Today’s internet is a far cry from the version from the one we thought was da bomb back in the 1990’s. It’s constantly evolving and tomorrow’s version is a beast compared to the one we were first introduced to. Now people are throwing around new terms like “Web 3.0” and “the metaverse,” and judging by the hype and excitement around them you would be forgiven for thinking that they refer to the same thing.
Although they both support each other perfectly, both describe different concepts. Here’s how they differ and what they mean for the future of the world wide web.
What is Web 3.0
At the most basic level, Web 3.0 centers on the idea of the future. It’s a vision of a new, better internet moving us from Web 1.0 (yesterday’s internet) to Web 2.0 (today’s internet)
The web 3.0 revolution operates on a decentralized network that is not hosted by a single service provider company, but rather hosted by everybody. Today, we rely heavily on internet-related services provided by big technology companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon, who dictate what services we can use. However, Web3 internet providers do not have the authority to impose their will on who uses their services. They also do not serve as intermediaries between users and their needs.
What this means in practical terms is that, instead of spending all our time on websites such as Facebook, Google, etc. that own and monetize the content and data we create, we’ll use social networks, search engines, and other apps that use blockchains to let us control that data.
We’re already seeing elements of Web 3.0 emerge, too.
These include non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which use blockchain tech to help artists monetize and distribute their digital creations in new ways, and decentralized web browsers, which block ads and let users choose which websites can access their browsing data.
What is the Metaverse
The metaverse centers on how users will experience the internet of the future based on a variety of technologies, but mostly on Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). The basic idea of the metaverse isn’t complicated. It’s pretty simple. The metaverse is any digital experience that is immersive, three-dimensional (3D), and virtual, as in, not happening in the physical world.
(If you want to dive deeper into the extended realities of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality and find out how they differ, go to this blog post here.)
But bottom line, the metaverse and the extended realities that power it are changing the way designers create products and user experiences, and are already transforming the way we work, socialize, and more online.
For example, instead of talking to your coworkers through Zoom, you might don a VR headset and engage with them in a virtual space instead, or rather than chat with friends through text or Facebook Messenger, your crew might agree to meet up in the crowd of a virtual music festival.
The metaverse is the next step of how we will connect, communicate, and interact - and sitting on the sidelines for too long is not going to be a good business option.
So, there we have it – that's the basic overview on how they differ but more importantly, why there’s so much excitement about the ways they can interact and how they will shape our future. Are you ready to join the Metaverse and adopt XR technology into your business goals? Now is the time to get started. Contact us today!
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