VOL 23: APPLICATIONS OF THE METAVERSE
The Metaverse is undoubtedly one of the most controversial things in the tech ecosystem. Microsoft, Meta (A.K.A Facebook), Google, NVIDIA and more are defining it as the next phase of the internet. In this world, we’ll have digital versions of ourselves or avatars. And to add to all these, it’ll be bigger than you can imagine.
In the metaverse, we’ll be able to do anything we imagine; work, learn, play, get together with friends and family. Other than social networks and entertainment, some of the applications of the metaverse will be in the;
Educational Sector
The Metaverse has a number of applications that can help improve the learning experience for students, especially for more visual-focused learners. With the Covid-19 pandemic causing the education sector to take a huge hit, it had led to the quick rise of online education as a digital way of teaching and learning.
Imagine a scenario where students could interact in real-time classes, face to face with teachers from anywhere in the world or someone studying Astrophysics, can put on their VR glasses, visit the solar system, have a close to real-life study, this would foster creativity and critical thinking among students making learning less talk, more practical which leads to less sleeping in class.
Other advantages of metaverse include creating new experiences that can go beyond online education itself. Virtual campus visits will be highly possible, allowing universities to disrupt the global barrier that separates students and educators from different parts of the world. You can do a tour of MIT right here in Akure, Nigeria, conveniently relying on the virtual space in metaverse.
Students can learn in context and discover fresh views by taking field trips to various regions of the virtual world. It will be more interesting and participatory for the students. Compared to other ways, I believe this type of learning is more likely to be remembered and understood.
E-commerce Sector
Customers online shopping experience can be enhanced by this technology. Creating an avenue where you visualize products before purchase. E.g. IKEA is one of the early adopters of AR (augmented reality) technology, their app allows customers to virtually put furniture in their house to see how it would look using your smartphone and AR, you don’t need to physically go to their stores to find what best fits your home. Converse (shoe company) is doing something like this for their shoe sector too.
Companies can virtually create stores online where you can have a real shopping experience from the comfort of your home. The metaverse will simulate an in-person shopping experience online by allowing a customer to see how a product might look on them.
Travel and Tourism
Of course, visiting countries in the real world have its advantages, but in the metaverse, you can get a close to real life experience of any country in the world. For me, I don’t think metaverse will replace travel but it can enhance the experience when exploring a city/country that you have visited virtually.
I'm convinced it will be very efficient for travellers to do research and explore different places and details of that place before booking a flight for their holiday and also use it as a way to store memories so you can always relive that moment.
Other areas of application
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Transportation
Military
Real Estate etc.
Conclusion
“The best way to understand the Metaverse is to experience it yourself” Mark Zuckerberg stated. We shouldn't have to wait so long to get a sense of it.
But when exactly will this happen?
It happens when these three things come together, as it does with all breakthrough technologies;
Demand
Software
Hardware
The combination of Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, AI, 5G network and other technologies will make the Metaverse possible and a technology perfectly easy to use.
Until next week, Happy Learning.
Enjoy the weekend.