Welcome to the metaverse

'Immersive experiences' such as the metaverse use AR, VR and XR to blur the lines between the physical and digital worlds.

AR stands for augmented reality, where digital elements are added to the real world. Pieter gives a simple example: "With AR, you put a digital layer over reality. Think of Pokémon GO: with this game you can use your phone to hunt for digital characters in your real environment." Today, AR is mostly used through smartphones and tablets, but in the meantime, AR glasses are also being developed, for an even more immersive experience.

VR, or virtual reality, goes a step further. Here, the user is fully immersed in a digital environment. "A VR headset teleports us to another dimension," Pieter explains. This means that your physical environment is replaced by a new digital world in which you can walk around freely, manipulate objects and interact with other virtual users.

XR is an umbrella term that stands for "extended reality. This includes AR, VR and "mixed reality" (MR), where the physical and digital worlds merge seamlessly. According to Pieter, MR technologies are the next step: "Here you see digital objects that appear to physically interact with the real world around you. So a digital object can actually jump on your table and walk around."

In the world of immersive experiences, where technology and creativity converge, the metaverse is much more than just a buzzword. It is a dynamic and evolving environment, redefining our interactions, work and entertainment. The possibilities are endless and present opportunities for brands, developers and users to grow together in this digital space.

Want to learn more about the metaverse? Then be sure to listen to our podcast By Humans.

Go to By Humans: episode 4