BANDUNG, unpas.ac.id – Anyone here is still unfamiliar to Metaverse? Recently, there is current conversation related to Metaverse being discussed in the virtual world. The rise of the conversation arose after Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg changed his company name to Meta and revealed his vision to build a virtual world called Metaverse.
In Mark’s imagination, Metaverse is a virtual world that brings experiences closer to the real world, not just applications. To present the Metaverse, there are at least five technologies that will be combined. What are those?
Teacher of Informatics Engineering Department Universitas Pasunda, who is as well as Unpas YouTuber for Web Programming, Sandhika Galih shares his thought about the big-line of Metaverse.
The trend and concept of Metaverse have actually arose for a long time. However, as the technology developed, Metaverse kept getting popularity and attracted one of popular companies’ attention.
“Metaverse is a social aspect, game, augmented reality (AR) virtual reality (VR) and digital currency which allow individuals to interact to each other virtually. We can do anything as like as we are in real world; working, taking sports, entertainment and others,” he said.
At first, the term of Metaverse occurred from fictional novels entitled “Snow Crash” by Neal Stephenson (1992) and “Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline (2011). On both novels, Metaverse was depicted as a space connecting virtual world and AR>
“Metaverse which was once only a fictional story in a novel, film or game, is now about to be realized. I am sure it will not take long. In the next 5 to 10 years, we can interact using Metaverse,” he continued.
So, what has Facebook (Meta) done to prepare the Metaverse? Sandhika said, almost all the supporting components needed to design Metaverse have already been owned by Facebook.
“Of all components needed, it looks like Facebook has already been ready to create the Metaverse, or else, probably will develop new technology. This is the Facebook-version Metaverse. There would be other technology companies which will make their own Metaverse, such as Microsoft, Google, MicroFox and so many others,” he explained.
First, the fast and stable internet connection. Today, world is getting to prepare the 5G network which probably can be used for the next 1-2 years.
Second, virtual reality, a technology which can bring someone into the digital world. Facebook itself already has an Oculus product, a screen device to display virtual reality that allows users to feel the sensation of the virtual world as in real life.
Third, augmented reality. The easiest example, AR technology is now widely applied and found in filter features on Instagram, SnapChat, TikTok, and other applications. Facebook also already has the technology to create AR, namely Spark AR Studio.
Fourth, artificial intelligence. Metaverse needs to be supported by AI to imitate human’s cognitive function. As for this technology (AI), Facebook already has had an AI laboratory which can be accessed on the website ai.facebook.com.
Last, digital currency. In Metaverse, there will be financial transaction which requires digital currency as tool for trading. Again, Facebook has already had its own digital currency called Diem as its payment system and digital wallet called Novi.
“The main thing is, there will be internet-future which we cannot avoid to. At least, we should know and be prepared, as well as understand this current update. The positive thing is that, Metaverse offers a lot of sophisticated features, but it cannot certainly be separated from security issues and data safety. We should be still adaptive, and selective as well,” he concluded. (Reta)*