A clear-eyed guide to the metaverse and how this powerful technology--along with advances in spatial computing, VR, and AR--will impact our economy, our lives, and our world.

The metaverse. That term elicits a wide range of ideas and opinions. For many, it represents the next evolutionary phase of the internet--a fully immersive, digital universe where people can interact, work, and play in virtual environments. For others, it's yet another overhyped technology. So, what is it, exactly? And what will its impact be?

While speculation and predictions about the metaverse are varied, one thing is clear: it is impacting the world of business and people's lives, and it will continue to do so in the future. The global metaverse market is predicted be worth about $800 trillion by 2030, with over 2 billion users participating in some form of immersive experience.

There's a reason why Apple is investing heavily in spatial computing, and why platforms like Roblox are thriving. The metaverse, along with the technologies that underpin it, is still evolving, but it will eventually offer more ways for people to experience the world and each other.

In Welcome to the Metaverse, David Shrier, a world-leading futurist and the author of Welcome to AI, offers an entertaining look at the potential uses and impacts of the technology on business and life.

David L. Shrier is a globally recognized author and expert on technology-driven innovation. He is a Professor of Practice, AI and Innovation, at Imperial College Business School; cohead of Trusted AI at Imperial College London; and Managing Director of venture studio Visionary Future. He previously held a dual appointment at MIT and the University of Oxford. Shrier has advised public companies, private enterprise, and more than a hundred governments on fields such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and financial technology. In addition, he has launched multiple AI-based university spinouts.