JAKARTA - The metaverse hype is real. However, Microsoft President recently played down the hype and issued a warning that humans will continue to live in the real world.
Many people, like Mark Zuckerberg, have hypnotized the metaverse as the next generation of the internet. The technology is said to be more immersive and will cover experiences ranging from gaming and social media to its own digital economy.
That aggressive pitch happens to be a distant dream, and there are many hurdles — both material and regulatory — before the public can feel confident entering the world of the metaverse. However, that doesn't stop deep-pocketed companies or brand owners from building their own experiences. Facebook is betting big on Horizon, NVIDIA is dreaming of the Omniverse, while Roblox and Fortnite are already metaverses as wannabe. Of course, Microsoft is also not standing still.
Microsoft president, Brad Smith, hasn't really sold out the 'revolutionary' potential of their metaverse. Speaking to Reuters, Smith mentioned that entering the metaverse is not like entering a new dimension.
To make his point clear, Smith added that the experience was "not like dying and going to heaven." For reference, Microsoft just announced plans for its own metaverse with Mesh for Teams that offers more immersive 3D avatars and encounters. All of them put Microsoft on a similar path to Meta, formerly known as Facebook.
Metaverse from Microsoft
Smith adds that creating hype for the metaverse to generate enthusiasm is appropriate. But keep in mind that this is a long-term technology trend. With versions of the Microsoft and Meta metaverses already taking shape, Microsoft executive management predicts that more big players, such as Google and Apple, will also soon enter the segment with their own metaverses.
Rumors already suggest that Apple's first AR/VR headset may arrive as early as next year, and to follow suit, Apple will almost certainly create an experience that offers a glimpse of its metaverse version.
Another important point that Smith made, as a stakeholder can't simply move toward the development of the metaverse without fixing existing internet problems. “It needs something that is “safer, more private, more respectful, even than human needs,” Smith added.
Microsoft's executive sentiment is in line with the concerns many have raised, especially with Meta's deep involvement in the segment. For example, stakeholders who have been creating metaverse products for a long time are not very interested in the arrival of Meta.
Not to mention, with many companies not having the best track records in data privacy and security, a strong regulatory framework and security checks may be an absolute necessity before Meta, Microsoft, or any version of the metaverse becomes a reality.
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