Discovering Tomorrow: An Innovative Ecosystem Combines Immersive Technology
CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Metastar Media co-founder Mr. Shatadru Sarkar.
- Can you share insights into the technological infrastructure supporting ARTISTEVERSE and AURIONSPHERE?
Artisteverse is built on the innovative capabilities of WebGL, a cutting-edge technology that enables seamless operation across various platforms, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. This versatility ensures a consistent experience regardless of whether users are on Android, iOS, or Linux systems.
VR Headset Compatibility: An exciting feature of Artisteverse is its compatibility with virtual reality (VR) headsets. This integration allows users to immerse themselves fully in the virtual world, enhancing their experience beyond traditional screen-based interactions.
Utilisation of Leading Game Engines: Artisteverse leverages the power of renowned game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine. These engines are instrumental in replicating creative and intricate environments within Artisteverse, contributing to its rich and dynamic virtual world.
Proprietary Algorithm for Device Efficiency: A significant aspect of Artisteverse is its proprietary algorithm designed to optimise performance. This ensures that the platform runs efficiently even on lower-end devices, making the metaverse accessible to a broader range of users without compromising on quality.
Aurionsphere’s Use of Spatial Technology: Aurionsphere is harnessing the potential of ‘Spatial’ technology to offer a seamless metaverse experience. This technology enables real-time interactions and engagements in the virtual space, providing users with an immersive and interactive environment that closely mimics real-world dynamics.
These technological foundations underscore the commitment of Artisteverse and Aurionsphere to deliver high-quality, accessible, and immersive virtual experiences. By utilising advanced technologies and proprietary solutions, these platforms are set to redefine the boundaries of virtual engagement and interaction.
- With a constant threat to security and privacy, how does Metastar Media prioritise the same for both artists and fans on its platforms?
Metastar Media employs a robust, multi-tiered cybersecurity infrastructure. Utilizing AWS’s elastic load balancing and auto-scaling, we ensure a resilient hosting environment for Artisteverse and Aurionsphere. Our security framework encompasses AES-256 encryption for data at rest, TLS protocols for secure data transmission, and sophisticated IAM (Identity and Access Management) policies. We leverage AWS services for DDoS protection and implement continuous vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to mitigate potential security risks. In addition, Metastar Media prioritises security and privacy for both artists and fans on its platforms in several key ways, ensuring a secure and trustworthy environment in the context of its unique metaverse setup:
Content Approval and Association with Artistes: Metastar Media ensures that all content associated with an artist in the metaverse is approved by the artist beforehand. This practice not only respects the intellectual property rights of artists but also maintains the authenticity and integrity of the content presented in the virtual spaces.
Secure HTTPS Connection: The use of HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) for all communications on the platform guarantees that data transferred between the user’s device and the Metastar servers is encrypted. This encryption protects against eavesdropping and tampering by third parties, ensuring a secure browsing experience.
Selective Data Capture and User Privacy: User login or signup is required only for specific interactions where capturing user data is essential, such as purchasing merchandise or recording karaoke. This selective approach to data capture minimizes unnecessary data collection, enhancing user privacy and aligning with data minimization principles.
User Data Protection in Essential Interactions: In scenarios where user data is collected (like transactions or service availing), Metastar Media employs robust security measures to protect this information. This might include secure data storage practices, regular security audits, and compliance with data protection regulations.
Anonymity in General Exploration: Users can explore the Metastar metaverse without revealing personal information, fostering a sense of privacy and security. This anonymity in general exploration allows users to engage with content comfortably, knowing their identity and data are not being tracked or recorded unnecessarily.
Consistent Security Updates and Monitoring: The platform likely undergoes regular security updates and monitoring to guard against new threats and vulnerabilities. This proactive stance on security ensures that both artists’ and fans’ data remain protected against emerging cyber threats.
By implementing these measures, Metastar Media demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a secure and private environment for its users. This approach not only builds trust among artists and fans but also ensures compliance with evolving digital security standards.
- How does Metastar Media enable artists to monetize their work directly with their fans? Are there specific tools on ARTISTEVERSE that facilitate artists’ revenue generation?
The Artisteverse is built as a fan engagement & monetization platform for artistes & labels. In addition to a world class fully immersive & interactive experience for fans, the platform provides the following monetization opportunities.
- Merchandising : The platform hosts an e-commerce section that allows artistes to sell merchandise and collectibles directly to the fans.
- Ticketing Module : The platform has a QR based ticketing module integrated that allows artistes & their management to sell tickets to physical concerts directly to fans. They do not need to partner with existing ticketing platforms.
- Direct Audio & Video Streaming: The platform allows direct audio and video streaming behind a pay wall. Artistes can use this function for pre-releases, exclusive premium content, live concert streams and other engaging products such as tutorials, masterclasses, book-a-chat etc.
- NFT marketplace : The platform also provides onsite minting capabilities for NFTs, on the polygon blockchain.
- What strategies does metastar employ to protect intellectual property and user data?
Our approach to safeguarding intellectual property and user data involves advanced cryptographic techniques and a stringent application of DRM controls. We deploy SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit and integrate OAuth 2.0 for secure access. Our platforms are fortified with WAF (Web Application Firewall) to prevent SQL injection and XSS attacks. We also adhere to GDPR and CCPA compliance, ensuring data privacy is maintained at the highest standards. Here are some key strategies that are typically used in such environments:
- Robust Copyright and Intellectual Property Policies:
- Implementing strict policies to protect the intellectual property rights of artists and content creators. This includes a system for copyright verification and approval before any content is uploaded or used in the metaverse.
- Digital Rights Management (DRM):
- Utilising DRM technologies to prevent unauthorised copying and distribution of digital content. This ensures that the artists’ works are protected against piracy and misuse.
- End-to-End Data Encryption:
- Encrypting user data during both transmission and storage. This secures personal and sensitive information from potential breaches or unauthorised access
- How does your organisation evolve and integrate with emerging technologies, such as AR or VR, and blockchain technology to enhance user experiences?
At Metastar, we are at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies to elevate user experiences within our digital spaces. Our integration strategy for AR, VR, and blockchain is anchored in leveraging state-of-the-art development tools and protocols. In Artisteverse, we use Maya 3D and Blender for constructing detailed 3D environments, optimized through WebGL for cross-platform compatibility. For VR, we’re pushing the envelope in low-latency rendering and real-time photorealistic graphics, utilizing technologies like Ray Tracing.
Simultaneously, we harness the power of blockchain technology to revolutionise how content is accessed and experienced. Blockchain serves as the backbone for a secure, immutable, and decentralized platform, ensuring trust and transparency are paramount. This technology is not just a foundation; it’s an active tool that redefines user interaction – from the issuance of passes and tickets to access special events in the metaverse, to providing a transparent and fair platform for artists and users alike. The utilisation of blockchain in our ecosystem is a testament to our commitment to innovation, transparency, and an enhanced user experience.
By integrating these advanced technologies, we are not only staying abreast of the digital evolution but are also actively shaping the future of user interaction in virtual spaces. Our dedication to adopting and adapting to these technologies reflects our commitment to providing an unparalleled experience in the digital realm.
- Can you share any upcoming technological integrations that users can look forward to over the next few years?
The integration of more sophisticated AR and VR technologies will likely lead to more immersive and realistic experiences. This includes improvements in headset design, such as lighter and more comfortable wearables, and advancements in spatial audio and haptic feedback for a more sensory experience. We’re also enhancing our 3D rendering pipeline, incorporating advanced techniques like procedural generation and PBR (Physically Based Rendering) for more dynamic and realistic virtual environments.
AI and ML will play a crucial role in personalising user experiences, creating dynamic and responsive environments, and improving natural language processing for more realistic interactions with artists. Future technological integrations will focus on AI and ML advancements, utilizing TensorFlow and PyTorch for developing deep learning models. These models will enhance user interaction through predictive analytics and personalized content generation.
Enhanced blockchain integrations could revolutionise the metaverse’s digital economy, with DeFi offering new ways to handle transactions, asset ownership, and even creating new business models within the metaverse.
The integration of biometric systems, like eye tracking and facial recognition, could provide more intuitive and natural ways to interact within the metaverse, enhancing user engagement.
- Does Metastar Media practice sustainability within its technological operations? If yes, then how?
In our commitment to sustainability, we deploy green IT strategies, prioritizing energy-efficient hardware and adopting a serverless architecture where feasible to minimize our carbon footprint. Our cloud-based solutions leverage AWS’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy usage. We also engage in responsible resource allocation.
- Is there a roadmap formalised by Metastar Media for incorporating cutting-edge technologies into the platforms?
Our technology roadmap is a comprehensive blueprint that incorporates emerging technologies into Artisteverse and Aurionsphere. It outlines the phased integration of advanced ML algorithms for fans behavior analysis, Custom VR features using C# in Unity for interactive mobile experiences, and the use of blockchain for non-fungible token (NFT) management. We are also focusing on adopting sustainable principles for data processing and edge computing methodologies for reducing latency in real-time interactions.
