During Day 1 of the Arab Meta Summit 2022, Omrei Abu Madi, co-founder of OurVerse and a visionary in both the tech and tourism industries, discussed the real-world applications of the Metaverse, particularly focusing on Augmented Reality (AR).
With over a decade of experience in the tech sector, Omrei highlighted how technology, specifically the Metaverse, is transforming various industries, enhancing human interactions, and creating immersive, digital experiences that can revolutionize the way we live, work, and interact.
Merging Real and Virtual Worlds
Omrei began by explaining how the Metaverse merges the digital and physical worlds, creating a seamless environment where users can interact in real-time through avatars. In this virtual realm, individuals can use their creativity to design characters, objects, and innovative ways of interacting, similar to the real world but with limitless possibilities. By integrating AR into the Metaverse, these virtual interactions become even more realistic, enhancing the user experience.
This merging of real and virtual worlds offers significant opportunities for industries like tourism, where customers can virtually explore destinations or hotel rooms before making any bookings. Omrei illustrated this by describing how his team developed an interactive virtual experience for the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. Customers were able to virtually tour hotels and resorts, offering a tangible preview of what to expect in the real world. Such technology bridges the gap between expectation and reality, significantly improving the customer experience in the tourism industry.
Aviva Technologies also offers a shared revenue model through its Aviva Ambassadors program, which allows companies to onboard metaverse projects from different countries, leveraging a collective approach to development.
Real-World Applications Across Multiple Industries
Omrei emphasized that the applications of the Metaverse and AR go far beyond tourism. Real estate, for example, benefits immensely from virtual property tours, where clients can explore and interact with properties before purchasing. Similarly, e-commerce has found a home in the Metaverse, allowing customers to browse products in 3D, offering an engaging alternative to traditional online shopping. Customers can now experience products virtually as if they were in a physical store, helping them make more informed purchasing decisions.
He also discussed how businesses can set up virtual stores or experiences in the Metaverse, offering new avenues for revenue generation. Retailers, for example, can lease virtual space to showcase products in a digital showroom or marketplace, reaching a broader audience without the need for physical infrastructure.
Overcoming Technological Challenges
Omrei acknowledged the technological hurdles that exist in the Metaverse today, including the challenge of integrating high-quality virtual experiences while maintaining device compatibility. His team at Aviva Technologies worked extensively to optimize 3D environments for a variety of devices, ensuring that users could experience the Metaverse without needing high-end hardware.
Another significant achievement Omrei highlighted was the creation of a scalable, immersive virtual environment that allows for massive virtual spaces. For instance, they developed a billion-square-meter virtual city where users from around the world can interact, buy, sell, and collaborate within a shared digital space. These advancements show how the Metaverse can be harnessed to create expansive, accessible, and engaging digital environments.
The Future of Metaverse and AR
Looking ahead, Omrei stressed the importance of continuing to innovate and refine Metaverse technologies. He noted that as AR and Metaverse platforms evolve, they will offer more realistic and engaging experiences across industries, from real estate and e-commerce to entertainment and social media.
In conclusion, Omrei Abu Madi’s presentation at the Arab Meta Summit 2022 illustrated the vast potential of the Metaverse and AR in real-world applications. By breaking down the barriers between the virtual and physical worlds, the Metaverse is set to revolutionize industries, enhance user experiences, and create new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.
For more details, check out the full presentation (Arabic) on YouTube below.
