Since the invention of VR and AR technology, as well as computer networking, there also arose the concept of metaverse technology, first coined in 1992 by Neal Stephenson. The metaverse technology works by merging the VR, AR, and computer networks like internet all in one where users can interact on generated virtual platforms which are accessible through VR and AR headsets.
To understand the concept of a metaverse in detail, we first need to understand the structure of the working internet.
Structure of internet
Internet consist of many networks referred to as WAN (wide area network) interconnected to each other throughout the world. WAN are further interconnected networks of LAN (local area network) and each LAN consists of clients as individual computers connected to the server (which serve as a central component that connects all clients to each other forming a network).
And large wiring is used to make such interconnected networks which are often provided by ISP (internet service provider) to be connected to the router (internet device). Radio waves are used for wireless communication, and light waves are used to transfer internet data through Ethernet wires that connect your PC to the router.
So on the internet, content creators or developers uploads content on various websites or create websites that are uploaded on a server and are accessible to all clients (smartphones or PCs connected to the internet) and that’s the basic working of the internet.
More digitalization
With more advanced and developed internet networking, it had become easy to share an enormous amount of data and information (content) on websites at high speed which had led to many convenient tools like online learning as well as online earning and location tracking (GPS technology).
We have to remember that, more digitalization is the component of metaverse technology. So basically, such tools like websites and online business can be more immersive if we add VR and AR technology to them. And by generating virtual 3D platforms for websites and online businesses where people can interact using VR/AR technology, metaverse forms. Metaverse also enhances the online gaming experience.
VR technology
VR technology involves interacting with simulated-virtual worlds on a computer screen through VR headsets (connected to computer media) placed closed to our eyes. 3D Virtual worlds are simulated in computers through software, which is accessible through VR headsets. For that, VR headsets have mechanism; gyroscopic sensors, accelerators, and magnetometers to determine interactions with the virtual world. As well as LCDs which separate the image for each eye and use stereoscopy to render a 3D image.
AR technology
AR technology involves interacting with a digitalized physical world enhanced through digital elements, sound, or sensory equipment, through AR headsets.
AR headsets provide a vision of a 3D virtual world in which digital or new graphical components are added to the physical world, enhancing it. It is different from VR which only provides a vision for computer-generated or a gaming 3D world.
Formation of metaverse networks
Metaverse forms by creating an interaction of people on 3D virtual world platforms on the internet using VR and AR technology. Just like interactive open worlds in games, many virtual worlds having 3D content can be created on the internet, on which people will have access through a computer and using VR or AR headsets. One example of such a virtual world is Blocktopia which is a skyscraper of 21 levels accessible on their official site. It hasn’t been launched for fully working yet.
One of the youtube videos of their official channel shows the review of level 1 of Blocktopia through VR. You can watch it here.
Metaverse in the whole world
Metaverse will work on infrastructure on the internet that has yet to be developed worldwide. Many metaverse platforms on the internet will be created by companies and developers of computer science as this technology rises. And will be accessible to every person having VR or AR headsets and an internet connection. Just like the internet (a global network) has been developed after the invention of private or small networks.
Despite that, there are many problems as well that will need to be solved to maintain ecosystems of the metaverse. There will be a need for persistent connections, data security, regulatory development, etc.
The only difference between the internet and metaverse is that the internet is a 2D world accessible on a computer screen, while metaverse would be a 3D world accessible through VR or AR headsets connected to the computer.
You must be logged in to post a comment.