2024 predictions
By now, we’ve witnessed the metaverse hype cycle rise and fall. Only if you take a step back and realize how far the industry has come do you realize, we are not that far away from mass adoption.
1 year ago, not even early adopters would have predicted how quickly generative Ai will begin embedding itself into our daily lives. I expect a similar trajectory for Metaverse Technologies. It’s just that the ones we have become so accustomed to, may not be the ones that drive the mass adoption.
In times of disruption, opportunities are there to be found. In today’s age the world is turbulent. Unless you are a citizen of a major power, and even if so. Your home in the future may not be as safe or prosperous as it is today.
That’s where the allure of the Metaverse comes from, a virtual world where economic value can be created and one that is hedged against the human race and not a single geo-location.
We already have amazingly smooth, curated and IP rich virtual worlds available freely for people to build on top of. Roblox, Fortnite, Minecraft are some great examples. Globalization is also not new. Whilst cool, these platforms don’t encompass the true nature of the metaverse. As being one which is not a centralized entity but rather infrastructure. Where individuals and companies can design and architect their own virtual space. To represent themselves or their brand.
The excitement in 2021-2022 centered around the introduction of blockchain technologies to these virtual worlds, giving rise to virtual currencies which can be transmitted peer to peer in exchange for digital goods and services. This enabled businesses and startups to set up shop during a time when physical meetings were impossible. In a dystopian world where climate change or major conflicts makes spending time outdoors more difficult, the metaverse may be our only respite. Both psychologically and commercially. I say this as my home country of Malta boils at 43 degrees celsius, the hottest July on record.
In 2023 there are 3 signals that I am following, this is that list.
Weak Signal 1: Improbable Unleashes MSquared to Power the Metaverse
In a game-changing move, Improbable, the startup behind the Otherside metaverse game, has opened up its MSquared (M²) creation suite for creating interoperable online worlds. M² spans a network, tech stack, and metaverse markup language (MML) that allows developers to craft digital assets and immersive experiences within these worlds. This ambitious project aims to create a “network of metaverses,” and early access to its tools has been made available to creators.
With tech giants like Google, Nvidia, and Dolby providing cloud streaming capabilities, MSquared-powered worlds are set to offer groundbreaking experiences. The success of early Otherside demos, which featured thousands of live players simultaneously, showcased the immense potential of this technology. The ability to host impromptu online sessions and draw large audiences opens new economic models, sparking excitement about the metaverse’s untapped possibilities.
Improbable long-term plan includes a shift to decentralized governance, reflecting its commitment to Web3 principles and digital ownership. The creation suite’s public rollout signifies a significant step forward, as it aims to breathe new life into the metaverse amid waning enthusiasm. Herman Narula, CEO of Improbable, remains optimistic, emphasizing the need for meaningful social experiences to prove the value of the metaverse concept.
As the world eagerly awaits further announcements and collaborations with brand and content partners, MSquared’s early adopters are already exploring and sharing their creations. This technology is poised to redefine the metaverse landscape and unlock a realm of innovative possibilities for creators and users alike. With a vision as ambitious as this, Improbable is set to revolutionize the metaverse for generations to come.
Weak Signal 2: Bitmap Theory’s Impact on Metaverse Ownership
The recent emergence of Bitmap Theory presents a fascinating weak signal that could potentially impact metaverse ownership and integration with Bitcoin. Bitmap Theory introduces a novel way for individuals to claim ownership over Bitcoin blocks, akin to how Ordinals allows users to inscribe individual satoshis. The concept revolves around the idea that any Bitcoin block can be inscribed and parsed into the 3D realm, creating opportunities for users to build on top of these blocks, contributing to the metaverse, and fostering a vibrant community-driven space.
By integrating the ownership of Bitcoin blocks into the metaverse, Bitmap Theory may revolutionize the concept of virtual real estate. Users can now have direct ownership of prime digital real estate on Bitcoin, adding value to their presence in the metaverse. As the metaverse continues to evolve and grow, the ability to claim ownership over specific blocks may become a sought-after commodity, leading to an inscription frenzy as witnessed in the Ordinals community.
The implications of Bitmap Theory’s adoption could extend beyond simple ownership, as it opens up possibilities for fractionalized transactions and community collaboration within the metaverse. This integration may enable users to distribute and interact with Bitcoin blocks, creating interactive and dynamic virtual environments that go beyond the traditional use cases of blockchain technology.
The excitement surrounding Bitmaps is already evident, with historic blocks and unique Bitcoin transactions becoming highly sought-after assets. This trend indicates a growing interest in the concept of metaverse ownership and its potential value in the evolving virtual landscape.
As the metaverse gains traction and attracts more participants, the impact of Bitmap Theory’s ownership model on virtual economies and community engagement may become increasingly evident. It could lead to a paradigm shift in how users perceive and interact with virtual assets and properties within the metaverse, blurring the lines between the digital and physical worlds.
However, as with any weak signal, further observation and analysis are necessary to understand the full extent of Bitmap Theory’s influence on metaverse development and Bitcoin integration. As the metaverse ecosystem evolves, its relationship with blockchain technologies and unique ownership models may play a vital role in shaping the virtual experiences of the future.
Weak Signal 3: Apple Vision Pro Revolutionizes Spatial Computing
Apple Vision Pro heralds a new era of spatial computing, blending digital content seamlessly with the physical world. By harnessing eye, hand, and voice commands, users navigate effortlessly in this groundbreaking virtual realm. Vision Pro boasts an infinite canvas, revolutionizing app usage. Users can arrange apps anywhere, scale them to perfection, and switch between tasks with a glance.
Entertainment takes on a new dimension with Vision Pro, transforming any room into a personal theater. With Spatial Audio and an impressive 3D camera, users can capture and relive magical moments in their own immersive reality.
Collaboration becomes more meaningful as Vision Pro enhances remote meetings. FaceTime video tiles are life-size, expanding as new participants join. Colleagues can simultaneously collaborate on documents within FaceTime, fostering seamless teamwork.
Designed with decades of experience, Vision Pro integrates advanced technology into an elegant, compact form. Its unique enclosure, light seal, and adjustable headband ensure an optimal fit and comfort.
Powered by the revolutionary visionOS, interactions within the spatial operating system feel intuitive and magical. Apps expand beyond the boundaries of displays, floating in space and reacting to room lighting. Environments allow users to transform spaces, from beautiful landscapes to clear skies, offering full immersion and control.
Groundbreaking technology underpins Vision Pro’s spatial experiences, featuring displays with more pixels than a 4K TV for each eye. Advanced Spatial Audio and precision eye tracking enhance the immersive experience.
Privacy and security remain paramount, with new technologies like Optic ID using the uniqueness of your iris for secure authentication.
Developers gain access to an endless array of possibilities with Vision Pro, utilizing familiar tools and frameworks to create extraordinary spatial experiences.
Apple Vision Pro is set to be available early next year, introducing a world where reality and imagination merge into an awe-inspiring spatial journey.