Ethereum’s community created ERC-20 — indistinguishable tokens. Developed ERC-721 — unique data represented by a token, each one distinguishable from the next. Now, Matt Lockyer has submitted Github proposal for ERC-998 standard for ‘Crypto Composables,’ which will allow for ERC-721 tokens to own/possess other ERC-721 and ERC-20 tokens.

The image above includes one example of the functionality the ERC-998 standard adds to the network. I don’t know about you, but I like the idea of these unique CryptoCollectibles turning into more than just collectibles, demonstrating innovative technology in the process. The entire Ethereum blockchain has truly become a platform for innovation as individual community members and teams emerge with new proposals like this.

I can’t find the URL for the life of me, but I recently stumbled upon either a comment or article on the ERC-998 proposal — maybe a Tweet? But it went something like:

“Is there a way to allow my CryptoKitty to consume something that fundamentally changes the genes or cattributes of the CryptoKitty? I.e. probability of catching a lifetime boost, sickness or new gene for that CryptoKitty from eating the tokenized shrimp treat.”

This…is…AWESOME! I was not at all a fan of CryptoKitties when it launched as (despite being a NeoPets user back in the day) I didn’t see the emerging value in creating digital ‘CryptoCollectibles,’ but it’s become very clear that the value in CryptoKitties comes from the underlying ERC-721 Non-fungible Token standard which gives each CryptoKitty a unique identity — the foundation for more complex token standards.

In order to better understand crypto composables, here are explanatory articles from Matt Lockyer who originally submitted the ERC-998 proposal:

Walking Down Genesis Plaza With Your CryptoKitty

The theme of this article has been tech convergence with virtual reality technology with a focus on blockchain. Putting the pieces together, this tech convergence will enable an otherwise still image of a uniquely tokenized digital object to be 3D modeled into a virtual world like Decentraland where users can interact with their tokenized objects within a first-person virtual reality interface.

ERC-998 enables a CryptoKitty to own other tokenized objects (including other CryptoKitties or CryptoCollectibles) which can be 3D modeled into a virtual world and equipped or worn by a CryptoKitty.

Now, imagine you could feel your CryptoKitty and other objects while interacting with it in the virtual world of Decentraland. The Genesis Plaza reference is from Decentraland’s first ever Genesis City in which the users own virtual land parcels that make up the city.

From the Futurism YouTube Channel

The technology in the video above has a long way to go before it can be used in the capacity I will describe below, if it would ever even be considered in this capacity by professionals familiar with the tech. I’m not a programmer nor a tech expert, but am educated in business and try to make as much sense of the technical side of technology in order to envision what could be possible — we need dreamers to encourage the flow of innovation without fear of failure.

This sort of ultrasound technology interests me because I can imagine a Decentraland experience looking like:

equipping my VR headset ,

, giving a ‘sit’ order ,

, taking out a CryptoKitty treat in the virtual first-person interface,

in the virtual first-person interface, feeling the treat in my hand while giving it to the CryptoKitty and

while giving it to the CryptoKitty and then petting my CryptoKitty for listening.

At the same time, there is already a technology that gives real-world feelings to virtual reality interactions called a haptic suit. Although, I am unsure if this suit simulates something as simple as holding a treat in hand or petting a kitten, but it sure is an advanced piece of technology! The TeslaSuit:

The haptic suit technology produces a similar user feeling as the very early Sega Dreamcast Rumble Packs pictured to the left.

This piece of technology, the Sega Dreamcast version in particular, came out in 1999 and was a gaming accessory attached to the user controller in order to enhance the user experience. For instance, playing Mario Carts and bumping into another user’s cart would produce a vibration from the control, simulating in-game friction.

Since there isn’t yet a solid mass adoption price for virtual reality headsets, I can’t imagine this sort of haptic suit technology will be affordably priced anytime soon; however, it’s very clear that virtual reality games will integrate these types of hardware accessories as the price lowers and user experience quality increases.

More Virtual Reality Related & Blockchain Articles From CrowdConscious:

Closing Out This Thought Piece

Blockchain makes it easier and cheaper to more safely transact with an immutable record of all transactions within the network.

Virtual reality gives us the ability to indulge in experiences we otherwise may have never been able to.

Other technology like Sega’s Dreamcast Rumble Pack has likely contributed to the development of haptic suits which, with ultrasound technology, can potentially bring about a deeper immersive user experience than haptic suits already do today.

This article was a lot of fun to put together and, while it’s not extremely organized, I think early adopters of VR and blockchain technology will have a better chance of following.

What do you think of the ideas within this article? Do they make sense? Can you imagine this being a reality? Would you like me to explore any other areas of tech converging with VR?

Follow along as I continue to explore the rapidly advancing world of technology and do my best to bring it to a screen near you!