Summary

The internet is on the verge of a new era, with cryptocurrency projects and public companies racing to explore the endless possibilities of the Metaverse. Some companies have already entered the market with confidence, while others are still hesitant despite their obvious technological advantages. Such companies typically focus on immersive hardware, 3D, interactive platforms, connectivity, blockchain, semiconductors, and security, all of which are necessary to make the Metaverse a reality.

Introduction

The metaverse may become a technological trend that subverts the current market structure one. The new technologies required to build the Metaverse will also provide opportunities for everyone who intends to join the new era of the Internet, whether it is a new project, a listed company, or even an individual investor.

Why invest in Virtual Universe?

The Metaverse has gained huge popularity in a short period of time. As you can see from Facebook’s move to change its name to Meta, the Metaverse may be more than just a short-lived trend. In addition to cryptocurrency projects, many large companies have begun to recognize that the Metaverse is the next stage in the development of the Internet.

The Internet has experienced a series of major changes in its historical development, namely Web1, Web2 and Web3. The Web1 version of the Internet consisted primarily of static sites that could only display information. In today's Web2 era, users have social media platforms and dynamic websites where they can change their own data and upload their own content.

Currently we are looking forward to the emergence of the Web3 era, when the metaverse may become a reality. Web3 will include more open, more connected, and smarter websites and network applications, and users will be able to better own and control their data and content. Therefore, Web3 may also undermine the power of today's large centralized Web2 enterprises.

Just like the Metaverse, Web3 does not actually exist yet. However, some key technologies on which Web3 relies have already emerged. For example, blockchain and cryptocurrencies can bring decentralization and digital economy to Web3.

In addition, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) can promote online socialization on the Web3 platform. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) can improve language processing on Web3 platforms (such as customer service bots) because of its ability to connect human-created content with machine-readable data.

With the construction of the Metaverse, everyone has the opportunity to participate in opening up a new era of the Internet. For example, new projects could address current issues facing the Internet by developing components of the Metaverse. Additionally, companies with fewer financial constraints can develop key technologies and explore how their current products and services can contribute to the Metaverse. Even individual investors can participate in pioneering Web3 by purchasing shares of Metaverse-related companies.

How do large companies invest in the Metaverse?

Public companies have been exploring the field of the Metaverse and studying how the Metaverse can meet their business needs. For example, Microsoft is focusing on developing virtual offices and work environments in the Metaverse, while Google is working on an AR solution that connects the digital and real worlds. Likewise, Fortnite maker Epic Games plans to connect AR, VR and 3D content to its platform.

These developments allow users to understand what the company behind them is trying to achieve. While users have no way of knowing which businesses will be successful in the Metaverse, they are given the information they need to purchase shares, allowing them to participate in the Metaverse ecosystem and drive further development of the Metaverse.

If companies do not keep up with fundamental economic changes such as technological development, they risk losing their competitive advantage. During these changes, new dominant companies often emerge, and former market leaders may lose their lead or even disappear from the market.

The market's growing interest in the Metaverse may be because companies are viewing it as the next so-called long-term trend. Secular trends are significant changes within an industry that continue to develop over time, such as personal computers, mobile devices, and e-commerce. As a result, businesses may view participation in developing the Metaverse as critical to their future growth.

Public companies can enter or support the metaverse field in a variety of ways. This article will conduct an in-depth discussion from the aspects of immersive hardware, 3D creation software, interactive platforms, connections, blockchain, semiconductors and security.

Different levels of Metaverse investment

Immersive hardware

Today’s popular hardware consumer products are limited to vision and hearing. Even when envisioning future Metaverse hardware, we often only imagine VR headsets. However, immersive hardware could bring a tactile dimension to the Metaverse. For example, potential haptic devices could allow people to physically connect to virtual worlds.

3D creation software

Creating a digital environment that is as close to the real world as possible can be difficult and time-consuming. But with 3D cameras, 3D creation software may be able to solve these problems.

Developers first use film to capture the natural environment and then input the 3D spatial data into relevant software. The software will then process and generate a twin virtual environment that can serve as the basis for user development within the Metaverse.

Interactive platform

Online shopping in the Web2 era is huge. Interactive tools allow users to add items to their shopping cart by clicking on the right spot on the screen, and use links to switch back and forth between pages. The same is true in the Metaverse, that is, users need to use native interaction tools and places to interact with the Metaverse. Interactive platforms will make this a reality and promote activities in the Metaverse.

Connect

Since the birth of the Internet, Fast connections have always been essential. The Metaverse also requires fast connectivity to ensure users can work, socialize and entertain in real time. In addition, the computer must be powerful enough to render 3D effects to ensure a smooth connection.

Blockchain

Blockchain technology may become the base layer of the Metaverse. Blockchain technology can provide transparent and open decentralized solutions for digital proof of ownership, digital collections and governance. Blockchain technology can also promote accessibility and interoperability.

In addition, since cryptocurrency is built on the blockchain, users can use encryption when working or socializing in the Metaverse Currency transfer value. Other applications of blockchain in the Metaverse include non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and decentralized finance (DeFi).

Semiconductor

Such as As mentioned before, the Metaverse has higher requirements for computing power, so it also puts forward higher requirements for the development of semiconductor technology. In addition, since the Metaverse will generate a large amount of data that needs to be stored, advancements in semiconductor technology are crucial to the Metaverse.

Security

The Metaverse will collect large amounts of user data, and many users will want to remain anonymous and avoid any trace of their identity, finances, or other sensitive data falling into the wrong hands. Therefore, the Metaverse will need to create cybersecurity solutions.

Which companies have invested in the Metaverse?

Unity Software

Unity Software is a leader in the 3D software industry, with half of the 3D content on the market currently produced using its software technology. Therefore, Unity Software can naturally participate in the creation of Metaverse content.

Shopify, Inc.

Shopify is One of the world's largest e-commerce platforms. Shopify's current software products are mainly aimed at online retailers, helping them pay, analyze and fulfill orders. Therefore, Shopify may have the potential to shape business relationships in the metaverse. Shopify already has an NFT platform in beta, allowing NFTs to be sold using its storefront. Additionally, Shopify has launched a token-gated commerce platform that customers can use to connect with fans and drive sales.

Meta Platforms Inc.

Since Facebook changed its name to "Meta", it has invested billions of dollars in developing Metaverse content, software and AR and VR headsets.

Match Group Inc.

Match Group is the parent company of popular dating apps such as Tinder and Hinger. To create new digital channels, Match Group acquired HyperConnect, South Korea's leading social discovery and video technology company, in 2021. With these channels, people can freely meet and engage with new people without being restricted by national borders and language barriers.

CrowdStrike Holdings

CrowdStrike Holdings is a cybersecurity technology company that serves the Metaverse's cybersecurity needs by providing users with cloud-delivered protection to stop intrusions.

Summary

The Metaverse is a hot topic in the current technology industry, although in fact It doesn’t exist yet, but it has attracted investment from many companies. In the future, Web3 may transfer power from centralized Web2 giants to users, which may attract new projects, listed companies and even individual investors to invest in its key infrastructure.