Understanding Baidu’s Metaverse Vision
Baidu, the titan of China’s internet sector, has been making strides into the metaverse universe with its app, XiRang. However, as per the company’s vice president, Ma Jie, the complete rollout of this virtual realm is expected to be a distant dream—specifically, a “negative six years” away. This raises the question: What lies behind the delay in this highly anticipated digital haven?
The Journey Begins: Development Timeline
Development for XiRang kicked off back in December 2020, prompting excitement among tech enthusiasts and metaverse fans alike. Imagine the color and vibrancy of a virtual world inspired by the hopes and dreams of its creators—sounds intriguing, right? However, it seems we might have to pop that virtual bubble as the vision of a fully operating XiRang seems far from realization.
Metaverse Conference: A Sneak Peek
Despite the prolonged timeline, the upcoming Create 2021 event is set to be a showcase for XiRang. Think of it as a virtual carnival where up to 100,000 avatars can mingle and network. While it sounds like a exhilarating rollercoaster, it remains yet to be seen how smoothly the event will run—like a theme park in need of a little TLC!
Infrastructure Without Cryptocurrency? Confusing!
Curiously, Baidu’s shiny new metaverse won’t be facilitating digital currency transactions or virtual property trading. This is particularly perplexing given the app’s foundation in technologies akin to blockchain. One can’t help but wonder: could Baidu be trying to avoid the wrath of regulations that have plagued the cryptocurrency world in China? It looks like they prefer to play it safe in this fantastical domain.
Competition and Challenges Ahead
While Baidu is weaving its metaverse tapestry, it’s essential to note that other tech juggernauts, such as Tencent and Alibaba, aren’t sitting idly by. They are also rolling out their ambitions in this digital frontier. Moreover, there’s a looming shadow as the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, tied to the state, put forth warnings regarding national security risks associated with the metaverse.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for XiRang?
As we look toward the horizon, Baidu’s cautious steps into the metaverse evoke both excitement and skepticism. The journey from an ambitious dream to practical reality will require them to navigate a complex landscape of technology, regulation, and user engagement. Here’s hoping that by the time the app is ready for the spotlight, it doesn’t resemble a modern-day digital ghost town!
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