EXTENDED REALITY

Extended reality (XR) represents a fusion of immersive technologies that blend the physical and virtual worlds, encompassing virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) technologies. These cutting-edge innovations have the power to transform our interactions with the digital realm, from gaming and entertainment to business and education applications.

In recent years, advancements in extended reality have paved the way for new opportunities in various fields, enabling users to create, collaborate, and explore in computer-generated environments like never before. As XR continues to evolve, it has the potential to revolutionize industries and change the way people interact with the digital world, improving productivity, communication, and overall user experiences.

Understanding Extended Reality

Recent advancements in hardware, like headsets and glasses, are transforming the way people interact with both virtual and physical worlds. With a focus on creating, collaborating, and exploring in computer-generated environments, XR has made significant strides in various industries from gaming to virtual production to product design .

In the realm of XR, Virtual Reality immerses users in a completely computer-generated environment. By using VR headsets, users can experience a high level of immersion, which has notable applications in gaming, simulations, and training .

On the other hand, Augmented Reality overlays digital information, such as text, images, or 3D models, onto the user’s view of the real world. This can be achieved by either using smartphones, AR glasses, or headset .

Mixed Reality brings the best of both VR and AR by combining the elements of virtual and real-world environments. This technology allows users to interact with digital content that seemingly co-exists with the physical world .In MR, digital objects can be anchored to a specific location in the real world, allowing users to view them through a device such as a headset or glasses.

Components of Extended Reality:

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information onto the user’s real-world environment, enhancing their perception of reality. This can be achieved through the use of devices such as smartphones, tablets, or specialized AR glasses. Users can experience AR through various applications, including gaming, education, and navigation.

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality (VR) is a technology that immerses users in a fully computer-generated environment, disconnecting them from the physical world. To experience VR, users typically wear a headset with a display that covers their field of vision. Advanced VR systems also incorporate hand controllers and tracking sensors for a more interactive and immersive experience.

Mixed Reality

Mixed reality (MR), also referred to as hybrid reality or mediated reality, is a blend of AR and VR technologies. It combines aspects of both virtual and real-world environments, enabling users to interact with digital content and the physical world simultaneously. Mixed reality can be experienced through devices such as Microsoft HoloLens and?Magic?Leap?One.