What is the Metaverse and how is it being used today?

The big question still on everyone’s mind is, what exactly is the Metaverse? So it’s nearly been a year since the infamous announcement of the Metaverse in Meta’s YouTube hour long introduction to: “The Metaverse and How We’ll Build It Together – Connect 2021” which introduced the concept of a new virtual world experienced through VR headsets and how it could be used across Social, Entertainment, Gaming, Commerce, Fitness, Work and Education which really intrigued many consumers into how this technology could not only be used now, but also way into the future as technology advances.

According to the Meta website, there are currently three ways you can access the Metaverse:

• Virtual Reality – Virtual Reality from Meta is a way to explore new digital spaces and share experiences with others. Currently Meta has products such as the Meta Quest 2 Headset which allows you to join friends across sporting events, concerts, movies and much more.Not to mention Workrooms, but we’ll come back to that later.  Learn more about Meta’s VR capabilities here.

• Augmented Reality – AR allows you to enhance shared experiences with virtual effects allowing for experiences otherwise impossible. Aside from having Spark AR, a platform for AR creators, Meta have also introduced the use of AR experiences and effects for Instagram and Facebook. Learn more about Meta’s AR capabilities here.

• Smart Glasses – With wearable technology on the up, smart glasses are fast becoming a way to immerse yourself into the Metaverse, record video, audio and add AR while still looking good. Learn more about Meta’s Smart Glasses technology here.

(www.meta.com)

The Meta Quest Pro headset combines VR and Mixed Reality capabilities which allow users to immerse themselves in new experiences like never before. This high-resolution mixed reality headset will set you back $1,499.99 allowing you to step into the Metaverse and even allowing you to combine the real world with the virtual one in your own physical space in hi-def colour. 

The Meta Quest Pro redefines the design process by allowing collaboration with mixed reality while being in your own space and inviting other collaborators to join you and work on your designs together. Ever wanted to redesign your living room or home? Now you can with mixed reality from the Meta Quest Pro which allows you to walk around inside buildings and houses before they are even built, giving you a glimpse of what it will be like helping to visualize design elements and structural changes easily and effortlessly. 

With working from home and home-schooling becoming more popular over the past few years with Covid-19, the Meta Quest Pro allows you to share VR experiences that engage and feel like the real world. With authentic avatars who mimic your own facial expressions allow you to be in any meeting, classroom or even gatherings with friends to bring your real-world self to life in the Virtual Reality world.

(www.meta.com)

The Meta Quest 2 is the latest VR headset from Meta which allows you to immerse yourself into a range of VR games and experiences for just $399.99 and comes with a range of accessories and games such as touch controllers, headset, charging kits and a range of games including the likes of Beat Saber and Population One.

Other popular games released so far include:

• Blade & Sorcery: Nomad
• Supernatural
• Population One
• Beat Saber
• Zenith: The Last City

(www.meta.com)

Meta have partnered with Ray-Ban to bring you a set of glasses which seem like they are straight off the set of a James Bond movie. Able to take pictures, record video and offer a range of AR and Mixed Reality experiences to allow users to never miss the moment. These smart glasses also use voice-activated commands to allow for hands free usage while also connecting to your favourite Meta apps including Facebook and Instagram. You can even listen to music and make voice calls using your smart glasses! Wow!

Meta have even partnered with Burna Boy to bring you an interactive showcase video of how these glasses work…

To learn more about these amazing smart glasses and the potential they have, read more. 

The way of work has changed a lot since 2020, and the world of remote working seems to be going nowhere! With more people working remotely and from home the need for increased connectivity and social interaction is fast becoming a popular concept which may ensure remote working is here to stay forever. Meta workrooms connect colleagues with each other to remove isolation and bring people together like you were in 2019 again…

To learn more about Meta Workrooms, click here.

Meta Horizon Worlds is an application that can be downloaded for free which allows you to see new experiences using your Meta Quest headset. As the social worlds expands and developers, the Meta Horizon Worlds app allows you to meet with friends, new people and play games together with new shared experience capabilities. Attend a concert? A classroom? You can do what you like with access to over 10,000 worlds which you can your friends can explore… Learn more about Meta Horizon Worlds here.