Abstract

The term "metaverse" describes the collective virtual space where the physical and digital worlds intersect. The concept has intrigued science fiction fans for years. But with the advancement of technology and the popularity of the Internet, the "Metaverse" has recently shown signs of becoming a reality. Blockchain technology also plays an increasingly important role in the metaverse, providing infrastructure for the creation of decentralized security platforms.

Introduction

The term "metaverse" first appeared in the 1990s In early science fiction novels. In the years since, the concept of the Metaverse has changed with the continuous innovation of blockchain technology. The Metaverse has also gained increasing attention as a potential digital platform for social and economic activities.

The rise of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency has also played an important role in the development of the Metaverse. Metaverse projects have sprung up, using blockchain technology and cryptocurrency technology to create decentralized immersive virtual worlds. This article will provide a brief history of the Metaverse and explore the role of cryptocurrencies in its evolution.

Definition of Metaverse

The Metaverse is still not fully defined. But it is generally believed that the metaverse is a virtual space that connects the digital world and real life. Some people also say that the Metaverse is an evolution of the Internet, allowing users to interact and enjoy an immersive online experience.

The reason the Metaverse is difficult to define is that it encompasses much more than a single product, service, or project. Instead, the Metaverse incorporates different technologies such as the Internet, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), 3D reconstruction, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

In the science fiction novel from which the term "metaverse" originated, the metaverse is depicted as a highly immersive and interactive virtual world . Today, blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies are taking actionable steps to make this concept a reality.

The emergence of Web3 shows that the metaverse is not limited to the world of science fiction, but may also be something that already exists. The Web3 ecosystem incentivizes developers to build decentralized applications (DApps) similar to the Metaverse, such as play-to-earn (P2E) games. Games like Axie Infinity, The Sandbox, and Decentraland have introduced the concept of the metaverse to connect players' real lives with the online world.

A brief history of the Metaverse

Changes in thinking and advancements in technology have made We are closer to the concept of the Metaverse as currently understood. From the concept of vision to the creation of Bitcoin and Ethereum to the rebranding of Facebook – the Metaverse has a deep foundation.

1838

As mentioned earlier, the Metaverse may utilize VR technology to immerse players in the digital world. VR technology can be traced back to 1838, when scientist Sir Charles Wheatstone first explained the concept of "binocular vision" and constructed a single 3D image.

This research led him to create a stereoscope, allowing one to look at two slightly different two-dimensional photographs To create a three-dimensional effect, this principle is still used in some simple VR products.

1935

American science fiction writer Stanley Weinbaum introduced readers to the possibility of virtual reality in his novel "Pygmalion's Spectacles". The book's protagonist uses a pair of glasses that simulate all of the human senses to immerse himself in a fictional world that seems real.

1938

It is often said that the French poet and playwright Antonin Artaud was the first to use the term "virtual reality" ("la réalité virtuelle"). In his collection of essays, The Theater of Cruelty—Drama and Ghosting, he writes about how theater brings characters, objects, and images onto the stage to create another world.

1962

American film producer Morton Heilig created a prototype of a multi-channel simulation experience system. This machine is named "Sensolama Simulator" and consists of vibrating seats, stereos, large displays, etc., allowing users to immerse themselves in different sensory environments. Although the Sensolama simulator never got beyond a prototype, it showed what was possible between virtual and reality.

1984

Virtual reality pioneers Jaron Lanier and Thomas G. Zimmerman founded VPL Research, which was among the first to develop and market VR headsets and data gloves (or wired gloves), among others. One of the companies producing VR products.

1989

British computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee wrote the first proposal for the World Wide Web while working at CERN. The World Wide Web was originally created to allow universities and institutions to share information globally.

1992

The Metaverse first appeared in the science fiction novel "Snow Crash" by American science fiction writer Neal Stephenson. Stephenson describes a utopian future world that allows people to use digital avatars to escape to another, better reality.

1993

Computer scientists Moni Naor and Cynthia Dwork invented the proof-of-work (PoW) concept to prevent service abuse, such as denial-of-service attacks and web spam. PoW requires service requesters to provide proof of workload such as computer processing time, curbing unnecessary network behavior.

2003

Linden Labs Launched the multimedia platform Second Life. While Second Life is not a fully immersive platform (no glasses or gloves involved), users can connect to a shared virtual space and use their computers to explore, interact, and create. Second Life is less of a game and more of an online gathering place where anyone can create a new digital scene.

2006

Roblox Corporation releases the multiplayer gaming platform Roblox. Users can also develop their own games and make them available for others to play. Although users can play Roblox for free, in Roblox's internal store, players need to trade in the virtual currency Robux.

2007

Google has released Street View maps to complement its existing mapping products. Street View maps enable people to navigate the real world through maps, allowing anyone to view real-life streets on their mobile device or computer.

2009

In 2008, Satoshi Nakamoto announced the first decentralized blockchain and cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. In 2009, he mined the first batch of BTC.

2012

In 2012, entrepreneur Palmer Luckey launched the Oculus headset, which became a bridge between the real world and the 3D virtual world, allowing users to work, socialize and enjoy entertainment there. In 2014, Facebook acquired Oculus with the intention of promoting the technology.

2014

Kevin Mai Kevin McCoy and Anil Dash mint the first-ever non-fungible token (NFT) - a fluorescent octagon called "Quantum" pulse image. Because "Quantum" was created on the Namecoin blockchain, it cannot be called an NFT, but a concept of "monetized graphics".

2015

In 2013, Vitalik Buterin first proposed the concept of "Ethereum" in a blog post titled "Ethereum: The Ultimate Smart Contract and Decentralized Application Platform". In 2015, Vitalik Buterin launched the decentralized computing platform Ethereum. Ethereum allows developers to experiment with their own code using smart contracts to create DApps.

2016

In 2016, the Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) and Pokémon GO were born. Blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions company Slock.it announced the launch of the first DAO on Ethereum, The DAO, in an attempt to allow each member to form their own governance body.

"Pokémon GO" is one of the most successful mobile games in history. It is based on AR technology and allows players to connect to the real world. 3D map. In 2016 alone, Pokémon GO became one of the most profitable and popular mobile apps in the world, with over 500 million downloads worldwide by the end of the year.

2021

Facebook's decision to change its name reflects its determination to fully invest in the "Metaverse". The new name "Meta" is taken from the word "Metaverse (metaverse)", indicating its determination to transform the Metaverse, a concept that once existed in the world of science fiction. Build it into something more concrete. Since then, Facebook has invested billions of dollars in developing and acquiring Metaverse content, software, and Metaverse-related resources such as AR and VR headsets.

2022

Siemens and Nvidia announce Forge joint partnerships to create an industrial metaverse. The collaboration builds on Siemens’ reputation in industrial automation and software, infrastructure, building technology and transportation, and Nvidia’s pioneering position in accelerated graphics and artificial intelligence. According to the Siemens CEO, the collaboration connects hardware and software to enable a real-time immersive metaverse.

The role of blockchain and cryptocurrencies in the Metaverse

Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies play a fundamental role in the development of the Metaverse. First, blockchain can provide the infrastructure for secure and transparent transactions in the Metaverse. For example, cryptocurrencies can be used to transfer value quickly and securely. Secondly, the nature of Ethereum makes it possible to create NFTs, which are virtual items unique to the Metaverse.

Thirdly, DApp can make the services and functions of the metaverse more decentralized and will not be controlled by any single organization. DApps can also allow users to own and control their own data and assets, and the level of security and autonomy far exceeds traditional centralized applications.

Other technologies involved in the development of the Metaverse include VR and AR interactive tools that allow users to interact with virtual objects, in the Metaverse Navigate and experience the virtual world. In addition, AI and natural language processing technology can help users create more realistic interactive avatars in the Metaverse.

As the Metaverse continues to develop, people will find more blockchain and cryptocurrency application scenarios. They have the potential to change the way people interact and conduct business in the Metaverse. By achieving decentralization, trustlessness and transparent interaction, blockchain and its applications can help users create a more open, secure and efficient metaverse.

The future of the Metaverse

In recent years, the development of the Metaverse has Made great progress. But the infrastructure and services needed for its development have not yet been fully realized. For example, the Metaverse requires more advanced technology to drive virtual environments to make the Metaverse more realistic and engaging.

The Metaverse also requires high-speed, low-latency networks that can support large numbers of users in real time, as well as tools and platforms to create and share virtual experiences. Developers must also address a number of issues related to privacy, security, and governance to ensure that the Metaverse remains a safe and inclusive space for all users.

Technological innovations such as XR, AI, machine learning, 3D engines, cloud, edge computing and 5G connectivity can also drive the development of the Metaverse develop. With the innovation of these technologies, the metaverse will become more and more realistic, and users will be able to experience a digital world just like the real world.

It is too early to say whether the Metaverse will become the killer application of blockchain technology. However, blockchain can securely and transparently record transactions and allow users to create digital assets and new applications, making it a suitable choice for the development and operation of the Metaverse.

Conclusion

The concept of the Metaverse originated in science fiction, beginning as a fictional universe that appeared in books, television, and movies. As technology advances, the idea of immersive shared digital worlds becomes increasingly feasible.

The subsequent rise of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology has made a huge difference in the market by providing a decentralized and secure platform for virtual transactions and interactions. It also played an important role in the development of the Metaverse. While the Metaverse as we know it today is still in its infancy, it has huge potential to change the way we live, work, and play in the digital world.

Extended reading

• Which companies invested Metaverse?

• What is Metaverse Real Estate?

• Can there be multiple metaverses?

• 4 Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Projects in the Metaverse

• What is ApeCoin (APE)?