Unlocking the Secrets of the Metaverse: The Building Blocks of the Virtual World

The concept of a metaverse is not new, but it is only recently that technology has caught up with the imagination. To create a true metaverse, several building blocks must be in place. This overview takes an in-depth look at the building blocks and technologies that can enable the metaverse.

The basic foundation for transferring real-time 3D data to a huge number of users in sync is the networking infrastructure and the technologies behind like data center infrastructure and broadband networks. This is the „Infrastructure hardware layer“.

Datacenters provide the necessary computing power and storage resources to host virtual environments and power the complex simulations required for the metaverse to exist.
Broadband technology provides the high-speed connections necessary for users to access the metaverse. Without high-speed connections, the latency of the metaverse would be too high and make it difficult for users to have an enjoyable experience. Broadband technology also helps ensure that the metaverse is able to support numerous users who will be accessing it at any given moment.

On top is a networking protocol layer. The new internet protocol developments like QUIC and HTTP/3 could help to support the metaverse by enabling faster and more secure data transmission. This allows for more efficient and reliable communication and data sharing between users in the metaverse, making it easier to interact and collaborate in a virtual world. Additionally, the new protocols allow for better scalability, meaning that the metaverse can be larger and more expansive, with more users and more virtual objects. Finally, the new protocols allow for better privacy and security, ensuring that user data is kept safe and secure in the virtual world.

To be defined Metaverse standard protocols for avatars, locations, and virtual objects will create a unified framework for the Metaverse. This unified framework will allow for all users to interact with one another in a consistent manner, regardless of the platform or application that they are using. By standardizing the ways in which avatars, locations, and virtual objects are defined and can be interacted with, developers can create applications that are compatible with all platforms, ensuring that users will have a seamless experience when switching between different virtual spaces and applications in the Metaverse. 
Learn more about Metaverse standards available today

New technologies and developments are game changers and starting points for the development of the metaverse. 

Blockchain technology for the metaverse provides a secure and trustless platform to allow for transactions and interactions between users. Additionally, blockchain technology can be used to create digital assets, allowing for virtual ownership and trade of digital goods, assets, and services. 

Geo-mapping offers an incredible level of immersion for users in the metaverse. Through geo-mapping, users can explore virtual locations that are based on real-world locations. As such, users can explore virtual cities, monuments, and other places of interest in virtual reality or can get a virtual layer through augmented reality when visiting real-world locations.

Through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, virtual beings and characters can be created and evolve over time. This can lead to more dynamic and immersive experiences within the metaverse. Additionally, AI and machine learning can be used to detect user behavior and generate unique experiences tailored to each user. Today the generation of a 3D world require specialists that can handle complex 3D tools and rendering engines. It is foreseeable that in future users will be able to create their own worlds and virtual objects with the help of easy to use tools and artificial intelligence that converts spoken descriptions into virtual objects.

The development of end-user devices for display and motion-tracking plays a significant role in enabling the metaverse. These devices allowing users to access immersive, interactive experiences. Increased ease of use, quality, affordability and comfort of end-user devices are key factors for the acceptance of virtual and augmented reality and can lower users entry barriers.

IoT (internet of things) technology can even enable physical devices to interact in the metaverse. IoT-enabled physical devices could be connected to the metaverse and manipulated through the virtual world. Scenarios like remote maintenance of plants, systems or machines could be possible through virtual reality or the metaverse.

The success factors of the metaverse lie in virtual and augmented applications that make areas of our lives more interesting, exciting or easier and thus create a benefit. The application layer in Virtual Spaces and Augmented Reality is where all imaginations come true. Think of Socializing, Gaming, esports, fitness but also business cases such as remote support or service, business meetings, events, simulations, market places, learning and education. The metaverse has the potential to transform industries.