Technology companies do not stop talking about the metaverse and how it will revolutionize the world as we know it. Microsoft, Google, Nvidia... even Facebook has changed its name to Meta so that we all see it as the company that is going to lead this sector. However, if this succeeds, it will not happen overnight. However… What is necessary to be able to participate in what companies call 'Metaverse''?
First of all… What is the metaverse?
El metaverse It's a really difficult concept to explain. Broadly speaking, it means using the technologies of virtual reality and augmented reality to create a fictional space, but highly hyper-realistic, immersive and interactive.
The capabilities of the metaverse are endless. From starring in a video game without leaving the room to working in a huge office, full of colleagues and with a desk with several screens, when we are really in our small office and have not left our home. Basically, the metaverse looks for merge the digital and the physical in a simple environment that allows the interaction of people through technology. It sounds extremely dystopian and only consumers will decide if it convinces us or if we prefer to leave things as they are. The fact that they sell this technology as the future does not necessarily mean that it will succeed. However, surely you have interacted with the metaverse at some time, even if you are not aware of it. For example, Pokémon Go, that game that we all fell in love with in the summer of 2016, demonstrated the capabilities of augmented reality in a simple and enjoyable way. EITHER Fortnite, with its special events and concerts, has also achieved the same. They are two examples of primitive and basic metaverses, but metaverses nonetheless.
What is the 'Starter Pack' to access the metaverse?
Suppose you are convinced. What do I have to have to start me in this virtual world? Well take note:
VR glasses and controls
The first thing you should have is a virtual reality equipment. The most affordable is that of Meta, that is, the Oculus Quest 2, which start from the $349 approximately. This system itself already offers you a great ecosystem of applications, experiences and possibilities to enter virtual worlds. You will also be able to interact with other users who own this product. However, it is not the only product. HTC also has a good catalog of virtual reality headsets and glasses, such as the HTC Vive Flow or the HTC Vive Pro 2. You must analyze their ecosystems, along with Valve and Sony to decide on one model or another based on your tastes.
Familiarize yourself with cryptocurrencies (and NFTs)
If the world of cryptocurrencies, It keeps giving you a bit of vertigo, the metaverse is not made for you. Many of the applications that run or will work virtually will operate directly with cryptos. The technology blockchain secures transactions within these virtual worlds, being traceable and guaranteeing the security of both parties.
A clear example of this is Decentraland. This project runs on the Ethereum network, and is a kind of Second Life full of games and virtual worlds.
prepare your mind
This requirement is even more important than the others above. It will be useless to have the best Internet connection on the market, the most advanced glasses or learn everything about the new virtual economy that is coming if you do not have the predisposition to want to learn about this world.
In a few years, we will look back, we will put it in 2022 and we will laugh comparing the vision of the metaverse we had and what it ended up being. The metaverse will bring positive things and negative things. As with all technology, there will be those who use it relentlessly, but there will also be some morons who use these tools to do evil. Similarly, Rome was not built in a day. all this technology will move slowly, getting it right at times, but also making hundreds of mistakes. It will be in your hand—or rather your senses—if you want to come in now and be a b, or wait a while to find you more mature products.