The metaverse hype keeps on getting bigger and bigger! 
 
Indian production house Pooja Entertainment has bought their first land in the virtual world, and have named it ‘Poojaverse’. 
 
Pooja Entertainment is the first Indian production house to have stepped into this exciting new virtual universe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dhanush-breaks-dry-spell-on-instagram-with-a-sweet-post-check-pic-inside-453969" hreflang="en">Dhanush breaks dry spell on Instagram with a sweet post; check pic inside</a>

The first film for ‘Poojaverse’ is Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff starrer 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan'. It will be the first Hindi film on Metaverse.

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BadeMiyanChoteMiyan announcement video now in Metaverse <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BadeMiyanChoteMiyan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadeMiyanChoteMiyan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PoojaVerse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PoojaVerse</a> <a href="https://t.co/0TYRcM7O1p">pic.twitter.com/0TYRcM7O1p</a>
— aazf (@AAZFILMZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/AAZFILMZ/status/1493475991624110087?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Producer Deepshikha Deshmukh said that she's super stoked to release the biggest and most Ambitious project - 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' in the Metaverse.

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The response is overwhelming! We're loving each and every comment that's pouring in for our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BadeMiyanChoteMiyan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BadeMiyanChoteMiyan</a>!❤️🔥 
 
Thank you so much everyone! 
 
Christmas, 2023 is going to be a dhamaka!💥<a href="https://twitter.com/akshaykumar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@akshaykumar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/vashubhagnani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@vashubhagnani</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aliabbaszafar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aliabbaszafar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/iTIGERSHROFF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iTIGERSHROFF</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jackkybhagnani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jackkybhagnani</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/honeybhagnani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@honeybhagnani</a> <a href="https://t.co/5rdj7oiO11">pic.twitter.com/5rdj7oiO11</a>
— Pooja Entertainment (@poojafilms) <a href="https://twitter.com/poojafilms/status/1492071109977833473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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“Metaverse is becoming the future of virtual hangouts and is going to be the new way of consuming content. I am super stoked to have our biggest and most Ambitious project - Bade Miyan Chote Miyan in the Metaverse. We intend to make ‘Poojaverse’ the absolute go-to space for quality entertainment and various aspects of filmmaking in the digital world."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-bhansali-reveals-alia-bhatt-ran-out-of-office-after-hearing-gangubai-kathiawadi-script-for-the-first-time-453963" hreflang="en">Bhansali reveals Alia Bhatt 'ran out of office' after hearing Gangubai Kathiawadi script for the first time</a>

Talking about the virtual space, producer Jackky Bhagnani says, "We are really excited to announce our foray into our very own virtual space - ‘Poojaverse’ and our next big film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan - the first ever film from India to showcase its announcement on the Metaverse." 
 
The film will also release in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam on Christmas 2023.

The metaverse hype keeps on getting bigger and bigger! Indian production house Pooja Entertainment has bought their first land in the virtual world, and have named it ‘Poojaverse’.

The metaverse hype keeps on getting bigger and bigger! Indian production house Pooja Entertainment has bought their first land in the virtual world, and have named it ‘Poojaverse’. Pooja Entertainment is the first Indian production house to have stepped into this exciting new virtual universe. Also read: Dhanush breaks dry spell on Instagram with a sweet post; check pic inside The first film for ‘Poojaverse’ is Akshay Kumar and Tiger Shroff starrer 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan'. It will be the first Hindi film on Metaverse. BadeMiyanChoteMiyan announcement video now in Metaverse #BadeMiyanChoteMiyan #PoojaVerse pic.twitter.com/0TYRcM7O1p — aazf (@AAZFILMZ) February 15, 2022 × Producer Deepshikha Deshmukh said that she's super stoked to release the biggest and most Ambitious project - 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' in the Metaverse. The response is overwhelming! We're loving each and every comment that's pouring in for our #BadeMiyanChoteMiyan!❤️🔥 Thank you so much everyone! Christmas, 2023 is going to be a dhamaka!💥@akshaykumar @vashubhagnani @aliabbaszafar @iTIGERSHROFF @jackkybhagnani @honeybhagnani pic.twitter.com/5rdj7oiO11 — Pooja Entertainment (@poojafilms) February 11, 2022 × “Metaverse is becoming the future of virtual hangouts and is going to be the new way of consuming content. I am super stoked to have our biggest and most Ambitious project - Bade Miyan Chote Miyan in the Metaverse. We intend to make ‘Poojaverse’ the absolute go-to space for quality entertainment and various aspects of filmmaking in the digital world." Also read: Bhansali reveals Alia Bhatt 'ran out of office' after hearing Gangubai Kathiawadi script for the first time Talking about the virtual space, producer Jackky Bhagnani says, "We are really excited to announce our foray into our very own virtual space - ‘Poojaverse’ and our next big film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan - the first ever film from India to showcase its announcement on the Metaverse." The film will also release in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam on Christmas 2023.

Akshay Kumar starrer 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan' to be the first Indian film in Metaverse

Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has revamped Meta's company values as it faces investment concerns.

Touting pivot and an&nbsp;all-hands approach, he has unveiled a company overhaul after its shares had the biggest single-day slide in market value.

The huge drop, erasing over $200 billion from Meta's market capitalisation and around $29 billion from Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg's net worth, spilled over to the broader technology sector and dragged the Nasdaq Composite Index lower.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deceitful-business-texas-sues-metas-facebook-over-facial-recognition-system-453354" hreflang="en">'Deceitful business': Texas sues Meta's Facebook over facial recognition system</a>

“‘Focus on long-term impact’ emphasizes long-term thinking and encourages us to extend the timeline for the impact we have, rather than optimizing for near-term wins,” Zuckerberg wrote in his post.&nbsp;

“We should take on the challenges that will be the most impactful, even if the full results won’t be seen for years.”

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Zuckerberg has an ironclad hold on Facebook Inc. He holds the majority of the company’s voting shares, controls its board of directors and has increasingly surrounded himself with executives who don’t appear to question his vision.

Meta reported a decline in daily active users from the previous quarter for the first time as competition with rivals like TikTok, the video sharing platform owned by China's ByteDance, heats up.

"As we build the next chapter of our company as Meta, we just updated the values that guide our work," Zuckerberg wrote.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/meta-threatens-eu-to-pull-facebook-instagram-on-failure-to-scrap-privacy-pact-451544" hreflang="en">Meta threatens EU to pull Facebook, Instagram on failure to scrap privacy pact</a>

Meta's new credo also calls for being direct, but respectful to colleagues, collaborating as "Metamates."

"Meta, Metamates, Me is about being good stewards of our company and mission," Zuckerberg wrote.

"It's about taking care of our company and each other."

Facebook last reworked its professed values in 2007, according to the company's co-founder and chief.

Critics have derided Facebook's rebrand as an attempted distraction from an avalanche of damaging revelations from whistleblower Frances Haugen.

The "Facebook Papers" revealed&nbsp;numerous instances where researchers and rank-and-file workers uncovered deep-seated problems that the company then overlooked or ignored.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has revamped Meta's company values as it faces investment concerns. Touting pivot and an all-hands approach, he has unveiled a company overhaul after its shares had the biggest single-day slide in market value.

Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has revamped Meta's company values as it faces investment concerns. Touting pivot and an all-hands approach, he has unveiled a company overhaul after its shares had the biggest single-day slide in market value. The huge drop, erasing over $200 billion from Meta's market capitalisation and around $29 billion from Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg's net worth, spilled over to the broader technology sector and dragged the Nasdaq Composite Index lower. Also read | 'Deceitful business': Texas sues Meta's Facebook over facial recognition system “‘Focus on long-term impact’ emphasizes long-term thinking and encourages us to extend the timeline for the impact we have, rather than optimizing for near-term wins,” Zuckerberg wrote in his post. “We should take on the challenges that will be the most impactful, even if the full results won’t be seen for years.” Zuckerberg has an ironclad hold on Facebook Inc. He holds the majority of the company’s voting shares, controls its board of directors and has increasingly surrounded himself with executives who don’t appear to question his vision. Meta reported a decline in daily active users from the previous quarter for the first time as competition with rivals like TikTok, the video sharing platform owned by China's ByteDance, heats up. "As we build the next chapter of our company as Meta, we just updated the values that guide our work," Zuckerberg wrote. Also read | Meta threatens EU to pull Facebook, Instagram on failure to scrap privacy pact Meta's new credo also calls for being direct, but respectful to colleagues, collaborating as "Metamates." "Meta, Metamates, Me is about being good stewards of our company and mission," Zuckerberg wrote. "It's about taking care of our company and each other." Facebook last reworked its professed values in 2007, according to the company's co-founder and chief. Critics have derided Facebook's rebrand as an attempted distraction from an avalanche of damaging revelations from whistleblower Frances Haugen. The "Facebook Papers" revealed numerous instances where researchers and rank-and-file workers uncovered deep-seated problems that the company then overlooked or ignored. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Live in the future’: Mark Zuckerberg revamps company values as Meta faces investment concerns

In Pics: Inside India's first metaverse wedding

A 43-year-old from London was gang-raped on Facebook's metaverse platform - 60 minutes after logging on. Is it time for governments to step in and regulate virtual interactions? Will the metaverse become a dark underbelly of the real world? Palki Sharma has a report

Gravitas: Woman gang-raped in Facebook's metaverse

A lady has described a dreadful encounter in which her avatar was virtually sexually abused and gang-raped by other users in the Metaverse.

Nina Jane Patel, a mother, chronicled the entire scenario in a Medium blog post, alleging that it all transpired within seconds of her entering the virtual world.&nbsp;

"Within 60 seconds of joining, I was verbally and sexually harassed by 3-4 male avatars, with male voices, who essentially, but virtually, gang-raped my avatar and took photos," she said.&nbsp;

The 43-year-old went on to describe how she witnessed her avatar being sexually raped by a group of male avatars, who photographed her and gave her messages like "don't pretend you didn't love it."

Anyone who signed into Facebook's version of the'metaverse,' an online world in which users' avatars meet and communicate, as well as tour a rapidly increasing network of virtual destinations such as cities, country scenes, or cafes, could witness the torture firsthand.&nbsp;

"A horrible experience that happened so fast and before I could even think about putting the safety barrier in place. I froze, " she added. "It was surreal. It was a nightmare. 
 
Watch | Gravitas Plus: The Metaverse Explained

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She told The Daily Mail that she promptly ripped off her headphones to end the encounter and has been experiencing anxiety ever since.

Many people told Nina that she shouldn't choose a female avatar next time or that she shouldn't be influenced by the experience because it wasn't genuine.

The London-based woman works for Kabuni Ventures, an immersive technology firm, as vice president of Metaverse Research.

After an invite-only beta test a year ago, Meta released Horizon Worlds to everyone 18 and older in the United States and Canada on Dec. 9.

Ms. Patel's experience elicited a response from Meta, who stated that technical obstacles may be put in place to prevent this from happening again.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

"We're sorry to hear this happened. We want everyone in Horizon Venues to have a positive experience, and easily find the safety tools that can help in a situation like this--and help us investigate and take action, " a Meta spokesperson said.

The woman works for Kabuni Ventures, an immersive technology company, as vice president of Metaverse Research.

After an invite-only beta test a year ago, Meta released Horizon Worlds to everyone 18 and older in the United States and Canada on December 9.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A lady has described a dreadful encounter in which her avatar was virtually sexually abused and gang-raped by other users in the Metaverse. Nina Jane Patel, a mother, chronicled the entire scenario in a Medium blog post, alleging that it all transpired within seconds of her entering the virtual world.

A lady has described a dreadful encounter in which her avatar was virtually sexually abused and gang-raped by other users in the Metaverse. Nina Jane Patel, a mother, chronicled the entire scenario in a Medium blog post, alleging that it all transpired within seconds of her entering the virtual world. "Within 60 seconds of joining, I was verbally and sexually harassed by 3-4 male avatars, with male voices, who essentially, but virtually, gang-raped my avatar and took photos," she said. The 43-year-old went on to describe how she witnessed her avatar being sexually raped by a group of male avatars, who photographed her and gave her messages like "don't pretend you didn't love it." Anyone who signed into Facebook's version of the'metaverse,' an online world in which users' avatars meet and communicate, as well as tour a rapidly increasing network of virtual destinations such as cities, country scenes, or cafes, could witness the torture firsthand. "A horrible experience that happened so fast and before I could even think about putting the safety barrier in place. I froze, " she added. "It was surreal. It was a nightmare. Watch | Gravitas Plus: The Metaverse Explained She told The Daily Mail that she promptly ripped off her headphones to end the encounter and has been experiencing anxiety ever since. Many people told Nina that she shouldn't choose a female avatar next time or that she shouldn't be influenced by the experience because it wasn't genuine. The London-based woman works for Kabuni Ventures, an immersive technology firm, as vice president of Metaverse Research. After an invite-only beta test a year ago, Meta released Horizon Worlds to everyone 18 and older in the United States and Canada on Dec. 9. Ms. Patel's experience elicited a response from Meta, who stated that technical obstacles may be put in place to prevent this from happening again. "We're sorry to hear this happened. We want everyone in Horizon Venues to have a positive experience, and easily find the safety tools that can help in a situation like this--and help us investigate and take action, " a Meta spokesperson said. The woman works for Kabuni Ventures, an immersive technology company, as vice president of Metaverse Research. After an invite-only beta test a year ago, Meta released Horizon Worlds to everyone 18 and older in the United States and Canada on December 9. (With inputs from agencies)

Assaulted in Metaverse: Woman alleges 'gang rape' 60 seconds after joining Meta's virtual world

In what seems to be happening for the first time, an Indian couple belonging to the state of Tamil Nadu is all set to host wedding reception in Metaverse. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the first Sunday of February, Dinesh S P and Janaganandhini Ramaswamy will get married in Sivalingapuram village of Tamil Nadu. Their reception will be a special affair as it will be held digitally. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/eye-on-china-india-to-make-russia-made-s-400-missile-defence-system-operational-from-april-445322" hreflang="en">Eye on China, India to make Russia-made S-400 missile defence system operational from April</a>

After the wedding gets over, the couple along with family and friends will turn to their laptops to enter a virtual venue for a Hogwarts-themed reception, said media reports. &nbsp;

“On using their unique credentials and logging in via any browser, attendees will have to choose a generic male or female avatar and enter their name for identification. Then on, it's like any other video game - navigate with keyboard and look around with the mouse or touchscreen controls. You can even virtually shake hands and interact with fellow avatars, after getting their consent,” explained Vignesh Selvaraj, Founder and CEO, Quatics tech, the Indian firm that’s designing the entire Meta experience.&nbsp;

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I feel so proud and blessed that I have seen and taken advantage of many great opportunities in this world before millions of people have seen them, Beginning of something big! India’s first <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/metaverse?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#metaverse</a> marriage in Polygon blockchain collaborated with TardiVerse Metaverse startup. <a href="https://t.co/jTivLSwjV4">pic.twitter.com/jTivLSwjV4</a>
— Dinesh Kshatriyan 💜 (@kshatriyan2811) <a href="https://twitter.com/kshatriyan2811/status/1480739883681415169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"I came up with the idea of having a Metaverse wedding reception, and my fiancee also liked the idea. I have been into crypto and blockchain technology, and have been mining ethereum, a form of cryptocurrency, for the last one year. Since blockchain is the basic technology of Metaverse, when my wedding was fixed, I thought of having a reception in Metaverse," Dinesh, who is a project associate with IIT Madras, said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/how-made-in-india-pill-dolo-650-became-indias-favourite-snack-in-covid-waves-445350" hreflang="en">How made-in-India pill Dolo 650 became India’s ‘favourite snack’ in Covid waves</a>

Dinesh also shared a short video on Twitter to show what his upcoming wedding reception may look like. It is also being touted as 'India's first Metaverse marriage’. &nbsp;

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Beginning of something new, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/METAVERSE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#METAVERSE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MARRIGE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MARRIGE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/0xPolygon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@0xPolygon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/blockchain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#blockchain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24matic&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$matic</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/sandeepnailwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sandeepnailwal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/_jdkanani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@_jdkanani</a> Happy new year 🥳 <a href="https://t.co/5HTlxQcsPT">pic.twitter.com/5HTlxQcsPT</a>
— Dinesh Kshatriyan 💜 (@kshatriyan2811) <a href="https://twitter.com/kshatriyan2811/status/1476993005504450561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Metaverse is actually a virtual reality world, where users can come alive through digital avatars. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In what seems to be happening for the first time, an Indian couple belonging to the state of Tamil Nadu is all set to host wedding reception in Metaverse. On the first Sunday of February, Dinesh S P and Janaganandhini Ramaswamy will get married in Sivalingapuram village of Tamil Nadu.

In what seems to be happening for the first time, an Indian couple belonging to the state of Tamil Nadu is all set to host wedding reception in Metaverse. On the first Sunday of February, Dinesh S P and Janaganandhini Ramaswamy will get married in Sivalingapuram village of Tamil Nadu. Their reception will be a special affair as it will be held digitally. Also Read: Eye on China, India to make Russia-made S-400 missile defence system operational from April After the wedding gets over, the couple along with family and friends will turn to their laptops to enter a virtual venue for a Hogwarts-themed reception, said media reports. “On using their unique credentials and logging in via any browser, attendees will have to choose a generic male or female avatar and enter their name for identification. Then on, it's like any other video game - navigate with keyboard and look around with the mouse or touchscreen controls. You can even virtually shake hands and interact with fellow avatars, after getting their consent,” explained Vignesh Selvaraj, Founder and CEO, Quatics tech, the Indian firm that’s designing the entire Meta experience. I feel so proud and blessed that I have seen and taken advantage of many great opportunities in this world before millions of people have seen them, Beginning of something big! India’s first #metaverse marriage in Polygon blockchain collaborated with TardiVerse Metaverse startup. pic.twitter.com/jTivLSwjV4 — Dinesh Kshatriyan 💜 (@kshatriyan2811) January 11, 2022 × "I came up with the idea of having a Metaverse wedding reception, and my fiancee also liked the idea. I have been into crypto and blockchain technology, and have been mining ethereum, a form of cryptocurrency, for the last one year. Since blockchain is the basic technology of Metaverse, when my wedding was fixed, I thought of having a reception in Metaverse," Dinesh, who is a project associate with IIT Madras, said. Also Read: How made-in-India pill Dolo 650 became India’s ‘favourite snack’ in Covid waves Dinesh also shared a short video on Twitter to show what his upcoming wedding reception may look like. It is also being touted as 'India's first Metaverse marriage’. Beginning of something new, #METAVERSE #MARRIGE @0xPolygon #blockchain $matic @sandeepnailwal @_jdkanani Happy new year 🥳 pic.twitter.com/5HTlxQcsPT — Dinesh Kshatriyan 💜 (@kshatriyan2811) December 31, 2021 × Metaverse is actually a virtual reality world, where users can come alive through digital avatars. (With inputs from agencies)

In a first, Indian couple to host wedding reception in Metaverse

Gravitas Plus | 2022 is expected to be the year of Metaverse. A virtual universe where reality meets imagination. How safe is it going to be? Will it make our lives better or will it manipulate our perception of reality? Palki Sharma decodes.

Gravitas Plus: The Metaverse Explained

Chanelle Siggens recently strapped on an Oculus Quest virtual reality headset to play her favourite shooter game, Population One. Once she turned on the game, she manoeuvred her avatar into a virtual lobby in the immersive digital world and waited for the action to begin.

But as she waited, another player’s avatar approached hers. The stranger then simulated groping and ejaculating onto her avatar, Siggens said. Shocked, she asked the player, whose avatar appeared male, to stop.

“He shrugged as if to say: ‘I don’t know what to tell you. It’s the metaverse — I’ll do what I want,’” said Siggens, a 29-year-old Toronto resident. “Then he walked away.”

The world’s largest tech companies — Microsoft, Google, Apple and others — are hurtling headlong into creating the metaverse, a virtual reality world where people can have their avatars do everything from play video games and attend gym classes to participate in meetings. In October, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder and chief executive, said he believed so much in the metaverse that he would invest billions in the effort. He also renamed his company Meta.

Yet even as tech giants bet big on the concept, questions about the metaverse’s safety have surfaced. Harassment, assaults, bullying and hate speech already run rampant in virtual reality games, which are part of the metaverse, and there are few mechanisms to easily report the misbehaviour, researchers said. In one popular virtual reality game, VRChat, a violating incident occurs about once every seven minutes, according to the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate.

Bad behaviour in the metaverse can be more severe than today’s online harassment and bullying. That’s because virtual reality plunges people into an all-encompassing digital environment where unwanted touches in the digital world can be made to feel real and the sensory experience is heightened.

“When something bad happens, when someone comes up and gropes you, your mind is tricking you into thinking it’s happening in the real world,” Siggens said. “With the full metaverse, it’s going to be so much more intense.”

Toxic behaviour in gaming and in virtual reality is not new. But as Meta and other huge companies make the metaverse their platform, the issues are likely to be magnified by the companies’ reach over billions of people. The companies are encouraging people to join the metaverse, with Meta, which makes the Oculus Quest headsets, cutting prices for the products during the holidays.

Zuckerberg, who appears aware of questions about the metaverse’s harms, has promised to build it with privacy and safety in mind. Yet even his own lieutenants have wondered whether they can really stem toxic behaviour there.

In March, Andrew Bosworth, a Meta executive who will become chief technology officer in 2022, wrote in an employee memo that moderating what people say and how they act in the metaverse “at any meaningful scale is practically impossible.” The memo was reported earlier by The Financial Times.

Kristina Milian, a Meta spokesperson, said the company was working with policymakers, experts and industry partners on the metaverse. In a November blog post, Meta also said it was investing $50 million in global research to develop its products responsibly.

Meta has asked its employees to volunteer to test the metaverse, according to an internal memo viewed by The New York Times. A stranger recently groped the avatar of one tester of a Meta virtual reality game, Horizon Worlds, a company spokesperson said. The incident, which Meta has said it learned from, was reported earlier by The Verge.

Misbehaviour in virtual reality is typically difficult to track because incidents occur in real-time and are generally not recorded.

Titania Jordan, the chief parent officer at Bark, which uses artificial intelligence to monitor children’s devices for safety reasons, said she was especially concerned about what children might encounter in the metaverse. She said abusers could target children through chat messages in a game or by speaking to them through headsets, actions that are difficult to document.

“VR is a whole other world of complexity,” Jordan said. “Just the ability to pinpoint somebody who is a bad actor and block them indefinitely or have ramifications so they can’t just get back on, those are still being developed.”

Callum Hood, head of research at the Center for Countering Digital Hate, recently spent several weeks recording interactions in the VRChat game, which is made by a developer called VRChat and largely played through Oculus Quest headsets. In the game, people can form virtual communities and have their avatars play cards, party in a virtual club or meet in virtual public spaces to talk. Oculus rates it as safe for teenagers.

Yet over one 11-hour period, Hood said, he recorded more than 100 problematic incidents on VRChat, some involving users who said they were under 13. In several cases, users’ avatars made sexual and violent threats against minors, he said. In another case, someone tried showing sexually explicit content to a minor.

Hood said the incidents had violated Oculus’ terms of service, as well as those of VRChat. He said he had reported his findings to both companies, but had not heard back.

“VRChat is unsafe because its developers and Facebook have failed to put basic measures in place to ensure abusive users cannot access its services,” he said. “They have created a safe haven for abusive users at the same time as inviting minors to enter the metaverse.”

Milian said Meta’s community standards and VR policy outline what is allowed on its platform, which developers must adhere to. “We don’t allow content that attacks people based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, caste, sex, gender, gender identity, and serious disease or disability,” she said.

Minors are not permitted to create accounts or use Oculus devices, she said. Part of the responsibility, she added, lies with the developers of the apps.

VRChat did not respond to a request for comment.

After Siggens faced abuse while playing the Population One virtual reality game, she said, she joined a virtual support group for women, many of whom also play the game. Members regularly dealt with harassment in the game, she said. In June, Meta acquired BigBox VR, the developer of Population One.

Another member of the support group, Mari DeGrazia, 48, of Tucson, Arizona, said she saw harassment and assault happen in Population One “two to three times a week, if not more.”

“Sometimes, we see things happen two to three times day that violate the game’s rules,” she added.

BigBox VR did not respond to a request for comment.

DeGrazia said the people behind Population One had responded to her complaints and appeared interested in making the game safer. Despite the harassment, she said, she has found a community of virtual friends with whom she regularly plays the game and enjoys those interactions.

“I’m not going to stop playing, because I think it’s important to have diverse people, including women, playing this game,” she said. “We aren’t going to be pushed out of it, even though sometimes it’s hard.”

In July, DeGrazia wore a haptic vest — which relays sensations through buzzes and vibrations — to play Population One. When another player groped her avatar’s chest, “it felt just awful,” she said. She noted that Zuckerberg has described a metaverse where people can be fitted with full-body suits that let them feel even more sensations, which she said was troubling.

Siggens said she had ultimately reported the user account of the person who groped her in Population One through a form within the game. She later received an automated response saying punitive action had been taken against the user.

“I don’t know if they were banned for a day or for a week or for forever,” she said. “Either way, it just keeps happening.”

An hour after the incident with the stranger’s avatar, Siggens said, her avatar was groped again by a different user.

Chanelle Siggens recently strapped on an Oculus Quest virtual reality headset to play her favourite shooter game, Population One. Once she turned on the game, she manoeuvred her avatar into a virtual lobby in the immersive digital world and waited for the action to begin.

Chanelle Siggens recently strapped on an Oculus Quest virtual reality headset to play her favourite shooter game, Population One. Once she turned on the game, she manoeuvred her avatar into a virtual lobby in the immersive digital world and waited for the action to begin. But as she waited, another player’s avatar approached hers. The stranger then simulated groping and ejaculating onto her avatar, Siggens said. Shocked, she asked the player, whose avatar appeared male, to stop. “He shrugged as if to say: ‘I don’t know what to tell you. It’s the metaverse — I’ll do what I want,’” said Siggens, a 29-year-old Toronto resident. “Then he walked away.” The world’s largest tech companies — Microsoft, Google, Apple and others — are hurtling headlong into creating the metaverse, a virtual reality world where people can have their avatars do everything from play video games and attend gym classes to participate in meetings. In October, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder and chief executive, said he believed so much in the metaverse that he would invest billions in the effort. He also renamed his company Meta. Yet even as tech giants bet big on the concept, questions about the metaverse’s safety have surfaced. Harassment, assaults, bullying and hate speech already run rampant in virtual reality games, which are part of the metaverse, and there are few mechanisms to easily report the misbehaviour, researchers said. In one popular virtual reality game, VRChat, a violating incident occurs about once every seven minutes, according to the nonprofit Center for Countering Digital Hate. Bad behaviour in the metaverse can be more severe than today’s online harassment and bullying. That’s because virtual reality plunges people into an all-encompassing digital environment where unwanted touches in the digital world can be made to feel real and the sensory experience is heightened. “When something bad happens, when someone comes up and gropes you, your mind is tricking you into thinking it’s happening in the real world,” Siggens said. “With the full metaverse, it’s going to be so much more intense.” Toxic behaviour in gaming and in virtual reality is not new. But as Meta and other huge companies make the metaverse their platform, the issues are likely to be magnified by the companies’ reach over billions of people. The companies are encouraging people to join the metaverse, with Meta, which makes the Oculus Quest headsets, cutting prices for the products during the holidays. Zuckerberg, who appears aware of questions about the metaverse’s harms, has promised to build it with privacy and safety in mind. Yet even his own lieutenants have wondered whether they can really stem toxic behaviour there. In March, Andrew Bosworth, a Meta executive who will become chief technology officer in 2022, wrote in an employee memo that moderating what people say and how they act in the metaverse “at any meaningful scale is practically impossible.” The memo was reported earlier by The Financial Times. Kristina Milian, a Meta spokesperson, said the company was working with policymakers, experts and industry partners on the metaverse. In a November blog post, Meta also said it was investing $50 million in global research to develop its products responsibly. Meta has asked its employees to volunteer to test the metaverse, according to an internal memo viewed by The New York Times. A stranger recently groped the avatar of one tester of a Meta virtual reality game, Horizon Worlds, a company spokesperson said. The incident, which Meta has said it learned from, was reported earlier by The Verge. Misbehaviour in virtual reality is typically difficult to track because incidents occur in real-time and are generally not recorded. Titania Jordan, the chief parent officer at Bark, which uses artificial intelligence to monitor children’s devices for safety reasons, said she was especially concerned about what children might encounter in the metaverse. She said abusers could target children through chat messages in a game or by speaking to them through headsets, actions that are difficult to document. “VR is a whole other world of complexity,” Jordan said. “Just the ability to pinpoint somebody who is a bad actor and block them indefinitely or have ramifications so they can’t just get back on, those are still being developed.” Callum Hood, head of research at the Center for Countering Digital Hate, recently spent several weeks recording interactions in the VRChat game, which is made by a developer called VRChat and largely played through Oculus Quest headsets. In the game, people can form virtual communities and have their avatars play cards, party in a virtual club or meet in virtual public spaces to talk. Oculus rates it as safe for teenagers. Yet over one 11-hour period, Hood said, he recorded more than 100 problematic incidents on VRChat, some involving users who said they were under 13. In several cases, users’ avatars made sexual and violent threats against minors, he said. In another case, someone tried showing sexually explicit content to a minor. Hood said the incidents had violated Oculus’ terms of service, as well as those of VRChat. He said he had reported his findings to both companies, but had not heard back. “VRChat is unsafe because its developers and Facebook have failed to put basic measures in place to ensure abusive users cannot access its services,” he said. “They have created a safe haven for abusive users at the same time as inviting minors to enter the metaverse.” Milian said Meta’s community standards and VR policy outline what is allowed on its platform, which developers must adhere to. “We don’t allow content that attacks people based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, caste, sex, gender, gender identity, and serious disease or disability,” she said. Minors are not permitted to create accounts or use Oculus devices, she said. Part of the responsibility, she added, lies with the developers of the apps. VRChat did not respond to a request for comment. After Siggens faced abuse while playing the Population One virtual reality game, she said, she joined a virtual support group for women, many of whom also play the game. Members regularly dealt with harassment in the game, she said. In June, Meta acquired BigBox VR, the developer of Population One. Another member of the support group, Mari DeGrazia, 48, of Tucson, Arizona, said she saw harassment and assault happen in Population One “two to three times a week, if not more.” “Sometimes, we see things happen two to three times day that violate the game’s rules,” she added. BigBox VR did not respond to a request for comment. DeGrazia said the people behind Population One had responded to her complaints and appeared interested in making the game safer. Despite the harassment, she said, she has found a community of virtual friends with whom she regularly plays the game and enjoys those interactions. “I’m not going to stop playing, because I think it’s important to have diverse people, including women, playing this game,” she said. “We aren’t going to be pushed out of it, even though sometimes it’s hard.” In July, DeGrazia wore a haptic vest — which relays sensations through buzzes and vibrations — to play Population One. When another player groped her avatar’s chest, “it felt just awful,” she said. She noted that Zuckerberg has described a metaverse where people can be fitted with full-body suits that let them feel even more sensations, which she said was troubling. Siggens said she had ultimately reported the user account of the person who groped her in Population One through a form within the game. She later received an automated response saying punitive action had been taken against the user. “I don’t know if they were banned for a day or for a week or for forever,” she said. “Either way, it just keeps happening.” An hour after the incident with the stranger’s avatar, Siggens said, her avatar was groped again by a different user.

The Metaverse’s dark side: Here come harassment and assaults

Paris Hilton commands as much as $1 million a night working as a celebrity DJ, entertaining partiers at clubs in China, Dubai and on the Spanish vacation island of Ibiza. 
 
This New Year’s Eve, she will be playing an electronic set for the revelers who drop by a venue of a different sort -- her virtual island on Roblox. 
 
Hilton created an island in the online virtual world, dubbed Paris World, where visitors can explore digital replicas of her Beverly Hills estate and its dog mansion, stroll a boardwalk inspired by the neon carnival wedding celebration she and husband Carter Reum hosted earlier this year at the Santa Monica Pier in California, and explore the island in a luxury sports car or Sunray yacht. 
 
Like other virtual hangouts, Paris World will collect small payments for purchasing virtual clothing or booking a ride on a jet-ski. 
 
“For me, the metaverse is somewhere that you can do everything you can do in real life in the digital world,” said Hilton, who worked to create aspects of her globe-trotting life for fans. “Not everybody gets to experience that, so that’s what we’ve been working together on over the past year -- giving them all my inspirations of what I want in that world.” 
 
Hilton, 40, joins a clutch of celebrities and brands rushing to embrace the metaverse, a broad term referring to a persistent virtual world. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg popularized the term this year he renamed the company to Meta to emphasize the metaverse`s central role to the company`s future. 
 
Brands such as Tommy Hilfiger brand launched a line of digital ready-to-wear fashion for Roblox avatars. Nike opened a virtual world called Nikeland in November, where visitors can play dodgeball with friends, lace on a pair of virtual Air Force 1 sneakers and win medals. Rappers Lil Nas X and Travis Scott have also held concerts last year for millions of virtual concertgoers. 
 
For the socialite and reality TV-star turned entrepreneur, Paris World is the latest venture launched by her new media company, 11:11 Media. She and veteran media executive Bruce Gersh aim to capitalize on the burgeoning creator economy, in which celebrities like Los Angeles Lakers` LeBron James leverage their influence to produce films, television shows and podcasts, brand marketing and to sell merchandise. 
 
Hilton is most widely known for the reality television show “The Simple Life,” in which she and celebrity socialite, Nicole Richie, ditched their limos to travel America aboard a Greyhound bus. 
 
Hilton says the dumb blonde act was a put-on, “I was always in on the joke, but I knew exactly what I was doing. Behind the scenes, I was building a brand.” 
 
She has leveraged her gossip pages notoriety into 19 different consumer product lines, including perfumes, apparel, lingerie, cosmetics, sunglasses watches, shoes, handbags and jewelry, which together generated an estimated $4 billion in revenue over the past decade, the company disclosed. 
 
Investment-banker husband Reum introduced Hilton to Gersh, a former Walt Disney Co and Time Inc executive, to create a media enterprise around one of pop culture`s original influencers. 
 
Since those early discussions, 11:11 Media has launched “This Is Paris,” a podcast in which she speaks candidly about her family and friends, and a pair of reality TV series, “Cooking With Paris” on Netflix and “Paris In Love,” about her engagement and marriage to Reum. 
 
Hilton has also tapped into the mania for non-fungible tokens, collaborating with designer Blake Kathryn to sell three unique pieces of digital art -- one of which fetched in excess of $1.1 million, according to online auction platform Nifty Gateway. 
 
“The final piece of the digital space is the metaverse,” said Gersh. “ We think that there`s a real opportunity for Paris to influence, even at a younger level than who her core customer is. We`ve built a fantastic, whimsical world that we believe her fans and new fans will just love.”

Paris Hilton commands as much as $1 million a night working as a celebrity DJ, entertaining partiers at clubs in China, Dubai and on the Spanish vacation island of Ibiza.

Paris Hilton commands as much as $1 million a night working as a celebrity DJ, entertaining partiers at clubs in China, Dubai and on the Spanish vacation island of Ibiza. This New Year’s Eve, she will be playing an electronic set for the revelers who drop by a venue of a different sort -- her virtual island on Roblox. Hilton created an island in the online virtual world, dubbed Paris World, where visitors can explore digital replicas of her Beverly Hills estate and its dog mansion, stroll a boardwalk inspired by the neon carnival wedding celebration she and husband Carter Reum hosted earlier this year at the Santa Monica Pier in California, and explore the island in a luxury sports car or Sunray yacht. Like other virtual hangouts, Paris World will collect small payments for purchasing virtual clothing or booking a ride on a jet-ski. “For me, the metaverse is somewhere that you can do everything you can do in real life in the digital world,” said Hilton, who worked to create aspects of her globe-trotting life for fans. “Not everybody gets to experience that, so that’s what we’ve been working together on over the past year -- giving them all my inspirations of what I want in that world.” Hilton, 40, joins a clutch of celebrities and brands rushing to embrace the metaverse, a broad term referring to a persistent virtual world. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg popularized the term this year he renamed the company to Meta to emphasize the metaverse`s central role to the company`s future. Brands such as Tommy Hilfiger brand launched a line of digital ready-to-wear fashion for Roblox avatars. Nike opened a virtual world called Nikeland in November, where visitors can play dodgeball with friends, lace on a pair of virtual Air Force 1 sneakers and win medals. Rappers Lil Nas X and Travis Scott have also held concerts last year for millions of virtual concertgoers. For the socialite and reality TV-star turned entrepreneur, Paris World is the latest venture launched by her new media company, 11:11 Media. She and veteran media executive Bruce Gersh aim to capitalize on the burgeoning creator economy, in which celebrities like Los Angeles Lakers` LeBron James leverage their influence to produce films, television shows and podcasts, brand marketing and to sell merchandise. Hilton is most widely known for the reality television show “The Simple Life,” in which she and celebrity socialite, Nicole Richie, ditched their limos to travel America aboard a Greyhound bus. Hilton says the dumb blonde act was a put-on, “I was always in on the joke, but I knew exactly what I was doing. Behind the scenes, I was building a brand.” She has leveraged her gossip pages notoriety into 19 different consumer product lines, including perfumes, apparel, lingerie, cosmetics, sunglasses watches, shoes, handbags and jewelry, which together generated an estimated $4 billion in revenue over the past decade, the company disclosed. Investment-banker husband Reum introduced Hilton to Gersh, a former Walt Disney Co and Time Inc executive, to create a media enterprise around one of pop culture`s original influencers. Since those early discussions, 11:11 Media has launched “This Is Paris,” a podcast in which she speaks candidly about her family and friends, and a pair of reality TV series, “Cooking With Paris” on Netflix and “Paris In Love,” about her engagement and marriage to Reum. Hilton has also tapped into the mania for non-fungible tokens, collaborating with designer Blake Kathryn to sell three unique pieces of digital art -- one of which fetched in excess of $1.1 million, according to online auction platform Nifty Gateway. “The final piece of the digital space is the metaverse,” said Gersh. “ We think that there`s a real opportunity for Paris to influence, even at a younger level than who her core customer is. We`ve built a fantastic, whimsical world that we believe her fans and new fans will just love.”

US reality TV star Paris Hilton launches metaverse business on Roblox

From metaverse to NFT: Here is all you need to know about tech buzzwords of 2021

The metaverse vision for the internet is far from reality, but brands from Ferrari to Nike are already rushing in to experiment and build an audience, in part for fear of missing out.

The clamor over virtual goods comes amid feverish predictions that the metaverse -- a virtual reality version of the internet -- will eventually replace the web of today.

But some virtual worlds, for example the Fortnite and Minecraft games or the Roblox platform, are already open for business.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/leonardo-dicaprio-was-not-comfortable-with-meryl-streep-stripping-for-dont-look-up-heres-why-437181">Leo was not comfortable with Meryl Streep stripping for 'Don't Look Up'</a>

"I think a lot of it is experimentation," said Ryan Mullins, founder of virtual sneaker app Aglet.

"If it turns out that we make a couple of grand or something like that... great, but I think a lot of (companies) are thinking 'innovate, disrupt or die,'" he added, echoing a Silicon Valley ethos of sometimes brutal evolution.

Fashion has been at the forefront, with a line of digital clothing from Uniqlo on Minecraft or Balenciaga outfits and sneakers available in Fortnite.

Designers are also entering the new field of NFTs -- non-fungible tokens that are unique digital objects such as drawings or animations.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-ben-affleck-got-alcohol-addiction-as-he-felt-trapped-in-marriage-to-jennifer-garner-437006" hreflang="en">Ben Affleck got alcohol addiction as he felt 'trapped' in marriage to Jennifer Garner</a></h2>

"This represents a massive opportunity for brands, who will get in early and will be able to build persistent presence... on a truly global scale," said Christina Wootton, vice president of partnerships at Roblox.

- Welcome to 'Nikeland' -

During the Halloween holiday, Mexican fast-food chain Chipotle opened a virtual and ephemeral restaurant on Roblox, the first of its kind.

The brand offered coupons to get a free burrito in a real-life restaurant, but also virtual costumes to dress up one's avatar and a treasure hunt.

In July, Ferrari launched a replica of its new 296 GTB model with Fortnite, which will not be available in the real world until 2022 but could be driven in the game.

Nike had already opened "Nikeland," a virtual showroom on Roblox, and announced Monday it has bought digital sneaker company RTFKT -- pronounced "artifact."

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-kajol-relives-kabhi-khushi-kabhi-gham%E2%80%99s-anjali-shares-quirky-video-436998" hreflang="en">Kajol relives Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’s Anjali, shares quirky video</a></h2>

For companies that exist primarily in the physical world, the metaverse concept is first and foremost a giant laboratory with direct avenues to the young demographic prized by advertisers.

"Revenues will come if this thing sticks around, but we want to make sure that our brand is in these early environments," said Mullins from Aglet.

As the first restaurant in Roblox, Chipotle said it sees future "opportunities to directly drive sales."

The metaverse is also a wealth of data, offering valuable insights into the perception of a product, even if it doesn't yet exist in the real world.

To fully control the environment in which the brand is introduced, some companies like Louis Vuitton have created their own version of the metaverse.

To celebrate its 200th anniversary, the brand launched in August "Louis the Game," which includes a hunt for NFTs by digital art pioneer Beeple.

- 'Authentic' in metaverse -

However, since there is still no unified platform yet, users cannot carry a Gucci bag bought on Roblox over to other games like Sandbox or Animal Crossing.

This is one of the priorities for Mark Zuckerberg, who leads Facebook's parent company that was re-baptized "Meta" in October to signal the platform's metaverse shift.

Since the world's leading social network unveiled its ambitions, "things have accelerated even further," said consultant Cathy Hackl, who has been contacted by many brands seeking metaverse advice.

"Not every brand needs to jump in to the metaverse," she said, noting though that firms have to be at least familiar with it.

Unless companies build their own virtual world, they will need to follow the codes of each platform on which they appear.&nbsp;

"It's about showing up and trying to be authentic in the space," said Mullins.

The metaverse vision for the internet is far from reality, but brands from Ferrari to Nike are already rushing in to experiment and build an audience, in part for fear of missing out.

The metaverse vision for the internet is far from reality, but brands from Ferrari to Nike are already rushing in to experiment and build an audience, in part for fear of missing out. The clamor over virtual goods comes amid feverish predictions that the metaverse -- a virtual reality version of the internet -- will eventually replace the web of today. But some virtual worlds, for example the Fortnite and Minecraft games or the Roblox platform, are already open for business. Leo was not comfortable with Meryl Streep stripping for 'Don't Look Up' "I think a lot of it is experimentation," said Ryan Mullins, founder of virtual sneaker app Aglet. "If it turns out that we make a couple of grand or something like that... great, but I think a lot of (companies) are thinking 'innovate, disrupt or die,'" he added, echoing a Silicon Valley ethos of sometimes brutal evolution. Fashion has been at the forefront, with a line of digital clothing from Uniqlo on Minecraft or Balenciaga outfits and sneakers available in Fortnite. Designers are also entering the new field of NFTs -- non-fungible tokens that are unique digital objects such as drawings or animations. Ben Affleck got alcohol addiction as he felt 'trapped' in marriage to Jennifer Garner "This represents a massive opportunity for brands, who will get in early and will be able to build persistent presence... on a truly global scale," said Christina Wootton, vice president of partnerships at Roblox. - Welcome to 'Nikeland' - During the Halloween holiday, Mexican fast-food chain Chipotle opened a virtual and ephemeral restaurant on Roblox, the first of its kind. The brand offered coupons to get a free burrito in a real-life restaurant, but also virtual costumes to dress up one's avatar and a treasure hunt. In July, Ferrari launched a replica of its new 296 GTB model with Fortnite, which will not be available in the real world until 2022 but could be driven in the game. Nike had already opened "Nikeland," a virtual showroom on Roblox, and announced Monday it has bought digital sneaker company RTFKT -- pronounced "artifact." Kajol relives Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’s Anjali, shares quirky video For companies that exist primarily in the physical world, the metaverse concept is first and foremost a giant laboratory with direct avenues to the young demographic prized by advertisers. "Revenues will come if this thing sticks around, but we want to make sure that our brand is in these early environments," said Mullins from Aglet. As the first restaurant in Roblox, Chipotle said it sees future "opportunities to directly drive sales." The metaverse is also a wealth of data, offering valuable insights into the perception of a product, even if it doesn't yet exist in the real world. To fully control the environment in which the brand is introduced, some companies like Louis Vuitton have created their own version of the metaverse. To celebrate its 200th anniversary, the brand launched in August "Louis the Game," which includes a hunt for NFTs by digital art pioneer Beeple. - 'Authentic' in metaverse - However, since there is still no unified platform yet, users cannot carry a Gucci bag bought on Roblox over to other games like Sandbox or Animal Crossing. This is one of the priorities for Mark Zuckerberg, who leads Facebook's parent company that was re-baptized "Meta" in October to signal the platform's metaverse shift. Since the world's leading social network unveiled its ambitions, "things have accelerated even further," said consultant Cathy Hackl, who has been contacted by many brands seeking metaverse advice. "Not every brand needs to jump in to the metaverse," she said, noting though that firms have to be at least familiar with it. Unless companies build their own virtual world, they will need to follow the codes of each platform on which they appear. "It's about showing up and trying to be authentic in the space," said Mullins.

Brands from Ferrari to Nike rush toward 'metaverse' future

A virtual&nbsp;real estate&nbsp;plot sold for $2.4 million worth of cryptocurrency.

The buyer brought the virtual land in Decentraland which is an online platform where users can buy land and meet people. It is also called&nbsp;"metaverse"&nbsp;made famous after Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg changed his company name to Meta.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-ban-private-cryptocurrencies-bill-to-be-tabled-in-parliament-431454">Also Read:&nbsp;India to ban private cryptocurrencies, bill to be tabled in parliament</a>

The land brought by the buyer is reportedly a virtual&nbsp;"Fashion Street"&nbsp;area of Decentraland. Decentraland uses blockchain technology where land is sold through non-fungible tokens (NFTs) which is a cryptocurrency asset. NFTs are increasingly used to buy vertical real estate assets.

Cryptocurrency has caught the imagination of investors including governments worldwide.&nbsp;&nbsp;El Salvador&nbsp;President Nayib Bukele recently said his country would be building the first "Bitcoin City" to power investments. The country had earlier floated the world's first legal bitcoin tender.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/bitcoin-and-encryption-a-race-between-criminals-and-the-fbi-392252">Also Read: Bitcoin and encryption: A race between criminals and the FBI</a>

However, International Monetary Fund(IMF) has warned El Salvador against using&nbsp;bitcoin&nbsp;as an official tender over financial risks associated with it.&nbsp;

US regulator had declared that banks would need to show it has&nbsp;risk management systems and would require written permission from supervisors before engaging in&nbsp;cryptocurrencies. The US banks have been barred from engaging in several crypto-related activities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/bitcoin-other-cryptocurrencies-tumble-over-biden-tax-plan-fears-379752">Also Read: Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies tumble over Biden tax plan fears &nbsp;</a> &nbsp;

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier launched the&nbsp;eNaira&nbsp;currency in a bid to cash in on the cryptocurrency wave sweeping the world.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

A virtual real estate plot sold for $2.4 million worth of cryptocurrency. The buyer brought the virtual land in Decentraland which is an online platform where users can buy land and meet people.

A virtual real estate plot sold for $2.4 million worth of cryptocurrency. The buyer brought the virtual land in Decentraland which is an online platform where users can buy land and meet people. It is also called "metaverse" made famous after Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg changed his company name to Meta. Also Read: India to ban private cryptocurrencies, bill to be tabled in parliament The land brought by the buyer is reportedly a virtual "Fashion Street" area of Decentraland. Decentraland uses blockchain technology where land is sold through non-fungible tokens (NFTs) which is a cryptocurrency asset. NFTs are increasingly used to buy vertical real estate assets. Cryptocurrency has caught the imagination of investors including governments worldwide. El Salvador President Nayib Bukele recently said his country would be building the first "Bitcoin City" to power investments. The country had earlier floated the world's first legal bitcoin tender. Also Read: Bitcoin and encryption: A race between criminals and the FBI However, International Monetary Fund(IMF) has warned El Salvador against using bitcoin as an official tender over financial risks associated with it. US regulator had declared that banks would need to show it has risk management systems and would require written permission from supervisors before engaging in cryptocurrencies. The US banks have been barred from engaging in several crypto-related activities. Also Read: Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies tumble over Biden tax plan fears Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier launched the eNaira currency in a bid to cash in on the cryptocurrency wave sweeping the world. (With inputs from Agencies)

Now, virtual real estate plot sells at record price

Reports claim Facebook has asked the Los Angeles police to stop making fake accounts and halt attempts to collect data of users.

Facebook in a letter reportedly told the Los Angles Police Department (LAPD) that it had set up fake accounts to carry out surveillance as it directed the department not to undertake such activities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-advertisers-promoted-false-claims-about-climate-change-during-cop26-summit-430321">Also Read:&nbsp;Facebook advertisers promoted false claims about climate change during COP26 summit</a>

The police department was reportedly working with a tech company which analysed user data to solve crimes.

The report comes as Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen expressed concern over Facebook's "metaverse" which is a virtual reality platform over privacy issues.

Haugen said it was "super problematic" as the company was seeking to monitor people. The former Facebook employee had earlier leaked files while questioning Facebook's policies and its effect on young people as she alleged&nbsp;that the company put profits before the safety of users.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/facebook-still-harvesting-teen-data-to-fuel-ads-warns-research-429863">Also Read:&nbsp;Facebook still harvesting teen data to fuel ads, warns research</a>

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg had hit back at Haugen's allegation saying that it was "deeply illogical". The company said although it aims at profits but allegations that it does so at the "expense of people’s safety" is a "lie"&nbsp;

Haugen applauded EU's&nbsp;Digital Services Act as a "global gold standard" with "huge potential" while adding that Facebook cannot remain the "judge, jury, prosecutor and witness".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-hired-woman-to-slap-him-for-using-facebook-elon-musk-approves-428710">Also Read:&nbsp;Indian-American hired woman to slap him for using Facebook; Elon Musk approves</a>

"The decisions made by Facebook's leadership are a big problem. For children, for public safety and for democracy," the Facebook whistleblower asserted.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Reports claim Facebook has asked the Los Angeles police to stop making fake accounts and halt attempts to collect data of users. Facebook in a letter reportedly told the Los Angles Police Department (LAPD) that it had set up fake accounts to carry out surveillance as it directed the department not to undertake such activities.

Reports claim Facebook has asked the Los Angeles police to stop making fake accounts and halt attempts to collect data of users. Facebook in a letter reportedly told the Los Angles Police Department (LAPD) that it had set up fake accounts to carry out surveillance as it directed the department not to undertake such activities. Also Read: Facebook advertisers promoted false claims about climate change during COP26 summit The police department was reportedly working with a tech company which analysed user data to solve crimes. The report comes as Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen expressed concern over Facebook's "metaverse" which is a virtual reality platform over privacy issues. Haugen said it was "super problematic" as the company was seeking to monitor people. The former Facebook employee had earlier leaked files while questioning Facebook's policies and its effect on young people as she alleged that the company put profits before the safety of users. Also Read: Facebook still harvesting teen data to fuel ads, warns research Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg had hit back at Haugen's allegation saying that it was "deeply illogical". The company said although it aims at profits but allegations that it does so at the "expense of people’s safety" is a "lie" Haugen applauded EU's Digital Services Act as a "global gold standard" with "huge potential" while adding that Facebook cannot remain the "judge, jury, prosecutor and witness". Also Read: Indian-American hired woman to slap him for using Facebook; Elon Musk approves "The decisions made by Facebook's leadership are a big problem. For children, for public safety and for democracy," the Facebook whistleblower asserted. (With inputs from Agencies)

Facebook warns Los Angeles police not to create fake accounts, stop collecting user data

In a bid to extend its diplomatic outreach to the virtual world, Barbados has agreed to set up an embassy in the metaverse.

''The idea is not to pick a winner – the metaverse is still very young and new, and we want to make sure what we build is transferable across the metaworlds,'' said Barbados’ ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Gabriel Abed.

The Metaverse is a term used to describe a virtual space within digital environments such as online games, social media, and virtual reality. It is a combination of the prefix "meta", meaning beyond, and stem "universe".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/what-is-metaverse-the-new-buzzword-in-internet-technology-412364">Also read |&nbsp;What is metaverse, the new buzzword in internet technology?</a>

According to Abed, ''This is a way for Barbados to expand its diplomatic missions beyond the 18 it currently has with 190+ countries around the world. This allows us to open the door, using technology diplomacy, which then extends to cultural diplomacy – the trade of art, music, and culture.''

''Embassies are the starting point to getting a visa to enter a country or visa-free travel. Can you imagine what that would look like virtually? And where that e-visa could lead you?''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-iceland-tourism-mocks-metaverse-in-funny-ad-mark-zuckerberg-responds-429552">Also read |&nbsp;Watch: Iceland Tourism mocks metaverse in funny ad, Mark Zuckerberg responds</a>

Metaverse&nbsp;evangelists want the new virtual world to be an outlet for creative expression.&nbsp;

As Covid lockdown measures and work-from-home policies pushed more people online for both business and pleasure, the concept has surged in popularity during the pandemic.

Metaverse is a vision of the future that may sound fantastical, but which tech titans like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg are betting on as the next great leap in the evolution of the internet.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to extend its diplomatic outreach to the virtual world, Barbados has agreed to set up an embassy in the metaverse. ''The idea is not to pick a winner – the metaverse is still very young and new, and we want to make sure what we build is transferable across the metaworlds,'' said Barbados’ ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, H.

In a bid to extend its diplomatic outreach to the virtual world, Barbados has agreed to set up an embassy in the metaverse. ''The idea is not to pick a winner – the metaverse is still very young and new, and we want to make sure what we build is transferable across the metaworlds,'' said Barbados’ ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, H.E. Gabriel Abed. The Metaverse is a term used to describe a virtual space within digital environments such as online games, social media, and virtual reality. It is a combination of the prefix "meta", meaning beyond, and stem "universe". Also read | What is metaverse, the new buzzword in internet technology? According to Abed, ''This is a way for Barbados to expand its diplomatic missions beyond the 18 it currently has with 190+ countries around the world. This allows us to open the door, using technology diplomacy, which then extends to cultural diplomacy – the trade of art, music, and culture.'' ''Embassies are the starting point to getting a visa to enter a country or visa-free travel. Can you imagine what that would look like virtually? And where that e-visa could lead you?'' Also read | Watch: Iceland Tourism mocks metaverse in funny ad, Mark Zuckerberg responds Metaverse evangelists want the new virtual world to be an outlet for creative expression. As Covid lockdown measures and work-from-home policies pushed more people online for both business and pleasure, the concept has surged in popularity during the pandemic. Metaverse is a vision of the future that may sound fantastical, but which tech titans like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg are betting on as the next great leap in the evolution of the internet. (With inputs from agencies)

Barbados establishes world's first metaverse embassy

Walt Disney has always been a champion of using newer technologies and introducing them in the entertainment world so it is no surprise as they announce plans of joining the metaverse bandwagon with Mark Zuckerberg with his Meta (earlier known as Facebook) and Microsoft.

Metaverse as understood by most is the blending of the physical and digital worlds where people can interact virtually. It’s a big leap into virtual reality and goes in tune with Disney’s history of innovation in storytelling.&nbsp;

Some of the biggest tech innovations in entertainment have been by Disney with Micky Mouse cartoon Steamboat Willie being the first to feature synchronised sound.&nbsp;

Disney CEO Bob Chapek said, “The Walt Disney Company has a long track record as an early adopter in the use of technology to enhance the entertainment experience. Our efforts to date are merely a prologue to a time when we’ll be able to connect the physical and digital worlds even more closely, allowing for storytelling without boundaries in our own Disney metaverse.”

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Disney’s former executive vice-president of digital, Tilak Mandadi, wrote a LinkedIn post in 2020 about creating a theme park metaverse, where the “physical and digital world converge” through wearable devices and mobile phones.

The metaverse concept also includes augmented reality, where elements of the digital world are layered on top of reality, such as the Pokémon Go game, which is played on mobile phones or Facebook’s recent smart glasses tie-up with Ray-Ban.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-box-office-daniel-craig-starrer-no-time-to-die-crosses-700-million-mark-429468" hreflang="en">Box office: Daniel Craig starrer 'No Time to Die' crosses $700 million mark</a>

Meanwhile, it started with Mark Zuckerberg who announced the rebranding of Facebook’s corporate name to Meta, is of avatars – or digital representations of people – meeting in the virtual realm by donning VR headsets (Meta owns the Oculus VR headset business). His executives, including PR chief Nick Clegg and product boss Chris Cox, now take their weekly team meetings in the metaverse, via the company’s Horizon Workrooms product.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-adele-opens-up-about-her-divorce--her-alcoholic-father-in-candid-oprah-interview-429439" hreflang="en">Adele opens up about her divorce &amp; her alcoholic father in candid Oprah interview</a>

Walt Disney has always been a champion of using newer technologies and introducing them in the entertainment world so it is no surprise as they announce plans of joining the metaverse bandwagon with Mark Zuckerberg with his Meta (earlier known as Facebook) and Microsoft.

Walt Disney has always been a champion of using newer technologies and introducing them in the entertainment world so it is no surprise as they announce plans of joining the metaverse bandwagon with Mark Zuckerberg with his Meta (earlier known as Facebook) and Microsoft. Metaverse as understood by most is the blending of the physical and digital worlds where people can interact virtually. It’s a big leap into virtual reality and goes in tune with Disney’s history of innovation in storytelling. Some of the biggest tech innovations in entertainment have been by Disney with Micky Mouse cartoon Steamboat Willie being the first to feature synchronised sound. Disney CEO Bob Chapek said, “The Walt Disney Company has a long track record as an early adopter in the use of technology to enhance the entertainment experience. Our efforts to date are merely a prologue to a time when we’ll be able to connect the physical and digital worlds even more closely, allowing for storytelling without boundaries in our own Disney metaverse.” WATCH: Social media anxiety is real: Celebs call out toxic culture Disney’s former executive vice-president of digital, Tilak Mandadi, wrote a LinkedIn post in 2020 about creating a theme park metaverse, where the “physical and digital world converge” through wearable devices and mobile phones. The metaverse concept also includes augmented reality, where elements of the digital world are layered on top of reality, such as the Pokémon Go game, which is played on mobile phones or Facebook’s recent smart glasses tie-up with Ray-Ban. Also read: Box office: Daniel Craig starrer 'No Time to Die' crosses $700 million mark Meanwhile, it started with Mark Zuckerberg who announced the rebranding of Facebook’s corporate name to Meta, is of avatars – or digital representations of people – meeting in the virtual realm by donning VR headsets (Meta owns the Oculus VR headset business). His executives, including PR chief Nick Clegg and product boss Chris Cox, now take their weekly team meetings in the metaverse, via the company’s Horizon Workrooms product. Adele opens up about her divorce & her alcoholic father in candid Oprah interview

Disney to enter the world of metaverse, to bring revolutionary change in entertainment business

Metaverse has everyone thinking about it. From those who fully understood what metaverse is to those who are too drowned in information to realise anything about it, everyone is on the bandwagon. Social media is full of jokes, memes and other articulate tomfoolery appreciating Mark Zuckerberg's new frontier in their own way.

But governments making fun of good-ol' Mark and his metaverse? Well this wasn't heard of. Until now.

Iceland's tourism authorities posted a funny video in which an actor invites everyone to 'Icelandverse'

Icelandic actor Jorundur Ragnarsson or 'Zack Mosbergsson' as he has been named in the video, appears to sport Zuckerberg's hairstyle and dressing sense.

The video pokes fun at Zuckerberg and metaverse.

"Today I want to present a revolutionary way to connect our world, without being super-weird," says 'MOsbergsson' in the video.

Icelandverse,&nbsp;he says is an 'enhanced actual reality', because well, Iceland exists in real world. Dig at&nbsp;virtual universe? Very much.

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As he goes on talking, Mosbergsson encounters a door but can't open it. He then appears to wait for somebody to come and open. This is an apparent dig at Zuckerberg's insistence on others opening doors for him. The video pokes fun at Zuckerberg even more.

Check out the video

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The video has got more than 900,000 views and hundreds of likes.

But the best part? Mark Zuckerberg himself has commented on it.

“Amazing. I need to make a trip to the Icelandverse soon. Glad you're wearing sunscreen too,” he has commented.

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Iceland tourism authorities responded by saying, “Oh, hi Mark! You're always welcome. Icelandverse is open 24/7!”

The banter has got its own fanbase!

Metaverse has everyone thinking about it. From those who fully understood what metaverse is to those who are too drowned in information to realise anything about it, everyone is on the bandwagon.

Metaverse has everyone thinking about it. From those who fully understood what metaverse is to those who are too drowned in information to realise anything about it, everyone is on the bandwagon. Social media is full of jokes, memes and other articulate tomfoolery appreciating Mark Zuckerberg's new frontier in their own way. But governments making fun of good-ol' Mark and his metaverse? Well this wasn't heard of. Until now. Iceland's tourism authorities posted a funny video in which an actor invites everyone to 'Icelandverse' Icelandic actor Jorundur Ragnarsson or 'Zack Mosbergsson' as he has been named in the video, appears to sport Zuckerberg's hairstyle and dressing sense. The video pokes fun at Zuckerberg and metaverse. "Today I want to present a revolutionary way to connect our world, without being super-weird," says 'MOsbergsson' in the video. Icelandverse, he says is an 'enhanced actual reality', because well, Iceland exists in real world. Dig at virtual universe? Very much. Also Read | NASA releases breathtaking video of DAVINCI mission to Venus As he goes on talking, Mosbergsson encounters a door but can't open it. He then appears to wait for somebody to come and open. This is an apparent dig at Zuckerberg's insistence on others opening doors for him. The video pokes fun at Zuckerberg even more. Check out the video × The video has got more than 900,000 views and hundreds of likes. But the best part? Mark Zuckerberg himself has commented on it. “Amazing. I need to make a trip to the Icelandverse soon. Glad you're wearing sunscreen too,” he has commented. Also Read | Nurse finds gold Bible worth USD 1.3 million in a field Iceland tourism authorities responded by saying, “Oh, hi Mark! You're always welcome. Icelandverse is open 24/7!” The banter has got its own fanbase!

Watch: Iceland Tourism mocks metaverse in funny ad, Mark Zuckerberg responds

Seoul seems to be on the path to become the first major city to enter the metaverse, as per a recent announcement by the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG).&nbsp;

Called for the time being as ‘Metaverse Seoul’, it looks to create a virtual communication ecosystem for every area under its jurisdiction.&nbsp;

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In three stages from next year, it would include cultural, tourism, economic, educational and civic service.&nbsp;

As per the Seoul Vision 2030 plan, it will have a shared 3D virtual world, where all activities can take place using augmented and virtual reality equipment.&nbsp;

In recent years, these platforms have gained popularity as people have shifted their activities online, especially during COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

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In the project, the South Korean capital has already invested KRW 3.9 billion (about €2.8 billion) as part of the city’s mayor Oh Se-hoon's Seoul Vision 2030 plan. &nbsp;

It aims to make Seoul “a city of coexistence, a global leader, a safe city, and a future emotional city,” the mayor said.&nbsp;

If it becomes a reality, citizens of Seoul will soon be able to put on their VR headsets to meet city officials for consultations virtually. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Seoul seems to be on the path to become the first major city to enter the metaverse, as per a recent announcement by the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG). Called for the time being as ‘Metaverse Seoul’, it looks to create a virtual communication ecosystem for every area under its jurisdiction.

Seoul seems to be on the path to become the first major city to enter the metaverse, as per a recent announcement by the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG). Called for the time being as ‘Metaverse Seoul’, it looks to create a virtual communication ecosystem for every area under its jurisdiction. Also Read: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to tie knot with partner Stella Moris in Belmarsh jail In three stages from next year, it would include cultural, tourism, economic, educational and civic service. As per the Seoul Vision 2030 plan, it will have a shared 3D virtual world, where all activities can take place using augmented and virtual reality equipment. In recent years, these platforms have gained popularity as people have shifted their activities online, especially during COVID-19 pandemic. Also Read: For £2.4 mn payout, man gets legs cut off under train, winds up with jail, fine In the project, the South Korean capital has already invested KRW 3.9 billion (about €2.8 billion) as part of the city’s mayor Oh Se-hoon's Seoul Vision 2030 plan. It aims to make Seoul “a city of coexistence, a global leader, a safe city, and a future emotional city,” the mayor said. If it becomes a reality, citizens of Seoul will soon be able to put on their VR headsets to meet city officials for consultations virtually. (With inputs from agencies)

Seoul may become first major city to enter the metaverse. What is it really?

Mickey Mouse is poised to venture into the metaverse. 
 
Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek said the entertainment conglomerate is preparing to make the technological leap into a virtual reality world first imagined by science fiction writers. 
 
It is a popular destination these days, ever since Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the future of his company would be devoted to creating a robust, three-dimensional environment where users’ digital avatars would work, hang out and pursue their hobbies. 
 
Other big companies, including game-makers Roblox Corp and Epic Games, and software giant Microsoft Corp, are working on their own metaverses. Disney’s plan was notably devoid of specifics, beyond dropping a buzzword that has animated Silicon Valley. 
 
Chapek told investors Wednesday that entering this new digital frontier is consistent with Disney’s long history of technological innovation, dating back nearly a century to Steamboat Willie, the first cartoon to feature synchronized sound. 
 
“Our efforts to date are merely a prologue to a time when we`ll be able to connect the physical and digital worlds even more closely, allowing for storytelling, without boundaries in our own Disney Metaverse,” Chapek said during Disney’s fourth-quarter earnings call. 
 
In an interview with CNBC, Chapek said he envisions it as an extension of streaming video service Disney+ -- through the “three-dimensional canvass” he envisions for new types of storytelling. 
 
Disney’s former executive vice president of digital, Tilak Mandadi, wrote on LinkedIn in 2020 about creating a theme park metaverse, where “physical and digital world converge” through wearable devices, smartphones and digital access points. 
 
Not all of Disney’s digital forays have had happy endings. Its online children’s social network, Club Penguin, shuttered in 2017, after 11 years. Its entry into social gaming, via its $563.2 million purchase of Playdom in 2010, resulted in a write-down. Its efforts to capitalize on the galloping popularity of short-form YouTube videos through a $500 million acquisition of Maker Studios in 2014, resulted in the operation being absorbed into other parts of the company.

Mickey Mouse is poised to venture into the metaverse. Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek said the entertainment conglomerate is preparing to make the technological leap into a virtual reality world first imagined by science fiction writers.

Mickey Mouse is poised to venture into the metaverse. Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek said the entertainment conglomerate is preparing to make the technological leap into a virtual reality world first imagined by science fiction writers. It is a popular destination these days, ever since Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the future of his company would be devoted to creating a robust, three-dimensional environment where users’ digital avatars would work, hang out and pursue their hobbies. Other big companies, including game-makers Roblox Corp and Epic Games, and software giant Microsoft Corp, are working on their own metaverses. Disney’s plan was notably devoid of specifics, beyond dropping a buzzword that has animated Silicon Valley. Chapek told investors Wednesday that entering this new digital frontier is consistent with Disney’s long history of technological innovation, dating back nearly a century to Steamboat Willie, the first cartoon to feature synchronized sound. “Our efforts to date are merely a prologue to a time when we`ll be able to connect the physical and digital worlds even more closely, allowing for storytelling, without boundaries in our own Disney Metaverse,” Chapek said during Disney’s fourth-quarter earnings call. In an interview with CNBC, Chapek said he envisions it as an extension of streaming video service Disney+ -- through the “three-dimensional canvass” he envisions for new types of storytelling. Disney’s former executive vice president of digital, Tilak Mandadi, wrote on LinkedIn in 2020 about creating a theme park metaverse, where “physical and digital world converge” through wearable devices, smartphones and digital access points. Not all of Disney’s digital forays have had happy endings. Its online children’s social network, Club Penguin, shuttered in 2017, after 11 years. Its entry into social gaming, via its $563.2 million purchase of Playdom in 2010, resulted in a write-down. Its efforts to capitalize on the galloping popularity of short-form YouTube videos through a $500 million acquisition of Maker Studios in 2014, resulted in the operation being absorbed into other parts of the company.

Disney wants to become the happiest place in the metaverse

One of Mark Zuckerberg’s first steps toward building the metaverse may be physical instead of virtual.

Meta, the social media company formerly known as Facebook, has discussed opening retail stores that will eventually span the world, said people with knowledge of the project and company documents viewed by The New York Times. The stores would be used to introduce people to devices made by the company’s Reality Labs division, such as virtual reality headsets and, eventually, augmented reality glasses, they said.

These devices are gateways to the metaverse, a futuristic digital world where people move from virtual to augmented versions of reality almost seamlessly. Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder and CEO, last week renamed his company Meta and laid out a vision for pursuing the metaverse as the next social platform. The stores would help show people that virtual reality and augmented reality can be fun and exciting, exactly the way Zuckerberg sees it.

The aim of the stores is to make the world “more open and connected,” according to the company documents viewed by The Times. They are also intended to spark emotions like “curiosity, closeness,” as well as a sense of feeling “welcomed” while experimenting with headsets in a “judgment free journey,” according to the documents.

Discussions about physical stores predated Facebook’s rebranding by many months, with serious work on the initiative having started last year, the people said. And the project, which is still in development, may not proceed, they said. But if Meta moves forward with stores, it would be a first for a tech giant that has existed largely digitally, with more than 3.5 billion people using its apps such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.

A Meta spokeswoman declined to comment.

Zuckerberg has talked up the metaverse as his company grapples with regulatory and societal challenges. Frances Haugen, a former employee turned whistleblower, amassed thousands of pages of internal documents and recently shared them with lawmakers and the news media. She has said that Facebook was not doing enough to protect society from the harms it causes. Her disclosures have drawn scrutiny from legislators and regulators, though it is unclear how strong her case is.

Skepticism about the metaverse also abounds. While Meta’s Reality Labs division has had modest past success with the Oculus Quest 2, a low-priced headset that was popular last year, virtual reality remains a niche market for hobbyists and enthusiasts. The hardware is often costly and can be difficult to use. Some people have reported that the headsets nauseate them.

“We are, at best guess, at least five to 10 years out from a fully fleshed out Meta product or service,” said Tim Derdenger, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. He said what Meta was working on was akin to the computer game Second Life from the early 2000s, calling it “a second shot at a Second Life-like service, but that is hopefully more immersive.”

Still, Zuckerberg has said he sees the moment to build what he believes will be the next major shift in computing platforms since the smartphone era. In that future, Zuckerberg’s apps would no longer be beholden to the rules dictated by Apple and Google, which own the app stores that distribute Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger.

Technology companies have gone the brick-and-mortar path before. Gateway, a personal-computer maker, had its own stores in the 1990s. Apple has retail stores so people can test out devices and get their questions answered. Microsoft, Amazon and others have followed with their own stores as well.

In recent years, Meta had experimented with some physical retail efforts. It opened “pop-up” kiosks at airports and a pop-up store in Manhattan’s SoHo district to show its Oculus hardware products. It also had a pop-up location with Macy’s in 2018, with the aim of bringing more small business onto the platform.

Should Meta’s new stores proceed, they would feature products such as Portal devices — teleconferencing gadgets that let people video chat over Facebook — as well as the Oculus headsets, the company documents said. The stores could also include voice-activated sunglasses that Meta developed with Ray-Ban, which people can use to take photos and video.

Early designs for Meta’s stores appeared modern, with a flat, minimalist aesthetic to the building exteriors and subtle placement of the Facebook brand, according to the documents. The company considered naming its stores Facebook Hub, Facebook Commons, Facebook Innovations, Facebook Reality Store and From Facebook, before eventually settling on the Facebook Store as a leading candidate, the documents said.

It was unclear how the Meta rebranding would affect the naming of the stores. Andrew Bosworth, a longtime Facebook executive who will become Meta’s chief technology officer, said last week that the Oculus brand would be discontinued and replaced by the Meta name. The Oculus Quest will become the Meta Quest, while the Facebook Portal will be rebranded the Meta Portal, he said.

The flagship Facebook Store had been planned for Burlingame, California, where Meta has an office for its Reality Labs employees. It was also unclear whether those plans would continue.

One of Mark Zuckerberg’s first steps toward building the metaverse may be physical instead of virtual. Meta, the social media company formerly known as Facebook, has discussed opening retail stores that will eventually span the world, said people with knowledge of the project and company documents viewed by The New York Times.

One of Mark Zuckerberg’s first steps toward building the metaverse may be physical instead of virtual. Meta, the social media company formerly known as Facebook, has discussed opening retail stores that will eventually span the world, said people with knowledge of the project and company documents viewed by The New York Times. The stores would be used to introduce people to devices made by the company’s Reality Labs division, such as virtual reality headsets and, eventually, augmented reality glasses, they said. These devices are gateways to the metaverse, a futuristic digital world where people move from virtual to augmented versions of reality almost seamlessly. Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder and CEO, last week renamed his company Meta and laid out a vision for pursuing the metaverse as the next social platform. The stores would help show people that virtual reality and augmented reality can be fun and exciting, exactly the way Zuckerberg sees it. The aim of the stores is to make the world “more open and connected,” according to the company documents viewed by The Times. They are also intended to spark emotions like “curiosity, closeness,” as well as a sense of feeling “welcomed” while experimenting with headsets in a “judgment free journey,” according to the documents. Discussions about physical stores predated Facebook’s rebranding by many months, with serious work on the initiative having started last year, the people said. And the project, which is still in development, may not proceed, they said. But if Meta moves forward with stores, it would be a first for a tech giant that has existed largely digitally, with more than 3.5 billion people using its apps such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. A Meta spokeswoman declined to comment. Zuckerberg has talked up the metaverse as his company grapples with regulatory and societal challenges. Frances Haugen, a former employee turned whistleblower, amassed thousands of pages of internal documents and recently shared them with lawmakers and the news media. She has said that Facebook was not doing enough to protect society from the harms it causes. Her disclosures have drawn scrutiny from legislators and regulators, though it is unclear how strong her case is. Skepticism about the metaverse also abounds. While Meta’s Reality Labs division has had modest past success with the Oculus Quest 2, a low-priced headset that was popular last year, virtual reality remains a niche market for hobbyists and enthusiasts. The hardware is often costly and can be difficult to use. Some people have reported that the headsets nauseate them. “We are, at best guess, at least five to 10 years out from a fully fleshed out Meta product or service,” said Tim Derdenger, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. He said what Meta was working on was akin to the computer game Second Life from the early 2000s, calling it “a second shot at a Second Life-like service, but that is hopefully more immersive.” Still, Zuckerberg has said he sees the moment to build what he believes will be the next major shift in computing platforms since the smartphone era. In that future, Zuckerberg’s apps would no longer be beholden to the rules dictated by Apple and Google, which own the app stores that distribute Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Messenger. Technology companies have gone the brick-and-mortar path before. Gateway, a personal-computer maker, had its own stores in the 1990s. Apple has retail stores so people can test out devices and get their questions answered. Microsoft, Amazon and others have followed with their own stores as well. In recent years, Meta had experimented with some physical retail efforts. It opened “pop-up” kiosks at airports and a pop-up store in Manhattan’s SoHo district to show its Oculus hardware products. It also had a pop-up location with Macy’s in 2018, with the aim of bringing more small business onto the platform. Should Meta’s new stores proceed, they would feature products such as Portal devices — teleconferencing gadgets that let people video chat over Facebook — as well as the Oculus headsets, the company documents said. The stores could also include voice-activated sunglasses that Meta developed with Ray-Ban, which people can use to take photos and video. Early designs for Meta’s stores appeared modern, with a flat, minimalist aesthetic to the building exteriors and subtle placement of the Facebook brand, according to the documents. The company considered naming its stores Facebook Hub, Facebook Commons, Facebook Innovations, Facebook Reality Store and From Facebook, before eventually settling on the Facebook Store as a leading candidate, the documents said. It was unclear how the Meta rebranding would affect the naming of the stores. Andrew Bosworth, a longtime Facebook executive who will become Meta’s chief technology officer, said last week that the Oculus brand would be discontinued and replaced by the Meta name. The Oculus Quest will become the Meta Quest, while the Facebook Portal will be rebranded the Meta Portal, he said. The flagship Facebook Store had been planned for Burlingame, California, where Meta has an office for its Reality Labs employees. It was also unclear whether those plans would continue.

To build the metaverse, Meta first wants to build stores

Microsoft President Brad Smith has downplayed the metaverse 'hype' and said that it still requires a lot of work.

According to Smith, ''We're all talking about the metaverse as if we're entering some new dimension. This is not like dying and going to heaven. We're all going to be living in the real world with people.''

"I think (the metaverse) will be very big. Everyone is going to be entering this. We have to ensure that it protects privacy, digital safety and protects against disinformation, manipulation. We have a lot to clean up."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-launches-3d-avatars-enters-metaverse-race-426360" hreflang="en">Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella launches 3D avatars, enters metaverse race</a>

His statement comes a day after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella unveiled three-dimensional versions in the company's teams app and stepped into the world of metaverse.

Smith highlighted that metaverse needs Big Tech actors like Facebook, Microsoft, Google and Apple would likely each develop their own versions of metaverse.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tech-it-out-what-is-the-metaverse-424223/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As Covid lockdown measures and work-from-home policies pushed more people online for both business and pleasure, the concept has surged in popularity during the pandemic.

During an interview he sidelines of Lisbon's Web Summit, he also said that ''Tech is going to have to lean in...with real concrete ideas...even make concessions, so that we can all compromise and build a common platform that better protects people than ... the internet as a whole has in recent past.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/what-is-metaverse-the-new-buzzword-in-internet-technology-412364">Also read |&nbsp;What is metaverse, the new buzzword in internet technology?</a>

"Government (will) see through that, and it's not going to bode well for the sector...We sort of need to get real."

Mark Zuckerberg renamed&nbsp;Facebook Inc. to&nbsp; Meta Platforms Inc. or Meta for short.&nbsp;

Facebook as 'Meta' in a strategic rebranding move that experts believed was a distraction from its privacy violations.

In a stinging rebuke,&nbsp;whistleblower Frances Haugen had accused&nbsp;the company of yet again prioritising expansion over people's safety.

(With inputs from agencies)

Microsoft President Brad Smith has downplayed the metaverse 'hype' and said that it still requires a lot of work. According to Smith, ''We're all talking about the metaverse as if we're entering some new dimension.

Microsoft President Brad Smith has downplayed the metaverse 'hype' and said that it still requires a lot of work. According to Smith, ''We're all talking about the metaverse as if we're entering some new dimension. This is not like dying and going to heaven. We're all going to be living in the real world with people.'' "I think (the metaverse) will be very big. Everyone is going to be entering this. We have to ensure that it protects privacy, digital safety and protects against disinformation, manipulation. We have a lot to clean up." Also read | Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella launches 3D avatars, enters metaverse race His statement comes a day after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella unveiled three-dimensional versions in the company's teams app and stepped into the world of metaverse. Smith highlighted that metaverse needs Big Tech actors like Facebook, Microsoft, Google and Apple would likely each develop their own versions of metaverse. As Covid lockdown measures and work-from-home policies pushed more people online for both business and pleasure, the concept has surged in popularity during the pandemic. During an interview he sidelines of Lisbon's Web Summit, he also said that ''Tech is going to have to lean in...with real concrete ideas...even make concessions, so that we can all compromise and build a common platform that better protects people than ... the internet as a whole has in recent past.'' Also read | What is metaverse, the new buzzword in internet technology? "Government (will) see through that, and it's not going to bode well for the sector...We sort of need to get real." Mark Zuckerberg renamed Facebook Inc. to Meta Platforms Inc. or Meta for short. Facebook as 'Meta' in a strategic rebranding move that experts believed was a distraction from its privacy violations. In a stinging rebuke, whistleblower Frances Haugen had accused the company of yet again prioritising expansion over people's safety. (With inputs from agencies)

'Requires lot of work': Microsoft President Brad Smith downplays metaverse 'hype'

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has launched three-dimensional avatars and immersive meetings in a bid to enter the metaverse race.

The company is going to roll out a collaborative platform for virtual experiences that will combine HoloLens meetings with mixed reality.

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The metaverse is here, and it’s not only transforming how we see the world but how we participate in it – from the factory floor to the meeting room. Take a look. <a href="https://t.co/h5tsdYMXRD">pic.twitter.com/h5tsdYMXRD</a>
— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) <a href="https://twitter.com/satyanadella/status/1455624165201887234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The metaverse broadly refers to the idea of a shared virtual platform that people can access through different devices and where they can move through digital environments.

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According to Nadella, ''As the digital and physical worlds come together, we are creating an entirely new platform layer, which is the metaverse.''

''In a sense the metaverse enables us to embed computing into the real world and embed the real world into computing, bringing real presence to any digital space,'' he added.

Microsoft will update its Teams app to push towards metaverse environment that will ''transform how we see the world but how we participate in it.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/what-is-metaverse-the-new-buzzword-in-internet-technology-412364">Also read |&nbsp;What is metaverse, the new buzzword in internet technology?</a>

It comes after Mark Zuckerberg changed Facebook's name to Meta Platforms Inc to reflect its focus on building the ''metaverse.''

As Covid lockdown measures and work-from-home policies pushed more people online for both business and pleasure, the concept has surged in popularity during the pandemic.

Microsoft, which owns Xbox and the world-building game Minecraft, is also a key player in the gaming world.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/facebook-is-now-meta-but-another-company-pocketted-money-from-all-the-buzz-425058">Also read |&nbsp;Facebook is now Meta, but another company pocketted money from all the buzz</a>

Recently, metaverse has become one of the tech sector's hottest buzzwords, with companies pouring millions of dollars into its development.

Xbox boss Phil Spencer has talked about planning for "a metaverse or mixed-reality construct."

Fortnite's owners Epic Games said in April that $1 billion of funding raised recently would be used to support its "vision for the metaverse".

(With inputs from agencies)

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has launched three-dimensional avatars and immersive meetings in a bid to enter the metaverse race. The company is going to roll out a collaborative platform for virtual experiences that will combine HoloLens meetings with mixed reality.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has launched three-dimensional avatars and immersive meetings in a bid to enter the metaverse race. The company is going to roll out a collaborative platform for virtual experiences that will combine HoloLens meetings with mixed reality. The metaverse is here, and it’s not only transforming how we see the world but how we participate in it – from the factory floor to the meeting room. Take a look. pic.twitter.com/h5tsdYMXRD — Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) November 2, 2021 × The metaverse broadly refers to the idea of a shared virtual platform that people can access through different devices and where they can move through digital environments. According to Nadella, ''As the digital and physical worlds come together, we are creating an entirely new platform layer, which is the metaverse.'' ''In a sense the metaverse enables us to embed computing into the real world and embed the real world into computing, bringing real presence to any digital space,'' he added. Microsoft will update its Teams app to push towards metaverse environment that will ''transform how we see the world but how we participate in it.'' Also read | What is metaverse, the new buzzword in internet technology? It comes after Mark Zuckerberg changed Facebook's name to Meta Platforms Inc to reflect its focus on building the ''metaverse.'' As Covid lockdown measures and work-from-home policies pushed more people online for both business and pleasure, the concept has surged in popularity during the pandemic. Microsoft, which owns Xbox and the world-building game Minecraft, is also a key player in the gaming world. Also read | Facebook is now Meta, but another company pocketted money from all the buzz Recently, metaverse has become one of the tech sector's hottest buzzwords, with companies pouring millions of dollars into its development. Xbox boss Phil Spencer has talked about planning for "a metaverse or mixed-reality construct." Fortnite's owners Epic Games said in April that $1 billion of funding raised recently would be used to support its "vision for the metaverse". (With inputs from agencies)

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella launches 3D avatars, enters metaverse race

Mark Zuckerberg&nbsp;announced that Facebook's name will now change to Meta to represent the company's vision of&nbsp;metaverse as the "next chapter" on the internet&nbsp;during a live stream event on Thursday.

"To reflect who we are and what we hope to build I am proud to announce, starting today our company is now Meta," Zuckerberg said. "Our mission remains the same, it is still about bringing people together," he added while asserting that "we are still the company that&nbsp;designs technology around people."

"Now we have a new north star&nbsp;to help bring the metaverse to life," Zuckerberg said.

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Announcing <a href="https://twitter.com/meta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Meta</a> — the Facebook company’s new name. Meta is helping to build the metaverse, a place where we’ll play and connect in 3D. Welcome to the next chapter of social connection. <a href="https://t.co/ywSJPLsCoD">pic.twitter.com/ywSJPLsCoD</a>
— Facebook (@Facebook) <a href="https://twitter.com/Facebook/status/1453795115701440524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"We've learned a lot from struggling with social issues and living under closed platforms, and now it is time to take everything that we've learned and help build the next chapter," Zuckerberg said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/what-is-metaverse-the-new-buzzword-in-internet-technology-412364">Also Read:&nbsp;What is metaverse, the new buzzword in internet technology?</a>

However, Zuckerberg asserted that "our apps and their brands, they are not changing".

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Mark announces <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Meta?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Meta</a>, the new name for FACEBOOK. <a href="https://t.co/I7O2xKsHr3">pic.twitter.com/I7O2xKsHr3</a>
— OTT Reporter (@Rahul7867861) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rahul7867861/status/1453797644711563289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Facebook founder Zuckerberg spoke about the social media giant's vision for metaverse in a keynote live stream event.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/next-great-leap-in-evolution-of-internet-why-is-facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-betting-on-metaverse-401150">Also Read |&nbsp;'Next great leap in evolution of internet': Why is Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg betting on metaverse?</a>

"Metaverse will have richer ways to connect," Zuckerberg said during the live video link as he described the virtual concept as a way to "connect with people".

He informed how "gaming" will change in the metaverse with a more "immersive experience".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/meta-or-facebook-twitter-users-make-fun-of-rebranding-of-social-media-platform-424869">Also Read:&nbsp;Twitter users make fun of rebranding of social media platform</a>

“The last few years have been humbling for me and our company in a lot of ways,” the Facebook chief conceded as he introduced “a social version of home” where users can “jump into apps” with other avatars.

"Work from anywhere" as a concept is&nbsp;high on the metaverse horizon, Zuckerberg explained. He said access to jobs for people will be a "gamechanger".

"Metaverse is the next frontier," Zuckerberg said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook's name will now change to Meta to represent the company's vision of metaverse as the "next chapter" on the internet during a live stream event on Thursday.

Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook's name will now change to Meta to represent the company's vision of metaverse as the "next chapter" on the internet during a live stream event on Thursday. "To reflect who we are and what we hope to build I am proud to announce, starting today our company is now Meta," Zuckerberg said. "Our mission remains the same, it is still about bringing people together," he added while asserting that "we are still the company that designs technology around people." "Now we have a new north star to help bring the metaverse to life," Zuckerberg said. Announcing @Meta — the Facebook company’s new name. Meta is helping to build the metaverse, a place where we’ll play and connect in 3D. Welcome to the next chapter of social connection. pic.twitter.com/ywSJPLsCoD — Facebook (@Facebook) October 28, 2021 × "We've learned a lot from struggling with social issues and living under closed platforms, and now it is time to take everything that we've learned and help build the next chapter," Zuckerberg said. Also Read: What is metaverse, the new buzzword in internet technology? However, Zuckerberg asserted that "our apps and their brands, they are not changing". Mark announces #Meta, the new name for FACEBOOK. pic.twitter.com/I7O2xKsHr3 — OTT Reporter (@Rahul7867861) October 28, 2021 × Facebook founder Zuckerberg spoke about the social media giant's vision for metaverse in a keynote live stream event. Also Read | 'Next great leap in evolution of internet': Why is Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg betting on metaverse? "Metaverse will have richer ways to connect," Zuckerberg said during the live video link as he described the virtual concept as a way to "connect with people". He informed how "gaming" will change in the metaverse with a more "immersive experience". Also Read: Twitter users make fun of rebranding of social media platform “The last few years have been humbling for me and our company in a lot of ways,” the Facebook chief conceded as he introduced “a social version of home” where users can “jump into apps” with other avatars. "Work from anywhere" as a concept is high on the metaverse horizon, Zuckerberg explained. He said access to jobs for people will be a "gamechanger". "Metaverse is the next frontier," Zuckerberg said. (With inputs from Agencies)

Facebook is now Meta, says Mark Zuckerberg, changes company name to reflect 'metaverse' vision

On Tech It Out, we keep trying to break down tech jargon to truly understand what innovation is all about. In this video, the tech concept that we are demystifying is "Metaverse". Find out what it is and why the tech community is passionately discussing it.

Tech It Out: What is the Metaverse?

Social media giant Facebook is mulling to rebrand itself with a new name that focuses on the&nbsp;metaverse.

According to a report published in 'The Verge,' Facebook Inc will announce the change in name next week.

The move would likely position the flagship app as one of many products under a parent company overseeing brands such as Instagram and WhatsApp as per the report.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/facebooks-ai-reality-scroll-images-on-a-computer-screen-by-just-thinking-about-it-371594" hreflang="en">Facebook's AI reality: Scroll images on a computer screen by just thinking about it</a>

In 2015,&nbsp;Google adopted such a structure when it reorganized into a holding company called Alphabet.

What is metaverse?

The Metaverse is a term used to describe a virtual space within digital environments such as online games, social media, and virtual reality. It is a combination of the prefix "meta", meaning beyond, and stem "universe".

Coined by Neal Stephenson, the metaverse is, in fact, the stuff of science-fiction. He talked about it in detail in his 1992 novel "Snow Crash", in which people don virtual reality headsets to interact inside a game-like digital world. The book has long enjoyed cult status among Silicon Valley entrepreneurs.

The term, which&nbsp;derived from digital antiquity, was re-imagined as the Oasis in Ernest Cline's novel ''Ready Player One.''

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Freed from cultural and economic sclerosis, a&nbsp;utopian metaverse may be portrayed as a new frontier in fiction, where social norms and value systems can be written anew.&nbsp;But more often, metaverses are a bit dystopian, virtual refuges from a fallen world.

Recently, metaverse has become one of the tech sector's hottest buzzwords, with companies pouring millions of dollars into its development.

'Next great leap'

Metaverse is a vision of the future that may sound fantastical, but which tech titans like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg are betting on as the next great leap in the evolution of the internet.

It refers to shared virtual worlds where land, buildings, avatars, and even names can be bought and sold, often using cryptocurrency.

In these environments, people can wander around with friends, visit buildings, buy goods and services, and attend events.

With the help of augmented reality glasses, it might allow you to see information whizz before your eyes as you walk around a city, from traffic and pollution updates to local history.

Surge in popularity

As Covid lockdown measures and work-from-home policies pushed more people online for both business and pleasure, the concept has surged in popularity during the pandemic.

Games in which players enter immersive digital worlds offer a glimpse into what the metaverse could eventually look like, blurring virtual entertainment with the real-world economy.

World built on blockchain

As far back as the early 2000s, the game Second Life allowed people to create digital avatars that could interact and shop with real money.

More recently, plots of land in Decentraland, a virtual world where visitors can watch concerts, visit art galleries, and gamble in casinos, have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars in MANA, a cryptocurrency.

'More than a game'

The hugely popular video game Fortnite has also expanded into other forms of entertainment, with 12.3 million people logging in to watch rapper Travis Scott perform last year. Fortnite's owners Epic Games said in April that $1 billion of funding raised recently would be used to support its "vision for the metaverse".

And on Roblox, a gaming platform popular with children, a digital version of a Gucci bag sold in May for over $4,100, more than the physical version would have cost.

(With inputs from agencies)

Social media giant Facebook is mulling to rebrand itself with a new name that focuses on the metaverse. According to a report published in 'The Verge,' Facebook Inc will announce the change in name next week.

Social media giant Facebook is mulling to rebrand itself with a new name that focuses on the metaverse. According to a report published in 'The Verge,' Facebook Inc will announce the change in name next week. The move would likely position the flagship app as one of many products under a parent company overseeing brands such as Instagram and WhatsApp as per the report. Also see | Facebook's AI reality: Scroll images on a computer screen by just thinking about it In 2015, Google adopted such a structure when it reorganized into a holding company called Alphabet. What is metaverse? The Metaverse is a term used to describe a virtual space within digital environments such as online games, social media, and virtual reality. It is a combination of the prefix "meta", meaning beyond, and stem "universe". Coined by Neal Stephenson, the metaverse is, in fact, the stuff of science-fiction. He talked about it in detail in his 1992 novel "Snow Crash", in which people don virtual reality headsets to interact inside a game-like digital world. The book has long enjoyed cult status among Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. The term, which derived from digital antiquity, was re-imagined as the Oasis in Ernest Cline's novel ''Ready Player One.'' Freed from cultural and economic sclerosis, a utopian metaverse may be portrayed as a new frontier in fiction, where social norms and value systems can be written anew. But more often, metaverses are a bit dystopian, virtual refuges from a fallen world. Recently, metaverse has become one of the tech sector's hottest buzzwords, with companies pouring millions of dollars into its development. 'Next great leap' Metaverse is a vision of the future that may sound fantastical, but which tech titans like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg are betting on as the next great leap in the evolution of the internet. It refers to shared virtual worlds where land, buildings, avatars, and even names can be bought and sold, often using cryptocurrency. In these environments, people can wander around with friends, visit buildings, buy goods and services, and attend events. With the help of augmented reality glasses, it might allow you to see information whizz before your eyes as you walk around a city, from traffic and pollution updates to local history. Surge in popularity As Covid lockdown measures and work-from-home policies pushed more people online for both business and pleasure, the concept has surged in popularity during the pandemic. Games in which players enter immersive digital worlds offer a glimpse into what the metaverse could eventually look like, blurring virtual entertainment with the real-world economy. World built on blockchain As far back as the early 2000s, the game Second Life allowed people to create digital avatars that could interact and shop with real money. More recently, plots of land in Decentraland, a virtual world where visitors can watch concerts, visit art galleries, and gamble in casinos, have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars in MANA, a cryptocurrency. 'More than a game' The hugely popular video game Fortnite has also expanded into other forms of entertainment, with 12.3 million people logging in to watch rapper Travis Scott perform last year. Fortnite's owners Epic Games said in April that $1 billion of funding raised recently would be used to support its "vision for the metaverse". And on Roblox, a gaming platform popular with children, a digital version of a Gucci bag sold in May for over $4,100, more than the physical version would have cost. (With inputs from agencies)

What is metaverse, the new buzzword in internet technology?

Facebook on Monday announced plans to hire 10,000 people in the European Union to build the "metaverse", a virtual reality version of the internet that the tech giant sees as the future.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been a leading voice in Silicon Valley hype around the idea of the metaverse, which would blur the lines between the physical world and the digital one.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hate-speech-for-profit-facebook-whistleblower-reveals-identity-418061">Hate speech for profit: Facebook whistleblower reveals identity</a>

The technology might, for example, allow someone to don virtual reality glasses that make it feel as if they're face-to-face with a friend -- when in fact they are thousands of miles apart and connected via the internet.&nbsp;

"The metaverse has the potential to help unlock access to new creative, social, and economic opportunities. And Europeans will be shaping it right from the start," Facebook said in a blog post.&nbsp;

"Today, we are announcing a plan to create 10,000 new high skilled jobs within the European Union (EU) over the next five years."

The European hires will include "highly specialised engineers", but the company otherwise gave few details of its plans for the new metaverse team. &nbsp;

"The EU has a number of advantages that make it a great place for tech companies to invest -- a large consumer market, first class universities and, crucially, top quality talent," the blog post said.&nbsp;

Distraction from bad news ?&nbsp;

The announcement comes as Facebook grapples with the fallout of a damaging scandal, major outages of its services, and rising calls for regulation to curb its vast influence.&nbsp;

The company has faced a storm of criticism over the past month after former employee Frances Haugen leaked internal studies showing Facebook knew its sites could be harmful to young people's mental health.

The Washington Post last month suggested that Facebook's interest in the metaverse is "part of a broader push to rehabilitate the company's reputation with policymakers and reposition Facebook to shape the regulation of next-wave Internet technologies".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-facebook-kept-secret-list-of-terror-organisations-hate-groups-and-criminals-420423">How Facebook kept secret list of terror organisations, hate groups and criminals</a>

But Zuckerberg also appears to be a genuine evangelist for the advent of the metaverse era, predicting in July that Facebook will transition from "primarily being a social media company to being a metaverse company" over the next five years.&nbsp;

Facebook bought Oculus, a company that makes virtual reality headsets, for $2 billion in 2014 and has since been developing Horizon, a digital world where people can interact using VR technology.&nbsp;

In August it unveiled Horizon Workrooms, a feature where co-workers wearing VR headsets can hold meetings in a virtual room where they all appear as cartoonish 3D versions of themselves.&nbsp;

Blurring the lines&nbsp;

Metaverse enthusiasts point out that the internet is already starting to blur the lines between virtual experiences and "real" ones.&nbsp;

Stars such as pop diva Ariana Grande and the rapper Travis Scott have performed for huge audiences, watching at home, via the hit video game Fortnite.&nbsp;

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/facebook-backed-group-launches-misinformation-adjudication-panel-in-australia-419803">&nbsp;Facebook-backed group launches misinformation adjudication panel in Australia</a>

In Decentraland, another online platform widely seen as a forerunner to the metaverse, you can already get a job as a croupier in its virtual casino.&nbsp;

"No one company will own and operate the metaverse. Like the internet, its key feature will be its openness and interoperability," Facebook said in its blog post.&nbsp;

It is not the only company pouring millions into developing the technology that could turn a fully-fledged version of the metaverse into reality.&nbsp;

Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, announced earlier this year that it had raised $1 billion in new funding, with some of that money set to support its vision of the metaverse.

Facebook on Monday announced plans to hire 10,000 people in the European Union to build the "metaverse", a virtual reality version of the internet that the tech giant sees as the future.

Facebook on Monday announced plans to hire 10,000 people in the European Union to build the "metaverse", a virtual reality version of the internet that the tech giant sees as the future. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been a leading voice in Silicon Valley hype around the idea of the metaverse, which would blur the lines between the physical world and the digital one. Also Read | Hate speech for profit: Facebook whistleblower reveals identity The technology might, for example, allow someone to don virtual reality glasses that make it feel as if they're face-to-face with a friend -- when in fact they are thousands of miles apart and connected via the internet. "The metaverse has the potential to help unlock access to new creative, social, and economic opportunities. And Europeans will be shaping it right from the start," Facebook said in a blog post. "Today, we are announcing a plan to create 10,000 new high skilled jobs within the European Union (EU) over the next five years." The European hires will include "highly specialised engineers", but the company otherwise gave few details of its plans for the new metaverse team. "The EU has a number of advantages that make it a great place for tech companies to invest -- a large consumer market, first class universities and, crucially, top quality talent," the blog post said. Distraction from bad news ? The announcement comes as Facebook grapples with the fallout of a damaging scandal, major outages of its services, and rising calls for regulation to curb its vast influence. The company has faced a storm of criticism over the past month after former employee Frances Haugen leaked internal studies showing Facebook knew its sites could be harmful to young people's mental health. The Washington Post last month suggested that Facebook's interest in the metaverse is "part of a broader push to rehabilitate the company's reputation with policymakers and reposition Facebook to shape the regulation of next-wave Internet technologies". Also Read | How Facebook kept secret list of terror organisations, hate groups and criminals But Zuckerberg also appears to be a genuine evangelist for the advent of the metaverse era, predicting in July that Facebook will transition from "primarily being a social media company to being a metaverse company" over the next five years. Facebook bought Oculus, a company that makes virtual reality headsets, for $2 billion in 2014 and has since been developing Horizon, a digital world where people can interact using VR technology. In August it unveiled Horizon Workrooms, a feature where co-workers wearing VR headsets can hold meetings in a virtual room where they all appear as cartoonish 3D versions of themselves. Blurring the lines Metaverse enthusiasts point out that the internet is already starting to blur the lines between virtual experiences and "real" ones. Stars such as pop diva Ariana Grande and the rapper Travis Scott have performed for huge audiences, watching at home, via the hit video game Fortnite. Also Read | Facebook-backed group launches misinformation adjudication panel in Australia In Decentraland, another online platform widely seen as a forerunner to the metaverse, you can already get a job as a croupier in its virtual casino. "No one company will own and operate the metaverse. Like the internet, its key feature will be its openness and interoperability," Facebook said in its blog post. It is not the only company pouring millions into developing the technology that could turn a fully-fledged version of the metaverse into reality. Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, announced earlier this year that it had raised $1 billion in new funding, with some of that money set to support its vision of the metaverse.

Facebook announces 10,000 European Union jobs to build 'metaverse'

Facebook is planning to hire 10,000 people in the European Union in order to develop a metaverse, which is an online world where people can game, work and communicate in a virtual environment, often using VR headsets.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been a leading voice for the new concept.&nbsp;

In a blog post, Facebook said, "The metaverse has the potential to help unlock access to new creative, social, and economic opportunities. And Europeans will be shaping it right from the start."

This will create new jobs for people over the next five years. This will specifically include "highly specialised engineers".

Facebook said that investing in EU offered many advantages, including access to a large consumer market, first-class universities and high-quality talent.&nbsp;

Facebook claims that the metaverse "won't be built overnight by a single company" and has promised to collaborate.

However, it thinks the true metaverse idea will take another 10 to 15 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hate-speech-for-profit-facebook-whistleblower-reveals-identity-418061">Also read |&nbsp;Hate speech for profit: Facebook whistleblower reveals identity</a>

As per critics, this latest announcement is an attempt to re-establish the company's reputation and divert attention.

This includes revelations made by Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen who shared a trove of Facebook documents alleging that the social media giant knew its products were fueling hate and harming children's mental health revealed her identity on Sunday in a televised interview.&nbsp;

Frances Haugen, a 37-year-old data scientist from Iowa, accused the company of choosing "profit over safety."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-weakens-our-democracy-harms-kids-top-quotes-from-whistleblower-frances-haugens-testimony-418489">Also read |&nbsp;'Facebook weakens our democracy, harms kids': Top quotes from whistleblower Frances Haugen’s testimony</a>

In an interview with the CBS news show "60 Minutes", she said that Facebook was "substantially worse" than anything she had seen before. "Facebook over and over again has shown it chooses profit over safety. It is subsidising, it is paying for its profits with our safety," Haugen said.

Haugen as an unnamed whistleblower shared documents with US lawmakers and The Wall Street Journal that detailed how Facebook knew its products, including Instagram, were harming young girls, especially around body image.

Facebook is planning to hire 10,000 people in the European Union in order to develop a metaverse, which is an online world where people can game, work and communicate in a virtual environment, often using VR headsets.

Facebook is planning to hire 10,000 people in the European Union in order to develop a metaverse, which is an online world where people can game, work and communicate in a virtual environment, often using VR headsets. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has been a leading voice for the new concept. In a blog post, Facebook said, "The metaverse has the potential to help unlock access to new creative, social, and economic opportunities. And Europeans will be shaping it right from the start." This will create new jobs for people over the next five years. This will specifically include "highly specialised engineers". Facebook said that investing in EU offered many advantages, including access to a large consumer market, first-class universities and high-quality talent. Facebook claims that the metaverse "won't be built overnight by a single company" and has promised to collaborate. However, it thinks the true metaverse idea will take another 10 to 15 years. Also read | Hate speech for profit: Facebook whistleblower reveals identity As per critics, this latest announcement is an attempt to re-establish the company's reputation and divert attention. This includes revelations made by Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen who shared a trove of Facebook documents alleging that the social media giant knew its products were fueling hate and harming children's mental health revealed her identity on Sunday in a televised interview. Frances Haugen, a 37-year-old data scientist from Iowa, accused the company of choosing "profit over safety." Also read | 'Facebook weakens our democracy, harms kids': Top quotes from whistleblower Frances Haugen’s testimony In an interview with the CBS news show "60 Minutes", she said that Facebook was "substantially worse" than anything she had seen before. "Facebook over and over again has shown it chooses profit over safety. It is subsidising, it is paying for its profits with our safety," Haugen said. Haugen as an unnamed whistleblower shared documents with US lawmakers and The Wall Street Journal that detailed how Facebook knew its products, including Instagram, were harming young girls, especially around body image.

Facebook plans on hiring 10,000 people in EU to work on metaverse

Imagine a world where you could sit on the same couch as a friend who lives thousands of miles away, or conjure up a virtual version of your workplace while at the beach.

Welcome to the&nbsp;metaverse: a vision of the future that sounds fantastical, but which tech titans like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg are betting on as the next great leap in the evolution of the internet.

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The&nbsp;metaverse&nbsp;is, in fact, the stuff of science-fiction: the term was coined by Neal Stephenson in his 1992 novel "Snow Crash", in which people don virtual reality headsets to interact inside a game-like digital world.&nbsp;

The book has long enjoyed cult status among Silicon Valley entrepreneurs,&nbsp;but in recent months the&nbsp;metaverse&nbsp;has become one of the tech sector's hottest buzzwords, with companies pouring millions of dollars into its development.&nbsp;

Facebook fuelled the excitement further Monday by announcing the creation of a new team to work on Zuckerberg's vision of the&nbsp;metaverse.

Facebook, the world's largest social network, has invested heavily in virtual reality and augmented reality, developing hardware such as its Oculus VR headsets and working on AR glasses and wristband technologies.

It has also bought a bevy of VR gaming studios, including BigBox VR. It has about 10,000 employees working on virtual reality, The Information reported in March.

Zuckerberg has said he thinks it makes sense to invest deeply to shape what he bets will be the next big computing platform.

"I believe the&nbsp;metaverse&nbsp;will be the successor to the mobile internet, and creating this product group is the next step in our journey to help build it," he said on his Monday Facebook post.

He told The Verge: "If we do this well, I think over the next five years or so ... we will effectively transition from people seeing us as primarily being a social media company to being a&nbsp;metaverse&nbsp;company."

As with many tech buzzwords, the definition of the&nbsp;metaverse&nbsp;depends on whom you ask. But broadly, it involves blending the physical world with the digital one.&nbsp;

With the help of augmented reality glasses, it might allow you to see information whizz before your eyes as you walk around a city, from traffic and pollution updates to local history.

But&nbsp;metaverse&nbsp;enthusiasts are dreaming of a future in which the idea could be extended much further, allowing us to be transported to digital settings that feel real, such as a nightclub or a mountaintop.&nbsp;

As workers have grown weary of video conferences during the pandemic, Zuckerberg is particularly excited about the idea that co-workers could be brought together in a virtual room that feels like they are face-to-face.

Games in which players enter immersive digital worlds offer a glimpse into what the&nbsp;metaverse&nbsp;could eventually look like, blurring virtual entertainment with the real-world economy.

As far back as the early 2000s, the game Second Life allowed people to create digital avatars that could interact and shop with real money.&nbsp;

More recently, plots of land in Decentraland -- a virtual world where visitors can watch concerts, visit art galleries, and gamble in casinos -- have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars in MANA, a cryptocurrency.

The hugely popular video game Fortnite has also expanded into other forms of entertainment, with 12.3 million people logging in to watch rapper Travis Scott perform last year. Fortnite's owners Epic Games said in April that $1 billion of funding raised recently would be used to support its "vision for the&nbsp;metaverse".&nbsp;

And on Roblox, a gaming platform popular with children, a digital version of a Gucci bag sold in May for more than $4,100,&nbsp;more than the physical version would have cost.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Imagine a world where you could sit on the same couch as a friend who lives thousands of miles away, or conjure up a virtual version of your workplace while at the beach.

Imagine a world where you could sit on the same couch as a friend who lives thousands of miles away, or conjure up a virtual version of your workplace while at the beach. Welcome to the metaverse: a vision of the future that sounds fantastical, but which tech titans like Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg are betting on as the next great leap in the evolution of the internet. The metaverse is, in fact, the stuff of science-fiction: the term was coined by Neal Stephenson in his 1992 novel "Snow Crash", in which people don virtual reality headsets to interact inside a game-like digital world. The book has long enjoyed cult status among Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, but in recent months the metaverse has become one of the tech sector's hottest buzzwords, with companies pouring millions of dollars into its development. Facebook fuelled the excitement further Monday by announcing the creation of a new team to work on Zuckerberg's vision of the metaverse. Facebook, the world's largest social network, has invested heavily in virtual reality and augmented reality, developing hardware such as its Oculus VR headsets and working on AR glasses and wristband technologies. It has also bought a bevy of VR gaming studios, including BigBox VR. It has about 10,000 employees working on virtual reality, The Information reported in March. Zuckerberg has said he thinks it makes sense to invest deeply to shape what he bets will be the next big computing platform. "I believe the metaverse will be the successor to the mobile internet, and creating this product group is the next step in our journey to help build it," he said on his Monday Facebook post. He told The Verge: "If we do this well, I think over the next five years or so ... we will effectively transition from people seeing us as primarily being a social media company to being a metaverse company." As with many tech buzzwords, the definition of the metaverse depends on whom you ask. But broadly, it involves blending the physical world with the digital one. With the help of augmented reality glasses, it might allow you to see information whizz before your eyes as you walk around a city, from traffic and pollution updates to local history. But metaverse enthusiasts are dreaming of a future in which the idea could be extended much further, allowing us to be transported to digital settings that feel real, such as a nightclub or a mountaintop. As workers have grown weary of video conferences during the pandemic, Zuckerberg is particularly excited about the idea that co-workers could be brought together in a virtual room that feels like they are face-to-face. Games in which players enter immersive digital worlds offer a glimpse into what the metaverse could eventually look like, blurring virtual entertainment with the real-world economy. As far back as the early 2000s, the game Second Life allowed people to create digital avatars that could interact and shop with real money. More recently, plots of land in Decentraland -- a virtual world where visitors can watch concerts, visit art galleries, and gamble in casinos -- have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars in MANA, a cryptocurrency. The hugely popular video game Fortnite has also expanded into other forms of entertainment, with 12.3 million people logging in to watch rapper Travis Scott perform last year. Fortnite's owners Epic Games said in April that $1 billion of funding raised recently would be used to support its "vision for the metaverse". And on Roblox, a gaming platform popular with children, a digital version of a Gucci bag sold in May for more than $4,100, more than the physical version would have cost. (With inputs from agencies)

'Next great leap in evolution of internet': Why is Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg betting on metaverse?

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