Today, many companies are investing heavily in the Metaverse to make it a reality. This article will discuss some of the companies and their metaverse products.
NVIDIA
NVIDIA is an American global technology company located in Santa Clara, California. This multinational company is among the leading software producers specializing in designing applications, graphic processing units, and system-on-chip units. Jen-Hsun Huang, Curtis Priem, and Chris Malachowsky founded the company in 1993.
Initially, most computer games were on MS-DOS, meaning they were CPU-based. However, as technology advances, these games are transitioning to Windows.
As a result, Nvidia began providing advanced 3D graphic chips for games. Subsequently, it delved into high-performance computers and AI. Some popular products by Nvidia include GeForce, Tegra, DGX servers, Bluefield, and Spectrum.
Meanwhile, Nvidia is making the Metaverse a reality through the NVIDIA Omniverse. This simulation and collaboration platform will allow artists to access its platform through Blender, an open-source 3D animation tool. Also, Nvidia will provide tools that aid designers in building immersive Metaverse experiences.
Apple Inc
This multinational corporation is the biggest in the world in terms of market cap and also the largest in terms of revenue. Apple specializes in electronic devices, software, and online services.
Some experts describe Metaverse as an immersive future internet having ties with the real world. It’s only typical for a tech giant like Apple to venture into such an industry. One way Apple realizes its metaverse plan is by producing AR and VR headsets.
Apple is known for taking mainstream with its devices like iPhone, iPod, Apple MacBook, etc. Some tech media reported that Apple has been working on mixed-reality headsets that could function in both AR and VR. According to this report, the headset will use a powerful M2 processor (produced by Macs) to deliver clearer cameras and sensors.
In addition, Bloomberg reported that Apple is working on a RealityOS Operating System which could aid the use of AR and digital wearables.
Meta platforms Inc
Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, and Andrew McCollum co-founded Meta in 1994. So far, Meta Platforms Inc has created and bought Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, Oculus, Mapillary, Kustomer, Giphy, etc.
In October 2021, the company changed its focus toward building the Metaverse. In effect, it changed its name from Facebook to Meta platform Inc. Zuckerberg wants the Metaverse to be interoperable, making open protocols available to let users transfer their virtual goods across 3D worlds.
Meta and the Metaverse
In 2014, Meta acquired Oculus, a VR headset creator, for $2 billion. Oculus’ VR products include Rift, Go, and Quest. Meta Quest2 is among the best VR headsets at an affordable price of $350.
In addition, Meta recently announced its intention to produce four new headsets in 2024. Project Cambria is one such headset that can produce HD colors and mix virtual objects and interfaces in real life.
Further, Meta’s Horizon World is a free app where users can immerse themselves using the Meta Quest headset. Users can experience over 100,000 virtual worlds and games in Horizon. They can even attend virtual concerts, hang out with friends, play games, go shopping, etc.
Microsoft Corporation
Bill Gates and Tom Allen co-founded Microsoft in 1975. Microsoft corporation is famous for designing and marketing computer hardware and software, cloud computing services, internet technologies, video games, and mobile phones.
Microsoft announced in January 2022 that it would buy Activision’s Blizzard for almost $40 billion. This move shows the company’s intention to become a metaverse builder.
Microsoft in the Metaverse
Furthermore, the firm provides new devices that let users access the Metaverse. Among such devices is Microsoft Hololens, an advanced AR display device. Hololens allows you to overlap the Metaverse with the real world.
It is even helpful in industrial settings. For instance, an inexperienced doctor can take surgical instructions from another doctor who is not physically present at the theater but via a Hololens.
When talking about Metaverse, people think more of online games. Since both the Metaverse and games generate real concepts into abstract forms, many are fascinated with metaverse games. By capitalizing on this, Microsoft has gained as many as 25 million subscribers using its gaming service.
Google LLC
Larry Page and Sergey Brin co-founded Google in 1998 and located its headquarters in Menlo Park, California, USA. Google has an unending variety of products, from web-based services to hardware and software. These products include Android apps, Google Pixel mobile devices, Google Chromecast, Google Glass, Google Cloud Platform, etc.
Metaverse Products by Google LLC
Google has been experimenting with the Metaverse like other major tech companies. It sees the Metaverse as an interaction between humans and computers.
Also, Google believes computers will gradually become so immersive that people will eventually communicate with them, just like talking to other humans.
Ambient computing and AR is Google’s direct approach to building the Metaverse. These innovations will further thin the line between the physical and digital worlds.
Initially, when Google intended to release Google Glass, it didn’t go well with people because its features record images and videos. Eventually, an enterprise version was released, primarily applicable in medicine.
Another product, Google Daydream, was released, which transforms a mobile phone into a VR device. However, these devices only function like Google Cardboard, a virtual reality headset.
Other metaverse projects that Google embarked on are Project Iris and Project Starline. Moreover, it acquired North, a company that builds smart glasses, along with Raxium, a MicroLED startup.
Qualcomm Inc
Irwin Jacobs, Andrew Viterbi, and Franklin B. Antonio co-founded Qualcomm in 1985. The American multinational corporation specializes in creating semiconductors, wireless technology, software, etc. It’s also among the top players in 3G, 4G, and 5G internet services.
Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 and XR2 technology are found in most AR and VR headsets. Furthermore, Qualcomm has announced that it is setting aside over $100 million to advance its Metaverse products.
Closing remark
As the Metaverse gradually becomes a reality, there will be new adoptions to make it run smoothly and effectively. More brands will further emerge, offering varieties of products to help the Metaverse thrive.
Likewise, existing companies will continue adopting innovative features that make the Metaverse more accessible to the global populace.
