Page 35 - EngineerIT March 2022

OPINION

The Metaverse: Realism and Reality

By Brian Timperley, CEO and co-founder of Turrito Networks

The metaverse isn’t a new idea, it’s just one that finally has the technology legs
to draw us into the future.

here are multiple definitions of the metaverse, a concept first introduced by science
fiction novelist Neale Stephenson in his novel Snow Crash, and expanded upon by
Tevolving technologies and innovations ever since. Wired defines it as a broad shift
in how humanity interacts with technology, incorporating virtual reality (VR), augmented
reality (AR), and a digital economy into a centralised ecosystem. Investopedia includes
the same technologies within its definition but adds social media, online gaming and
cryptocurrencies to its virtual interactions within a digital world. For Time, it’s an old idea
made new by use case and innovation and that allows for organisations to undertake a
narrative shift that puts them in the virtual hot seat. The reality of the metaverse is that
every one of these definitions and approaches is true, but that the real metaverse is
somewhere in between... for now.
The metaverse has been around for a long time. Video games, immersive worlds, digital
currencies – they’ve all been evolving and adapting to this idea for years. The metaverse is
only now reaching the level of hype and awareness because the technology that can make
it into a truly immersive experience has finally started to reach a tipping point. However,
this too needs more time and investment to allow for this concept to reach the point that’s
currently being idolised by billionaires and big business. Brian Timperley
When looked at through the lens of realism, the metaverse has some very real hurdles to
overcome. The first being the technology that allows for users to plug into the digital realm.
Some of the best VR and AR tech we have today still make users nauseous and tired – to the companies digitally. These step-by-step
point where the internet is populated with insights on how to reduce cyber-sickness in VR innovations and additions to the real
worlds and it is touted as the next epidemic. While there are steps being taken to mitigate world will make the metaverse far more
this digital side effect, it’s a limitation that immediately puts the brakes on the sci-fi idea that accessible and practical for the average
people can disappear into the metaverse for hours and months at a time. This won’t happen user – and practical is the key word here.
until the disconnect between the virtual and the physical realm is overcome, and until the If companies can get the technology right
solution is affordable for the majority. and people can tap a virtual button to
This is the next challenge – cost. Not only would it be potentially prohibitive for most resolve a real-world problem in real-time,
people to build a VR room in their home, so they can move and interact with the world and with ease, then there is little doubt it
without getting sick, but the technology itself remains out of most people’s reach. Cost will succeed. Everyone wants their life to
must come down to ensure that the metaverse’s promise of interactive engagement across be easier, faster and better.
cultures and societies can come true. What’s more likely to happen over the next few years Yes, the dialogue about the metaverse
is that AR will lead the way within the metaverse. Technology that can digitally overlay is heating up. And yes, many of the
a person’s vision of the physical world, can immediately plug people into digital realms, conversations are about digital avatars
without the full immersion or the ridiculous price tag. engaging with one another in virtual
Realistically, this is where the metaverse is most likely to thrive over the next five to ten cities populated by flying dragons. But the
years - in a world where users can wear devices that allow them to recognise people, overlay real metaverse, the one that will deliver
information about them, take photos, record moments, attend meetings, and interact with realistic value to business and user alike,
another digital realm entirely – and all while sitting at home, walking around the mall, or is the one that taps on digital keys with
visiting a friend. This layer of the metaverse has the potential to change the dynamic of real world applications and that makes life
human engagement and is the low hanging fruit that innovative businesses can pluck as they easier, faster, better and most importantly,
explore this concept and the opportunity it offers. seamless. n
One very simple example would be to use this overlay to connect with customers in
real-world situations, offering them access to specific services within their area, or to For more information visit
develop applications that add depth to the AR world and allow for users to transact with www.turrito.com

EngineerIT | March 2022 | 33