The metaverse, considered the next big leap in the evolution of the internet, is a virtual parallel world.
This concept, which is still in its infancy, should allow us to free ourselves from physical constraints by multiplying human interactions via 3D, in a digital double of the world around us.
The opportunities offered by the creation of a virtual "new world" are whetting the appetite of digital giants.
Nreal, a Chinese manufacturer of augmented reality (AR) glasses, announced on Wednesday an investment by Alibaba of 60 million dollars (53.8 million euros).
This fundraising will be used for research and development, said the Beijing-based start-up, which says it has received $200 million from other investors in recent months.
Although modest, Alibaba's investment is widely seen as a first step for the group founded by Jack Ma in the metaverse niche.
Proof of this enthusiasm, the firm created a specific subsidiary last year.
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (overlaying reality with digital elements) are considered key techniques for building the metaverse.
Like Alibaba, the Chinese digital giants do not intend to stay on the sidelines of this new technology.
ByteDance (TikTok) has invested in several companies in the sector and bought the virtual reality headset manufacturer Pico last year.
The Internet juggernaut Tencent is working on its metaverse platform, drawing on its experience in video games in which it is a major player.
As for the Baidu search engine, it launched XiRang in December, presented as one of the first metaverse applications in China.
Scalded by Beijing's takeover in the technology sector, the Chinese digital nuggets are however groping their way in this niche.
And the official press has repeatedly warned in recent months against excessive investments.
Conversely, the metaverse makes Silicon Valley in the United States salivate.
Facebook, which has made it its new business project, has gone so far as to rename its parent company Meta.
© 2022 AFP