Extended Reality (XR) is a mixture of human and computer-generated graphics interactions, both in reality as well as in virtual environments. In basic terms, the extended reality is a superset of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR).
The concept of Extended Reality (XR) emerged when developers and tech companies around the world used technologies such as augmented and virtual reality. Many science-fiction films have used the concept of extended reality (XR), but operating it in the real world is very different than in the reel world.
To understand the technical aspect of Extended Reality (XR), we need to understand the techniques that are used to create Extended Reality (XR):
Augmented Reality (AR):
The concept of augmented reality is that virtual objects and imagery are placed in the real world. Augmented Reality doesn’t put us in any virtual or computer-generated graphics, rather it creates a sense of mirage in digital gadgets. Users still have access to the real world and can fully connect in both dimensions.
The most common example is Pokémon-GO which uses augmented reality to allow users to interact with the real and virtual worlds with the help of digital gadgets. Other examples of Augmented Reality are the filters we see in many apps that just create the mirage of being there, but they’re not.
Virtual Reality (VR):
In virtual reality, users are put entirely in a virtual environment, where they can only communicate in the virtual world. The generated graphics are mostly computer and artificial objects designed to give a feeling of being real. Users can observe every bit of virtual reality. Special VR equipment is required to bring users into the virtual environment to give them a 360-degree view of the virtual world. These devices are designed to give a more realistic illusion to the users.
Mixed Reality (MR):
Mixed Reality is a mixture of both AR and VR, where one can connect with the digital as well as the real world. Special MR equipment is used to visualize their surroundings by users. These MR devices are much more strong and more expensive than VR. But these devices give you the power to interact with your surroundings digitally.
For example, installing an MR device will give you a view of your entire surroundings. You can do whatever you want but in reality, things will remain as they are. Many companies are investing huge amounts in in-depth research into this area of reality.
Applications of Extended Reality:
- Marketing
- Entertainment
- Real Estate
- Remote Work
- Education and Training
- Healthcare
- Sales and Marketing
Marketing:
The virtual world is a new frontier for marketing and advertising, where brands can connect with new consumers and offer new ways to present and interact with virtual products.
Entertainment:
The immersive experiences enabled by the XR open up the opportunity for concerts, sports, and other entertainment events to become even more engaging and compelling, while fans can access an endless list of events from the comfort of their home with a VR headset.
Real Estate:
Brokers and property owners can optimize real estate services by allowing potential clients and tenants to visit properties in a virtual format. By the same token, interior designers and architects can take advantage of XR for layout, design, and construction plans.
Remote Work:
The staff and employees can visualize the vibrant environment of their office or workplace and attend meetings from their homes, and can also instruct others to work from their homes. In particular, when the area is remote and difficult to work with, the XR can be cast-off to allow work from home.
Education and Training:
The use of XR can prove to be a blessing for this industry. Students from all over the world can find the right college in their place and study there. One can use this technique to study in any institute around the world. By using XR, the training of employees and workers can be ready remotely.
Healthcare:
XR technology can offer better analytics to medical industry professionals, providing training opportunities for surgery, diagnosis, and treatment.
Sales and Marketing:
Companies can advertise their product through XR, and give practical experience to their users about their product or service. This can be beneficial, as companies will spend less on their advertising, rather they can directly give their customers the experience of using the product.
Challenges In Adopting Extended Reality:
- Cost
- Hardware
- Privacy
Cost:
Cost is the main challenge given over by the companies developing the XR. XR devices are very expensive. Since many technologies are working together and it takes a lot of hardware to make these devices, the cost is very high.
If the cost is high, the general public may not be able to use this product, and developing companies will not be able to increase their sales, thereby not motivating investors to invest their money in XR.
Hardware:
Developing hardware for XR devices is also a challenge for companies in this sector. Since so many technologies, software and components are being cast-off, making hardware is a difficult task. The hardware must not only be robust, but also compact and capable of processing a lot of information very quickly and rapidly, and on top of that, the hardware must be cheap.
Privacy:
Privacy is a challenge that both users and companies will have to face. Since XR tools are required to create an environment based on user requirements, a lot of private details may be required to create a user-rich environment.
The storage of such data can be costly for the company, and the confidentiality of the information may be of concern to the user.
