Tech companies keep talking about the metaverse and how it’s going to 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 the companies call the ‘Metaverse ‘?
First of all… What is the metaverse?
The metaverse is a really difficult concept to explain. Broadly speaking, it involves using virtual reality and augmented reality technologies to create a fictitious, but highly hyper-realistic, immersive and interactive space.
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 we have not left our home. Basically, the metaverse seeks to merge the digital and the physical in a simple environment that allows people to interact 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. 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 entertaining way. Or Fortnite , with its special events and concerts, has also achieved the same thing. They are two examples of primitive and basic metaverses, but metaverses after all.
What is the ‘Starter Pack’ to access the metaverse?
Suppose you are convinced. What do I have to have to get started in this virtual world ? So take note:
VR glasses and controls
The first thing you should have is a virtual reality equipment . The most affordable is Meta, that is, the Oculus Quest 2 , which starts at approximately 349 euros . This system itself already offers you a large 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 .
Get familiar with cryptocurrencies (and NFTs)
If the world of cryptocurrencies continues to give you a bit of vertigo, the metaverse is not for you. Many of the applications that run or will run virtually will operate directly with crypto . Blockchain technology 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 previous ones. It will be useless to have the best Internet connection on the market, the most advanced glasses or to know 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’ll look back, put it in 2022 and laugh comparing the metaverse vision we had and the one that ended up being. The metaverse will bring positive things and negative things. As with all technology, there will be those who use it in a relentless way, but there will also be some moron who uses 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 up to you —or rather your senses— if you want to enter now and be a beta tester , or wait a while to find more mature products.
