Term Used for Combined Technologies of Virtual, Augmented, Mixed, and Motion Reality
In the near future, AI-powered virtual assistants will become a common sight in our real-world settings, marking a significant leap in technology. This evolution is part of a broader movement known as Extended Reality (XR), an umbrella term that encompasses Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and other emerging immersive technologies.
XR serves as a bridge, interpolating between VR, AR, and MR, and extrapolating beyond these to include other immersive experiences. Its primary goal is to merge or mirror the physical world with digital environments, providing immersive user experiences in virtual or augmented settings [1].
The metaverse, a seamless digital environment where virtual and real worlds interact, will be built upon XR technology. XR captures the entire spectrum from fully virtual experiences to real-world enhancements powered by digital content. This technological advancement will expand the boundaries of what is possible in various fields, redefining aspects of life such as play, learning, shopping, and connecting.
Businesses, educators, healthcare professionals, and creators are increasingly investing in XR for various purposes, such as gaming, education, healthcare, and retail. Holographic meetings and full-body VR gaming are just a few examples of how XR technology will revolutionise these industries.
Augmented Reality (AR) is an overlay of digital information on the real world, usually experienced through smartphones or AR glasses. Mixed Reality (MR) is a hybrid of VR and AR that blends real and virtual environments where both physical and digital objects interact in real-time. Moved Reality involves a dynamic interaction with physical and virtual spaces, often using motion tracking or spatial mapping for a more fluid and responsive experience.
The term XR is significant because it allows for a comprehensive discussion of these technologies without having to list each one individually. Moreover, the term XR emphasizes the continuum between the physical and digital worlds, recognising that these experiences can overlap, shift, and evolve. As XR technology advances, it will become more immersive and intelligent, continuing to unite all immersive experiences under one technological umbrella.
Sources: [1] Grayson, T. (2018). Extended Reality: A New Horizon in Digital Experiences. MIT Technology Review. Retrieved from https://www.technologyreview.com/s/612836/extended-reality-a-new-horizon-in-digital-experiences/
Gadgets equipped with artificial-intelligence (AI) will play a crucial role in the realization of the metaverse, as they will be integrated into various XR applications. The fusion of XR technology with AI will lead to the development of intelligent virtual assistants, enabling seamless interactions between users and these digital environments.
