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Science fiction author Neal Stephenson first coined the term Metaverse in his 1990 novel Snow Crash. In his imaginary world, humans interact in a parallel universe using avatars, in which data is stored. The Metaverse, as we know it today, is a collaborative project between Facebook (now Meta), Microsoft, Google, and other tech giants. To create an immersive experience, the Metaverse makes use of a variety of technologies. AR/VR and MR are vital elements of The Metaverse's expansion. In the coming years, AR and VR applications related to the Metaverse are expected to become more prevalent. Metaverse investor Matthew Ball describes the Metaverse as “an expansive network of persistent, real-time rendered 3D worlds and simulations that […] can be experienced synchronously by an effectively unlimited number of users, each with an individual sense of presence.” This being said, let’s dive into some of the specific uses of AR and VR in the Metaverse.

 

Using AR, VR, and MR, Metaverse replicates or creates a virtual environment for its users. Therefore, these immersive technologies are the most important features of the Metaverse. The Metaverse provides the illusion of reality by mixing realistic sounds, images, and other sensory inputs through devices such as headsets, gloves, and body detectors equipped with sensing devices. Incorporating external stimuli allow the user to interact with this "imaginary" environment. As Henrique Centieiro points out, the Metaverse is still in its infancy. Through body-sensing VR equipment, users can enhance their immersive and interactive experience. Tesla and several other companies are now offering haptic bodysuits that allow users to interact virtually. Additionally, we will see more applications for VR in the Metaverse, which will allow people to chat virtually and treat VR like a dating application.