RP1’s Vision for the Metaverse
RP1 has been dedicated to realizing the concept of the metaverse for an extended period. The company has been promoting its technology aimed at facilitating large gatherings in digital environments since 2022, and it continues to push forward with this vision. Recently, during the Augmented World Expo 2025 in Long Beach, California, CEO Sean Mann articulated the necessity for a specialized metaverse browser, a concept that RP1 is eager to develop further.
Evolution of Technology
Reflecting on the evolution of digital platforms, Mann drew parallels between RP1’s journey and the transformative path taken by companies like Netflix, which began as a DVD rental service before shifting to a revolutionary streaming model. He emphasized that while RP1 initially focused on scalable technology, they have now recognized their role in creating the first metaverse browser, designed to facilitate on-demand access rather than relying on traditional app downloads.
The Concept of a Metaverse Browser
Mann elaborated on what he envisions as a metaverse browser, comparing it to Google Chrome. The proposed browser would serve as a gateway to connect users with various metaverse assets and services, utilizing audio and advanced navigation tools to enhance the 3D experience. This browser aims to facilitate seamless access to a universe of interconnected virtual worlds, reminiscent of themes explored in science fiction works like “Snow Crash” and “Ready Player One.”
Augmented Reality and Future Possibilities
The metaverse browser is not solely about linking virtual realms; it also considers the future of augmented reality (AR). Mann indicated that users equipped with AR glasses will benefit from a dynamic mapping system that allows for immediate interaction with nearby services, such as hotels, as they navigate through physical spaces.
Transition to Spatial Infrastructure
Mann underscored the significance of transitioning from web infrastructure to spatial infrastructure, positing this shift as a major evolution in software development. The concept of a “spatial web,” as coined by tech proponents, suggests that the metaverse will extend beyond gaming platforms like Fortnite, Roblox, and Minecraft, influencing how businesses operate in a digital landscape.
Connecting Businesses and Consumers
In Mann and Abramson’s vision, businesses will interact with customers in innovative ways, moving beyond traditional screens to immersive experiences. For example, shoppers with AR glasses will be able to connect with third-party services in stores like Costco or Home Depot, enhancing their shopping experience through virtual interactions.
Seeking Partnerships and Funding
As a bootstrapped company that has relied solely on internal resources since its inception, RP1 is now seeking strategic partnerships and funding to further develop its metaverse browser and promote open standards within the metaverse. Their involvement with the Metaverse Standards Forum indicates a commitment to collaborative innovation in this emerging field.
The Open Metaverse Landscape
RP1’s metaverse browser is designed to operate within an open ecosystem, akin to the World Wide Web, rather than within proprietary virtual worlds. Mann articulated that the metaverse should be as accessible as the internet, with a variety of competing browsers expected to emerge, each offering unique features and capabilities.
Advancements in Graphics and User Experience
The company aims to enhance the visual quality of the metaverse browser by developing a native application that can leverage advanced graphics resources. Currently limited by Web XR technology, RP1 is focused on achieving graphics quality comparable to Unreal Engine, thus elevating the user experience.
The Spatial Fabric Concept
RP1’s vision includes a spatial fabric, which serves as a comprehensive map system that connects various digital environments. This fabric will allow for persistent, interconnected virtual experiences, enabling users to traverse different locations seamlessly, whether in real-world replicas or entirely new digital landscapes.
Interactivity and User Engagement
The company has already demonstrated its capabilities through a demo that showcases AR technology using the Meta Quest 3’s mixed reality features. RP1 aspires to accommodate up to 100,000 users in a single digital space, allowing for avatars to interact without the limitations of sharding.
Third-Party Service Integration
Mann emphasized that users will connect to third-party services instantly as they navigate the metaverse, enhancing interactivity. Examples from the demo included a movie watch party and the ability to control real-world devices remotely, showcasing the potential for seamless integration of various services.
Future of AR and the Metaverse
RP1 envisions AR as an integral layer of the metaverse, enabling real-time interactions with multiple services. The company plans to empower users to create their own metaverse servers, paving the way for large organizations to establish their unique digital environments and connect them to the broader metaverse.
Exploring New Worlds
In Mann’s analogy, while individuals can build their own digital spaces, major entities like Disney could develop expansive virtual experiences that blend reality and imagination. This could involve AR enhancements at physical locations or entirely new realms within the digital landscape.
The Challenge of Standardization
Mann acknowledged the risks of creating a fragmented metaverse, akin to previous internet iterations. He believes the first company to establish a metaverse browser could inadvertently resemble existing tech giants while RP1 aims to promote a shared framework for others to build upon, advocating for a unified metaverse rather than isolated ecosystems.
Defining the Future of the Metaverse
Without a clear definition of the metaverse, Mann asserts that building towards it becomes challenging. He views RP1 as a pioneer in conceptualizing a cohesive metaverse that incorporates various components and standards, aiming for a seamless experience across different spatial infrastructures. He predicts that major tech companies will also develop their own spatial solutions, emphasizing the role of the browser in connecting users to their preferred environments. Mann anticipates a diverse range of applications for the metaverse, spanning education, gaming, and beyond, highlighting its vast potential to transform industries.
