Filmmaker and virtual reality pioneer, Brett Leonard, describes the metaverse as "a virtual shared space, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical reality and physically persistent virtual space, including the sum of all virtual worlds, augmented realities, and the internet." This is a grandiose vision of the metaverse, but at GetCrspy we see it much more simply: the metaverse is the internet in 3D. The concept of the metaverse has been around for decades, but it is only recently that technology has advanced to the point where its creation has become a possibility.

The metaverse can't possibly benefit my retail store front.

The metaverse can actually benefit many industries, including retail stores. Retail companies have the potential to get involved in the metaverse in various ways. Businesses could create virtual storefronts or shopping centers where users can browse and purchase products in a more immersive and interactive manner. Companies could also create virtual events or experiences that allow users to interact with products or services in a more engaging way. AR has opened the door to a much easier version of "try before you buy", allowing people to try clothes on just using their phone - which can reduce lost revenue to returns and shipping.

However, while the promise of the metaverse is exciting, it is important to recognize that it is still in the early stages of development. There are many technical and logistical challenges that must be overcome before the metaverse becomes a reality, and it is likely to be several years before we see widespread adoption of this technology. One key area where the metaverse could have a significant impact is in the use of blockchain technology. The decentralized and secure nature of blockchain makes it well-suited for use in the metaverse, where it could be used to facilitate transactions and interactions between users.

As computer scientist and virtual reality pioneer, Jaron Lanier, points out, "The Metaverse is not just a new place to go, it's a new way to be." The metaverse has the potential to be a game-changing technology that could transform the way we interact with the world and with each other. While there are many challenges ahead, the potential benefits of the metaverse are significant, and it is likely to play a significant role in the future of the internet and computing.