The ‘virtual universe king’ position of Meta, Microsoft shaken by a startup Improbable backed by SoftBank.

Improbable, a startup backed by SoftBank, has recently announced plans for a super-data network capable of storing thousands of user information, aiming to compete with tech giants like Meta and Microsoft.

The UK-based company, founded in 2012, has now unveiled its vision for MSquared – a Web3 super-data network or 3D space – where people can live, work, and interact virtually. It is worth noting that MSquared raised $150 million from investors last year.

Google, Nvidia, and Japanese cloud gaming company Ubitus will serve as technical partners, providing cloud infrastructure, pixel streaming, and video & audio technologies to deliver unique, high-quality, and seamless experiences within the super-data realm.

According to CNBC, behind MSquared lies a technological marvel. It can be accessed through cloud-based streaming, meaning users can seamlessly transition to the new platform without the need to download any software, similar to how one accesses movies and TV shows on Netflix.

Improbable is reportedly launching developer tools that enable programmers to build their own super-data experiences.

“The purpose of the metaverse is to create new interactive entertainment experiences,” said Herman Narula, co-founder and CEO of Improbable, in an interview with CNBC, while citing electronic games such as Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite as examples.

Thanks to Improbable’s Morpheus technology, the metaverse experience will be built and enable the storage of large-scale multiplayer online games.

According to Improbable, the user base of MSquared includes metaverse owners, content creators, service providers, and users. The ultimate idea is that MSquared will have over 10,000 accessible users.

Initially, the operations were limited to desktop computers, but Improbable has stated that they will soon expand to mobile devices and consoles by the end of this year. According to Narula, MSquared exists independently of Improbable. In other words, how Improbable operates does not affect MSquared.

However, for MSquared to be successful, Improbable will need to build experiences with brands. The company has not disclosed any specific names yet, but they are expected to announce their first partners as early as next week.

Improbable, one of the largest bets by Japanese technology investment giant SoftBank in the UK, was founded by two computer science students from Cambridge, Narula and Rob Whitehead. The initial business plan was to integrate technology into games and then collaborate with various studios to develop online games. However, due to encountering difficulties, Improbable had to abandon several projects a few years ago.

The technology industry has bet on augmented reality. Some people refer to it as the “iPhone moment,” meaning a technology that becomes popular and widespread like what Apple’s iPhone accomplished.

Improbable has chosen a different path compared to companies like Meta and Microsoft. Firstly, you won’t need virtual reality headsets to enter the MSquared space as the software is built for desktop computers. This is a more “decentralized” experience where users can directly exchange goods on various platforms. The company is also betting on cryptocurrency and blockchain while supporting digital assets such as NFTs, allowing users to prove ownership of virtual items.

“The metaverse is the next frontier that humanity can conquer, similar to how we have done with social networking since its inception,” said Meta co-founder Thoma Bravo.

Currently, regulatory authorities are concerned that the metaverse could exacerbate certain online vices. In response, Improbable has launched a dedicated advisory group on super-data and the ethical aspects of the platform earlier this year.

It remains to be seen whether Improbable will succeed, especially considering that the metaverse no longer generates the same level of hype as it did last year. Walt Disney has announced the closure of its metaverse development division. Microsoft recently halted the development of its acquired social virtual reality platform from 2017, while Mark Zuckerberg has gradually shifted focus to AI investment due to losses in metaverse ventures.

Meanwhile, the prices of virtual real estate in certain online worlds, where users can participate as avatars, are plummeting. The average land prices in Decentraland have lost nearly 90% of their value compared to a year ago, according to WeMeta, a metaverse tracking website.

“I just want to experiment and work on technologies that help people enjoy the real world,” said David Limp, Senior Vice President of Devices and Services at Amazon.

Indeed, the rebranding of Facebook to Meta in October 2021 sparked excitement for product experiences across platforms. However, user hesitancy has resulted in the metaverse not generating as much revenue as anticipated.

“Many people are realizing that the metaverse is still far from truly transforming,” said Matthew Ball, a venture investor.

Accroding to:CNBC, WSJ