Sign in Subscribe

definition of extended reality

Last updated on 


Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term that encompasses various forms of computer-generated environments and interactions. XR is often used to refer collectively to Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and other related technologies. Let's break down each of these components to provide a comprehensive understanding:

  1. Virtual Reality (VR):
    • Definition: Virtual Reality immerses users in a fully artificial digital environment where users feel completely surrounded by the virtual world.
    • Technical Aspects:
      • Hardware: VR typically requires specialized hardware, including head-mounted displays (HMDs) that can track head movements and sometimes hand controllers for interaction.
      • Software: VR experiences are powered by software applications that create the virtual environments and respond to user inputs to provide an immersive experience.
  2. Augmented Reality (AR):
    • Definition: Augmented Reality overlays digital information or virtual objects on the real world, enhancing the user's perception of their immediate surroundings.
    • Technical Aspects:
      • Hardware: AR can be experienced using smartphones, tablets, smart glasses, or specialized HMDs. Devices use cameras and sensors to overlay digital content on the real world.
      • Software: AR software uses computer vision and image recognition algorithms to recognize real-world objects or locations and overlay digital information seamlessly.
  3. Mixed Reality (MR):
    • Definition: Mixed Reality blends elements of both VR and AR, allowing users to interact with both digital and real-world objects simultaneously.
    • Technical Aspects:
      • Hardware: MR systems combine elements of both VR and AR hardware, often including advanced sensors, cameras, and displays that can map and interact with the physical environment.
      • Software: MR software integrates real-world data and virtual content, enabling users to interact with both seamlessly.
  4. Extended Reality (XR):
    • Definition: Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term that encompasses VR, AR, MR, and other immersive technologies that extend or modify reality through digital means.
    • Technical Aspects:
      • Interactivity: XR technologies aim to provide immersive and interactive experiences by manipulating or enhancing users' sensory perceptions.
      • Applications: XR technologies find applications in various fields, including gaming, education, healthcare, training, entertainment, and more.

Extended Reality (XR) refers to a spectrum of technologies that extend or modify reality using digital means, encompassing Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and other immersive technologies. Each of these technologies has its unique technical aspects, hardware requirements, and applications, but they all share the common goal of providing immersive and interactive experiences to users.