What is the Metaverse?
From my perspective, the metaverse is simply “digitalization” or “deep digitalization.”
In other words, it is the use of electronic information technology to closely connect people and to digitize as much of the world as possible.
What is Digitalization? What Can Be Digitized?
Digitalization means conducting existing business or work through the internet, such as promoting and running operations via websites and apps. In theory, any activity that involves “information transmission” can be moved online.
The main forms of content include text, images, sound, and video. Common applications are well known: email, instant messaging, web browsing, music streaming, video watching, remote teaching, and online meetings.
Why Deep Digitalization?
Traditional digitalization applications mainly convert content for our eyes and ears, but other senses are underutilized, such as touch, taste, and smell.
People are not satisfied with the current state. If we could engage all human senses, we would achieve a truly immersive experience. This requires building on existing digitalization and adding technologies like AR (Augmented Reality), VR (Virtual Reality), and fast communication (5G) to provide richer sensory experiences.
What Are the Limitations and Prerequisites for Metaverse Development?
The development of the metaverse is currently limited by hardware technology, such as 5G communication and AR/VR devices.
Can the Metaverse Be Realized?
We are already on the path to realizing the metaverse. Progress is continuous, and the degree of realization depends on the extent of digitalization.
Nowadays, almost everyone uses the internet, which means we are all moving toward the metaverse. Some people fulfill nearly all their needs online (with logistics support), and they are further along this path.
Application Areas of the Metaverse
Any area that can be digitized can apply the concept of the metaverse.