What is XR and How is it Different from AR and VR?

We know that the VR industry is creating a new landscape this year. It’s a new world of possibilities and realities. We hear a lot of exciting developments in the AR and VR world. Today, let us go on further and talk about X Reality or XR.

Are you familiar with XR or are hearing much about it lately? Then, we are here to get you started with a tech definition guide to help you understand it better.

Here we talk about XR technology. What is it? How is it different from the technologies we are familiar with? 

What is XR?

X Reality or Extended Reality is also known as cross-reality of all reality rendered by both computers and wearables. The variable ‘X’ in XR can interchangeably stand for any letter. 

In simple words, X Reality is any reality involving all technologically altered realities. This includes AR, VR, and MR.

For better understanding, let’s cover all the variables together. Let's talk about Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR). All these are computer-altered realities that are different. But altogether define what XR is.

Augmented reality AR, virtual reality VR, and mixed reality MR

They are the 3 pillars to better understand what XR is. Here we talk about these realities that differ in function, use, and applications. 

Augmented Reality (AR) creates an altered reality produced by overlaying images over a real environment. This is through the use of a smart device.

An example of this is quite common in smartphones these days. It is when digital images and backgrounds can be overlaid onto the real world. 

We can easily experience Augmented Reality while on a video call. Also, on platforms that allow background and filters that augment reality. Pokemon Go is also a good example of this type of altered reality. 

Virtual Reality (VR) simulates the environment through the use of a head-mounted device.  VR is an immersive experience that allows users to feel that the environment is real. It creates a different reality that is separate from the real world.

VR experience is mostly utilized in the world of gaming. But now we are seeing how it expanded into other forms of entertainment. It is now also being integrated into business and fitness.

Mixed Reality (MR) is more advanced than the above mentioned technologies. It uses a far advanced processor and an MR headset. Mixed Reality allows people to interact with digital objects. This in a combined reality and technology-altered environment.

So, what is X Reality? It is the umbrella term that defines all three realities. It is an encompassing term from partially altered to fully immersive reality. It is AR, VR, and MR altogether.

Real-world examples and applications of extended reality

Extended reality may not be a popular term that is being used today. But now we know that it is an umbrella term to use to talk about all altered and enhanced reality. We can now acknowledge how it has come into existence for many years than most realize. 

People are talking about the impact of all these different reality technologies combined. Here’s to give you a few examples of XR at work.

XR on training and development

Extended Reality has a great contribution in transforming Training and Development. It's been particularly useful in different sectors such as health, aviation, aerospace, and manufacturing. XR makes it possible for the training sessions to be as immersive as training in actual environments.

XR technology is particularly useful when training involves high-risk situations. Extended reality is being used to train astronauts, pilots, military, and surgeons.

Extended reality allows the use of hyper-realistic tools. It creates a simulated environment and situations for training these professionals.

What XR does is use the relationship between Virtual Reality and the Real World. This to create real-world scenarios and work environments during training. It can simulate challenging situations. It can let people interact with objects and tools as they would in real life.

XR reduces the risks involved in these training sessions if they are done in the real world.

XR on the manufacturing industry

The manufacturing industry is finding infinite uses of Extended Reality. It has been helping them with the demands of the time. Aside from simplifying training, it reduces the need for physical equipment. 

Extended Reality provides them many other benefits. That includes capabilities to operate remotely. It also gives them the ability to provide workers with real-time guidance. XR makes it possible to do inspections at a distance. And of course, go on meetings without physically being there.

Into the future of XR

XR is being widely implemented in different sectors. They have proven the efficiency of using such technology. But like other types of technology, XR may have some disadvantages. For example, the normalcy of less social interaction. But such skepticism cannot dim what the future holds. 

Have you heard of some cool XR technologies and integration lately? Comment down below.

XR can bring us new realities in the future and it is geared towards providing the solutions we need. With it being used by several industries today, it impacts the world we know. And maybe we'll realize how it impacts ordinary people's lives. Maybe not today but sometime in the future.