality” for their AR devices. HoloLens uses advanced optics, holographic processing, and multiple sensors that smoothly blend with its environment. Moreover, Microsoft signed an official contract to supply HoloLens worth $22 billion with the US military in 2021.
How is Crypto Connected to Metaverse?
Crypto and Metaverse are two different things, but these two heavily depend on the fundamental technology: blockchain. Both crypto and Metaverse use blockchain technology to benefit from their decentralized nature. Specifically, decentralization helps projects interact with their users without a central controlling authority. Metaverse platforms can use NFTs to create avatars that help users determine a particular avatar’s value based on its crypto value. Also, metaverse platforms can reward users with native tokens or other cryptocurrencies directly into their crypto wallet. Using a crypto wallet, you can use different metaverse platforms, avoiding complex traditional registration processes. Most popular metaverse projects provide their native token to purchase digital assets. The combination of Metaverse and crypto dramatically increases the security features of metaverse platforms. With the rise of crypto-related projects, metaverse developers can also benefit by creating a community around the crypto space.
Why are Brands Investing in Metaverse?
You might have read about top companies and brands investing in the Metaverse. Some famous names are Meta, Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, Roblox, Shopify, Nike, and Epic Games. The main objective behind these massive investments is to provide a quality experience to their users. Apart from that, brands can target their niche audience using the Metaverse. The Metaverse and its development are considered a beginning stage compared to the immense possibilities. Brands want to utilize this opportunity to stay ahead of their competitors by gaining the “first mover” advantage in their respective fields. Keeping the points mentioned above in mind, let’s take a look at the latest metaverse trends:
Metaverse Events: In 2020, Travis Scott’s metaverse-based Fortnite concert was viewed by 12.3 million fans. This event single-handedly proves the potential of organizing events on metaverse platforms. Celebrities such as Narshmello and Ariana Granade have also conducted metaverse concerts successfully.
Improved AR and VR in Gaming: The rise in demand for metaverse games and the need for quality technology associated with 3D, AR, and VR have also surged. The entry of technology giants such as Microsoft, Meta, Google, Sony, HP, HTC, and others aided in revolutionizing devices to provide a superior user experience. Apart from that, these companies played a crucial role in metaverse adoption.
Implementing NFTs in Metaverse: NFT is another popular term in crypto. It is widely used to create metaverse avatars. NFTs help keep every avatar unique, and metaverse platforms allow users to sell or buy different NFTs.
Now that you have covered the most important topics related to the Metaverse, you might be thinking, how can I join the Metaverse? Let’s jump right into that.
How to Join and Access Metaverse?
If you are new to the Metaverse and think joining it is complex, then it’s not true. The process to join and access the Metaverse is simple. Let’s have a look at the steps that new users need to follow on metaverse platforms: #1. Go to the official metaverse platform that you wish to join. Let’s take Decentraland as an example. #2. In the next step, choose your access type to the Decentraland metaverse. You can prefer to continue with your browser or use a dedicated application. #3. Once you have chosen your access type, you have two other options. One option is to continue as a guest, or you can connect your crypto wallet to Decentraland. #4. If you opt to use a guest account, you can continue to the next step without any other process. But if you want to save your data, connect your Metamask wallet with the Decentraland metaverse. #5. After the sign-in process, you need to choose your avatar. You are free to choose and customize your avatars accordingly. Moreover, you can change your avatar at any time. #6. Once you select an avatar, you need to provide a name. After selecting and naming the avatar, click the “Next” button. #7. After clicking the “Next” button, you are taken to the Decentraland metaverse. You can now explore various virtual towns, buildings, cafes, etc. In addition, a virtual assistant will help you if you need any guidance. We have gone through the steps to access and join the Metaverse by taking Decentraland as an example. You might be thinking, what if I want to access another metaverse platform? Don’t worry; most of the metaverse platforms follow a similar process.
How will Metaverse Transform Technology and Marketing?
The demand for virtual platforms is likely to increase in the future. Active user participation helps to improve the quality of experiences provided on metaverse platforms. The Metaverse will play a crucial role in e-commerce, education, travel and tourism, digital property ownership, gaming, virtual concerts, and many more. For example, you will be able to try and test a fashion collection on your avatar before purchasing it. Education can be made more interactive and entertaining using metaverse platforms. New employees can take training using VR to gain better knowledge and experience. Manufacturing units can send work-based instructions using AR. Metaverse also has enormous marketing potential. Customers perceive brands in the Metaverse as highly innovative, so it is a good place to market by providing high-quality experiences. Brands can collaborate with metaverse platforms to advertise and promote their products. For example, in 2021, Vans provided Roblox users with virtual skateboards using virtual stores. Besides that, Gucci partnered with VRChat and Roblox to launch their virtual sneakers, The Gucci Virtual 25.
Top Metaverse Platforms
As we have gone through the important topics related to the Metaverse, let’s look at the top platforms pertaining to the Metaverse:
#1. Decentraland
Decentraland is a popular metaverse platform built on Ethereum. You can buy and sell virtual plots named LANDS. MANA is the cryptocurrency used to buy and sell LANDS. You can easily join and access the metaverse platform provided by Decentraland. The major brands of Decentraland include Adidas, Samsung, Dolce & Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger, and many more. Users can also buy avatars and other digital items like NFTs.
#2. Axie Infinity
Axie Infinity is a powerful metaverse gaming platform built on Ethereum. The virtual creatures present in Axie Infinity are called Axies. The users can buy tokenized plots from the Axie homeland, Lunacia, to build homes and bases for the Axies. AXS is the native token of Axie Infinity that you can use to buy virtual plots. Apart from that, the landowners are also rewarded with AXS tokens.
#3. Avakin Life
If you are looking for a metaverse platform that provides 3D life simulation, then Avakin Life is an excellent choice to try. The platform helps to customize your avatar with different wardrobes according to the latest fashion. The users are also given the option to select their dream home and location. In addition to that, users can also participate in new adventures, events, and parties. Avakin Life is available on the App Store and Google Play.
#4. Microsoft Mesh
Microsoft Mesh is a mixed-reality platform built and run using the Azure cloud. This platform allows people from different locations to collaborate and work on various projects. Mesh users are recommended to use HoloLens, tablets, PCs, or smartphones. Mesh is Microsoft’s strong contender in metaverse competition. In addition, using the Azure cloud provides privacy, security, machine learning, AI, and other modern features.
#5. The Sandbox
The Sandbox is a virtual world that allows players to own, build, and monetize their experience. SAND is the utility token used for platform-based transactions. The mission of The Sandbox is to provide an immersive metaverse-based experience to its users. The gamers are rewarded with SAND tokens. Moreover, the creators are provided with true ownership using NFTs.
#6. Horizon Worlds
Horizon Worlds is a virtual reality-based online video game developed by Meta Platforms. This game was designed for popular VR headsets Oculus Quest 2 and Oculus Rift S. Horizon Worlds is Meta’s greatest bet on the Metaverse. As a user, you can build a custom virtual environment. Moreover, you can also play games and hang out with other avatars.
#7. Epic Games
Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, a popular game with more than 350 million users, adds more value to its users with the Metaverse. With the support of Lego and Sony, Epic Games plans to enhance the user experience with AR, VR, and 3D visualization. Epic Games has already succeeded in organizing successful virtual movie shows and music concerts. Apart from that, Epic partnered with Lego in April 2022 to provide a metaverse ecosystem dedicated to children.
Final Thoughts
At present, the Metaverse can be considered in its early stage. The technological innovation and entry of huge technology brands and companies will enhance the potential of the Metaverse. The process to join and access metaverse is very easy. You need to follow the simple steps mentioned in this article. So, experience the world of the Metaverse and have fun! You might also be interested in the most popular metaverse platforms.
