In case you’re wondering how to connect to the metaverse — it’s quite simple. You only need an extended reality (XR) device like a high-end virtual reality (VR) helmet, augmented reality (AR) glasses, or an inexpensive headset that turns your smartphone into an XR gadget. The level of immersion, however, will depend on your gear’s functionality — and the amount and quality of 3D content in the metaverse applications you’re accessing.
Although the metaverse term began trending in the fall of 2021, the
concept was in fact introduced thirty years ago by Neal Town Stephenson, an American novelist. Some early metaverse examples include video games like Fortnite and Roblox, virtual exhibits, such as Gucci Garden, and virtual reality shopping solutions
implemented by Macy’s and Alibaba during the Singles Day back in 2016.
The primary goal of Meta (formerly known as Facebook), Microsoft, NVIDIA, and other companies working on activities that take place in isolated virtual environments is to ultimately blend these realms into a single one — i.e., the Metaverse.
Currently, the technology is still at an early stage, and the impact of metaverse on business remains unclear. By 2026, however, a quarter of the world’s population
could be spending at least one hour a day in the global metaverse for shopping, education, work, and entertainment.