The metaverse and virtual reality (VR) are closely related but distinct concepts:

Metaverse:

The metaverse refers to a conceptualized iteration of the internet as a single, universal and immersive virtual world facilitated by the use of virtual reality and augmented reality headsets.

It is envisioned as a virtual shared space where people can interact, work, play games, attend events, buy goods and services, and more using digital avatars.

The idea is to create a virtual environment that integrates and converges virtually enhanced physical reality and physicalizes the digital, blurring the lines between the two.

Major tech companies like Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, Nvidia, and others are investing heavily in developing metaverse technologies and experiences.

Virtual Reality (VR):

VR is a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world, created using hardware like VR headsets and controllers.

VR immerses the user in a fully artificial digital environment by tricking the senses into believing they are somewhere else.

It blocks out the real-world environment and replaces it with a 360° simulated environment.

VR has applications in gaming, training simulations, therapy, education, design, and more.

So in summary, the metaverse is a broader vision of an interconnected virtual world, while VR is a specific technology that enables immersive simulated experiences and is expected to be a key enabler and interface for the metaverse.