Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term for all immersive technologies that alter or enhance our perception of reality. It includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR).
- Virtual reality (VR) creates a fully simulated environment that users can interact with as if they were really there. VR headsets block out the real world and replace it with a digital one.
- Augmented reality (AR) overlays digital information and objects on the real world. AR can be experienced through smartphones, tablets, and glasses.
- Mixed reality (MR) combines the real and virtual worlds to create a new hybrid environment. MR headsets allow users to see and interact with digital objects as if they were real.
XR technologies are still in their early stages of development, but they have the potential to revolutionize many industries, including entertainment, education, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Here are some examples of how XR is being used today:
- Entertainment: XR is used to create immersive video games, movies, and concerts. For example, the VR game "Beat Saber" allows players to slice through blocks of music with lightsabers.
- Education: XR can be used to create interactive learning experiences. For example, students can use VR to explore historical sites or AR to learn about the human body.
- Healthcare: XR is used for training surgeons, planning surgeries, and providing therapy. For example, surgeons can use VR to practice complex procedures before performing them on real patients.
- Manufacturing: XR can be used to design and prototype products, train workers, and monitor production lines. For example, engineers can use AR to visualize how a new product will look and work before it's built.
XR is a rapidly growing field with the potential to have a major impact on our lives. As the technology continues to develop and become more affordable, we can expect to see XR used in even more ways.
