Issue #07

We keep you up to date with everything you need to know about the Metaverse

Microsoft’s Minecraft to Ban NFTs on Game Servers, Derivative NFT Projects

Minecraft, one of the world’s most popular games, has announced changes to its user guidelines which will prevent the use of NFTs on its servers and prohibit NFTs using the game’s assets. Mojang Studios, owned by Microsoft, announced that the game will ban blockchain technology on game servers in order to ensure all players have a safe and inclusive experience. Mojang will also prohibit users from using Minecraft game content to create NFTs as the rarity of these assets would limit other player’s ability to use specific features on some servers. Both of these changes have been subject to significant criticism from NFT users and Minecraft fans. Read more

Google will once again test augmented reality glasses in public

Google has announced that new tests will be performed on their AR glasses in public settings. The glasses are to be equipped with microphones and cameras which will allow computer generated images to be superimposed over the real world using transparent displays. These new tests will be tightly controlled and are Google’s attempt to avoid any privacy. Google is just one of many companies such as Apple, Meta and Microsoft currently developing AR glasses in the race to develop the next generation of wearable AR technology for average consumers.Read more

Meta’s avatars just got a fashion upgrade with DressX

Meta recently updated its avatars’ closets. Digital fashion provider DressX was charged with the task of designing new outfits for Meta avatars which will be sold as a packaged look, with new collections being launched each month. These avatars can be used on all Meta platforms and are expected to be available worldwide as the roll out of Meta’s 3D avatars continues. Meta hopes to expand its reach in the digital fashion community through this collaboration.Read more

How 99-year-old publisher Time is leading legacy media into the NFT future

Over the past year president of TIME Keith Grossmann has built up the brand’s NFT business. Over 20,000 TIMEPieces NFTs have been released since September, with NFT holders enjoying unlimited access to TIME content and exclusive invitations. Subscribers can even pay for their digital magazine subscriptions using cryptocurrencies. A recent partnership with The Sandbox also resulted in the creation of TIME Square, where TIME will host virtual art and commerce events. TIME is just one of the latest big brands to incorporate NFTs into their marketing strategies after the NFT boom in 2020.Read more

Music and live gigs are coming to the metaverse — but probably not in the way you expect

After the success of virtual concerts during the pandemic, new formats for live music in the metaverse are being developed. Some developers have tried to recreate physical performances in a virtual space using existing technology, while others attempt to provide an overlay of online interaction. These concerts are costly and targeted at a specific audience that already uses such online platforms, meaning more accessible and cheaper metaverse applications are being launched as an alternative. Even platforms such as Fortnite are gamifying the virtual music industry by holding concerts that attract record numbers of viewers.Read more

Elon Musk's Tesla sells most of its Bitcoin holdings

Tesla has sold 75% of its Bitcoins holdings after the value of Bitcoin has decreased by 50% this year. Tesla’s investment in early 2021 had prompted a surge of demand for Bitcoin, however the company stopped accepting the currency as a payment method for cars in late 2021 due to concerns about the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining. This move is bad news for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies which are already experiencing a “crypto winter”.   Read more