Extended Reality: What they mean

Extended Reality (XR) describes an environment in which computer-generated enhancements are blended into the real world in such a way that they become indiscernible from it. Examples of this technology already exist today, such as virtual and augmented reality, but XR goes further to describe how technologies will coexist in the future - and how we’ll benefit from it. Before getting too bogged down with technical details, let’s take a look at what we can expect from XR, how it’ll affect us and why it matters now, especially given its expected growth in the near future.

The benefits of extended reality (XR)

If you haven't heard of extended reality (XR), you're not alone. Even though it's been around for a while, XR is still relatively new and unknown to many people. But what exactly is XR. And what are its benefits. As an umbrella term, XR refers to technologies that combine the real world with virtual environments or digital information. These technologies include augmented reality (AR) - which superimposes graphics onto the real world through your smartphone screen - as well as virtual reality (VR) - which provides fully immersive experiences by blocking out all other sensory input in order to focus on one experience. The biggest benefit of these technologies is the ability to create engaging experiences in ways that were never possible before; this includes everything from creating innovative digital textbooks with AR textbooks that can be personalized based on a student's reading preferences, to combining VR with data-driven medical training simulations like surgical procedures and phlebotomy work.

World’s Top Companies in Extended Reality Market

• Apple, Inc.

• Microsoft Corporation

• Google LLC

• Facebook, Inc.

• Intel

• Accenture PLC

• Qualcomm Technologies Inc.

• Philips

• SphereGen Technologies

Applications of extended reality

Extended reality (XR) is a catch-all term that refers to all immersive, computer-generated environments. This includes virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and extended reality gaming (XRG). XR has a wide range of applications, from education and training to entertainment and advertising. Industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and automotive design are already using it to solve problems. The technology offers an increased level of situational awareness in high-stress situations or ones with complicated or dangerous equipment. It can also help reduce the cost and time associated with prototyping machinery. Healthcare professionals can use the technology to simulate procedures for training purposes, which helps them prepare for emergencies more effectively. Manufacturing companies can use it for maintenance instruction and assembly operations planning, while designers use it for complex product development.

How to use XR technology

There are many ways to use extended reality, or XR, technology. Here are a few examples:

1. Simulate real-world environments for training purposes. For example, police officers can use XR to train for high-stress situations without putting themselves in actual danger.

2. Help people with disabilities by providing them with tools that allow them to interact with the world in new ways. For example, people who are blind can use XR to see their surroundings and people who are deaf can use it to hear other people’s voices.

3. Create immersive experiences that transport people to other places or times.

VR vs AR vs MR

Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) are all hot topics in the tech world. But what do they actually mean.

VR is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as goggles or gloves.

• AR overlays digital information on top of your view of the real world so you can still see through it.

• MR displays virtual images over your view of the real world so you can interact with both at the same time.

• The mixed part comes from an element of VR blended with an element of AR or MR to create a hybrid experience that combines elements from both technologies to produce something new. For example, combining VR and AR could result in a mixed reality where virtual objects become part of our surroundings and vice versa.

Future of Extended Reality

The future of extended reality looks bright. With the rapid expansion of technology, it's only a matter of time before extended reality becomes a staple in our everyday lives. By bringing together the physical and digital worlds, extended reality has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the world around us. Here are just a few ways extended reality could change our lives in the future.

1. Real-time Gaming: Imagine playing an augmented reality game like Pokémon GO or Ingress where you can see your surroundings as you move through them. You may even be able to make purchases from nearby businesses in the game! One day we'll have mixed realities that blend the physical and digital world seamlessly.

2. Seeing Historical Events Live: Ever wonder what life was like in ancient Rome. Now you'll be able to watch live footage of historical events as they happen.

3. Multiplayer Meeting Spaces: We spend so much time on social media that some people feel disconnected from others even when they're sitting right next to each other. But what if we were meeting up with someone face-to-face via VR without having any geographical limitations. Meeting spaces will never be the same again.