Here’s a simple definition of the metaverse: It’s an immersive online space, probably 3D, where you’ll socialize, shop and play games. But things are never really quite that simple, right? Because though we say the metaverse, it could be there’ll be many metaverses, and maybe they’ll sync up or maybe they won’t. Maybe you’ll need VR goggles, maybe you won’t.
To help you sort through how all this is taking shape, we’ve launched a series of stories called Making the Metaverse. The first one, from Scott Stein, digs into the definition and the deeper meaning of this new digital thing. In subsequent stories, Ian Sherr looks at how games are a gateway, Queenie Wong goes shopping a la metaverse, Dan Van Boom writes about the new digital land grab, and Stephen Shankland considers the messiness of it all.
Those stories are among the many in-depth features and thought-provoking commentaries that appeared on CNET this week. So here you go. These are the stories you don’t want to miss.
Is this the hype peak of the metaverse? Or are we seeing something emerge that’s been evolving for a long time?
My dad, an esteemed scientist accustomed to living in his mind, had that mind irrevocably altered in an instant when he was struck in a hit-and-run.
Commentary: The Senate’s unanimous vote to set clocks forward year round is disconnected from public opinion — and my family’s school day routine.
Classics like Apocalypse Now, M*A*S*H and Lonesome Dove are still talked about decades later, but Robert Duvall, now 91, has another old film on his mind.
How much would you pay for digital property?
A 2021 book and a new Netflix documentary trace the deadly Max crashes back to a Boeing that strayed far from its cautious roots.
Commentary: Fans may freak out at [slight spoiler], but the Paramount Plus television version of Halo takes John 117 to new dimensions of character depth.
In research on emotions, “since animals don’t talk, their feelings were denied,” says biologist Frans de Waal. The best-selling author discusses animal ethics.
Commentary: Google has an opportunity to stand out in the smartwatch space by giving its expected Pixel Watch exclusive software features.
