XR is a term that stands for “extended reality”, which is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of immersive technologies, including AR (augmented reality), VR (virtual reality), and MR (mixed reality). XR refers to any experience that combines elements of the real and virtual worlds, including computer-generated imagery, interactive media, and sensory inputs.
The term “mixed reality” (MR) was coined by Paul Milgram and Fumio Kishino in their 1994 paper titled “A Taxonomy of Mixed Reality Visual Displays”. The paper presented a framework for classifying various types of visual displays that combined real and virtual environments, and introduced the term “mixed reality” to describe a new type of display that combined aspects of both virtual and real worlds.
Milgram and Kishino’s work built upon previous research in the field of virtual reality and augmented reality, which had explored the possibilities of creating immersive digital environments that could be experienced through a variety of sensory inputs. However, their taxonomy of mixed reality displays was unique in that it attempted to classify different types of visual displays based on their level of immersion, rather than on the specific technologies used to create them.
Since Milgram and Kishino’s paper was published, the term “mixed reality” has been widely used to describe a range of technologies that combine real and virtual environments in various ways. This includes augmented reality, virtual reality, and other types of immersive technologies that blur the line between what is real and what is digital.
AR stands for Augmented Reality, which is a technology that overlays digital information, images, and graphics onto the real-world environment. It allows users to experience an enhanced version of reality by integrating virtual and real-world elements together.
AR technology typically requires a smartphone or tablet with a camera, sensors, and software that can track the user’s location, orientation, and movements. It then uses this information to overlay digital content onto the camera feed, creating an augmented version of the real world that the user can see through the device’s screen.
AR technology has many practical applications, including gaming, education, retail, and marketing. For example, AR can be used to create interactive product demos, where users can see how a product would look in their own environment before making a purchase. It can also be used in education to create interactive learning experiences, where students can explore concepts in a more engaging and immersive way.
Overall, AR technology has the potential to transform the way we interact with the world around us, by creating new and exciting ways to enhance and augment our experiences.
This is a popular mobile game that uses AR technology to overlay animated Pokemon characters onto the real-world environment, allowing users to catch and collect them.
Snapchat uses AR technology to create fun and interactive filters that can be applied to users’ faces in real-time, transforming them into animals, cartoon characters, or other whimsical designs.
This is an AR app that allows users to preview how IKEA furniture would look in their home before making a purchase. Users can select furniture from the IKEA catalog and place it in their room using their smartphone camera.
AR technology can be used to create 3D visualizations of medical imaging data, allowing doctors to view and manipulate the data in real time during surgical procedures.
Google Translate uses AR technology to overlay translated text onto real-world objects, making it easier for users to understand foreign languages while traveling.
AR technology can be used to enhance traditional books by overlaying interactive elements like animations, videos, and 3D models onto the pages.
These are just a few examples of the many AR applications available today, and the technology is constantly evolving, offering new and exciting possibilities for users and businesses alike.
VR stands for Virtual Reality, which is a technology that simulates a realistic and immersive environment, completely separate from the physical world. It typically involves wearing a VR headset that covers the user’s eyes and ears, blocking out the real world and replacing it with a simulated environment.
The VR headset tracks the user’s head movements and adjusts the display accordingly, creating a sense of presence in the virtual environment. Users can interact with the virtual environment using specialized controllers or through physical movements, such as walking or gesturing.
VR technology has a wide range of applications, including gaming, education, healthcare, architecture, and design. For example, VR can be used to create immersive gaming experiences that transport users to virtual worlds and allow them to interact with the environment and other players in real-time. It can also be used in education to create interactive learning experiences, where students can explore complex concepts in a more engaging and immersive way.
Overall, VR technology has the potential to transform the way we experience and interact with virtual environments, creating new and exciting possibilities for entertainment, education, and more.
VR is a popular platform for immersive gaming experiences, allowing players to feel like they are actually in the game world. Examples include popular games like Beat Saber, Job Simulator, and Half-Life: Alyx.
VR can be used to create interactive and engaging educational experiences, allowing students to explore concepts in a virtual environment. Examples include platforms like Google Expeditions, which allows students to take virtual field trips to places like the Great Barrier Reef or the International Space Station.
VR is being used in healthcare to help patients manage pain, anxiety, and stress. For example, VR can be used to create virtual environments that help patients relax and distract them from painful procedures.
VR can be used to create virtual mockups of buildings, allowing architects and designers to explore and refine designs before they are built. Examples include platforms like SketchUp, which allows users to create 3D models and explore them in VR.
VR can be used to create realistic simulations of real-world scenarios, allowing users to practice and improve their skills in a safe and controlled environment. Examples include flight simulators for pilots, military training simulations, and medical training simulations.
VR can be used to create immersive entertainment experiences, such as virtual concerts, movie theatres, and theme park rides. Examples include platforms like Oculus Venues, which allows users to watch live events in VR.
These are just a few examples of the many applications of VR technology, and the possibilities are virtually endless.
MR stands for Mixed Reality, which is a technology that combines elements of both Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) to create a hybrid reality that merges the virtual and real worlds.
In Mixed Reality, the virtual objects and real-world objects coexist and interact with each other in real-time, creating a seamless and immersive experience for the user. This is achieved through the use of specialized headsets, sensors, and software that can track the user’s movements and adjust the digital content accordingly.
One of the key features of Mixed Reality is that it allows users to interact with virtual objects as if they were physical objects. This is made possible by advanced tracking technology that can detect the user’s movements and translate them into the virtual environment, allowing for natural and intuitive interaction.
Mixed Reality has a range of applications, including gaming, education, and product design. It has the potential to transform the way we work, learn, and communicate, by creating immersive and engaging experiences that blur the line between the real and virtual worlds.
Microsoft’s HoloLens is a headset that uses MR technology to overlay interactive holograms onto the real world. It has applications in fields like product design, education, and healthcare.
Magic Leap is a company that produces MR headsets that create interactive and immersive experiences. It has applications in fields like gaming, entertainment, and education.
MR can be used in automotive design to create virtual prototypes of vehicles, allowing designers to explore different designs and configurations before building physical prototypes.
MR can be used in retail to create interactive and engaging shopping experiences. For example, it can be used to create virtual showrooms where customers can view and interact with products before making a purchase.
MR can be used in architecture and construction to create virtual models of buildings and structures, allowing architects and engineers to visualize and refine designs before construction begins.
MR can be used in sports training to create virtual simulations of game situations, allowing athletes to practice and improve their skills in a safe and controlled environment.
These are just a few examples of the many MR applications available today, and the technology is constantly evolving, offering new and exciting possibilities for users and businesses alike.
The term “extended reality” is often used to describe immersive experiences that go beyond traditional screen-based interactions, allowing users to interact with digital content in more natural and intuitive ways. By combining different immersive technologies, XR experiences can provide users with a high level of immersion, engagement, and interactivity, which can be used for a wide range of applications, including entertainment, education, training, and more.
By understanding the differences between these technologies, individuals and organisations can identify new opportunities for innovation and growth, as well as determine which technology is best suited for their needs and goals. For example, businesses may use AR to enhance customer engagement and improve the shopping experience, while VR may be used to train employees in a safe and controlled environment.
Moreover, knowing AR, VR, and MR can help individuals prepare for the future of work, as these technologies are likely to play a significant role in many industries and professions. By understanding these technologies, individuals can identify new opportunities for learning and growth, as well as develop new skills and competencies that are in high demand.
Finally, knowing AR, VR, and MR can help individuals stay up-to-date with the latest technological developments, which is increasingly important in today’s fast-paced and rapidly changing world. By staying informed about these technologies, individuals can adapt to changing trends and developments, as well as take advantage of new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
