Virtual Reality (VR) vs. Augmented Reality (AR) vs. Mixed Reality (MR)

 VR vs AR vs MR: Differences and Real-Life Applications 

Virtual Reality

The definition of virtual reality comes, naturally, from the definitions for both ‘virtual’ and ‘reality’. The definition of ‘virtual’ is near and reality is what we experience as human beings. So the term ‘virtual reality’ basically means ‘near-reality’. This could, of course, mean anything but it usually refers to a specific type of reality emulation.

In technical terms… Answering “what is virtual reality” in technical terms is straight-forward. Virtual reality is the term used to describe a three-dimensional, computer generated environment which can be explored and interacted with by a person. That person becomes part of this virtual world or is immersed within this environment and whilst there, is able to manipulate objects or perform a series of actions.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) is one of the biggest technology trends right now, and it’s only going to get bigger as AR ready smartphones and other devices become more accessible around the world. AR let us see the real-life environment right in front of us—trees swaying in the park, dogs chasing balls, kids playing soccer—with a digital augmentation overlaid on it. For example,  a pterodactyl might be seen landing in the trees, the dogs could be mingling with their cartoon counterparts, and the kids could be seen kicking past an alien spacecraft on their way to score a goal.

You might have seen the EDITH scene from Spider-man : far from home. AR does making those graphics in real life for you.

Mixed Reality (MR)

In a Mixed Reality (MR) experience, which combines elements of both AR and VR, real-world and digital objects interact. Mixed reality technology is just now starting to take off with Microsoft’s HoloLens one of the most notable early mixed reality apparatuses.

MR is a step beyond Augmented Reality, in which additional information is added to that which a user perceives. In MR, the physical and virtual worlds interact, and users can interact with them as well. As computer chip manufacturer Intel’s website explains, MR “provides the ability to have one foot (or hand) in the real world, and the other in an imaginary place.” While AR enhances a user’s perception of the real world, MR can blur the difference between what is real and what is not.

As an article on MR from Microsoft explains, Mixed Reality can utilize two different types of gadgetry. Holographic devices create digital objects and place them in a real environment so they appear to really be there. Immersive devices, in contrast, help conceal elements of the physical world and replace them with digital creations. A holographic headset, like smart glasses, may have a see-through display with digital content projected onto it. An immersive headset, like VR goggles, may actually block a user’s view of the physical world, so that he or she can only see the digital one. While these two approaches are currently utilizing different technology, according to Microsoft, in the future, the two types of devices may start to merge. 

Extended Reality (XR) 

Extended Reality (XR) is an umbrella term that covers all of the various technologies that enhance our senses, whether they’re providing additional information about the actual world or creating totally unreal, simulated worlds for us to experience. It includes Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) technologies.

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