Metaverse has been the talk of the town ever since Facebook decided to go into Meta late last year. So what exactly is Metaverse and how can someone join his whole new concept. Do not worry, you do not have to feel left out. We have all the details concerning this topic from what it actually is and how you can join it. In this article, we are going to cover;
- What is metarverse?
- Who came up with metaverse?
- Why is metaverse suddenly getting widespread popularity?
- What type of technology does metaverse use?
- How can one join Metaverse?
- Impacts metaverse wil have in our day to day life?
What is Meta
Meta is derived from the greek concept meaning after or beyond. It’s basically a concept that focuses on the full breadth of what a company or a technology does and what it is able to do in the future.
So what is Metaverse’
Metaverse is a virtual world that seeks to connect the whole world socially. It is a type of futuristic and scientific concept that utilizes the internet to connect to people. Metaverse focuses on the virtual reality world where users get to interact through games. Moreover, they get to experience things the same way they would have in the real world.
The whole concept of Metaverse is not something that’s entirely new and foreign to the world. It’s just that when it was first introduced it didn’t get as much coverage as it is getting now.
How was metaverse coined
The concept was coined by Neal Stephson in 1992 in a novel called Snow crash. In the novel. Neal imagined people meeting in 3D virtual spaces using avatars. It seems like the novel is coming to life since people can now meet Virtually in the Metaverse world. People in the Metaverse world can use 3D avatars to represent themselves and connect with others in the world.
Furthermore, many movies have tried to depict what Metaverse is actually. Movies like Ready to play and Free guy try to give us a picture of the metaverse world.
What will people be able to do with metaverse
When engaging in metaverse people will be able to:
- Connect with other people with 3D avatars
- Own digital properties
- Transact with digital properties
- Share digital spaces
How has the concept materialized
The concept has materialized in games such as Second life which came into existence in 2003. Second life is a type of video game where users are able to join the game, pick the time of profession they want, and get to make some digital currencies from it. Let’s take for example someone playing the game who decided to be an artist, he or she will be able to make virtual art pieces and sell them to other people. Moreover, one is able to have virtual friends and family members in addition to properties or even businesses.
Metaverse basically works with the same concept as the game. Using the 3D virtual avatars people are able to:
- Own properties
- Build lands
- Get digital currencies
- Change the digital cuurencies they get to real time currencies
What makes it so popular
Metaverse became popular after Covid 19 struck the world and people had to start working from home. The tech world had to think fast and look for ways in which people could meet without having to be in the same environment. This is when concepts like Zoom and google meet started being so popular. People were able to meet and connect in the comfort of their homes.
However, metaverse differs from all this since it wants to create a way in which people can be seated in meeting as Holograms and meet in real-time.
Moreover, when Facebook and Microsoft announced the addition of Metaverse, into their networks, people started to get more interested. Facebook has also mentioned that it will change its name to Meta and focus on the technology as its goal.
What technologies does metaverse use
Metaverse is all about AR and VR technologies. These are two types of reality technologies that are key in the development metaverse. Virtual fitting room technologies are also an essential element when it comes to metaverse and making the experience sore to greater heights.
AR refers to augmented reality technology and involves relaying visual and audio information in a way that enhances the user’s experience. The technology can be used to enhance how a company promotes its products and services to the world and also collect important information concerning the consumer.
VR on the other hand refers to virtual reality and deals with the visual aspect of the technology. It focuses on the way the users will be able to see the product while browsing or using a specific platform.
These are not the only technologies that can be used in the metaverse. However, they are the core means of making the developments a success.
Technologies such as Artificial intelligence and 3D modelling are also vital to make the concept a success.
Artificial intelligence collects some type of data that can be used to create natural languages for the avatars as well as the processing and translating the languages used in the virtual worlds.3D on the other hand will enable programs to construct objects in ways that look real and believable to a user.
How can one join
So now you have all the information that deals with metaverse and you want to dive into the world already. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to join metaverse. Metaverse is not a big monster that needs to be slain. Moreover, you have probably watched enough movies about it to know that it’s something that can be done.
Metaverse is not a site that you join, it’s a type of technology. So look at all the technologies you’re using. Whether it’s Facebook or WhatsApp or those small Snapchat videos you send to your friends.Thats all part of some metaverse. Imagine all the video calls and messages you get to receive on a daily basis. Are they not connecting you to other people. Well, metaverse will basically do the same but with more tech such as holograms.
Have you used Alexa or Google assistant? Well, you have already started your journey towards metaverse. These are the same things incorporated into metaverse though in an advanced form.
Read also:4 Best Metaverse Crypto to Invest in Now
After understanding these messaging and video call technologies, start playing video games. I know you might think that this is a cheesy idea and childish but they two work on a similar concept. Video games will show you what the virtual world will typically look like. Moreover, they will give you the best ways to navigate the virtual worlds after the metaverse had been fully developed. Try playing games like World of Warcraft and Final fantasy and you’ll realize that metaverse is not such a new concept.
You could also attend a virtual concert and see what’s it’s like to enjoy an artist’s performance without having to be physically present in the venue.
Familiarize yourself with crypto
Remember when we said that metaverse will deal with digital currencies. Well, the best example of digital currencies is cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies have also been incorporated in some metaverse games and the concept that Facebook seems to introduce is already being practiced there. You will realize that for some of these games such as The sandbox and Greenland you will need some knowledge of cryptocurrencies. Try logging into Sandbox and see how you’ll be required to have a metatask to be able to continue. Did I lose you on metatask? Metatask is basically a crypto wallet that is used with the Ethereum Blockchain. But you can find all this information in our article on crypto.
So which metaverse can I join
Well, the metaverses that have so far been developed are linked to cryptocurrencies. And here is the list of the metaverses you could join.
1.The sand box.
Visit the official sandbox website and click on the “sign-in” button on the screen. You will be required to connect your metatask account then fill in your username, email address, and password. Click on create and install the game on your computer or laptop. Log in and you’re free to start your metaverse journey.
2.Decentraland.
The steps to joining Decentraland are kind of similar to the ones of the sandbox. Go to the official website of Decentraland and click on ” get started “. You’ll be taken to a page where you can start exploring. You will be asked to choose whether you’ll want to play as a guest or use your wallet. If you choose the latter, you need to connect to your crypto wallet after which the game will start. If you had chosen to play as a guest you immediately go to the Gameworld and start playing the games. However, you will have limited options such as exploring the land and customization of your avatar.
I think by now you have gotten the whole gist of the concept and how it generally works. Moreover, you have gotten to understand that metaverse has not yet been fully developed and is present only in games for the time being.
Read also:Crypto Is on the Rise Top Crypto Question Answered