Web 3.0 and the Future Metaverse: Decentralization and Interoperability

While many people are intrigued by the concept of the Metaverse or virtual world, most lack a clear understanding of its fundamental technologies. It's important to note that the specific Metaverse will not simply materialize on its own, but will require various foundational technologies.

Fortunately, the scientific community has made miraculous progress in inventing and discovering various technologies to support the Metaverse like High-performance computing (HPC), cloud computing, Haptic feedback devices, and Blockchain technology.

Although some games based on the Metaverse (such as Sandbox, Decentraland, and Upland), have been developed, the Metaverse's full potential has yet to be realized. As such, extensive research and development are still ongoing in this rapidly evolving field like developing new virtual reality hardware, spatial computing, advanced blockchain-enabled metaverse, AI and machine learning, and many more.

In this article, let's explore some of these noteworthy technologies that are poised to impact the future of the Metaverse.

Technologies for the Future Metaverse

The concept of the Metaverse has gained significant attention in recent years, and as it continues to evolve, there are several technologies that are expected to play a vital role in shaping its development.

1. IoT (Internet of Things):

In essence, IoT refers to a network of physical devices that utilize software, sensors, and various technologies to exchange data and instructions and connect to multiple networks on the internet.

According to forecasts performed by Statista, the global number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is expected to nearly triple from 9.7 billion in 2020 to over 29 billion by 2030 as shown in the following graph. In 2030, China is projected to have the highest number of IoT devices, with approximately 5 billion consumer devices.

Here are some points to be noted why IoT devices are so crucial for the well-functioning Metaverse:

• The goal of the Metaverse is to establish a completely immersive digital world that emulates the physical world in various ways. However, achieving an accurate replication of the physical world without access to real-world data is a challenging task. This is where IoT devices play a vital role as they can gather real-world data and transmit it to the Metaverse promptly. This data allows virtual environments to react to changes in the physical world, resulting in a more responsive and realistic experience.

• Currently, 5G technology is available, and the scientific community is actively working on the development of the next generation of internet connectivity, namely 6G. The integration of 5G and upcoming 6G technologies is instrumental in enabling IoT devices to operate efficiently in creating an enhanced virtual experience. For example, IoT devices can gather data related to traffic patterns, weather conditions, or environmental factors and transmit it to the Metaverse as an instance and the fastest internet connectivity is desirable in this case. To achieve a better Metaverse, reliable and robust wireless internet connectivity is crucial, ensuring seamless access to the virtual world from any part of the world.

• One-way IoT devices can be useful by collecting data on various aspects such as traffic patterns, weather conditions, or environmental factors. This data can then be transmitted to the Metaverse, and it can be used to create more realistic and dynamic virtual environments. The Metaverse can adjust to changes in real-world events by using this data, resulting in a more immersive and responsive experience for users.

• Apart from collecting real-world data, IoT devices have the added capability to facilitate effortless interactions between the physical and virtual worlds. One of the ways this can be achieved is by using IoT devices to control smart home devices such as lighting or thermostats within the Metaverse. This innovative feature empowers users to control their physical environment from the virtual world with ease, enabling a seamless experience.

2. Artificial intelligence (AI):

AI helps to automate various services in the Metaverse by creating a fair and transparent system as it enables life-like experiences in virtual spaces. It bypasses human intervention related to emotions, errors, and feelings while providing various services like chatbots, transaction processing, avatar creation, digital assets management, next-level gaming experiences with machine learning features, and many more to the users. AI is showing a strong influence in every field, so the Metaverse cannot be an exception. Governments of various countries and the private sector, who have deeply understood the importance of AI in the technology sector, are spending vast amounts of money on AI development.

Here are some examples: China's AI development plan, NVIDIA's AI initiatives, Google's DeepMind, US National AI Initiative, and Amazon's AI research.

Google has already initiated the work for its own Google AI Quantum, aiming to operate beyond classical capabilities, and it is related to advanced Quantum Computing. Although the full extent of quantum computing's impact on the Metaverse is not yet fully realized, there are several potential applications that could revolutionize the field in the future, that’s why it is worth mentioning.

Quantum computing has the ability to tackle complex computational problems that classical computers are not efficient at solving. For instance, quantum computing could be used to simulate complex chemical reactions and optimization problems, which would help in developing advanced materials for the virtual world. Moreover, quantum computing could be used to enhance AI algorithms, creating more intelligent and responsive virtual environments.

In addition, it could play a vital role in cryptography for the Metaverse because it could potentially break several encryption schemes that are currently in use, making them an ideal candidate for developing secure communication systems for the Metaverse.

The Metaverse holds immense potential for businesses to thrive in the future, offering a wide range of services such as AIOps (AI-powered operations) with platforms like IBM Watson AIOps, digital assets including NFTs, robust identity and data management solutions, AI bots and digital humans, research and education capabilities, and multilingual accessibility to connect global communities with platforms like Microsoft Azure Metaverse, and many other innovative offerings.

Based on the advanced AI, the future Metaverse could act as a boon, providing businesses with the tools and technologies to operate effectively and drive success in the digital realm.

3. Quantum Computing:

For a specific type of Metaverse ecosystem, service delivery based on a decentralized approach should be fast, efficient, and secure, where users feel confident and receive services appropriately. Quantum computing, based on a quantum computer, is currently under development but it is anticipated to serve as a powerful foundational technology for the future Metaverse. Based on this,

Quantum Cryptography is currently in development, and in the future, it may prove to be a game-changing technology for advanced encryption to safeguard the Metaverse. History has shown that what may seem impossible at first can become possible with advancements in technology.

Still, the same outcome would be achieved from the world’s fastest supercomputer in 10,000 years would accomplish the same product.

This is a good sign of building powerful Quantum Computers for the future digitalized world. The combination of quantum computing with a superfast internet connection is expected to empower the best Metaverse accessible to all.

4. Prolonged Reality (XR):

This term is introduced to cite Extended Reality, which accommodates all the technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) designed to combine the real physical world and the virtual world. If we locate all three VR, AR, and MR technologies, we find several differences between them. Still, the similarity for all of them is they prefer computer display and graphics technologies to operate smoothly. In the Metaverse, XR looks like it is integral because the whole Metaverse ecosystem will be based on it.

Essentially, XR assists users in accessing virtual 3D graphics in the Metaverse, so hardware and software-producing parties love to use the phrase “XR” to combine AR and VR-based products and services. The first generation XR-based application is Microsoft’s HoloLens, allowing users to experience 3D objects virtually.

5. Blockchain Technology:

Blockchain technology helps the Metaverse to be decentralized and accessible to any sort of user without any restrictions. Advanced blockchain technology democratizes reality in the Metaverse by ensuring a transparent, secure, and fair ecosystem. After inventing the Bitcoin blockchain network, different next-generation blockchain technologies are being built with varying consensus algorithms. Still, the development process for the advanced blockchain technology to back a well-functioning Metaverse at its full potential is ongoing.

Till now, scalability, limitation of storage (Decentralized Storage), latency, high blockchain overhead, and security are the issues to be addressed. Strong encryption is the must-have feature for the best blockchain technology to secure data to offer the desired features with almost zero latency in the Metaverse ecosystem. Not just this, blockchain plays a vital role in driving the DeFi-based on the Metaverse. Readers can check this already-published Hackernoon story.

6. Web 3.0:

Web 3.0 is an evolved version of the internet that aims to be more decentralized and democratized. It builds on the existing Web 2.0 by introducing new technologies like blockchain, decentralized data storage, smart contracts, and cloud computing. This upgraded version of the internet seeks to create a more advanced, open, and transparent online environment where users have more control over their data, identities, and interactions. Users will no longer need to rely on centralized authorities such as e-commerce platforms, social media sites, or search engines. Instead, they will be able to access decentralized platforms and applications that run on peer-to-peer networks, providing them with greater privacy, security, and autonomy.

Web 3.0 has the potential to play a significant role in the development of the Metaverse by facilitating interoperability and secure transactions, creating a more immersive experience for users with greater control over their digital assets and identities. Advanced blockchain technologies are also emerging to empower Web 3.0 with more desirable features for the future Metaverse so it can be the top preferred tech.

7. Edge Computing:

Creating a fully functional Metaverse can be a daunting task, requiring immense financial and collaborative efforts. To achieve this goal, major players like Google and Microsoft are pooling their resources to build the Metaverse of the future. One major challenge is the issue of latency, which can be addressed by leveraging edge computing to store data locally and reduce network congestion. With countless devices connected to the Metaverse, there will be a significant increase in the volume of data that needs to be managed and delivered in real-time. Edge computing could provide the necessary computing power to support the entire Metaverse ecosystem.

examples of how edge computing could potentially be integrated into the Metaverse, which is a virtual reality (VR) space where users interact with digital environments and each other. Here are a few possibilities:

Real-time rendering:

In The Metaverse, users would expect high-quality graphics and immersive experiences. Edge computing could be utilized to offload the processing power needed for real-time rendering of complex graphics and animations from the user's device to edge servers. These servers, located in close proximity to the user, would handle the rendering computations and send the rendered frames back to the user's device, reducing latency and providing smooth, lag-free VR experiences.

Object recognition and tracking:

Edge computing could enable real-time object recognition and tracking in the Metaverse. Edge servers could process visual data from users' VR devices to identify objects or avatars, track their movements, and enable interactions based on this information. For example, users could have virtual objects in the Metaverse that can be recognized and manipulated by other users, leading to interactive and dynamic virtual experiences.

Content distribution:

Edge computing could facilitate efficient content distribution in the Metaverse. Edge servers could cache and deliver frequently accessed virtual assets, such as 3D models, textures, and audio files, closer to the users' devices, reducing the need for data to be transferred over long distances and minimizing latency. This would result in faster content loading times, smoother interactions, and a more seamless Metaverse experience.

Personalization and customization:

Edge computing could enable personalized and customized experiences in the Metaverse. Edge servers could process user preferences, behavior data, and other contextual information to deliver tailored content, recommendations, and interactions in real-time. For example, an edge server could analyze a user's browsing history, location, and social media activity to create a personalized virtual environment or provide relevant virtual advertisements.

Security and privacy:

Edge computing could enhance security and privacy in Metaverse. Edge servers could analyze user data in real-time to identify potential security threats, detect malicious activities, and provide proactive security measures. Additionally, edge servers could process user data locally, reducing the need for data to be transmitted to central servers, which could help protect user privacy and mitigate concerns related to data security in the Metaverse.

Traditional centrally handled cloud computing methods could be a less reliable option as they will risk single-point failure and network congestion in the Metaverse ecosystem.

8. Data Centers and Network Infrastructure:

In the Metaverse ecosystem, a decentralized cluster of computers connected to a blockchain network shares computing power. Edge computing enhances user experience by allowing necessary data to be stored locally. For instance, if one avatar wishes to communicate with another, the essential information must be downloaded locally to avoid disrupting the data exchange process. With billions of devices connected simultaneously in the Metaverse, there will be a surge of data exchange and delivery, necessitating superfast internet connectivity. While some countries have already begun implementing 5G wireless internet connectivity, more will be required for the future Metaverse.

Other prominent names like Nokia, Huawei, and Samsung have claimed they are already developing 6G internet connectivity. If 6G goes for mainstream adoption, it will also change how we interact with this world because everything in the Metaverse could be seamlessly accessed due to superfast internet connectivity.

9. Hardware Devices:

The good news is significant progress in IC chip manufacturing as researchers have already discovered how to construct the smallest devices in a few nanometer scales. Recently, IBM announced it had created the most powerful and smallest microchip. Microchips are the building block of any electronic components or devices used for accessing the Metaverse. The powerful microchips help to build small but powerful devices like AR Glasses, Wrist-Based Bands, VR headsets, meta-haptic gloves, smartphones, different sensors, and PC. In the future, the most potent head-mounted glasses and other Metaverse-compatible devices could replace smartphones and PC.

10.3D Reconstruction:

The 3D modeling or the reconstruction process in the Metaverse will be carried out to transform the natural physical objects into 3D virtual reality. For example, if you wish to sell your material thing, it has to be transformed into a 3D virtual object that looks almost the same as the real one virtually in the Metaverse.

This technology could dramatically change gaming and other industries by allowing users to have real-life-like experiences. Some companies can offer a virtual tour to their customers by using this technology.

Wrapping Up:

The emerging technologies currently in development suggest a promising future for the Metaverse, even though it's still in its early stages. Just as smaller but more powerful laptops and smartphones replaced their less capable predecessors in the past, devices specifically designed for the Metaverse may replace current low-capacity computers and smartphones in the coming decades as they become more advanced. Here, Web 3.0 enhances the Metaverse experience. However, some challenges must be addressed, such as protecting user data and privacy, as well as ensuring the security of IoT devices to prevent them from being targeted by hackers. Despite these challenges, the ongoing efforts to develop the Metaverse are encouraging, and it remains to be seen what the future holds. Only time will tell.