Composition of the Metaverse: Spatial Computing Layer
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Part 5 of 8. For a brief intro about this blog series, read What is the Metaverse. Check out other Metaverse layers, such as Infrastructure, Human Interface, Decentralization, Creator Economy, Discovery, and Experience.
Introduction
Conceptually, the Metaverse has been around for many years, but only recently has begun to attract builders, developers, and designers with advancements in technology. Spatial computing, which utilizes virtual and augmented reality, integrates digital information into the physical world, allowing the current metaverse to come to fruition. The metaverse and spatial computing are disrupting traditional industries and changing the way we interact with technology on a daily basis. It is the technology that powers wearables and simulations, blurring the boundaries of real and simulated life.
Applications
Just as the idea of the Metaverse is not new, spatial computing has planted itself inside many industries, substantially impacting training and simulation, architecture and design, healthcare, and e-commerce. In many cases spatial computing allows professionals to interact with prototypes and engage in realistic training otherwise unobtainable. One of the most significant potential applications of the Metaverse and spatial computing is found in the gaming industry, where developers are creating fully immersive virtual worlds with a whole new level of realism that fosters increased engagement. Ultra-realistic first-person simulation games such as “Half-Life: Alyx" are beginning to blur simulation and real life.
Metaverse and spatial computing also have the potential to revolutionize the way we work. Given the current state of workers using home offices, virtual and augmented reality could allow for remote collaboration and virtual meetings that go beyond conference calls and simple slide presentations. This would make it possible for people to work together in real-time, regardless of their physical location or any environmental factors precluding them from migrating to a centralized location. Strong use cases for the masses of workers sitting at home include virtual product demonstrations, customer service interactions, education, and training. In some instances, where dangers and cost of replicating training in the real world are prohibitive, spatial computing is allowing users to receive simulated training that mirrors real work-based scenarios.
Another application we see just rolling out is in the entertainment industry sector. Virtual concerts, music festivals, movie theaters, and theme parks are just a few examples of how spatial computing is altering how we interact with entertainment. Recently we have seen a slew of top artists perform in the Metaverse, allowing global access to signature events. The term “Metervertainment” has even been coined to showcase the build-out of opportunities to interact within the Metaverse through entertainment.
Challenges
While the potential applications of the Metaverse and spatial computing are vast, there are also significant challenges that must be addressed. Spatial computing is defined by joining physical environments and digital spaces. Dimensional depth does not define spatial computing. One of the largest tasks builders and designers face is making sure the integration from the physical environment into the digital environment is as seamless and comfortable as possible. Additionally, there are concerns about privacy and security in the Metaverse, as well as the potential for addiction and negative effects on mental health.
Looking Forward
Spatial Computing has only begun to advance Metaverse experiences due to advancement in other layers of the Metaverse, such as less obtrusive headwear and increasing computing and internet speeds. The development of the Metaverse is in its very early stages—building it out is going to be an evolving process (and a painful one at that for Meta).
Next up we have Apple, which has been developing a headset for their own Metaverse, and in typical Apple fashion, it will be a high-end, multisource reality headset. Apple seems to have a knack for combining multiple tech products into one single highly attractive experience. Like most new Apple prices, the sticker shock usually does not hinder sales. The headset should engage with other Apple products and is slated for release in Spring 2023.
Our 8-part blog series on the layers of the Metaverse:
