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  • Defining Tech Terms: AR, MR, VR, XR

    Defining  Tech Terms: AR, MR, VR, XR
    Author
  • Njabulo Sandawana
  • Staff Writer
  • Posted Jun 25, 2023
  • New words and acronyms are continuously being developed as technology develops. The names AR, MR, VR, and XR have all become more common in recent years. Despite the fact that they may have a similar sound, they actually pertain to separate technologies with various applications. We'll explain these technical words in this article and look at what makes them special.

    AR (Augmented Reality)

    Augmented reality (AR) superimposes digital data on the physical world. Smartphone apps frequently use augmented reality (AR), which entails utilizing the camera to superimpose digital pictures onto the user's perception of the real environment. You may use this for navigation, gaming, and even shopping. A user of an AR app, for instance, could be able to visualize how a piece of furniture will look in their space before making a purchase.

    MR (Mixed Reality)

    Mixed reality (MR) incorporates aspects of both augmented and virtual reality. In MR, computer pictures are projected through a headset and superimposed over the physical environment. Unlike AR, though, MR also has the ability to track user motion and modify the digital images accordingly. This enables a more realistic experience that may be applied to training, gaming, and even distant teamwork. A user might be able to interact with a virtual object as if it were real by using an MR headset, for instance.

    VR (Virtual Reality)

    Virtual reality (VR) produces an entirely immersive digital environment. Virtual reality (VR) refers to the usage of a headset to present digital visuals that entirely replace the user's vision of the real world. This can be applied to education, treatment, and even gaming. A VR experience, for instance, might enable a user to explore a virtual museum or conquer a phobia of heights in a secure setting.

    XR (Extended Reality)

    The phrase "extended reality" (XR), which includes AR, MR, and VR, unites all three of these technologies. Any technology that combines the physical and digital worlds is referred to as "XR," whether it does so by generating a fully digital environment (VR) or by superimposing digital data over the real world (AR). The term "XR" is frequently used to refer to the larger category of immersive technology.

    Each of the diverse technologies—AR, MR, VR, and XR—has a distinctive use case. Virtual reality (VR) produces a wholly digital environment, augmented reality (AR) overlays digital information onto the actual world, mixed reality (MR) mixes components of AR and VR for a more immersive experience, and XR is a general term that includes all three. These technologies will probably take on a bigger role as they advance in industries including entertainment, education, and healthcare.

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