Before we can dive into the Metaverse together, we first need to set up the hardware. In my case, this is an Oculus Quest 2 from Meta, formerly Facebook.
There are other VR sets like Microsoft’s Hololens or headsets from other providers. Currently, access through a headset is the only way to enter the VR world. In terms of functionality, all these headsets are similar.
The Hardware
A ‘headset’ is a generous term for a rather heavy box (500g) that you put over your head or eyes. This housing contains everything needed for an immersive experience: a lens system, various sensors, a computer, and of course a battery. This currently lasts about 2 hours and then needs to be recharged via USB-C. The lenses are actually small screens that you have very close to your eye. The sound comes from speakers on the headset, so it’s audible in the environment. If you don’t want that, you can attach headphones via cable for more direct sound. The Oculus is fairly comfortable and can be used well even by those who wear glasses.
In the case of the Oculus Quest, the headset is accompanied by two controllers that you hold in your hands. These are powered by a standard AAA battery each and are packed with sensors and control buttons. They detect hand movements and transmit them to the headset.
Let’s Start it up!
So: Headset on, controllers in hand. Let’s go. On first startup, I’m gently introduced to the virtual world. I get to see beautiful VR animations that actually make me want to see more. In a tutorial, I immediately get an explanation of all the buttons on the controllers and learn about the Metaverse’s user interface.
This is indeed the Metaverse in Mark Zuckerberg’s sense. With other headsets and from other manufacturers, the Metaverse looks different, functions differently, and possibly has a different name. But more on that in another post.
Let’s take a look around the virtual world:
I find myself in a virtual room that looks like an American cabin somewhere in the woods. I can choose other rooms in the settings. They all have one thing in common. I’m in the middle of the room, can look around in all directions. And I’m alone.
In front of me, I see a panel that gives me access to settings, my apps, and data. I also see my two controllers with my hands and all control options. These serve as my control device, where I point the white beam at objects and trigger an action with a button press.
All of this works absolutely smoothly and fluidly. You quickly get the hang of it and are ready for the virtual world.
Two Separate Worlds
However – something is still missing: I’m not online yet. I still have to select my Wi-Fi. And now I get to feel for the first time that the Metaverse is indeed its own world far away from my real world.
What was my Wi-Fi password again?
I can reveal this much: the password is so complicated that I can’t memorize it. Rather, I have to transfer it piece by piece from my password manager in the real world into the virtual world. Headset off – memorize a few characters – headset on – enter characters via a virtual keyboard – headset off – next characters – headset on …
This is – to put it mildly – tedious. I’ll have to find out later if there’s an easier way. For now, I find the strict separation of the two worlds quite cumbersome.
Safe Space
Speaking of separate worlds. When you’re in the virtual world, you’re very absorbed. This is good for the experience itself. For my real environment, it’s rather irritating. I’m sitting on the couch and my family can hear everything I’m experiencing virtually. They see me gesticulating, which probably looks rather odd.
I, on the other hand, am scared to death when someone from the real world suddenly taps me or speaks to me.
This is precisely why the Oculus has the Guardian function. I can define a boundary around myself in my virtual world. If I step out of this boundary or if someone enters my marked space, I am alerted. This protects me from too intense surprises. The Guardian is a useful protective function and is quickly set up: I simply draw a line around myself with my controller. It looks cool and is done quickly.
After that, the Guardian is active and I can enjoy the virtual world relaxed.
