Composition of the Metaverse: Human Interface Layer
Part 3 of 8. For a brief intro about this blog series, read What is the Metaverse. Check out each Metaverse layer: Infrastructure, Human Interface, Decentralization, Spatial Computing, Creator Economy, Discovery, and Experience.
The human interface layer references the hardware and devices that will enable participants to access the Metaverse in a truly immersive experience. The human interface includes a vast array of technology that spans from the most broadly recognized and developed use case, VR headsets, to less developed and more complex technology, brain-computer interface, or BCI. Beyond the feasibility and availability of future technology that will onboard and enhance use cases in the Metaverse, we have to consider the limitations of how much technology consumers will adopt before it becomes intrusive and/or disruptive.
Wearables
The worldwide market for augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR) headsets grew 92.1% year-over-year in 2021, with shipments reaching 11.2 million units. One forecast suggests that around 14.19 million VR units will be sold in 2022, according to new data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly AR/VR Headset Tracker. Overwhelming speculation points to gaming as the largest source of Metaverse onboarding. However, it does not take much forethought to see that most people will not want to wear a headset for extended periods. If the Metaverse will be a world of interaction for extended periods, how can that be accomplished with comfortable technology? Maybe this is where VR headsets evolve to be more like reading glasses.
Waldkuste @ Consensus 2022
Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)
BCI is a technology that sends and receives signals between the brain and an external device. BCIs collect and interpret brain signals, and then transmit them to a connected machine that outputs commands associated with the brain signals received. It is easy to conjure up thoughts of cyborgs with chip implants, but this technology has already been in play for a long time (skip to 5:45). While most current BCIs encompass the realm of wearable technology, more research into chip implants is advancing. Elon Musk and his Nueralink project are at the forefront of linking chip implants that will help navigate the future of the Metaverse.
Not long ago, we thought media players, cell phones, and smartwatches were advanced technology. Now a “watch” encompasses all three and more. This seamless integration will be the driver of subsequent mass adoption and interactions into the Metaverse. Remember that the key driver is technology encompassing more features while not being perceived as a disruption. We have already accepted the 24-hour cycle of technology immersion into our lives (smart appliances, watches, phones, tablets, cameras, transportation, etc.). The adaptation of future immersion, aka the Metaverse, will naturally increase.
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Our 8-part blog series on the layers of the Metaverse:
