The world's biggest mobile event was dominated by the metaverse, resulting in some bizarre moments.

• The world's largest mobile trade show, Mobile World Congress, featured "metaverse" as the buzzword of the year.
• The term "metaverse" refers to a broad concept of digital worlds where individuals can engage in various activities such as work, gaming, or socializing.
• Although things became more confusing at MWC, analysts predict its continuation.

The focus of the Mobile World Congress this year was not on "smartphones" or "5G," but rather on other topics.

The "metaverse" is a term used to describe large digital environments where individuals can engage in various activities such as work, gaming, and socializing.

Since Facebook changed its name to Meta, the term has been the focus of discussions in the tech industry, as Mark Zuckerberg's vision for the virtual universe is being promoted.

At the world's largest mobile phone industry trade show, the term was frequently mentioned in keynote speeches and prominently displayed on exhibition stands.

CCS Insight Chief Analyst Ben Wood stated on CNBC that the metaverse is currently the popular term, but it is still a vague concept.

Things got weird

At MWC, the metaverse's hazy concept became even more unclear.

The South Korean firm showcased a "4D Metaverse" ride at its booth, where attendees sat on the ride and wore virtual reality headsets, experiencing a digital representation of space.

In previous years, Samsung has demonstrated 4D VR rides at MWC, and this year, many of the metaverse experiences were VR-based.

Visitors were invited to try on HTC's Vive headsets and explore a virtual museum or a desert landscape in VR at their stand.

At the Qualcomm booth, attendees could participate in cooking lessons or engage in a virtual reality experience where they could climb the Notre-Dame Cathedral in VR using Meta's Oculus Quest 2 headset.

At MWC, there are strange, unusual, and amazing things happening, as everyone tries to join the trend of the metaverse, according to Paolo Pescatore, a tech, telecom, and media analyst at PP Foresight, who spoke to CNBC.

Although it seems surreal, it almost has a "Wild West" vibe to it.

Baby steps

Metaverse strategy is being developed by telecom companies, including Spain's "chief metaverse officer" Yaiza Rubio, who will lead a division aimed at bringing the carrier's metaverse strategy to life. However, the specifics of the strategy are not yet clear.

At MWC, Telefonica's chief digital officer, Chema Alonso, discussed the role of a telco like Telefonica in the new evolution.

We are uncertain at this time, but we are certain that we will analyze this movement meticulously because we believe it to be unstoppable.

In contrast to BT, it hasn't appointed a "chief metaverse officer."

Marc Allera, CEO of BT's consumer brands, stated to CNBC that currently, using the term "metaverse" in job titles or initiatives makes something that is not yet clear seem modern and exciting.

Some aspects of the metaverse already exist, with mixed reality experiences being created today and evolving in the future, as described by Allera.

Looking ahead

Despite being the initiator of discussions about the metaverse, Meta, Facebook's parent company, had a minimal presence at MWC. However, the company was quite vocal about its progress in this area.

Meta's vice president of connectivity, Dan Rabinovitsj, stated today that the company's metaverse ambitions cannot be achieved unless there are significant advancements in telecommunications infrastructure. According to Rabinovitsj, current fixed-line and mobile networks are not yet sufficient.

Rabinovitsj told CNBC that Meta is collaborating with telecoms firms to determine the next step in innovation.

The metaverse will require chips to become smaller, faster, and more power-efficient, according to semiconductor giant.

Qualcomm's chip is being used by almost everyone developing metaverse devices, including Meta, as stated by Akash Palkhiwala, the company's chief financial officer, in a conversation with CNBC.

The metaverse will likely persist regardless of its ultimate form.

Wood stated, "We're embarking on a lengthy expedition. Our initial step in the right direction with the pandemic has led us to embrace more blended lifestyles."

He stated that although there will be aspects that can create a metaverse-like experience, it will take a very long time to achieve.