| 520 | | | $aAre you ready for the metaverse? This question is at the heart of our 2022 Technology Vision. Like many emerging technologies, experts differ in how to define it, and there is a great deal of hype being generated. Most of the focus is on the consumer applications of the metaverse, and many dismiss it as a consideration for the future. We have a different view. The metaverse is actionable today, and leaders must be ready. In this year's Technology Vision, we present a distinctive and broader perspective that goes well beyond the current prevailing wisdom: the Metaverse Continuum. We see the metaverse as a continuum that spans the spectrum of digitally enhanced worlds, realities and business models. It applies across all aspects of business, from consumer to worker and across the entire enterprise; from reality to virtual and back; from 2D to 3D; and from cloud and artificial intelligence to extended reality, blockchain, digital twins, edge technologies and beyond. As the next evolution of the internet, the metaverse Will be a continuum of rapidly emerging capabilities, use cases, technologies and experiences. And as we evolve the Metaverse Continuum, we must seize the opportunity to ensure that it is developed with responsibility at the core. From ownership of data, to inclusion and diversity, to sustainability and through to security and personal safety, this work must begin now. |
