What is Extended Reality (XR), explained

XR works by creating immersive experiences that combine real world and virtual components. The specific functionality of XR depends on the technology being used, be it VR, AR or MR.

Here’s how these technologies work:

virtual reality

VR technology produces an immersive experience by replacing the user’s environment with a virtual environment. Users put on a VR headset that has integrated sensors to track their head movements. The headset displays stereo 3D images that give the user a sense of depth and immersion.

The realistic experience is further enhanced by spatial audio provided by built-in headphones or speakers. Users use handheld controllers to interact with the virtual environment, and the system tracks these controllers to map users. position and speed.

augmented reality

The incorporation of virtual features into real-world environments is known as AR, which improves the user’s perception of and engagement with their surroundings. Smartphones, tablets and specialized AR glasses can provide AR experiences. The device’s camera records the surroundings, while the gyroscope and accelerometer monitor its orientation and location.

AR software analyzes the camera feed, identifying features and objects in a real environment. The user’s vision is presented and superimposed with virtual objects, text or images on the device’s screen or through AR glasses. Touchscreens, gestures and voice commands can all be used by users to interface with virtual components.

mixed reality

Users can interact with virtual objects while remaining aware of and engaged with their physical environment due to mixed reality, which includes elements of both VR and AR. Like AR and VR systems, MR headsets are equipped with cameras, sensors, and displays.

Using cameras and sensors, the MR system maps the physical area to digitally represent the real environment. After that, the virtual objects are presented and stabilized in the user’s visual field, allowing for natural interaction and interception with the surrounding environment. Users can modify and interact with virtual objects, while viewing and interacting with the real environment.