{"id":4035,"date":"2021-11-08T17:32:28","date_gmt":"2021-11-08T22:32:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rankworks.com\/?p=4035"},"modified":"2021-11-09T10:22:06","modified_gmt":"2021-11-09T15:22:06","slug":"what-is-the-metaverse-and-why-will-it-break-the-internet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rankworks.com\/what-is-the-metaverse-and-why-will-it-break-the-internet\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the Metaverse and Why Will It Break the Internet?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Not only will the Metaverse change the internet as we know it today, but it is bound to change the need for in-person interactions, human values, and life as we currently know it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are moving toward a world dominated by virtual reality and the Metaverse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While for the everyday person, this concept might seem like a trivial forecast, tech companies have been strategically rearranging their resources in order to be the next big augmented reality platform. Giants like Microsoft, Unity Software Inc., and Amazon are banking on the real world taking a backseat to virtual reality. Meanwhile, Facebook is already trying to win the race to monopolize the next big thing that is the Metaverse, having already rebranded itself, and creating the first real Metaverse app.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what is the Metaverse exactly?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember the 90’s and the growing hype around this strange thing called “the internet?” Newscasters and talk show hosts would report on this new digital concept, but it was difficult to grasp how its conception would eventually change the way we interact with one another, and fundamentally change our culture as we know it today. At its infancy, the internet was a mythical idea that most people had no access to. But due to its ability to better connect and inform than its older, more limited devices (like the landline telephone and tv broadcasting station) it has changed the way we shop, how we consume media, and the way we communicate. Moreover, it accelerated all types of new technologies, and launched us into the informational age, changing the very fabric of society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Metaverse to 2021 is what the internet is to 1995, and it will become a big part of our lives sooner than later. It is the successor of what is currently the internet age.<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

The Metaverse is a fully immersive computer generated online realm. So why is this important? It’s not like virtual\/augmented reality devices are brand new. In fact, 5.5 million VR headsets were sold in 2020<\/a> so that people could play more realistic and consuming versions of their favorite games. The Metaverse, however, will take virtual reality beyond video games, and instead extend it into our everyday lives. It’s taking the familiarity of the physical world and marrying it with the convenience of the virtual world. Like the internet, the Metaverse will shape society as we know it; and just like we all had to create email addresses because everyone else had one, we will all be purchasing VR devices to keep up with the Jones’ and stay connected. In fact, experts are predicting that by 2026, the VR market will be worth around $184.66 billion, a jump from $17.25 billion in 2020<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Sci-Fi concept of a virtual world that is becoming fully realized<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Writer Neil Stephenson first coined the term “Metaverse” in his 1992 book, “Snow Crash.” While different iterations of Metaverses have existed in the past, like Second Life<\/a>, Fortnite, and Minecraft, the Metaverse will be more immersive, and omnipresent. We will be able to attend work, classrooms, and giant concerts, have our own virtual assistants, and even experience the Metaverse while we are exploring the real world via advanced smart glasses<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical space is becoming less enticing, making virtual realities a popular alternative<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is no secret that the Covid-19 pandemic was a catalyst for businesses to switch their main sources of income from physical stores to online shops. With consumers moving dramatically toward online channels<\/a>, According to McKinsey & Company<\/a>, the digitization of customer interactions has moved from 41% in 2019, to a 61% in North America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Even service based businesses such as consulting firms and mental health professionals are seeing the benefits of moving to video calls, while students are becoming more accustomed to the online classroom. Even employers are seeing the benefits of keeping their staff at home, despite regional mandates allowing them to return to the office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to convenience and a rapid change in organizational infrastructure and consumer habits, time and money spent in the digital space is still accelerating. And it’s only the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Companies like Facebook and Microsoft are noticing these monumental trends, and are getting ready to create experiences like never before. The Metaverse is a perceived virtual universe that will change our world as we know it, and make the concept of physical space even less significant than before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Experts predict that the Metaverse will change everyday life within the next 10 years<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Screens will become about as relevant as landlines and pagers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The way we interact with the virtual world will be void of keyboards and touch screens. In fact, Facebook’s artificial intelligence team is heavily investing time and money in the development of augmented reality glasses, which will of course connect to the Metaverse itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"\/<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Companies are racing to become the main source for virtual worlds and mixed reality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the Washington Post, the race to creating the Metaverse has been on-going, with some of the biggest names in tech in the driver’s seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n