by Imagine a future where virtual money is king and big companies shape the world to their own ends. This vision of a dystopian society isn’t far off from reality. It’s the future that the metaverse is poised to bring, an immersive environment where people interact using digital avatars that are a mix of real-world and computer-generated imagery. Metaverse technology uses 3D modeling and spatial data to create a virtual replica of physical objects and environments.
This means that people can use a computer or smartphone to enter a virtual space and manipulate it, much like they would do in an online game. But the most exciting and high-profile applications involve a more immersive experience, with VR headsets that allow people to view and move around their surroundings.
One of the biggest challenges is making the metaverse affordable and accessible to consumers. It’s no secret that the cost of VR hardware can be prohibitive, from the $10 Google Cardboard to the high-end $300 Oculus Quest 2 headset. This has led some brands to focus on developing the metaverse via mobile devices rather than headsets.
For example, a virtual reality app called Vrrr lets users view the metaverse from a phone or tablet, but without the immersive effect of wearing a headset. The app also provides a library of virtual experiences that you can explore with your friends. Another popular app, known as Infinity Loop, allows users to interact with their surroundings using a phone or tablet. This is similar to the way that people interact with video games on their phones, but instead of simply playing the game, they can use a camera to record and share their creations with others.
Companies are experimenting with the metaverse in a range of industries. The automotive industry, for instance, is partnering with software maker Microsoft to let car buyers walk through virtual showrooms and try out vehicles before they buy them. And music and sports fans are able to attend virtual concerts or games and purchase virtual merchandise.
A growing number of brands are also embracing the metaverse, using it to build their image and communicate with customers. Nike, for example, is using the platform to sell sneakers and other virtual goods. It’s a powerful tool for building brand loyalty and creating an identity, but it’s challenging to translate the experience from a screen to a real-world store or event.
Another challenge is figuring out how to make the metaverse safe and secure for all users, which requires advanced technical equipment. This includes a VR headset and fast internet connection, which aren’t available to all households.
Another concern is the metaverse’s potential for surveillance and censorship. Social media sites have already faced scrutiny over their ability to delete content and limit user access, and the metaverse could be a far more complicated environment that’s harder to control. It’s important for marketers to consider what kind of data will be collected and stored by the metaverse, and how that might be used in the future.
