Extended Reality (XR) is the combination of human & computer-generated graphics interaction, which is in reality as well as the virtual environment.Extended Reality (XR) refers to a range of technologies that are used to create and integrate virtual or digital content into the real world.
The concept of Extended Reality (XR) came into the picture when technologies like Augmented & Virtual reality, were being used by developers and tech-companies all across the globe. Many Sci-fiction movies 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 technologies which are used to create Extended Reality (XR) :
Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive experience where a person is fully immersed in a computer-generated environment, usually through a headset or other wearable device. VR creates a sense of presence in a digital world and allows users to interact with virtual objects as if they were real.
Augmented reality (AR) enhances the real world by adding digital information to it, usually through a mobile device or a headset. AR allows for the overlay of virtual objects onto the real world, enhancing the user's perception of the environment.
Mixed reality (MR) is a form of XR that combines the physical and digital worlds into a single environment, creating a more immersive experience than AR or VR alone. MR technology allows for digital objects to be anchored in the real world and interact with it in real-time.
XR has various applications in different industries such as entertainment, education, training, manufacturing, and more. In entertainment, XR offers new and immersive experiences for gaming and other forms of media consumption. In education and training, XR can be used to create interactive and engaging learning experiences. In manufacturing, XR can be used to visualize and simulate products before they are produced.
Overall, XR has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology and the world around us, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Applications of Extended Reality (XR)
1. Entertainment Industry: The entertainment industry can hugely benefit from XR, just the same way they are benefitting from AR & VR. The entertainment industry can find new and amazing ways to utilize this technology and earn profits.
2. Sales & Marketing: Companies can advertise their product via XR, & can give their users a hands-on experience about their product or service. This can be beneficial, as companies will have to spend less on their advertisement, rather they can directly give their customers the experience of using the product.
3. Housing & Real Estate: One can easily find the suitable housing via a brief walkthrough using XR, & owners can also find potential buyers from various other locations, as there will be no need to go through physically. The role of brokers would be eradicated in such a scenario.
4. Education & Training: The use of XR can be a boon for this industry. Students all across the globe can find and choose the right colleges & study there is at their location. Anyone could use this technology to study in any institution around the globe. Also, the training of employees and workers can be done remotely using XR.
5. Work From Home for Remote Areas: The employees & staff can visualize a live environment of their office or workplace & can attend meetings from their homes, and also instruct others on how to work, from their homes. Especially, when the area is remote & difficult to work, XR can be used so that the work can be done from home.
Challenges of XR
Those developing XR technologies are battling with some of the challenges to mainstream adoption. First, XR technologies collect and process huge amounts of very detailed and personal data about what you do, what you look at, and even your emotions at any given time, which has to be protected.
In addition, the cost of implementing the technology needs to come down; otherwise, many companies will be unable to invest in it. It is essential that the wearable devices that allow a full XR experience are fashionable and comfortable as well as always connected, intelligent, and immersive. There are significant technical and hardware issues to solve that include but are not limited to the display, power and thermal, motion tracking, connectivity and common illumination—where virtual objects in a real world are indistinguishable from real objects especially as lighting shifts.
As each day passes, we are one step closer to solving these issues so that wewill see many more mainstream applications of all XR technologies over the coming years.
