The metaverse, much like the dial-up internet of the early 1990s, holds the promise of a complete transformation in how businesses operate. Having witnessed the internet’s birth firsthand while pioneering web adoption for KFOG Radio in San Francisco, I see striking similarities between the internet’s early days and the current evolution of the metaverse.

A New Frontier for Businesses

Just as websites opened doors for online commerce and digital products, the metaverse will birth new revenue streams through:

• Virtual Goods and Services: Imagine virtual clothing stores, unique accessories, and even metaverse real estate.
• Immersive Events: Global events and online streaming became commonplace with the internet. The metaverse takes it further, hosting virtual concerts, conferences, and experiences with wider accessibility.
• Innovative Advertising: Think beyond traditional ads. The metaverse will offer interactive experiences like virtual billboards and branded environments, similar to how online advertising became a major industry.

Deeper Customer Connections

The internet revolutionized interaction with interactive websites. The metaverse takes customer engagement to a whole new level:

• Immersive Showrooms: Imagine trying on clothes in a virtual store or attending interactive product tutorials.
• Personalized Experiences: Targeted advertising and personalized websites are standard today. The metaverse will offer similar one-on-one virtual experiences tailored to each customer.

Revolutionizing the Workplace

Remote work and online meetings became a reality with the internet. The metaverse takes collaboration a step further:

• 3D Virtual Meetings and Collaboration: Imagine holding meetings in virtual environments, fostering deeper connections and engagement.
• Advanced Training Simulations: E-learning platforms emerged with the internet. The metaverse could offer advanced simulations for hands-on training experiences.
• Remote Workspaces: Geographical barriers will dissolve with virtual offices, similar to how the internet enabled global connectivity.

A Marathon, Not a Sprint

Just like the early internet, the metaverse requires advancements in:

• VR/AR Technology: Significant improvements in VR and AR are crucial, similar to the web browser and internet speed advancements that propelled the internet forward.
• Scalable Infrastructure: Robust infrastructure was essential for the internet. The metaverse will need high-speed internet, cloud computing, and scalable solutions to handle the load.

Expert Predictions and Early Movers

• Short-Term (Next 5-10 Years): Gradual adoption, similar to the early internet. Early adopters will explore new business models and customer engagement strategies.
• Long-Term (By 2040): Experts predict a refined metaverse with hundreds of millions of users by 2040, mirroring the internet’s mainstream adoption in the early 2000s.

The Future is Now: Embrace the Metaverse

The metaverse is in its early stages, just like the internet in the 1990s. However, forward-thinking companies are already experimenting with virtual fashion shows and product launches within gaming platforms, similar to the pioneering web projects of the past.

A Vision Realized, A Vision Predicted

In 1992, I envisioned the web’s potential for KFOG Radio. Skepticism was high, but with passion and a well-defined vision, we launched FogNET in 1993. It proved the internet’s value and led to projects for other radio stations. Today, I see the same potential in the metaverse.

Businesses have the opportunity to be early adopters, just like KFOG did with the web. By understanding and integrating this technology, businesses can position themselves as leaders in this new digital frontier.

The road to a fully realized metaverse is a long one, but those who start now will be best positioned for the future. By recognizing the parallels with the internet revolution, businesses can unlock unprecedented growth and innovation opportunities. The future is here, and the metaverse is waiting to be explored.