On Spatial Computing, Metaverse, the Terms Left Behind and Ideas Renewed
Exploring the evolution of terms like Metaverse and the emergence of spatial computing.
A History of Terms and Ideas
In the 1980s and early 1990s, various terms and ideas were introduced to describe the emerging fields of computer networking, graphical user interfaces, and games.
Terms like 'hyperreality', 'cyberspace', 'virtual reality', and 'artificial reality' were coined by different philosophers, writers, and researchers during this time.
These terms aimed to capture the blending of reality and simulation, the interactive digital worlds, and the immersive experiences that were becoming possible with advancing technology.
The Evolution and Flux of Terms
As these terms migrated from fiction to reality, from technology to technology, and from one field to another, they underwent changes and adaptations.
Some terms, like 'cyberspace' and 'grid', were overshadowed by popular culture references like the movie 'Tron' and the 'Matrix' film series.
Others, like 'virtual reality' and 'augmented reality', were limited by their association with specific hardware technologies.
The Rise of the Metaverse
In recent years, the term 'Metaverse' has gained popularity, particularly driven by companies like Facebook (now Meta) and Microsoft.
The Metaverse, a concept popularized by Neal Stephenson in his novel 'Snow Crash', refers to a virtual world that spans and connects different realities and technologies.
While there is no consensus definition of the Metaverse, it is often associated with immersive, interactive digital experiences accessible across various devices like VR, AR, PC, and mobile.
