What is a metaverse and why is everyone talking about it?
By Mike Snider and Brett Molina
Author Neal Stephenson is credited with coining the term “metaverse” in his 1992 science fiction novel “Snow Crash,” in which he envisioned lifelike avatars who met in realistic 3D buildings and other virtual reality environments.
Since then, various developments have made mileposts on the way toward a real metaverse, an online virtual world that incorporates augmented reality, virtual reality, 3D holographic avatars, video, and other means of communication.
Metaverse is a combination of multiple elements of technology, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and video where users “live” within a digital universe. Supporters of the metaverse envision its users working, playing and staying connected with friends through everything from concerts and conferences to virtual trips around the world.
Inklings of the metaverse already exist in online game universes such as Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox. Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of the newly named Meta (formerly Facebook), estimates that it could take five to 10 years before the key features of the metaverse become mainstream.
(Courtesy: USA Today)
