Background: Drawing inspiration from Neal Stephenson's novel "Snow Crash," this question delves into the potential realization of a Metaverse - a fully immersive, virtual shared space that merges enhanced physical reality with persistent virtual environments. The Metaverse in "Snow Crash" is an integral part of societal functioning, impacting social interactions, business, entertainment, and more.
Resolution Criteria:
Adoption Rate: The market will resolve as 'Yes' if, by December 31, 2050, at least 30% of the global population actively uses this Metaverse regularly (at least once a week).
Functionality: The Metaverse must offer a fully immersive, interactive experience with high-fidelity virtual environments. It should support a range of activities including social interaction, commerce, education, and entertainment.
Integration: Seamless integration with physical reality, allowing users to transition smoothly between virtual and physical spaces. This should include augmented reality (AR) features that blend virtual elements with the physical world.
Accessibility: The technology required to access the Metaverse must be widely available and affordable to the general public.
Evidence: Resolution will be based on data and reports from credible sources such as leading technology research firms, global technology surveys, and major news outlets.
End Point: December 31, 2050.