FinTech Magazine - May 2023 | Page 48

WILL METAVERSE SUCCESS RELY ON UPTAKE OF VR HEADSETS ?
It ’ s not a prerequisite of entering the metaverse that you own a VR headset . After all , the term ‘ metaverse ’ just refers to any virtual space in which participants can interact with one another . However , by accessing the metaverse through a browser or any other technology that is not a VR headset , users will – in all likelihood – be restricted from enjoying the full experience . In order to immerse themselves in this technology , people will need to invest in a headset . With household budgets being placed under immense pressure , how likely does it seem that the average consumer will fork out $ 500 for the privilege ?
Indeed , the question of headset ownership is one of the biggest sticking points for proponents of the metaverse . One day , VR headsets might be ubiquitous – but as of the end of 2021 , S & P Global Market Intelligence estimates that there are just 28.5mn AR and VR headsets installed worldwide . That ’ s about 9 % of the US population – worldwide . From a commercial perspective , many businesses will be happy with that rate of adoption ; after all , you don ’ t need every single person in the world to be participating in the metaverse before it becomes a worthwhile investment .
“ One way of doing this is to take advantage of the trust customers have in them by processing digital payments . Mastercard is already showing how a traditional financial institution can cater to digital payments demand while keeping their consumers within the existing network and brand .
“ Meanwhile , the US Bank is becoming the latest leading player to offer custody services , demonstrating that there ' s a strong desire for funds that deal in bitcoin to have a bank ' s name backing them up .
“ Breaking into the area by processing payments and offering custody services
48 May 2023