Book excerpt: Metaverse: A result of natural evolution of technology and human interactions KEY FEATURES ● Understand the metaverse evolutions, characteristics, myths vs reality. ● Explore the metaverse opportunities along with its adaption challenge. ● Understand our collective responsibilities in shaping up the metaverse. DESCRIPTION The metaverse has been a topic of conversation for a long time, but it still remains loosely defined. Some see it as a game in the virtual world, while others see it as a more connected version of the real world. It has also been touted as the next internet. However, it is important to separate hype from reality and identify the business opportunities while also covering the pitfalls of the metaverse. As technology and human interactions continue to evolve, it is important to learn how we can play our part responsibly in adapting to newer technology. This book is a comprehensive guide to the metaverse, providing readers with a deep understanding of its definition and origin. This book also aims to provide insights that distinguish between exaggerated expectations and genuine opportunities of metaverse to build a balanced and informed perspective on its promises. This book covers standards and practices to help navigate the challenges and opportunities of metaverse. It emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility of industry, academia, governing body, and other stakeholders involved in shaping the direction of the metaverse. Ultimately, this book aims to raise awareness and encourage the responsible and sustainable use of technology. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN ● Gain a comprehensive understanding of the metaverse evolution. ● Define metaverse and separate the myths from reality. ● Explore potential metaverse use cases in various business domains. ● Understand adoption challenges and concerns of the metaverse. ● Learn about tools, techniques, and considerations for metaverse development. ● Lay down the action plan to build responsible and sustainable metaverse. WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR This book is for the students, technology and business enthusiasts who want to understand the evolution of technologies and how it is shaping up the next internet; the metaverse. TABLE OF CONTENTS Part - 1: Introduction: Unveiling the Metaverse 1. Exploring the Metaverse Origin 2. Metaverse: Various Forms and Interpretations Part - 2: Metaverse: A Result of Technological Evolutions 3. Understanding XR: Metaverse Foundation 4. AI Empowering the Metaverse 5. IoT, Cloud, and Next-gen Networks 6. Decentralization and the Role of Blockchain Part - 3: Metaverse: An Opportunity to Extend the Beliefs 7. Gaming Redefined: The Metaverse Revolution 8. Connecting and Engaging in the Metaverse 9. Revolutionizing Fitness and Healthcare 10. Exploring the Metaverse Economy 11. Skilling and Reskilling in the Enterprise Metaverse Part - 4: Metaverse: The Concerning Part 12. Identity Preservation and Privacy Protection 13. Metaverse and Sustainability Part - 5: Shaping the Metaverse: Standards and Practices 14. Getting Started with Metaverse Development 15. Metaverse Practices, Standards, and Initiatives 16. Metaverse: A Way Forward