Is metaverse really the future of work?

The future of work?

The focus of last week's Meta Connect event was the announcement of the Quest Pro headset for virtual and augmented reality. The device costs US$1,499 (~A$2,400) and has new features including the ability to track the user's eyes and face.

The Quest Pro will also use outward-facing cameras so users can see the real world around them (with digital enhancements).

Meta's presentation showed this feature being used for work. It depicted the user sitting between several large virtual screens - what was previously called an "infinite office". As Meta's chief technical officer Andrew Bosworth said: "Ultimately, we think the Quest could be the only monitor you'll ever need."

Meta also announced that it is working with Microsoft to make virtual versions of business software like Office and Teams available. These will be incorporated into virtual office platform Horizon Workrooms, which has been widely mocked for its low-quality graphics and floating, legless avatars.

Microsoft's approach

A partnership can be of significant benefit to both companies.

Microsoft's own mixed reality headset, HoloLens, has seen limited adoption. Meta dominates the augmented and reality markets, so it makes sense for Microsoft to try to corner Meta's efforts.

For Meta, her project can gain credibility by connecting with Microsoft's long history of producing trusted business software. Partnerships with other businesses in the tech sector and beyond are the main way Meta is trying to materialize its metaverse ambitions.

Microsoft also presents an alternative approach to a successful product. While several decades of efforts to sell VR technology to consumers have met with limited success, Microsoft has become a household name by selling to businesses and other businesses.

By focusing on the enterprise market, companies can normalize emerging technologies in society. They may not be things that consumers want to use, but rather things that workers are forced to use.

Recent implementations of Microsoft's Teams software in industry and government across Australia offer models of how the metaverse can make its way into offices.

Improved bossware

While advocates of working in the metaspace envision a future in which technologies like AR and VR are seamlessly integrated into our work lives, bringing prosperity and efficiency, there are a number of areas of concern.

First, technologies such as VR and AR threaten to introduce new forms of monitoring and control of workers. The rise of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a boom in "bossware" - software for employers to track their remote workers' every move.

Technologies like VR and AR—which rely on capturing and processing vast amounts of data about users and their environments—could intensify such dynamics.

Meta says that such data will remain "on the device". However, recent research shows that third-party Quest apps have been able to access and use more data than they absolutely need.

Privacy and security

Developers are learning and concerned about the privacy and security implications of virtual and augmented reality devices and platforms.

In experimental settings, VR data is already being used to track and measure biometric information about users with a high degree of accuracy. VR data has also been used to measure things like attention.

In a future where work takes place in the metaverse, it's not hard to imagine how things like view tracking data could be used to determine the outcome of your next promotion. Or imagine workspaces where certain activities are "programmed", such as anything considered "unproductive", or even things like organizing unions.

Microsoft 365 already tracks similar metrics about digital workflows – you can view your own here if your organization subscribes. Microsoft 365's entry into the VR space will offer it a lot of new data that can be analyzed to describe your work habits.

Moderation of content and behavior in virtual spaces, which could lead to discrimination and injustice, can also be a problem. So far, Meta has provided few concrete protections for its users amid growing claims of harassment.

Earlier this year, a report by consumer group SumOfUs found that many users in Horizon Worlds were encouraged by other users to turn off safety features such as "personal safety bubbles".

The use of safety features in workplaces can also be perceived as anti-social or as part of a 'team'. This could have negative effects on already marginalized workers.