Explaining Extended Reality and its Relation to AR and VR

Extended Reality (XR) is a generic term that encompasses all current and future technologies for augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and everything in between. The XR includes all the immersive technologies we have today and the ones we will develop in the future. Even the so-called Metaverse is synonymous with EXtended Reality.

But that's not all. Because it covers the entire spectrum from "real" to "virtual". While mixed reality is a combination of  VR and AR, augmented reality is a combination of VR, AR, MR,  and reality. And even a virtual world.

Extended Reality Applications

Since XR is a broad term,  use cases can be derived from  AR, VR, and MR subsections. They are currently  used in a variety of  industries for a variety of purposes. Here are some examples of augmented reality applications:

Fun and Games

This is the most common use of the XR  you will find in everyday life. Even if you've lived under a rock, you've probably heard of Pokemon GO (AR) or watched a 360-degree video. If you're a power user, you're probably more familiar with virtual reality games that you can play with your VR headset.

Large technology companies such as Google, Meta (formerly Facebook), Microsoft, Sony and Amazon are already expanding these capabilities. In the name of creating Metaverse, these companies have released XR tools to help developers create new AR/VR experiences. So, we will see more XRs in the future.

XR devices

You might think that VR headsets or AR glasses are the only things considered XR devices, but they are not. Smartphones are also XR devices with many uses. Additionally,  the success of the Quest 2 headset is making VR, VR and AR  more common.

Business and Education

The applications of augmented reality in the real world are endless. Multiple apps are available, such as Ikea, Amazon, and many others, so users can see how their purchased products look in place. VR conference rooms also allow users to work together in a virtual environment, making them perfect for remote work.

Extended Reality can also provide valuable training to pilots, doctors and military personnel by simulating various conditions in VR or AR. In the past, experiences gained in very stressful situations were invaluable because they are rare. But with XR, members can learn  more right from the start.

Future Extended Reality Applications

For the average person, it is difficult to imagine a future world with such technology. Fortunately, a 2016 YouTube video titled HYPERREALITY gives you an idea of ​​what a future filled with augmented reality metaverses might look like. The XR is not a widely used technology and is still in its infancy. Several military and medical uses are still under development.

However, some applications of this technology can be found in education and sports. But for now, we can  see where this technology will take us.