The Metaverse vs. Virtual Reality: Key Differences

In October 2021, Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook would be changing its name to Meta.

But what is the metaverse? Virtual reality in virtual realty? Lets take a look.

What Is the Metaverse?

The metaverse is a virtual shared space that incorporates virtual reality, augmented reality, and the internet. Rather than visiting websites using a browser, you will access information by navigating a virtual world with the option of using both virtual and augmented reality.

The Metaverse vs Virtual Reality, what is the difference?

1. No one actually owns it

As with the Oculus, Facebook is just one of the players in this industry. Many other companies have their own VR headsets.

This is the same with the metaverse, they are not the only company involved in this. Microsoft also announced Microsoft Mesh, their version of a mixed reality platform.

2. The metaverse will not be limited to VR

Instead of limiting it to VR headsets, the metaverse will be accessible both by augmented reality and any other devices that are connected to the internet. This opens up a whole new

world for the metaverse, for example, augmented reality applications will allow the user to project items into the real world.

3. The metaverse will be bigger than VR

Virtual reality has many many use cases, both in gaming, simulation and education. The metaverse, looks like it is going to be a new and better version of the internet. Like you will be inside the internet, sort of.

Conclusion

VR is limited by a headset, the metaverse can be accessed by any device that connects to the internet, therefore many experts predict that it will have a much bigger impact than VR.