Metaverse: A Definition

Met"a*verse\,n [meta' beyond, over + verse short for universe] the inter-connected digital space of virtual worlds and web content accessible via avatars.

The true meaning of metaverse is more about what it will become than what it is today. The vision is of a 3D Web (or better termed 3D enhanced web) where all digital information can be acccessed and experienced via an avatar. So, it is the virtual universe comprised of all virtual worlds and interfaces to all digital data. The metaverse will also have a services such as currency exchange, trading transactions, 2D Web gateways and inventory storage.

How far away is this future--? 2010-2012 may see this vision become increasingly a reality as virtual world platforms gain users and build-out inter-connectivity. Increase in mobile applications will also drive expansion of a visually-oriented browsing experience.