Are We Ready for Metaverse in Our Cars?

With so much talk about augmented reality (AR) in recent times, it is no surprise that cars are getting the technology incorporated. With the rise of augmented GPS navigation systems – holographic arrows will appear on a live video feed from behind your vehicle when you turn around; warning drivers where they need to go before they even head off towards their destination.

There are a number of people who would love to take this innovation even further by introducing the metaverse – an environment where 3D virtual objects appear as if they were really there – inside cars. It could be introduced through an interactive holographic screen or an avatar that would sit next to you in the car and talk to you. This presents many opportunities for enjoyment and education, but it also makes room for distraction and more pervasive advertising.

Augmented reality and the metaverse

Augmented Reality has become the latest sensation of entertainment, transporting people to virtual worlds in front of their eyes. 

But what exactly is augmented reality? 

Often used with headsets or glasses that overlay computer graphics onto the physical world, augmented reality uses the video feed from the device’s camera in conjunction with other sensors. By placing this augmented layer over top of something seen through an optic lens, it feels like we’re immersed within another dimension. With new technology constantly emerging and being embraced by developers for its ability to transport people into places only imaginable before, AR has quickly become one of today’s most intriguing possibilities for future generations.

AR is beginning to find its way into the automotive industry. One example of this would be when AR was integrated as a new feature within some GPS systems that give you directions based on where you are looking rather than using text-based directions.

Metaverse in the automotive industry

Recently, we’ve seen the emergence of AR technology embedded in vehicles. It all started when Mercedes released the MBUX infotainment system in their A-Class model, which showed onscreen information about junctions, destinations, and possible dangers as well as live tracking for pedestrians and other cars. Other manufacturers followed suit; including BMW, Continental, and Hyundai who introduced similar products after seeing the success of MBUX.

WayRay has created a sleek and futuristic car called the Holograktor. It relies heavily on AR technology – so much so that it would be easy to call this car a metaverse on wheels. In fact, the joysticks in front of each seat can connect you to other players and you can participate in games with them! You can also use the Joystick for music-related activities like playing guitar hero or singing karaoke.

Nissan introduced a new I2V Invisible to Visible Augmented Reality System at CES 2019 for enhanced safety and driver comfort. With this system, drivers will see an outline of what is obstructing their path in front of them on a screen located inside the car. And if they are wearing augmented reality glasses, they can even see someone sitting next to them! It could be anyone; your spouse or partner, kids, or maybe even a helpful local who knows everything about the area around you. From Nissan’s perspective, they hope to start rolling out this technology as soon as 2025.

 

Metaverse market risks and opportunities

Before the metaverse becomes a mainstream service in vehicles, we still have years of development ahead of us. By becoming acquainted with the concept and the possibilities now, you will be better prepared to take advantage of possible innovation and business opportunities.

The potential for new social and educational opportunities seems endless when we look at the benefits of AR. Allowing people to stay connected with friends and family is just one perk of this technology – which could also revolutionize how people learn about other cultures around the world. What used to be boring car rides – where you’d spend hours staring out the window wondering what it would feel like if you were actually there – can now become an interactive experience with dynamic points of interest popping up at every turn.

However, the main obstacle – and barrier for wider spread adoption of this technology – lies in making sure that humans can stay aware of what’s happening in the real world while AR is used. If it becomes too difficult to make out anything due to glitches or it becomes too distracting because of objects obscuring their vision, then there will always be issues when a person is driving. This means this is something car manufacturers need to take into consideration before they decide to try using this technology.