Key enabling technologies and innovations

Abstract

This chapter describes how a number of right technologies are coming together at the right time to enable the development of Web3 and the metaverse. It will give an overview of the roles of major emerging technologies such as 5G and 6G cellular networks, artificial intelligence (AI) (including generative AI), blockchain, the Internet of things (IoT), and extended reality (XR) devices, which include augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and digital twin in building the metaverse and Web3. The chapter evaluates how these technologies have facilitated the uptake, scale-up, and deployment of Web3 and the metaverse. As a key technology behind Web3 and the metaverse, it promotes an understanding of the roles of blockchain in keeping distributed ledgers of all transactions and creating shared and immutable records, which help ensure transparency and security and create “rustless” digital relationships and transactions.