Microsoft president warns that the metaverse is ‘not like dying and going to heaven’
Microsoft President Brad Smith pumped the brakes on the metaverse hype.
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What you need to know
Microsoft president Brad Smith recently discussed several hot topics, including the metaverse, in an interview withReuters. While Smith thinks the technology will be important in the future, he tempered expectations for it. He also explained the importance of privacy and digital safety within it.
WhenFacebook rebranded to Meta, the company shared the idea of a metaverse that it’s working towards. It is an augmented reality joint universe that allows people to interact in several ways.Meta plans to hire thousands of peopleto help create it. It’s an ambitious idea that’s drawnconcern regarding privacy.
“I think (the metaverse) will be very big… and quite important,” said Smith. “We have to ensure that it protects privacy, digital safety and protects against disinformation, manipulation. We have a lot to clean up.”
Many of the concepts behind the augmented reality universe aren’t new. Windows Central Senior EditorJez Corden claimsthat “the tech industry’s ‘metaverse’ fad is a load of bollocks.” He also highlights that Minecraft is already a metaverse app.
While Smith didn’t use the same type of language as Corden, he cautioned people about getting overhyped. “We’re all talking about the metaverse as if we’re entering some new dimension,” he said. “This is not like dying and going to heaven. We’re all going to be living in the real world with people.”
Smith also noted that Meta likely won’t be the only company to create a metaverse, stating, “everyone is going to be entering this.”
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella alsodiscussed the metaversein a recent interview.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
