The next frontier in human interaction

The Metaverse is powered by cutting-edge technologies, including 3D Content Flow, XR, AI, Cloud Computing, Blockchain, IoT, and 5G, which enable realistic virtual experiences, intelligent interactions, secure transactions, and seamless connectivity. The Metaverse is rapidly evolving and transforming the way we experience digital content.

The concept of the Metaverse is rapidly gaining momentum, promising a transformative digital realm where users can interact, create, and explore immersive experiences. The virtual world where users can interact, create, and explore, is rapidly evolving with advancements in various key technologies. In a conversation with Jijith Nadumuri Ravi, Practice Head (XR & Metaverse) at Tata Elxsi, we delve into the significance of these technologies and discuss their potential implications for the future of the Metaverse.

Key Technologies Empowering the Metaverse: Shaping the Future of Virtual Worlds

The major enablers are 3D Content Flow, XR, AI, Cloud Computing, Blockchain, IoT, and 5G. Anything in the real world, and everything else can be represented as 3D content with still models or 3D animations. XR in the form of AR & VR transforms this 3D content into an immersive experience for the user, the visitors, or inhabitants of the Metaverse, who can log into it using a digital Avatar or experience an AR Metaverse (AR Cloud) superimposed into their real world. AI empowers Metaverse and its components with its own intelligence. IoT enables the Metaverse to connect with the real world including digitally enabled equipment and automobiles. Cloud and Cloud computing brings other technologies together and increases technology interoperability. Blockchain provides traceable, secure, and transparent transactions for e-commerce in Metaverse. 5G reduces latency and makes the Metaverse experience closer to the real-life experience. 

The Evolving Future of the Metaverse: Technological Advancements and User Adoption

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR): Advancements in hardware and software technologies will lead to more immersive and realistic VR and AR experiences. For example,

• Apple’s Vision Pro blends real and virtual and simplifies the interaction using eyes, hands, and voice.
• Mojo Lens – AR in a Contact Lens which can bring in AR experience, without any bulky HMD or AR glasses, improved headsets, and haptic feedback systems.
• Haptic gloves and haptic suits (for example Tesla Suit) that add the sensation of touch into AR & VR, and motion tracking will enhance user interactions within the Metaverse.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: AI will play a crucial role in the Metaverse by enabling intelligent virtual assistants, personalized content curation, digital twins will also support research and innovation, and realistic NPCs (non-player characters) that enhance the overall user experience. Open AI has advanced itself in the form of Chat GPT 4, AI-based image generators like Dall – E2 and Mid Journey, Open AI Text Classifier, and Open AI API connect.

Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Integration: Blockchain technology could provide decentralized infrastructure, secure digital ownership, and verifiable transactions within the Metaverse. Cryptocurrencies might become the primary means of conducting virtual transactions, enabling virtual economies, and fostering user-driven ecosystems. Many governments including the Government of India are actively focusing on Blockchain-based national currencies which act as the counterparts of the existing national currencies. This will tremendously enhance user adaptation of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency in daily transactions, like the proliferation of UPI transactions.

Internet of Things (IoT) Integration: The Metaverse could incorporate IoT devices, allowing users to interact with and control their real-world surroundings and digitally enabled common equipment like refrigerators, washing machines, and vehicles from within the virtual space. This integration could lead to seamless connectivity between physical and virtual environments. 

5G Networks: Currently, the biggest problem that dilutes an AR/VR experience or Metaverse experience is the high level of latency and response times.The 5G networks will act like a platform, like the AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platforms. These offer various connectivity services for AR/VR and Metaverse-based solutions, by drastically reducing the network latency. This will provide end users with a virtual or digital experience closer to the real-world experience.

User Adoption: 

Increased Accessibility: New developments in hardware, software, and connectivity will likely reduce barriers to entry, and user reluctance in using them, making the Metaverse more accessible to a wider audience. Affordable VR/AR devices, improved Internet connectivity, and user-friendly interfaces would also drive adoption. 

Social and Cultural Integration: As the Metaverse evolves, it may become deeply intertwined with social platforms, enabling users to connect, collaborate, and socialize across virtual spaces. Cultural events, virtual conferences, and shared experiences will drive widespread adoption. 

Industry Integration: Various industries, such as gaming, entertainment, education, healthcare, and remote work, may increasingly utilize the Metaverse for immersive and interactive experiences. This integration could further accelerate adoption as more people recognize the value and utility of the Metaverse. 

Privacy and Security Considerations: As the Metaverse becomes more pervasive, addressing privacy and security concerns will be crucial. Ensuring data protection, secure transactions, and user control over personal information will play a significant role in gaining user trust and fostering adoption. 

 It's important to note that the evolution of the Metaverse will be shaped by a multitude of factors, including technological advancements, user preferences, regulatory frameworks, and societal acceptance. The future of the Metaverse is an exciting and rapidly evolving landscape that will transform the way we interact, create, and experience digital content. 

Ensuring Security and Transparency: Blockchain's Impact on the Virtual Economy of the Metaverse

Blockchain by its very design is a traceable transactional system. Any data entered that enters the Blockchain network from anyone any time in the past, leaves a trail. Every transaction in a private or public blockchain network is fully traceable. This increases transaction transparency. This also increases transaction security. Manipulating transactional data in a Blockchain network is nearly impossible. Hence it is more safe and more secure than current bank transactions. Hence, the use of Blockchain increases the security and transparency in the virtual economy of a Metaverse. Due to the high level of security, traceability, and transparency of Blockchain, even all traditional banking digital transactions will be redefined using Blockchains soon.

Apple's Vision Pro: Shaping the Future of Metaverse Standards, Protocols, and Interoperability

Apple’s Vision Pro is a major technology enhancement that will improve the usability of Metaverse. It is also a step ahead in realizing the AR Cloud, which is an AR version of Metaverse. It is in the category of Microsoft HoloLens but a much-improved version with a vision-based interaction system, in addition to the hand gesture-based and voice-based interaction systems. 

Influence on Standards and Protocols: Apple has a history of setting its own standards and protocols for its devices and software ecosystem. If Apple were to develop or endorse specific technologies for the Metaverse, such as VR/AR devices or platforms, it could have a significant impact on the establishment of industry standards and protocols. This influence could shape how different devices, platforms, and virtual worlds interact and communicate with each other. 

Closed Ecosystem Approach: If Apple were to introduce its own Metaverse platform or devices, it might prioritize interoperability within its ecosystem, potentially creating a more closed and proprietary environment. This could lead to challenges in interoperability with other devices and platforms, as they may need to adopt Apple's standards or protocols to ensure compatibility. 

Advancement in User Experience: Apple's focus on user experience and design could drive advancements in the usability and accessibility of Metaverse applications. Apple's expertise in creating intuitive interfaces and seamless experiences might contribute to improving the overall user experience within the Metaverse. 

Market Impact: If Apple enters the Metaverse space, it could attract a large user base and encourage other companies to develop compatible technologies. This could lead to a broader acceptance of Metaverse standards and protocols aligned with Apple's ecosystem. 

Collaboration and Competition: Apple's initiatives could also encourage collaboration and competition among other technology companies. By introducing their own Metaverse-related products or services, Apple might prompt other industry players to innovate, develop interoperability solutions, or introduce alternative standards and protocols. This competitive landscape could foster a healthy environment for the evolution of Metaverse technologies. 

It's important to note that these implications are our close guesses. Apple's actual impact on Metaverse standards, protocols, and interoperability will depend on their actions and the direction they choose to pursue in the evolving Metaverse landscape. It is also shaped by the innovations of other industry leaders including Microsoft and Meta.

Jijith Nadumuri Ravi Practice Head XR Metaverse Tata Elxsi