Over the previous few years, the terms Metaverse and Spatial Computing have been thrown around a lot on the internet. You many not understand what these terms mean, but you already know what they are without their official definitions! So in this blog, we thought we'd explain the two terms so the next time you hear them on social media, you know exactly what they mean. Let's go.
Related blog: How Google Became A Tech Powerhouse
What is a metaverse in simple terms?
The Metaverse is a virtual-reality space where users can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users. Altogether, there are 4 types of the Metaverse which are Augmented Reality, Lifelogging, Mirror World and Virtual World. You don't really need to understand these 4 types, but let's just give some examples of Metaverse.
One of the biggest examples of the Metaverse is Gaming because all video games (computer-generated environments) allow users to interact with other users and the environment in general. Some other real-life examples include Virtual Events and Immersive Entertainment. Going back to our Gaming example; the most famous is Roblox, where users can create their games using Roblox's developer tools and play other users' games. The platform offers an immersive experience that allows users to enter different worlds and meet new people.
Are Meta and metaverse the same?
You may be thinking of Facebook when we say Metaverse, or as you'd probably know it, Meta. Meta and the Metaverse are similar but not the same thing. In 2021, Facebook's company name rebranded to Meta after the company launched a social VR world called Facebook Horizon. This was done because they wanted to shift company focus onto the Metaverse to help build the Metaverse further. Although the company is named Meta, they aren't in the hierarchy of the Metaverse. Some other companies owned by Meta include Instagram, Threads and WhatsApp.
What is spatial computing in simple terms?
Spatial Computing is a technology defined by computers blending data from the world around them in natural ways. There are 4 types of Spatial Computing, AR, Mixed Reality, VR and Recreations of real-world places. You may have heard of these more compared to the Metaverse examples. Some examples of Spatial Computing could be controlling the lights when a person walks into a room, RBG and depth camera plus 3D trackers.
Apple frequently refers to their Apple Vision Pro as a Spatial Computer that will impact the Spatial Computing Industry. A unique dual-chip design helps with the spatial experience on the Apple Vision Pro.
Related blog: Apple Vision Pro: One Year On
Conclusion:
Hopefully, we've cleared up the meanings of these terminologies, so you understand them the next time they pop up on your timeline. Want to learn some more? Check out our blog pages, we have plenty of tips and tricks for you!
