The Metaverse and the future of online shopping

These are different times that we are living, as if it had been taken from a Hollywood movie, where each time separating fiction from reality is a little more difficult. And it is not for less, now social networks and our mobile devices have become one of the spaces where there is a greater concentration of people as if we were talking about a physical place, and even more impressive is talking about Metaverse.

Again? Yes, in fact the first time this term began to be used was by the writer Neil Stephenson in his novel Snow Cash where in a future world a pizza delivery man discovers a virus: the 'Snow Cash', but this virus exists is in the Metaverse a parallel world where he is a master samurai. all this is also something like Matrix.

You may also remember when we talked about role-playing games, like Second Life and the Sims, where you created an avatar and lived in a world Parallel with friends, you bought a house, a car, worked and even fell in love. Just when we thought that it had simply been a video game for a certain sector of society such as gamers, a global lockdown had to occur so that the digital world and the internet, as we knew it until now, would take a 360º turn. and it will evolve at a speed that is sometimes difficult for us to process and - we must admit - is a bit scary.

But the Metaverse is not just a term used by gamers and science fiction lovers.It seems the idea of ​​creating an alternate universe has always been around in the creative world and now we are ad portas to live it in person. Or at least that's how it seems so far.

Technically speaking, the Metaverse is a virtual world to which we all connect through devices such as augmented reality glasses, or perhaps in the future through smart watches, smartphones or screens. So far this is already a reality, there are a million companies that have created video games with augmented reality directed solely towards leisure and mental dispersion, but now, the idea of ​​creating a parallel reality where the real life of each person would have another dimension.

Those who are taking the lead in creating this virtual universe are none other than Mark Zuckemberg, creator and founder of Facebook. In fact, all this commotion began when he announced that he had decided to create 'Meta', an umbrella-type company that encompasses the most important social networks in the digital industry: Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. But beyond having made this small adjustment, the origin of the name 'Meta' comes as we mentioned from the Metauniverse, which is no coincidence.

Zuckemberg affirmed that the very need of humanity for an increasingly severe social distancing and the inconveniences that the world was faced with when facing the majority of routine activities online, marked a breaking point and the need to find a solution that would adapt to this type of change. That is why he created Meta, a company which, beyond encompassing the apps, proposes us to live in them, but physically creating a series of facilities without having to move in the slightest. We explain it better.

Imagine opening Instagram and seeing your friends live at Coachella and thinking how much you would have liked to be there, it has happened to more than one of us. Well, with Meta you can be at the concert once you open the app, put on your augmented reality glasses like the Oculus on Facebook and that's it, an avatar created perfectly like you, you'll be at Coachella so you you are miles away. Hard to believe?

Where is Ariana Grande? Probably at her house in Los Angeles CA, but what if we told you that she is also on the Believer Coast in the northwest of Battle Island. This is an underworld that is part of the Fornite video game platform, and Ariana Grande, or rather, her Avatar, lives in that place. Those who play this video game will be able to overcome a series of obstacles and attend a concert given by Ariana Grande herself. . This event at the time it was released collapsed the web, as fans were amazed to be online at the same time, fighting a virtual battle with Ariana Grande in real life. And it is that, after all, as we mentioned, we spend so much time on the internet that it is already part of what we know as tangible.

Other companies that have opted to begin eliminating that border between the physical and virtual have been clothing brands and the world of e-commerce, and we are going to tell you about that a little better , because Meta thought of all sectors and especially in the retail industry, with the justification that there will no longer be an excuse for not shopping online. For example, Balenciaga and Gucci did not allow themselves to be drowned out by the access restrictions due to the pandemic and since the measures increased and their collections did not stop, they decided to hold a parade through Fortnite. The ideal is to create experiences as close to life itself.

The proposal is that you will be able to access the e-commerce store, with your avatar, try it on and be able to see how the garment will look, be it sunglasses or shoes. The avatars will be designed in your image and likeness, with your measurements, your voice, your gestures, etc. By itself, what several brands are doing is creating filters with which you can analyze how what you are going to buy will look like.

This Metaverse thing is still like a concept, but not too far from becoming true, because both Facebook and Twitch are competing to see which of them will be the first to start developing the platform and the devices from which these will come accompanied, it is estimated that on average no more than 10 will be hired in Europe.000 people to contribute to the creation of this universe.

It is likely that in the future, if you read us from Auckland, New Zealand and you like our glasses, you can try them on and live a barefootlife experience without leaving home. Why not?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Meta the same as Metaverse?

Not the same. Meta is the name of the Facebook company that includes Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. However, it is related to the term Metaverse, which is an advanced reality virtual universe where people can develop their lives.

2. What is the Facebook Metaverse called?

It's called Meta Platforms Inc. and consists of a series of applications with virtual reality experiences that work by connecting to a device that transports the user to the digital scene of their choice.

3. What is the Oculus Quest 2?

4. What games can you play with the Oculus Quest?

This model of VR glasses have functionality for several video games, such as Resident Evil 4, Robo Recall, Medal of Honor.