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 as well as people's lives, and it will continue to do so in the future. The global metaverse market is predicted to be worth about $1 trillion by 2030, with over two billion users participating in some form of immersive experience.

There's a reason why companies are 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 this virtual space on business and life.