--- title: "What is the metaverse? We explain it all" url: "https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news/what-is-the-metaverse--we-explain-it-all" description: "Everything you need to know about the metaverse, finally explained" --- # What is the metaverse? We explain it all Snapdragon Insiders Apr 13, 2023 ![Qualcomm-image](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Header_688x400-6?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha&wid=700) Attendees of our second meetup, held last fall, pose for a group photo. The Snapdragon Insiders community gathered to kick back, socialize, and take a tour to help celebrate the second anniversary of Snapdragon Insiders. Extras for Snapdragon Insiders - [Become a Snapdragon Insider](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragoninsiders/become-insider) - [Follow Snapdragon on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/snapdragonofficial/) - [Follow Snapdragon on Twitter](https://twitter.com/Snapdragon) - [Follow Snapdragon on Twitch](https://www.twitch.tv/snapdragonhq) - [Follow Snapdragon on Discord](https://discord.com/invite/snapdragon) - [Follow Snapdragon on TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@snapdragon) “Snow Crash:” This cyberpunk novel coined the term “metaverse” 31 years ago when it beckoned readers to escape into a world of people-based avatars.¹ Today we’ve living and breathing this science fiction. If you’ve been to our recent Snapdragon Insiders two-year anniversary virtual [meet-up](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragoninsiders/news-forums/all-treats--no-tricks--new-devices-and-vr-experiences), or if you’re thinking about attending our next one, you might have questions about the metaverse. In [this post](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2023/03/empowerq-the-metaverse-finally-explained), we explain all about this parallel world that turns the digital content we experience through our screens — smartphones, televisions, and computers — into a three-dimensional world that blends the real with the virtual, and how it redesigns the way we play, work and learn (spoiler alert: it’s not just for gamers). As you dip your toes into the [virtual pool](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2022/09/ar--vr--mr--and-xr---what-they-mean-and-how-they-ll-transform-li), we’re arming you with the information you need to get started. We’re answering popular, frequently asked questions like: - What is the metaverse? - How does it work? - What are the technologies that power the metaverse? - Do you need AR glasses or VR headset to experience the metaverse? - Who is the metaverse for? Is it only for gamers? - XR, VR, AR: What does it all mean? Are you ready to learn more about this hot topic? [Head over to OnQ](https://www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2023/03/empowerq-the-metaverse-finally-explained) to learn more… we’ll see you there. [Metaverse](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news?tags=Metaverse) When commenting in the Snapdragon Insiders forums, please follow our terms of use found [here](https://www.qualcomm.com/site/terms-of-use). Qualcomm Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. By participating in the Snapdragon Insider Program, you grant Qualcomm and its affiliates a royalty-free, perpetual, non-exclusive, unrestricted, worldwide license to: (i) post, use, copy, sublicense, adapt, transmit, publicly perform or display any ideas, suggestions, opinions, or feedback (collectively, “Feedback”), (ii) use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, play, host, communicate, make available and publish your Feedback without restriction, (iii) make, use, sell, offer for sale, and import products implementing any invention or functionality reflected in your Feedback, and (iv) sublicense to third parties the unrestricted right to exercise any of the foregoing rights granted with respect to the Feedback. The foregoing grants shall include the right to exploit any ideas, concepts, intellectual property, or proprietary rights in such Feedback, including but not limited to rights under copyright, trademark, servicemark or patent laws under any relevant jurisdiction without Qualcomm or its affiliates owing any monies to you whatsoever. Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. 1. Huddleston. (2021). This 30-year-old book predicted the ‘metaverse’ — and some of Facebook’s plans are eerily similar. CNBC. Retrieved on [How the 1992 sci-fi novel 'Snow Crash' predicted Facebook's metaverse (cnbc.com)](https://www.cnbc.com/2021/11/03/how-the-1992-sci-fi-novel-snow-crash-predicted-facebooks-metaverse.html) on March 14, 2023. ## Related Articles - [Snapdragon Spaces debuts Dual Render Fusion at AWE 2023](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news/snapdragon-spaces-debuts-dual-render-fusion-at-awe-2023) Snapdragon Insiders — Jul 31, 2023 [Augmented Reality](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news?tags=Augmented%20Reality) [XR](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news?tags=XR) [Virtual Reality](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news?tags=Virtual%20Reality) - [The Top Snapdragon Summit 2026 Moments Everyone’s Talking About](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news/the-top-snapdragon-summit-2026-moments-everyone-s-talking-about) Snapdragon Insiders — Sep 30, 2026 [Compute](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news?tags=Compute) [Snapdragon Summit](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news?tags=Snapdragon%20Summit) [Mobile](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news?tags=Mobile) - [The New Mobile & Sound Platforms Just Announced at Snapdragon Summit 2026 ](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news/the-new-mobile---sound-platforms-just-announced-at-snapdragon-su) Snapdragon Insiders — Sep 24, 2026 [Mobile](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news?tags=Mobile) [Snapdragon Sound](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news?tags=Snapdragon%20Sound) [Personal AI](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news?tags=Personal%20AI) - [(UK) Snapdragon Insider's recommendation: What should students look for in a university laptop in 2026?](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news/-uk--snapdragon-insider-s-recommendation--what-should-students-l) Snapdragon Insiders — Sep 22, 2026 [Snapdragon](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news?tags=Snapdragon) [Compute](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news?tags=Compute) [Snapdragon X Elite](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news?tags=Snapdragon%20X%20Elite) - [Snapdragon Power Meets Gemini Intelligence: Introducing Googlebook ](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news/snapdragon-power-meets-gemini-intelligence--introducing-googlebo) Snapdragon Insiders — Sep 21, 2026 [Compute](https://www.qualcomm.com/snapdragon/news?tags=Compute) ![](https://s7d1.scene7.com/is/image/dmqualcommprod/Discord_logo?$QC_Responsive$&fmt=png-alpha) ## Join the conversation on Discord. Do you have thoughts about this article? Join the conversation with fellow Snapdragon Insiders on Discord. Our Discord is the virtual lounge to talk shop about technology, Snapdragon events, and more with the community. [Join Discord](https://discord.com/invite/x9K8sqGAvj)