Secure, Reliable, and Easy to Use: How Somnia’s Metaverse Browser is Reducing Entry Barriers in Web3

During this engaging dialogue at the, Sánchez outlines the company's pioneering vision for the Metaverse. He delves into challenges related to interoperability and AI integration, offering insights into how Somnia is instrumental in shaping the future of digital experiences. Hack Seasons Conference , Ignacio Pastor Sánchez , Head of Software Engineering at Somnia Many entrepreneurs find their calling through a significant event or moment. Can you share your journey into Web3?

The turning point for me was when Beeple's NFT sold for an astonishing 69 million dollars at Christie’s. It created a buzz here in Spain. Although I was already familiar with Bitcoin and had acquaintances involved in cryptocurrency trading, that was the moment I thought, 'Wow, this is genuinely intriguing.'

That sparked my focus on NFT projects. My expertise spans several areas, but I found it a bit disheartening back then since companies struggled to collect and present the data they needed effectively.

The cryptocurrency landscape was a fast-paced and imaginative sphere. There was far less bureaucracy, which suited my freelance lifestyle perfectly. I found working in Web3 far more enjoyable than my previous experiences in machine learning, for instance.

Why did you choose to concentrate on the metaverse rather than finance, like many other companies?

The blockchain facet of the Metaverse does touch on financial aspects, yet it's primarily about establishing a marketplace for digital assets. Our team, largely coming from the gaming sector, finds it more natural to focus on the Metaverse as we address existing issues surrounding digital asset ownership in the isolated environments created by different studios, among others.

I still believe finance is very much intertwined with the Metaverse. However, the Metaverse is more tangible. Unlike finances, which can be quite abstract, in the Metaverse, you're dealing with specific digital assets familiar to anyone from the gaming community, while also introducing it to financial interests to empower users to own these assets.

Are there strategies to encourage individuals from traditional sectors to embrace the Metaverse?

Absolutely! I particularly see potential in the entertainment sector and, of course, in gaming, although it isn’t entirely traditional. The opportunities for immersive 3D experiences in training and education within conventional companies are immense, like industrial simulations where the Metaverse could play a pivotal role.

Additionally, I genuinely sense that the natural progression of our meetings could evolve into something resembling a 3D interaction. It would trick the mind into feeling a stronger connection with the person across from you rather than just communicating through a flat screen.

How does Somnia's vision of a 'Metaverse Computer' differ from other metaverse platforms, and what unique benefits does it bring?

Our focus with the Metaverse Computer is twofold. First, we emphasize interoperability. Currently, every Metaverse entity operates independently. We're dedicated to developing a set of open standards that others, even those not affiliated with us, can adopt.

Next, we're committed to supplying the computing infrastructure necessary for such experiences. We’ve identified a gap in the market where existing solutions fail to meet our performance expectations.

Thus, we aim to deliver the infrastructure for building on, while adhering to these open standards. We may not be the ones crafting every experience, but we're excited to offer opportunities to other companies and developers.

What distinct features does Somnia’s metaverse browser present, and how does it enhance user experience over traditional web browsers?

Currently, our Metaverse browser functions as a specialized tool. Unlike a conventional web browser, which allows for limitless navigation, our Metaverse browser operates in a controlled setting where we simplify wallet interactions for users. We create a wallet for you, enabling blockchain interactions without overwhelming the user with its complexities.

Our premise is that crypto management, including tasks with MetaMask, can be intimidating and a significant hurdle for many. Hence, our approach serves a dual purpose: eliminating the anxiety associated with frightening prompts like 'Are you sure you want to proceed?' By offering a curated set of applications, we ensure a secure environment, minimizing risks associated with wandering into untrustworthy sites.

As you mentioned, AI is making strides in the Metaverse; do you think merging AI with the Metaverse could be a turning point?

Yes, I firmly believe that there are endless possibilities for AI within the Metaverse. Specifically, it can reduce the costs associated with creating new experiences. Recent advancements in AI-driven 3D generation can massively streamline asset creation, which has historically been a major challenge that requires extensive resources and skills in 3D modeling.

Additionally, AI can significantly improve content moderation and safety within the Metaverse. The interplay between these technologies could create powerful enhancements across numerous applications.

What does the future of cross-platform interoperability in the metaverse look like, and what steps is Somnia taking to bring this vision to life?

Achieving cross-platform interoperability is indeed our ultimate goal. We envision establishing a set of open standards akin to the successful EVM ecosystem, where consensus on standards facilitates building upon them.

This means developers won't have to negotiate methodologies with each other; instead, they'll simply adhere to the established standards and create on that foundation. Our perspective on interoperability is to maintain a baseline of agreement on standards while allowing for innovative competition.

Could you share some of the most thrilling metaverse experiences or applications currently in development on the Somnia platform?

We've successfully collaborated on various events, including exclusive editions and other engaging Metaverse experiences that bring groups of people together for collaborative play. Our AMAs have also provided a platform for community engagement within these 3D settings, which is exciting as it fosters a sense of connection, even in a virtual environment where you can move and engage with others.

I’m particularly thrilled about an upcoming project called the Metaverse Playground, where users can create their own mini Metaverses for friends, allowing for a tailored experience that promotes creative self-service. It's an exciting venture that I believe will resonate well with users.

How do you envision the future of digital identity and avatar systems in the Metaverse?

We foresee a future where digital identity is essentially a network of linked assets that represent one individual. For instance, today’s NFTs may identify you as part of a specific group, like the Moonbirds. Our vision connects these various assets, regardless of whether they come from different wallets or represent diverse NFTs, creating a comprehensive identity structure.

Our aim is for users to have a single access point to their identity across various Metaverses, effectively tracking their entire identity spectrum. Everyone has multiple identities—professional, personal, and otherwise.

The goal is to interlink these distinct assets to provide a holistic view of who you are within the blockchain or Metaverse, ensuring that this is done securely without compromising your asset privacy.

Can you discuss the company's strategy for supporting and integrating virtual economies and marketplaces?

One of the significant advantages of our commitment to open standards and collaboration with other organizations is that we're focused on making it easier for creators to build new assets. We aspire to motivate these creators by offering incentives that will enable them to develop unique assets that can be utilized across various experiences. This initiative forms a crucial aspect of our product offering.

User-Friendly, Safe, and Secure: How Somnia's Metaverse Browser is Breaking Down Obstacles in Web3 - Metaverse Post

Ignacio Pastor Sánchez, the leading Software Engineering figure at Somnia, shares insights on the company's cutting-edge methods in the Metaverse, tackling interoperability issues and the incorporation of AI.

User-Friendly, Safe, and Secure: How Somnia's Metaverse Browser is Breaking Down Obstacles in Web3

User-Friendly, Safe, and Secure: Exploring Somnia's Metaverse Browser and Its Role in Web3.

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Ignacio Pastor Sánchez, the leading Software Engineering figure at Somnia, shares insights on the company's cutting-edge methods in the Metaverse, tackling interoperability issues and the incorporation of AI.