Digital Pioneer: Xpert Reality and the beginnings of Metaverse and Extended Reality

The Metaverse and Extended Reality share some common characteristics and overlap:

Immersive experiences

Both the Metaverse and Extended Reality offer immersive experiences where users can immerse and interact in virtual environments. They enable users to physically move in a digital world and interact with virtual objects and people.

Virtual objects and environments

Both the Metaverse and Extended Reality enable the representation of virtual objects and environments. You can use 3D models, animations and visual effects to create virtual worlds.

Interaction and communication

Both the Metaverse and Extended Reality promote interaction and communication between users. They allow users to interact with each other in real time, be it through voice communication, text messaging or sharing virtual activities.

Augmented reality experience

Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term that includes various immersive technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR). The Metaverse can utilize a combination of different XR technologies to provide a comprehensive and diverse experience.

➡️ It is important to note that the Metaverse represents an expanded form of the XR experience. While XR encompasses the various technologies that enable virtual and augmented realities, the Metaverse is a broader concept that describes a connected, immersive and collaborative virtual world that exists across different platforms and applications.

➡️ Overall, it can be said that the Metaverse and Extended Reality pursue similar goals, namely to offer users immersive experiences and involve them in virtual worlds. They complement each other and can be used in conjunction with each other to create diverse and impressive virtual experiences.

➡️ As an expert with many years of experience in the field of extended reality, Xpert.Digital you in this future-oriented technology!

Digital Innovation Hub for logistics and photovoltaics – Image: Xpert.Digital & kentoh|Shutterstock.com

“But here too, Xpert.Digital was ahead of its time! With VARP, which stands for Virtual & Augmented Reality Project, we not only developed theoretical possibilities specifically for the B2B sector, we also implemented them!”

Suitable for:

• Xpert.Digital brought virtual reality to FachPack
• Xpert.Digital: Simultaneous virtual reality experience for any number of users on LogiMAT
• Xpert.Digital brings mixed reality to the trade fair with Microsoft's HoloLens. Strictly speaking, it was a European premiere. The HoloLens was not yet officially available in Europe
• Paris Trade Fair: Unlimited augmented reality experience with ARKit for Apple by Xpert.Digital
• T.Werk is presenting a virtual solar park using 360-degree technology with Xpert.Digital at the Intersolar trade fair

For media professionals, 3D artists, online, media and advertising agencies and other service providers: Take advantage of the opportunity to offer your customers their own metaverse by drawing on the expertise of Xpert.Digital and its partners. In addition, you can integrate our Metaverse configurator into your service offering as a white label solution.

Agency Metaverse Configurator - Image: Xpert.Digital

More about it here:

• Agency Metaverse Configurator (White Label Solution) 

The Metaverse and Extended Reality (XR) are related concepts, but they differ in their scope and functionality.

definition

The Metaverse is a virtual world consisting of connected and interactive virtual environments in which users can act and interact in real time. It is a comprehensive digital ecosystem that exists across different platforms and devices. The Metaverse encompasses not only visual and auditory experiences, but also social interactions, economic systems, and creative expression.

Extended Reality (XR), on the other hand, is a generic term for immersive technologies that integrate digital content into physical reality. XR includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). XR expands human perception by inserting digital elements into the real world or placing users in virtual environments.

scope of application

The Metaverse is a comprehensive digital ecosystem that covers various application areas including entertainment, education, e-commerce, communications and more. It offers a comprehensive platform for virtual interactions and experiences.

XR, on the other hand, is a technology that enables various use cases. VR allows users to immerse themselves in virtual worlds, AR inserts digital elements into the real environment, and MR combines virtual and real elements to create interactive experiences. XR can be used in various fields such as gaming, training, architecture, medicine and others.

Networking and interaction

The Metaverse is characterized by the networking of virtual environments and the possibility of interaction between users. Users can meet, communicate, trade, collaborate and share common experiences in real time. The Metaverse is a social platform that allows users to build virtual relationships and interact in a shared digital world.

XR, on the other hand, focuses more on user immersion in a specific virtual or augmented reality environment. XR applications can enable both single-user experiences and collaborative interactions, but they are typically not as extensively connected as the metaverse.

➡️ Strictly speaking, the focus of Metaverse is on networked and cross-border augmented reality, while extended reality focuses on the technical and visual implementation in the interaction of the virtual and physical world. The Metaverse and Extended Reality are increasingly becoming conjoined twins (co-twins/conceptual twins) that cannot do without each other.  

➡️ Although the Metaverse and XR are different concepts, they can also be connected. The Metaverse can leverage XR technologies to enable immersive experiences, while XR applications can be part of the Metaverse to provide users with new forms of interaction and immersion.

➡️ As an expert with many years of experience in the field of extended reality, Xpert.Digital you in this future-oriented technology!

Augmented & Extended Industrial Metaverse – Xpert Reality / Showrooms Agency – Planning Office

The choice between a 3D platform provider and using Metaverse (formerly Facebook) depends on various factors. Here are some points to consider when making your decision:

Functionality and features

Explore the functions and features of both the 3D platform provider and the Metaverse of Meta. Make sure the platform meets your specific needs, such as the ability to upload 3D models, create virtual environments, enable social interactions, or offer e-commerce functionality.

User base and reach

Consider the size of the user base and the reach of the platform. The Metaverse of Meta has a large user base due to the popularity of Facebook and other Meta products such as Instagram and WhatsApp. If you want to reach a large audience, leveraging Meta's Metaverse can be beneficial. However, also check the reach and user base of the 3D platform provider to ensure your target audience is represented there.

Flexibility and adaptability

Examine the flexibility and adaptability of the platform. If you need specific customizations or integrations, make sure the platform supports them. A 3D platform provider may be able to offer a wider range of customization options, while Metaverse may be more focused on its own platform.

Privacy and security

Please be aware of the privacy policies and security measures of both the 3D platform provider and the Metaverse of Meta. Ensure that your data and the data of your users are adequately protected and comply with applicable data protection regulations.

Cost

Compare the cost of using Meta's 3D platform provider and Metaverse. Check the pricing models and associated costs for using the platform, including any transaction fees or additional features.

➡️ It is important that you analyze your specific needs and goals and weigh the pros and cons of different options. A detailed evaluation of these factors can help you decide whether to use a 3D platform provider or Metaverse.

➡️ Find out more here: Augmented & Extended Industrial Metaverse

The concept of the metaverse has its roots in science fiction literature and was first popularized in Neal Stephenson's 1992 novel Snow Crash. The book described a virtual world in which people can interact and act in the form of avatars.

In recent years, the Metaverse concept has evolved and expanded. It now refers to an immersive virtual reality in which users can explore digital worlds, interact with each other and participate in activities.

Extended Reality (XR), on the other hand, refers to an augmented reality experience that includes both virtual and real elements. XR includes various technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). While VR immerses the user in a completely virtual environment, AR expands the real world with digital information and objects. MR enables a mix of virtual and real elements, where virtual objects are integrated into the real environment.

The beginnings of XR can be traced back to the development of VR and AR technologies, which have made significant progress over the past few decades. The availability of more affordable VR headsets, more powerful hardware, and the continued development of AR applications have contributed to the popularization of XR.

Companies have begun to explore the possibilities of XR and the metaverse and apply them to various use cases. This includes areas such as gaming, education, architecture, medicine, design and many others. XR enables immersive and interactive experiences that increase user engagement and create new opportunities for businesses.

➡️ It is important to note that the metaverse and XR continue to evolve and produce new technologies and use cases. The future of the Metaverse and XR remains exciting as new innovations and developments continue to take place that can change the way we interact with digital content and the real world.

➡️ As an expert with many years of experience in the field of extended reality, Xpert.Digital you in this future-oriented technology!

Familiarity with VR is increasing, but cost remains a hurdle – @shutterstock | PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek

A revised article from 2017: “In 2017, familiarity with virtual reality (VR) continued to grow, but high costs remained a hurdle for many businesses and consumers. According to a YouGov survey in August 2017, many potential users were interested in the technology but considered it too expensive.”

“With new technology solutions that Xpert.Digital advanced with its partner , the cost landscape and the framework conditions began to change in the following years. Technological advances, such as the availability of more powerful hardware at more affordable prices and the development of cross-platform solutions, have led to cost reduction and simplified implementation of VR applications. Companies now had more options to create immersive experiences for their customers, while costs fell compared to previous years.

The development of VR and other technologies in the Metaverse continued, and over time the technology's benefits and potential for businesses and consumers became clearer. The continued increase in familiarity with the technology and continued advancements in the industry have led to increased adoption and use of VR in business and personal environments.”

More about it here:

• Familiarity with VR is increasing, but cost remains/was a hurdle - from 2017 & 2023 update