Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term that refers to Augmented reality (AR), Virtual reality (VR), Mixed reality (MR). This immersive technologies have the capability to merge or combine the physical and virtual worlds, and relate with each other.
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to live, work in 2030 and even beyond? Research works show that extended reality (XR) is believed to be the mainstream in the next five years. The ever-growing field of virtual reality and augmented reality is being applied in a wide range of areas such as entertainment, marketing, real estate, and remote work.
Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) does not create a new reality, it overlays virtual information, object and images onto the real world. Users can access this technology by using AR glasses or screens of a device like their smartphones or tablets to overlay created images and sounds onto their real life.
The user is not isolated from the real world, they can still interact and see what’s happening around them.
Some well-known examples of AR technology include Instagram and Snapchat filters that overlays digital objects like hats or glasses on users and Pokémon Go game that overlays digital creatures onto the real world
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) is a 3D environment created through computer technology in which users can be fully immersed in stimulated realities with the help of devices like VR headsets or head-mounted display, haptic touch and environmental feedback.
Virtual reality is capable of creating realistic images and sounds that engage the user’s five sense in the created virtual world. Virtual reality in contrast to Augmented reality fully immerse the user in the generated artificial world and fools their brain to believe whatever they experience e.g. swimming, walking e.t.c
VR is very useful in numerous fields like gaming and entertainment like in the Spinia world, healthcare, construction, engineering, the military.
Mixed Reality
Mixed reality blends digital and real-world objects together, both worlds co-exist and interact with one another in real-time.
MR lies between VR and AR, it is sometimes referred to as hybrid reality.
With mixed reality, you can place digital objects into the room you are standing and interact with the digital object or spin it around in any way possible.
Application of Extended Reality
- Entertainment
The entertainment industry is an early adopter of XR and will continue to find new ways of utilizing its technologies in music, sports and other entertainment events.
- Marketing
Extended Reality can be used to engage brands with prospective customers and consumers by presenting new ways of marketing and advertising virtual products.
- Remote Work
Remote workers can use extended reality technologies to connect to home office or professional around the world no matter their physical location.
Conclusion
To sum it all, extended reality allows users to visit generated virtual environment and interact realistically like they would in the real world. Although XR is yet to be a permanent part of our everyday life, it is very likely for us to see a world where extended reality is indispensable.