Metafiction vs Metafacts

Metaverse is a shared virtual space based on blockchain technology where users can interact with and experience a virtual world. It is independent of devices and not owned by a single company. Digital currencies and NFTs, as well as cutting-edge technology like blockchain, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence (AI), enable the decentralised metaverse. By combining these technologies, people can design digital versions of themselves and explore their surroundings. Users can also perform any action in that environment that they could perform in the real world, such as go shopping or finding employment. There are several virtual businesses and organisations in the metaverse, as well as several interesting use cases and applications that we shall discuss below.

The term "metaverse" has gained popularity ever after Facebook changed its name from Facebook to Meta, allegedly shifting its positioning from a social media corporation to a futuristic tech company. AMU and Nvidia are two well-known metaverse players in the chip industry. developer of Unity Technologies' 3D software. player for delivering content Cloudflare. Microsoft, Epic Games, and Teticent Holdings are social media companies and data centre companies, respectively. Nevertheless, the market saw Roblox, an immersive gaming universe, as the first metaverse IPO in 2021.

The broad range of metaverse solutions includes virtual platforms, markets, hardware-like displays, smart glasses, sensors, headsets, programming and asset management software tools, and technologies. The global market size is predicted by Grand View Research to be $47.5 billion in 2022 and to reach $67.9 billion in 2030 at a CAGR of 39.4%.

Web 3.0 is a crucial component of this infrastructure, which is based on innovations like augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR). In addition to cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens, functional systems including governance, economic, and social models are made possible by blockchain, artificial intelligence (Al), 5G, and the cloud. Here are some potential applications in verticals we need to consider to properly understand this tech inflection and see beyond the hype:

Virtual tourism

During COVID-19, the tourism sector was among the most severely affected. In addition to the pandemic's physical limitations, there are other vulnerabilities. For instance, when concerns about global warming grow and spread and more action is needed, people may choose to prioritise virtual travel above actual travel.

The travel and tourism sector has already made inroads into the digital world with the help of VR headsets, virtual reality tours, and 360-degree movies. People won't cease taking actual vacations, but they will continue to supplement them with virtual ones, and a metaverse will only improve such experiences.

It is possible to explore simulations of well-known landmarks and buildings in their original state using the metaverse, which also offers virtual tours of real-world towns and digital representations of real estate. Additionally, using digital avatars makes travelling in the metaverse as engaging as it is in the real world. As they may communicate, move as a group, and share an experience, users can develop strong bonds in a virtual setting.

Healthcare

For healthcare, the metaverse must be the ideal fusion of augmented and virtual reality. In nations like India,  dealing with a severe medical staff shortage. Covid gave telemedicine consultations a boost. with local testing being conducted With AR VR, remote interaction is now practically genuine. It is ideal for patients to see psychologists or psychiatrists since it feels like the doctor is in the same room. Digital twins of people can be made to simulate various what-if scenarios, such as drug reactions or potential dangers. Electronic health records would be safe, transparent, and simple to share across numerous organisations with the use of blockchain.

Gaming

The video gaming market has grown quickly. The metaverse is altering the game's rules. Imagine the joy when your virtual avatar plays to win if participation generated it. Gaming was greatly encouraged by being confined indoors during Covid, but growth had been momentarily slowed by chip shortages and a lack of gaming hardware. Renewing investments are currently encouraging innovation in NFTs as well as in goods, services, brands, collectibles, merchandise, and customer communities. Another key element in this will be wearables and bodysuits that replicate sensations and provide virtual sensory feedback. It's understandable why Infosys just launched a metaverse foundry called "TCS," Tech Mahindra launched "TechM-Verse," and Accenture started onboarding 150000 metaverse resources.

Fashion

Think of a high street with lovely storefronts. allowing access to your online persona. ARAIR will change the in-store experience with store sizes and features that go far beyond what real-world finances would allow. Your digital avatar could put on clothes and shoes without having to expend any physical effort, and there would be a considerably wider range of products on display. Even models that are currently under development could be available in the store's unique limited edition variants. Online purchases would make physical delivery possible.

Real Estate

The metaverse option has the potential to generate unheard-of curiosity while removing the physical monotony of several house-hunting excursions. A virtual recreation of the home and its environs is possible. Now, your virtual self may have a better sense of the nearby shops, the campus and outside, the gym's gear, and the common areas where you'll walk in the morning. You can rearrange rooms, areas, and colours inside the house except for certain engineering restrictions. Then there is digital real estate that may be built, acquired with NFTs, retained, or monetized through organisations like Decentraland, The Sandbox, and Cryptovoxels.

Sport

During a game in the metaverse, y our avatar might take photos of celebs, chat, work out, or have fun with them. You might enter the field while running next to players and also become a cheerleader. Panoramic, zoom-in, and playback settings would be made possible by special cameras in the VIP box. Additionally, it creates new markets for sportswear, gear, products, and souvenirs.

Conclusion

The entertainment and gaming industries are not the only ones that could use the metaverse in the future. Businesses in all industries need to start getting ready for the new opportunities and difficulties that the era of the metaverse will offer as we get closer to it. Businesses can improve their competitive position and be ready to take advantage of the fresh opportunities that the metaverse will bring by implementing VR solutions immediately.