What is Extended Reality (XR)? How does XR work?

Imagine what it would be like to live in a future world where virtual experiences are part of our lives.

In this article, let Tipsmake explore what XR is and outline its implications for the world.

What is Extended Reality (XR)?

XR refers to the use of augmented reality immersive technologies that fuse real and virtual worlds. XR is a term that combines virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR).

Virtual reality

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Virtual reality (VR) allows you to interact in artificial three-dimensional environments using electronic devices like VR headsets, controller handles, and gloves. Oculus Quest 2, the VR multimedia entertainment system, is one of the most popular VR solutions on the market.

An example of a VR experience is through the game Batman: Arkham VR. The game takes you into a virtual world, where you feel like solving the mysteries of real-life criminals.

Augmented reality

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Augmented reality (AR) describes the interactions between virtual experiences and the real world. It improves the real environment with images, animations or text. AR can be experienced through smart glasses, tablets and AR smartphones.

An example of an AR experience are Snapchat filters that add digital overlays - such as hats or glasses - to your photos. AR is the most widely adopted of all XR technologies. This is mainly because it requires the least amount of processing and functionality on most conventional devices.

Mixed reality

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Mixed reality (MR) is a combination of VR and AR. It is aimed at filling the gap between the virtual world and the augmented world. MR combines both the digital and real worlds into one environment, so they coincide and interact with each other in real time. This can be experienced through MR headsets like the Microsoft HoloLens.

An example of the MR experience is integrating Microsoft's HoloLens with Skype. This experience allows you to make a Skype session look like an actual meeting.

Leading industries are transformed by XR technology

The XR market is growing rapidly. Here are the top industries transformed by XR technology:

Retail and marketing

The retail sector is getting smarter by allowing customers to try their products at home comfortably. WatchBox has adopted AR to offer its customers the privilege of trying out a virtual watch on their wrist. Swedish furniture company IKEA has launched the IKEA Place AR app. This allows customers to place virtual furniture into their homes using AR technology on their smartphones.

Education and training

XR allows people to be trained and educated in a secure, virtual environment without endangering their lives. Doctors, firefighters and pilots can simulate hazardous situations with minimal risk and less cost. The experience they have accumulated makes it easier to handle real situations.

For example, the US Marine Corps developed the AITT (Augmented Immersive Team Trainer) system, which was created using Microsoft's HoloLens MR headset. The system adds firepower and enemy effects in the virtual environment. This enhances your soldiers' combat performance and enhances their preparedness for real-world battles.

Real Estate

The XR solution allows real estate agents to take consumers to see virtual tours. Customers can explore the houses without having to come to see them live. Potential tenants or buyers can easily visit multiple locations and decide in-person places that are worth visiting in person.

Entertainment

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The entertainment industry uses XR technology to provide consumers with a great experience. The XR enhances video games by immersing you in a virtual environment for an immersive experience. The XR can also help enhance other entertaining events such as live music exhibitions and performances.

Challenges in XR technology

XR technology developers are facing a number of challenges, including:

Data privacy issues

XR technology collects and processes detailed personal data. This could be data about what you do, what you see, and even how you feel. This could pose serious threats in the event that this data falls into the hands of cyber criminals. For this reason, XR technology developers face a major challenge of complying with all of the data protection requirements.

Cost

The cost of implementing XR technology is high, making it difficult for many companies to invest in it. AR technologies, like social media filters, are now inexpensive and accessible to any smartphone user. However, virtual and mixed reality technologies require relatively expensive equipment.

XR device design and development

The design of some XR devices presents many challenges for different users. For example, head-mounted VR and MR devices are often too heavy and uncomfortable to use over long periods of time. These devices are also known to cause eye fatigue and pain.

The development of XR technology is also in need of improvement. For example, Microsoft HoloLens can be controlled with gestures and voice commands. However, the gesture controls are limited to two hand movements.

The future of XR

Future XR devices will provide a seamless, personalized experience. These devices can allow you to comfortably access events in your home with an Internet connection. This will give you the same experience you would get from an actual concert or sporting event.

XR will allow outdoor (OOH) and mobile advertising to create super personalized ads. OOH digital displays will send you unique advertisements through sophisticated digital devices as you walk or drive through specific areas.

The coming years may see a new trend in creating virtual training simulation processes in response to climate crisis. XR will provide more interactive environmental education by creating virtual spaces where people can learn easily.

Users can also see the convergence of smartphones, mobile VR headsets, and AR glasses into a single wearable XR device. Such a device can replace all other screens like smartphones and smart TVs.

David Pac

Update 04 May 2021