Listening to big tech CEOs discuss the metaverse, like Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates. What is the Metaverse? What does it look like? And what does it do? By its sounds, the metaverse could range from the very future of the internet or perhaps a twisted dystopian world where Zuckerberg is our overlord. The jury is out on this one, it seems.
In the blog, I talk about the metaverse, what it; looks like, and go over Bill Gates' prediction.
Okay, But Really What is the Metaverse?
There's been a lot of chatter and talk about this new thing called the "metaverse," but what is it? It's that 90% of what we know won't change much. Let's take a step back and replace the word "metaverse" with "cyberspace," meaning the internet.
When the word metaverse comes up in discussion, it's not referring to one kind of technology but more about how we interact with this tech. The term metaverse could easily become outdated quickly; as technology changes and things evolve, so will the language we use to explain things.
You might be reading this and still bg, "okay, but he STILL told me what the metaverse is?!" The metaverse is about the technologies and gadgets around virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
Here's What It Will Look Like
Video games are good examples of metaverses, such as Fortnite or World of Warcraft, using a device to see an imaginary new world. But with the metaverse, this concept could be applied to things like how we interact with coworkers, conduct meetings, and even organize large conferences. Just strap on an Oculus or VR headset, and BOOM, you're in a new world.
Facebook-oops I meant Meta- seem to think it'll be a new world where you can have a virtual house party. At the moment, many companies are working on making this a reality. While companies like Microsoft are more realistic in their approach, seeing the metaverse as a way for remote workers to interact and engage with their colleagues.
2-3 Years Meetings Will Be in The Metaverse: Bill Gates Predicts
Bill Gates is highly optimistic about the future, stating that 2021 was one of the most "unusual and difficult years." But as things become more digitalized as time goes on, this change could benefit everyone.
In his blog, Gates remarks that the COVID-19 pandemic has helped usher in a new workplace era, completely changing how we work and communicate. He predicts that the metaverse will become more widespread as remote work becomes more widespread. "Those changes will only intensify in the years," Gates writes.
Even so boldly forecast, "within the next two or three years, I predict most virtual meetings will move from 2D camera image grids...to the metaverse, a 3D space with digital avatars," Gates states in his recent blog post. He concludes by saying, "we're approaching a threshold where the technology begins to replicate the experience of being together in the office."
The biggest drawback is that anyone who wants to enter the metaverse has to wear a VR headset and big chunky goggles, which isn't entirely practical.
Hungry for more? Join me each week, where I'll break down complex topics and dissect the latest news within the cybersecurity industry and blockchain ecosystem, simplifying the world of tech.
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