Metaverse, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality: Apple's and Meta's plans
Metaverse | 06/06/2025 |
In recent years, virtual and augmented reality technologies have significantly advanced in accessibility and adoption. Although VR headsets and the concept of a "metaverse" (a virtual universe for interaction and data exchange) were traditionally linked with gamers and tech enthusiasts, AR headsets and technologies are increasingly viewed as tools for the mainstream consumer market.
This article delves into the differences between VR and AR technologies and evaluates their potential applications for both niche and mainstream audiences through the Metaverse concept. It also explores the role of QR Codes in the development of these technologies and their use in creating immersive and interactive user experiences.
The First Popular Version of the Metaverse: Second Life
The Second Life interface was an early metaverse platform and was one of the first virtual worlds to achieve widespread popularity in the early 2000s. Created by Linden Lab, Second Life offered users the opportunity to create and customize their avatars, explore different virtual environments, and interact with others in real-time.
Second Life gained recognition for its emphasis on user-generated content, enabling users to create virtual objects, buildings, and even full virtual worlds. Initially popular with tech-savvy users and early adopters, it later gained a broader audience and served various purposes, including education, business, and socializing. However, as newer and more advanced VR and AR technologies emerged, the popularity of Second Life declined.
The Metaverse Trend
The concept of a "metaverse" - a virtual universe for interaction and data exchange - has gained significant attention recently, especially with Facebook's rebranding to "Meta" in 2021.
The term "metaverse," first coined in Neal Stephenson's 1992 science fiction novel "Snow Crash," now describes a wide array of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies. In the context of VR and AR, the metaverse is a virtual space for users to interact with each other and virtual objects and experiences. Historically associated with gaming and immersive virtual reality experiences, the metaverse is now a potential platform for applications in social networking, education, and commerce.
Facebook Meta Focuses on Immersive Gaming with the Meta Quest headsets
After rebranding as "Meta," the company has emphasized developing immersive virtual reality experiences, especially in gaming. A key product is the Meta Quest 2 headset, enabling users to access the Metaverse and enjoy a wide range of VR games and other immersive content.
Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro stand out for high-quality graphics and motion tracking that deliver a realistic and engrossing VR experience. While primarily marketed to gamers, they are also utilized for education and training simulations.
Meta Quest 2, 3 and Pro
The Meta Quest 2 is an impressive VR device with limited AR capabilities compared to newer models like Meta Quest 3 and Pro. Its AR functionality often shows content only in black and white and at lower quality, mainly due to the hardware design focused more on VR than AR.
Meta Quest 3 and Pro models have made strides in AR, featuring better sensors and processors for a more advanced experience. The AR Code platform has adapted to fully support these Meta Quest headsets, allowing for the display of Meta Quest AR videos and Meta Quest 3D models in an immersive AR mode, optimizing the user experience on these advanced models.
Apple Vision Pro
Apple's upcoming AR headset, the Apple Vision Pro, promises to address current VR headsets' limitations in accessing and displaying AR content. It features advanced sensors and processors designed for AR experiences, expected to manage a broad array of AR content effectively.
Additionally, the Apple Vision Pro Headset can scan AR QR Codes for seamless access and interaction with 3D models and AR experiences.
The Apple Vision Pro Headset is positioned as a major contender in the AR market and may significantly boost AR technology adoption among mainstream consumers.
Some features of the Apple Vision Pro Headset:
- High-resolution displays: 2 * 4K = 8K
- Advanced eye-tracking technology
- Hand gesture recognition and control
- Advanced haptic feedback
- Spatial audio
- Integration with other Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads
- ARKit and RealityKit frameworks for rendering
- 12 pass-through and tracking cameras/Lidar scanners
- Voice control and Siri integration
VR Headset Goal: Mass Market AR Glasses
The ultimate ambition of VR headset technologies is to evolve into augmented reality glasses that can achieve mainstream consumer adoption beyond gamers. While VR headsets have traditionally centered on gaming experiences, the advancement of AR technology highlights a broader spectrum of applications beyond gaming.
Here is a list of released AR/VR Headsets:
- Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro
- HTC Vive XR Elite
- Sony PlayStation VR
- Samsung Gear VR
- Microsoft HoloLens 2
- Pico 4 VR
- Apple Vision Pro
AR glasses, in particular, could transform how we engage with technology and reality by overlaying virtual information and objects onto the real world. Companies like Apple and Facebook are anticipated to introduce AR glasses, expanding the accessibility of AR technology to consumers.
The success of AR glasses hinges on their ability to deliver diverse AR experiences and reach a wide audience, beyond the gaming community.
Frequently asked questions
What are the differences between VR and AR technologies?
VR technologies create a fully immersive virtual environment, while AR technologies overlay virtual objects and information on top of the real world. AR is often seen as more accessible to mainstream audiences.
What is the Metaverse?
The Metaverse is a virtual universe where people can interact and exchange data. It has gained significant attention in recent years as a potential platform for a wide range of applications.
What are some popular examples of Metaverse platforms?
Second Life was one of the first virtual worlds to gain widespread popularity in the early 2000s. Facebook's Meta Horizon is a more recent example, focused on immersive gaming experiences.
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