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  • The Metaverse

  • And How It Will Revolutionize Everything
  • By: Matthew Ball
  • Narrated by: Luis Moreno
  • Length: 13 hrs and 38 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (112 ratings)

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The Metaverse

By: Matthew Ball
Narrated by: Luis Moreno
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Summary

Apple Books: Most Anticipated Books of Summer 2022

Amazon: Editors' Choice in Nonfiction

Fast Company: Selected Among 11 Best Technology Books of Summer 2022

Tim Sweeney (CEO of Fortnite-maker Epic Games): “Matthew Ball’s essays have defined, analyzed, and inspired the Metaverse for years. His book is an approachable and essential guide to the strategic, technical, and philosophical foundations of this new medium.”

“This book feels like a rare achievement―a definitive statement about an emerging phenomenon that could shape the digital world, the global economy, and the very experience of human consciousness.”―Derek Thompson, Atlantic staff writer and national best-selling author of Hit Makers

From the leading theorist of the Metaverse comes the definitive account of the next internet: what the Metaverse is, what it will take to build it, and what it means for all of us.

The term “Metaverse” is suddenly everywhere, from the front pages of national newspapers and the latest fashion trends to the plans of the most powerful companies in history. It is already shaping the policy platforms of the US government, the European Union, and the Chinese Communist Party.

But what, exactly, is the Metaverse? As pioneering theorist and venture capitalist Matthew Ball explains, it is a persistent and interconnected network of 3D virtual worlds that will eventually serve as the gateway to most online experiences, and also underpin much of the physical world. For decades, these ideas have been limited to science fiction and video games, but they are now poised to revolutionize every industry and function, from finance and healthcare to education, consumer products, city planning, dating, and well beyond.

Taking us on an expansive tour of the “next internet,” Ball demonstrates that many proto-Metaverses are already here, such as Fortnite, Minecraft, and Roblox. Yet these offer only a glimpse of what is to come. Ball presents a comprehensive definition of the Metaverse before explaining the technologies that will power it―and the breakthroughs that will be necessary to fully realize it. He addresses the governance challenges the Metaverse entails; investigates the role of Web3, blockchains, and NFTs; and predicts Metaverse winners and losers. Most importantly, he examines many of the Metaverse’s almost unlimited applications.

The internet will no longer be at arm’s length; instead, it will surround us, with much of our lives, labor, and leisure taking place inside the Metaverse. Bringing clarity and authority to a frequently misunderstood concept, Ball foresees trillions of dollars in new value―and the radical reshaping of society.

©2022 Matthew Ball (P)2022 Recorded Books
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What listeners say about The Metaverse

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Good review of where we are

A comprehensive analysis of current players and likely future technical directions plus a list of likely issues

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exceeded expectations

I must admit that I had a slow start as I work in the industry; my brain kept thinking that surely this is common knowledge. I am glad I stuck with the book thou as the second half of the book was very interesting, pushing the boundaries of today's tech set up and offering food for thought.
In general it offers a wide perspective on all topics it touches which is refreshingly welcome.
You won't regret this listen.

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I'd give it 6 Stars if I could

This is a long audio book, over TEN hours, but worth every minute.

If there is a more comprehensive explanation then this book I'd love to hear it.

As a nerd, an early adopter, a gamer, a tech enthusiast and IT Leader, I really wanted to understand as much about the Metaverse as possible, and this sure did deliver.

Many of the points and nuances are laboured and explained in numerous different ways.

But it's needed to fully comprehend the sheer complexity of the Metaverse.

If you have any interest or association with understanding or explanation of the Metaverse, please use this book.

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Highly educational and insightful

As someone who Co owns a business that is sponsored by Epic Games, this book is bang on point in so many ways. Matthew Ball describes distinct challenges that range from business and culture, all the way to technology. The book gets better as you get through it, I thought the authors summary on Blockchain was probably the best I’ve heard. Fantastic book which I would highly recommend.

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One of those books changing your view on tech future- amazing

I hardly write reviews, but only for the greatest books. If you like technology, history and stories and you are not an expert, best book ever.

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Great introduction

After going to a VR experience, I downloaded this book to find out more and the possibilities of the metaverse, and I wasn't disappointed. This is a thorough, technical assessment of what the metaverse is/will be, focussing on realities and constraints rather than solely on hype. Some parts are jargon-heavy but it remained accessible, on the whole. Have recommended to friends and family.

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