Bill Gates predicts our work meetings will move to metaverse in 2-3 years – USA TODAY

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Getting work done in the metaverse might happen a lot sooner than we think.

Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Bill Gates predicts most workers will take their virtual meetings within the metaverse in the next two or three years.

Gates shared his thoughts in a year-in-review post published to his personal website.

"I predict most virtual meetings will move from 2D camera image grids which I call the "Hollywood Squares model," although I know that probably dates me to the metaverse, a 3D space with digital avatars," wrote Gates.

Gates said adoption of metaverse meetings would be slow because many people lack the tools to fully immerse themselves in the experience, such as virtual reality goggles. But he expressed optimism for advances made with three-dimensional avatars and spatial audio to help users feel more connected virtually.

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"Theres still some work to do, but were approaching a threshold where the technology begins to truly replicate the experience of being together in the office," said Gates.

The metaverse is a digital realm combining technology such as VR, augmented reality and video where users "live" in a virtual universe. Supporters of the metaverse including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believe the metaverse could supplant the modern internet.

Zuckerberg predicts key components of the metaverse will become mainstream in the next five to 10 years.

Earlier this year, Meta (formerly known as Facebook) introduced Horizon Workrooms, a VR app where people can congregate in virtual workrooms.

Multiple companies have taken the plunge to claim their stake. Microsoft is using holograms and creating mixed and extended reality applications, and also owns Minecraft, a kid-friendly game that has morphed into its own virtual universe.

Meanwhile, another platform loved by kids, Roblox, has partnered with several brands including Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Vans to bring unique experiences to the metaverse.

Follow Brett Molina on Twitter: @brettmolina23.

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Bill Gates predicts our work meetings will move to metaverse in 2-3 years - USA TODAY