Just 2 years ago, the metaverse was the shit. Facebook rebranded as Meta, VR headsets were improving rapidly, and we thought we’d soon be living in fully digital worlds. But lately, the hype has cooled. I would say that what we were going for was killed in action. Now it’s evolving into something more practical and seamlessly integrated into our daily lives.
Reports claim that the metaverse market is set to grow from $65.5 billion in 2022 to an estimated $936.0 billion to $1,303.4 billion by 2030. Asia Pacific leads the charge, driven by tech advances and digitization in countries like India and China. But…
…we once imagined spending all our time in virtual spaces. We were supposed to be working, playing, and socializing in a fully digital universe. That vision turned out to be way ahead of its time. The reality check hit when we realized current technology wasn’t ready to support such an immersive experience. Now, instead of creating entirely new worlds, we’re focusing on enhancing our existing one.
We’re about to be wearing smart glasses that overlay directions on the street as we walk. We will be using an app to see how a new couch would look in our living room before we buy it. I am sure you are seeing it! This is the new direction—mixing digital elements with our physical world. The metaverse is not about escaping reality but enhancing it.
To be honest, I was wondering who would want to be hanging out in the blockchain-based virtual reality called Sandbox which looks like a Roblox reality. But when I consider the fact that most users of the metaverse are below the age of 16, I get why money-hungry Snoop Dog built a crib there.
Schools are revolutionizing learning with augmented reality, letting students explore history and science in ways textbooks can’t. Surgeons are using AR to visualize anatomy in real-time, boosting precision in operations. Workplaces are evolving too. Platforms like Spatial and Meta’s Horizon Workrooms can turn the most boring remote meeting into a laugh. I also hear arts and research will evolve with this tech. Virtual stores and malls will transform shopping.
Hear me yawn, when I say that advertising will be personalized.
What’s bad news?
McDonald’s is about to launch a Metaverse in Singapore to meet the needs of their young customers. Apparently, they will be able to earn fries when playing games. Hum… I do not want my daughter to sit still and earn fries doing it… I digress.
What’s cool?
Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses will help me find parking spaces.
However, I wonder if I ever will be interested in getting a digital twin or care what clothes I wear online. But I will be trying out an AI girlfriend to finally get a date...
One thing is clear, we’re heading toward a future where we will not differentiate between our online and offline lives.