2022 Metaverse: Can we have a metaverse connected and decentralized? Yes. The hypergrid is a working proof of concept. Web-worlds could be next.

Metaverse:  Can we have a metaverse connected and decentralized?    

Yes.  The hypergrid is a working proof of concept.  

Web-worlds could be next. 

A mini-metaverse is already in operation.  OpenSimulator/hypergrid has most of the characteristics that people are describing for the future metaverse.  

• Watch on YouTube
• What OpenSimulator/hypergrid needs to qualify as the beginning metaverse. It already has most of the needed features: A meeting in the metaverse.

• The hypergrid is a working proof of concept.
• It presently connects several hundred independent grids.
• All are running OpenSimulator (opensource).
• The hypergrid is a set of protocols that support exchanges of data between grids.
• OpenSimulator offers a glimpse of what a decentralized metaverse might look like
• Metaverse: the many worlds model. How can the metaverse be decentralized and interconnected? Metaverse hub

Are these grids decentralized?

• They are run by independent operators, mostly individuals.
• Many people are running their grids on their own home computers.
• (That is real ownership!)
• Many of these grids are not for commercial purposes.
• I don' see how you can get more decentralized.

What does connected mean here?

• You have a home grid where you log in,
• You can teleport from that grid to any other connected grid.
• You can carry exportable assets with you on that trip.
• You can add people from other grids to your contact list.
• You can send text messages and exportable assets to people on other grids.
• People on other grids can teleport to your place.  
• You can let people from other grids build on your place.

What are the pros and cons of connections?

User pro

• Access to more places, events, and people.
• Ability to collaborate with people in other grids.

User con

• Risk of exposure to dishonest grid operations.

Operator Pro

• Enhanced offering to users.
• Increased traffic flow from potential customers

Operator con

• Makes it easy for customers to try out other grids.
• Expose customers to risks on other grids.

Could that model fit the current metaverse platforms?

• Current technology could handle it.
• The gating factor might be getting cooperation from grid owners.
• Security would by a main issue.
• Commercial grids may be reluctant to let people jump off their grid to a competitor.

Alternative: metaverse hub

• There might be a market for a hub that manages entry credentials for multiple parts. 
• Commercial grids running might be willing to use a hub if it brought them traffic. 
• A hub could use webGL browser based tech to offer easy entry. 
• Then offer teleport to cooperating grids.  
• If a download/install is needed, the hub could handle that.
• There might be a business plan here.
• Alternatively the hub might be an opensource project by cooperating grids 

Imagining MHB (Metaverse hub)

• This plan is largely based on the OpenSimulator hypergrid.
• Hypergrid is a set of protocols that support interconnection among Open

Major services

• MHB is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing interconnection among metaverse places (grids).
• MHB seeks support from hardware vendors and others interested in boosting the use of graphics on the internet.
• MHB may run a small virtual world, but it will not compete with commercial virtual worlds.
• MHB will manage the credentials of users registered in commercial grids and support seamless user entry into those grids. 
• The effect is that the user can login once to MHB and then teieport to any cooperating grid.
• The user may be able to teleport directly to another cooperating grid.
• If not, the user can get to another cooperating grid by returning to MHB, then going to the other grid.

Other services: users can:

• add any other MHB user to their contact list.
• send text messages to any MHB user.
• upload and store assets (such as objects) in their MHB inventory.
• carry their assets* to any MHB grid they are registered in.
• send assets* to any MHB user.
• *Limited to exportable assets, generally those made or imported by the user.
• have text or voice conversations with any MHB user online.
• use external systems such as Discord or Skype from MHB grids.

MHB would handle most start-up and login tasks

• Some grids require the user to download and install a viewer.
• MHB could do almost all of that except for approvals needed for security.
• MHB could provide the login credentials for any cooperating grid.
• Thus the user would only login to MHB to be able to get to any cooperating grid.

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Easy access meetings in the metaverse

• Fridays 3 pm eastern (New York) 
• At the Web Show, a video set in the metaverse 
• Go there with this url: https://nonprofitvirtualworld.org/loc... 
• A developer meeting is held there every other week: 
• To find out which week, follow CybaLOUNGE on Twitter: 
• https://twitter.com/cybaLOUNGE
• 3DWebWorldz: Meetings alternate with the Web Show
• Welcome Center.  https://3dwebworldz.com/
• I am usually available weekdays at 1 pm New York time 
• In these 2 places:
• Welcome Center.  https://3dwebworldz.com/
• https://nonprofitvirtualworld.org/location.html?locationid=800000002&dl=true
• Music every Friday at 9 pm New York time:
• https://LiveMusic3D.com

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