Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Define web-based multimedia.
  • Describe the concepts of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR).
  • Understand the emerging concept of the metaverse.

Web-Based Multimedia

Web-based multimedia refers to the use of multimedia content on websites. The modern web is a multimedia platform, with nearly every website incorporating a combination of text, graphics, audio, and video to create a more engaging user experience.

The field of multimedia is constantly evolving. Some of the major trends shaping its future include:

  • Virtual Reality (VR): VR is an immersive experience that uses a headset to replace the user’s real-world view with a completely computer-generated environment. It aims to create a convincing, interactive virtual world.

  • Augmented Reality (AR): AR overlays computer-generated images and information onto the user’s view of the real world. Unlike VR, AR enhances the real world rather than replacing it.
    • Example: The mobile game Pokémon Go, or using your phone’s camera to see how a piece of furniture would look in your room.
  • The Metaverse: An emerging concept for a future version of the internet, where users can interact with each other and with digital objects in a persistent, shared virtual space. The metaverse is envisioned as a 3D internet that combines aspects of VR, AR, and social media.

Summary

Web-based multimedia is now a standard part of the online experience. The future of the field is moving towards more immersive and interactive experiences. Virtual Reality aims to create entirely new digital worlds, while Augmented Reality overlays digital information onto our real world. The ultimate vision for many is the metaverse, a persistent, shared virtual universe that could become the next major computing platform.

Key Takeaways

  • Web-based multimedia is the use of multimedia on websites.
  • VR replaces your view of the real world; AR enhances it.
  • The metaverse is a concept for a persistent, shared 3D virtual world.

Discussion Questions

  1. What are some of the potential applications of VR beyond gaming?
  2. What are some of the potential applications of AR in education?
  3. Do you think the metaverse will become a reality? What are some of the biggest challenges to its development?