Metaverse not to come true this year, and shortage of microchips to go on

Choosing which of the numerous technological trends will be relevant in 2022 is no easy task. So maybe I should start by pointing out the one thing that will NOT be important in the upcoming year: the metaverse. Much has been said about it, and several bets are being placed.

However, 2022 will not be the year in which the metaverse will come to life. A truly immersive form of this technology may take another five or more years to develop, if at all. The only exception is if you are a child. In that case, you’re likely to be already living in some kind of metaverse. Contemporary children (at least those who have access to the Internet through digital devices) are already immersed in digital platforms such as Roblox and other ones that compete with reality. For these children, the distinction between virtual and real is blurred, and the very word “metaverse” — as something that goes “beyond” reality — doesnt even make sense at all.

That is present in their lives here and now. As for the trends that should call attention in the next 12 months, certainly, the universe of cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and DeFi (decentralized finance) will have everyone talking about it. Be it for its positive or negative aspects.

Pessimists believe that 2022 will be the year of the cryptocurrency crash. On the other hand, optimists believe that we have already crossed the point of no return and that the crypto world will increasingly integrate with the traditional financial system, and even replace many of its functions.

Another trend for 2022 is the scarcity of microchips, which is expected to go on for longer. The manufacturing of microprocessors has become a critical sector and it even has come to play a major role in the scope of geopolitics and national security. It is a shame that Brazil is breaking apart from this market and the possibility of participating in the development of this technology locally. And speaking of Brazil, various hot trends are lying ahead. Starting with 5G, which is soon to enter another phase: the challenge of implementation. The country has chosen to create a “pure-bred” form of 5G network, which, if it comes to be installed, could lead to many efficiency leaps.

The problem is that the country has taken too long to kick off the 5G implementation. It remains to be seen whether this delay will not compromise the benefits that would have been possible if this technology had arrived in the country earlier. Another relevant topic for Brazil is the effervescent market of local startups which has been driving innovation processes in the country,
driven by venture capital. The rise in interest rates may slow down this ecosystem, which had a promising year in 2021.

From the legislative point of view, there are several topics under discussion. The fake news bill should continue to move through Congress, as should the bill to regulate artificial intelligence. What we can’t find anywhere is a plan about where we want to go in the universe of technology. What is the country going to do? What does it want to prioritize and in which markets and sectors does it want to compete? Without this in mind, Brazil is going nowhere. I wish everyone a happy new year.

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